ALL ABOU T SA LAT A Simple Step By Step Guide to Washing and a nd Praying Verily all praise is for Allaah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness, and we seek refuge with Allaah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomever Allaah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomever Allaah misguides there is none who can guide him, and I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah Alone, having no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.
The Salat (the ritual prayer) is the second pillar of Islam. It is an act to be performed five times a day at set times. The lengths of each prayer may vary but all of the rituals of the prayer are identical for each prayer and are very easy to learn. You have learnt in All About Islam that the salat is the greatest single act of worship in existence. It requires a standard of cleanliness in body and clothing that is also explained in this book. It is hoped that the following guide will be a useful resource for muslims who wish to find out how to perfect this great act.
Contents Subject 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
page
You Cannot Leave Praying Evidences / Rulings for the Above Purity After Toilet: Istinja Purity: Bathing (Ghusl) Purity: Wudhu Wiping Over Socks / Shoes Clothing and Pictures The Five Prayer Times The Five Prayer Lengths The First Rakah The Second Rakah The Last Rakah Two Short Verses Opening and Closing your Salat Final Words -1-
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O E : Y O U C AOT L EAVE P RAYIG _________________________ QUESTION: Many workers delay Zuhr and ‘Asr prayers until night-time, night-time, giving the excuse that they are too busy at work or that their clothes are najis (impure) or not clean. What advice can you give them? ANSWER: Praise be to Allaah. It is not permissible for a Muslim man or woman to delay an obligatory prayer beyond the proper time, rather every accountable Muslim man and woman is obliged to perform the prayers on time as much as they can. Work is not an excuse for delaying prayer, neither is impurity on clothes or clothes being dirty. one of these are a re acceptable excuses. excuses. People should be excused from work at prayer times; at the time of prayer a worker has to wash the impurity from his clothes, or change into clean clothes. As for regular dirt (as opposed to impurities), impurities), this does not prevent one from praying in those clothes, so long as that dirt is not impure and does not have an offensive smell that would bother other worshippers. But if the dirt or its smell will bother others, then he has to wash it before praying, or change into clean clothes so that he can pray in congregation. It is permissible for those who have legitimate shar’i excuses, such as those who are sick or are travelling, to combine Zuhr and ‘Asr at the time of either of them, and to combine Maghrib and ‘Isha’ at the time of either of them. This was narrated in the saheeh Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). It is also permissible to join prayers when there is heavy rain or mud, which cause difficulty for people. Fataawa Muhimmah tata’allaq bil-Salaah by Shaykh Ibn Baaz, p. 19 Source: Islam-qa.com
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T W O : E VIDECES F O R T H E A BOVE
Indeed the prayer has been enjoined upon the Believers at stated times. Surah Nisa 4:103
Al-Bukhari said about this verse: "He has set time limits for them" The Messenger of Allaah said:
“Between a person and kufr and shirk stands the abandonment of prayer.” arrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2766. Classed as saheeh by Ibn Maajah, 1078, and by al-Albaani).
Kufr means disbelief. Shirk is joining others in worship with Allah. It is called the unforgivable sin.
Verily! Allâh forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners in worship with Him, but He forgives whom he pleases sins other than that, and whoever sets up partners in worship with Allâh, has indeed strayed far away. (An-Nisa 4:116) Do you need Allah's help?
O you who believe! seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with the patient ones. ones. (Al-Baqarah 2:153)
TAYAMMUM; PURITY
FROM THE
EARTH
Many people say they cannot pray because there is no water to wash with. There is also guidance on what to do when this happens: Two companions of the Prophet could not find water for washing and the Prophet informed them:
'It would have been sufficient for you to do like this.' The Prophet then stroked lightly the earth with his hands and then blew off the dust and passed his hands over his face and hands." Hadeeth No. 335 - Narrated by 'Abdur Rahman bin Abza: in Sahih Bukhari – The Book of Dry Ablution
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R U L I G S: Leaving, Forgetting and Abandoning Prayer
1. Leaving off a single prayer Question: Is the one who leaves off a single (obligatory) prayer without prayer without a (Islaamically acceptable) reason taken out of the fold of Islaam?
