Monday 31 October 2011

Where Salaah gets cancelled

Where Salaah Gets Cancelled


Quite a few lapses, either intentional or otherwise, could nullify Salaah. 

Salaah, in such instances, as enumerated below, has to be performed all over again:

Talking to others (or even to oneself), whatever the length or duration, is to be guarded against when we are in Salaah.

Saying ASSALAMU ALAIKUM to any Muslim by word of mouth or reciprocating his salutation, is fine at other times.  But this is avoided during Salaah.

When someone sneezes and says ALHAM’DU LILLAH, it is normal for a Muslim to respond, saying YARAH’MUKALLAH. 
We must not do this during Salaah.

At the news of a calamity, we say INNA LILLAHI VA INNA ILAI’HI RAAJIYOON.  This is not stated during Salaah.

When there is good news, we say ALHAM’DU LILLAH.
But if we are in Salaah, we just carry on with the prayers prescribed.

Something strange is heard and we say SUB'HANALLAH.
If we are in Salaah, we just go on with our prayer.

In case of pain or dismay, we must guard against even involuntary outbursts, such as "Aah", "Ouch!" or the like.

In the rare instance of an Imam's memory faltering, it is okay to prompt him by reciting the missing words.

This assist is called "Lukh'maa".  But, during Salaah, this must be conveyed only to the Imam in front of us and not to anyone else.


If any of us is the Imam in this case, we must not accept such "Luq'maa" from anyone other than those in the row just behind us.

Having the Holy Qur'an (or part of it) in view and reading from it (as an aid to memory).  Such a practice is forbidden in Salaah.

There are a few words and phrases in the Holy Qur'an (usually listed in the detailed Commentaries on the Holy Book) which are to be pronounced correctly and succinctly.

Any mispronunciation of these would alter their meaning so drastically that our lapse could amount to sacrilege. Let us avoid this.

We must not resort to some such work or errand that engages both our hands and gives an onlooker the impression that we are not performing Salaah.

Munching or swallowing anything even involuntarily or unintentionally, is to be guarded against, in Salaah.

When faced with pain or disaster, we could be in tears and cry aloud or weep in Salaah.  We must take care that this does not rattle others and our words do not reach their ears.

During Salaah we must not giggle or laugh aloud.

When we are in Salaah, we must not advance, even unconsciously, beyond the Imam in front of us.

If, by any act, our Wudu, ablution, is negated, Salaah is broken. 
We must go and make Wudu again and restart the prayer.

Sunday 30 October 2011

Mak'roohaath, to be avoided in Salaah

Mak’roohaath
to be Avoided in Salaah


These acts are considered undesirable in Salaah:

Touching the crotch area
Having your hands dangling out of the sleeves
Gathering your clothes around you (as for Saj’dah)
Playing with clothes or any part of the body
Cracking the fingers
Turning the neck this way and that
Tousling the hair or passing fingers through them
Stretching yourself
Men having their forearms stretched out in Saj’dah, with their elbows resting on the carpet
Men resting their paunch on the thighs during Saj’dah
Squatting on all fours without a valid justification
Imam standing entirely inside the "Mehraab" (the archway or niche intended for him)
Anyone standing for Salaah away (and separated) from the Jama’ath.  In large congregations, if we are to form part of the Jama’ath, we must be able to see the back of the Imam or (of) any of the rows assembled behind him for Jama’ath in front of us.
Having a portrait or any such thing or a doll or statue in front of us or on the wall or furnishings above our heads.  Failure to remove any such object (that was already there before the Salaah), would be a lapse
Wearing clothes imprinted with pictures of humans, animals, birds and the like.
"Chaadar" or scarf etc. dangling from the shoulders
Performing Salaah repressing intense hunger or the urgency of a call of nature
Being bareheaded in Salaah. Ulemas have recorded that in all his Salaah’s, there was only one instance, when the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) removed his "Amaama" (turban) intentionally and performed Salaah bareheaded.
Closing the eyes during Salaah.

Saturday 29 October 2011

Difference between Salaah's of Men and Women

The Difference Between Salaah’s
of Men and Women


The manner of performing Salaah, as described earlier, is the same for both men and women, except for the following:

Men bring their hands out of their upper garment and raise them to ear level for Thakbeir-e-Thah’reemah. 
Women do this without bringing their hands out of their clothing.
After this, men fold their hands at midriff a little beneath the navel.  Women fold their hands on the bosom.
Men encircle the left wrist with the thumb and little finger of the right hand and the three other fingers rest on the left hand. 
Women do not have to encircle the wrist.  It is enough if they place the right hand upon the left.
In the Rukooh, men bow to the fullest, bringing the head and the back to an almost straight line parallel to the floor. 
For women it would suffice to bow to the extent they reach their
knee caps with their hands.
Men have their fingers spread out on their knee caps in Rukooh.  Women just rest their hands normally.
In Rukooh men position their elbows away from the body. 
Women have them close to their person.
In Saj’dah, men raise their elbows above and away from the floor.  Women rest their elbows on the floor.
In Saj’dah, men have their toes folded and resting on the floor; the rest of the foot stays upright. 
Women have both their feet folded and stretched away  to the right.
In the Qaai'ydah, the sitting posture after Saj’dah, men support their weight on the left foot which rests folded on the floor.   The right foot stands upright, with only its toes resting on the floor. 
Women sit on their shanks, the right resting upon the left and the feet folded and stretched away to the right.
Where men and women are in Salaah in congregation, the women form the last rows. They are directed to rise from Saj’dah a few moments after the men have done so.

Friday 28 October 2011

How to perform the Sajdaye Sahoo

How to Perform the Sajdaye Sahoo?


 In the final rakaah of the Salaah (in which any error has occurred) we are seated after making both Saj’dah's.

We recite ATH’TAHIYYATH and turn our head just once to the right and say ASSALAMU ALAIKUM VA RAHMATHULLAH once.
 
Immediately after this, we make two additional Saj’dah's.

These constitute the Sajdaye Sahoo.
 
After these we sit back and recite ATH’TAHIYYATH again and the Darood-e-Ibraheem and Du’aas as in every Salaah and make Salaams.

Even if any Far’d (essential) of Salaah is missed unintentionally, the remedy of Sajdaye Sahoo can be availed.

Imam Bukhari conveys the Hadith from Syedinaa Abu Huraira (R.A.A.) that the Shaiy'thaan is terrified by the Aza'n and the Iqamah (Call to Prayer) and runs away.  However, he has the temerity to return and try to confuse the praying person and interfere between him and his heart, making him think of this and that (and spoiling the praying person’s concentration on Salaah).  As a result, the praying person is not sure if he has performed three rakaah’s or four.  The person must then perform the two Saj’dah's of Sahoo.

Thursday 27 October 2011

Salaathul With'r

Salaathul  With'r


This Salaah is Wa’jib (next in importance to Far’d and Sunnah Muvakadah).  It is the last Salaah of the night. 

At the end of Salaathul Ishaa, we pray three rakaah’s (just as in Maghrib).  But, in the third rakaah, we recite a short Surah after Surath al Fa’thiha. And then, before going into Rukooh, we raise our hands to ear level, bring our hands down and fold them, the right hand over the left.  And we recite:

ALLAHUMMA INNAA NASTHA’YEENUKA VA NASTAGHFIRUKA VA NASTHAH’DEEKA VA  NOOMINU BIKA VANA THAVAKKALU ALAIKA VA NUSNI ALAI'YKAL KHAI'YRA KULLUHOO. VA NASH’KURUKA  VA LAA NAK'FURUKA VA NAKH'LA-OO VA NATH'RUKU  MAIY'N  YAF'JURUKA. 

ALLAHUMMA IYYAKA NA'ABUDU VA LAKA NUSALLEE VA NAS'JUDU VA ILAI'YKA NAS'AA VA NAHFIDU VA NARJOO RAHMATHAKA VA NAQ'SHAA AZAABAKAL JID’DA INNA AZAABAKAL JID’DA BIL KUFFAARI MUL'HIKH.

"Our Creator, we seek Your Help and Your Pardon and Your Guidance. 
We repose complete faith in You and we place our entire trust in You and we praise You with the fullest sincerity and devotion and we are most grateful to You and we are never ungrateful toYou and we keep away from, and discard, anyone who is disobedient to You.  

“Our Lord, we worship You (and no one else). And our prayer, our Salaah and our Saj’dah (procrastination) are only for You and we come running to You to serve Your Cause and we are hopeful of Your Compassion and we fear and dread to the utmost Your Wrath.  Undoubtedly Your Punishment will reach the deviants who reject Your faith."

This Du’aaye Qunooth is recited by the followers of Imam Abu Haneefah (R.A.A).

The following Du’aaye Qunooth recorded by Imam Shaafi (R.A.A.), is invariably recited in the Har’main Sharifain (the Glorious Massajid in Makkathul Mukarramah and Madinathul Munawwarah). 

It is also a most auspicious invocation.

We may memorize and recite it often:

ALLAHUMMA IH’DINAA FEE MAN HADAIY'TH
VA AAFINAA FEE MAN AAFAAIY’'TH
VA THAWALLANAA FEE MAN THAWALLAIY’'TH 
VA BAARIK LANAA FEE MAA AATHAIY'TH 
FA QINAA SHARRA MAA QADAIY'TH 
FA INNAKA THAKH’DEE VA LAA YUKH’DAA ALAIY'K . 

INNAHU LAA YAZILLAHU MAN'V VAALAIY'TH 
VA LAA YA'YIZZU MAN AADAIY'TH
THABAARAKTHA RABBANAA  VA THA AALAAIY'TH, NASTHAGH’FIRUKA   VA NATHOOBU ILAIY'KA
VA SALLALLAHUALAN NABEEYI  SYEDINAA MOHAMMEDIN SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM. A'MEEN!

"Ya Allah, kindly guide us (along the right road) in the way of those whom You guided right; and grant us prosperity in the way of those whom You blessed with prosperity.

"Kindly be our Benefactor in the way of those to whom You were the Benfactor.  Kindly grant us affluence and the bounties You have blessed us with.

"Kindly save us from whatever evil threatens us; for You are the Ultimate Judge and there is none to dispute Your Writ.

