Arabia Before Islam - 3 (The Characteristics of the Arab People)

Islam emerged in a region known as Hijaz, inhabited by the descendants of Ismael and Banu Kinanah. These people had access only to limited resources, limited habitable area, cattle, pasture and oases. Everything was in short supply. So they could afford to lead an extremely simple life.

Due to these constraints they often waged war, sometimes to take possession of the limited reservoirs of water and pastures. Nevertheless, these Bedouins had noble human qualities. For they lived very far from the artificial world of civilization. The atmosphere of nature served as a vast school of nature for them. They never led the artificial life of the cities and their life was devoid of all formalities. This extremely simple, austere life made them realists.

All this was responsible for producing in them the qualities which the Arabs call al muruuwah, manliness, which meant to them acknowledging the truth, speaking nothing but the truth, fulfilling promises, honouring obligations, supporting the oppressed, boldness, noble character, patience, generosity and hospitality. When this high level of humanity was combined with the truth of Islam, they were enabled to perform great feats. It was this truth which has been thus expressed in a hadith:

“Those who were good people in the days of ignorance will also be good people during Islam.”

In ancient Arabia despite their battles, wars, conflicts and tensions, their vows of revenge, which went on for generation after generation, their mentality, their thinking, their aptitude for acknowledging the truth were fully preserved.

For instance, once in ancient Makkah two groups: were ready to fight. At this juncture, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb intervened and said to them: “If you waged a war so many people would be killed belonging to both the groups. So should I not tell you something better?” They agreed with him. Then Abu Sufyan said: “What has passed has passed, now you must make peace.” Both the parties accepted his advice there and then and made peace. This was in spite of the fact that there were people who used to go on fighting for as long even as 50 years to avenge a murder or an insult or any injustice done to them.

Due to the paucity of economic resources, there were people who indulged in looting. But even these people were of a noble character. Once a Bedouin wanted to robe a woman who was all alone in her tent decked with jewellery. But he did not enter the tent. He stood at the door and commanded her to take off all her jewellery and hand it over to him.

While the woman was taking off her jewellery, the man stood at the door with his back towards it, so that he did not catch sight of the woman while she was taking off her jewellery.

These Arabs had not been idol worshippers since ancient times. Idolatry was only a later introduction into their lives through foreign influence. The idols were imported into Arabia. So there was no ideology behind this idol worship. It was thus of a superficial nature, having no deep ideological or philosophical root. For instance, once an Arab wanted to take revenge for his father. So he went to an idol called Dhul Khalasa for divining arrows. But the answer that came from the idol was not in the affirmative. This enraged the Arab and, addressing the idol, he uttered these words: O Dhul Khalasa, had your father been killed you would never have uttered this falsehood that the oppressor should not be punished.”

Similarly, another Arab led his camels to his idol Sad in order to seek its blessing. It was a tall idol, and was covered in blood due to the sacrifices made to it. On seeing this sight, the camels were frightened and ran away. When the Arab saw the flight of his camels, he hit the idol with a stone, abusing him:

“May God destroy you. I had come to seek your blessings and you made my camels run away.” 

 Of these ancient Arabs there were a sizeable number who were known as Hanif. These people were truth seekers and they shunned idolatry. They lived an aloof, social life. They used to say:

“O, God, I do not know how You should be worshipped. Had I known, I would have certainly worshipped you in that manner.”

These circumstances of the ancient Arabs and their moral qualities had a close affinity with Islam. These people true in nature, were as if potential converts of Islam. Therefore when the Prophet of Islam began his preaching in 610, these Hanifs took no time in responding to his call and became his devoted companions, Abu Bakr ibn Abi Qahafa being one of those Hunafa. What distinguished the Arabs from others was that they could not afford to reject a truth when it had become clear to them. That is why in the initial stage of the Prophet’s call, due to some misunderstanding, a number of them turned against the Prophet Muhammad. But when finally they learned that what the Prophet was telling them was nothing but the truth, they took no time in entering the fold of Islam. There are a number of incidents in the books of Seerah to this effect.

