In Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, hadith 654 describes a specific action during prostration (sujud) where the Prophet ﷺ joined his heels together. Hadith Content Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
The significance of Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, including the entry numbered 654, can be evaluated from several perspectives:
- Detailed summary and explanation (with chain of transmission and jurisprudential implications).
- Full Arabic text (if public-domain) with English translation and commentary.
- Thematic essay (historical context, authenticity, scholarly views).
- Verse-by-verse style paraphrase and extended reflection.
- Comparative analysis with parallel hadith in other collections.
- The Rawatib (Regular Voluntary Prayers): This hadith serves as a primary evidence for the emphasis on the Sunan al-Rawatib (prayers performed before or after the obligatory prayers).
- Before Dhuhr: It establishes the practice of praying four Rak'ahs before Dhuhr. While some other hadith mention two, this narration specifies four, indicating the permissibility and virtue of praying four units of prayer before the noon prayer.
- After Dhuhr: It confirms the Sunnah of praying two Rak'ahs after Dhuhr.
- After Maghrib: It confirms the Sunnah of praying two Rak'ahs after Maghrib.
- After Isha: It confirms the Sunnah of praying two Rak'ahs after Isha.
- Location: The hadith highlights that the Prophet (peace be upon him) generally performed the voluntary prayers in his home (as stated "in my house"), which is considered superior for voluntary prayers, though performing them in the mosque is also valid.
- Authenticity: Ibn Khuzaymah titled his book "Mukhtasar al-Mukhtasar min al-Musnad al-Sahih," implying he intended to include only authentic narrations. The chain for this specific hadith is classified as authentic (Sahih).
The Author: Ibn Khuzaymah
Conclusion
Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 654 is not merely a number in a book; it is a powerful prophetic reminder. In a world obsessed with accumulating wealth, status, and possessions, this authentic narration reframes true value. The humble, pre-dawn prayer of two Rak’ahs—often overlooked due to sleep or laziness—is declared by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to be superior to the entire material cosmos. For the believer, this is an invitation to prioritize the eternal over the ephemeral, starting every day with an act of worship worth more than the world itself.
📌 Note: This specific instruction regarding the feet is also found in other variations across major collections like Sahih Muslim and Sunan Abi Dawud, reinforcing its importance in Islamic jurisprudence.
"SubhanAllah, wal-Hamdu lillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah."
May Allah accept our needs and grant us the best in this life and the next. Ameen.