Response: (Summarised)
According to the majority opinion (of the scholars), whoever leaves off a single (obligatory) prayer, then he does not become a disbeliever unless he abandoned it completely, in accordance with the Prophet’s saying: ((Between ((Between a person and kufr and shirk is the abandonment of the prayer )), )), [ Saheeh Muslim]. Muslim]. (He said: ((the ((the prayer )) )) - implying abandoning the obligatory prayer completely) completely) ...and he did not say ((leaving ((leaving off a prayer )) )) (which would imply leaving off a single obligatory prayer); Likewise, the (Prophet’s) saying: ((The ((The covenant dividing us and them (disbelievers) is the prayer. Whoever abandons it has committed disbelief )), )), [recorded in at-Tirmidhee, an-Nasaa.ee, Ahmad, al-Haakim]
...and you are not required to make up that prayer, since you had left it without a (Islaamically acceptable) reason. Rather, you are required to repent to Allaah (, and if you sincerely repented, then Allaah (says: {And He it is Who accepts repentance from His servants, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do}, do}, [Soorah [Soorah ash-Shooraa, Aayah 25] Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Fataawa Manaar al-Islaam - Volume 1, Page 131, Question No.99
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2. Forgetting a Prayer The Prophet ssallallahu 'alaihi wassalaam said,
"A person who forgets a prayer should pray it when he remembers. Allah the Blessed and Exalted says in His book, 'Establish the prayer to remember Me.' " [Sahih Muslim from Abu Hurayra] Meaning do not delay in doing the prayer - joining i t with the next, etc.
3. The ruling concerning one who does not pray (at all) Question: What is the ruling concerning a person who died and he did not pray, although his parents were Muslims? How should he be dealt with concerning the washing of his body, shrouding, prayer, burial, supplications and asking for mercy upon him? Response:
Any sane adult person who dies and does not pray, given that he knows the Islaamic ruling about prayer, is a disbeliever. He is not to be washed nor should he be prayed over. He is not to be buried in the Muslim cemetery. His Muslim relatives do not inherit from him. This is concerning the one who does not pray out of laziness. The one who refuses to accept it as being obligatory is an apostatising disbeliever according to all of the scholars of Islaam. We ask Allaah to make the affairs of the Muslims good and lead them to follow the Straight Path. He is the All-Hearing, t he Responder. Shaykh Ibn Baaz Fataawa al-Mar.ah (for this the Shaykh referred to the same hadeeth mentioned above)
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T HREE : P URITY A FTER T OILET ( I STIJA ) One of the mushrikeen (polytheists) said to Salmaan al-Farsi: “Your Prophet has taught you everything, even how to defecate!” Salmaan said: “Yes, he forbade us to face the qiblah when urinating or defecating…” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 16; also in Saheeh Muslim)
1. ENTERING / LEAVING THE TOILET Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us that when entering the toilet, we should say: “Allaahumma innee a’oodhi bika min al-khubthi wa’l-khabaa’ith wa’ l-khabaa’ith (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from male and female devils). ” When leaving the toilet, he should say: “Ghufraanak Ghufraanak (I (I seek Your forgiveness).” 2. SITTING ON THE TOILET The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you sits down to answer the call of nature, he should not face the qiblah or turn his back towards it.” (Reported by Muslim, 389). Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported: “When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wanted to answer the call of nature, he would not lift his garment until he had squatted close to the ground.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi) 3. CLEANING YOURSELF a) Use Left Hand Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you cleans himself, he should not use his right hand, he should use his left hand.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, 308; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 322).
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b) Use Water Whenever Possible Narrated Anas bin Malik: Whenever Allah's Apostle went to answer the call of nature, I along with another boy used to accompany him with a tumbler full of water. (Hisham commented, "So that he might wash his private parts with it.)" Sahih Bukhari:Book of Ablution 153
c) Wash Three Times ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet used to wash his posterior three times. Ibn ‘Umar said: “We did this too and found it to be healing and cleansing.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, 350; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4993)
WATER IS ENOUGH TO PURIFY SOMETHING
Hadith reported by Imam Abu Da’ud and Baihaqi that a woman came to the Prophet ( (sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam)) and said “O Messenger of Allah, I don’t have but one outfit and I have my monthly period when I am wearing it, and sometimes I see blood on it. What should I do?” The Prophet ( (sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam)) replied: “After the menstrual cycle is over, wash the blood stained area and then you can pray with it.” The woman said “O Messenger of Allah, what if the blood traces don’t come out?” He replied: “It suffices for you to clean cl ean it with water, and the traces of blood will not harm you.” If the impurity is not visible, such as urine, it is sufficient to wash it once." NOTE: TAKE CARE TO CLEAN ALL NAJAS (IMPURITY) FROM YOURSELF BUT KNOW THAT THE APPLYING OF WATER TO IT IS ENOUGH IF YOU CANNOT FIND WATER YOU CAN USE TISSUES OR ODD NUMBER OF STONES (Sahih Bukhari) NOTE: GOING TO TOILET DOES NOT MEAN YOU NEED TO TAKE A BATH FOR PRAYER OR WASH ALL YOUR CLOTHES
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F O U R : P URITY : B ATHIG ( G HUSL ) Truly, Allâh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath). (Al-Baqarah 2:222) If you are in a state of Janâba (i.e. had a sexual discharge), purify yourself (bathe ). (Al-Ma'idah 5:6)
So bathing (Ghusl) is not for after the t he toilet but for Sexual Discharge and also is when someone enters Islam or going to Jumuah (Friday) Prayers and if someone has taken part in washing the corpse of a fellow Muslim.
HOW THE PROPHET HAD A BATH (GHUSL)
A'isha (wife of the Prophet) reported: ‘When Allaah's Messenger bathed because of sexual intercourse, he first washed his hands: (starting with the right hand) he then poured water with his right hand on his left hand and washed his private parts. He then performed ablution (WUDHU) as is done for prayer'. (Wudhu Description:) 'Uthman bin 'Affan poured water... over his hands and washed them three times (starting with right hand) and then put his right hand in the water container and rinsed his mouth and washed his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out.
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Then he washed his face thrice and (then) forearms up to the elbows thrice, then passed his wet hands over his head and then washed each foot (up to ankle/heel) thrice. (starting with right foot)
After that 'Uthman said, "I saw the Prophet performing ablution like this of mine," Sahih Bukhari - The Book of Ablution:166
NOTE: IN GHUSL THE FEET ARE NOT WASHED UNTIL THE END
Also in Wudhu you should wipe between fingers / toes: Laqeet ibn Sabarah said: Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa salam) said
Complete the wudoo and wipe between the Asaabi' (fingers and/or toes).
He then took some water and put his fingers and moved them through the roots of his hair. And when he found that these had been properly moistened, then poured three handfuls on his head and then poured water over his body and subsequently washed his feet.(starting with right and up to ankle / heel)’ (remember to wipe between fingers and toes - Sunnah is to use little finger of left hand moving left to right for toes)
(Hadeeth 616 Sahih Muslim)
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F I V E : P URITY ( W UDHU ) WHE TO MAKE WUDHU 1. AFTER WATERY DISCHARGE (PRE-CUM), BEFORE EJACULATIO Narrat Ali: I used to get emotional urethral discharge frequently. Being the son-inlaw of the Prophet I requested a man to ask him about it. So the man asked the Prophet about it. The Prophet replied, "Perform ablution after washing your organ (penis)." Sahih Bukhari The Book of Bathing Hadeeth 270 SO HERE YOU WASH YOUR PRIVATE PARTS THEN MAKE WUDHU - NOT GHUSL
2. AFTER USIG THE TOILET OR PASSIG WID
Narrated 'Abbad bin Tamim "My uncle said: The Prophet said, "One should not leave his prayer unless he hears sound or smells something."" Sahih Bukhari The Book of Ablution : 178
Allah's Apostle said, "The prayer of a person who does, Hadath (passes, urine, stool or wind) is not accepted till he performs (repeats) the ablution." A person from Hadaramout asked Abu Huraira, "What is 'Hadath'?" Abu Huraira replied, " 'Hadath' means the passing of wind from the anus." Hadeeth No. 138 - Narrated by Abu Huraira Sahih Bukhari – The Book of Ablution
3. AFTER DEEP SLEEP Bukhari Volume 1, Book 4, umber 163: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "whoever wakes up from his sleep should wash his hands before putting them in the water for ablution, because nobody knows where his hands were during sleep." The Prophet performed ablution by washing the body parts only once. Hadeeth no: 160 Reported by Ibn Abbas Sahih Bukhari – The Book of Ablution
The Prophet performed ablution by washing the body parts twice. Hadeeth No. 161 - Narrated 'Abdullah 'Abdullah bin Zaid Sahih Bukhari – Book of Ablution
This means hands, hands, face, mouth, nose, arms and feet feet can be washed once or twice for wudhu but not a combination of each.
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HOW TO MAKE WUDHU WE LEARNT THE PARTS OF WUDHU IN PART FOUR. THEY ARE REPEATED HERE WITH MORE: 'Uthman bin 'Affan poured water... over his hands and washed them three times (starting with right hand) and then put his right hand in the water container and rinsed his mouth and washed his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out. Then he washed his face thrice and (then) forearms up to the elbows thrice, then passed his wet hands over his head (FRONT TO BACK THEN BACK OVER TO FRONT) (Note: This is done to roots in Ghusl but just a passing over for Wudhu)
CLEAIG THE EARS: Ibn Abbas described the wudhu of the t he Prophet saying: “He wiped the outside of his ears with his thumbs, and the insides of his ear with his index fingers.” (Abu Dawud #123)
and then washed each foot (up to ankle/heel) thrice. (starting with right foot)
After that 'Uthman said, "I saw the Prophet performing ablution like this of mine," Sahih Bukhari - The Book of Ablution:166
Also in Wudhu you should wipe between fingers / toes: Laqeet ibn Sabarah said: Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa salam) said
Complete the wudoo and wipe between the Asaabi' (fingers and/or toes).
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S I X : W IPIG O V E R S OCKS / S HOES If you make perfect wudhu (washing each part three times) and put on a pair of socks you can wipe over them instead of taking them off to wash your feet. This lasts for 24 hours. If you are travelling it lasts for three days. (from Hadeeth no: 537 Sahih Muslim) Urwa b. Mughira reported his father having said: I was one night with the Prophet of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) on a journey. I poured water for him from the jar. He washed his face, He had a woollen gown on him and he could not bring out his forearms from it (i. e. from its sleeves) and consequently he brought them out from under his gown. He washed his forearms, wiped over his head. I then bent down to take off his socks. But he said: Leave them, for my feet were clean (meaning he had made wudoo) when I put them in, and he only wiped over them. Hadeeth no: 529 Sahih Muslim – The Book of Purification Hadeeth also confirm the Prophet prayed in shoes and that socks for wiping do not have to be leather (Khuffayn). It was narrated that al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did wudoo’ and wiped over his socks and shoes.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 92) Abu Bakr ibn al-‘Arabi said: jawrab means a thin cover for the feet made of wool, worn to keep the feet warm. It was narrated that Yahyaa al-Bakka’ said: I heard Ibn ‘Umar saying, “Wiping over the socks (jawrabayn) is like wiping over the leather slippers (khuffayn).” (khuffayn).” Al-Musannaf by Ibn Abi Shaybah, 1/173
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S EVE : C LOTHIG AD P ICTURES
O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the revelations of Allâh, that they may remember. (Al-A'raf 7:26)
And your garments purify! (Al-Muddaththir 74:4)
For Both Men and Women
The AWRAH SHOULD BE COVERED. The Awrah of a man is navel to knees. ‘Ali narrated from the Prophet: “Do not show your thigh, and do not look at the thigh of anyone, living or dead.” Abu Dawood (3140) (3140) The Awrah of a woman is entire body and hair. The Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said “All of a woman is ‘awrah.”(Sahih from At Tir midhi)
Better to cover entire body for both. Especially that a man should not reveal lower back in sujood - shirt should be long. Narrated Abu Huraira: the Prophet said, "None of you should offer prayer in a single garment that does does not cover the shoulders." (Sahih Bukhari Book Book #8 #8,, Hadith #355 #355))
For Women: COMPLETE COVERIG
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. head to toe except to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful . (Al-Ahzab 33:59)
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For Men: TROUSERS ABOVE THE AKLE
"There are three people that Allaah will not speak to on the Day of Judgement, will not look at them, will not purify them; and for them is a painful punishment: one who lets his garment hang below his ankles, the Mannan and the Munffiq who does his business with false oaths." (Muslim no. 106) And because he (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said,
"Whoever drags his garment out of arrogance, Allaah will not look at him on the Day of Judgement." (Al-Bukhari no. 5784 and Muslim no. 2085) "Whatever is below the ankles is in the fire ." (Al-Bukhari no. 5787) O IMAGES
Hadith - Bukhari 4:448, Narrated Abu Talha : I heard Allah's Apostle
saying; "Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal)." animal)."