Thus the sending of the Final Prophet was not without reason. It was a well-planned decision of God which He in His Own knowledge decreed. These Arabs were the living people who were selected by God to lend full support to His final Prophet, so that he might fulfill the divine mission.  

Arabia Before Islam - 1

WITH an area of 1,20,000 square miles the land of Arabia is the largest peninsula in the world. It has the Red Sea to the West, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Adan to the south-east and the rivers Euphrates and Tigris and the Persian Gulf to the north-east. It thus occupies a unique position. It is situated in Asia, yet only the narrow Red Sea divides it from Africa and by just passing through the Suez Canal, one reaches the Mediterranean Sea and Europe. It is thus at the centre of three continents, yet it is apart from all of them.

Arabia being a very hot and dry country, one third of it is desert. It is strange that a land surrounded by water on three sides, and with only a narrow strip of land to the north, has practically no river of its own, except for small streams here and there, which soon dry up in the hot desert.

Rain too is scarce. The rains come in torrents in spring, but the water does not stay. It is lost in the sand as quickly as it comes. There being no dependable rainy reason, which is necessary for agriculture, this vast land, about a thousand kilometres wide and about the same in length, is neither fertile nor cultivable.

Yemen, the original home of the Semites, is the only exception, in that it is fertile and enjoys a rainy season. Besides this, the rest of the peninsula consists of barren valleys and deserts. Due to the lack of vegetation, life here can be only that of the desert. The camel, the only means of transportation is indispensable, for a desert life demands continuous movement. The desert dwellers must continually go in search of pastures, which are scarce and thin, and soon cropped bare. The pastures turn green around spring, watered by springs which form in the wake of occasional rainfalls. In such an infertile country where no agriculture has ever been possible, the only produce is dates. In the context of this civilization, Yemen has always been very developed in terms of agriculture. Showing great intelligence the Yemenis invented ways of saving rain water from running down to the sea so that artificial irrigation could be carried out. Moreover, they built the famous dam of Maarib by changing the natural course of the water. This water is gathered in a 400 meter wide valley between two mountains by constructing a dam with gates at the narrowest point in the valley.

Then this water is divided into many streams and spread over a wide area of plains. It is almost like the Nile in the dam area in Upper Egypt. In this way they have contrived to have a controlled distribution of their water. The fertility of their land has gone on increasing and the people of Yemen have become very prosperous. 

Islam 312: 16 Things That Invalidate Sawm

1. Sexual intercourse: Whenever the fasting person has sexual intercourse, his fast is invalidated. Subsequently, he is required to make up the fast for that day in which he had sexual intercourse in addition to paying a penalty (kaffaarah) which is to free a slave. If he is unable to find a slave or funds that are equal to that, then he is required to fast consecutively for two months. If he is unable to fast for two months, due to an Islamically acceptable reason, he is to feed 60 poor people half a saa' each from the food common in that land.

2. Excretion of semen as a result of kissing, touching with desire, masturbation or persistently looking at that which arouses the desire. In this case, the fast is invalidated and he is required to make up for that day without paying a penalty (kaffaarah), since paying a penalty is specific to having had sexual intercourse.

3. Telling lies about Allah and or His Messenger (pbuh)

5. Pouring oil into the ears.

6. As for extracting blood via cupping or opening a vein or donating blood for medical reasons, then all of this invalidates the fast. As regards giving a small blood sample for testing purposes, then this does not affect the fast. Likewise, this applies to the unintentional flow of blood resulting from a nose bleed, injury or having a tooth removed. All of these do not affect the fast.

7. Intentionally eating and drinking, due to that which Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) says:

{...and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Sawm (fast) till the nightfall}, [Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 187]

As for he who eats and drinks out of forgetfulness, then this does not affect his fast as is mentioned in the following hadeeth:

((Whoever forgetfully eats or drinks, then he should complete his fast, for indeed it was Allaah who provided him the food and drink))

And from that which breaks the fast is water and other such substances to pass his throat via his nose. This is known as as-Sa'oof. Likewise, taking a nutritional injection directly into the vein and taking a blood transfusion whilst fasting. All of these invalidate the fast, as it constitutes nutrition for the body.