"Undoubtedly the person who is in Your Gracious Protection will never face humiliation.  Likewise no one will be exalted when You disapprove of him (or her). 

"Ya Allah, You are the Most Immaculate, the Purest and the Most High (Creator)!  We repent our sins and we seek Your Gracious Pardon. 

"Ya Allah, kindly convey Your Blessings and Peace on our Glorious Prophet Syedina Mohammed S.A.W.S.  A'meen!"

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Salaathul Qas'r (Travel concession in Salaah)

Salaathul Qas’r
(The Travel Concession in Salaah)


In His Infinite Mercy and Compassion, Allah has granted us the above privilege.

 If we are travelling beyond 48 miles (or, 77 kilometres) from our residence, we are allowed to perform just 2 Rakaah’s Far’d in lieu of the usual 4 Rakaah’s of Salaah’s Zuh'r, As'r  and Ishaa.

This concession is not applicable to Salaathul Maghrib.  We perform its three rakaah’s in full.

This concession is valid only for short trips lasting less than 15 days.

We are exempted from Sunnah and Naf’l prayers during the period. However, if we like to offer them and we have the time and the facilities to do so, we can perform them.

Some travelers continue to perform the full complement of rakaah’s in all the Far’d  Salaah’s.  They gladly forego the Qas’r concession. 

Scholarly opinion concludes that their enthusiasm is misplaced. Qas’r is a gift from Allah unto us.  Gifts are to be accepted, and with grace too.  To decline a gift is not good manners. 

And Allah is the Most Generous, the Most Gracious Provider Who wants us to be asking Him for more and yet more of His favors. The treasures at His Command are unencompassed or limited or constricted even by the vast universe. Allah grants bounties beyond measure to those whom He likes.  All praise to Allah.

If for any reason, we are kept from performing the Salaah’s during the travel, and are performing them on returning home, we must still avail the Qas’r concession.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Salaathul Juma'a, the friday congregation

Salaathul Juma'a
(The Friday Congregation)



The Holy Prophet S.A.W.S. has informed us,
We are the last (Ummah  to enter Islam)
but we will be the foremost on the Day of Resurrection.
Although the earlier nations were given the Holy Books
(the Scriptures) before us and
we were given the Holy Qur'an after them,
they disputed with regard to this day (Friday).
So the day next to it (Saturday) was prescribed for the Jews
and the day following it (Sunday) for the Christians.

“It is obligatory for every Muslim to have a full bath,
at least once a week, on a Friday".
(Narrated by Abu Huraira R.A.A. and recorded  in Sahih Bukhari)


Islam renews itself every Friday in the hearts and minds of Muslims all over the world.

This day, and on the night before and after it, we rededicate ourselves to Allahu Sub'hanahu va ta Aala and His Beloved Messenger Syedina Mohammed S.A.W.S.

Our lives assume a new meaning, a new signficance, a new mission.  We resolve and aspire earnestly to be perfect human beings and to be truly Muslim, the chosen of Allah. 

We rejoice in, and abide by, His Commands in the Holy Qur'an:

“And He (Allah) gives you all that you ask for.  (Indeed) if you (try to) count the favors of Allah (upon you), you will never be able to complete the job”. (Surath Ibrahim:  34). 

And in the Surath al Juma'a:  "O, you, who believe!  When the call is proclaimed for prayer on Friday (the Day of Congregation), hasten in earnest to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business and worldly affairs.  That is best for you if you only knew. 

"And when the Prayer is finished, then you may reach out through the land and seek the bounty of Allah.  (And)  Remember Allah much that you may prosper. And Allah is the Best Who provides for (and fulfills) all your needs".

Prayer in Jama’ath (congregation) is obligatory on Fridays when:

We are in good health
We are in a town or a village
We are male
We are sane and above 9 years of age
We are not lame or blind
It is Friday afternoon.
The sun has passed the meridian and it is time for Salaathuz Zuh’r.
The Imam is rendering the Quth’baa (sermon)
Beside the Imam, there are at least three members forming
the congregation.              

On hearing the first Aza'an of the Salaathul  Juma'a, we must halt all business dealings and put off worldly concerns and proceed to the Masjid.  Promptness in this response is Wa'ajib (second only in priority to Far’d, which is obligatory and its non-observance is penalised).

At the second Aza'an, the Imam ascends the Mimber, pulpit, and the Quth'bah, sermon, commences.  Everyone sits enwrapped in awe and silence and listens to the Imam.

During the sermon, it is forbidden to perform any Salaah, or talk to or chastise anyone.

However, according to a Hadith, if we are a late arrival at the Masjid, we must perform two rakaah’s Sunnah Thahiyyathul Masjid and then sit down and listen to the Quth'bah.

We must look forward to the Juma'a prayers and be in the Masjid on time.  It is Far’d, obligatory, to listen to the Quth'bah and be included in the Salaathul Juma'a (which is performed only in Jama’ath, congregation). 
The rewards are so bountiful that it would be a grievous loss to miss them. The Prophet S.A.W.S. has told us that from one Salaah to another, the Rah’math, shelter of compassion, from Allah rests on our heads. 

