Dear Mufti Saheb. It is observed today that the Salaat is performed in many different ways (e.g Raf-ul-Yaddein, Saying Ameen loudly, etc.). It is also known that more than 500.000 Hadiths have been memorised, and are known to us. What I cannot grasp is how words said by our Prophet(S.A.W) only once in his lifetime have been memorised while the Salaat which was performed 5 times a day is today performed so differently?
In actual fact, the many number of Ahaadith refers to the very many chain of
narrators for each Hadith. For example, if one Hadith has fifty chain of
narrators, it is regarded as fifty Ahaadith whereas it is the one and same
Hadith.
Nevertheless, the different procedures of performing Salaat has no bearing
on the many or less number of Ahaadith known to us. It is based on the
conclusion of the great and illustrious Mujtahideen who were oceans of
knowledge who have researched the different Ahaadith narrated on a
particular matter based on their vast knowledge. The different conclusions
should be interpreted as intellectual honesty.
It would be intellectually dishonest for them to unite on a particular
method of performing Salaat contrary to their research. Hence, the different
methods of Salaat is a reflection of the honesty of the noble Mujtahideen.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FA