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The
second Principle of Islam is to offer the Obligatory
Prayers five times a day.
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2
What do you understand by Prayer?
Prayer
is the act of worshipping Allah according to the
teaching of the Holy Prophet.
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3
What are the essential requisites for offering Prayer?
The
essential requisites for offering Prayer are:
- The
worshipper must be a Muslim
- The
worshipper's clothes and body must be free from
all impurities
- The
place where the Prayer is to be offered should
be pure and clean
- The
part of the body between the navel and the knees
of a male worshipper must be fully covered,
and the whole body excepting the hands and face
of a female worshipper.
- The
worshipper must face the Ka'ba in the Great
Mosque at Mecca and the direction of Ka'ba outside
Mecca.
- The
worshipper must form the Niyyat (i.e., intention)
in his or her mind of the particular Prayer,
Fard (Obligatory) or Sunnat or Nafl (Optional),
he or she is about to offer.
- The
worshipper must observe the times and rules
prescribed for the respective Prayers.
- The
worshipper must have performed the Wudu (i.e.,
ablution).
- The
worshipper must have performed Ghusl (i.e.,
the washing of the whole body), if he or she
was in a state of grave impurity.
Note:
In order to keep the body clean from dirt and all
minor impurities and to be even ready for prayer,
a Muslim must wash the private parts of his or her
body with water whenever any impure matter issues
from the body.
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Wudu
(Ablution)
4
What is Wudu?
Wudu
is the act of washing those parts of the body which
are generally exposed.
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5
How do you perform the Wudu?
I
perform the Wudu in the following manner:
- I
make myself sure that the water with which I
am going to perform Wudu is pure, clean and
fresh (not used before) and its color, taste
and smell are unchanged
- I
form and have the full intention of performing
the Wudu for offering prayer
- I
recite "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim" i.e., in
the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
- I
then wash my hands upto the wrists three times,
passing the in between each other
- I
cleanse my mouth with brush or finger, and gargle
with water three times
- Then
I rinse the nostrils thrice with water
- I
wash the face from the forehead to the chin
bone and from ear to ear three times
- I
then wash the right hand arm followed by the
left upto the elbows three times.
- I
then brush up the whole head with wet hands,
pass the wet tips of the index finger inside
and the wet tips of the thumb outside the ears,
and pass over the other surface of the hands
over the nape and the sides of the neck.
- I
then wash the feet upto the ankles, the right
foot first and then the left, taking care to
wash in between the toes, each three times.
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6
What are the Obligatory Acts in the performance
of Wudu?
The
obligatory Acts in the performance of Wudu are four:
- Washing
the face
- Washing
both the arms upto the elbows.
- Brushing
over a quarter of the head with wet hands
- Washing
both feet up to the ankles
Notes:
- If
the water to be used for Wudu be stagnant, one
should make sure that the cistern measures ten
yards by ten yards by one foot and is full of
water
- If
a person wears impermeable foot-gear after the
performance of the Wudu, it is not necessary
to remove it for a fresh Wudu. One may just
pass over it wet fingers as if one were tracing
lines on it. Travelers can take advantage of
this concession for three days and three nights,
others for one day and one night.
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Ghusl
(Bath)
7
When does Ghusl become obligatory?
Ghusl
becomes obligatory after:
- Sexual
intercourse
- Discharge
or effusion of semen
- Completion
of menses and confinement
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8
Can you name the obligatory conditions that must
be fulfilled for a valid performance of an obligatory
Ghusl?
The
obligatory condition that must be fulfilled for
a valid performance of an obligatory Ghusl are:
- To
rinse the mouth thoroughly, so that all the
parts are cleaned properly.
- To
rinse the nose right upto the nasal bone
- To
wash all parts of the body thoroughly, including
the hair.
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9
What is the best way of performing an obligatory
Ghusl?
The
best way of performing in obligatory Ghusl is:
- The
person should have the intention (Niyyat) to
cleanse the body from grave impurity at the
time of performing the bath
- He
or she should wash the hands upto the wrists
thrice
- Then
the private parts must be washed thoroughly
thrice
- Filth
must be removed, if there be any, from any of
the parts of the body.
- One
should then perform an ablution
- One
should lastly wash thrice all the parts of the
body, including the hair thoroughly.
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Tayammum
10
What should a person do in place of Wudu or Ghusl,
if one is sick or access cannot be had to water?
When
a person is sick or access cannot be had to water,
one may perform what is called Tayammum in place
of Wudu or Ghusl.
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11
What are the essential requisites for the performance
of a Tayammum?
The
essential requisites for the performance of a Tayammum
are:
- To
have the intention in mind to perform the Tayammum
for the removal of impurities
- To
strike pure earth lightly with the palms of
both the hands
- To
pass the palms of the hands over the face once
- To
again strike lightly pure earth with the palms
of both hands and rub alternately from the tips
of the fingers to the elbows, the forearms and
the hands.
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12
Do you know the acts or circumstances which make
Wudu void?
Yes,
the acts or circumstances which make the Wudu void
are:
- Answering
the call of nature; discharge of semen or issue
of worm or sandy stone or any impure matter
from the front or the hind private parts
- The
passage of wind from the hind private part
- The
act of vomiting a mouthful of matter
- Emission
of blood, puss or yellow matter from a wound,
boil, pimple, etc., to such an extent that is
passes the limits of the mouth of the wound,
etc.
- Loss
of consciousness through sleep, drowsiness,
etc.
- Temporary
insanity, fainting fit, hysteria or intoxication.
- Audible
laughter during prayer
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13
Do the same occurrences nullify tayammum also?
Yes;
the same occurrences nullify Tayammum also, but
in addition Tayammum is nullified as soon as the
cause for performing it is removed i.e., if the
sick person removers, or, if recourse has been taken
to it for lack of water, and access to water becomes
possible.
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14
What acts are forbidden without the performance
of Wudu or Tayammum as the case may be?
The
following three acts are forbidden without the performance
of Wudu or Tayammum as the case may be:
- Prayer
- Walking
round the Holy Ka'ba in Mecca
- Carrying
or touching the Holy Quran
Note:
Children who have not attained the age of discretion,
i.e., about seven years, can carry the Holy Quran
for the purpose of studying.
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15
Does Wudu convey any inner meaning besides the cleanliness
of the body?
Yes,
the primary object is cleanliness or purity, but
spiritual cleanliness and purity, i.e., freedom
from sins which is the main object of religion.
It is preferable, therefore, to recite the following
after Wudu:
Allahummaj'alni minattawwabeena waj'alni minal mutatahahhireen.
'O Allah! make me from among those who repent for
their sins and from among those who keep themselves
pure.
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Azan
16
What is Azan?
Azan
is the first call to Prayer
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17
When and why is the Azan uttered?
The
Azan is uttered in a loud voice to announce to the
faithful that it is time for the Obligatory Prayer
and to invite them to offer the same.
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18
How is Azan recited?
Azan
is recited in a loud voice by the Muezzin (the crier)
facing the direction of Ka'ba in the following words
which are said in the order mentioned:
(1)
Allahu Akbar
i.e. "Allah is Most Great" (four times).
(2)
Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah
i.e., "I bear witness that there is none worthy
of being worshipped except Allah" (twice)
(3)
Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-rasoolullah
i.e., "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle
of Allah" (twice)
(4)
Hayya 'alas-Salah
i.e., "Come to Prayer" (turning the face alone to
the right and saying it twice)
(5)
Hayya 'alal-falah
i.e., "come to Success" (turning the face alone
to the left and saying it twice)
(6)
Allahu Akbar
i.e., " Allah is Most Great" (twice)
(7)
La illaha ill-Allah,
i.e., "There is no deity but Allah (once)
Note:-
The following phrase is added after item (5) in
the Azan of the early morning prayer:
As-salatu khairum minannaum
i.e., "Prayer is better than sleep" (to be said
twice)
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IQAMAT
19
What is Iqamat and when is it uttered?
Iqamat
is the second call to prayer and is uttered immediately
before the beginning of the Obligatory (fard) Prayer.
It is similar to Azan but with the addition of the
sentence, "Qad qama-tis-Salah"
i.e., "Prayer has indeed begun", to be uttered twice
after item (5) above.
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20
What are the Obligatory (Fard) Factors in Prayer?
The
Obligatory Factors in a Prayer are seven in number:
- To
say takbir-i-tahrimah
- Qiyam,
i.e., standing erect and placing the right hand
upon left below the navel
- To
recite some verses from the Holy Quran
- Ruku',
i.e., bowing down in such a way as to grasp
the knees with the hands keeping the back in
a straight line so as to for a right angle with
the legs
- Sajdah,
i.e., prostrating in such a way that both the
palms of the hands, the forehead, the nasal
bone, the knees and the toes of both feet touch
the ground; there must be sufficient space between
the arms and the chest and the legs and the
belly so that they do not touch each other but
remain separate.
- Qa'dah
i.e., sitting down in a reverential posture,
keeping the right foot erect on the toes and
the left one in a reclining position under the
rumps
- To
signify the completion of prayer by work or
action.
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21
Can you name some of the essentials (Wajib) of Prayer?
The
observance of the following eight points are very
essential in any prayer
- To
say takbir-i-tahrima, "Allahu-Akbar"
- To
recite the opening chapter of the Holy Quran
(the Fatihah)
- To
recite any of the other chapters or at least
three consecutive verses of the Holy Quran
- The
recitation of the opening chapter must precede
the recitation of any other chapter or three
consecutive verses of the Holy Quran
- To
avoid a pause between the recitation of the
opening chapter and any other chapter or three
consecutive verses of the Holy Quran
- To
assume all the postures correctly, i.e., undignified
haste must not be practiced in changing the
postures and reasonable pauses must be observed
at each stage.
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Performance
of Prayer
22
Can you give a complete description of the performance
of Prayer?
Yes,
A Prayer consists of either two, three or four Rak'ats,
and a Rak'at is performed thus:-
- I
stand erect, facing the direction of Ka'ba in
Mecca, and after having the Niyyat, i.e., the
intention in my mind of what prayer I am about
to offer and preferably uttering it to myself;
- I
raise both of my hands upto the ears and saying
"Allahu Akbar", bring them down and place the
right hand upon the left below the navel.
- I
then recite:-
(a)

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Subhanak-Alla-humma
wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala
jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuka |
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i.e.,
'All Glory be to Thee, O Allah! and Praise be
to Thee; blessed is Thy Name and exalted Thy
Majesty; and there is none worthy of worship
besides Three.'
(b)
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A'oozu
billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem |
i.e.,
'I betake myself to Allah for refuge from the
accursed Satan.'
(c)
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Bismillah-i-Rah-man-ir-Raheem. |
i.e.,
(I begin) in the name of Allah, the Beneficent,
the Merciful.'
(d) I then recite the Opening Chapter of the
Holy Quran (the Fatiha),

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Alhamdu
lillahi Rabbil-'aalameen ar-Rahman-ir-Rahim,
Maliki yaum-id-deen, iyyakt na'-budu wa
iyyaka nasta'een; ihdinas-sirat-al-mustaqeema
sirat-all-zeena an'amta 'alaihim ghairil
maghdoobi 'alai-him wal-lad-dalleen. Ameen! |
i.e.,
'All Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds,
the Beneficent, the Merciful, Owner of the Day
of Judgment. Thee alone we worship and Thee
alone we ask for help. Show us the straight
path, the path of those whom Thou hast favoured,
not (the path of) those who earn Thine anger
nor (of) those who go astray, Amen!'
(e) I immediately follow up this by reciting
some passage from the Holy Quran, which should
not consist of less than three consecutive verses.
For this purpose any one of the small chapters
may be selected, as for instance, the chapter
termed " The Unity":-

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Qul
huw-allahu Ahad, Allahus-Samad, lam yalid
wa lam yoolad, wa lam yakum lahoo kufuwan
ahad. |
i.e.,
'Say: He is Allah, the One-Allah, the eternally
besought of all! He begets not, nor is He begotten.
And there is none comparable unto Him.'
Note:- If a small chapter be recited, it is
preferable to precede it by: " Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem,:
(f) Then saying "Allahu Akbar", I bow down in
Ruku' and say thrice:-
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Subhana
Rabbiyal-Azeem |
i.e.,
'How glorious is my Lord, the Great!'
(g) I again assume the standing position, letting
the hands remain on the sides and say:
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Sami'
Allahu liman hamidah.
Rabbana lakal-hamd. |
i.e.,
'Allah has listened to him who has praised him;
Our Lord praise be to Thee.'
(h) Then saying "Allahu Akbar", I prostrate
myself and perform the Sajdah, saying thrice:-
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Subhana
Rabbiyal-a'la. |
i.e.,
'All glory be to my Lord, the Most High.'
(i) I then raise myself and, sitting for a while
in a reverential posture, termed Jalsah, say
once:-
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Allahummaghfirli
war-hamni. |
i.e.,
'O Allah! forgive me and have mercy upon me.'
(j) I then perform the second Sajdah exactly
in the same way as the first one.
This finishes one Rak'at. I then say "Allahu
Akbar", and standing erect once again, repeat
all that I had done in the performance of the
first Rak'at with the exception of items (a)
and (b), which are meant to be recited in the
first Rak'at only.
(k) After the second Rak'at's second sajdah
is over, I saying "Allahu Akbar, "sit down in
the reverential posture called, Qa'da-tul-Oola
(first sitting) or Qa'ada-tul-Akhira (last sitting)
as the case may be, and recite Tashahhud alone
in the former case :-
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At-tahiyyatu
lillahi was-salwaytu wat-taiyyabatu assalamu
'alaika ayyu-hannabiyyu wa rahma-tullahi
wa barrakatuhu assalamu 'alaina wa 'ala
'ibadillah-is-sali-heen, ash-hadu an la
ilaha ill-Allahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammad-dan
'abduhoo wa rasooluh. |
i.e.,
'All reverence, all worship, all sancity are
due to Allah. Peace be on you O Prophet! and
Mercy of Allah and His Blessings, Peace be on
us and all the righteous servants of Allah.
I bear witness to the fact that none is deserving
of worship except Allah and I bear witness to
the fact that Muhammad is His Servant and Apostle.
(l) If more than tow Rak'ats are to be performed,
I, Saying Allahu Akbar", stand up again, and
completing one or two Rak'ats, as the case may
be, sit down in the reverential posture called
"Qa'datul-Akhira, which is also obviously adopted
if the prayer consists of two Rak'ats only.
In the reverential posture, I recite in addition
to tashahhud, the salawat,
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Allahumma
salli 'ala sayyidina Muhammadin wa 'ala
ali say-yidina Muhammadin kam sallaita
'ala say-yidina Ibrahima wa 'ala ali sayyidina
Ibrahim innaka Ham-dun Majeed.
Allahumma barik 'ala sayyidina Muhammadin
wa 'ala ali say-yidina Muhammadin kam
barakta 'ala say-ydiina Ibrahim wa 'ala
ali sayyidina Ibrahima innaka Hami-dun
Majeed. |
i.e.,
'O Allah! Shower Thy blessings on our leader
Muhammad and his descendants as Thous showeredest
Thy blessings on our leader Abraham and his
descendants; verily, Thou art the Praise-worthy,
the Glorious.
'O Allah! bless our leader Muhammad and his
descendents as Thou blessedest our leader Abraham
and his descendants; verily, Thou are the Praise-worthy,
the Glorious'.
(m) I then recite the following du'a:-
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Allahumma
inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kaseeran wa
la yagh-firuz-zunooba illa anta faghfirli
maghfiratan min'indika war-hamni, innaka
antal-Ghafoor-ur-Raheem. |
i.e.,
'O Allah! I have been extremely unjust to myself
and none grants forgiveness against sins but
Thou; therefore forgive me Thou with the forgiveness
that comes from Thee and have mercy upon me.
