Authentic hadith articleThe worst of thieves among people is the one who steals his prayer." He said: "How does he steal his prayer?" He said: "He does not perform its Rukū‘ or prostration perfectly
AuthenticNarrated by Ibn HibbaanHadeethEnc #65100
Arabic hadith textعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «أَسْوَأُ النَّاسِ سَرَقَةً الَّذِي يَسْرِقُ صَلَاتَهُ» قَالَ: وَكَيْفَ يَسْرِقُ صَلَاتَهُ؟ قال: «لَا يُتِمُّ رُكُوعَهَا، وَلَا سُجُودَهَا».
English translationAbu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The worst of thieves among people is the one who steals his prayer." He said: "How does he steal his prayer?" He said: "He does not perform its Rukū‘ or prostration perfectly."
ExplanationExplanation of the hadith
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that the worst thief among people is the one who steals from his prayer. This is because when a person takes the money of others, he may utilize it in worldly life, unlike this thief, who steals his share of the reward. They said: O Messenger of Allah, how does he steal from his prayer? He said: He does not perform its Rukū 'or prostration perfectly; he bows and prostrates himself in haste, so he does not perform them correctly.