As regards a non-nutritional injection, then it is better for one who is fasting to avoid this so as to protect his fast. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((Leave that which you are doubtful (about) for that which are not doubtful (about)))

And as such delay it until after having broken the fast at the time of Maghrib.

A. The fasting person should not exert himself whilst gargling and sniffing water up his nose (when making wudhoo.) because it is quite possible the water may pass his throat and thereby enter his stomach. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

(((Whilst making wudhoo.) exert yourself in sniffing water up the nose except if you are fasting)).

B. Also, Eating deliberately after having eaten mistakenly (Eating by mistake) does not break the fast.

8. Inhaling smoke by one's own action, e.g. inhaling the smoke of incence, etc.

9. Smoking

10. Swallowing any substance or object which is not normally consumed as food or medicine, e.g. pebbles, paper, a coin, etc.

11. Masturbation. In addition to it nullifying the Saum, it is an immoral and a sinful act. The perpetrator has been cursed by Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). [more on this in the next article]

12. Intentional vomiting also invalidates the fast. However, the fast is not affected if he is overcome and is forced to vomit without intending so. This is based upon the statement of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

((Whoever is overcome (and forced) to vomit, then he is not required to make up (the fast for that day) and whoever intentionally vomits then he must make up (the fast for that day))).

13. Applying drops of medicine into the nostrils.

14. It is obligatory for the fasting person to refrain from lying, backbiting and swearing, even if someone was to swear at him. If this is the case, he should say:

(((indeed), I am fasting))

Certainly, some people find it easy to abstain from food and drink but find it difficult to abandon that which has become a habit for them from evil speech and actions. This is why some of the Pious Predecessors have said:

((The easiest (type of) fast is abstaining from food and drink)).

So it is upon the Muslim to fear Allaah and be aware of Him and His Greatness and the fact that He Sees all that we do, such that absolutely nothing remains hidden from him. In doing this, he should protect his fast from all that invalidates it or reduces it's reward so that his fast remains correct and, inshaa-Allaah, is accepted by Allaah.

It is befitting for the fasting person to busy himself in the remembrance of Allaah, reciting the Qur.aan and increasing in the performance of naafilah (voluntary) prayers.

It used to be that when the Pious Predecessors would fast, they would sit in the masaajid and they would say:

((We shall protect our fast and not backbite anyone)).

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((Whoever does not abandon evil speech and actions, then Allaah is not in need of him having left his food and drink (i.e. fasting))).

This is because seeking nearness to Allaah is not complete simply by leaving our personal desires (of eating and drinking, etc). Rather, it is by leaving that which Allaah has prohibited at all times in terms of lying, oppression and the like. In a narration, Abu Hurayrah said:

((The fast is accepted as worship so long as no Muslim has been backbitten or harmed)).

And it is narrated by Anas, who said:

((The one who has backbitten the people whilst fasting has not really fasted)).

Other things that break the fast are only considered to do so, if the following three conditions apply:

1. If a person knows that it breaks the fast and is not ignorant

2: If he is aware of what he is doing and has not forgotten that he is fasting

3. If he does it from his own free will and is not forced to do it

Remember sins should always be avoided, but especially if you are fasting

In the next article, I'll tell you about the things that don't break fasts... Till then, stay blessed!

References:

www.islamway.com

www.tauheed-sunnat.com

Islam 101: Rawatib (Sunnah Prayers Associated with Obligatory Prayers)

 

What are the Rawatib which can be made up if the person misses them?

Shaykh Bin Baz:

The Rawatib which the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to preserve are twelve Rakats, these are the Rawatib; for the resident not the traveler. Twelve Rakats; four before Thur prayer with two tasleems, and two after Thur prayer; this is six. Two after Magrib prayer and two after Isha prayer; this is ten. And two before the morning (Fajr) prayer; this is twelve. The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to practice these consistently while present at his residence. And he, peace be upon him, said:

“Whoever preserves four Rakats before Thur and four after it, Allah will make him forbidden for the Fire.”

