Muslim and Muslima – The Fundamentalist Couple

Part 2 - About Sex Education in United Arab Emirates Schools and Else where

Recently, the couple had heard of children getting into illegal sexual activities at schools. They had also read about the growing concern to educate children about sex in various newspapers by people advocating Sex Education for students in UAE schools and other countries.

Their concern on the matter led to the following discussion.

Muslima: have you recently read the articles concerning the need for sex education in schools in UAE and other countries? A lot of people are confused to talk and teach their children about sex. I was just thinking, I would be a little apprehensive too. I mean, keeping in mind no one in my family or school taught me about it, so it would be a little difficult teaching my children about matters relating to sex and what Islam makes lawful or not.

Muslim: I understand your concern, but do you realise that the matter has more to do with our culture than the religion? In our culture, and so many other cultures parents don’t like to discuss this topic. Considering that sex has become a menace instead of being a highly respected relationship between a man and a woman. Illegal sexual relationships are casually propagated on T.V, while we stop our children from seeing or hearing about it. Both being extremes. Our tendency to keep them away from such immorality makes every child thinks that sex is a shameful act. Children by nature are curious and may have tendencies to commit acts which give them pleasure even if they are wrong, because they don’t know the difference between the right and wrong of their action. Neither are they educated about it by us on this particular topic since we don’t consider it culturally decent enough to talk about.

Muslima: So husband, point is we indirectly should be held accountable for our children’s transgression. Since, it is us who should be discussing theright and wrong of physical relationships with our children rather than expecting schools to teach them.

Muslim: Yes, we should be held accountable for it, because we give priority to our culture in instead of our religion. See, even if you don’t give sex education to your own children nowadays there is a 99% chance that they are going to learn about it from somewhere else. This can be negative sex education too. So even if it’s culturally shameful to talk about sex, it is better for us to help our children gain knowledge about it that will be beneficial in shaping their lives.

Muslima: Yes you are right, I realize now it’s all about culture. Sometimes humans have the tendency to pick up something which seems right but it has more to do with culture, while ignoring the fact that our Religion (Islam) teaches our children about sex from an early age and it talks openly about it. When Islam already teaches our children, then why do we expect schools to teach them? Instead we should take the initiative to teach them the Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) because they describe every physical aspect of a man and a woman and rights and wrongs.

Muslim: yes, that’s the whole point. we are so much in to our culture that we tend to forget that Islam teaches us about abortion, complications of illegal sex, do’s and don’ts when women have menstrual cycles, It even teaches us pleasures of a legal intercourse and having children through it. Personal hygiene, supplications for legal intercourse, Islam even talks about sexual positions during the intercourse. Basically it fulfils the education on this matter that a child requires and we look for it somewhere else. If you study sex in Islam you will come to terms with every aspect of a physical relationship and its complications whether good or bad. It’s just that people have to understand that Islam does not restrict you to teach your children because Allah Himself teaches humans. So why are humans reluctant to spread the knowledge which is given by Allah Himself? Islam has taught us the need for sex education 1400 years back and all so called modern human beings haven’t come to terms with it yet. There is a need to teach our children about it and they are still trying to pass laws. When it is a very important part of a human being and all the religions of this world, I guess every religion on the face of earth teaches its followers the pros and cons of sexual relationships.

Muslima: Well having realised the importance of it all, and how much time other people waste
contemplating educating their children about sex even in this century, I won’t be wasting my time anymore. My laws were revealed 1400 years go I have no right to wait anymore. I will start teaching my kids from now on so they should know the rights and wrongs of it.

Muslim: I am happy that you would overlook culture and concentrate on the teachings of your religion. Surely religion has more to give you then the culture, which was created by humans. Humans usually come to terms with reality when it is too late, as you can see what children around us do. Turn to Allah cause he is the one who guides us all and will surely guide our children.

Significance of Sunnah

No devout Muslim would ever dare to go against the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah, but it is regrettable to note that some of the liberal elite tend to raise the slogan that the Book of God (i.e. the Qur'an) is enough and that there is no need at all for the Sunnah of the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of God be upon him. Slogans like this are raised mainly by people who want to get rid of the Islamic Law (Arabic: Sharee`ah) completely.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, himself was well-aware that such ill-natured opinions would arise and hence gave a clear warning of this as reported by Al-Miqdam Ibn Ma'di Karib, one of his Companions: "I have indeed been given the Qur'an and something similar to it besides it. Yet, the time will come when a man leaning on his couch will say, 'Follow the Qur'an only; what you find in it as halaal, take it as halaal, and what you find in it as haraam, take it as haraam.' But truly, what the Messenger of God has forbidden is like what God has forbidden." (Reported by Abu Dawood and Darimi.)

In fact, ANYONE WHO REJECTS THE SUNNAH OF THE PROPHET, PEACE BE UPON HIM, DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE QUR'AN, for Almighty God Himself has emphasized the importance of the Sunnah in many verses, of which a few are given below.

"O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you; and if you differ in anything among yourselves, then refer it to God and the Messenger if you do believe in God and the Last Day. That is best and most suitable for final determination." (Surat Al-Nisa' 4:59)

"The answer of the believers, when summoned to God and His Messenger in order that he may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, 'We hear and we obey'. It is such as these who will attain success." (Surat Al-Nur 24:51)

"But no, by your Lord! (O Muhammad) They cannot be believers until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest submission." (Surat Al-Nisa' 4:65)

Ana’s reported that the Messenger of God said: "I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of God and my Sunnah." (Reported by Haakim.)

The Companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to hold the commandments given by the Prophet, peace be upon him, in a very high esteem, making no distinctions between them and those given by God.

Once 'Abdullah Ibn Mas`ood quoted this saying of the Prophet (hadeeth) while he was delivering a sermon: "May God curse the women who tattoo their bodies and those who pluck their eyebrows; those who separate their teeth to make them look prettier and those who try to change the creation of God." A woman named Umm Yaqub from the tribe of Banu Asad came to know of these words. She approached Ibn Mas`ood and said: "O Abu 'Abd ar-Rahman! It was reported to me that you have cursed such and such women." He said: "Why should I not curse those whom the Prophet, peace be upon him, cursed and who are cursed in the Book of God as well." She said: "I have read whatever is contained between the two covers (i.e. the whole Qur'an)." Had you been a good reader, you would have discovered it. Did you not read the following verse?

"So take whatever the Messenger gives you and keep away from what he forbids you." (Surat Al-Hashr 59:7)

Let us see what the four great Imams (i.e. religious scholars) have said about the authority of the Sunnah.

a) IMAM ABU HANIFAH was asked: "What do we do if we find a saying of yours opposing the Book of God?" He replied: "Leave my saying and stick to the Book of God." The questioner asked: "What if it contradicts a saying of the Prophet?" Abu Haneefah said: "Leave my saying in the face of the Prophet's saying." Again he was asked: "What if it goes against the saying of a Companion?" Again he said: "Leave my saying in the face of the Companion's saying." (Reported in Al-Qawl al-Mufeed by Shawkani.) Imam Abu Haneefah also declared: "My way (Arabic: madhhab) is whatever hadeeth (saying of the Prophet) that is proved to be authentic." (Shami 1:50, Al-Fulani in Iqaz, p. 62.)

b) The saying of IMAM MALIK IBN ANAS is well-known: "The saying of any person can be accepted or rejected, except for the Prophet of God, peace be upon him." (Reported by Ibn 'Abd al-Barr and Ibn Hazm. Also in Al-Yawaqeet WA Al-Jawahir 2:96.) He also said: "I am just a mortal; sometimes 1 am wrong, sometimes I am right - so check my opinions. Whatever agrees with the Book (i.e. the Qur’an) and the Sunnah, accept it; whatever disagrees with them, reject it." (Reported by Al-Fulani in Iqaz, p. 72.)

c) Once IMAM SHAFI'I narrated a saying of the Prophet (hadeeth). Someone from the audience said: "Do you say so as well?" On hearing this, the Imam was enraged. His face turned pale and he said: "Woe to you! Which earth would carry me, which sky would shelter me if I narrate a saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him and do not hold the same view! Do you see a zunnar (belt worn by non-Muslims) on me? Or have you noticed me coming out of a church? How can I report something from the Prophet, peace be upon him, and not agree with?!!"

d) IMAM AHMAD IBN HANBAL said: "Do not follow me or Maalik or Shaafi or Auza'i or Thawree, but take from where they took (i.e. from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah)." (Reported by Al-Fulani and Ibn al-Qayyim.) He also said: "He, who is on the verge of destruction rejects a saving of the Messenger of God, May the peace and blessings of God be upon him." (Reported by Ibn al-Jauzi.)

