Hastening to pray in times of difficulty

Hastening to pray in times of difficulty

1996 1-2 January- February 27 Hastening to pray in times of difficulty (213) It was the time of the Battle of the Trench, and, according to Hudhayfah, there were three hundred Muslims under siege. Recalling what a hard night it was, he recounts how they were surrounded by Abu Sufyan’s army on one side and the Banu Qurayzah on the other, both posing a threat to the safety of the Muslim families. “The cold was already quite intense and, when a storm blew up, there was thunder and lightning everywhere and stones hurtling and crashing in the wind. It was almost impossible to see anything. Just then the Prophet came and asked to cross the trench and penetrate the enemy camp to collect information. It was essential to know if they were planning to prolong the siege or return to Mecca. I was the most timid of men and was extremely sensitive to the cold. Still, on receiving the Prophet’s command, I immediately arose, he prayed for my safety, and I set off. I went hither and thither in Abu Sufyan’s camp and was able to bring back the news that they were discussing plans to leave. On my return, I found the Prophet covered in his sheet, praying. Whenever the Prophet was confronted with some arduous task, he would begin to pray.”

(AI-Bid ayah wa’n-Nihayah)