If the person prays four after Thur, thus adding two Rakat then this is better, but it is not Rawatib. The Rawatib is two Rakats. If he prays four after Thur prayer then this has in it virtue and a tremendous amount of good.

In a similar fashion before Asr prayer it is recommended for the person to pray four Rakats, but these are not Rawatib, rather they are recommended. This is based upon the statement of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:

“May Allah have mercy upon the person who prays four Rakats before Asr prayer”.

Likewise if he prays two Rakats before Magrib prayer and two Rakats before Isha prayer, between the Athan and the Iqamah, this is recommended; but these are not Rawatib. Rather it is recommended after the Athan to pray two Rakats, after the Athan for Maghrib and after the Athan for Isha the person prays two Rakats; two Rakats which are different than the two Rakats to greet the Masjid.

As for greeting the Masjid, if the person enters the Masjid even before the Athan then he greets the Masjid with two Rakats of prayer. And if he enters after the Athan, the Athan of Maghrib or after the Athan of Isha, then he greets the Masjid with two Rakats of prayer and this will suffice him from the two Rakats between the Athan and the Iqamah.

As for travel - then it is only prescribed to pray the Sunnah prayers of Fajr and the Witr prayer. During travel the person only prays the Witr and Tahajjud prayers during the night, and he prays the Sunnah prayers of Fajr. As for the Sunnah prayers of Thur, Maghrib, and Isha, then it is better to leave them during travel. But as it relates to the Sunnah prayers of Fajr, then the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to preserve then during travel and while he was a resident.

And if the person misses the Sunnah prayer for Fajr he prays them after the Fajr prayer or after the sun has risen. As for the other Rawatib, for Thur, Maghrib, and Isha, then they are not made up after the time has passed; if the time passed they are not made up. Therefore one would not make up the Sunnah prayers for Thur after Asr, nor the Sunnah prayers for Maghrib after Isha, nor the Sunnah prayers for Isha after Fajr. These prayers are not made up. As for the Sunnah prayer for Fajr then it is made up. If he prays it after the Fajr prayer then there is no problem with this. And if he prays it after the sun has risen and reached its height then this is better.

As for the Sunnah prayer of Duha and Tahajjud prayers at night then they are prescribed for the travel and the resident. Likewise is the Sunnah prayer after completing Wudu; after the person completes Wudu it is recommended (for him to pray) whether he is on a journey or a resident.

Likewise if a person enters a Masjid while upon a journey he also prays two Rakats of prayer, even if he is travelling. May Allah reward you with good.

Therefore we will summarize the answer once again, if you will allow me; the Sunnah prayers which are recommended to make up.

First the summary of the answer: The twelve Rawatib which are specific to the resident are: Four Rakats before Thur with two tasleems, two Rakats after Thur with one tasleem; two Rakats after Maghrib with one tasleem; two Rakats after Isha with one tasleem, and two Rakats before the morning prayer after the rising of the Fajr. These are the Rawatib that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to preserve.

As for those that are made up then it is only the Sunnah prayer for Fajr, if it is missed then it is made up after Fajr or after the rising of the sun. Likewise the Sunnah prayers that come before Thur can be made up after Thur. If the four Sunnah prayer that come before Thur are missed they are prayed after Thur, then he prays the two Rakats after Thur; thus praying six Rakats. The four that come before Thur, and the two Rawatib that come after Thur. May Allah reward you with good.

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee.

Islam 312: The Comprehensive Guide To Performing Salat (FOR MEN)

 

1. After you have performed your wudhu (ablution), you will then be pure enough to perform Salah. If you don't cleanse yourself, then your prayer will not be valid. It will just be a waste of time. Apart from cleansing your body, you must also ensure you are wearing clothes free of impurity (I.e., impurities from the body (sexual organs), alcohol, blood etc.). Also, there is a way you must dress while praying. For men, you must wear clothing that covers your body from your stomach down to and including your knees. It is also best that your shoulders are covered by whatever top you wear,

When all of the above are in place, you should stand upright and face the direction of the Ka'abah. This position is called the Qiyam, and the direction is called the Qiblah. You should ask around (from Muslims around if there are any, or you can find a mosque close-by and look at which direction it is pointed at. This will give you a general idea), also, there is this app for iOS that I use. The name is "Islamic Compass", you can search for it on the app store. And for those who don't use iOS, just google: "Islamic Compass for (insert your phone name and model here). 

