IV
THE BOOK OF PRAYER
It is related from Abú Hurairah that, 'The Apostle of God said, "The five daily prayers, and the Friday prayer to the next Friday prayer, and the fast of Ramaḍán to the next fast of Ramaḍán are an expiation (for all sins committed) between them so long as the mortal sins are avoided."'—Muslim.
It is related from Anas that he said, 'A man came and said, "O Apostle of God, I have done something worthy of punishment, therefore execute the punishment for it upon me." But the Prophet did not ask him what it was. And the time for prayer arrived, and he prayed with the Apostle of God. And when the Prophet had finished prayer the man stood up and said, "O Apostle of God, I have done something worthy of punishment, therefore execute my punishment as it is laid down in the Book of God." He replied, "Hast thou not said prayers with us?" The man replied, "Yes." , He said, "Then God has forgiven for thee thy sins or thy punishment."'—Muslim, Al-Bukhárí.
It is related from Ibn Masʿúd that he said, 'I asked the Prophet, "Which work is the most pleasing to God most high?" He replied, "Prayer at its proper times." I said, "After that, which?" He replied, "The honouring of parents." I said, "And after that, which?" He replied, "Religious warfare in the way of God."' Ibú Masʿúd said, 'He related this to me, and if I had asked him for more, he would certainly have mentioned them to me.'—Muslim, Al-Bukhárí.
It is related from Abú Umámah that, 'The Apostle of God said, "Perform your five stated prayers, and fast your stated months, and give alms of your substance, and obey the one who has rule over you, and you will enter paradise with your Lord."'—Aḥmad, At Tirmidhí.
It is related from ʿAmru bin Shuʿaib from his father from his grandfather that, 'The Apostle of God said, "Command your children to say the prayers when they are seven years old, and beat them for dereliction of duty therein when they