The Prophet (PBUH) also has stressed the importance of his Sunnah. During the course of Khutbah al Wada'ah (Farewell Sermon) the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said:"I leave behind two things, if you hold fast unto them you shall never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah."

He also asked his Companions to convey others what they have learned from him saying:"Haddithu 'anni" (relate my saying to others)

Furthermore, he implored his Sunnah to uphold his way of life saying:'Alaykum bi sunnati' (follow my example)'.

The Holy Qur'an forbids ignoring or opposing any of the explanations or commands given by the Prophet (PBUH):"And as for him, who opposes the Messenger after guidance has been made clear, follows a path other than that of a believer."

Qur’aanic revelation and the precepts of the Prophet (PBUH) constitute the primary sources of Islamic Law.Generally the Holy Qur'an lays down the broad aspects of the Law and Sharee`ah obligations which cannot be fulfilled without resorting to the Sunnah of the Prophet the Prophet (PBUH).

For instance, the Holy Qur'an orders Muslims to pray but does not provide its specific timings; also it does not explain the way Muslims should pray. The details are found in the Sunnah. Again, the Holy Qur'an allows one to bequeath a share from one's estate to any person and does not stipulate the maximum limit for such a bequest. The Prophet (PBUH) is the one who fixed its maximum limit at one third of one's estate only.In other words then, the Prophet (PBUH) interpreted the verses of the Holy Qur'an and explained their meanings and implications to his companions to apply them in their lives. In the process he (PBUH) also made provisions for those aspects of the Law which were not specifically provided for in the Holy Qur'an. Likewise, all rules pertaining to Fasting, Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) and Zakaat (compulsory charity) were laid down by the Prophet (PBUH).

Is not He (Better than your gods), who responds to the distressed

Allah says:

“Is not He (better than your gods) who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him.” (Quran 27:62)

From Whom do the weak and the oppressed seek victory? Who does everyone beseech? He is Allah. None had the right to be worshipped except Him.

Therefore it is most advisable for you and I to invoke Him during difficult times during times of both hardship and ease, to seek shelter with Him in difficult times, and to plead at His doorstep with tears of repentance; then will His help and relief quickly arrive.

Allah says:

“Is not He (Better than you gods) who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him...” (Quran 27:62)

He saves the one who is drowning, gives victory to the oppressed, guides the misguided, cures the sick, and provides relief to the afflicted.

Allah says:

“And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only” (Quran 29:65)

As for the various supplications one makes to remove hardship, I refer you to the books of Sunnah, in them, you will learn prophetic supplications with which you can call to Allah, supplicate to Him, and seek His Aid. If you have found Him, then you have found everything. And If you lose your faith in Him, then you have lost everything. By supplicating to Him you are performing one of the highest forms of worship. If you are persistent and sincere in you supplication, you willl achieve freedom from worry and anxiety. All ropes are cut lose save His, and all doors are shut save His. His is near; He hears all and answer those who supplicate to Him.

Allah says:

“Invoke Me (and ask Me for anything), I will respond to your (Invocation).”
(Quran 40:60)

If you are living through affliction and pain, remember Allah, call out His name, and as Him, for help. Place your forehead on the ground an mention His Praises, so that you can obtain true freedom. Raise your hands in supplication, and ask of Him Constantly. Cling to His door, have good thoughts about Him, and wait for His help- you will then find true Happiness and success.

Pre-ordainment

Allah says:

“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees – before We bring it into existence” (Quran 57:22)

The pen has dried, the pages have been lifted: all events that shall come to pass have already been written.

Allah says:

“Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us” (Quran 9:51)

Whatever has befallen you was not meant to escape you, and whatever has escaped you was not meant to befall you: if this belief were to be firmly ingrained in you heart then all hardship and difficulty would become ease and comfort.

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Whoever Allah wishes good for, He inflicts him (with hardship)”.

For this reason, do not feel overly troubled if you are afflicted with sickness, the death of a son or a loss in wealth. Allah has decreed these matters to occur and the decisions are His, and His alone. When we truly have faith, we shall be rewarded well and our sins shall be atoned for.

For those that are afflicted with disasters, glad tidings await them: so remain patient and happy with you Lord.

Allah says:

“He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned” (Quran 21:23)

You will never completely feel at ease until you firmly believe that Allah has already pre-ordained all matters. The pen has dried and with it has been written everything that will happen to you. Therefore do not feel remorse over that which is not in your hands. Do not think that you could have prevented these things, whether you wanted to or not.

All that has been pre-ordained shall come to pass.

Allah says:

“Then whosoever wills let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve.” (Quran 18:29)

Surrender yourself: believe in preordainment, before pangs of anger and regret overwhelm you. If you have done all that was in your power, and afterwards what you had been striving against still takes place, have firm faith that it was meant to be. Do not say,’ had I done such and such, such and such would have happened,’ rather say “This is a decree of Allah, and what He wishes, He does,”

Don’t Be Sad :)

A Friend Asked

A friend asked:

Hi! I'm curious again to know a couple of things. 1.) How come in our religion it says to attendPeople’s funerals, it's very important? Why? 2.) Sunni's do not allow the woman to attend theBurial site, why? Shiites permit woman to attend, butI was informed several months ago that Sunnis do notPermit a woman to ever attend. Why is that? Are womenSeen as too evil and dirty to attend or they're tooFragile and sensitive to attend???

I would like to answer these questions in the simplest of answers because if you get in details it may lead to confusion. May Allah help me give the right answer.. Ameen

Firstly, in our religion it is important to attend funeral prayers as the Prophet (Pbuh) said:
“The rights of one Muslim over another Muslim are six… When you meet him, you greet him with the salaam (i.e. to say: “As-Salamu alaykum”), when he invites you, you accept his invitation, when he consults you in a matter, you give him sincere advice, when he sneezes and praises God, you ask God to have mercy on him, when he is sick, you visit him, and when he passes away you accompany him (through his funeral).” Related by Abu Hurayra in Saheeh Bukhari

In this Prophetic narration; we find that the Muslim is encouraged with concern for his brother in Islam during the three phases of his worldly existence: his health, sickness and his death.
Whilst in good health, the Muslim is obliged to greet his brother in faith with the greetings of peace and protection, to accept his invitations and to give him sincere advice.

Then, when the Muslim is suffering from a cold, an allergy or whatever else is causing him to sneeze, his brother in Islam is obliged to ask God to have mercy on him. Likewise, when the Muslim’s sickness is such that he is incapacitated, his brother in Islam is obliged to visit him.
Finally, when the Muslim passes away from this life, his brother in faith is obliged to accompany his funeral procession, prayer and burial.

Islam is a very logical religion in itself, if you see the logical and moral reasons for attending a funeral you would notice that if a person attends a funeral, there are all benefits and no harm at all:

Few Reasons:

You give respect to the dead and pray for his soul to rest in peace
You show brotherhood with a person even if he rest in peace
You bond with the family of the deceased and give them strength.
You remember your own death which has to come, so you can prepare for it.

So Allah, who is the most Merciful and The most Beneficent, rewards you in return for doing a good deed. Family of the deceased or the dead himself may not be able to thank your for attending the Funeral but Allah does that for them. Quiet logical I guess!

Secondly, the friend asked what Sunnis think about women visiting graves, are women evil or dirty to attend a funeral or they are weak, fragile and sensitive?