When we have performed the Juma'a prayer satisfactorily, we are assured of Allah's help and protection right up to the next Friday.

Anyone who deliberately misses, three times in a row,  the invaluable opportunity that every Friday provides us (to perform the Salaathul Juma’a and earn bounties from  Allah), will be listed among the Munafiqeen, the hypocrites, and the record will not be changed.  This is a warning from the Mishka’th  collection of Hadith.

There are 14 Rakaah’s in the Jumaa'a prayers:

On entering the Masjid in a state of Wudu, that is, after a bath and ablution, we pray:

Salaah Thahiyyathul Masjid:  2 Rakaah’s.

Next, if  the Imam has not yet ascended the pulpit for sermon, we pray:
Salaah Qab'l al Juma'a:   4 Rakaah’s

And we sit down and listen to the Quth'bah in rapt attention.

The sermon is rendered in two parts. The transliteration of a standard Quth'bah, is given at the end of the chapter. 

When the first part is finished, the Imam sits down for a while on the pulpit.  We must recite Darood-e-Shareef and pray to Allah for the reward we seek most. Insha Allah, our prayers will be granted.

The Imam now delivers the second part of the Sermon and we must recite Darood-e-Shareef every time the glorious name of Sydina Mohammed S.A.W.S.  is pronounced.

The Holy Qur'an bears witness that Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Holy Prophet S.A.W.S.. 

It calls upon the believers to bless Syedina Mohammed S.A.W.S.  likewise, that is, to recite the Darood-e--Shareef whenever we hear his blessed name. 
 
Every Darood-e-Shareef we recite entitles us to great blessings in return.  The Holy Prophet S.A.W.S. has confirmed to us that every time we send Darood-e-Shareef  to him, he reciprocates the blessings. 

What greater fortune can there be for us than to be entitled to the blessings of our Glorious Master S.A.W.S.?

On Fridays, the blessings from Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa to us are ten times or even more bountiful than on other days for our good deeds.

The rendering of Darood-e-Shareefe Shareef on this blessed day will undoubtedly be a most excellent investment that we make for a glorious life here and in the herafter to us and to our family.

With the sermon concluded, the Imam descends from the pulpit and takes his stand before the Mehra'b to lead us in the all important Salaathul Juma’a. 

The Muezzin gives the Iqamah call and we pray in congregation two rakaah’s Far’d.
The congregation disperses and we perform indiviDuaally four rakaah’s Sunnah Baad al Juma'a.
We conclude with two rakaah’s Naf’l (optional prayers). 

After this, we may perform any number of Naf’l prayers. These are best performed in our homes so the women and children are also inspired to follow our example as good Muslims.

Every Salaah, every good deed, every charity rendered on a Friday brings us much more reward from Allah than on other days. 

Every Juma’a is so auspicious to us that its blessings commence and last even through the nights that precede and succeed it.

From Salaah’s Maghrib of Thursday through Faj’r of Saturday, Muslims are endowed a magnificent opportunity to prove their devotion to Allah.

We must guard ourselves against sins, perform prayers and good deeds and recite the Holy Qur’an with earnestness. Certainly we will gain the richest of rewards from Our Glorious Creator.

Monday 24 October 2011

The Quth'baath (Sermons) of Salaathul Juma'a

Quth'baath of Juma'a
Sermons of the Friday Salaah

ALHAM’DULILLAAHIL’LAZEE HADAANAA LI HAAZAA VA MAA KUNNAA LI NAH’THADIYA LUV LAA AN HADAANALLAHU AALIMUL GHAI'YBI VASH SHAHAADATHI HUVAR RAHMANUR RAHEEM. 
HUVAL AWWALU VAL AAKHIRU VAZZAAHIRU VAL BAATHINU VA HUVA BI KULLI SHAIYYIN ALEEM.
HUVALLAZEE YUSAW’WIRUKUM FIL ARHAAMI KAI'YFA YASHAA'O
LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAHU   HUVAL AZEEZUL HAKEEM.
HUVALLAZEE AN'SHA'AKUM VA JA'ALA LAKUMUS SAM'A VAL ABSAARA VAL AF'YIDATHA KHALEELAM MAA THASHKUROON.
VA LAHUL HAMDU FIS SAMAAWAATHI VAL AR'D. 
VA AASHEEYAN VA HEENA THUZ'HIROONA HUVAL LAZEE ARSALA RASOOLAHOO BIL HUDAA VA DEENIL HAQQI LI YUZ'HIRAHOO ALAD DEENI KULLIHEE  VA KAFAA BILLAHI SHAHEEDAA. 
FA AAMINOO BILLAHI VA RASOOLIHIN NABEEYIL UMMIYILLAZEE
YOOMINU BILLAHI VA KALIMAATHIHEE.
VATH’THABI'OHU LA'ALLAKUM THAH'THADOON.
YAA AYYUHALLAZEENA AAMANOO ATHEE’YULLAHA VA ATHEEYUR RASOOLA VA MAIN'YUTHI'YILLAHA VA RASOOLAHOO FAKHAD FAAZA FAVZAN AZEEMAA.
MOHAMMEDUR RASOOLULLAHI VALLAZEENA MA'AHOO ASHID'DAA'O ALAL KUFFAARI  RUHAMAA'O BAIYNAHUM THARAAHUM
RUKKA’AN SUJJADAN'Y YABTHAGHOONA FAD’LAN MINALLAHI VA RID’WAANA.
SEEMAA’HUM FEE VUJOOHI’HIM MIN ASARIS SUJOOD.
ZAALIKA MAS’ALUHUM FITH THAVRAATHI VA MAS’ALUHUM FIL INJEEL.
INNAMAA YUREEDULLAHU LI YAZ'HABA AN'KUMUR RIJ'SA
AH'LAL BAIYTHI VA YUTHAH'HIRAKUM THATH'HEERA.