Verily, Thou art the Forgiver, the Merciful.'
(n) I then turn my face to the right and say
the salam:-
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Assalamu
'alaikum wa rahmatullah |
i.e.,
'Peace be upon you and mercy of Allah'. Then
I turn my face to the left and repeat the same.
Here the Prayer is completed.
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23
What should a worshipper do if he or she unconsciously
omits any of the essentials of prayer or suspects
that he or she has performed more than the prescribed
number of ruku's, sajdahs, rak'ats, etc.?
If
a worshipper omits any of the essentials of a prayer
or suspects that he or she has performed more than
the required number of Ruku's, Sjdahs, Rek'ats,
etc., he or she should perform one salam after reciting
Tashahud and, making two Sajdahs, should again recite
Tashahhud, Salawat and Du'a and complete the prayer
with the usual tow Salams. (This is called sajdatus-Sahw)
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24
What acts nullify a prayer?
The
acts that nullify one's prayer are:
- Talking
- Doing
any three acts in succession
- Emission
of impure matter from the body or annulment
of Wudu in any way.
- Drinking
or eating during prayer
- Turning
the chest away from the direction of Ka'ba.
- Committing
breach of any of the obligatory factors of a
prayer
- If
the body between the navel and the knees becomes
uncovered in the case of males, or any part
of the body excepting the hands and the face
in the case of females.
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25
What does the term Qa'da-tul-Oala mean?
The
reverential sitting posture that one adopts after
the completion of the two Rak'ats of a prayer, consisting
of three or four, for reciting tashahhud is called
Qa'datul-Oola
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26
What is Qa'datul-Akhira?
The
final reverential sitting posture which a worshipper
assumes after the completion of the prescribed number
of Rak'ats of any particular prayer, for the recitation
of tashahhud, salawat and du'a is called Qa'datul
Akhira.
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27
How many kinds of Prayers are there?
There
are five kinds of Prayers:
- Fard
al'-ain, i.e., the compulsory prayer that must
not be missed on any account whatsoever. This
obligatory prayer must be offered at any cost
for if one fails to do so he or she will be
liable to severe punishment. The nature of its
importance is evident from the fact that if
one denies its obligatory nature, he or she
is classed as an unbeliever.
- Fard
al-kifayah is the kind of prayer which should
preferably be offered by all those present at
the time, but one at least out of the group
must offer it to free the others from responsibility;
for example, if any one individual from amongst
the inhabitants of a locality where Death of
a Muslim has taken place or from those who join
the funeral procession to the cemetery offer
the 'Funeral Prayer', the obligation of all
concerned is fulfilled.
- Wajib
is a prayer which comes next in rank of Fard
al'ain in accordance with the importance attached
to if by the Holy Prophet.
- Sunnat-ul-mu'akkadah
is the class of prayer which the Holy Prophet
used to offer daily without fail and has ordered
his followers to do so. One is liable to be
questioned for neglecting to offer the same
without some very cogent reasons.
- Sunnatu
ghairil-mu'akkadah is the kind of prayer which
the Prophet offered occasionally and desired
his followers to do so.
- Nafl
is a voluntary prayer and it is commended for
the uplift of one's soul, and for the acquirement
of spiritual benefits.
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28
How may kinds of Fard prayers are there?
There
are only two kinds of Fard prayers:
- The
daily obligatory Prayers.
- The
special congregational Prayers on Fridays.
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29
Can you name the daily Obligatory Prayers?
Yes,
the daily Obligatory Prayers are five in number:
- Salatul-Fajr,
i.e., the early morning prayer which must be
offered after dawn and before sunrise
- Salatus-Zuhr,
i.e., the early afternoon prayer, the time time
for which commences immediately after the sun
begins to decline, and lasts till it is about
midway on its course to setting.
- Salatul-Asr,
i.e., the late afternoon prayer which must be
offered sometime after the sun is bout midway
on its course to setting, until a little before
it actually begins to set.
- Salatul-Maghrib,
i.e., the evening prayer which must be offered
between the sunset and the disappearance of
the light similar to the light at dawn, which
follows when the red glow from the horizon in
the West has vanished.
- Salatul-Isha,
i.e., the night prayer which must be offered
any time after the time for Salatul-Maghrib
comes to an end, and before the break of dawn,
but it should preferably be offered before midnight.
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30
How many Rak'ats are compulsory in each of the five
daily Obligatory Prayers?
The
number of Rak'ats compulsory in the five daily Obligatory
Prayers are:
- Two
in Salatul-Fajr (the early morning prayer)
- Four
in Salatul-Zuhr (the afternoon prayer)
- Four
in Salatul-Asr (the late afternoon prayer)
- Three
in Salatul-Maghrib (the evening prayer)
- Four
in Salatul-Isha (the night prayer)
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31
How many Rak'ats of Sunnatul-mu'akkadah should be
offered along with each of the five daily Obligatory
Prayers?
The
number of Rak'ats is as follows:-
- Two
before the Fard of Salatul-Fajr.
- four
before and two after the Fard of Salauz-Zuhr
- None
before or after the Fard of Salatul-Asr
- two
after the Fard of Salatul-Maghrib
- Two
after the Fard of Salatul-Isha
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32
When is Wajib-ul-witr prayer to be offered?
It
should be offered after the Fard and and sunnatul-ku'akkadah
of Salatul-Isha
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33
Of how many Rak'ats does Wajib-ul-witr consist?