If women were evil or dirty they wouldn’t be our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) wouldn’t have married them or would have killed his daughters like people of Makkah who used to bury their daughters alive. One of the evil pre-Islamic traditions was the practice of burying baby girls alive. This practice was stopped when the Prophet Muhammad came with the message of Islam. This pre-Islamic time is commonly known as the era of ignorance because the people lived without the knowledge of the values and principles of Islam. For this reason, the birth of a baby girl was something for a man to be ashamed of. Men thought that sons would bring more honor on them, their families, and their tribes while girls could potentially bring them and their tribes dishonor; therefore, many men buried their daughters alive.

If you study Islam carefully you would see great importance and respect given to women, whoever says otherwise is telling a lie and fabricating according to their own needs. Women should be treated with respect and in return women should also understand the importance of certain things which are prohibited for them, like not wearing a veil, or body hugging clothes etc. There is always a logical reason behind every prohibition be it for men or women…….

Likewise there is a reason for prohibiting women from visiting graves:

The correct view is that it is not allowed for women to visit graves, because of the hadeeth mentioned. It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed women who visit graves. Women should stop visiting graves.

The woman who visited a grave out of ignorance (of this ruling) is not to blame, but she should not do it again. If she does so, she has to repent and seek forgiveness, and repentance cancels out whatever came before. Visiting graves is only for men.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Visit graves, for they will remind you of the Hereafter.” At the beginning of Islam, visiting graves was not allowed for men and women alike, because the Muslims were new in Islam and came from a background where grave-worship and attachment to the dead were widespread. So they were forbidden to visit graves as a preventative measure, to avoid evil and prevent shirk.

But once Islam was well-established and they understood Islam, Allah prescribed visiting the graves because of the lessons and reminders of death and the Hereafter involved in that, and so that they could make Dua’ for the deceased and pray for mercy for them.

Then Allah forbade woman to do that – according to the most correct of the two scholarly opinions – because they may present a temptation to men and even to themselves, and because they have little patience, Muslim scholars agree that weeping for the dead is permissible, whereas crying out loud and wailing are not.

The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "The one who is wailed for is tortured on account of it." Abu Musa is reported to have said: "I declare my disavowal of all that Allah's Messenger disavowed. The Messenger of Allah disavowed publicly a woman who mourns loudly, one who shaves her head, and the one who tears her clothes in mourning." they get too upset. So by His mercy and kindness towards them, Allah forbade them to visit graves. This is also a form of kindness towards the men, because if they were all to gather at the grave, this might cause fitnah (trial for men). So by His mercy, Allah forbade women to visit graves.

But with regard to the prayer (women praying the funeral prayer), there is nothing wrong with that. Women may join the funeral prayer. The prohibition applies only to visiting the graves.

Thirdly, Why Shiites Allow women to visit graves? Hmm this issue is a never ending story between Shia’s and Sunni’s, all I can say is if you have faith in Allah and The Prophet Muhammad( pbuh) then you don’t have to follow or listen to anyone else. When Allah said that He would protect Quran Himself, then we should have faith that no one can change it and we have to believe in it and if we believe in Prophet Muhammad’s character then we also have to believe that he wouldn’t make a mistake in choosing his wives and his companions. If we don’t believe in Prophet’s wives and his companions then we don’t believe in him. So, people have to make a choice Do you believe in Allah’s word, the Judgment of Prophet in choosing his wives and companions who preserved Islamic teachings. If yes then we should respect Aisha, Umar, Uthman, Abu Baker who Allah chose for the Prophet and these are the People who Prophet chose for himself.

The reason for mentioning the last part is that if your believe in all of them then there wont be any issues and conflicts regarding the Sayings of the Prophet, which make Islam very clear and if you just disrespect one of the Person from the companions for example Aisha (R.A) who was the most beloved wife of the Prophet after his wife Khadija then most of the laws will change cause Aisha has narrated most of his sayings. She was a great scholar of Prophets time.

Rest I leave you to decide…..

May Allah Guide us all to the straight path.. Ameen.

Leave the future Alone until it comes

Allah Says:

“The Event (the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments), ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it.”
(Quran 16:1)

Be not hasty and rushed for things that have yet to come to pass. Do you think it’s wise to pick fruits before they become ripe? Tomorrow is non existent, having no reality today, so why should you busy yourself with it? Why should you have apprehensions about future disasters? Why should you be engrossed by their thoughts, especially since you do not know whether you will even see tomorrow?

The Important thing to know is that tomorrow is from the world of the unseen, a bridge that we do not cross until it comes. Who knows, perhaps we might never reach the bridge, or the bridge might collapse before we reach it, or we may actually reach it and cross safely.

For us to be engrossed in expectations about the future is looked down upon in our religion since it leads to our having a long term attachment to this world, an attachment that the good believer shuns. Many people of this world are unduly fearful of future poverty, hunger, disease, and disaster: Such thinking is inspired by the Devil.

Allah says:

“Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fasha (Evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc), whereas Allah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty...” (Quran 2: 268)

Many are those who cry because they see themselves starving tomorrow, falling sick after a month, or because they fear that world will come to an end after a year. Someone who has no clue as to when he will die (which is all of us) should not busy himself with such thoughts.

Since you are absorbed in the toils of today, leave tomorrow until it comes, Beware of becoming unduly attached to future prospects in this world.

Contemplate and be thankful

I just started reading a book called Don’t Be Sad by Aaidh ibn Abdullah Al Qarni, I found that book very interesting and thought of sharing some of the topics, maybe they would make a difference to my life and your lives in some way. InShaAllah

The author writes:

Contemplate and be thankful

Remember the favors of Allah upon you and how they surround you from above and below – indeed, from every direction.

Allah says:

“And if you would count the graces of Allah, never could you be able to count them”
(Quran - Chapter 14 Verse 34)

Health, safety, nourishment, clothing, air and water – these all point to the world being yours, yet you do not realize it. You possess all that life has to offer, yet remain ignorant.

Allah Says:

“He has completed and perfected His graces upon you, (both) apparent (i.e. Islamic Monotheism, and the lawful pleasures of this world, including health, good looks etc) and hidden (i.e. one’s faith in Allah, guidance for doing righteous deeds and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise etc)”
(Quran Chapter 31 Verse 20 )

You have at your disposal two eyes, a tongue, lips, two hands, and two legs.

Allah Says:

“Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both (Jinn and men) deny?”
Quran Chapter 55 Verse 13)

Can you picture yourself walking without a feet? Should you take it lightly that you slumber soundly while misery hinders the sleep of many? Should you forget that you fill yourself with both delicious dishes and cool water while the pleasure of good food and drink is impossible for some, due to sickness and disease? Consider the faculties of hearing and seeing with which you have been endowed. Look at your healthy skin and be grateful that you have been saved from diseases that attack it. Reflect on your powers of reasoning and remember those that suffer from mental ailments.

Would you sell your ability to hear and see for the weight of Mount Uhud in gold, or your ability to speak for huge castles? You have been given abundant favors, yet you feign ignorance. Notwithstanding warm bread, cool water, easy sleep, and good health, you remain despondent and depressed; you think about what you do not have and are ungrateful for what you have been given. You are troubled by the loss of wealth, yet you have the key to happiness and many blessings, Contemplate and be Thankful;

Allah Says:

“And also in your own selves (are signs), will you not then see?”
(Quran – Chapter 51 Verse 21)

Reflect upon yourself, your family, your friends, and the entire world that is around you.

Allah says:

“They recognize that grace of Allah, yet they deny it “
(Quran Chapter 16 Verse 83)

How to Perform Salah(Prayers)?

For flash demonstration for the right way to Pray please visit :

http://english.islamway.com/sindex.php?section=prayer

SUTRA

Before a person starts to pray, he should place something at a short distance in front of him of the place where he prostrates (does Sajdah). Such an object is called Sutra and is used when the person is spraying alone. A person passing in front of the person in Salat, should pass on the outside of the Sutra.

If someone is praying in congregation, then the Imam acts as the Sutra. The Imam, however, must have his own individual Sutra in front of him.

