Wednesday, 20 June 2018

TI0088 - English - Jamaat (Congregational) prayer

[List of Contents - Rulings of prayer (Thozhugai sattangal book by MI Sulaiman)]

Jamaat (Congregational) prayer

The obligatory five-time prayer should be prayed by men at masjid with the jamaat (congregation).

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ صَلاَةُ الْجَمَاعَةِ تَفْضُلُ صَلاَةَ الْفَذِّ بِسَبْعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ دَرَجَةً ‏"‏‏.
Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times superior to the prayer offered by person alone."
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 645
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 42
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 618
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/42

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ صَلاَةُ الْجَمَاعَةِ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ صَلاَةِ الْفَذِّ بِسَبْعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ دَرَجَةً ‏"‏ ‏.
Ibn Umar reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) assaying:
Prayer said in a congregation is twenty-seven degrees more excellent than prayer said by a single person.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 650 a
In-book reference          : Book 5, Hadith 313
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 1365
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/5/313

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَقَدْ هَمَمْتُ أَنْ آمُرَ بِحَطَبٍ فَيُحْطَبَ، ثُمَّ آمُرَ بِالصَّلاَةِ فَيُؤَذَّنَ لَهَا، ثُمَّ آمُرَ رَجُلاً فَيَؤُمَّ النَّاسَ، ثُمَّ أُخَالِفَ إِلَى رِجَالٍ فَأُحَرِّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ بُيُوتَهُمْ، وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَوْ يَعْلَمُ أَحَدُهُمْ أَنَّهُ يَجِدُ عَرْقًا سَمِينًا أَوْ مِرْمَاتَيْنِ حَسَنَتَيْنِ لَشَهِدَ الْعِشَاءَ ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is I was about to order for collecting firewood (fuel) and then order Someone to pronounce the Adhan for the prayer and then order someone to lead the prayer then I would go from behind and burn the houses of men who did not present themselves for the (compulsory congregational) prayer. By Him, in Whose Hands my soul is, if anyone of them had known that he would get a bone covered with good meat or two (small) pieces of meat present in between two ribs, he would have turned up for the `Isha' prayer.'
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 644
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 41
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 617
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/41
.
حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَأَبُو كُرَيْبٍ - وَاللَّفْظُ لَهُمَا - قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنَّ أَثْقَلَ صَلاَةٍ عَلَى الْمُنَافِقِينَ صَلاَةُ الْعِشَاءِ وَصَلاَةُ الْفَجْرِ وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِيهِمَا لأَتَوْهُمَا وَلَوْ حَبْوًا وَلَقَدْ هَمَمْتُ أَنْ آمُرَ بِالصَّلاَةِ فَتُقَامَ ثُمَّ آمُرَ رَجُلاً فَيُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ ثُمَّ أَنْطَلِقَ مَعِي بِرِجَالٍ مَعَهُمْ حُزَمٌ مِنْ حَطَبٍ إِلَى قَوْمٍ لاَ يَشْهَدُونَ الصَّلاَةَ فَأُحَرِّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ بُيُوتَهُمْ بِالنَّارِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the night prayer and the morning prayer. If they were to know the blessings they have in store, they would have come to them, even though crawling, and I thought that I should order the prayer to be commenced and command a person to lead people in prayer, and I should then go along with some persons having a fagot of fuel with them to the people who have not attended the prayer (in congregation) and would burn their houses with fire
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 651 b
In-book reference          : Book 5, Hadith 318
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 1370
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/5/318

The disciplines of the Jamaat (Congregational) prayer

While attending the Jamaat (Congregational) prayer, the first row ought to be with those who are knowledgeable of religious rulings, the elders,and then the kids and then women in the last row.

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي طَلْحَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّ جَدَّتَهُ، مُلَيْكَةَ دَعَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لِطَعَامٍ صَنَعَتْهُ لَهُ، فَأَكَلَ مِنْهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ ‏ "‏ قُومُوا فَلأُصَلِّ لَكُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ أَنَسٌ فَقُمْتُ إِلَى حَصِيرٍ لَنَا قَدِ اسْوَدَّ مِنْ طُولِ مَا لُبِسَ، فَنَضَحْتُهُ بِمَاءٍ، فَقَامَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَصَفَفْتُ وَالْيَتِيمَ وَرَاءَهُ، وَالْعَجُوزُ مِنْ وَرَائِنَا، فَصَلَّى لَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَكْعَتَيْنِ ثُمَّ انْصَرَفَ‏.‏
Narrated 'Is-haq:
Anas bin Malik said, "My grandmother Mulaika invited Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) for a meal which she herself had prepared. He ate from it and said, 'Get up! I will lead you in the prayer.' " Anas added, "I took my Hasir, washed it with water as it had become dark because of long use and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) stood on it. The orphan (Damira or Ruh) and I aligned behind him and the old lady (Mulaika) stood behind us. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) led us in the prayer and offered two rak`at and then left."
Reference      : Sahih al-Bukhari 380
In-book reference       : Book 8, Hadith 32
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 1, Book 8, Hadith 377
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                  : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/8/32

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي طَلْحَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّ جَدَّتَهُ، مُلَيْكَةَ دَعَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لِطَعَامٍ صَنَعَتْهُ فَأَكَلَ مِنْهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ ‏ "‏ قُومُوا فَأُصَلِّيَ لَكُمْ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَنَسُ بْنُ مَالِكٍ فَقُمْتُ إِلَى حَصِيرٍ لَنَا قَدِ اسْوَدَّ مِنْ طُولِ مَا لُبِسَ فَنَضَحْتُهُ بِمَاءٍ فَقَامَ عَلَيْهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَصَفَفْتُ أَنَا وَالْيَتِيمُ وَرَاءَهُ وَالْعَجُوزُ مِنْ وَرَائِنَا فَصَلَّى لَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَكْعَتَيْنِ ثُمَّ انْصَرَفَ ‏.‏
Anas b. Malik reported that his grandmother, Mulaika, invited the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to a dinner which she had prepared. He (the Holy Prophet) ate out of that and then said:
Stand up so that I should observe prayer (in order to bless) you Anas b. Malik said: I stood up on a mat (belonging to us) which had turned dark on account of its long use. I sprinkled water over it (in order to soften it), and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood upon it, and I and an orphan formed a row behind him (the Holy Prophet) and the old woman was behind us, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in two rak'ahs of prayer and then went back.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 658
In-book reference          : Book 5, Hadith 335
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 1387
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/5/335

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ إِدْرِيسَ، وَأَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ وَوَكِيعٌ عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ عُمَارَةَ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ التَّيْمِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي مَعْمَرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَمْسَحُ مَنَاكِبَنَا فِي الصَّلاَةِ وَيَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اسْتَوُوا وَلاَ تَخْتَلِفُوا فَتَخْتَلِفَ قُلُوبُكُمْ لِيَلِنِي مِنْكُمْ أُولُو الأَحْلاَمِ وَالنُّهَى ثُمَّ الَّذِينَ يَلُونَهُمْ ثُمَّ الَّذِينَ يَلُونَهُمْ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو مَسْعُودٍ فَأَنْتُمُ الْيَوْمَ أَشَدُّ اخْتِلاَفًا ‏.‏
Abu Mas'ud reported:
The Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) used to touch our shoulders in prayer and say: Keep straight, don't be irregular, for there would be dissension in your hearts. Let those of you who are sedate and prudent be near me, then those who are next to them, then those who are next to them. Abu Mas'ud said: Now-a-days there is much dissension amongst you.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 432 a
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 134
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 868
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/134

There is more reward to the one who stands in the first row at Jamaat (Congregational) prayer.

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، مَوْلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ السَّمَّانِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَوْ يَعْلَمُ النَّاسُ مَا فِي النِّدَاءِ وَالصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَجِدُوا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَسْتَهِمُوا عَلَيْهِ لاَسْتَهَمُوا وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي التَّهْجِيرِ لاَسْتَبَقُوا إِلَيْهِ وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي الْعَتَمَةِ وَالصُّبْحِ لأَتَوْهُمَا وَلَوْ حَبْوًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Abu Huraira reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: If the people were to know what excellence is there in the Adhan and in the first row, and they could not (get these opportunities) except by drawing lots, they would have definitely done that. And if they were to know what excellence lies in joining the prayer in the first takbir (prayer), they would have vied with one another. And if they were to know what excellence lies in the night prayer and morning prayer, they would have definitely come even if crawling (on their knees).
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 437
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 143
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 877
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/143

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، مَوْلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَوْ يَعْلَمُ النَّاسُ مَا فِي النِّدَاءِ وَالصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ، ثُمَّ لَمْ يَجِدُوا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَسْتَهِمُوا عَلَيْهِ لاَسْتَهَمُوا، وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي التَّهْجِيرِ لاَسْتَبَقُوا إِلَيْهِ، وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي الْعَتَمَةِ وَالصُّبْحِ لأَتَوْهُمَا وَلَوْ حَبْوًا ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in congregational prayers) and found no other way to get that except by drawing lots they would draw lots, and if they knew the reward of the Zuhr prayer (in the early moments of its stated time) they would race for it (go early) and if they knew the reward of `Isha' and Fajr (morning) prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl."
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 615
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 13
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 589
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/13

Rectifying/Correcting the rows


حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ سَوُّوا صُفُوفَكُمْ فَإِنَّ تَسْوِيَةَ الصُّفُوفِ مِنْ إِقَامَةِ الصَّلاَةِ ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Straighten your rows as the straightening of rows is essential for a perfect and correct prayer. "
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 723
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 117
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 690
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/117