VA LAA THAH'SABANNAL LAZEENA QUTHILOO FEE SABEELILLAHI AM'WAATHAA. BAL AH'YAA'UN INDA RABBIHIM YURZAQOON.
FARIHEENA BIMAA AATHAAHUMULLAHU MIN FAD'LIHI
VA YASTHAB’SHIROONA BILLAZEENA LAM YAL’HAQOO BIHIM
MIN KHAL’FIHIM AL LAA KHAV'FUN ALAIHIM VALAAHUM YAHZANOON.
YAA AYYUHAL LAZEENA AAMANOO IZAA NOODIYA LIS’SALAAHI
MIN’Y YAV’MIL JUM'ATHI FAS'AV ILAA ZIKRILLAHI VA ZARUL BAI'Y.
ZAALIKUM KHAIRUN'LLAKUM IN KUNTHUM THAALAMOON.
YAA AYYUHALLAZEENA AAMANOO THOOBOO ILALLAHI THAV'BATHAN
NASOOHAN VA MAIN'Y YAAMAL SOO'AN AV YAZLIM NAF’SAHU
SUMMA YAS’THAGH'FIRILLAHA YAJI’DILLAHA GHAFOORAN'R  RAHEEMAA.  
FAS’THAGH'FIROO RABBAKUM SUMMA THOOBOO ILAI'HI.
VATH'THAQULLAHAL LAZEE ILAI'HI THUH'SHAROON.
VA'AABUDOO RABBAKUM VAF'ALUL KHAI'YRI LA'ALLAKUM THUFLI'HOON.
LAA THUL'HIKUM AM'VAALAKUM VALAA AV’LAADUKUM AN ZIKRILLAHI.
VA MAIN'Y YAF'AL ZAALIKA FA'OOLAA’YIKA HUMUL KHAASIROON.
VA MAA HAAZIHIL HAYAATHUD DUNIYA ILLAA LAH'VUN VA LAYI’BUN’V VA INNAD DAARAL AAKHIRATHA LAHIYAL HAIY'WAANU LUV KAANOO YAALAMOON.
VA AKHEEMUS SALAAHA VA AATHUZ ZAKAAHA VA AKH'RIDULLAHA QAR'DAN HASANAN’V
VA MAA THUKHAD’DIMOO LI AN'FUSIKUM MIN KHAIRIN THAJIDOOHU INDALLAHI
HUVA KHAI'YRAN'V VA AAZAMU AJ’RAN'V VASTAGH'FIRULLAHA, INNALLAHA GHAFOORUN'R RAHEEM.
RABBANA'GH'FIRLANAA VA LI IKHWAANI'NAL LAZEENA SABAQOONAA BIL EEMAAN.


VA LAA THAJ'AL FEE QULOOBINAA GHILLAN'L LIL’LAZEENA AAMANOO RABBANAA INNAKA RA'OOFUN'R RAHEEM.
RABBANAA VA LAA THUHAM'MILNAA MAA LAA THAAQATHA LANAA BIHEE.
VA'AUFU ANNAA VAGH'FIR'LANAA VAR'HAMNAA ANTHA MOULAANAA
FAN'SUR'NAA ALAL QAVMIL KAAFIREEN.
BAARAKALLAHU LANA VALAKUM FIL QURA'ANIL AZEEM.
VA NAFAE'NA VA IYYAKUM BIL AAYAATHI VAZ’ZIK’RIL HAKEEM.
INNAHU THA AALAA JAWADUN KAREEMUN MALIKUN BARRUN'R RAVOOFUN'R RAHEEM.

With this. the first Part of the Sermon is completed. 
Now the Imam sits down on the Mimber (Pulpit) for a while and the Musalliyeen (the assembly) make a silent Du’aa to Allah as this is an auspicious moment for prayers.