QIBLAH (Direction)

Wherever a person is in the world, he should face towards the Kabah when he is going to pray. The Kabah is in the sacred mosque of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Facing towards Qiblah (Kabah) is a very important condition of performance of Salat. However, if the person is in a place such as a desert, jungle, unknown strange city or a place where he does not know the direction of the Qiblah, he should try his best to find out the direction of Qiblah from others. However, if it is not possible then he should use his judgment and face in a direction which he thinks is that of Qiblah and Allah will accept his Salat.

It is important to start the Salat facing the direction of Qiblah and it does not matter if his direction changes while he is praying e.g. in a ship, a train or an airplane, etc.

Note: Nowadays, a compass is available which gives the direction of Qiblah. In strange places and airplanes it is a useful instrument to possess.

INTENTION (Niyah)

After facing the Qiblah, the person should make Niyah (intention), The intention is made within his mind, so the person should think about the particular obligatory, optional or Nafl prayer he intends to perform. He should not utter the words of Niyah aloud, as this is not authentic or approved by the Prophet (pbuh).

TAKBIR TAHRIMAH

After making Niyah the person should start his Salat saying Allah is the greatest, rasing both of his hands to the shoulders, with fingers stretching to the earlobes. he should then fold his hands over his chest right hand over the left hand. This first Allahu Akbar is called Takbir Tahrimah because after saying takbir Tahrimah every common and worldy action, talk or movement is forbidden. Throughout the Salat the eyes of the worshipper should point to the spot where the forehead rests in Sajdah.

WHERE SHOULD THE HANDS BE FOLDED AND PLACED AFTER SAYING TAKBIR TAHRIMAH

Some people place their hands under the navel, others place them under the chest but there are Ahadith which state that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to place his hands over his chest.

a) Halb Ataee reported: "I saw the Prophet (pbuh) placing his right hand over his left hand over his chest." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

b) Wail bin Hajr said: "I prayed with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and he put his right hand over his left hand over his chest." (Ibn Khuzaimah, Abu Dawud, and Muslim).

There are some other narrations which state that some Fuqha used to place their hands under the chest but above the navel. Placing the hands in either of these positions is correct but it is better to place them over the chest according to the practice of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as mentioned in the above authentic Ahadith.

RECITATION BEFORE FATIHAH

There are several Du'a which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to recite before Fatihah. We will mention two of them:

"O Allah set me apart from my sins as east and west are apart from each other.""O Allah cleanse me from my sins as a white garment is cleansed from the dirt after thorough washing.""O Allah, was me off from my sins with water, snow and hail."

If a person does not know the Du'a just mentioned then he should recite the following one. Umar is reported to have used this Du'a after saying Takbir Tahrimah:

Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praises are due unto You, and blessed is Your Name and high is Your Majesty and none is worthy of worship but You.

A person can read both Du'a together or just one of them or any of the other Du'a which are approved by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and these are about 7. These Du'a can be found in different places of several books of Hadith, e.g. Muslim, Tirmidhi, Musnad-e-Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Dar-qutni, Nasai, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban and Muatta Imam Malik.

All of the 7 Du'a can be read together before reciting Surah Fatihah.

This recitation is called Du'a-ul-Istiftah which means Du'a of starting. Du'a-ul Istiftah should only be recited in the first Rakat.

TAAWUDH

Then the person who is praying should say:

I seek Allah's protection from Satan who is accursed.
This should only be said in the first Rakat.

TASMIYAH

Then the person who is praying should say:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful.
This should be said in every Rakat before reciting Surah Fatihah.

SURAH FATIHAH

Then the person praying should recite Surah Al Fatihah in Arabic.

The translated meaning of Al Fatihah is as follow:

"Praise is only for Allah, Lord of the universe. The Most Kind, the Most Merciful. The Master of the Day of Judgment. You Alone we worship and to You Alone we pray for help. Show us the straight way. The way of those whom You have blessed. Who have not deserved Your Anger, nor gone astray."

Ameen.

Reciting Al Fatihah is so important that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that no prayer was acceptable without the recitation of Fatihah.

a) Ubadah bin Samit reported Allah's Messenger (pbuh) as saying: "There is no Salat acceptable without reciting Surah Fatihah." (Bukhair, Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasai, and Ibn Majah)

b) Abu Hurairah reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was saying that anyone who prayed any kind of Salat and did not read in that, Umm-ul-Wuran (and in one version, Fatihah-tul-Kitab), his prayer will be deficient, will be deficient, will be deficient and not complete. (Bukhairi, Muslim, Ahmad).

c) Abu Hurairah reported Allah's Messenger (pbuh) as saying: "No Salat will benefit a person who did not read in that Surah Fatihah." (Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban and Ahmad)
In the light of the above Ahadith we understand that Surah Fatihah must be recited or read in every Rakat of any type of Salat.

RECITATION OF SURAH FATIHAH BEHIND AN IMAM

Some people are very confused whether they should or should not read Surah Fatihah while praying in congregation. But there should not be any confusion in this matter as the following Ahadth very clearly answer the question:

a) Ubadah bin Samit said: "We were behind the Prophet (pbuh) in the Fajr prayer, and he recited a passage from the Quran, but the recitation became difficult for him. Then when he finished he said, "Do you recite behind your Imam?" We replied, "yes, Allah's Messenger (pbuh)." Then Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said "Do not recite anything (behind the Imam) except Fatihah-tul-Kitab (Surah Fatihah) because he who does not include it in his recitation in prayer, his Salat is not valid." (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)

b) Abu Hurairah reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "If anyone observes prayer in which he does not read Umm-ul-Quran (Fatihah), it is deficient, it is deficient, it is deficient, and not complete.> It was said to Abu Horairah: :What should we do when we are behind an Imam?" He, (Abu Horairah) replied, "Read it in silence..." (Muslim)

AMEEN

It is Sunnah to say Ameen when a person finishes recitation of Surah Fatihah. If he is praying alone, he should say Ameen in silence and if he is praying with congregation behind an Imam, then he should say Ameen fairly loudly when the Imam finishes saying the last verse of Surah Fatihah. When saying Ameen, the voice of the whole congregation should resound at the same time.

There are many Ahadith which prove that saying Ameen aloud is Sunnah of the holy Prophet (pbuh) and it was the regular practice of the companions. We will mention a few of these Ahadith here:

a) Naeem Al Mujammar said: "I prayed behind Abu Hurairah. He recited Bismillah hir-Rahmanir-Raheem, then he recited Surah Fatiahah, and when he reached wala daleen, he said Ameen after it and the people behind him said Ameen...." (Bukhari)

b) Abu Hurairah reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "When the Imam says Ghayril maghdubi alyhim walad daleen, all of you should say Ameen, because the angels say Ameen and the Imam says Ameen. And whosoever says Ameen and his voice blends with that of the angels he would be forgiven his sins." (Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Nasai)

c) Aisha reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Jews are more envious of Muslims in two things: (a) our greeting someone with Assalamu alaykum, and (b) saying Ameen (aloud) behind the Imam." (Ahmad and Ibn Majah)

d) Ata said: "I found 200 of the companions praying in the mosque of the Prophet (pbuh) and when the Imam said Walad Daleen, I heard the echo of their voices resound with Ameen.

RECITATION AFTER SURAH FATIHAH

It is Sunnah for a person who is praying that he should read a Surah form Quran after Al Fatihah in the first two rakaat of the Fard prayer. He can recite one or more Surah. Here are a few short Surah which you can recite:

a) Surah Ikhlas
Say: He is Allah, the only One, Allah helps and does not need help. He does not produce a child and He was not born of anyone. There is no one equal to Him."

b) Surah Falaq
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn, form the evil of all that He has created, and from the evil of the darkness of night when it falls, and from the evil of those (charmers) who blow into knots. And from the evil of the envied when he envies.

c) Surah Nas
Say: I seek refuge in the Sustainer of mankind. The owner of mankind, Lord of mankind. from the evil of the sneaking whisperer. Who whispers in the hearts of mankind (Whether he be) from among jinni or mankind."