It
consists of three Rak'ats
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34
How does it differ from other prayers?
It
differs from other prayers in this respect, that,
in the third rak'at, before one bows down for the
performance of Ruku, one should say "Allahu Akbar",
raising the hands unto the ears and after placing
them in the former position below the navel, one
should recite the following du'a called du'aal-Qanoot:-
Allahumma
inna nasta'eenuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu'minu bika
wa natawakkalu 'alaika wa nusni 'alaikal khair wa
nashkuruka wa la nakfuruka wa nakhla'u wa natruku
manyyafjuruka : Allahumma iyyaka na'bud. we laka
nusalli wa nasjudu wa ilaika nas'aa wa nahfidu wa
narggo rahmataka, wa nakhsha 'azabaka inna 'azabaka
bilkuffari mulhiq.
i.e.,
'O Allah! we beseech Thy help and ask Thy pardon
and believe in Thee and trust in thee, and we praise
Thee in the best manner and we thank Thee and we
are not ungrateful to Thee, and we cast off and
forsake one who disobeys Thee. O Allah! Thee alone
do we serve and to Thee do we pray and make obeisance
and to Thee do we flee and we are quick (in doing
so), and we hope for Thy mercy and fear thy chastisement;
surely thy chastisement overtakes the unbelievers.'
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Salat-ul-Janazah
(Funeral Prayers)
35
How is Salat-ul-Janazah offered?
Salat-ul-Janazah
is offered in the congregation as follows:
- The
body of the deceased is placed in a coffin and
with its face turned towards the ka'ba and the
Imam standing by its side with the intention
(Niyyat) of offering Salat-ul-Janazah for the
particular dead person raises both hands up
to the ears and says "Allahu Akbar", the congregation
following his lead. The usual Niyyat for the
Salat-ul-Janazah is:

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Navaitu
an uwaddiya lillahi ta'ala araba'a takbiraati
salatiljana-zati, ath-thanaau lillahi
ta'ala was-salatu lirra-sooli wad-du'au
lihazal mayyiti (lihazihil mayyiti, in
case the deceased is a female), iqtadaitu
bihaz al-Imami mutawajjihan ila jihatil
Ka'ba-tish-Sharifah |
-
-
i.e.,
I intend to offer for Allah, the Sublime, four
takbirs of Funeral Prayer, Praise for Allah,
the Sublime, and Blessings (of Allah) for the
Apostle and prayer for this deceased person;
I adopt the lead of this Imam, with my face
turned in the direction of the honored Ka'ba
-
The
Imam and the congregation then join their hands
below the navel and recite:-

|
Subhanak
- Allahumma wa bihamddika wa taba-rakasmuk
wa ta'ala jadduka wa jalla tha-nu'uka
wa la ilaha ghairuka. |
-
The
Imam and the congregation then say "Allahu Akbar",
(this time without raising their hands), and
recite the salawat.
-
The
Imam and the congregation then say Allahu Akbar",
as in (2) and recite:-
(a) If the deceased hand attained the age of
puberty, then the following Du'a:-

|
Allahummaghfir
li hay-yina wa mayyatina wa shahidina
wa gha'ibina wa saghirina wa kabi-rina
wa zakarina wa unthana; Allahumma man
ahyaitahu minna fa-ahyihee 'alal Islam,
wa man tawaffaitahu minna fatawaffahu
'alal Iman. |
i.e.,
'O Allah! Pardon our living and our dead, the
present and the absent, the young and the old,
the males and the females. O Allah! (he or she)
to whom Thou accordest life, cause him to live
in the observation of Islam, and he to whom
Thou givest death, cause him to die in the state
of Iman.'
(b) If the deceased is a minor and a boy, then
the following Du'a:-

|
Allahummaj'alhu
lana fartan waj'alhu lana ajran wa zakhran
waj-'alhu lana shafi'an wa mushaffa'an |
i.e.,
'O Allah! make him our fore-runner, and make
him, for us, a reward and treasure, and make
him, for us, a pleader, and accept his pleading.
(c) If the deceased is a minor and a girl, then
the following Du'a:-

|
Allahummaj'alha
lana fartan waj'alha lana ajran wa zukhran
waj-'alha lana shafi'atan wa mushaffa'atan. |
i.e.,
'O Allah! make her our fore-runner, and make
her, for us, a reward and a treasure, and make
her, for us, a pleader and accept her pleading.'
-
Then
the Imam and the congregation say "Allahu Akbar',
as in (3). then turning their faces alone to
the right they say: "Assallamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullah".
then they turn their faces (alone) to the left
and say: "Assalamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullah'.
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36
When should one curtail the Obligatory Prayers?
When
one is travelling with the intention of proceeding
forty eight miles or over from the home, one should
offer two Rak'ats of Fard Prayers for those which
comprise four, and continue to do the same after
one's arrival at a destination if one does not intent
to prolong his or her stay there for fifteen days
or more.
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37
At what time is one prohibited to offer Fard, Sunnat
or Nafl prayers?
One
is forbidden to offer either Fard, Sunnat or Nafl
prayers at:
- The
time when the Sun is rising
- The
time when the Sun is at its zenith
- the
time when the Sun is setting
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38
Are there any other times when one should not offer
the Nafl prayers?
Yes.
One should not offer Nafl prayers during:-
- The
interval between the offering of the Fard of
Salatul-Fajr and the rising of the sun.
- After
the Iqamat is called for any congregational
prayer at a mosque.
- The
time between the offering of the Fard of Salatul-'Asr
and the setting of the sun.
- The
time between the setting of the sun and the
offering of the Fard of Maghrib prayers
- The
time between the Imam's getting up from his
place for delivering the Khutba, i.e., the sermon,
and the completion of Friday congregational
Prayers.
- At
the time of any Khutba, e.g., Friday, 'Id, etc.
- The
time between the fajr prayer and the 'Id prayers.
- After
the 'Id prayers at the premises where the same
have been offered
- At
the time of Hajj in Arafat after the Zuhr and
Asr prayers are offered together
- The
time between the Maghrib and Isha prayers at
Muzadalifa
- When
there is very little time left for offering
the Fards of any of the daily prayers
- When
one feels the need to answer a call of nature
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Salat-ul-Jumu'a
39
What is Salat-ul-Jumu'a?
It
is a congregational Prayer only and cannot be offered
alone. Consequently, an Imam (i.e., Leader) is necessary
to lead the prayers. The Imam first of all delivers
a Khutba in tow parts consisting of praise of Allah
and Prayers of Blessings for the Holy Prophet, and
some admonition to the congregation. He then prays
to Allah for the welfare of all Muslims. After that
he leads two rak'ats of the Fard of Jumu'a and all
other follow him, as usual in congregational prayers.
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40
Who should be chosen to lead the Prayers?
The
one most conversant with Islamic theology among
those present should be requested to lead the Prayers
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41
How is the Congregational Prayer offered?
The
Imam stands in front of the congregation facing
the direction of Ka'ba, and all the other worshippers
stand in lines behind him and follow his lead, i.e.,
they stand when he stands, perform Ruku' when he
does it, and so on.
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42
Should a person offering his prayers with a congregation
repeat all the requisite recitations?
Yes,
One should recite everything excepting the Opening
chapter of the Holy Quran followed by some some
other passage from it which the Imam recites on
behalf of the congregation.
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43
What Prayers are offered in congregation in the
daily Prayers?
Only
the Fard of each Prayer is offered in a congregation,
and not Sunnat or Nafl
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44
What should one do if one misses the congregation
for any Prayer (Fard)?
If
one misses congregation for any Prayer, one should
offer it alone or, if possible, join or arrange
to have another congregation; but one misses the
congregation of Salat-ul-Jumu'a one should offer
by oneself the usual fard of Sal;at-uz-Zuhr.
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45
Of how may rak'ats do the 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ud-Adha
Prayers consist?
Each
one of them consist of two Rak'ats
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46
How are those two Rak'ats offered?
They
are offered in the congregation thus:-
- The
Imam as usual stands in front of the congregation,
and facing the direction of the Ka'ba and having
the intention of offering the particular prayers
says aloud: "Allahu Akbar", and the congregation
follows his lead.
- Then
the Imam and the congregation place their hands
below the navel as usual, and at short intervals
perform three "takbeers", i.e., say "Allahu
Akbar", raising the hands to the ears and letting
them remain at the sides at the end of each
"takbeer". After the end of third "takbeer",
the hands are placed below the navel, and the
Imam recites Subhanak Allahumma, etc.," inaudibly,
followed by the audible recitation of Suratul
Fatiha (the Opening chapter) and some other
chapter or passage form the Holy Quran and finishes
the Rak'at in the prescribed manner.
- In
the second Rak'at, the order is reversed, for
the recitation of Qur'anic passages are made
first and then the Imam and the congregation
perform the three "takbeers" as in the first
one., and then saying "Allahu Akbar" for the
fourth time, bow down in the Ruku' and complete
the prayer as usual.
- After
the prayer is over, the Imam mounts the pulpit
and delivers two Khutbas or sermons. At the
time of 'Id-ul-Fitr, the Imam explains the
commandements regarding the payment or distribution
of Sadaqat-ul-fitr an on the occasion of 'Id-ud-Adha,
the commandments are about the sacrifice of
animals.
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47
What are the daily Sunnatu-ghair-il-mu'ak-kadah
Prayers?
The
are :-
- Four
Rak'ats before the Fard of Salatul-'Asr.
- Four
Rak'ats before the Fard of Saltul-'Isha'.
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Nafl
Prayers
48
What are the various special optional (Nafl) Prayers?
They
are :-
- Salat-ul-Ishraq,
which consists of two or four Rak'ats and may
be offered after sunrise
- Salat-ud-Duha,
which consists of two to eight Rak'ats and may
be offered any time after the Salat-ul-Ishraq
till the sun's declination.
- Salat-ul-Tahiyya-tul-Masjid,
which consists of two Rak'ats and my be offered
on entering a mosque
- Salat-ul-tahajjud,
which consists of four to twelve Rak'ats and
may be offered after mid-night preferably after
having slept for some time. This prayer has
been specially recommended in the Holy Quran
for attaining spiritual progress
- Salatul-Kusufain,
which consists of two Rak'ats and may be offered
during the eclipse of the Sun or the Moon.
- Salat-ut-Taravih,
which consists of twenty Rak'ats and is offered
in tan Salams of two Rak'ats each, each night
in the month of Ramadan only after the Obligatory
'Isha Prayers. It is very commendable to complete
the whole Quran by reciting consecutive portions
of it in each of its Rak'ats after the recitation
of Surat-ul-Fatiha, and thus finish the whole
Quran by the end of Ramadan.
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49
In which Rak'ats of the prayers is the recitation
of the Holy Quran made audibly?
The
recitation of Surat-ul-Fatiah and some other chapter
or passage of the Holy Quran is made audibly in:
- The
two Rak'ats of the Fard of Salatud-Fajr.
- The
first two Rak'ats of the Fard of Salatul-Maghrib.
- The
First two Rak'ats of the Fard of Salaul-'Isha'.
- The
two Rak'ats of Salatul-Jumu'a.
- The
two Rak'ats of both 'Id Prayers.
- In
all the twenty Rak'ats of the optional Taraveeh
Prayers in the month of Ramadan.
- In
the three Rak'ats of the Wajib-ul-Witr Prayers
in the month of Ramadan only.
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50
In what Rak'ats and what Prayers is the recitation
of the Holy Quran made inaudible?
In
all the Rak'ats of the Fard of Salatuz-Zuhr and
Salat 'Asr and the last one and two Rak'ats respectively
of the Saltul-Maghrib and the Salatul-Isha. The
Fatiha alone is recited in these Rak'ats as also
in the last two Rak'ats of Saltuz-Zuhr and Salatul-Asr.
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51
What Prayers should be offered in congregation?
The
Prayers that should be offered in congregation are
:-
- All
Fards of the five Obligatory Prayers
- The
Fard of Salatul-Jumu'a
- Both
the 'Id Prayers
- Salatut-Taraveeh
in the month of ramadan
- Wajib-ul-Witr
in the month of Ramadan only
- Funeral
Prayer
- Salatul-Kausuf
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52
Could you provide information related to ID Prayers
?
ID
Prayers (Salatul 'Idain)
'Id
prayer is a strongly recommended and important tradition
in Islam and the Prophet (peace be upon him) never
neglected it. He is reported to have ordered the
men, women and children to proceed to the 'Id prayer
ground.
Even menstruating women are encouraged to go to
the 'Id ground but they should keep away from the
actual place of prayer.
SELF
PREPARATION FOR 'ID PRAYER
It
is highly recommended to have ablution (Islamically
correct bath or ghusl) and to use the most beautiful
dresses and the best perfumes one can obtain. The
Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do so. There
is also a tradition that one should eat something,
preferably dates, before going tot he 'Id ul Fitr
prayer and to eat nothing before the 'Id ul Adha
prayer.
Time:
The
time for 'Id ul Adha is when the sun has risen two
meters (7ft.) above the horizon and the time for
'Id ul Fitr is while the sun has risen to three
meters (10 ft.) above the horizon. 'Id prayers cannot
be said after midday.
Place:
It
is better to hold 'Id prayers in an open place for
ground if there is no obstacle like rain or bad
weather. The Prophet never performed 'Id prayers
in the mosque except one due to rain.
No
Adhan, No Iqamah:
There
is neither Adhan nor Iqama for 'Id prayers.
Performance
of 'Id Prayers:
'Id
prayer consists of two Rak'a with twelve takbeers,
(Allahu Akbar), seven in the first rak'a and five
in the second. In the first Rak'a just after takbeeratul
Iharm, say seven takbeeras lifting your hands with
each takbeera and after finishing seven Takbeeras
go on with prayer in the usual way (reading al Fatiha
and surah aloud). In the beginning of the second
Rak'a say five Takbeeras in the usual way. There
is no special Dhikr between takbeeras - you can
say Subhanalla Walhamdu Lillahi wa Laa Ilaha Illallahu
Wallahu Akbar.
Khutba:
After
performing the Salat, the Imam must deliver khutba
just like jum'a khutba. But Imam Nawwai and some
other scholars say that the khutba of 'Id is not
broken up into two parts and a period of sitting
in between
Returning:
On
returning from the salat, it is recommended to take
a different route than that which was taken to the
prayer.
Takbir:
It
is strongly recommended to repeat in a loud voice
(a)Allahu akbar, on the way to the salat and while
waiting for the imam; (b) to repeat Allahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa allahu, wa Allahu Akbar,
wa lillahi-I-hamd after every congregational prayer
starting from the fajr, (dawn prayer) on the day
of Arafat (ninth day of Zhul Hijja), to the 'asr
(afternoon prayer) on the last of the Days of Tashriq
(the thirteenth day of Dhul Hijja). For the Pilgrims,
the starting time is the dhur, (noon prayer) of
the Day of Nahr (tenth of Dhul Hijja).
It is clear that this takbir applies only to 'Id
ul Adha while the first applies to both.
Zakatul
Fitr:
Zakatul
Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman,
adult and child. It should be distributed before
the prayer of 'Id. Every person, having savings
beyond his own and his family's feeding for one
day and night should give for himself and everyone
he looks after. Zakatul Fitr is meant to purify
the fasting (saum) and to keep everybody in society
happy and pleasant - rich and poor equally - so
that nobody should go hungry on that day. Thus,
it presents a magnificent example of comprehensive
social justice in Islam.
Sacrificial
Slaughter (udhhiya)
Udhhiya
or sacrificial slaughter on 'Id ul Ahda is a strongly
recommended tradition. It reflects the fact that
the Muslim is being a committed, obedient servant
of Allah is always ready to sacrifice anything,
even his life, in Allah's way. Udhhiya is a imitation
and remembrance of the great sacrifice that Prophet
Ibrahim submitted to God by attempting to sacrifice
his own son, Isma'il, to fulfil the command of Allah
Almighty.