The Imam rises and resumes the sermon:
ALHAM’DULIL’LAAHI HAM’DAN KASEERAA VA SABBI’HOOHU BUKRATHAN'V VA ASEELAA.’
VA MAA ARSAL’NAAKA ILLAA MUBASH’SHIRAN'V VA NAZEERAA VA NASH'HADU AN LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAHU VAH'DAHU LAA SHAREEKA LAHU SAMEE'AN QADEERAA VA NASH'HADU ANNA MOHAMMEDAN AB’DUHU VA RASOOLUHOO,
MUKHAA’THABU NAH'NU NAZ’ZAL’NAA  ALAIY'KAL QURA’ANA THANZEELAA.
INNALLAHA VA MALAA’YIKATHAHOO YUSALLOONA ALAN NABEEYI, YAA AYYU’HAL'LAZEENA AAMANOO SALLOO ALAIHI VA SALLIMOO THASLEEMAA.
ALLAHUMMA SALLE ALAA MOHAMMEDIN'V VA ALAA AALI  MOHAMMEDIM BI ADADI MAN SALLA VA SAAMA VA SALLE ALAA MOHAMMEDIN'V VA ALAA AALI MOHAMMEDIM BI ADADA MAN QA'ADA VA QAAMA VA SALLI ALAA JAMEEYIL AMBIYAA'YI  VAL MURSALEENNA VA ALAL MALAA'YIKATHIL MUQAR’RABEENA VA ALAA AH’LI THAA'ATHIKA AJ’MAYEENA MIN AH’LIS SAMAAWATHI VA AH'LIL ARDEENA
BI RAH’MATHIKA YAA ARHAMAR RAAHIMEEN.
ALLAHUMMA VAFFIKHIL AMEERAZ ZAMAANI
BI AN'VAAYIL BARAKATHI VAL IHSAAN.
ALLAHUMMAN'SUR  MAN NASARA DEENA MOHAMMEDIN SALLALLAHUTHA AALAA ALAIHI VASALLAMA  VAJ'ALNAA MIN'HUM VAKH'ZUL MAN KHAZALA  DEENA MOHAMMEDIN SALLALLAHUTHA AALAA ALAIHI VA SALLAMA VA LAA THAJ'ALNAA MIN'HUM .  IBAADALLAH
INNALLAHA YAA’MURU BIL AD'LI VAL IH’SAAN VA EETHAAYI ZIL QURBAA VA YAN'HAA ANIL FAH'SHAAYI VAL MUN'KARI VAL BAGH'YI
YA'IZUKUM LA AL’LAKUM THAZAK’KAROON
UZKURULLAHAL AZEEZAL JALEELAL JABBARA YAZ’KURUKUM VA VAD'OO'HU YASTHAJIB LAKUM VA LAZIKRULLAHI THA AALAA
AALAA  VA AV’LAA VA  A'AZZU VA AJALLU VA ATHAMMU VA AHAMMU VA AAZAMU VA  AKBAR.

The Quth’bah is now complete.  The Imam descends the pulpit, takes his stand at the Meh’raab and leads the congregation in Salaah ul Juma’a of two Rakaah’s Far’d.

Sunday 23 October 2011

Joining a Jama'ath in the course of Salaah

Joining a Jama’ath
in the Course of Salaah


Let us suppose that in the Masjid (or wherever Salaah is performed in Jama’ath, (congregation) there is only one person beside the Imam. 

With that person, even if he is a minor, the Jama’ath can commence. He stands to the right of the Imam, a little behind him.

If a designated Imam is present, it is best for all.  In case he is not in, any Muslim who can lead the prayers is welcome. 

If there are three persons gathered, the one who knows the Holy Qur'an best among them, will be the Imam and the other two will stand in a row behind him.  Those who arrive subsequently will join this row.

A second row must not be formed till the first row is complete.

To join a congregation after the Salaah has commenced, we must stand at either end of the last row.  We make the Niy’yath and state the Thakbeir-e-Thah’reemah and Sana'a and then follow the Imam in the Salaah.

We are counted as in, if we join a Rakaah before, or during, its Rukooh. However, if the Imam and congregation are already in Rukooh, we must not rush in to be included.  We must proceed with the Niy’yath, Thakbeir-e-Thah’reemah and Sana'a as above.

If we are able to join the Rukooh before the Imam says SAMI ALLAHU LIMAN HAMIDA, well and good. If not, we must go into the Saj’dah as the others are doing.  This Rakaah will not be counted as our first Rakaah, but the sawaab due to us, for maintaining decorum in the Masjid, will not be curtailed.

There is another school of thought that insists we must join a salaah immediately on entering the masjid, if the jama’ath is in Rukoo.. Even the need for niyyath and other processes may be overlooked as we started from home with the niyyath already

Saturday 22 October 2011

How to make up for the rakaah's we missed

How do we make up
for the Rakaah’s we have missed?


Whatever the stage at which we entered the Salaah, we must proceed with the rest of the Salaah as the Imam and the other Musalliyeen (worshippers) are doing. 

In the Qaa'yidah of the last rakaah, we recite the Ath’thahiyyath and wait for the Imam to make the first salaam to the right. At this, we do not turn our heads but rise as the Imam goes on to the second salaam. Now we are on our own.  But the reward of Jama’ath has been earned and continues.

                   The rakaah’s we missed are now completed as follows:

If we have joined a rakaah before or during Rukooh, that is our first rakaah. The other rakaah’s missed are now performed.

The rakaah’s where the Qiraath (an additional Surah) is to be recited after Surath al Fa’thiha, are performed first if the Salaah is of 3 or 4 rakaah’s.

As an example, suppose we join the Far’d Salaathul Ishaa in the third rakaah after its Rukooh. That will not be our first rakaah.  We follow the Imam up to the Qaai'yda of the next rakaah, which is the Jama’ath's fourth and our first rakaah. 