RAKU (BOWING)

Then the person praying should say "Allahu Akbar" raising both his hands to shoulder level with the palms facing outwards and fingers stretching to earlobes. He should then bend in Raku so that his trunk (i.e. from head to hips) becomes perpendicular to the rest of the body. His hands should rest on his knees with the fingers spread apart, taking care that his arms do not touch his body. The person should be calm and composed in the Raku posture and not hurry it. Then he should read at least three times:

"Glory be to my Lord Who is the very Greatest."

He can read it 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, etc times

There are some other Du'a which can be read with Subhana Rabbi yal Azeem or instead of Subhana Rabbi yal Azeem. Two of them are mentioned below:

Other Du'a in Raku:

Aisha reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) mostly read the following Du'a in his Raku and Sajdah:

"Glory be to You, oh our Lord and all praise be to You. Oh Allah, forgive me." (Bukhair and Muslim)

Ali reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to read the following Du'a in Raku: "Oh my Lord, I bowed to You and I believed in You and I submitted to You. You are my Lord. My ear, my sight, my brain, my bones, my tendons and whatever has been carried by my feet is submitted for the Lord of the worlds." (Ahmad, Muslim and Abu Dawud, etc.)
There are other Du'a which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) read in Ruku and they can be found in other books of Hadith.

Perfection of Ruku and Sajdah Abi masud Al Badri reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Allah does not consider the Salat of a man who does not straighten his back when bowing for Ruku and performing Sajdah." (Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban and Tabarani) Abi Qatadah reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "the worst thief is one who steals in his Salat?" Prophet (pbuh) answered, "he does not complete his Raku and Sajdah with perfection." Or he said, "He does not make his back straight in Ruku and Sajdah." (Ahmed, Tabarani, Ibn Khuzaimah and Hakim) These Ahadith prove that Ruku and Sajdah should be done calmly, slowly and perfectly, otherwise Salat of the person will be deficient.

QAWMAH (STANDING AFTER RUKU)

After the pefect Ruku, the person praying should raise his head form Ruku saying: "Verily, Allah listens to one who praises him." and raise his hands up to the level of his shoulders with palms facing outwards and fingers stretched to the earlobes, and then he should lower his hands to his sides. In the standing position, he should be erect so that the joints of his body go back in place. While in this position, he should recite one or all of the following Du'a as many times as he likes.
DU'A QAWMAH

a) "Oh, our Lord, all the praises be to You." b) "Oh, our Lord, All praises be to You, very many, pure and blessed praises be to You." c) Abu Saeed Al Khudree says that when Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to say: "Oh Allah, our Lord, all praises be to You, as much as they can fill the heavens and the earth and everything which You want to be filled after that. You deserve to be praised and glorified. You deserve more than what Your servant has said and all of us are Your slaves. Nobody can prevent whatever You want to give and nobody can give whatever You want to prevent and a person with high rank cannot benefit himself or another from his high rank against Your will. " there are some other Du'a which can be read in the Qawmah position and these can be found in other books of Hadith.

FIRST SAJDAH (PROSTRATION)

After the perfect Qawmah the person praying should move to perform Sajdah saying: "Allahu akbar" putting palms downwards on the ground below the ears. The knees should be brought downwards on the ground. His fingers and toes should be pointing towards Qiblah without spreading the fingers of the hands. During prostration seven parts of the body should touch the ground. (i) The forehead along with the tip of the nose (ii) both hands (iii) both knees (iv) the bottom surface of the toes of both feet. In this position, he should say "Oh, Allah, glory be to You, the Most High." He should say this at least 3 times or 5, 7, 9,11 etc. times. There are some other Du'a which can be read in the Sajdah position.

OTHER DU'A IN SAJDAH

i) Ali said that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to say while doing Sajdah: "Oh Allah, for You I have prostrated, and in You I have faith, and unto You I have submitted, my forehead has prostrated in front of one Who created it and gave shape to it and made it perfectly. Then He gave power of hearing and sight, and blessed is Allah's Name Who is the Perfect Creator." (Ahmad and Muslim)

ii) Abu Hurairah said that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to say in his Sajdah: "Oh Allah, forgive all of my sins, minor ones and major ones, ones I committed previously and ones I commit in the future, ones I commit openly and ones I commit secretly." (Muslim , Abu Dawud and Hakim) There are some other Du'a which Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to say in his Sajdah but these Du'a are too long to mention here. They can be found in authentic books of Hadith like Muslim, Ahmad, Nasai, Abu Dawud etc. It is not surprising that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stayed in Ruku and Sajdah for long intervals. All of the authentically approved Du'a can be said with Subhana Rabbi yal ala or on their own or altogether according to the time available and capacity of the person. In Sajdah position the worshipper is at his closest to Allah. Hence, Sajdah should be performed calmly, and quietly, without fidgeting, and the worshipper should try to read as many Du'a as he possible can.

JALSAH (SITTING BETWEEN TWO SAJDAH)

After performing one Sajdah perfectly and calmly, the person praying should raise his head form Sajdah saying "Allahu Akbar" bending the left foot and sitting on it while keeping the right foot propped up with its toes pointing towards the Qiblah, the palms of his hands should rest on his thighs and knees, the back should be straight so that the joints go back in place. It is sunnat to say the following Du'a while sitting in between the two Sajdah: "Oh, Allah, forgive me, and have mercy on me, and keep me on the right path, and keep me healthy, and provide me with Halal sources of living and complete my shortcomings and make my rank high." The worshipper can say this Du'a once or as many times as he likes.

SECOND SAJDAH

Then the person should perform the second Sajdah saying "Allah Akbar" and repeat what he did in the first Sajdah.

JALSAH-E-ISTARAHAT (SITTING FOR REST)

Then he should raise his head up saying "Allahu Akbar" and sit for a short while as he did in Jalsah. He does this before standing up for the second Rakat.

SECOND RAKAT

After standing up for the second Rakaat, he should fold his hands over his chest as he did in the first Rakaat and start his recitation by reading "Bismillah..and Surah Fatihah followed by any passage or a chapter of the holy Quran." Then he should complete his second Rakaat in the manner of the first one. While choosing a passage or a chapter for the recitation in the second or a subsequent Rakaat, the worshipper should observe the order in which they occur in the Holy Quran. Also, each surah or verse should be shorter than the one recited before it. Hence, longer Surah are recited before shorter Surah.

TASHAHUD

After completing the last Sajdah of the second Rakaat, the person should raise his head saying:

STANDING UP FOR THIRD RAKAT

If a person is praying three or four Rakaat, then he should stand up after Tashahud saying

SALAT ALAN NABI (DARUD)

"Oh Allah, send grace and honor on Muhammad (pbuh) and on the family and true followers of Muhammad (pbuh), just as You sent grace and honor on Ibrahim and on the family and true followers of Ibrahim. surely, You are Praiseworthy, the Great." "Oh, Allah, send Your blessings on Muhammad (pbuh) and the true followers of Muhammad (pbuh), just as You sent blessings on Ibrahim and his true followers. Surely, You are Praiseworthy, the Great."

DU'A AFTER SALAT ALAN NABI (DARUD)

There are quite a lot of Du'a which Prophet (pbuh) used to say after Darud and he taught them to the companions. Here we will mention a few of them:

i) Abdullah bin Amr said that Abu Bakr said to Allah's Messenger, "Please teach me a Du'a so I can say it in my Salat". So, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "Say "Oh Allah, I have been very cruel to myself (by ignoring my duty to You) and there is no one who can forgive the sins except You. so forgive me because You are the only Forgiver and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Forgiver and Merciful."

ii) Shaddad bin Aus reported that the Prophet of Allah used to say in his Salat : "Oh Allah, I ask You for strength in every matter of Deen and a strong will power to be on the right path. And I ask You to make me thankful for Your bounties and give me ability to worship You perfectly. And I ask You to make my heart sincere and my tongue truthful. I ask You for every goodness known to You and I seek refuge in You from everything bad that You know is bad. I ask Your forgiveness for all mistakes You know." (Nasai)

iii) Aisha reported that the Prophet (pbuh) used to say this Du'a in his Salat: "Oh Allah I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the troubles of Daj-jal, and I seek refuge in You from the difficulties and troubles of the life and death. Oh Allah, I seek refuge in You from every kind of sin and unexpected troubles." "Oh Lord, make me and my children keep up Salat. Our Lord, accept our Du'a. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and all the believers on the Day of Judgement." Although most people read Rab bijalnee after Darud; it is permitted to recite any nice Du'a. However, it should be known that this Du'a is not one of those Du'a which Prophet (pbuh) used to say after Darud. It is preferable to read both Rab bijalnee and the Du'a which are authentically proved from the Prophet (pbuh) and those he taught to his companions. we have mentioned only four but there are about twelve. However, they are too lengthy to mention here.