2. Ensure there is a space of three fingers spread wide apart between your legs (I.e., your legs should not be too wide apart).

3. Like I said in my other blog posts, you should then make niyyah. This is the intention to pray. Some people say that you should whisper it, but I don't think that is necessary, all you have to do is make the intention in your heart. It's still the same.

4. After you make your intention, raise your hands up to your ears (the tips of your thumbs should be near the bottom of your earlobe). After you raise your hand, say the Takbiratul Ihram: "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).

About the standing position while praying, you can stand whichever way you are comfortable. You can either place your right hand on your left hand and encircle your left hand with the thumb and little finger of your right hand (while the three fingers in the middle lay on your left hand), or you could just drop your hands by your side (whichever works for you, so long as you are not shy because of it). Whichever hand position you choose, you must look downward at the place where your forehead will touch the ground while you're prostrating (sujood). 

5. You then recite:

                                  سبحانك اللهم و بحمدك،  وتبارك اسمك، و تعالى جدك، ولا إله غيرك 

 

("Subhanaka allahumma wa bi hamdika wa tabara kasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuka."

This means: “O Allah, how perfect You are and praise be to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god but You.” [Only recite this supplication, Subhanaka, at the beginning of the first Rak'ah])

 

Then recite:  "A'udhu billahi minash shaitanir rajim." silently (“I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan.”). This is known as the Ta'awwudh.

After the Ta'awwudh recite:  "Bismillah Ir-rahman Ir-rahim." (“In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful). This is known as the Tasmiyah.

 

6. After the Tasmiyah, you recite Surah Al-Fatiha from the Qur'an. It is the first chapter in the Qur'an.

Surah Al-Fatiha:

"Al hamdu lil lahi rabbil 'alamin. Arrahmanir rahim. Maliki yawmiddin. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'in. Ihdinas siratal mustaqim. Siratal ladhina an'amta'alaihim, ghairil maghdubi'alaihim wa lad dhallin. (Amin)"

"All praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, the most Gracious, the most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, from You alone we seek help. Guide us along the straight path - the path of those whom You favored, not of those who earned Your anger or went astray.”

 

You have to recite Surah Al-Fatiha in every cycle of the prayer (Raka'a) if you are praying alone. The imam usually recites loudly if you are praying in congregation, so you should not recite it with him. It is forbidden, even if you can't hear what he is saying.

 

7. After Surah Al-Fatiha, you recite any other chapter from the Qur'an. We'll take Surah An-Nas:

You Start With:  "Bismillah Ir-rahman Ir-rahim"

Surah An-Nas: "Qul a'uzu birabbin naas, malikin naas, ilaahin naas, min sharril was waasil khan naas, al ladhi yuwas wisu fee sudoorin naas, minnal jinnati wan naas"

"Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind, The King (or Ruler) of Mankind, The Allah (or Judge) of Mankind, From the mischief of the Whisperer (of evil), who withdraws (after his whisper), (the same) who whispers to mankind, among Jinns and among Men."

8. After reciting the chapter (or three verses, or verse equal to three verses) from the Qur'an, say "Allahu akbar", then bow (Rukoo').

While you're bowing, you should ensure your body is parallel to the ground, and your hands should push your knee back so it is at a ninety-degree angle. You shiuld keep your eyes on the point of sujood and your head should be in line with your back. When you are in the bowing position, say: "subhana Rabbiyal Azeem" (How Perfect is my Lord, the Supreme) three times.

9. Stand up from the bowing position whilst saying:  "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him)' and then "Allahumma Rabbana Walakal Hamdu" (Our Lord, praise be to You).

