‘Uthmān ibn Abi al-‘Ās (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and said: O Messenger of Allah, Satan intervenes between me and my prayer and prevents me from offering it with Khushū‘ (humility and focus) and makes me confused and doubtful about my recitation in it. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: That is Satan, who is known as Khinzab. If you perceive that and feel it, seek refuge with Allah from him and blow three times to your left with a bit of saliva. 'Uthmān said: I did what the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded me to do, and Allah caused him to depart from me.
- The Hadīth demonstrates the significance of humility and presence of mind in prayer and that Satan strives to make one confused and doubtful about it.
- It is recommended to seek refuge with Allah Almighty from Satan when he whispers in prayer, along with spitting three times to the left.
- It points out how the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to go to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and present their problems to him so that he could solve their problems for them.
- The Companions possessed living hearts, and their principal concern was the Hereafter.
صحيح مسلم (4/ 1728) (2203)، إكمال المعلم (7/110)، شرح النّووي على مسلم (14/190)، البحر المحيط الثجاج في شرح صحيح الإمام مسلم بن الحجاج (36/ 136).