Question:
Kindly explain the following portion of the Hadith: إنها تأولت كما تأول عثمان
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها: أن الصلاة أول ما فرضت ركعتين فأقرت صلاة السفر وأتمت صلاة الحضر. قال الزهرى فقلت لعروة ما بال عائشة تتم فى السفر قال إنها تأولت كما تأول عثمان
Answer:
Imams Bukhari, Muslim, and others (rahimahumullah) have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha).
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 350, and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 685)
The ‘Ulama have explained that Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) did not adopt the literal understanding of this narration. Despite narrating that the Salah of a traveler is only two rak’ahs, she herself used to perform four. This was due to her personal circumstance and interpratation. Sayyiduna ‘Uthman (radiyallahu ‘anhu) also did the same.
(Refer: Al-Minhaj, Hadith: 1570, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 350, ‘Umdatul Qari, Hadith: 350, Mirqat, Hadith: 1348, and Fathul Mulhilm, Hadith: 1568)
Translation
Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) has narrated that Salah was initially ordained as two rak’ahs. Thereafter, the Salah of a traveler remained [the same] whilst the Salah of a resident was extended.
Imam Zuhri (rahimahullah) said: “I then said to ‘Urwah (rahimahullah): “Why is it that ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) completes the Salah [i.e, she prays four rak’ahs] when traveling?”
He replied: “Indeed, she has interpreted just as ‘Uthman (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has interpreted.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 685)
Note: This is merely an answer regarding the aforementioned text of the Hadith. For further queries regarding the Fiqhi implications and understanding of this Hadith, kindly refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar