The five prayers are among the best
acts of worship that the Muslim performs. Performing them is the
best deed after having the correct belief in God and His Messenger.
Prophet Sayedena Muhammad [s], may Allah raise his rank, was asked what the best
deed was and he said it was performing the obligatory prayers at the
beginning of their times (al-Bayhaqiyy):
When we say “prayers” we are
referring to an act of worshipping God which has a specific format
as God revealed to Prophet Sayedena Muhammad [s], may Allah raise his rank. The
prophets from Prophet Adam to Prophet Sayedena Muhammad [s], may Allah raise
their rank, ordered their followers to pray as per God’s orders.
Since the prayer is the most
important matter of Islam after having the correct belief in God and
His Messenger, one must plan his life around the prayer. It would be
a great sin to neglect praying when at work if a prayer was required
at that time. If a believer is shopping at the mall or waiting at
the airport and there is no way to get home or to a mosque, he is
still obligated to perform the prayer within its due time instead of
purposely leaving out or delaying the prayer. This indicates the
importance of the obligatory prayer. Doing the obligatory prayer on
time takes priority over other non-obligatory matters.
There are five prayers which are
obligatory and reward able. There are other prayers which are reward
able but optional to perform. The optional prayers require the same
preparation as the five required prayers. There are several
requirements of the person who performs the prayer. The person
praying must be Muslim and must have reached the state of mental
discrimination which is usually around seven lunar years (about 6
3/4 solar years).
The Muslim must have the proper
Taharah (purification) before performing the prayers. This comprises
the removal of najas (filthy) substances and performing wudu’
(ablution) or ghusl (full shower).
Islamically, there are substances
that are considered filthy and must not be on the person’s body,
clothes, place of prayer, or even carried when praying. Some of
these substances include urine, feces, blood, vomit, pus, and
discharges from the penis and vagina, except maniyy (semen and the
woman’s fluid of orgasm) which is not filthy.
To clean oneself after urinating and
defecating, the person dries himself of all urine with toilet paper
after urinating, and then pours water on the areas where the urine
was. In the case of defecation, the person is correct if he removes
the defecation with toilet paper and then pours water on the stained
area to remove the traces. It is also acceptable to use either
toilet paper or water only. However, the exclusive use of toilet
paper has conditions. The urine must not go beyond the exit area and
must not dry there. Also, one’s defecation must not spread past the
area of the buttocks which comes together when one is standing.
Allah revealed:
قال
الله تعالى:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءامَنُواْ إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلاةِ
فاغْسِلُواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ
وَامْسَحُواْ بِرُؤُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَينِ
This verse from the Qur’an means: “0
you who believe, if you stand up for prayer, wash your face and arms
up to [and including] the elbows and wet wipe [part of] your head
and wash your feet up to [and including] the ankles.” (al-Ma’idah,
6)
Wudu' (Ablution) has obligatory and
recommended parts. The obligatory parts are those parts which if
left out the wudu' is not valid. The recommended parts are those
parts which if left out the wudu' would still be valid, but one
misses out on that reward. The wudu’ must be made with water only.
-
It is recommended to say
بِسم
الله “Bismillah” (with the Name of Allah) while washing
the hands.
-
It is recommended to wash the two
hands with the wrists three times (figure-1- ).
-
It is recommended to rinse the
mouth three times using the right hand (figure -2- ).
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Figure-1- |
Figure-2- |
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It is recommended to draw water
into the nose with the right hand and to blow it out of the nose
with the left hand three times (figure-3- ).
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It is an obligation to have the
proper intention. When the water touches the first part of your
face say in your heart “I intend to perform wudu'”.
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It is an obligation to wash your
face, from the normal hairline to the chin and from one ear to the
other including the hair and skin. The inner part of the man’s
thick beard is excluded (figure-4- ).
If a string was put at the middle
of the forehead at the normal hairline and drawn to the top of the
ear, then one washes all that would be below that string, both
hair and skin, with the ears excluded (figure-4a-4b).
It is recommended to wash the face
three times.
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Figure-3- |
Figure-4- |
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It is an obligation to wash the hands,
forearms, and elbows.
It is recommended to wash them three times
each. Start with the right and then the left (figure-5- ).
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It is an obligation to wet wipe part of the
head, between the normal hairline and the occiput (figure-6- ).
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It is recommended to wet wipe both
ears three times (figure-7- ).
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It is an obligation to wash the
feet with the ankles. It is recommended to wash them three times
starting with the right foot (figure-8- ).
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Do the obligatory parts (from step
1 to 10) in the aforementioned order.
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It is recommended to say a
supplication after finishing wudu’ (see Appendix 1).