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، وَابْنُ، بَشَّارٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ قَتَادَةَ، يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ سَوُّوا صُفُوفَكُمْ فَإِنَّ تَسْوِيَةَ الصَّفِّ مِنْ تَمَامِ الصَّلاَةِ ‏"‏ ‏.
Anas b. Malik reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Straighten your rows. for the straightening of a row is a part of the perfection of prayer.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 433
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 137
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 871
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/137

أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْمُبَارَكِ الْمُخَرِّمِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هِشَامٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبَانُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا قَتَادَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَنَسٌ، أَنَّ نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ رَاصُّوا صُفُوفَكُمْ وَقَارِبُوا بَيْنَهَا وَحَاذُوا بِالأَعْنَاقِ فَوَالَّذِي نَفْسُ مُحَمَّدٍ بِيَدِهِ إِنِّي لأَرَى الشَّيَاطِينَ تَدْخُلُ مِنْ خَلَلِ الصَّفِّ كَأَنَّهَا الْحَذَفُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Anas narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Make your rows solid and close together, and keep your necks in line. By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad! I can see the shaitan entering through the gaps in the rows as if they are small sheep."
Grade                                                : Sahih (Darussalam)   
Reference          : Sunan an-Nasa'i 815
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 39
English translation          : Vol. 1, Book 10, Hadith 816
URL reference                                : http://sunnah.com/nasai/10/39

حَدَّثَنَا مُسْلِمُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبَانُ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ رُصُّوا صُفُوفَكُمْ وَقَارِبُوا بَيْنَهَا وَحَاذُوا بِالأَعْنَاقِ فَوَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ إِنِّي لأَرَى الشَّيْطَانَ يَدْخُلُ مِنْ خَلَلِ الصَّفِّ كَأَنَّهَا الْحَذَفُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Narrated Anas ibn Malik:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Stand close together in your rows, bring them near one another, and stand neck to neck, for by Him in Whose hand my soul is, I see the devil coming in through openings in the row just like a small black sheep.
Grade                                                : Sahih (Al-Albani)       
Reference          : Sunan Abi Dawud 667
In-book reference          : Book 2, Hadith 277
English translation          : Book 2, Hadith 667
URL reference                                : http://sunnah.com/abudawud/2/277

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا غُنْدَرٌ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، وَابْنُ، بَشَّارٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ مُرَّةَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ سَالِمَ بْنَ أَبِي الْجَعْدِ الْغَطَفَانِيَّ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النُّعْمَانَ بْنَ بَشِيرٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ لَتُسَوُّنَّ صُفُوفَكُمْ أَوْ لَيُخَالِفَنَّ اللَّهُ بَيْنَ وُجُوهِكُمْ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Nu'man b. Bashir reported:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Straighten your rows, or Allah would create dissension amongst you.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 436 a
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 140
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 874
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/140

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ، هِشَامُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرُو بْنُ مُرَّةَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ سَالِمَ بْنَ أَبِي الْجَعْدِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النُّعْمَانَ بْنَ بَشِيرٍ، يَقُولُ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ لَتُسَوُّنَّ صُفُوفَكُمْ أَوْ لَيُخَالِفَنَّ اللَّهُ بَيْنَ وُجُوهِكُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated An-Nu`man bin 'Bashir:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Straighten your rows or Allah will alter your faces."
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 717
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 112
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 685
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/112

When only two individuals are praying as Jamaat (Congregational) prayer...

When only two individuals pray as Jamaat (Congregational) prayer, the Imam (the lead) and the follower should not stand behind the imam, but stand together. The follower at prayer must stand on the right hand side of Imam (the Lead).
حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى، حَدَّثَنَا ثَابِتُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَاصِمٌ، عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ قُمْتُ لَيْلَةً أُصَلِّي عَنْ يَسَارِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَخَذَ بِيَدِي أَوْ بِعَضُدِي حَتَّى أَقَامَنِي عَنْ يَمِينِهِ، وَقَالَ بِيَدِهِ مِنْ وَرَائِي‏.‏
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
One night I stood to the left of the Prophet (ﷺ) in the prayer but he caught hold of me by the hand or by the shoulder (arm) till he made me stand on his right and beckoned with his hand (for me) to go from behind (him). (Al-Kashmaihani [??] , Fath-ul-Bari).
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 728
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 122
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 695
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL Reference                                               : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/122

حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ هَاشِمِ بْنِ حَيَّانَ الْعَبْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ مَهْدِيٍّ - حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ سَلَمَةَ بْنِ كُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ كُرَيْبٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ بِتُّ لَيْلَةً عِنْدَ خَالَتِي مَيْمُونَةَ فَقَامَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَأَتَى حَاجَتَهُ ثُمَّ غَسَلَ وَجْهَهُ وَيَدَيْهِ ثُمَّ نَامَ ثُمَّ قَامَ فَأَتَى الْقِرْبَةَ فَأَطْلَقَ شِنَاقَهَا ثُمَّ تَوَضَّأَ وُضُوءًا بَيْنَ الْوُضُوءَيْنِ وَلَمْ يُكْثِرْ وَقَدْ أَبْلَغَ ثُمَّ قَامَ فَصَلَّى فَقُمْتُ فَتَمَطَّيْتُ كَرَاهِيَةَ أَنْ يَرَى أَنِّي كُنْتُ أَنْتَبِهُ لَهُ فَتَوَضَّأْتُ فَقَامَ فَصَلَّى فَقُمْتُ عَنْ يَسَارِهِ فَأَخَذَ بِيَدِي فَأَدَارَنِي عَنْ يَمِينِهِ فَتَتَامَّتْ صَلاَةُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنَ اللَّيْلِ ثَلاَثَ عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً ثُمَّ اضْطَجَعَ فَنَامَ حَتَّى نَفَخَ وَكَانَ إِذَا نَامَ نَفَخَ فَأَتَاهُ بِلاَلٌ فَآذَنَهُ بِالصَّلاَةِ فَقَامَ فَصَلَّى وَلَمْ يَتَوَضَّأْ وَكَانَ فِي دُعَائِهِ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ فِي قَلْبِي نُورًا وَفِي بَصَرِي نُورًا وَفِي سَمْعِي نُورًا وَعَنْ يَمِينِي نُورًا وَعَنْ يَسَارِي نُورًا وَفَوْقِي نُورًا وَتَحْتِي نُورًا وَأَمَامِي نُورًا وَخَلْفِي نُورًا وَعَظِّمْ لِي نُورًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ كُرَيْبٌ وَسَبْعًا فِي التَّابُوتِ فَلَقِيتُ بَعْضَ وَلَدِ الْعَبَّاسِ فَحَدَّثَنِي بِهِنَّ فَذَكَرَ عَصَبِي وَلَحْمِي وَدَمِي وَشَعَرِي وَبَشَرِي وَذَكَرَ خَصْلَتَيْنِ ‏.‏
Ibn `Abbas reported:
I spent a night with my maternal aunt (sister of my mother) Maimuna. The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) got up during the night and relieved himself, then washed his face and hands and went to sleep. He then got up again, and came to the water skin and loosened its straps, then performed good ablution between the two extremes. He then stood up and observed prayer. I also stood up and stretched my body fearing that he might be under the impression that I was there to find out (what he did at night). So I also performed ablution and stood up to pray, but I stood on his left. He took hold of my hand and made me go around to his right side. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) completed thirteen rak`ahs of his night prayer. He then lay down and slept and snored (and it was his habit to snore while asleep). Then Bilal came and he informed him about the prayer. He (the Holy Prophet) then stood up for prayer and did not perform ablution, and his supplication included these words: "O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my sight, light in my hearing, light on my right hand, light on my left hand, light above me, light below me, light in front of me, light behind me, and enhance light for me." Kuraib (the narrator) said: There are seven (words more) which are in my heart (but I cannot recall them) and I met some of the descendants of Al-`Abbas and they narrated these words to me and mentioned in them: (Light) in my sinew, in my flesh, in my blood, in my hair, in my skin, and made a mention of two more things.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 763 a
In-book reference          : Book 6, Hadith 216
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 1671
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/6/216

Walking slowly towards when reaching Jamaat (Congregational) prayer

Do not rush and run to join the Jamaat (Congregational) prayer. Should come in an unhurried manner.
حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا الزُّهْرِيُّ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏ وَعَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمُ الإِقَامَةَ فَامْشُوا إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ، وَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّكِينَةِ وَالْوَقَارِ وَلاَ تُسْرِعُوا، فَمَا أَدْرَكْتُمْ فَصَلُّوا وَمَا فَاتَكُمْ فَأَتِمُّوا ‏"‏‏.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When you hear the Iqama, proceed to offer the prayer with calmness and solemnity and do not make haste. And pray whatever you are able to pray and complete whatever you have missed.
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 636
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 33
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 609
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/33