Before the Imam concludes the Salaah by the second Salaam, we get up and resume prayer.   As such, we are now in the second rakaah of our Salaah.   Therefore we recite Surath al Fa’thiha and the Qiraath Surah also and go into Rukooh and Saj’dah's and we sit down for Qaai'yda (due in the second rakaah).  After reciting Aththahiyyath (only) we get up and perform the third and fourth rakaah's of our Salaah and conclude it as usual.

Friday 21 October 2011

The Salaah's we were unfortunate to miss


The Salaah’s
we were unfortunate to miss


It is a great misfortune to miss, intentionally, even a single Salaah. Scholars have cautioned us that if such violations are repeated, they could lead to Kuf'r  (heresy, rejection of Faith). 

May Allah kindly protect all of us from the disaster.  A'meen!

However, if we could not find respite from our duties or we had been overpowered by sleep due to extreme fatigue and could not perform any Far’d Salaah on time, we must perform it at the earliest opportunity we get (on our relief from duty or waking up from sleep, as the case may be).

Once we cultivate sedulously the habit of Salaah, it will become much easier for us to perform Salaah regularly at the appointed timings or at the earliest opportunity later on.

We are never exempted from Salaah.

during travel
or in bed due to ill health
or on battleground
and even on deathbed,

the Far’d Salaah remains an essential duty that every Muslim must perform.

Allah reminds us in the Holy Qur'an  that He is closer to us than our own jugular vein. Every moment of our life, we are dependent totally on Allah's mercy and compassion for our survival and for our sustained progress through life. 

Allah's is the most complete protection, everlasting security. Through Salaah we guarantee ourselves continued access to Allah's Rah’math, Compassion.  We need no other means to achieve triumph anywhere.

If we are able to perform the defaulted Salaahul Faj'r before , we must perform both the Sunnah and Far’d Salaah’s of 2 Rakaah’s each.

For the many Far’d Salaah’s we have unfortunately missed, due to ignorance or any other cause, there is a way to fill the void.  We can perform them any time any day.  The Niy’yath is important.  If we remember the specific Salaah’s we missed, we must state them.

Otherwise, after performing our daily Salaah’s, we must try and perform at least 20 rakaah’s every day towards the missed Salaah’s.

We may make the Niyyaath appropriately.  Allah knows what is in our hearts and in our minds.  Allah is pleased with us when we seek His Approval with all sincerity and earnestness.

These Twenty Rakaah’s are performed in lieu of the defaulted Far’d Salaah’s of a single day of the past:

Faj'r 2 +  Zuh'r 4 + As'r 4 + Maghrib 3 + Ishaa 4 + With'r 3 = Total 20.

We are under obligation to perform them at the earliest.

 These are Far’d. And the last mentioned is Wa’jib. Omission of either Salaah is punishable.

For the missed Sunnah and Naf’l Salaah’s this does not apply.  We may perform them also if we can.  Otherwise, for the defaulted Salaah’s of this category only, we may seek Allah's pardon.

Thursday 20 October 2011

Nafl Salaah's (Optional Prayers)

The Naf’l (Optional) Prayers


On the Day of Judgment every human being,
from Adam to the last man, woman or child born on earth,
will be brought back to life.
And they will, all of them, assemble before Allah.
Whatever had been their mode of death:
whether they were buried
or had drowned
or had been swallowed
 or eaten alive by any being
or had disappeared without trace
or were cremated
and their ashes scattered in far corners of the earth,
every one of them will, doubtless,
 be resurrected by Allah’s Command
and called to account
 for their deeds through life.


On a balance will be weighed everyone's good and bad deeds. These acts had been meticulously recorded by angels for every human being created since time immemorial.  Two angels are permanently assigned to each person.  The angel to his/her right, records the good deeds.  The angel to the left records the bad deeds. 

On this seemingly endless Day, even our hands, our legs and other limbs will testify against us. So too for the good deeds, their correct testimonies will be heard.  Every spot of earth that we stood on for prayer to Allah or for performing a good act, will vouchsafe in our favor. So too will be its declamation for the misdeeds we committed on it.

Mostly the scales will tilt against us.  The incontrovertible record of evil deeds, the sins of commission, the rebellion against God, the wrongs done to others and unto ourselves, will be there for us to see and remember and repent.

Then as our good deeds are weighed in, the scale will tilt a little in our favor. Even as an infinitesimal good act is cited, such as a Salaah or a good deed or a recital of the Holy Qur’an or even a mention of the name of Allah on such and such an occasion, it will bring us a glimmer of hope.

Every human being will wish, in that hour of despair, if only he/she could have the chance to live that moment again, he/she would add one more Salaah, one more charity or yet another good deed to his/her record and be saved from being doomed to hell.

It is then that the record of our Salaah’s will come to our rescue. They will secure us Allah’s Gracious Pardon of our sins.

All our good deeds will bring us, by Allah’s Grace, rewards much greater than what we strictly deserve.
And our Naf’l prayers will win the day for us, insha Allah.