The following are essentials of sacrifice:
- Allah's
name (Bismillahi Allahu Akbar) must be said
while slaughtering.
- Udhiya
cannot be slaughtered before 'Id prayer. It
should be done immediately after prayers or
in the three days after 'Id: Dhul hajj 11, 12,
13.
- Udhhiya
can be a goat, sheep, cow, bull, buffalo, or
camel of either sex. Pregnant female animals
should not be slaughtered. Seven persons can
share in the last named four animals.
- The
meat of the slaughtered animal should be divided
into three parts. It is essential to give one
third as gift to the poor and the needy. One
third should be given to friends and relatives
and one third kept to oneself.
- For
one who intends to make the sacrificial slaughter
it is sunnah not to share his hair or clip his
nails after Dhul Hajj moon is sighted, until
the time of slaughter. (Sahih Muslim)
Enjoyment
in 'Id Days:
Islam
urges us to enjoy life with every lawful means of
enjoyment. Especially on 'Id days the Islamic spirit
of enjoyment and brotherhood becomes manifest. Thus
Islam nourishes the spiritual aspirations of mankind
along with is physical abilities.
On these days everyone should be happy with his
wife, his children, his Muslim brothers and sisters.
Show mutual concern by exchanging gifts, smiling
on the face of each other and expressing sincere
love and affection to show the bondage of real brotherhood
which stems from the belief in Allah. All Muslims
should cherish brotherly feeling in their hearts
towards each other, avoid talking behind each other's
backs, avoid blaming one another and avoid causing
disruption in the Muslim community. These are days
when we should glorify the symbols of Allah and
observe His signs to have piety in our hearts.
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53
How to prepare the Deceased and perform Janazah
Prayers?
Preparation
of the Deceased and Janazah Prayers
There
are five main points for the preparation of a Muslim's
body for burial; we present briefly the procedure
involved in each of them:
(I)
Body Washing or "Ghusl"
Washing the deceased's body is obligatory on Muslims;
it is a Fard Kafaya, i.e., if some members take
the responsibility of doing it the need is fulfilled,
but if on one fulfills it then all Muslims will
be accountable. Washing can be carried out in the
following way:
- A
man's body should be washed by men and a women's
by women, but a child's body may be washed by
either sex. A husband can wash his wife's body
and vice-versa if the need arises.
- Only
one person is needed for washing with someone
to help him.
- It
is better to choose for this the person who
knows best how to perform ghusl.
- Place
the body on a high place, e.g., a table or something
similar.
- Remove
the deceased's clothes (garments) leaving the
private parts covered.
- Press
the stomach gently and clean whatever comes
out.
- For
washing use a piece of cloth or your hands.
- Only
clean water my be used; add some scented oils
(non alcoholic) in the final wash. It is preferable
to use warm water.
- Perform
ablution (wudu) for the body, cleaning the teeth
and nose from outside only.
- Wash
three times, but if the body in not yet cleaned,
continue washing five or seven times - it must
be odd numbers.
Turn the body on its left side and begin washing
the right side. Then turn it on its right side
to wash the left side. This is done in each
wash. The first and second washes are done with
water and soap, while the last one with water
and scent.
- Hair
should be unbraided, washed and combed, For
women it may again be braided in three braids.
- Dry
the body with clean cloth or towel.
- Add
some perfume on the head, forehead, nose, hands,
knees, eyes, armpits, and place perfumed cotton
on the front and rear openings.
(II)
Wrapping (Kafan)
- It
must be a clean piece of cloth (preferably white)
to cover the whole body.
- Add
some perfume to the kafan (non-alcoholic).
- Do
not use silk cloth for men.
- Use
three pieces for men and five for women, [but
each one must cover the whole body.]
- Tie
the front and the rear with a piece of cloth
(from the same kafan) in such a way that one
can differentiate the head from the legs.
(III)
Prayers (Salat)
- It
is better that those praying divide themselves
into three rows facing the qibla with the Imam
in front.
- Put
the body (or bodies) in front of the Imam.
- The
Imam should stand by the middle of the body
if the deceased is a man and by the shoulder
if she is a woman.
- If
there are more than one one body, then they
should be but one in front of the other, those
of the men nearest to the Imam and those of
the women farthest from him.
- Having
the appropriate neeyat in your heart, raise
your hands in the usual manner and say, Allahu
Akbar.
- Then
fold and hold your hands on your breast in the
usual manner, the right hand on the left.
- Read
al Fatiha quietly.
- Say
Allahu Akbar without raising the hands.
- Pray
for the Prophet in the same way as you do in
tashahud.
- Say
Allahu Akbar (don't raise your hands).
- Make
du'a for the deceased.
- Say
Allahu Akbar (don't raise your hands).
- Make
du'a for the Muslims.
- Say
Assalaamu 'Alaikum, thus finishing the prayer.
It
is clear from this description that all this prayer
is done while one is standing - there is no ruku
or sujud in it.
(IV)
Funeral
- Procession:
Mourners should walk in front or beside the
bier. Those who are riding or driving should
follow it.
- Silence
is recommended.
- It
is absolutely forbidden to accompany the body
with music or crying.
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|