ENDING THE SALAT

After praying for himself as much as the person wishes, he should end his Salat saying: "Peace be on you and the Mercy of Allah." turning the face first to the right and then to the left, both times over the shoulder. This brings the two, three or four Rakaat of the Salat to completion.

DUA AFTER SALUTATION

There are many Du'a which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to say after salutation. So, a person praying should try to memorize them and follow the practice of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Some of these Du'a we will mention here: It was the continuous practice of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when he turned away from his Salat to say: 1. a) Allahu Akbar (once aloud) Allah is the greatest. b) I ask Allah to forgive me (3 times) c) Oh Allah, You are the peace and You are the source of peace, You are blessed, O Possessor of glory and honor. (Muslim) 2. Oh Allah, help me to remember You all the time, And to thank You and to worship You perfectly. 3. There is no God but Allah, He is the only One and has no partner, sovereignty and praise are only for Him, and He has full authority over everything. Nobody can prevent whatever You want to give and nobody can give whatever You want to prevent and a person with high rank cannot benefit himself or another from his high rank against Your will. (Bukhair, Muslim) 4. It is Sunnat to say: Glory be to Allah (33 times) Praise be to Allah (33 times) Allah is the Greatest (34 times) There are very many Du'a which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to say and he taught them to his companions. These can be found in famous books of Hadith.

Types and Number of Prayers

TYPES OF SALAT

a) Fard or obligatory Salat:Every believer is ordered by Allah to offer five obligatory prayers in a day. Failure to observe any one of the five obligatory prayers is a serious and punishable sin.

b) Nafl prayer This is a voluntary prayer which the Prophet (pbuh) observed before or after Fard at special and isolated occasions. It also includes those which he encouraged Muslims to pray. The Nafl prayer can be divided into three categories:

(i) Sunnat Muakkadah (compulsory). That is those which are emphasized by the holy Prophet (pbuh) and offered regularly by him before or after the Fard prayer but not praying this type of Salah doesnot invalidate (Fard)Obligatory Prayer

(ii) sunnat Ghair Muakkadah (optional). That is those offered only occasionally by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

(iii) Nafl Prayer (extra). This is an extra prayer. There is a reward for praying it an no sin for leaving it. It can be offered at any isolated instance according to the time and capacity of the believer. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged the believers to pray Nafl to help make up for any minor omissions or other defects in the obligatory prayer.

NUMBER OF RAKAT FOR THE FIVE OBLIGATORY PRAYERS

(i) Fajr prayer: 2 Rakaat Sunnat Muakkadah, 2 Rakaat Fard

(ii) Dhuhr prayer: 2 or 4 Rakaat Sunnat Muakkadah , 4 Rakaat Fard, 2 Rakaat Sunnat Muakkadah and an unspecified number of Nafl as time and capacity allows.

Ibn Umar said "I prayed alone with Allah's Messenger (pbuh) 2 Rakaat before and 2 Rakaat after the Dhuhr prayer. (Bukhari and Muslim)

It is a familiar practice to offer 4 Rakaat Sunnat before Thuhr prayer, but this Hadith proves that 2 Rakaat Sunnat before the Thuhr prayer is also allowed.

(iii) Asr Prayer: 2 or 4 Rakaat Sunnat Ghair Muakkaadah , 4 Rakaat Fard. Ali said, "Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to pray 4 Rakaat before Asr prayer separating them with a salutation..." (Tirmidhi)

Another Hadith narrated by Ali says, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to pray two Rakaat before Asr prayer. (Abu Dawud)

(iv) Maghrib prayer.: 2 Rakat Nafl, 3 Rakat Fard, 2 Rakat Sunnat Muakadah and an unspecified number of Nafl as time and capacity allows.

Abdullah bin Mughaffal reported the Prophet ((pbuh) as saying, "Pray before the Maghrib prayer", adding when saying it the third time,

That was because he did not wish people to treat it as a compulsory Sunnat.

2 Rakaat Nafl after sunset and before the Maghrib prayer are allowed for those who wish to do so. For this the above Hadith is a sure proof. However, some people forbid this and others find it very strange if they see a person offer 2 Rakaat Nafl before Maghrib.

(v) Isha prayer: An unspecified number of Nafl Rakaat according to the time and capacity, 4 Rakaat Fard, 2 Rakaat Sunnat Muakkadah, unspecified number of Nafl as time and capacity allows and 3 Witr.

Some people insist very emphatically upon the offering of 4 Rakaat optional Sunnat before the Isha prayer but during our entire research we could not find a single proof, any practice or order from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or his companions to justify this claim. Certainly, it is allowed to pray Nafl while waiting for Jamaat.

Some people offer 2 Rakat Nafl after the Witr Prayer. However, there is an authentic Hadith which states that the Witr prayer should be offered after all the Nafl, which a person wishes to pray, have been offered.

Ibn Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said "Make Witr as the last prayer of your night prayer." (mishkat)

Times of Salat

Each Salat must be offered at or during its proper time. No Salat can be offered before its time.

There are five obligatory Salat in a day.

Fajr Prayer (Morning Prayer)

The time for the Fajr or the morning prayer starts at dawn and ends at sunrise.

Dhuhr Prayer (Early Afternoon Prayers)

The time for Dhuhr or the early afternoon prayer starts when the sun begins to decline from its zenith an and ends when the size of an object's shadow is equal to the size of the object.

Jaber bin Abdullah narrated: The angel Jibrael came to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and said to him, "Stand up and pray Thuhr". So Allah's Messenger (pbuh) prayed Thuhr when the sun had declined from its zenith . Then the angel Jibrael came again at the time of Asr and said "Stand up and pray Asr". Then Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prayed Asr when the shadow of everything was equal to itself. Then Jibrael came the next day to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and said, (after praying 10 Salat with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in two consecutive days) that the time of Salat (prayer) is in between these two times.

Ahmad, Nasai, Tirmidhi and Bukhari remarked that this is the most authentic Hadith giving the times of prayer.

We find that many books on Salat state the ending time of Dhuhr prayer and the starting time of Asr prayer when the shadow of something is twice itself. But this contradicts the above Hadith as on the first day Jibrael asked Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to pray Asr when the shadow of everything was equal to itself. This means that was the end time of Dhuhr prayer. And we already know that all the Ulama of the Muslim Ummah(Scholars) agree unanimously that no Salat (prayer) can be offered before its time.

Asr Prayer

The time for Asr or late afternoon prayer starts when the shadow of something is equal to itself and ends just before sunset.

It is better to offer Asr prayer before the sun becomes yellow because even though it is allowed to offer the Salat (prayer) at this time the Prophet (pbuh) disliked Muslims to delay Asr prayer up to this time. He remarked that the Munafiq (hypocrite) offered his Salat (prayer) at this time.

Maghrib Prayer

The time for the Maghrib or the sunset prayer starts just after sunset and ends when twilight has disappeared.

Isha Prayer

The time for Isha or night prayer starts from the disappearance of twilight and ends just before midnight.

It is preferable to offer this Salat (prayer) before midnight but it can be offered right up to the break of dawn.

Note: In countries where due to cloudy weather the sun is not always visible, it is advisable to follow printed calendars giving the accurate time of each Salat (prayer).

Forbidden times of Prayer

Uqbah bin Amir said, There were three times at which Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to forbid us to pray or bury our dead:

(i) When the sun began to rise until it was fully up.
(ii) When the sun was at its height at midday till it passed the meridian.
(iii) When the sun drew near to setting till it had set. (Muslim)

Forbidden Times for Nafl Prayer

(i) Abu Saeed AlKhudree reported Allah's Messenger (pbuh) as saying, No Salat is to be said after the Fajr prayer until the sun rises, or after the Asr Prayer until the sun sets. (Bukhair and Muslim)

Only Nafl prayer is forbidden at these times but a missed Fard prayer can be offered. Most of the Ulama of the Muslim Ummah allowed the offering of missed Fard prayer after Fajr and Asr because of the following Hadith:

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, Who has forgotten the prayer he should pray it whenever he remembers it. (Bukhari and Muslim)

(ii) A Nafl prayer cannot be offered once the Iqamat for Fard prayer has been said. Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, When the Iqamat has been said, then, there is no Salat valid (Nafl or Sunnat ) except the Fard prayer for which the Iqamat was said. (Ahmad and Muslim)

It is seen in practice that many people continue with the Sunnat prayer even though the Iqamat has been said for the Fard prayer especially in the Fajr prayer. The feel that the 2 Raakat Sunnat of Fajr can only be offered before the Fard. This practice is against congregation philosophy, discipline of Jamaat, and a clear violation of Hadith. They should offer 2 Rakaat Sunnat of Fajr immediately after the Fard or after sunrise.

For Prayer Times for your City or Country please visit :

http://www.islamicity.com/PrayerTimes/

Place And Dress For Salat (Prayers)

A Place for Prayers:

A place or a building which is used for the purpose of worship and Salat is called a Masjid (mosque).
A Hadith tells us that

This means that wherever a Muslim might be, he can offer his Salat but the reward of a Salat offered in a mosque is far greater than that offered in an ordinary place. The following points should be noted when choosing a place for Salat:

(a) The place should be clean and pure. Salat in a dirty, filthy and impure place such as a rubbish tip, slaughter house, bathing place and a camel pen is forbidden.
(b) The place should be free from danger. The danger could be due to someone or something that may disturb the worshipper.
(c) A prayer place where the worshipper might hinder the movement of others should be avoided, e.g. busy pavements, public roadways etc.
(d) It is forbidden to pray on the roof of Baitullah (Kabah).(e) It is forbidden to pray on top of or facing towards a grave.

DRESS FOR SALAT

Men

(i) The dress for men should be such that it covers from the navel to the knees at least.
(ii) The shoulders should not be left uncovered.
(iii) Salat can be prayed in one garment if it covers the body from the navel to the knees as well as the shoulders.(Bukhari and Muslim.)

If, however, the garment is not long enough to cover the shoulders then parts of the body between the navel and the knees should at least be covered.

Women

The dress of the woman should be such that it covers her whole body from head to foot leaving only the face and the hands uncovered. A Salat offered in transparent clothing is not valid. Also, tight-fitting clothing which shows the shape of the body should be avoided.

Ablution For Prayer - Wadhu

The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) said,

"WUDHU is the key to prayer as prayer is the key to Paradise. ISLAM lays extreme stress on cleanliness and "TAHARAT". As external actions have deep impact upon internal feelings, such as artificial crying makes a person sad as well as artificial laughter makes one happy so is cleanliness and ablution.Purified body lends to purity of mind, however, cleanliness which is ablution, or wudhu, has been made compulsory before each prayer and in certain cases even a full bath has been made obligatory before prayer.

PHILOSOPHY OF WUDHU

A Muslim is required to perform ablution (Wudhu) before Salat. Ablution prepares one mentally for Salat and it also helps concentration in prayer. It is essential to wash or moisturize these parts of the body to generate concentration because the dispersion of thoughts is due to the keenness of the body's five senses. The centers of the five senses are the eyes, ears, nose mouth, hands and feet. It has been proven from the expertise of neurologists that the chain of thought can be rerouted by cooling fingers of the hands and feet. They also say that concentration of thoughts can be achieved by cooling the nerv-ends. That is the Philosophy of Wudhu.

A Muslim stands before his Creator by cooling nerve-ends of his body with Wudhu water and concentrating all his thoughts for the worship of the All-Mighty.In Wudhu, we wash or moisturize the nerve-ends of the hands, feet, hair, mouth, nose and ears. All the main nerve-ends of the body are touched in Wudhu in one way or another. Perfect concentration of thoughts to create the proper worshipping atmosphere is thus attained. As we learn from everyday experience that a person who has fainted can be brought back to his consciousness by sprinkling water on his face, hands and feet which clearly proves our theory. That is why a Muslim is expected to achieve his external as well as internal consciousness by performing Wudhu.Cleanliness and dirt are not compatible. Allah is clean and whosoever loves Him must be clean, externally as well as internally. Prayer, which is contact with Allah, is therefore unacceptable unless the person, who wants to contact his Lord, is clean.

The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) said,"The prayer of a person who does "HADATH" (passes urine, stool or wind) is not accepted till he performs or repeats Wudhu, the ablution."Because the Muslim Ummah is expected to be the cleanest by performing ablution at least five times a day, the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) therefore, gave glad tidings that "On the day of Resurrection, my followers will be called "Ghurrul Muhajjaleen" the bright armed and bright faced, from the traces of ablution on them. Therefore, whosoever can increase the area of his radiance should try to do so by always performing ablution before the prayers. (Bukhari, Kitabul Wudhu).

MAKING INTENTION (NIYAH) FOR WUDU

Before starting the actions of Wudu it is necessary to make Niyah (intention). Make Niyah that the act of performing Wudu is for the purpose of purity only. Niyah should be made in the heart because it is an action of the heart and not of the tongue.

Niyah by words is not approved by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Then start the Wudu by saying: Bismallah hir-rahma nir-raheem (In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful)

PERFORMANCE OF WUDHU

Step 1. Washing the hands three times up to the wrist; the right hand first and then the left and wash them in such a way that no spot is left dry;
Step 2. Rinsing and gargling the mouth three times;
Step 3. Washing the nose into three times;
Sept 4. Washing the face beginning from the forehead to the bottom of the chin, three times;
Step 5. Washing the forearms including the elbows three times;
Step 6. Wiping wet hands over the head from front down to the neck, then running the thumbs around the ears and wiping the inside;
Step 7. Wiping the neck with the back of wet hands;
Step 8. Washing the feet including the ankles three times. The right foot first and then the left unless socks are worn

In case if the socks are put on after an ABLUTION (WUDHU) is made, then during the next 24 hours, it is enough to pass wet fingers over them in making an ABLUTION instead of having to wash the feet each time, provided these have not been taken off during this period of time. If someone on journey, the traveler can make MASSAH i.e. passing wet fingers over socks up to three days.

The following things lapse or break the Wudhu

Answering the call of nature,Passing the wind,Sleeping or dozing off while leaning against a support,Unconsciousness,,InjuryDrawing blood,Vomiting

SPECIAL FACILITIES IN WUDU (ABLUTION)

Rubbing the socks with wet hands instead of washing the feet is allowed, provided that the socks have been put on after performing an ablution, including washing the feet. This is allowed for 24 hours from the time of ablution, and for 3 days if the person in on a journey. After this time the feet must be washed. Similarly, if there is a wound in any parts of the body which has to be washed in ablution, and if washing that particular part is likely to cause harm, it is permissible to wipe the dressing of the wound with a wet hand.

Hadith :

Mughira bin Shubah said, Prophet (pbuh) performed ablution and wiped over his socks and his sandals. (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).

Each detail of ablution has been performed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once, twice or three times (except rubbing of head and cleaning of ears, i.e. actions 6 and 7 should only be done once.). Since all the above methods meet Prophet (pbuh)'s approval; we can perform ablution by doing the actions once, twice or three times; provided that no part has been left dry.

