Question
What is the authenticity and translation of this narration?
يروى عن حاتم الأصم رضي الله عنه أنه سئل عن صلاته فقال إذا حانت الصلاة أسبغت الوضوء وأتيت الموضع الذي أريد الصلاة فيه فأقعد فيه حتى تجتمع جوارحي ثم أقوم إلى صلاتي فأجعل الكعبة بين حاجبي والصراط تحت قدمي والجنة عن يميني والنار عن يساري وملك الموت ورائي وأظنها آخر صلاتي ثم أقوم بين الرجاء والخوف وأكبر تكبيرا بتحنّن وأقرأ قراءة بترتيل وأركع ركوعا بتواضع وأسجد سجودا بتخشع وأقعد على الورك الأيسر وأفرش ظهر قدمها وأنصب القدم اليمنى على الإبهام وأتبعها الإخلاص ثم لا أدري أقبلت مني أم لا
Answer
Imam Ghazali (rahimahullah) has cited this narration without a chain. I have not come across the complete chain.
Translation
It has been reported that Hatim Al Asamm was asked regarding his Salah. He replied, “When the time of Salah approaches, I make wudu thoroughly and then proceed to the place wherein I intend to offer Salah. I sit there until [I am composed] then stand up to offer Salah. I [picture] the Ka’bah [directly in front of me], the bridge of Sirat beneath me, Jannah on my right and Jahannam on my left, the angel of death behind me and I think that this is my last Salah. I then stand between fear [of Allah’s Punishment] and hope [in His Mercy] and say the takbir with devotion. I recite slowly, make ruku’ and prostrate humbly. I sit on my left leg spreading out the foot. I erect my right leg on the toe and then follow all of this up with complete sincerity. Then, I do not know if it was accepted from me or not.”
(Ihya ‘Ulumid Din, vol. 1 pg. 561-562. Refer; Ithafus Sadah Al Muttaqin, vol. 3 pg. 26)
Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) has recorded the following shorter version:
‘Isam ibn Yusuf once saw Abu Hatim conducting a gathering. He asked, “Do you offer Salah properly?” When he replied in the affirmative, he asked, ‘How do you offer Salah?’ He responded: ‘I stand to fulfil the order, walk with fear, enter [the place of Salah] making intention, say the takbir with respect. I recite slowly while pondering, make ruku’ and prostrate with humility. I sit for tashahhud properly, make salam in the Sunnah method and with sincerity for Allah. I am then fearful that it is not accepted, and I try to protect this method of exertion ill death.’ ‘Isam then said, ‘[Continue] speaking [in the gathering], for you offer Salah well.”
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 8 pg. 74-75)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar