so that his heart will not be distracted (1). Yet this rationale too is open to objection, for it would imply that the prohibition applies only when camels are present; moreover, it may be challenged by the case of sheepfolds, since sheep too become agitated and cause distraction. Should we then say that they are the same? No.

Some scholars have said: Prayer is prohibited in camel resting-places or enclosures because camels were created from devils, as stated in a hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad with an authentic chain of transmission (2). If they were created from devils, it is not unlikely that devils accompany them, so that these places become a shelter for camels along with devils. The wisdom behind prohibiting prayer there would then be like the wisdom behind prohibiting prayer in a bathhouse. This was the view preferred by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (3), may Allah have mercy on him, and it is the strongest explanation offered for its wisdom. Nevertheless, the fundamental wisdom is to worship Allah by complying with it.

Similar to asking about the wisdom behind a ruling is what some people do when a command comes to them: they ask, “Is it obligatory?” And when a prohibition comes to them, they ask, “Is it forbidden?” Such questioning is not appropriate, for it suggests hesitation in compliance. Moreover, the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them—despite being the people most eager to observe the limits set by Allah—would not ask the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, when he gave them a command, whether it was recommended or obligatory; nor would they ask concerning a prohibition whether it was discouraged or forbidden. Rather, they would carry out the command and refrain from the prohibition without asking. There is no doubt that this represents a more complete form of worship and compliance.