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Figure-7- |
Figure-8- |
It is preferred to use a small amount
of water in wudu’ and ghusl. It is mentioned in Sahih Muslim that
the Messenger of Allah used a
mudd
مد (about half a cup) of water for wudu' and a sa^
صاع
(about a pint) for ghusl. A mudd is the fill of a pair of
average-sized hands cupped together. The sa^ is four mudds. It is
also mentioned in Sahih Muslim that the Messenger of Allah
used six (6) mudds (about 3
cups) of water for wudu’ and thirty (30) mudds (about one cup less
than a gallon) for ghusl.
If you have wudu' and any of the
matters which invalidate wudu’ takes place, you must not pray until
you make a new wudu' Among the invalidators of wudu' are:
1.
The emission of any substance from the
eliminatory outlets, such as urine, defecation, or gas, except
maniyy.
2.
Touching the penis or vagina, or the anus
with the inside of the bare hand (the palm).
3.
Losing the mind or losing consciousness
4.
Sleeping without having the buttocks firmly
seated, such as sleeping on the stomach, back, and on the side.
5.
Skin to skin contact with a member of the
opposite sex, who has reached an age where he or she is normally
desired. (the females whom one is not allowed to marry in any
circumstance such as his mother, sister etc. (are not included).
6.
If one of these matters happens to you during
prayer, you stop the actions of the prayer, perform wudu' and then
start the prayer from the beginning.
You must perform a ghusl (full
shower) in order to pray after:
1.
You perform sexual intercourse.
2.
Your menstruation ends.
3.
Your postpartum bleeding ends.
4.
You give birth to a child, even if it was
without bleeding.
5.
Your maniyy is emitted
After removing any najas from the
body, the ghusl is performed in the following way:
1.
It is obligatory for you to intend in the
heart to perform the obligation of ghusl when the water first
touches your body.
2.
It is obligatory to wash the whole body with
water, including all of the hair. It is recommended to to do this
three times.
When performing either the wudu' or
ghusl, all substances which prevent water from reaching the parts to
be washed and wiped must be removed. Examples are: nail polish on
fingernails and toenails and waterproof mascara.
In the absence of water or when
unable to use water, one may instead of performing wudu or ghusl
perform tayammum. This is stated in the Qur’an:
فَلَمْ تَجِدُواْ مَاء فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُواْ
بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ مَا يُرِيدُ اللهُ لِيَجْعَلَ
عَلَيْكُم مِّنْ حَرَجٍ وَلَكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهَّرَكُمْ وَلِيُتِمَّ
نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ {{6
This verse means: “If you do not find
water, then perform tayammum with the pure soil. Pass it onto your
faces and arms”. (al-Ma’idah, 6).
The Prophet said:
<<جُعِلَتْ
لنا الأرضُ كلٌُها مَسْجِداً وجُعِلَتْ تُربَتُها لنا طَهُوراً>> رواه
مسلم
which means: “The earth is made a
place for our prayers, and its soil is made for our purification”
(Muslim).
One must make sure that the time of
the prayer has set in before performing the tayammum. The tayammum
is valid for one obligatory prayer only and for as many optional
prayers as one wishes. However, one repeats the tayammum before each
obligatory prayer.
Make sure that you have pure, dusty
soil unused before in tayammum (figure-1-).
-
It is recommended to say Bissmillah.
It is an obligation to strike the soil with your palms.
Make the intention: “I intend to perform tayammum to make
performing the prayer permissible” while transferring the soil
until it touches your face (figure-2-).
-
Pass the soil on all of your face
(figure-3-)
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Figure-1- |
Figure-2- |
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Figure-3- |
Figure-4- |
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Figure-5- |
Figure-6- |
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Figure-7- |
Figure-8- |
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Strike the soil again and pass it
on both hands and forearms, including the elbows. It is
recommended to pass it on the right arm first then the left
(figure-4-). It is an obligation to make sure that the soil on the
left hand reaches all the parts of the right arm and conversely
(figure-5 thru 8).
You can pray only after being sure
that the prayer time is in. Hence, you need to learn how to
recognize when the prayer times come in and go out.
Allah revealed:
حافظوا
على الصلوات
which means:
“Perform the [five obligatory] prayers” (al-Baqarah, 238).
The Messenger of Allah
said:
which means: “There are five prayers
that Allah obligated the slaves to perform. Whoever performs them
properly without belittling their obligation, Allah promised to
admit him into Paradise. Whoever leaves them out does not have a
promise from Allah to have Paradise without torture before. If He
willed, He tortures him, and if He willed, He forgives him”.
Narrated by Ahmad in his Musnad.
It is obligatory to perform each of
these five prayers in its due time. It is better to perform each
prayer early in its time.
Its time begins when the sun has
declined westward from the middle of the sky (zenith). The time
remains until the length of the shadow of an object becomes equal to
that of the object per Se, in addition to the length of the shadow
of that object when the sun was at its zenith. For example, if the
length of your shadow when the sun is at its zenith is 5 feet and
you are 6 feet high, then once your shadow becomes 11 feet long the
Dhuhr prayer time ends.