If the one who has completed his obligatory prayer comes to Masjid

While the prayer is ongoing in Masjid, a person who arrives there should join the Jamaat (Congregational) prayer even if he has completed his obligatory prayer somewhere else before.
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مَنِيعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، أَخْبَرَنَا يَعْلَى بْنُ عَطَاءٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَابِرُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ بْنِ الأَسْوَدِ الْعَامِرِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ شَهِدْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَجَّتَهُ فَصَلَّيْتُ مَعَهُ صَلاَةَ الصُّبْحِ فِي مَسْجِدِ الْخَيْفِ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَلَمَّا قَضَى صَلاَتَهُ وَانْحَرَفَ إِذَا هُوَ بِرَجُلَيْنِ فِي أُخْرَى الْقَوْمِ لَمْ يُصَلِّيَا مَعَهُ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ عَلَىَّ بِهِمَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَجِيءَ بِهِمَا تُرْعَدُ فَرَائِصُهُمَا فَقَالَ ‏"‏ مَا مَنَعَكُمَا أَنْ تُصَلِّيَا مَعَنَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَقَالاَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّا كُنَّا قَدْ صَلَّيْنَا فِي رِحَالِنَا ‏.‏ قَالَ فَلاَ تَفْعَلاَ إِذَا صَلَّيْتُمَا فِي رِحَالِكُمَا ثُمَّ أَتَيْتُمَا مَسْجِدَ جَمَاعَةٍ فَصَلِّيَا مَعَهُمْ فَإِنَّهَا لَكُمَا نَافِلَةٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ مِحْجَنٍ الدِّيلِيِّ وَيَزِيدَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ يَزِيدَ بْنِ الأَسْوَدِ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ غَيْرِ وَاحِدٍ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ وَبِهِ يَقُولُ سُفْيَانُ الثَّوْرِيُّ وَالشَّافِعِيُّ وَأَحْمَدُ وَإِسْحَاقُ قَالُوا إِذَا صَلَّى الرَّجُلُ وَحْدَهُ ثُمَّ أَدْرَكَ الْجَمَاعَةَ فَإِنَّهُ يُعِيدُ الصَّلَوَاتِ كُلَّهَا فِي الْجَمَاعَةِ وَإِذَا صَلَّى الرَّجُلُ الْمَغْرِبَ وَحْدَهُ ثُمَّ أَدْرَكَ الْجَمَاعَةَ قَالُوا فَإِنَّهُ يُصَلِّيهَا مَعَهُمْ وَيَشْفَعُ بِرَكْعَةٍ ‏.‏ وَالَّتِي صَلَّى وَحْدَهُ هِيَ الْمَكْتُوبَةُ عِنْدَهُمْ ‏.‏
Jabir hin Yazid hin Al-Aswad [Al-Amir] narrated that his father said:
"I attended Hajj with the Prophet. I prayed the Subh (Fajr) prayer with him in Masjid AI-Khaif." He said: "When the Prophet finished, he turned (from the Qiblah) and saw two men at the back of the people who had not prayed with him. He said, 'Bring them to me.' So I brought then while they were shuddering with fear. He said: 'What prevented you from praying with us?" They said: 'O Messenger of Allah!' We prayed at our camp.' So he said: 'Do not do that; when you pray in your camp then you come to a Masjid with a congregation, then pray with them. That will be a voluntary prayer for you.'"
Grade                                                : Sahih (Darussalam) 
Reference          : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 219
In-book reference          : Book 2, Hadith 71
English translation         : Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 219
URL reference                                : http://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/2/71

There is no other prayer once the Iqama is announced

If Iqama (refers to the second call to Islamic Prayer, given immediately before the prayer begins) is announced for the obligatory prayer, then no other prayer should be offered except that obligatory prayer.
وَحَدَّثَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ حَنْبَلٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ وَرْقَاءَ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا أُقِيمَتِ الصَّلاَةُ فَلاَ صَلاَةَ إِلاَّ الْمَكْتُوبَةُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَحَدَّثَنِيهِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ حَاتِمٍ وَابْنُ رَافِعٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا شَبَابَةُ حَدَّثَنِي وَرْقَاءُ بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ ‏.‏
Abu Huraira reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying:
When the prayer commences then there is no prayer (valid), but the obligatory prayer. This hadith has been narrated by Warqa' with the same chain of transmitters.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 710 a
In-book reference          : Book 6, Hadith 75
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 1531
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/6/75

The Imam's qualifications

In Jama'at prayer, the one who leads the prayer should be well knowledgeable to recite the Quran and knowledgeable of the rulings related to the prayer. There is no necessity with regards to specific age (of the Imam).
وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَأَبُو سَعِيدٍ الأَشَجُّ كِلاَهُمَا عَنْ أَبِي خَالِدٍ، - قَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو خَالِدٍ الأَحْمَرُ، - عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ رَجَاءٍ، عَنْ أَوْسِ بْنِ ضَمْعَجٍ، عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ يَؤُمُّ الْقَوْمَ أَقْرَؤُهُمْ لِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي الْقِرَاءَةِ سَوَاءً فَأَعْلَمُهُمْ بِالسُّنَّةِ فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي السُّنَّةِ سَوَاءً فَأَقْدَمُهُمْ هِجْرَةً فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي الْهِجْرَةِ سَوَاءً فَأَقْدَمُهُمْ سِلْمًا وَلاَ يَؤُمَّنَّ الرَّجُلُ الرَّجُلَ فِي سُلْطَانِهِ وَلاَ يَقْعُدْ فِي بَيْتِهِ عَلَى تَكْرِمَتِهِ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ الأَشَجُّ فِي رِوَايَتِهِ مَكَانَ سِلْمًا سِنًّا ‏.‏
Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
The one who is most versed in Allah's Book should act as Imam for the people, but If they are equally versed in reciting it, then the one who has most knowledge regarding Sunnah if they are equal regarding the Sunnah, then the earliest one to emigrate; it they emigrated at the same time, then the earliest one to embrace Islam. No man must lead another in prayer where (the latter) has authority, or sit in his place of honour in his house, without his permission. Ashajj in his narration used the word," age" in place of" Islam".
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 673 a
In-book reference          : Book 5, Hadith 368
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 1420
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/5/368

حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ أَبِي قِلاَبَةَ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ سَلِمَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي أَبُو قِلاَبَةَ أَلاَ تَلْقَاهُ فَتَسْأَلَهُ، قَالَ فَلَقِيتُهُ فَسَأَلْتُهُ فَقَالَ كُنَّا بِمَاءٍ مَمَرَّ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ يَمُرُّ بِنَا الرُّكْبَانُ فَنَسْأَلُهُمْ مَا لِلنَّاسِ مَا لِلنَّاسِ مَا هَذَا الرَّجُلُ فَيَقُولُونَ يَزْعُمُ أَنَّ اللَّهَ أَرْسَلَهُ أَوْحَى إِلَيْهِ، أَوْ أَوْحَى اللَّهُ بِكَذَا‏.‏ فَكُنْتُ أَحْفَظُ ذَلِكَ الْكَلاَمَ، وَكَأَنَّمَا يُغْرَى فِي صَدْرِي، وَكَانَتِ الْعَرَبُ تَلَوَّمُ بِإِسْلاَمِهِمِ الْفَتْحَ، فَيَقُولُونَ اتْرُكُوهُ وَقَوْمَهُ، فَإِنَّهُ إِنْ ظَهَرَ عَلَيْهِمْ فَهْوَ نَبِيٌّ صَادِقٌ‏.‏ فَلَمَّا كَانَتْ وَقْعَةُ أَهْلِ الْفَتْحِ بَادَرَ كُلُّ قَوْمٍ بِإِسْلاَمِهِمْ، وَبَدَرَ أَبِي قَوْمِي بِإِسْلاَمِهِمْ، فَلَمَّا قَدِمَ قَالَ جِئْتُكُمْ وَاللَّهِ مِنْ عِنْدِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَقًّا فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ صَلُّوا صَلاَةَ كَذَا فِي حِينِ كَذَا، وَصَلُّوا كَذَا فِي حِينِ كَذَا، فَإِذَا حَضَرَتِ الصَّلاَةُ، فَلْيُؤَذِّنْ أَحَدُكُمْ، وَلْيَؤُمَّكُمْ أَكْثَرُكُمْ قُرْآنًا ‏"‏‏.‏ فَنَظَرُوا فَلَمْ يَكُنْ أَحَدٌ أَكْثَرَ قُرْآنًا مِنِّي، لِمَا كُنْتُ أَتَلَقَّى مِنَ الرُّكْبَانِ، فَقَدَّمُونِي بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ، وَأَنَا ابْنُ سِتٍّ أَوْ سَبْعِ، سِنِينَ وَكَانَتْ عَلَىَّ بُرْدَةٌ، كُنْتُ إِذَا سَجَدْتُ تَقَلَّصَتْ عَنِّي، فَقَالَتِ امْرَأَةٌ مِنَ الْحَىِّ أَلاَ تُغَطُّوا عَنَّا اسْتَ قَارِئِكُمْ‏.‏ فَاشْتَرَوْا فَقَطَعُوا لِي قَمِيصًا، فَمَا فَرِحْتُ بِشَىْءٍ فَرَحِي بِذَلِكَ الْقَمِيصِ‏.‏
Narrated `Amr bin Salama:
We were at a place which was a thoroughfare for the people, and the caravans used to pass by us and we would ask them, "What is wrong with the people? What is wrong with the people? Who is that man?. They would say, "That man claims that Allah has sent him (as an Apostle), that he has been divinely inspired, that Allah has revealed to him such-and-such." I used to memorize that (Divine) Talk, and feel as if it was inculcated in my chest (i.e. mind) And the 'Arabs (other than Quraish) delayed their conversion to Islam till the Conquest (of Mecca). They used to say." "Leave him (i.e. Muhammad) and his people Quraish: if he overpowers them then he is a true Prophet. So, when Mecca was conquered, then every tribe rushed to embrace Islam, and my father hurried to embrace Islam before (the other members of) my tribe. When my father returned (from the Prophet) to his tribe, he said, "By Allah, I have come to you from the Prophet (ﷺ) for sure!" The Prophet (ﷺ) afterwards said to them, 'Offer such-and-such prayer at such-and-such time, and when the time for the prayer becomes due, then one of you should pronounce the Adhan (for the prayer), and let the one amongst you who knows Qur'an most should, lead the prayer." So they looked for such a person and found none who knew more Qur'an than I because of the Qur'anic material which I used to learn from the caravans. They therefore made me their Imam ((to lead the prayer) and at that time I was a boy of six or seven years, wearing a Burda (i.e. a black square garment) proved to be very short for me (and my body became partly naked). A lady from the tribe said, "Won't you cover the anus of your reciter for us?" So they bought (a piece of cloth) and made a shirt for me. I had never been so happy with anything before as I was with that shirt.
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 4302
In-book reference          : Book 64, Hadith 335
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 5, Book 59, Hadith 595
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/64/335

