Q 2: Attached to this letter is a copy of a Juristic treatise wherein the writer declares it permissible to perform Ruku` (bowing) before reaching the row. Moreover, he claims that this is in accordance with the Sunnah and cites some Athar (narrations from the Companions). He explained the prohibition indicated in the Hadith of Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him): May Allah increase your love for the good. But do not repeat it again (bowing in that manner.) as walking quickly to reach the row. I hope that Your Honor (may Allah save you) will look into this treatise and (Part No. 6; Page No. 220) explain the preponderant opinion regarding the prohibition indicated in the Hadith.

A: Performing Ruku` (bowing) before reaching the row then walking in that position to join it contradicts the Sunnah and is forbidden, as reported in the Sahih (authentic) Hadith which is related by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih, the Book of Adhan (call to Prayer), the Chapter entitled "Bowing before reaching the row". It is authentically related on the authority of Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he joined the Prophet while in the bowing position, so he bowed before reaching the row, and after the Salah was over the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, May Allah increase your love for the good, but do not repeat it again (bowing in that way.) This Hadith bears the proof that it is prohibited for one to do this, as expressed by the statement, "but do not repeat it again " Al-Hafizh Ibn Hajar (may Allah be merciful to him) discussed this in Fath-ul-Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari: This means that you should not repeat what you did by walking quickly then performing Ruku` before reaching the row, and then walking in that position until joining the row" End Quote.As for the Athar (narrations from the Companions) cited by the compiler of this treatise, some of them are Da`if (weak) and others are Shadh (narrated by a trustworthy narrator, not in line with the narration of other trustworthy narrators in terms of wording, chain of narrators, or both) as they contradict the Hadith of Abu Bakrah which is related in Sahih Al-Bukhari; not to mention that they come in contradiction with other Athar. The relied upon evidence here is what is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Moreover, the compiler of this treatise is not known to be of the knowledgeable scholars, and you should give more care with regards to reading the books of the trustworthy scholars.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.