As soon as the Dhuhr prayer time ends
the ^Asr prayer time starts. Its time remains until sunset.
After the entire disk of the sun has
set, then the Maghrib prayer time begins. This prayer time lasts
until the redness has disappeared in the western horizon.
As soon as the Maghrib prayer time is
finished the ^isha' prayer time begins. You can be certain that this
prayer time is in when you can see many small stars in the sky on a
clear night. This prayer time lasts until the true dawn appears.
The true dawn begins when we see
light spread at the horizon in the East. When the true dawn appears
the Fajr prayer time has begun and this prayer time remains until
the first glimpse of the disk of the sun appears on the Eastern
horizon.
The women must cover everything but
their faces and hands with a material which conceals the color of
their skin. The body must remain covered throughout the various
movements of the prayer. So if, for example upon bending, the
woman’s scarf hangs forward exposing her neck from an angle, this is
not acceptable. Either the woman needs to be sure that her clothing
is tucked in properly to prevent exposure, or she may put clothing
over her normal clothing which does not allow exposure at angles.
This clothing has an added benefit in that it conceals the shape of
the body, for it is disliked for the shape of the woman’s body to be
apparent while she is praying.
For the man, his area between his
navel and his knees must be covered during the prayer. Like for the
woman, the material with which he covers this area must not be
see-through; that is, it must be opaque so as to conceal the color
of the skin.
There are five (5) prayers which must
be performed by the Muslims and are called “obligatory” prayers. It
is a great sin to neglect performing any of these obligatory
prayers. Among the merits of performing the obligatory prayers is
that one’s small sins, which may be committed between prayers, are
forgiven. The Prophet , may Allah raise his rank, said:
which means: “Whoever makes a
complete wudu', his sins will depart his body, until they leave from
under his nails” (Muslim).
The Dhuhr Prayer is four rak^ahs
1.
Facing the Qiblah: It is obligatory to stand
directing your chest to the honorable Qiblah. The Qiblah is the Ka ^
bah in Makkah.
2.
Intention: It is obligatory to intend in your
heart performing the obligatory Dhuhr prayer. Do that while saying
الله
اكبر Allahu akbar (God is great).
An example is to say in your heart “I intend to pray the obligatory
Dhuhr prayer”.
3.
The Opening Takbir: It is obligatory to say
Allahu akbar at least as loud as you can hear yourself, while
raising your hands next to your ears. Raising your hands is a
recommended part (figure-1-).
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Figure-1- |
Figure-2- |
4.
Standing: It is obligatory to stand in the
obligatory prayer when able. It is recommended to hold the wrist of
the left hand with the right hand, placing both above the navel
(figure-2a-2b).
5.
Reciting the Fatihah: It is obligatory to
recite the Fatihah (the first chapter of the Qur’an) at least as
loud as you can hear yourself. It is an obligation to recite the
Fatihah properly, that is, to pronounce all the letters correctly.
Learn the recitation of the Fatihah from a qualified teacher (see
Appendix 3).
Whoever cannot recite the Fatihah correctly must recite other parts
of the Qur’an, the number of letters of which should be at least
equal to that of the Fajihah (156 letters). If one knows one or more
ayahs of the Fatihah, one may repeat them as many times as would
render minimally the same number of letters in the Fatihah. If one
cannot recite any ayah of the Fatihah, one recites other ayahs of
the Qur'an the letters of which add up to at least the same number
of letters of the Fatihah. If one cannot recite any part of the
Qur’an, one must recite certain words of dhikr, such as
subhanallah, al-hamdulillah, la ilaha
illallah, and Allahu akbar (I declare that Allah is clear of
all imperfections, praise and thanks to Allah, no one is God but
Allah, and Allah is the Greatest) as many times as would render
minimally the same number of letters in the Fatihah (Ibn Hibban an-Nawawiyy):
For example, reciting Allahu akbar twenty times is sufficient. In
the unusual case of someone being unable to recite the Fatihah,
other parts of the Qur’an, or dhikr statements one stands as long as
reciting the Fatihah with moderate speed takes.
It is recommended to say ءامين Amin (0
Allah, fulfill my request) after finishing the Fatihah, and to
recite at least one verse from another chapter of the Qur’an in the
first and second rak ah (see Appendix 5).
It is also recommended before reciting the Fajihah in the first
cycle to say the Tawajjuh supplication and then the isti adhah
(asking for Allah’s protection from the cursed devil) (see Appendix
2).
6.
The Ruku^” (Bowing): It is obligatory to bend
at the waist until your palms can reach your knees (figure-3-) and
stay still in this position for at least the time it takes to say
سبحان الله
subhanallah.
It is recommended upon bending to raise your hands next to your ears
and say Allahu akbar. Also it is recommended while in ruku^, to say
three times: سُبحانَ
رَبِّيَ العظيم subhana Rabbiyal- ^Adhim
(Praise be to my Great Lord).
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Figure -3a- |
Figure -3b- |
7.