Shortening the prayer

The Imam in the prayer should take into consideration of the situation of the followers who are behind in the prayer and accordingly shorten the prayer.
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ قَيْسًا، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو مَسْعُودٍ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، قَالَ وَاللَّهِ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي لأَتَأَخَّرُ عَنْ صَلاَةِ الْغَدَاةِ مِنْ أَجْلِ فُلاَنٍ مِمَّا يُطِيلُ بِنَا‏.‏ فَمَا رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي مَوْعِظَةٍ أَشَدَّ غَضَبًا مِنْهُ يَوْمَئِذٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِنَّ مِنْكُمْ مُنَفِّرِينَ، فَأَيُّكُمْ مَا صَلَّى بِالنَّاسِ فَلْيَتَجَوَّزْ، فَإِنَّ فِيهِمُ الضَّعِيفَ وَالْكَبِيرَ وَذَا الْحَاجَةِ ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated Abu Mas`ud:
A man came and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! By Allah, I keep away from the morning prayer only because So and so prolongs the prayer when he leads us in it." The narrator said, "I never saw Allah's Apostle more furious in giving advice than he was at that time. He then said, "Some of you make people dislike good deeds (the prayer). So whoever among you leads the people in prayer should shorten it because among them are the weak, the old and the needy."
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 702
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 97
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 670
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/97

وَحَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ أَبِي خَالِدٍ، عَنْ قَيْسٍ، عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ إِنِّي لأَتَأَخَّرُ عَنْ صَلاَةِ الصُّبْحِ مِنْ أَجْلِ فُلاَنٍ مِمَّا يُطِيلُ بِنَا ‏.‏ فَمَا رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم غَضِبَ فِي مَوْعِظَةٍ قَطُّ أَشَدَّ مِمَّا غَضِبَ يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ مِنْكُمْ مُنَفِّرِينَ فَأَيُّكُمْ أَمَّ النَّاسَ فَلْيُوجِزْ فَإِنَّ مِنْ وَرَائِهِ الْكَبِيرَ وَالضَّعِيفَ وَذَا الْحَاجَةِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Abu Mas'ud al-Ainsari reported:
A person came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: I keep away from the morning prayer on account of such and such (a man), because; he keeps us so long. I never saw God's Messenger (ﷺ) more angry when giving an exhortation than he was that day. He said: 0 people, some of you are scaring people away. So whoever of you leads the people in prayer he must be brief, for behind him are the weak, the aged, and the people who have (argent) business to attend.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 466 a
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 206
USC-MSA web (English) reference          : Book 4, Hadith 940
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/206

Things to adhere by the followers who are behind to pray

The praying follower behind the Imam must hear the recitation of the Imam, in the prayers where they are being recited loudly; One must not recite anything else.

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ - 7:204
SAHIH INTERNATIONAL
So when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي عَرُوبَةَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو غَسَّانَ الْمِسْمَعِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاذُ بْنُ هِشَامٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي ح، وَحَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، أَخْبَرَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ التَّيْمِيِّ، كُلُّ هَؤُلاَءِ عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، فِي هَذَا الإِسْنَادِ بِمِثْلِهِ ‏.‏ وَفِي حَدِيثِ جَرِيرٍ عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ عَنْ قَتَادَةَ مِنَ الزِّيَادَةِ ‏"‏ وَإِذَا قَرَأَ فَأَنْصِتُوا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَلَيْسَ فِي حَدِيثِ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ ‏"‏ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ قَالَ عَلَى لِسَانِ نَبِيِّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ إِلاَّ فِي رِوَايَةِ أَبِي كَامِلٍ وَحْدَهُ عَنْ أَبِي عَوَانَةَ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ قَالَ أَبُو بَكْرِ ابْنُ أُخْتِ أَبِي النَّضْرِ فِي هَذَا الْحَدِيثِ فَقَالَ مُسْلِمٌ تُرِيدُ أَحْفَظَ مِنْ سُلَيْمَانَ فَقَالَ لَهُ أَبُو بَكْرٍ فَحَدِيثُ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ فَقَالَ هُوَ صَحِيحٌ يَعْنِي وَإِذَا قَرَأَ فَأَنْصِتُوا ‏.‏ فَقَالَ هُوَ عِنْدِي صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ لِمَ لَمْ تَضَعْهُ هَا هُنَا قَالَ لَيْسَ كُلُّ شَىْءٍ عِنْدِي صَحِيحٍ وَضَعْتُهُ هَا هُنَا ‏.‏ إِنَّمَا وَضَعْتُ هَا هُنَا مَا أَجْمَعُوا عَلَيْهِ ‏.‏
Qatada has narrated a hadith like this with another chain of transmitters. In the hadith transmitted by Jarir on the authority of Sulaiman, Qatada's further words are:
When (the Qur'an) is recited (in prayer), you should observe silence, and (the following words are) not found in the hadith narrated by anyone except by Abu Kamil who heard it from Abu 'Awina (and the words are): Verily Allah vouchsafed through the tongue of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) this: Allah listens to him who praises Him. Abu Ishaq (a student of Imam Muslim) said: Abu Bakr the son of Abu Nadr's sister has (critically) discussed this hadith. Imam Muslim said: Whom can you find a more authentic transmitter of hadith than Sulaiman? Abu Bakr said to him (Imam Muslim): What about the hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, i.e. the hadith that when the Qur'an is recited (in prayer) observe silence? He (Abu Bakr again) said: Then, why have you not included it (in your compilation)? He (Imam Muslim) said: I have not included in this every hadith which I deem authentic; I have recorded only such ahadith on which there is an agreement (amongst the Muhaddithin apart from their being authentic).
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 404 b
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 67
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 801
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/67

Should not precede the Imam

A praying follower of the Imam should not precede any act of prayer ahead of the Imam. Such an act is a huge error in committing it.
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدَةُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ هِشَامٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتِ اشْتَكَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَدَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ نَاسٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِهِ يَعُودُونَهُ فَصَلَّى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم جَالِسًا فَصَلَّوْا بِصَلاَتِهِ قِيَامًا فَأَشَارَ إِلَيْهِمْ أَنِ اجْلِسُوا ‏.‏ فَجَلَسُوا فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ الإِمَامُ لِيُؤْتَمَّ بِهِ فَإِذَا رَكَعَ فَارْكَعُوا وَإِذَا رَفَعَ فَارْفَعُوا وَإِذَا صَلَّى جَالِسًا فَصَلُّوا جُلُوسًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
'A'isha reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fell ill and some of his Companions came to inquire after his health. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said prayer sitting, while (his Companions) said it (behind him) standing. He (the Holy Prophet) directed them by his gesture to sit down, and they sat down (in prayer). After finishing the (prayer) he (the Holy Prophet) said: The Imam is appointed so that he should be followed, so bow down when he bows down, and rise up when he rises up and say (prayer) sitting when he (the Imam) says (it) sitting.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 412 a
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 88
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 822
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/88

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ أُمِّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، أَنَّهَا قَالَتْ صَلَّى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي بَيْتِهِ وَهْوَ شَاكٍ، فَصَلَّى جَالِسًا وَصَلَّى وَرَاءَهُ قَوْمٌ قِيَامًا، فَأَشَارَ إِلَيْهِمْ أَنِ اجْلِسُوا، فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ الإِمَامُ لِيُؤْتَمَّ بِهِ، فَإِذَا رَكَعَ فَارْكَعُوا، وَإِذَا رَفَعَ فَارْفَعُوا، وَإِذَا صَلَّى جَالِسًا فَصَلُّوا جُلُوسًا ‏"‏‏.
Narrated Aisha:
the mother of the believers: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) during his illness prayed at his house while sitting whereas some people prayed behind him standing. The Prophet (ﷺ) beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer, he said, 'The Imam is to be followed: bow when he bows, raise up your heads (stand erect) when he raises his head and when he says, 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah' (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him) say then 'Rabbana wa laka l-hamd' (O our Lord! All the praises are for You), and if he prays sitting then pray sitting."
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 688
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 82
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 656
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/82

حَدَّثَنَا حَجَّاجُ بْنُ مِنْهَالٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ زِيَادٍ، سَمِعْتُ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ أَمَا يَخْشَى أَحَدُكُمْ ـ أَوْ لاَ يَخْشَى أَحَدُكُمْ ـ إِذَا رَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ قَبْلَ الإِمَامِ أَنْ يَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ رَأْسَهُ رَأْسَ حِمَارٍ أَوْ يَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ صُورَتَهُ صُورَةَ حِمَارٍ ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Isn't he who raises his head before the Imam afraid that Allah may transform his head into that of a donkey or his figure (face) into that of a donkey?"
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 691
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 86
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 660
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/86

حَدَّثَنَا خَلَفُ بْنُ هِشَامٍ، وَأَبُو الرَّبِيعِ الزَّهْرَانِيُّ، وَقُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، كُلُّهُمْ عَنْ حَمَّادٍ، - قَالَ خَلَفٌ حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، - عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ زِيَادٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ مُحَمَّدٌ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ أَمَا يَخْشَى الَّذِي يَرْفَعُ رَأْسَهُ قَبْلَ الإِمَامِ أَنْ يُحَوِّلَ اللَّهُ رَأْسَهُ رَأْسَ حِمَارٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Abu Huraira reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Does the man who lifts his head ahead of the Imam (from prostration) not fear that Allah may change his head into the head of an ass?
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 427 a
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 125
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 859
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/125

If delayed to arrive..