Amr bin Shuaib, quoting his father on the authority of his grand-father narrated that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, If anyone performs actions of ablution more than 3 times, he has done wrong, transgressed, and done wickedly.(Nasai and Ibn Majah)

DU'A AT THE END OF WUDU (ABLUTION)

Ash hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wah dahu la shareeka lahu wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu.

I testify that there is no deity except Allah alone. And I testify that Mohammed (pbuh) is His servant and Messenger.(Muslim)

Allahum maj alnee minat taw-wabeena waj alnee minal muta tahireen.

O Allah make me among those who are penitent and make me among those who are purified.(Tirmidhi)

TAYAMMUM

In circumstances when water cannot be found, or just enough is available for drinking, or it is injurious to health: in such situations Tayammum (dry ablution) can be performed.
The procedure below is given according to Quran and Hadith.

"...And if you don't find any water, then take clean earth (or sand) and rub it on your face, and hands. Allah does not wish to put you in a difficulty, but he wants to make you clean, and to complete His favor unto you, so you should be grateful to Him." (5, 6)

(The permission to use sand for this purpose is allowed in the Quran.)

Procedure for Tayammum

1. Make Niyah in the heart.2. Begin with the Name of Allah.3. Strike palms of both hands on clean sand, dust or anything containing these, e.g. wall or stone, etc. then blow into the palms. Pass the palms of both hands over the face once and then rub your right hand with the left palm and left hand with the right palm. (Bukhari and Muslim). 4. Finish with the same Du'a as given at the end of ablution.

Note: Other procedures include the forearms and shoulders as well as armpits. These have been transmitted by reputable scholars but the most preferable and authentic is that given above.

Why do we Pray?

By Dr. Suhaib Hasan

After a long and hectic day at work, how difficult it is for a tired person to go out to the mosque and concentrate on his prayers to Allaah, the Almighty. Snuggled up in a warm and cozy bed, how difficult it is to get up at the call of the Mu`azzin: "Come to prayer! Come to success!

"The famous doctor and philosopher, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), recalls such a moment in his life. One cold and icy night, he and his slave were resting at an inn in a remote part of Khuraasaan. During the night, he felt thirsty, so he called to his slave to bring him some water. The slave had no desire to leave his warm bed, so he pretended not to hear Ibn Sina’s call. But finally, after repeated calls, he reluctantly got up and went to fetch the water. A little while later, the melodious sound of the azaan (call to prayer) filled the air. Ibn Sina began to think about the person calling the people to prayer. "My slave, ‘Abdullaah, he mused, has always respected me and admired me. He seizes any opportunity to lavish praise and affection on me, but tonight he preferred his own comfort to my needs. On the other hand, look at this Persian slave of Allaah: He left his warm bed to go out into the chilly night, he made ablution in the icy water of the stream, and then he ascended the high minaret of the mosque to glorify Him Whom he truly serves: "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah." Ibn Sina records: "I learned the essence of true love, that love which results in complete obedience." The love of Allaah demands total and unconditional obedience. Allaah, the Almighty says: { Say [oh, Muhammad!]: "If you love Allaah, follow me: Allaah will forgive you your sins, for Allaah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful } (Soorah 3:31)

Prayer: A Cry of the Inner Soul

His arrogance and pride have often led man to behave as an oppressor and a tyrant. Some men have been carried away by their own self-importance that they have even claimed divinity. Pharoah, the ruler of Egypt, was among those who announced: "I am your supreme Lord!" With his sense of greatness and pride, Pharoah subjugated the Israelites and made their lives wretched and miserable. But is man really as strong and great as his ego tells him?

The Qur'ân tells us the reality of man’s nature: { It is Allaah Who created you in a state of weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength, gave you weakness and a hoary head: He creates what He wills, and He is the All-knowing, the All-powerful } (Soorah 30:54)

Weakness in the beginning and weakness in the end: This is the essence of man. He is so weak and helpless at birth that his entire existence depends on his parents and his family. If he were to be abandoned in these first crucial years, he could not survive on his own. He needs a gentle and loving hand, not only in his infancy, but in his childhood and even in his teenage years. As this child enters the years of youth and independence, he begins to take control of his own life. He looks with pride at his strong physique, his handsome features and his many talents. He begins to despise those of lesser abilities, even scorning his parents, who exhausted their own health to nurture him. He becomes unjust and cruel, using his strength and vigor to dominate others. He thinks he is master, free to act as he wills. But does this youth, these good looks last forever? In only a few decades, he begins to lose his strength…his youth is replaced by old age.

Weakness in the beginning, weakness in the end." The message is clear: The real Master is Allaah. He Alone is Mighty, He Alone, is Great. He Alone is never tired, never needs rest, is never dependent upon anyone. Allaahu Akbar! - Allaah is the Greatest! In our everyday lives, we say a warm thank you for the small acts of kindness which others do for us. So what about thanking Allaah, Who, in His infinite Mercy, has provided for every single one of our needs. Just observe the beauty and perfection of the earth around you and fall down in gratitude to your Lord.

Prayer: The Ascension for a Believer

After the Messenger of Allaah was commissioned for Prophethood, the first thing he was commanded to do by Allaah was to pray. The angel Jibreel came to him and a spring of water gushed out of the rocks in front of them. Jibreel then showed Allaah’s Messenger how to make ablution. He then showed him how to offer prayers to Allaah. He began to pray two rak`ah twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. He then went home and showed his wife Khadijah what he had learnt from the angel Jibreel.

From that time, the Prophet never went through a day without praying. Just before his migration to Madeenah, he was taken on a night journey to Jerusalem and then to the heavens (Mi`raaj). During this journey, Allaah, Almighty, ordered him to pray five times a day. This prayer was a gift given to every Believer to enable him to experience a spiritual ascension five times a day. The Prophet said: "The prayer is the Mi`raaj of the Believer." It gives every Muslim the chance to communicate with his Lord. During each prayer, the Muslim recites Soorah Al-Faatihah: This recitation is not a dull monologue by the Believer, but Allaah promises that it is a conversation between Him and the worshipper. The Messenger of Allaah e reported that Allaah, the Almighty says: ‘When my slave says in his prayer: "All praise is for Allaah, the Lord of the worlds," I say: "My slave has praised Me" When he says: "The Merciful, the Compassionate, Master of the Day of Judgement," I say: "My slave has glorified Me." When he says: "You Alone we worship and your Aid we seek," I say: "This is between Me and My slave." When he says: "Show us the Straight Path," I say: "This is for My slave, and I give My slave what he wants."

The Messenger of Allaah once said: "Prayer is the pillar of religion." (Narrated by Al-Baihaqi) He also informed us that Islaam is built upon five pillars, the second being to establish prayer five times a day. (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari) This makes the image very clear: Islaam is like a building supported by five columns; remove just one column and the entire building weakens. In the same way, when a person stops praying, his faith becomes weak, and the mildest blows can cause it to crumble. The prayer is so very important that the Prophet said: "Verily, between man and polytheism and disbelief is abandoning prayer." (Narrated by Muslim)

Allaah says, concerning the plight of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgement, that they will be asked by the Believers: { "What led you into the Hell-fire?" They will say: "We were not of those who prayed." } (Soorah 74:42-43). Allaah also says: { Successful indeed are the Believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers } (Soorah 23:1-2), and: { And those who guard [strictly] their worship, such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens [of Bliss] } (Soorah 70: 34-35).

Allaah has emphasized the need for humility and concentration in prayers. There is no doubt that Satan is the most bitter enemy of man; he always tries to disturb the Believer’s prayers. He (the worshipper) finds his mind suddenly engulfed with memories, problems, worries, work and his family… and he will often find himself wondering whether he has prayed three rak`ah or four. This is how Satan steals the prayer. Man was created only to worship Allaah. He says: { I created not the jinns and mankind except to worship me } (Soorah 51:56). Man is to live in this world as a worshipper of Allaah and prayer is the best for of worship. On the Day of Judgement, man will have to answer for his deeds. Allaah says: {Then shall you be questioned about the joy [you indulged in] } (Soorah 102:8)

(Abridged from: "Why Do We Pray?" by Dr. Suhaib Hasan)