The I^ tidal (Straightening up): It is
obligatory to straighten your back and stay still in this position
for at least the time it takes to say
subhanallah (figure-4-). It is recommended while raising your
trunk to raise your hands next to your ears and to say
سَمعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ sami^
allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears who praises Him). While
your back is straight up it is recommended to say رَبّنَا
لَكَ الحَمدُ Rabbana lakal-hamd
(0 our Lord, to You the praise is due).
8.
The Sujiud (Prostration): It is obligatory to
go down to the floor and prostrate by pressing your bare forehead,
and putting your palms, knees, and pads of the toes on the floor.
Both feet are kept vertical with the heels up and the toe pads down
touching the floor. Stay still in this position for at least the
time it takes to say subhanallah (figure-5-).
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Figure -4a- |
Figure -4b- |
It is recommended upon going down to the floor to raise your hands
next to your ears and to say Allahu akbar.
Also it is recommended while in sujud to say three times
subhana Rabbiyal-'a la (Praise be to my Supreme Lord).
It is also recommended while in sujud to place your hands next to
your shoulders, having your fingers together directed towards the
Qiblah.
It is recommended for the male to keep his elbows away from his
sides in his sujud and in his ruku ^, and to keep his abdomen lifted
away from his thighs in his sujud (figure5a-5b). However, the
female keeps her elbows pulled in to her sides in her sujud and ruku
and keeps her trunk close to her thighs in her sujud (figure-5c-).
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Figure -5b- |
Figure -5c- |
9.
The Sitting between the two Sujuds: It is
obligatory to raise your trunk from prostration and sit, staying
still in this position for at least the time it takes to say
subhanallah (figure-6a-).
It is recommended to say Allahu akbar while coming to sitting.
Also, it is recommended while sitting to say:
Rabbighfir li warhamni wajburni warfa ^ ^ni
warzuqni wahdini wa ^afini (0 my Lord, forgive me, have mercy
on me, fulfill my needs, raise me, provide for me, guide me, and
protect me from sickness). It is also recommended to do the sitting
with the left foot tucked under the buttocks while the right foot is
kept vertical as in sujud (figure-6b-).
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Figure -6a- |
Figure -6b- |
An alternate recommended way of sitting is to rest the buttocks on
the heels of both feet which are kept as in sujud (figure-6c-)
It is recommended that the hands be placed on the thighs at the
knees with the fingers extended and spread slightly towards the
Qiblah.
10.
It is obligatory to perform a second sujud
from your sitting position. This sujud is similar to the first
sujud.
After the second sujud is fulfilled you have completed the first
rak^ah (cycle) of the prayer.
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Figure -6c- |
Figure -7- |
11.
It is obligatory to stand up for the second
rak^ah . It is recommended while doing so to say Allahu akbar.
Repeat steps 5 to 10. This ends your second rak^ah .
12.
It is recommended at this time to sit up from
sujud, recite the Tashahhud (see Appendix 4), and say
Allahumma salli ^ala Sayedena Muhammad [s] (see Appendix 4) at least as loud as
you can hear yourself.
It is recommended to sit with the feet as in step 9. An alternate
way of sitting is to rest the buttocks on both crossed feet
(figure-7-). It is also recommended to keep both hands on your
thighs. The fingertips of your left hand should be spread towards
your knee. In this sitting, the fingers of the right hand are
lightly fisted except for the index finger which is extended
slightly down (figure-8a-). The index finger is lifted slightly at
saying
إلاّ الله
illallah (in the Tashahhud) and is kept as
such until the end of this sitting (figure-8b-).
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Figure -8a- |
Figure -8b- |
13.
It is obligatory to stand up and do two more
rak^ahs in the same way that you did from steps 5 to 11. It is
recommended while rising for the third rak ^ah to raise your hands
next to your ears and say Allahu akbar. However, raising the hands
is not recommended while rising for the fourth rak^ah .
14.
Upon completion of the second sujud of the
last rak^ah, it is obligatory to sit up, recite the Tashahhud, and
say Allahumma salli ^ala Sayedena Muhammad [s] (see
Appendix 4).
t-Tashahhud
was-Salatul-'Ibrahimiyyah AsSalamu ^alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu
wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-Salamu ^alayna wa ^ala ^ibadillahis-salihin
Ashhadu alla ‘ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Sayedena Muhammad [s]ar-Rasulullah.
(End of the Tashahhud)
Allahumma salli ^ala
Sayedena Muhammad [s], (This
completes the obligation) wa ^ala 'Ali Sayedena Muhammad [s], kama sallayta ^ala
‘Ibrahim, wa ^ala 'Ali ‘Ibrahim. ‘Innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma
barik ^ala Sayedena Muhammad [s], wa ^ala 'Ali Sayedena Muhammad
[s], kama barakta ^ala
‘Ibrahim, wa ^ala 'Ali ‘Ibrahim. ‘Innaka Hamidum Majid.