10. After this, prostrate on the floor (sujood) whilst saying: "Allahu Akbar". You must touch the ground with your hands first before your knees do. Then you ensure your forehead and the tip of your nose touch the ground, and then You say: "subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (How Perfect is my Lord, the Highest) three times. 

While in the bowing position, look down at your nose. Your hands must be away from your body (by your side and facing the Qiblah) and they must also touch the ground, and they should be by your ears (see step four). You should also sure that your toes are bent and they are facing the Qiblah.

11. After bowing, sit up whilst saying: "Allahu Akbar". Your knees should be bent under you and your hands should rest on your thighs. You should spread your left foot on its nape and sit upon it, but your right leg should be upright with the toes bent. Then you say: "Rabbighfir li" ("O my Lord! Forgive me." Then say "Allahu Akbar" and prostrate again. Recite "Subhana Rabbiyal A'al" three times again then stand up (raise your knees before your hands).

This completes one Rak'ah or cycle of Salah.  All the other cycles you'll perform (depending on the prayer) will be performed in the exact same way, except that you will not recite Subhanaka at the beginning. 

12. In the second cycle (after the two sujood's of the second cycle), you won't stand up, instead, you'll sit up again and form a fist with your right hand with your index finger sticking out. Your left hand should remain on your left thigh. Then you recite tashahud:

 

"At-Tahiyyatu lillahi                              “Greetings, prayers and

was- Salawatu wat-Tayyibatu.              goodness belong to Allah.

As-Salamu ' alaika                                                Peace be on you,

ayyuhannabiyyu                                                               O Prophet

wa rahmatullahi                                          and the mercy of Allah

wa barakatuhu.                                                    and His blessings.

Assalamu 'alaina wa’ala                              Peace be on us and on

ibadil-Lahis -Salihin                      the righteous servants of Allah

ash hadu al-La ilaha                                           I bear witness that

il-Lal lahu                                                there is no god but Allah,

wa ash hadu anna                                           and bear witness that

Muhammadan abduhu                          Muhammad is His servant

wa rasuluhu."                                                        and Messenger.”

 

Depending on the salat you are performing, you will either say "Allahu Akbar" and stand up and go over the cycles again (Dhuhr (four cycles), Asr (four cycles), Maghrib (three cycles) and Isha (four cycles), or as for the Fajr prayer (two cycles) you will remain seated after the tashahud and recite Assalatul-Ibrahimiyah.

(NOTE: This might be too cumbersome for you initially, so, I suggest you memorise the tashahud alone initially, then when you have memorised it well enough, you can proceed to memorise the Assalatul-Ibrahimiyah).

(Assalatul-Ibrahimiyah:

"Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin            “O Allah, let Your mercy come upon Muhammad

Wa 'ala ali Muhammadin                                 and the family of Muhammad

Kama sallaita 'ala Ibrahima                             as You let it come upon Ibrahim

wa 'ala ali Ibrahima                                           and the family of Ibrahim

wa barik 'ala Muhammadin                             O Allah, bless Muhammad

wa 'ala ali Muhammadin                                  and the family of Muhammad

Kama barakta ' ala Ibrahima                          as You blessed Ibrahim

Wa ' ala ali Ibrahima                                         and the family of Ibrahim.

Fil a'lamina Innaka                                           Truly You are

hamidun Majid."                                               Praiseworthy and Glorious.”

 

After this say silently: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min adhabi jahanam wamin adhabil qabri wamin sharri fitnatil mahya wal mamat wamin sharri fitnatil masihid dajjaal. Rabbi-ghfir li waliwalidayya, rabbi-rhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira."

 

اللهم إني أعوذ بك من عذاب جهنم، و من عذاب القبر، و من فتنة المحيا و الممات، و من فتنة المسيح الدجال، رب اغفر لي  و لوالدي  رب ارحمهما  كما ربياني  صغيرا.