If someone arrives late when the Jamaat prayers are going on, then by saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ one should join along in the prayer in whatever status and position the Imam is in at that moment.
حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا الزُّهْرِيُّ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏ وَعَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمُ الإِقَامَةَ فَامْشُوا إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ، وَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّكِينَةِ وَالْوَقَارِ وَلاَ تُسْرِعُوا، فَمَا أَدْرَكْتُمْ فَصَلُّوا وَمَا فَاتَكُمْ فَأَتِمُّوا ‏"‏‏.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When you hear the Iqama, proceed to offer the prayer with calmness and solemnity and do not make haste. And pray whatever you are able to pray and complete whatever you have missed.
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 636
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 33
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 609
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/33

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ أَيُّوبَ، وَقُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، وَابْنُ، حُجْرٍ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ، - قَالَ ابْنُ أَيُّوبَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، - أَخْبَرَنِي الْعَلاَءُ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا ثُوِّبَ لِلصَّلاَةِ فَلاَ تَأْتُوهَا وَأَنْتُمْ تَسْعَوْنَ وَأْتُوهَا وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّكِينَةُ فَمَا أَدْرَكْتُمْ فَصَلُّوا وَمَا فَاتَكُمْ فَأَتِمُّوا فَإِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ إِذَا كَانَ يَعْمِدُ إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ فَهُوَ فِي صَلاَةٍ ‏"‏ ‏.
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
When the words of Iqama are pronounced, do not come to (prayer) running, but go with tranquillity, and pray what you are in time for, and complete (what you have missed) for when one of you is preparing for prayer he is in fact engaged in prayer.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 602 b
In-book reference          : Book 5, Hadith 195
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 1250
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/5/195

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، وَهَنَّادٌ، وَمَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، قَالُوا حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ مَهْدِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَقِيلٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ ابْنِ الْحَنَفِيَّةِ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مِفْتَاحُ الصَّلاَةِ الطُّهُورُ وَتَحْرِيمُهَا التَّكْبِيرُ وَتَحْلِيلُهَا التَّسْلِيمُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ أَصَحُّ شَيْءٍ فِي هَذَا الْبَابِ وَأَحْسَنُ ‏.‏ وَعَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَقِيلٍ هُوَ صَدُوقٌ وَقَدْ تَكَلَّمَ فِيهِ بَعْضُ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ مِنْ قِبَلِ حِفْظِهِ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَسَمِعْتُ مُحَمَّدَ بْنَ إِسْمَاعِيلَ يَقُولُ كَانَ أَحْمَدُ بْنُ حَنْبَلٍ وَإِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَالْحُمَيْدِيُّ يَحْتَجُّونَ بِحَدِيثِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَقِيلٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ مُحَمَّدٌ وَهُوَ مُقَارِبُ الْحَدِيثِ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ جَابِرٍ وَأَبِي سَعِيدٍ ‏.‏
'Ali narrated that :
the Prophet, said: "The key to Salat is the purification, its Tahrlm is the Takblr, and its Tahlil is the Taslim."
Grade                                : Hasan (Darussalam) 
Reference          : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3
In-book reference        : Book 1, Hadith 3
English translation        : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 3
URL reference                : http://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/1/3

حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَقِيلٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ ابْنِ الْحَنَفِيَّةِ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ، رضى الله عنه قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مِفْتَاحُ الصَّلاَةِ الطُّهُورُ وَتَحْرِيمُهَا التَّكْبِيرُ وَتَحْلِيلُهَا التَّسْلِيمُ ‏"‏ ‏.
Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib:
The key to prayer is purification; its beginning is takbir and its end is taslim.
Grade                                : Hasan Sahih (Al-Albani)           
Reference          : Sunan Abi Dawud 61
In-book reference        : Book 1, Hadith 61
English translation        : Book 1, Hadith 61
URL reference                : http://sunnah.com/abudawud/1/61

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَقِيلٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ ابْنِ الْحَنَفِيَّةِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ مِفْتَاحُ الصَّلاَةِ الطُّهُورُ وَتَحْرِيمُهَا التَّكْبِيرُ وَتَحْلِيلُهَا التَّسْلِيمُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
It was narrated from Muhammed bin Al-Hanafiyyah that his father said:
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'The key to prayer is purification, its opening is to say 'Allahu Akbar' and its closing is to say As-salamu 'alaikum.'"
Grade                                                : Hasan (Darussalam) 
Reference                                        : Sunan Ibn Majah
English reference            : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 275
Arabic reference             : Book 1, Hadith 288
URL reference                                : http://sunnah.com/urn/1252740

The achieving of a rak’at...

If a person joins in prayer when the Imam is in Ruku, that rak'at is not needed to be prayed again. It will be regarded as, he has achieved that rak'at.

حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، عَنِ الأَعْلَمِ ـ وَهْوَ زِيَادٌ ـ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ، أَنَّهُ انْتَهَى إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَهْوَ رَاكِعٌ، فَرَكَعَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَصِلَ إِلَى الصَّفِّ، فَذَكَرَ ذَلِكَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ زَادَكَ اللَّهُ حِرْصًا وَلاَ تَعُدْ ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated Abu Bakra:
I reached the Prophet (ﷺ) in the mosque while he was bowing in prayer and I too bowed before joining the row mentioned it to the Prophet (ﷺ) and he said to me, "May Allah increase your love for the good. But do not repeat it again (bowing in that way).
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 783
In-book reference          : Book 10, Hadith 178
USC-MSA web (English) reference          : Vol. 1, Book 12, Hadith 750
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                  : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/178

Abu Bakra (rah), had made ruku (bowing position) on the way even before joining the row. He did (hurried) in order to not miss a rak'at.
The Prophet (pbuh) did not say that it is wrong for the statement that Abu Bakra (rah) had stated that he would attain that rak'at if he joined the Jamaat when the Imam was in ruku (bowing position). If it was indeed wrong, then the Prophet (pbuh) would have told the Abu Bakra (rah) to perform the rak'at again. But, he did not say so.
On the contrary, the Prophet (pbuh) advises to not rush to the prayer and make ruku out of the row.
So it is clear that, while joining the Jamaat one will achieve the rak'at; if it is before the Imam raises from the ruku (bowing position).

Pointing out Imam's mistake

If the Imam is doing something wrong in prayer, then it should be pointed out by saying ‘Subhanallah’ by men, and in the case of women by the act of clapping.
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا الزُّهْرِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ التَّسْبِيحُ لِلرِّجَالِ وَالتَّصْفِيقُ لِلنِّسَاءِ ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The saying 'Sub Han Allah' is for men and clapping is for women." (If something happens in the prayer, the men can invite the attention of the Imam by saying "Sub Han Allah". And women, by clapping their hands).
Reference          : Sahih al-Bukhari 1203
In-book reference          : Book 21, Hadith 7
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Vol. 2, Book 22, Hadith 295
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/21/7

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَعَمْرٌو النَّاقِدُ، وَزُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، قَالُوا حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ بْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ح وَحَدَّثَنَا هَارُونُ بْنُ مَعْرُوفٍ، وَحَرْمَلَةُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالاَ أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي يُونُسُ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي سَعِيدُ بْنُ الْمُسَيَّبِ، وَأَبُو سَلَمَةَ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ أَنَّهُمَا سَمِعَا أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ التَّسْبِيحُ لِلرِّجَالِ وَالتَّصْفِيقُ لِلنِّسَاءِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ زَادَ حَرْمَلَةُ فِي رِوَايَتِهِ قَالَ ابْنُ شِهَابٍ وَقَدْ رَأَيْتُ رِجَالاً مِنْ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ يُسَبِّحُونَ وَيُشِيرُونَ ‏.‏
Abu Huraira reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Glorification of Allah is for men and clapping of hands is meant for women (if something happens in prayer). Harmala added in his narration that Ibn Shihab told him: I saw some of the scholars glorifying Allah and making a gesture.
Reference          : Sahih Muslim 422 a
In-book reference          : Book 4, Hadith 116
USC-MSA web (English) reference        : Book 4, Hadith 850
 (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference                                                : http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/116

If a mistake occurs while reciting the Quran...

If a mistake occurs while reciting the Quran by Imam, the one who is behind has to correct it.

حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الدِّمَشْقِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ شُعَيْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ بْنِ زَبْرٍ، عَنْ سَالِمِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم صَلَّى صَلاَةً فَقَرَأَ فِيهَا فَلُبِسَ عَلَيْهِ فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ قَالَ لأُبَىٍّ ‏"‏ أَصَلَّيْتَ مَعَنَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ نَعَمْ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَمَا مَنَعَكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Ibn ‘Umar said :
The Prophet (ﷺ) prayed and recited the Qur’an in it. He was then confused in it (in his recitation). When he finished (his prayer), he said to Ubayy (b. Ka’b): Did you pray along with us? He said: Yes. He said: What prevented you (from correcting me)?
Grade                                : Sahih (Al-Albani)       
Reference          : Sunan Abi Dawud 907 b
In-book reference        : Book 2, Hadith 518
English translation        : Book 2, Hadith 907
URL reference                : http://sunnah.com/abudawud/2/518

Translated by: Abu Abdul Baari and Ummu Abdul Baari
Source நபிவழியில் தொழுகை சட்டங்கள் (Nabivazhiyil Thozhugay Sattangal) book by MI Muhammad Sulaiman, Aug 2015 edition, page 145-154

Saturday, 19 May 2018

TI0087 - English - I’tikaaf’s rulings

I'tikaaf’s rulings

The Arabic word 'I'tikaaf' conveys the meaning of 'staying'. In Islamic perspective it is used to refer staying in masjid in expectation of seeking rewards (the good for the hereafter).
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was in i'tikaaf for the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan. So were the companions of the Prophet.