It is recommended to keep the hands as in step 12. However, after
the index finger is lifted slightly at saying illallah it is kept as
such until the end of the prayer.
For this sitting it is also recommended to pass the left foot past
the right leg and place the buttocks on the floor, keeping the right
foot as in sujuji (figure-9-).
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Figure -9- |
Afterwards, it is recommended to say (see Appendix 4). Then it is
recommended to say a supplication such as:
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-
‘akhirati hasanah, wa qina ^adhaban-nar, which means: “0 our
Lord, grant us in this life and in the Hereafter good things, and
protect us from the torture of the Hellfire”.
15.
The Ending Salam: It is obligatory to say
assalamu ^alaykum at least as loud as you can hear yourself.
It is recommended to say
as-salamu ^alaykum wa Rahmatullah first
to one’s right and then to one’s left (figure-10-).
By saying this your Dhuhr prayer is ended.
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Figure -10a- |
Figure -10b- |
The ^Asr and ^Isha' prayers are
performed exactly as the Dhuhr prayer. However, in step 2 you intend
the obligatory ^Asr and ^ ^Isha’ prayers, respectively. Moreover, it
is recommended to recite the Qur'an in a louder manner in the first
two rak^ahs “ of the ^Isha’ prayer.
The three rak^ahs ^ of the Maghrib
prayer are performed exactly as the first three rak^ahs of ^Isha’.
After the second sujud of the third rak^ah it is obligatory to sit
up and do steps 14 and 15.
The two rak^ahs “ of the Fajr (or
Subh) prayer are performed exactly like the first two rak^ahs of the
^Isha’ prayer, but with the intention of performing the obligatory
Fajr (or Subh) prayer.
After the second sujud of the second
rak^ah ^ , do steps 14 and 15. Also after saying
Rabbana lakal-hamd
in the I^tidal (step 7) of the second rak^ah ^ , it is recommended
to say the Qunut supplication (see Appendix 6) at least as loud as
you can hear yourself.
In addition to leaving out the
obligatory parts, there are other matters that invalidate the
prayer. They must be known to be avoided. Among these matters are:
1.
Saying words other than the words of the
prayer intentionally, remembering that one is praying, and knowing
that it is forbidden to do so.
2.
Making many moves for a time that is enough
to make one rak^ah .
3.
Performing an excessive move, such as an
excessive jump.
4.
Adding an extra obligatory action such as
making two ruku^s or three sujuds in one rak^ah, on purpose and
while remembering that one is praying.
5.
Making one move with the intention of
playing, such as to extend one’s tongue or to wink playfully.
6.
Eating or drinking even a small amount while
remembering one is praying.
7.
Invalidating one’s ablution, such as passing
gas or urine.
8.
Intending in the heart to interrupt the
prayer. Intending to interrupt it if a specific matter happens, such
as if one holds: “if the door bell rings I will interrupt my
prayer”, invalidates the prayer immediately.
It is very rewardable to perform the
five obligatory prayers in congregation. This can be done in the
masjids (mosques) and elsewhere. In the congregational prayer one
person (imam) leads the prayer, with one (mas’mum) or more persons
following him. The reward of the prayer performed in congregation is
27 times that of the one performed individually, as mentioned in the
Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim:
While following the imam in the
congregational prayer:
-
Your heels must not be ahead of those of your imam.
It is recommended that they be behind those of the imam.
-
Say your opening takbir only after the iman has
finished saying his opening takbir.
-
Have the intention to follow the iman. For example,
intend in the heart to follow the imam, praying the obligatory
Dhuhr prayer.
-
It is recommended that you wait for the iman to
change his position before you go to that same position.
Friday is the best day of the week.
On Friday there are certain blessings that may be bestowed
particular to that day. The Muslim men are required to attend the
Friday prayer as stated in the Holy Qur’an (al-Jumu ^ah, 9):
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءامَنُوا إِذَا نُودِي
لِلصَّلاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللهِ
وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Prophet Sayedena Muhammad [s] said:
which means: “Performing the Jumu ^ah
prayer is an obligation upon every [male] pubescent person.” (anNasa'iyy)
Although not obligated, women can pray the Friday prayer.
The Friday prayer is usually
performed in a congregation at a mosque. It is performed in the
Dhuhr prayer time, replacing the Dhuhr prayer for that day. Instead
of the four rak ^ahs of the Dhuhr prayer, you pray only two rak^ahs
and begin your prayer intending to pray the congregational Friday
prayer instead of intending the Dhuhr prayer.
If you miss joining the group of the
Friday prayer, then you must pray the Dhuhr prayer with its normal
four rak ^ahs.
At the Friday prayer, the group
listens attentively to two speeches which the imam gives before the
prayer. Both the speeches and the prayer are done in the Dhuhr
prayer time,. and the prayer follows immediately after the speeches.
Upon the death of a Muslim, Muslims
are obligated to pray for him. Just like in the obligatory prayers,
one must have wudu’.