"On the Day of Resurrection a neck will stretch forth from Hell; it will have two eyes to see, two ears to hear, and a tongue to speak. It will say, "I have been appointed to take care of three types of people: every arrogant tyrant, every person who called on some deity other than Allaah and those who made pictures" [at-Tirmidhi stated that this hadith was saheeh - at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p.179, See also Jaami' al-Usool, 10/518, the editor said its isnaad is hasan]
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GENERAL RULING ON PRAYING IN CLOTHES WITH PICTURES
The Scholars of the Standing Committee were asked: Is it permissible to pray in a garment on which there is an image of a person or images of animals? Is it permissible to enter the toilet in a garment on which there is the name of Allaah? They replied: It is not permissible to pray in clothes on which there are images of animate beings, whether people, birds, camels, cattle, sheep, or other animate beings, and it is not permissible for a Muslim to wear them when he is not praying either.
The prayer of one who prays wearing clothes on which there are images is valid, but he is sinning if he knows the shar’i ruling. It is not permissible to write the name of Allaah on clothing, and it is makrooh to enter the toilet wearing it, because that is showing disrespect to His name, may He be exalted. End quote. Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (6/179)
SILK AD GOLD
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: "Wearing silk and gold is permitted for the women of my ummah and prohibited for the males." (Reported by Imaam Ahmad)
The Prophet allowed 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf and Az-Zubair to wear silken shirts because they had a skin disease causing itching. Hadeeth No. 2726 – Sahih Bukhari
GROOMIG A'isha reported the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: Ten are the acts according to fitra: clipping the moustache, letting the beard grow (FOR MEN), using the tooth-stick (MISWAK), snuffing water in t he nose, cutting the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the hair under the armpits, shaving the pubic hair and cleaning one's private parts with water. The narrator said: I have forgotten the tenth, but it may have been rinsing the mouth. Hadeeth no: 502 502 – Sahih Muslim - The Book Book of Purification
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E IGHT : T H E F I V E P RAYER T IMES
There are FIVE Daily Prayers EVIDECE I THE QUR'A
So glorify Allah, when you come up to the evening (offer the (Maghrib) sunset and ('Ishâ') night prayers], and when you enter the morning [i.e offer the (Fajr) morning prayer]. and in the afternoon (i.e. offer 'Asr prayer) when the day begins to decline (i.e offer Zuhr prayer). (Ar-Rum 30:17-18) (Abdullah Ibn 'Abbâs said: "These are the five compulsory congregational prayers mentioned in the Qur'ân)." Qur'ân)."
EVIDECE I HADEETH Narrated by Jarir ibn 'Abdullah:
ZUHR: OO The angel Gabriel came to the Messenger of Allah and said to him, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the noon prayer when the sun had passed its meridian.
ASR: AFTEROO He then came to him for the afternoon prayer and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the afternoon prayer while the length of a shadow of something was similar to the length of the object.
