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