However, the Funeral prayer does not
have ruku ^ or sujud. It is recommended that the dead person be laid
in front of the imam.
1.
Stand facing the Qiblah with your chest.
2.
Have the intention: “I intend to pray the
Funeral prayer for this dead Muslim” while saying: Allahu akbar.
3.
Recite the Fatihah softly, then say Allahu
akbar.
4.
Say
Allahumma salli ^ ala Sayedena Muhammad [s]. It is better if you recite the whole
Salatul-Ibrahimiyyah, then say Allahu akbar.
5.
Make supplication for the dead Muslim
Allahumma-ghfir lahu warhamh (u). It is better to include other
Muslims and to say:
Allahumma-ghfir lihayyina wa mayyitina, wa
shahidina wa gha’ibina wa saghirina wa kabirina, wa dhakarina wa
unthana. Allahumma man ahyaytahu minna fa ahyihi ^alal-Islam, wa man
tawaffaytahu minna fa tawaffahu ^alal-’iman.
This means: “0 Allah, forgive our dead and alive, our present and
absent, our young and old, our male and female [Muslims]. 0 Allah,
whomever among us You gave life, let him live with Islam. Whomever
among us You took life from, let him die with Iman (Faith)”. Then
say Allahu akbar.
6.
It is recommended to say:
Allahumma la tahrimna ajrahu wa la taftinna ba
^dah(u), which means: “0 Allah, do not deprive us of the
reward of our praying for him, and do not test us after him”.
7.
Say as-salamu ^ alaykum.
It is recommended to say: assalamu ^alaykum
wa rahmatullah while turning the head to the right, then to
say it while turning to the left.
Upon consoling a Muslim for the death of his Muslim beloved you say:
a ^ dhama-llau ajrak(a), wa ahsana ^aza'ak(a),
wa ghafara limayyitik, which means: “May Allah reward you
greatly, give you good patience, and forgive your deceased (loved)
one”.
However, upon consoling a Muslim concerning the death of a
non-Muslim relative, you say:
a^dhama-llahu ajrak(a), wa sabbarak,
which means: “May Allah reward you greatly and give you patience.”
The Prayer Times And How To Determine Them
What is Recommended to Say After Finishing Wudu'?
Du ^a'-ul-Wudu'
Ashhadu alla
ilaha illallah (u), wahdahu la sharika lah (u), wa ashhadu anna
Sayedena Muhammad [s]an ^ abduhu wa rasuluh (u). Allahumma-j ^ alni
minat-tawwabin (a), waj ^ alni minalmutatahhirin. Subhanaka-llahumma
wa bi hamdik (a), ashhadu alla ilaha illa ant (a), astaghfiruka wa
atubu ilayk.
The Meaning of
the Wudu’ (Ablution) Supplication
I testify that no one is God but
Allah, alone, without a partner, and I testify that Sayedena
Muhammad [s] is His
slave and messenger. 0 Allah, make me among the frequent repenters
and make me among the purified. Praise and thanks be to You, 0
Allah. I testify that no one is God but You. I ask You for
forgiveness and I repent to You.
What is Recommended to Say After Finishing the Opening
Takbir
Du ^a'uliftitah
or Du ^a'ut-Tawajjuh
Wajjahtu
wajhiya lilladhi fataras-samawati wal-’arda hanifam Muslima, wa ma
‘ana minal-mushrikin. ‘Inna salati wa nusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati
lillahi rabbil ^alamin (a), la sharika lah (u), wa bi dhalika
‘umirt (u), wa ‘ana minal-Muslimin.
The Meaning of
the Opening or Tawajjuh Supplication
I direct myself in worship to the One
Who created the heavens and Earth, following the upright path, being
a Muslim, and not among those who associate partners with Allah.
Surely, my prayer, my acts of worship in obedience, my life, and my
death belong to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, Who has no partner.
With this I was ordered, And I am one of the Muslims.
What is Recommended to Say Before the Fatihah
Alisti ^adhah
A^udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajm
The Meaning of
the Isti ^adhah
I seek refuge with
Allah from the [harm of the] cursed devil.
What Must be Recited in Every Rak^ah
سورة الفاتحة
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ {1} الْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ
الْعَالَمِينَ {2} الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ {3} مَلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
{4} إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ {5} اهدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ
المُستَقِيمَ {6} صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنعَمتَ عَلَيهِمْ غَيرِ
المَغضُوبِ عَلَيهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّالِّينَ {7}
Suratul-Fatihah
1.
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim.
2.
Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil- ^alamin
3.
Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim.
4.
Maliki yawmid-Din.
5.
Iyyaka na^budu wa iyyaka nasta^in.
6.
Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqim
7.
Siratal-ladhina an ^amta ^alayhim,
Ghayril-maghdubi ^alayhim wa lad-dallin.