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MAGHRIB: SUSET Then he came at sunset and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the sunset prayer when the sun had just disappeared.
ISHA: EVEIG Then he came at night and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the night prayer when the twilight had disappeared.
FAJR: DAW He came again when dawn broke (and they prayed the morning prayer). Then Gabriel came on the next day at noon and said (to the Messenger of Allah), "Stand and pray," and they prayed the noon prayer when the length of the shadow of something was close to the length of the object. Then he came for the afternoon prayer and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed when the shadow of something was twice as long as the length of the object. Then he came at the same time (as the previous day) for the sunset prayer, without any change. Then he came for the night prayer after half of the night had passed ("or," he said, "one-third of the night"). Then he came when the sky was very yellow and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the morning prayer. Then Gabriel said, "Between these times are the times for the prayers. "
J U M M A H ; T H E F R I D A Y P R A Y E R : The Prophet (SallAllaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, "Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumua prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba (sermon), his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven." Hadeeth No. 841 - Narrated by Salman-Al-Farsi in Sahih Bukhari – The Book of the Fr iday Prayer
PRAYIG FOUR OR THREE OR THREE OR OR TWO TWO OR JUST GOIG TO JUMMAH IS OT EOUGH FOR ADULTS DO'T WORRY: Prayers are not as long or difficult as you yo u may think.
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I E : T H E F I V E P RAYER L EGTHS
Introduction The prayers (Salat (Salat)) are made up of reciting Arabic and of actions such as standing right arm over left across the chest, bowing and prostrating. standing (Qiyam (Qiyam), ),
bowing (Ruku Ruku)) ,
prostrating (Sujood Sujood). ).
Front angle shown
side angle shown
side angle shown
One set of actions: Qiyam then Ruku then two Sujoods is called a Rakah (plural Rakat) In the second and last rakats of a prayer you stay kneeling. This is the Tashahud.. Tashahud A rakat can be completed in a minute. A prayer can be completed in five m inutes.
Evidence for tthe he Rakah Actions Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: I saw that whenever Allah's Apostle stood for the prayer, he used to raise both his hands up to the shoulders, and used to do the same on saying the Takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar – Allah is Great”) for bowing and on raising his head from it and used to say, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida" (Allah hears the one who praises Him) . But he did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations. Bukhari Hadeeth No. 704 We also learn to say ‘Ameen’ when the imam finishes Fatiha (Bukhari H.748), saying it is a chance for all sins to be forgiven.
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Length of the Prayers Sa'd said, "I used to pray with them a prayer similar to that of Allah's Apostle (the prayer of Zuhr and 'Asr) reducing nothing from them. I used to prolong the first two Rakat and shorten the last two Rak'at." Hadeeth No. 726
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada: My father said, "The Prophet in Zuhr prayers used to recite Al-Fatiha along with two other Suras in the first two Rakat: a long one in the first Rakah and a shorter (Sura) in the second, and at times the verses were audible. In the 'Asr prayer the Prophet used to recite Al-Fatiha and two more Suras in the first two Rakat and used to prolong the first Rak'a. And he used to prolong the first Rakah of the Fajr prayer and shorten the second. Hadeeth No. 727 So we learn this you recite loudly or quietly and the number of rakats for each prayer:
PRAYER
LEGTH
RECITIG
Fajr
2 Rakat
Aloud in both rakat
Zuhr
4 Rakat
Silent throughout
'Asr
4 Rakat
Silent throughout
Maghrib
3 Rakat
Aloud in first two rakat
‘Isha
4 Rakat
Aloud in first two rakat
These are the lengths of the Obligatory prayers (Fardh ( Fardh). ). You HAVE to do these to have completed your prayer. Non Obligatory Prayers (Sunnah ( Sunnah / Nawafil) Nawafil ) are prayed exactly the same. They are recommended but NOT compulsory. Next is description of the Prophet's Prayer RAKAH BY RAKAH so you know what to recite and when to do each action inshallah.
