before latrines were installed in their homes. When they heard his prohibition of prayer in bathhouses or camel enclosures, they understood that the prohibition of prayer in latrines applied with even greater force. Moreover, a hadith has been narrated containing “the prohibition of prayer in cemeteries, slaughterhouses, refuse dumps, latrines, thoroughfares, camel enclosures, and atop Allah’s Sacred House.” Hadith scholars disagree concerning this report.

Ahmad’s followers hold two views on the matter. Some regard these as places where prayer is prohibited. Others say: “I have found nothing in this hadith, nor have I found anything in Ahmad’s statements either permitting or prohibiting this.” Yet Ahmad did disapprove of prayer in places where divine punishment had descended, as his son ʿAbd Allāh reported from him, on the basis of the hadith transmitted with its chain from ʿAlī and recorded by Abū Dāwūd. Ahmad explicitly mentioned only latrines, camel enclosures, and bathhouses. These are the three mentioned by al-Khiraqī and others.

Those who uphold this ruling may establish it by analogy with the cases explicitly addressed in the texts, or on the basis of the hadith. Anyone who draws a distinction must challenge the hadith and explain the relevant difference. Furthermore, a prohibition may indicate disapproval or strict forbiddance.

Since rulings concerning matters that commonly affect people must be explained publicly by the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and must be transmitted by the Muslim community, it is clear