The Meaning of
the Fatihah
1. I start my
recitation with the Name of Allah (the One Who deserves to be
worshipped), Who is ar-Rahman (the One Who is merciful to both
Muslims and non-Muslims in this life), and ar-Rahim (the One Who is
merciful to Muslims only in the Hereafter).
2.
Praise and thanks to Allah, the Rabb (Owner)
of the worlds (of angels, humans, jinn, and others) for the givings
He granted without Him being obligated to do so.
3.
He is ar-Rahman (the One Who is merciful to
both Muslims and non-Muslims in this life), and ar-Rahim (the One
Who is merciful to Muslims only in the Hereafter).
4.
He is the Owner of the Day of Judgment.
5.
To You (Allah) only we dedicate worship (the
ultimate subjugation), and from You (Allah) only we seek help.
6.
Keep us guided (firmly) on the Straight Path
(Islam),
7.
Which is the Path of those upon whom You
bestowed guidance by Islam (prophets and other Muslims), not the
path of those whom You willed to punish, or the path of those who
went astray.
What is Said in the Sitting
At-Tahiyyatul-mubarakat,
as-salawatut-tayyibatu lillah.
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At-Tashahhud
was-Salatul-'Ibrahimiyyah AsSalamu ^alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu
wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-Salamu ^alayna wa ^ala ^ibadillahis-salihin
Ashhadu alla ‘ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Sayedena Muhammad [s]ar-Rasulullah.
(End of the Tashahhud)
Allahumma salli ^ala
Sayedena Muhammad [s], (This
completes the obligation) wa ^ala 'Ali Sayedena Muhammad [s], kama sallayta ^ala
‘Ibrahim, wa ^ala 'Ali ‘Ibrahim. ‘Innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma
barik ^ala Sayedena Muhammad [s], wa ^ala 'Ali Sayedena Muhammad
[s], kama barakta ^ala
‘Ibrahim, wa ^ala 'Ali ‘Ibrahim. ‘Innaka Hamidum Majid.
The Meaning of
the Tashahhud and Salatul-’Ibrahimiyyah
The blessed salutations, Five Prayers, and the good deeds are all
owned by Allah. 0 Prophet of Allah, may the safety from infirmities,
and the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you. May safety be
upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah.
I profess (know, believe, and declare) that no one is God but Allah,
and I profess that Sayedena Muhammad [s] is the Messenger of Allah.
0 Allah, we ask You to raise the rank of Sayedena Muhammad [s], and have mercy
upon the All (wives, Muslim kin, and pious Muslim followers) of
Sayedena Sayedena Sayedena Muhammad [s] , as You raised the rank of Ibrahim, and the
Al of Ibrahim. Verily, You are the One Who
deserves to be praised and thanked, and the One Who is glorified. 0
Allah, we ask You to bless Sayedena Muhammad [s], and the All
of Sayedena Muhammad [s], as You blessed Ibrahim, and the Al
of Ibrahim. Verily, You are the One Who deserves to be praised and
thanked, and the One Who is glorified.
Examples of What Could be Recited After the Fatihah
ءاية
الكُرْسِيّ
اللهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لاَ
تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلاَ نَوْمٌ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي
الأَرْضِ مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ
يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلاَ يُحِيطُونَ
بِشَىْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلاَّ بِمَا شَاء وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ
السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ وَلاَ يَؤُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ
الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
ِِAyatul-Kursiyy
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim.
Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum,
la ta’khudhuhu sinatuwwala nawm,
lahu ma fis-samawati wama fil-’ard,
man dhalladhi yashfa^u
^indahu illa bi ‘idhnih,
ya^lamu ma bayna aydihim wama
khalfahum,
wa la yuhituna bishay’immin ^ilmihi
illa bima sha’,
wasi^a Kursiyyuhus-samawati
wal-’ard,
wa la ya’uduhu hifdhuhuma,
wa Huwal- ^Aliyyul- ^Adhim.
The Meaning of Ayatul-Kursiyy
I start my recitation with the Name of Allah (the One Who deserves
to be worshipped), Who is ar-Rahman (the One Who is very merciful to
Muslims and non-Muslims in this life), and Who is ar-Rahim (the One
Who is very merciful to Muslims only in the Hereafter).
Allah is the One Who is the Only God. He is the One Who is
attributed with an eternal and everlasting Life (which is without
soul, body, blood, bones or need for food). He is the One Who
manages and takes care of the world and does not need any one and
every one needs Him. He is not seized with somnolence or sleep. To
Him belongs what is in the heavens and Earth. No one will intercede,
on the Day of Judgment, except with His permission.
He knows all about His creation. They do not know except that which
Allah allowed them to know.
His Kursiyy extends farther than the heavens and Earth and He is not
exhausted from preserving them.
He is the One Who has the highest status (and does not need a place)
and Who rightly has the attributes of exaltedness, glory, greatness,
and purity from all imperfection.
