Exception: Prayer at Home (Hadith No. 590)

Salam,
Bismillah.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 590:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Al-Harith:

Once on a rainy muddy day, Ibn ‘Abbas delivered a sermon in our presence and when the Mu’adhdhin pronounced the Adhan and said, “Haiya ala-s-sala(t) (come for the prayer)” Ibn ‘Abbas ordered him to say ‘Pray at your homes.’ The people began to look at each other (surprisingly). Ibn ‘Abbas said. “It was done by one who was much better than I (i.e. the Prophet or his Mu’adhdhin), and it is a license.’

•  On a rainy, muddy day (extreme weather conditions), it is permissible for men to pray at homes.
  Note: Those days, people had to travel on foot or on camels etc. Heavy rain affected them. We have weather-proof cars today. So try your best to pray at the mosque. If you can’t, you have a rukhsat (relaxation).
• The mu’adhin can announce ‘as-salatu fir-rihaal‘ (pray at your homes) during the Adhaan instead of ‘hayya alas-salaah‘ (come to prayer) in extreme weather conditions, as mentioned in this Hadith.
• Talking during the Adhaan isn’t encouraged. You’re supposed to answer the Adhaan. But if necessary, you may talk. (As Ibn Abbas did.)
• Don’t be afraid to follow the Sunnah even if it’s against the norms. You’re a Muslim. Wear your identity proudly. And may Allah be your Helper. :)

Wassalam.