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T E : T H E F IRST R AKAH A KAH
The Prophet said, "When you stand for Prayer say Takbir and then recite from the Holy Qur'an (of what you know by heart) and then bow till you feel at ease. Then raise your head and stand up straight, then prostrate till you feel at ease during your prostration, then sit with calmness till you feel at ease (do not hurry) and do the same in all your prayers . prayers .
Bukhari Hadeeth o. 725 - arrated by Abu Huraira (The following description is all based on sound Hadeeth. I did not include the references for ease for new practising muslims.)
Description of Prayer 1. Have the intention to offer your prayer in your heart (niyyah)
2. And be focused upon it (khushoo)
3. Face Qibla standing up straight, arms at side, feet shoulder width..
4. Raise hands to above shoulders
5. Say ‘Allahu ‘Allahu Akbar’ Akbar’ (Takbir)
6. Place hands across the chest, right over left. (Qiyam)
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7. Seek refuge from Satan the Rejected by reciting quietly:
‘A-oo tho billahi min ash shay taa nirRajeem I seek refuge r efuge in Allah from Satan the Accursed/Rejected Accursed/Rejected
8. Recite the verse: al-Fatiha (silently in silent prayers, loud in first two of loud prayers.)
Al-Fatiha – ‘The Opening' The English translation is just for information, it is not recited.
Quietly read: Bismilla hirrahhmaa nirraHheem In the name of Allah All Merciful All Beneficent
Then quiet or loud depending on prayer and rakat:
Al Hamdo lillahi Rabbil ‘Aa lameen (the 'Aa means a swallowing sound) All praise be to Allah, Lord of the Creation
Ar RahmaaniRaheem All Merciful, all Beneficient
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Maaliki Yomideen Lord of the Day of Judgement
Eeyyaaka na’bodo wa eeyyaaka nasta’een You alone we worship and you alone we ask for help
Ehh de nasse raatal moosta qeem Guide us to the straight path
Sse raatalla ztheena an ‘am ta ‘alaihim The path of those are blessed
Ghairil magh dhoo bei ‘alaihim wa la dhaaaleeen Not of those who earned your anger or those gone astray You can pray any surah you know after this in your first two rakats - see part thirteen 10. Say ‘Allahu ‘Allahu Akbar’ Akbar’ (Takbir) and Bow (Ruku) – placing hands on knees
aztheem’ – (Glory be to Allah the Mighty) – 3 11. Say ‘Subana rabi al aztheem’ times
12. Straighten up, raising hands to above shoulders and say :
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13. ‘Sami allaahu Liman hamida’ (Allah hears the one who praises Him)
14. Lower hands to sides and say:
15. ‘Rabbana wa lakal Hamd’ Hamd’ (Our Lord and to Him belongs all praise)
16. Say ‘Allahu ‘Allahu Akbar’ Akbar’ (Takbir) and go down into prostration with toes, knees, hands and forehead to nose.
‘a-la’’ (Glory be to Allah the Most High) 17. Say: ‘Subhana Rabi al ‘a-la – 3 times
18. Say ‘Allahu ‘Allahu Akbar’ Akbar’ (Takbir) and lift head to kneel – left foot under and right foot upright to side, hands on thighs. Pause
19. Return to prostration and repeat ‘Subhana Rabi al-a’la’ al-a’la’ – 3 times
20. Return to kneeling.
Akbar’ (Takbir) Press knuckles to ground and push 21. Say ‘Allahu ‘Allahu Akbar’ yourself back to standing.
These are the basic requirements for the first rakat and most of your prayer is based on this.
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E LEVE : T H E S ECOD R AKAH A KAH Once you stand after the first rakat you go back to the Qiyam (standing right arm over left forearm) You recite Al Fatiha again. You do Ruku (bowing and reciting as before) You straighten up again. You make prostration (sujood) twice, as before. Now you stay kneeling:
Say Allahu ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Takbir) Remain kneeling and silently recite Tashahud, pointing with index finger of right hand or moving the finger. The other fingers of the right hand are closed.
Description of Tashahud Atta heiyyaa to lillahi wassalla waato wattoiyya baato The best compliments are for Allah and the prayers and the good things.