سورة الإخلاص
قُلْ هُوَ اللهُ أَحَدٌ {1} اللهُ الصَّمَدُ {2} لَمْ
يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ {3} وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ {4}
Suratul-'Ikhlas
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
1. Qul Huwallahu Ahad.
2. Allahus-Samad.
3. Lam yalid wa lam yulad.
4. Wa lam yakullahu kufuwan ahad.
The Meaning of Suratul-’Ikhlas
I start my recitation with the Name of Allah (the One Who
deserves to be worshipped), Who is ar-Rahman (the One Who is very
merciful to Muslims and non-Muslims in this life), and Who is
ar-Rahim (the One Who is very merciful to Muslims only in the
Hereafter).
1. [0 Sayedena Muhammad [s],] say that Allah is One without a partner to Him in
the Self or attributes, and the One Who is indivisible (because He
is not a body.)
2. All creations need Allah and He does not need any of, them.
He is the One to Whom all resort in all types of adversities.
He does not benefit from His creations and does not ward any harm
off Himself by them.
3. Nothing was born out of Him; so no one inherits Him. He was not
born; so no one shares property with Him. He is not the origin of
anything and He did not originate from anything.
4. He has no equal in any way.
سورة الفلق
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ {1} مِن شَرِّ مَا
خَلَقَ {2} وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ {3} وَمِن شَرِّ
النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ {4} وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ
{5}
Suratul-Falaq
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
1. Qul a^udhu birabbil-falaq.
2. Min sharri ma khalaq.
3. Wa min sharri ghasiqin idha waqab.
4. Wa min sharrin-naffathati fil- ^uqad.
5. Wa min sharri hasidin idha hasad.
The Meaning of
Suratul-Falaq
I start my recitation with the Name of Allah (the One
Who deserves to be worshipped), Who is ar-Rahman
(the One Who is very merciful to Muslims and non-Muslims in
this life), and Who is ar-Rahim (the One
Who is very merciful to Muslims only in the Hereafter).
1. [O Sayedena Muhammad [s],] say: I seek refuge with Allah, the Lord (Creator
and Sustainer) of dawn,
2. from the evil of what He created (such as the Devil and fire),
3. and from the evil of the night when it comes,
4. and from the evil of the witches who blow on knots,
5. and the evil of the covetous one when he covets.
سورة الناس
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ {1} مَلِكِ النَّاسِ {2}
إِلَهِ النَّاسِ {3} مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ {4} الَّذِي
يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ {5} مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَ النَّاسِ {6}
Suratun-Nas
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
1. Qul a^udhu birabbin-nas.
2. Malikin-nas.
3. Ilahin-nas.
4. Min sharril-waswasil-khannas.
5. Alladhi yuwaswisu f sudurin-nas.
6. Minal-jinnati wan-nas
The Meaning of
Suratun-Nas
I start my recitation with the Name of Allah (the One Who deserves
to be worshipped), Who is ar-Rahman (the One Who is very merciftil
to Muslims and non-Muslims in this life), and Who is ar-Rahim (the
One Who is very merciful to Muslims only in the Hereafter).
1. [O Sayedena Muhammad [s],] say: I seek refuge with
Allah, the Lord (Creator and Sustainer) of mankind,
2. the Owner of mankind,
3. [the only] God of mankind,
4. from the evil of the whisperer who
withdraws (when the Name of Allah is mentioned),
5. who whispers in the hearts of
creations,
6. among the jinn and mankind.
What is Said in the I^tidal of the Second Rak^ah of
the Fajr Prayer
Du^aul-Qunut
Allahummahdini fiman hadayt (a), wa ^afini
fiman ^afayt (a), wa tawallani fiman tawallayt (a), wa barik li fima
a^tayt (a). Wa qini sharra ma qadayt (a), fa ‘innaka taqdi wa la
yuqda ^alayk (a). Wa ‘innahu la yadhillu maw walayt(a), wa la ya^izzu
man ^adayt (a). Tabarakta Rabbana wa ta^alayt (a). Fa lakal-hamdu
^ala ma qadayt (a). Astagfiruka wa atubu ilayk (a). Wa sallallahu
^ala Sayedena Muhammad [s] (iwwa) ^ala alihi wa sahbihi wa sallam.
The Meaning of
the Qunut Supplication
O Allah, guide me among those whom You guided,
relieve me from sickness among those whom You relieved, support me
among those whom You supported, bless for me what You gave me.
Protect me against the evil of what You created, for You are the One
Who orders (ordains) and not the One Who is ordered (ordained for).
Whomever You support is not weakened and ignored, and whomever You
oppose is not dignified. O our Lord, may Your givings increase. You
are the Supreme One Whose status is high and great and You are clear
of any imperfection. Praise is due for what You ordained. I ask You
for forgiveness and I repent to You. May Allah raise the rank of
Sayedena Muhammad [s], and his family and Companions. May Allah protect the Prophet’s
Nation from what he feared for it.
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