Any time anywhere, we can perform Naf’l Salaah’s.  In fact, the best way to seek Allah's blessings for the success of any of our projects, is:

We make a vow that when the project we have on hand is blessed with success by Allah, we will perform a specified number of Rakaah’s (ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred, one thousand and even more!) of Naf’l Salaah’s of Gratitude to Allah.

As soon as success is gained, we keep our promise and perform the Salaah’s in full. If we fail, we fall real low in our judgment of ourselves and  feel we are not worthy any more of seeking Allah’s help.

May Allah kindly bless us to be grateful to Him always and to be worthy of Him and His Chosen Prophet Syedina Mohammed S.A.W.S.  A’meen!


A Selection from the Prophet S.A.W.S.’s Naf’l  Salaah’s

Thahiy’yathul Wudu: Immediately after making the ablutions, Wudu, we perform two Rakaah’s Naf’l as Thahiy’yathul Wudu. This helps to merge our "inward and outward consciousness" into a deep devotion to Allah.  This entitles us to Paradise, according to the Mishk’ath  Hadith.

Thahiy’yathul Masjid: According to the Saheeh Bukhari collection of Hadith, the Holy Prophet S.A.W.S. has advised us that whenever we go to any Masjid (before the usual Far’d prayer or the Juma’a Sermon has begun), we must peform two rakaah’s Naf’l as Thahiy’yathul Masjid.
This prayer is also for Allah.  It is an expression of our esteem for the Masjid. Every Masjid is the House of Allah. It is indeed for Allah that we perform this and every other Salaah.

Salaathul Ishraaq: Half an hour or so after dawn, when the sun has risen to the “Height of a Spear” above the horizon, Salaahul Ish'raaq is performed as Naf’l. It can be of two or four rakaah’s.

Salaathud Duhaa: About three hours after the above, the Salaathud Duhaa  is performed with 2, 4 or 8 Rakaah’s, as Naf’l.  The Mother of Momineen Syedathi Aayesha R.A.A. Radhi Allahu An'haa used to perform this Salaah  regularly.

The Holy Prophet S.A.W.S. has said that whoever makes it his practice to perform this Salaah every day will have all his sins pardoned by Allah, even if they are like "the froth of sea waves".

Salaathul Aw’wabeen: This Naf’l Salaah is performed after Maghrib prayers.  We are informed from Hadith that whoever performs this in six Rakaah’s (three pairs of two Rakaah’s each) and refrains from evil in between, will be blessed with rewards equal to twelve years of devout prayer. We are also informed that if a person performs twenty Rakaah’s instead, in this Salaah, he/she will secure a mansion in Paradise.

Allahu Rabbul Izzat prefers regularity in our Salaah. For those performing Naf’l prayers regularly, the rewards from Allah are bountiful.



Salaathuth  Thahajjud
(THE LATE NIGHT PRAYERS)


This is an important Naf’l (optional) Salaah that brings in countless blessings.  Foremost is the good news that our Duaa’yaen (prayers) to Allah are fulfilled soonest.

An hour or two before the Azaan of Salaathul Fajr, we wake up and make Wudu and we perform this Salaah  in two to twelve Rakaah’s.

Those who cannot wake up and perform this Salaah at these hours, may perform it earlier, after the Salaathul Ishaa  and earn sawaab.

It is masnoon (the Holy Prophet S.A.W.S.’s practice) to perform as many rakaah’s as we can, in pairs of two rakaah’s each.

They bring us immense rewards from Allah.

We recite longer Surath's in each Rakaah, like Surath's Ya'seen, Ar Rahmaan, Vaakhiyah, Al Saj’dah, Al Kahaf and so on, if we can recite them from memory.

It may appear difficult at first but once we get accustomed to it, we will be performing this Salaah with zest and real devotion.  We will be spiritually and emotionally uplifted by this Salaah at an hour most auspicious  for Duaa’yaen.

The Du’aa (invocation) made to Allah after this Salaah is granted as Allah's Rahmath is closest to us at this hour when we are in devout prayer to Our Creator, seeking His Pardon, His Compassion and the Blessings that only Allah awards.

We need limitless and ever increasing ney’maath, the bounties of inestimable value from Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa.  Let us then, offer limitless Salaah and good deeds and make heartrending Duaa’yaen to Allah and become worthy of these blessings.

When the entire city is in deep slumber, we are praying to Our Glorious Creator to pardon our sins and grant us fulfillment of our cherished aims and bless us and our near ones with the best of health and happiness and harmony in our family life.

The glory of this Salaah may be seen in the Hadith from Mishkaath: The Holy Prophet S.A.W.S. has informed us that:

In the last third of the night,
Allah welcomes those who pray to Him.
He asks, "Who is it who prays to Me?  I will grant his prayer. 
Who is it who seeks My favor?  I will fulfill his need.
Who is it who seeks My pardon? I will forgive his sins.
Who is it who lends something to (Allah), the One Who has everything and is neither miserly nor harsh."
This drama of asking for, and being granted favors,
goes on and on till  daybreak.

We conclude this Salaah and perform the Salaahul With’r al Wa’jib, the last prayer of the night.

Even if we had performed this Salaah  earlier, with the Ishaa prayers, we may now perform it again and this will bring us greater sawaab.