Why i'tikaaf during Ramadan?  

Attaining and seeking as many benefits as possible from the Lailatul Qadr, the night which is better than a thousand months. To not allow oneself to be occupied by any other thoughts resulting in decrease of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (saws) and companions of the Prophet had performed i'tikaaf. The following hadiths have become the proof for the same.

حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، عَنْ يَحْيَى، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، قَالَ انْطَلَقْتُ إِلَى أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ فَقُلْتُ أَلاَ تَخْرُجُ بِنَا إِلَى النَّخْلِ نَتَحَدَّثْ فَخَرَجَ‏.‏ فَقَالَ قُلْتُ حَدِّثْنِي مَا، سَمِعْتَ مِنَ النَّبِيِّ، صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ‏.‏ قَالَ اعْتَكَفَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَشْرَ الأُوَلِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ، وَاعْتَكَفْنَا مَعَهُ، فَأَتَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ فَقَالَ إِنَّ الَّذِي تَطْلُبُ أَمَامَكَ‏.‏ فَاعْتَكَفَ الْعَشْرَ الأَوْسَطَ، فَاعْتَكَفْنَا مَعَهُ، فَأَتَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ فَقَالَ إِنَّ الَّذِي تَطْلُبُ أَمَامَكَ‏.‏ فَقَامَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم خَطِيبًا صَبِيحَةَ عِشْرِينَ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ كَانَ اعْتَكَفَ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلْيَرْجِعْ، فَإِنِّي أُرِيتُ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ، وَإِنِّي نُسِّيتُهَا، وَإِنَّهَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ فِي وِتْرٍ، وَإِنِّي رَأَيْتُ كَأَنِّي أَسْجُدُ فِي طِينٍ وَمَاءٍ ‏"‏‏.‏ وَكَانَ سَقْفُ الْمَسْجِدِ جَرِيدَ النَّخْلِ وَمَا نَرَى فِي السَّمَاءِ شَيْئًا، فَجَاءَتْ قَزْعَةٌ فَأُمْطِرْنَا، فَصَلَّى بِنَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَتَّى رَأَيْتُ أَثَرَ الطِّينِ وَالْمَاءِ عَلَى جَبْهَةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَأَرْنَبَتِهِ تَصْدِيقَ رُؤْيَاهُ‏.‏
Narrated Abu Salama:
Once I went to Abu- Sa`id Al-Khudri and asked him, "Won't you come with us to the date-palm trees to have a talk?" So Abu Sa`id went out and I asked him, "Tell me what you heard from the Prophet (ﷺ) about the Night of Qadr." Abu Sa`id replied, "Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) performed I`tikaf (seclusion) on the first ten days of the month of Ramadan and we did the same with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night you are looking for is ahead of you.' So the Prophet (ﷺ) performed the I`tikaf in the middle (second) ten days of the month of Ramadan and we too performed I`tikaf with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night which you are looking for is ahead of you.' In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered a sermon saying, 'Whoever has performed I`tikaf with me should continue it. I have been shown the Night of "Qadr", but have forgotten its date, but it is in the odd nights of the last ten nights. I saw in my dream that I was prostrating in mud and water.' In those days the roof of the mosque was made of branches of date-palm trees. At that time the sky was clear and no cloud was visible, but suddenly a cloud came and it rained. The Prophet (ﷺ) led us in the prayer and I saw the traces of mud on the forehead and on the nose of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). So it was the confirmation of that dream."
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 813
In-book reference  : Book 10, Hadith 208
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 1, Book 12, Hadith 777
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/208

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا بَكْرٌ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ مُضَرَ - عَنِ ابْنِ الْهَادِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ، بْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، - رضى الله عنه - قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُجَاوِرُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الَّتِي فِي وَسَطِ الشَّهْرِ فَإِذَا كَانَ مِنْ حِينِ تَمْضِي عِشْرُونَ لَيْلَةً وَيَسْتَقْبِلُ إِحْدَى وَعِشْرِينَ يَرْجِعُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ وَرَجَعَ مَنْ كَانَ يُجَاوِرُ مَعَهُ ثُمَّ إِنَّهُ أَقَامَ فِي شَهْرٍ جَاوَرَ فِيهِ تِلْكَ اللَّيْلَةَ الَّتِي كَانَ يَرْجِعُ فِيهَا فَخَطَبَ النَّاسَ فَأَمَرَهُمْ بِمَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِنِّي كُنْتُ أُجَاوِرُ هَذِهِ الْعَشْرَ ثُمَّ بَدَا لِي أَنْ أُجَاوِرَ هَذِهِ الْعَشْرَ الأَوَاخِرَ فَمَنْ كَانَ اعْتَكَفَ مَعِي فَلْيَبِتْ فِي مُعْتَكَفِهِ وَقَدْ رَأَيْتُ هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةَ فَأُنْسِيتُهَا فَالْتَمِسُوهَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ فِي كُلِّ وِتْرٍ وَقَدْ رَأَيْتُنِي أَسْجُدُ فِي مَاءٍ وَطِينٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيُّ مُطِرْنَا لَيْلَةَ إِحْدَى وَعِشْرِينَ فَوَكَفَ الْمَسْجِدُ فِي مُصَلَّى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَنَظَرْتُ إِلَيْهِ وَقَدِ انْصَرَفَ مِنْ صَلاَةِ الصُّبْحِ وَوَجْهُهُ مُبْتَلٌّ طِينًا وَمَاءً ‏.‏
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) spent in devotion (in i'tikaf) the middle ten nights of the month of Ramadan, and when twenty nights were over and it was the twenty-first night, he went back to his residence and those who were along with him also returned (to their respective residences). He spent one month in devotion. Then he addressed the people on the night he came back (to his residence) and commanded them as Allah desired (him to command) and then said:
I used to devote myself (observe i'tikaf) during these ten (nights). Then I started devoting myself in the last ten (nights). And he who desires to observe i'tikaf along with me should spend the night) at his place of i'tikaf. And I saw this night (Lailat-ul-Qadr) but I forgot it (the exact night) ; so seek it;In the last ten nights on odd numbers. I saw (the glimpses of that dream) that I was prostrating in water and mud. Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said: It rained on the twenty-first night and the water dripped (from the roof) of the mosque at the place where the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed prayer. I looked at him and as he completed the dawn prayer, (I found) his face was wet with mud and water.
Reference  : Sahih Muslim 1167 a
In-book reference  : Book 13, Hadith 275
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Book 6, Hadith 2625
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference  : http://sunnah.com/muslim/13/275

The start for i'tikaaf

One who intends to observe i'tikaaf, should pray subuh on the 20th morning and then go to the place of i'tikaaf.

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ عَمْرَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، - رضى الله عنها - قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَعْتَكِفَ صَلَّى الْفَجْرَ ثُمَّ دَخَلَ مُعْتَكَفَهُ وَإِنَّهُ أَمَرَ بِخِبَائِهِ فَضُرِبَ أَرَادَ الاِعْتِكَافَ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ فَأَمَرَتْ زَيْنَبُ بِخِبَائِهَا فَضُرِبَ وَأَمَرَ غَيْرُهَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِخِبَائِهِ فَضُرِبَ فَلَمَّا صَلَّى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم الْفَجْرَ نَظَرَ فَإِذَا الأَخْبِيَةُ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ آلْبِرَّ تُرِدْنَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَأَمَرَ بِخِبَائِهِ فَقُوِّضَ وَتَرَكَ الاِعْتِكَافَ فِي شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ حَتَّى اعْتَكَفَ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَّلِ مِنْ شَوَّالٍ ‏.‏
'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) decided to observe i'tikaf, he prayed in the morning and then went to the place of his i'tikaf, and he commanded that a tent should be pitched for him, and it was pitched. He (once) decided to observe i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. Zainab (the wife of the Holy Prophet) commanded that a tent should be pitched for her. It was pitched accordingly. And some other wives of Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) commanded that tents should be pitched for them too. And they were pitched. When the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) offered the morning prayer, he looked and found (so many) tents. Thereupon he said:
What is this virtue that these (ladies) have decided to acquire? He commanded his tent to be struck and abandoned i'tikaf in the month of Ramadan and postponed it to the first ten days of Shawwal.
Reference  : Sahih Muslim 1173 a
In-book reference  : Book 14, Hadith 6
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Book 6, Hadith 2641
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference   : http://sunnah.com/muslim/14/6

We probably would have already known that Prophet Muhammad (saws) had told to search for the Lailat-ul-Qadr in odd numbered nights (in the last ten days in the month of Ramadan). Therefore, the i'tikaaf start after completing the fajr prayer would not be possible to be on the 21st day’s fajr.
If it had been so, that night would have been missed by him. It is appropriate here to understand from this that, he began i'tikaaf after finishing the prayer on the 20th day.

The end time of i'tikaaf

If the month of Ramadhan ends on 29th day, then one who is observing i'tikaaf can return back to his house during the maghrib of the 29th day of Ramadhan (that is, at the night when the shawwal crescent is sighted) . If Ramadhan completes by 30th day, then one may return home after the mahrib prayer on the 30th day of Ramadhan.

حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ حَمْزَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي ابْنُ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، وَالدَّرَاوَرْدِيُّ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ‏.‏ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُجَاوِرُ فِي رَمَضَانَ الْعَشْرَ الَّتِي فِي وَسَطِ الشَّهْرِ، فَإِذَا كَانَ حِينَ يُمْسِي مِنْ عِشْرِينَ لَيْلَةً تَمْضِي، وَيَسْتَقْبِلُ إِحْدَى وَعِشْرِينَ، رَجَعَ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ وَرَجَعَ مَنْ كَانَ يُجَاوِرُ مَعَهُ‏.‏ وَأَنَّهُ أَقَامَ فِي شَهْرٍ جَاوَرَ فِيهِ اللَّيْلَةَ الَّتِي كَانَ يَرْجِعُ فِيهَا، فَخَطَبَ النَّاسَ، فَأَمَرَهُمْ مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ، ثُمَّ قَالَ ‏ "‏ كُنْتُ أُجَاوِرُ هَذِهِ الْعَشْرَ، ثُمَّ قَدْ بَدَا لِي أَنْ أُجَاوِرَ هَذِهِ الْعَشْرَ الأَوَاخِرَ، فَمَنْ كَانَ اعْتَكَفَ مَعِي فَلْيَثْبُتْ فِي مُعْتَكَفِهِ، وَقَدْ أُرِيتُ هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةَ ثُمَّ أُنْسِيتُهَا فَابْتَغُوهَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ وَابْتَغُوهَا فِي كُلِّ وِتْرٍ، وَقَدْ رَأَيْتُنِي أَسْجُدُ فِي مَاءٍ وَطِينٍ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَاسْتَهَلَّتِ السَّمَاءُ فِي تِلْكَ اللَّيْلَةِ، فَأَمْطَرَتْ، فَوَكَفَ الْمَسْجِدُ فِي مُصَلَّى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَيْلَةَ إِحْدَى وَعِشْرِينَ، فَبَصُرَتْ عَيْنِي رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَنَظَرْتُ إِلَيْهِ انْصَرَفَ مِنَ الصُّبْحِ، وَوَجْهُهُ مُمْتَلِئٌ طِينًا وَمَاءً‏.‏
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to practice I`tikaf (in the mosque) in the middle third of Ramadan and after passing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st, and the people who were in I`tikaf with him also used to go back to their houses. Once in Ramadan, in which he practiced I`tikaf, he established the night prayers at the night in which he used to return home, and then he addressed the people and ordered them whatever Allah wished him to order and said, "I used to practice I`tikaf for these ten days (i.e. the middle third but now I intend to stay in I`tikaf for the last ten days (of the month); so whoever was in I`tikaf with me should stay at his place of seclusion. I have verily been shown (the date of) this Night (of Qadr) but I have forgotten it. So search for it in the odd nights of the last ten days (of this month). I also saw myself (in the dream) prostrating in mud and water." On the night of the 21st, the sky was covered with clouds and it rained, and the rainwater started leaking through the roof of the mosque at the praying place of the Prophet (ﷺ) . I saw with my own eyes the Prophet at the completion of the morning prayer leaving with his face covered with mud and water.
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 2018
In-book reference  : Book 32, Hadith 5
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 32, Hadith 235
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference  :   http://sunnah.com/bukhari/32/5

The Prophet (pbuh) while performing I'tikaaf (in the mosque) in the mid-ten days of Ramadan, after completing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st night. From this news we know that, those who observe itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan, after completing 29th night or 30th night one may go back to home at the start of the shawwal month in the night.
Some people claim that they should return home only after finishing the Eid prayer, but there is no evidence for this in the words of Prophet (hadith).

Can one set up a tent in Masjid?

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو النُّعْمَانِ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ عَمْرَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَعْتَكِفُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ، فَكُنْتُ أَضْرِبُ لَهُ خِبَاءً فَيُصَلِّي الصُّبْحَ ثُمَّ يَدْخُلُهُ، فَاسْتَأْذَنَتْ حَفْصَةُ عَائِشَةَ أَنْ تَضْرِبَ خِبَاءً فَأَذِنَتْ لَهَا، فَضَرَبَتْ خِبَاءً، فَلَمَّا رَأَتْهُ زَيْنَبُ ابْنَةُ جَحْشٍ ضَرَبَتْ خِبَاءً آخَرَ، فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَأَى الأَخْبِيَةَ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ مَا هَذَا ‏"‏‏.‏ فَأُخْبِرَ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ آلْبِرُّ تُرَوْنَ بِهِنَّ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَتَرَكَ الاِعْتِكَافَ ذَلِكَ الشَّهْرَ، ثُمَّ اعْتَكَفَ عَشْرًا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ‏.‏
Narrated `Amra:
Aisha said, "the Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and I used to pitch a tent for him, and after offering the morning prayer, he used to enter the tent." Hafsa asked the permission of `Aisha to pitch a tent for her and she allowed her and she pitched her tent. When Zainab bint Jahsh saw it, she pitched another tent. In the morning the Prophet (ﷺ) noticed the tents. He said, 'What is this?" He was told of the whole situation. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do you think that they intended to do righteousness by doing this?" He therefore abandoned the I`tikaf in that month and practiced I`tikaf for ten days in the month of Shawwal."
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 2033
In-book reference  : Book 33, Hadith 8
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 33, Hadith 249
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference  : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/33/8

Some people claim that the tent can be set up based on this hadith. But, when we observe at some of the hadiths, we can understand that it is only for the Prophet (pbuh).

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ عَمْرَةَ بِنْتِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَرَادَ أَنْ يَعْتَكِفَ، فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ إِلَى الْمَكَانِ الَّذِي أَرَادَ أَنْ يَعْتَكِفَ إِذَا أَخْبِيَةٌ خِبَاءُ عَائِشَةَ، وَخِبَاءُ حَفْصَةَ، وَخِبَاءُ زَيْنَبَ، فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ آلْبِرَّ تَقُولُونَ بِهِنَّ ‏"‏‏.‏ ثُمَّ انْصَرَفَ، فَلَمْ يَعْتَكِفْ، حَتَّى اعْتَكَفَ عَشْرًا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ‏.‏
Narrated `Aisha:
The Prophet (ﷺ) intended to practice I`tikaf and when he reached the place where he intended to perform I`tikaf, he saw some tents, the tents of `Aisha, Hafsa and Zainab. So, he said, "Do you consider that they intended to do righteousness by doing this?" And then he went away and did not perform I`tikaf (in Ramadan) but performed it in the month of Shawwal for ten days.
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 2034
In-book reference  : Book 33, Hadith 9
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 33, Hadith 250
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/33/9

By asking the question if indeed it is righteousness is what you are seek? And then the Prophet (pbuh) separating himself from that place leaving the state of I'tikaaf, shows his discontent over setting up tents like this.
Furthermore, looking at the following hadith it can be understood that others should not set up a tent.

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدٌ، أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ فُضَيْلِ بْنِ غَزْوَانَ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ عَمْرَةَ بِنْتِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَعْتَكِفُ فِي كُلِّ رَمَضَانَ، وَإِذَا صَلَّى الْغَدَاةَ دَخَلَ مَكَانَهُ الَّذِي اعْتَكَفَ فِيهِ ـ قَالَ ـ فَاسْتَأْذَنَتْهُ عَائِشَةُ أَنْ تَعْتَكِفَ فَأَذِنَ لَهَا فَضَرَبَتْ فِيهِ قُبَّةً، فَسَمِعَتْ بِهَا حَفْصَةُ، فَضَرَبَتْ قُبَّةً، وَسَمِعَتْ زَيْنَبُ بِهَا، فَضَرَبَتْ قُبَّةً أُخْرَى، فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنَ الْغَدِ أَبْصَرَ أَرْبَعَ قِبَابٍ، فَقَالَ ‏"‏ مَا هَذَا ‏"‏‏.‏ فَأُخْبِرَ خَبَرَهُنَّ، فَقَالَ ‏"‏ مَا حَمَلَهُنَّ عَلَى هَذَا آلْبِرُّ انْزِعُوهَا فَلاَ أَرَاهَا ‏"‏‏.‏ فَنُزِعَتْ، فَلَمْ يَعْتَكِفْ فِي رَمَضَانَ حَتَّى اعْتَكَفَ فِي آخِرِ الْعَشْرِ مِنْ شَوَّالٍ‏.‏
Narrated `Amra bint `Abdur-Rahman from `Aisha:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to practice I`tikaf every year in the month of Ramadan. And after offering the morning prayer, he used to enter the place of his I`tikaf. `Aisha asked his permission to let her practice I`tikaf and he allowed her, and so she pitched a tent in the mosque. When Hafsa heard of that, she also pitched a tent (for herself), and when Zainab heard of that, she too pitched another tent. When, in the morning, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had finished the morning prayer, he saw four tents and asked, "What is this?" He was informed about it. He then said, "What made them do this? Is it righteousness? Remove the tents, for I do not want to see them." So, the tents were removed. The Prophet (ﷺ) did not perform I`tikaf that year in the month of Ramadan, but did it in the last ten days of Shawwal.
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 2041
In-book reference  : Book 33, Hadith 16
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 33, Hadith 257
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/33/16

The companions of the Prophet also have been in the i'tikaaf along with the Prophet (pbuh). Consider this in mind while observing at the hadith mentioned above. After having prayed the morning prayer the number of the tents that were seen by Prophet (pbuh) in the masjid was four. One for the Prophet (pbuh), the second for Mother Ayesha (raa), the third for Mother Hafsa (raa) and  the fourth for Mother Zainab (raa).
The Prophet's companions should have set up the tents for themselves, if the tents were necessary for i'tikaaf. If it were set up, there should have been more than four tents. But there were only four tents! So we know that the Prophet's companions did not set up tents and that the Prophet (pbuh) did not command the Prophet’s companions. Therefore, the tents are not needed for i'tikaaf.

Disciplines to be followed in i'tikaaf

During the stay in mosque, one should not have sexual relations with wife back at home.

أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ ۖ فَالْآنَ بَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۚ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ ۚ وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ - 2:187
SAHIH INTERNATIONAL
It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.
[ Al Quran, Chapter 2, Verse 187]

Do not go out of masjid without a need

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، وَعَمْرَةَ بِنْتِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَنَّ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ زَوْجَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَتْ وَإِنْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَيُدْخِلُ عَلَىَّ رَأْسَهُ وَهْوَ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَأُرَجِّلُهُ، وَكَانَ لاَ يَدْخُلُ الْبَيْتَ إِلاَّ لِحَاجَةٍ، إِذَا كَانَ مُعْتَكِفًا
Narrated `Aisha:
(the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to let his head in (the house) while he was in the mosque and I would comb and oil his hair. When in I`tikaf he used not to enter the house except for a need.
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 2029
In-book reference  : Book 33, Hadith 5
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 33, Hadith 246
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/33/5

From this, we know about this should not go out unnecessary and can also know that one can go out when necessary. While the need arises in masjid to talk, one can have the necessary talk.
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ أَنَّ صَفِيَّةَ، زَوْجَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَخْبَرَتْهُ أَنَّهَا جَاءَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم تَزُورُهُ فِي اعْتِكَافِهِ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ، فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ، فَتَحَدَّثَتْ عِنْدَهُ سَاعَةً، ثُمَّ قَامَتْ تَنْقَلِبُ، فَقَامَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مَعَهَا يَقْلِبُهَا، حَتَّى إِذَا بَلَغَتْ باب الْمَسْجِدِ عِنْدَ باب أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ مَرَّ رَجُلاَنِ مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ، فَسَلَّمَا عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ لَهُمَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ عَلَى رِسْلِكُمَا إِنَّمَا هِيَ صَفِيَّةُ بِنْتُ حُيَىٍّ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقَالاَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‏.‏ وَكَبُرَ عَلَيْهِمَا‏.‏ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَبْلُغُ مِنَ الإِنْسَانِ مَبْلَغَ الدَّمِ، وَإِنِّي خَشِيتُ أَنْ يَقْذِفَ فِي قُلُوبِكُمَا شَيْئًا ‏"‏‏.‏
Narrated `Ali bin Al-Husain:
Safiya, the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) told me that she went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) to visit him in the mosque while he was in I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. She had a talk with him for a while, then she got up in order to return home. The Prophet (ﷺ) accompanied her. When they reached the gate of the mosque, opposite the door of Um-Salama, two Ansari men were passing by and they greeted Allah's Apostle . He told them: Do not run away! And said, "She is (my wife) Safiya bint Huyai." Both of them said, "Subhan Allah, (How dare we think of any evil) O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)!" And they felt it. The Prophet said (to them), "Satan reaches everywhere in the human body as blood reaches in it, (everywhere in one's body). I was afraid lest Satan might insert an evil thought in your minds."
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 2035
In-book reference  : Book 33, Hadith 10
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 33, Hadith 251
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/33/10

حَدَّثَنَا وَهْبُ بْنُ بَقِيَّةَ، أَخْبَرَنَا خَالِدٌ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ إِسْحَاقَ - عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّهَا قَالَتِ السُّنَّةُ عَلَى الْمُعْتَكِفِ أَنْ لاَ يَعُودَ مَرِيضًا وَلاَ يَشْهَدَ جَنَازَةً وَلاَ يَمَسَّ امْرَأَةً وَلاَ يُبَاشِرَهَا وَلاَ يَخْرُجَ لِحَاجَةٍ إِلاَّ لِمَا لاَ بُدَّ مِنْهُ وَلاَ اعْتِكَافَ إِلاَّ بِصَوْمٍ وَلاَ اعْتِكَافَ إِلاَّ فِي مَسْجِدٍ جَامِعٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو دَاوُدَ غَيْرُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ إِسْحَاقَ لاَ يَقُولُ فِيهِ قَالَتِ السُّنَّةُ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو دَاوُدَ جَعَلَهُ قَوْلَ عَائِشَةَ ‏.‏
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:
The sunnah for one who is observing i'tikaf (in a mosque) is not to visit a patient, or to attend a funeral, or touch or embrace one's wife, or go out for anything but necessary purposes. There is no i'tikaf without fasting, and there is no i'tikaf except in a congregational mosque.
Grade : Hasan Sahih (Al-Albani) 
Reference  : Sunan Abi Dawud 2473
In-book reference  : Book 14, Hadith 161
English translation  : Book 13, Hadith 2467
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/abudawud/14/161

For this hadith, there exists difference of opinion with regards to for whom is it sunnah and was this hadith indeed reported by Mother Ayesha (rah)?
One who is performing i'tikaaf it is sunnah to avoid visiting the sick, participating in janazah, touch his wife (sexual relations), going out except when there is a need. The statement “I'tikaaf cannot be done except in the masjid where Jummah is conducted” belongs to the reporter called Suhri. Imam Daraqutni mentions that this being reported as statement within hadith is due to the reporter’s own guess
(Book: Sunaan Daraqutni, Volume 2, Page 201).

Imam Baihaqi, who recorded the very same message above, mentioned the following below.
From most reliable scholars, this statement has been mentioned to be the word of the announcers themselves those who succeeded after Ayisha (raa) in the reporting chain. Those who have mentioned this as the statement within hadith itself are the ones who have said this with guesswork.  Book: Baihaqi 8377

Imam Zuhri, when he reports a hadith, he had the habit of adding his opinion along with the hadith without making it explicit (i.e. this is my opinion). So, this hadith cannot be considered as a basis. (Allah knows best)
Similarly, there are hadiths found that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would visit the sick, attend funeral, while he is in I'tikaaf. Those as well are weak hadiths! and in some of the Hadiths, They are weak too! Based on the hadith in Bukhari (2029), one who is in the state of I'tikaaf it is recommended to avoid going out except when actually there is a need.

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، وَعَمْرَةَ بِنْتِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَنَّ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ زَوْجَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَتْ وَإِنْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَيُدْخِلُ عَلَىَّ رَأْسَهُ وَهْوَ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَأُرَجِّلُهُ، وَكَانَ لاَ يَدْخُلُ الْبَيْتَ إِلاَّ لِحَاجَةٍ، إِذَا كَانَ مُعْتَكِفًا
Narrated `Aisha:
(the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to let his head in (the house) while he was in the mosque and I would comb and oil his hair. When in I`tikaf he used not to enter the house except for a need.
Reference  : Sahih al-Bukhari 2029
In-book reference  : Book 33, Hadith 5
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 3, Book 33, Hadith 246
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/33/5

Can women perform I'tikaaf?

The following hadith is a proof that women can be in I'tikaaf in masjid.

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ خَالِدٍ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم اعْتَكَفَ مَعَهُ بَعْضُ نِسَائِهِ وَهْىَ مُسْتَحَاضَةٌ تَرَى الدَّمَ، فَرُبَّمَا وَضَعَتِ الطَّسْتَ تَحْتَهَا مِنَ الدَّمِ‏.‏ وَزَعَمَ أَنَّ عَائِشَةَ رَأَتْ مَاءَ الْعُصْفُرِ فَقَالَتْ كَأَنَّ هَذَا شَىْءٌ كَانَتْ فُلاَنَةُ تَجِدُهُ‏.‏
Narrated `Aisha:
Once one of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) did I`tikaf along with him and she was getting bleeding in between her periods. She used to see the blood (from her private parts) and she would perhaps put a dish under her for the blood. (The sub-narrator `Ikrima added, `Aisha once saw the liquid of safflower and said, "It looks like what so and so used to have.")
Reference    : Sahih al-Bukhari 309
In-book reference   : Book 6, Hadith 14
USC-MSA web (English) reference  : Vol. 1, Book 6, Hadith 306
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference  : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/6/14

During the time of Prophet (pbuh), based on the hadiths we have known so far, no other woman was in I'tikaaf state except for Prophet's wife.
Basing from the information that Prophet's wives were in I'tikaaf, we can take further rulings in the following.
If there are facilities to stay in the mosque, then women may be in the state of I'tikaaf along with their husband. Because, during the time of the Prophet (pbuh) the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) had performed I'tikaaf along with him .
Among the opinions of the scholars, it is the opinion mentioned above that befits for the hadith. Some state that women can stay in I'tikaaf at home. But, there is no evidence for that in the hadiths.

أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو عَبْدِ اللهِ الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللهِ السُّدَيْرِيُّ، بِخُسْرَوْجِرْدَ أنبأ أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ الْخُسْرَوَجُرْدِيُّ، ثنا دَاوُدُ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ، ثنا حُمَيْدُ بْنُ زَنْجُوَيْهِ، ثنا يَحْيَى بْنُ عَبْدِ الْحَمِيدِ، ثنا شَرِيكٌ، عَنْ لَيْثٍ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ الْأَزْدِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: " إِنَّ أَبْغَضَ الْأُمُورِ إِلَى اللهِ الْبِدَعُ وَإِنَّ مِنَ الْبِدَعِ الِاعْتِكَافَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ الَّتِي فِي الدُّورِ "
Ibn Abbas (rah) as well has informed that women performing i'tikaaf at home is bidath (new practice of innovation).
Book: Baihaqi 8573

There are many different Hadiths about I'tikaaf’s special significances, but all of them are deemed to be weak in nature.
Also, among some scholars there is a misconception that I'tikaaf should be done only in the three masjids which is Mecca, Medina and Bayt al-Maqdis. Some hadiths are shown as proof for this, but all those hadiths are found to be weak.
Moreover the information from this hadith is contrary to the reports by other companions, Ali (ra), Mother Aisha (raa) and Ibn Abbas (ra) which further weakens this hadith.
Moreover, this hadith also goes against the Quran’s verses that you should not near your wife (have sexual relation) when you are in i'tikaaf in the mosques (Al-Quran 2:187).

Translated by: Abu Abdul Baari and Ummu Abdul Baari 
The original source (Tamizh): 
https://www.facebook.com/notes/thowheed-translations/tamizh-itikaafs-rulings/227259787785354/