The life of the Prophet Muhammad - Ibn Kathir - volume 2 of 4

IMAM ABD AL-FIDA' ISMAiL IBN KATH~R 221
feasts, out of fear of the couple's later separation. There is nothing to this, as is
shown by what cA1isha said in reply to those people who imagined this for that
time, that is, she said, "He made the mamage contract with me in Shawwal and
consummated the marriage in Shawwal; and which of his wives did he favour
more than myself?"
This shows that she understood from him that she was the wife he favoured
most. And this belief of hers is shown to have been correct by various clear
proofs, if only by that definite statement given in the Tahi!, collection of al-
Bukhm from 'Amr b. albCAs which states, "I said, 0 Messenger of God, which
person do you most favour?" He replied, "ck'isha." I then asked, "And which
man?" "Her father," he replied.
Ibn Jarir stated, "That same year, the first year of the hegira, the length of the
saltit al-ha4ar, the prayer while at home, was increased by two rakcat," prayer
cycles, or so it is said. Previously both the prayer at home and while travelling
had been two rakeat. This came about after the arrival of the Messenger of God
(SAAS) on the 12th of Rabic al-kkhir."
He said, "Al-Wzqidi maintained that there was no dispute among the people
of Hija on this subject."
I observe that previously I have given the hadith related by al-Bukhm through
Makar, from al-Zuhri, from Wrwa, from 'k'isha, who said, "When tirst made
obligatory, prayer was prescribed as needing two rakcat. This was affirmed for
prayer while travelling, but it was increased for prayer while at home."
This was also related through al-Sha'bi back to Masriiq.
Al-Bayhaqi related, from al-Hasan al-Ba~ri, that when the prayer at home was
first made obligatory, it was established as four rakcat. But God knows best.
We discussed this in the exegesis of swat al-Nis3, with regards to the words
of the Almighty, "And when you travel over the earth, there is no blame on you
if you shorten the prayer" (sarat al-Nis2; IV, v.101).
Chapter: On the call to prayer and its legitimacy upon the arrival of the Prophet
(WS) in Medina.
Ibn Ishzq stated, "When the Messenger of God (SAAS) was secure in Medina,
his emigrant brothers gathered around him and the Helpers were united, Islam
became firmly established. Prayer was instituted and the zakat, the alms tax, and
fasting were made obligatory. Punishments were prescribed, and those matters
that were made permissible or forbidden were determined. Islam took fum hold
there among them.
47. A rok'a is an entire cycle of prayer, consisting of standing, bowing once and prostrating twice.