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English translation
754. Mahmud bin Rabi' Al-Ansārī, who remembered that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ spat a mouthful of water from a bucket into a well that belonged to them,
narrated that 'Ibân bin Mâlik As-Sâlimi who was the chief of his people Banu Sâlim and had participated in (the battle of) Badr with the Messenger of Allâh ﷺ said: "I came to the Messenger of Allâh ﷺ and said: 'O Messenger of Allâh, my sight is failing and the flood comes and prevents me from reaching the mosque of my people, and it is too hard for me to cross the water. Do you think you could come and perform prayer in my house in a place which I can then take as a place for prayer?' He said: 'I will do that.' The following day, the Messenger of Allâh ﷺ and Abu Bakr came, when the heat of the day had grown intense. He asked permission to enter, and I gave him permission. He did not sit down until he said: 'Where would you like me to perform prayer for you in your house?' I showed him the place where I wanted him to pray, so the Messenger of Allâh ﷺ stood and we lined up behind him, and he led us in praying two Rak'ah (units). Then I asked him to stay and eat some Khazirah[1] that had been prepared for them.'" (Sahih)
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Commentary
a. The Prophet's spitting a mouthful of water into the well was intended to bring Barakah (blessing) to the water. His spittle (and saliva), as confirmed by both his biographers and compilers of Ahâdîth, had on several occasions
worked wonders and brought Barakah to the people. (See Bukhârî: 4151)
b. On this occasion the Prophet ﷺ had even sprinkled some water from his mouth on the face of the child Mahmud. (See Bukhârî: 77) The idea was to have fun with the child. Thus, any playful activity that provides amusement to the children but causes no discomfort to them is permissible — being it an expression of the elders' love and affection for the little ones.
c. There was a depression in the path between the house of Itbân ﷺ and the mosque that used to be flooded by rain, making his access to the mosque difficult. In situations like this it is allowed to perform prayers inside one's house.
d. An invitee for the meals can also bring someone else with him, provided that he is sure that it will not be an inconvenience to the host and may be a source of pleasure to him.
e. It is permissible to designate a place for prayers in the house.
f. It is all right to invite or ask a pious person, or a revered personality, to inaugurate a noble program or venture.
g. It is permissible to offer voluntary prayer as a congregational prayer.