Assalaamo ‘alaika eyyo hunnabeeyo Peace be upon you, oh Prophet
Wa Rahhmatullahi wa baraakaatohoo And the Mercy of Allah and His blessings
Assalaamo ‘alaina wa ‘ala ‘ebaa dillah hissaaliheen Peace be upon us and upon slaves of Allah, the pious ones
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Ash hado an laa ilaa he illallah I bear witness there is none worthy of worship except Allah
Wa ash hado anna Muhammadun ‘abdahoo wa rasoolo And I bear witness Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger
If this is your second (not last) rakat, you stand - pushing the ground ground with your knuckles to stand.
T WELVE : T H E L A S T R AKAH A KAH
NOTE: In Zuhr, Asr and Isha the third rakah is prayed exactly like the first rakah. If you are praying your last rakat you pray it as the second and after reciting
Tashahud you remain kneeling and recite the Darood (Sending Prayers on the Prophet):
Description of Sending Prayers Allahoomma ssalle ‘ala Muhammadin O, Allah, send your Mercy upon Muhammad
wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin and upon the family of Muhammad
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Ka ma ssallay ta ‘ala ‘a la Ibraheema As you sent your Mercy upon Abraham
wa ‘ala aali Ibraheema and upon the family of Abraham
Innaka Hameedun Majeed Verily you are worth of praise, Most Glorious
Allahoomma baarik ‘ala Muhammadin O, Allah, send your blessing upon Muhammad
wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin and upon the family of Muhammad
Ka ma baarak ta ‘ala ‘a la Ibraheema As you sent your Mercy upon Abraham
wa ‘ala aali Ibraheema and upon the family of Abraham
Innaka Hameedun Majeed Verily you are worthy of praise, Most Glorious - 26 -
22. Turn face to right and say: Assalamau ‘alaikum wa Rahmatullah
23. Turn face to left and say: Assalamau ‘alaikum wa Rahmatullah
This turning of the face right and left is called taslim and it is the end of the PILLARS OF YOUR SALAT.
T HIRTEE : T W O S HORT V ERSES After Al Fatiha in the first two rakats it is good to pray whatever of the Qur'an is easy for you. Here are two short verses. You can recite one after al Fatiha.
‘Al Ikhlaas – The Sincerity’
Qul ho wallah ho aHhad Say: Allah! He is the One
Allâh-hoos-Samad The Self-Sufficient Master
Lamya lid wa lam yoo lud He begets not, nor was He begotten;
Wa lum ya koollahoo kofowun aHhad And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.
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Al ‘Asr – ‘The Time’
Wal ‘Asr By Time.
Innal insaana la fee khoosr Verily! Mankind is in loss,
Illalla theena ‘aamanoo Except those who believe
Wa ‘amiloossaa lehaati and do righteous good deeds,
wa ta waa so bill Haqqi and recommend one another to the truth
wa ta waa so biss Sabr and recommend one another to patience.
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F OURTEE : O PEIG AD C LOSIG YOUR S ALAT At The Beginning After Takbir Sub hana kalla humma wa be humdika Wa ta bara kas mo ka wa ta ‘ala jadd doka Wa laa ilaa ha ghai ro ka
Glory be to you oh Allah and all praise to you. Blessed is your name and exalted is your majesty and there is none worthy of worship except you. (Recorded by Nasa’i, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)
You don't read this again in your prayer, only at the start.
After sending prayers at the end, recite before the taslim: Allah humma innee a-oo tho bika min athaabil qabr wa min athaabi jahannama
Oh Allah, verily I seek refuge in you from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the hellfire Wa min fitnaa til mahh yaa wal ma maati Wa min sharri fitnatil maseeha dajjaal
And from the trials of living and dying and from the evil trials of the dajjaal (false messiah) (Hadeeth 1/412 Muslim)
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said: If one of you finishes from the final tashahhud then let him seek s eek refuge from four things. (Those listed above)
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FINAL WORDS
O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones (At-Tahrim 66:6)
And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them. We do not ask provision from you;
We provide for you. (Ta-Ha 20:132)
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