This means: “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the torment of the Hellfire, from the torment of the grave, from the trials and afflictions of life and death, and from the deception of the False-Christ. O my Lord! Grant me and my parents forgiveness, and bestow Your mercy upon them, just as they brought zme up when I was small.”)

After the tashahud (and the Assalatul Ibrahimyah), turn your face to the right, saying: "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (peace and the mercy of Allah be on you) and then turn your face to the left and repeat the same words. This completes the two-raka'ah Salah.

 

*In the four raka'ah Salah's, the imam won't recite Surah Al-Fatiha (if you're praying in congregation), so you'll have to recite it yourself silently. Silently enough for you to hear, but not loud enough for the person beside you to hear.

* After reading this, the best thing to do (and the easiest way to learn) is to go to a mosque (like I did) while they are praying, then stand in the distance and watch them. Or just go to the internet and download a video of someone praying (I'd really love to do a video for you, but I can't do that now). Anyways, all you have to do is continue to learn. Keep learning! But don't just learn alone, also put it into practice and gain experience on the various fields!

* ( and ) stand for things that are not entirely necessary when you're first starting off, but you should incorporate them as time goes by.

Islam 312: The Adhan (Call to Prayer)

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What is The Adhan?

The Adhan (or Azan as it is called in some parts of the world) is the call to worship recited by the muezzin. It is used to alert the people around to come physically to pray. The root of the word is "adhina" which means "be informed about, to listen, to hear". It is usually recited before each of the five mandatory prayers of the day begin.

After the Adhan, the second call known as Iqama then summons Muslims to line up for the beginning of the prayers. The imam then leads the prayers.

(Yahya narrated it on the authority of his uncle that he had been sitting in the company of Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan (may Allah be well pleased with them) when the “Muazzin” called (Muslims) to Prayer. Muawiya said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) saying The “Muazzin”s will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection. (They will be the more deserving of Allah's mercy and reward) (Sunan Abu Dawood)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “Whoever proclaims the “Azaan” for 7 years, for the sake of reward, Allah keeps him secure from the fire of hell.” (Tirmizi, Ibn Majah)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “The one who proclaims the “Azaan” only seeking reward, is like the blood stained martyr - and when he dies, his body will be safe from insects.” (Bahaare Shariat from Tibrani).)

The Adhan has some specific words, which are as follows:

Allahu Akbar: Allahu Akbar: Allahu Akbar : Allahu Akbar

Ash-hadu al-laa ilaaha illAllah: Ash-hadu al-laa ilaaha illAllah

Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasoolullah:Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasoolullah

Hayya alas-Salaah: Hayya alas-Salaah

Hayya alal-Falaah: Hayya alal-Falaah

Allahu Akbar: Allahu Akbar

Laa ilaaha illAllah

English Transliteration:

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest;

I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, I bear witness that there is no God except Allah:

I bear witness that Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah, I bear witness that Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah:

Come towards Prayer, come towards Prayer; Come towards Success, come towards Success;

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; There is no God except Allah!

Upon hearing the “Azaan”, it is commanded to reply to it - i.e. to repeat the words which the Caller (Muazzin) is saying, except for the words “Hayya alas-Salaah Hayya alal-Falaah”, for which one must say "Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa Billah" (There is neither power nor strength, except with Allah).

In the “Azaan” for the Dawn Prayer, the Caller will say the following words twice after “Hayya alas-Salaah Hayya alal-Falaah” - "AsSalaatu Khairum-minun-Naum" (Prayer is better than sleep). The response to these words is "Sadaqta wa bararta, wa bilHaqqi Nataqta" (You have confirmed the truth and you did well - and you have spoken a fact.)

While the “Azaan” is being said, one must not indulge in any talk, recite Qur'an etc., nor indulge in other activities. Listen to the “Azaan” attentively and reply to it. The same applies to the “Iqamah”. For the one who stays engrossed in talk while the “Azaan” is being proclaimed, there is a danger of him dying an evil death. (We seek Allah's refuge)

When the Caller proclaims "Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasoolullah", one must respond by sending peace and blessings upon the Holy Prophet - "SallAllahu alayka yaa Rasool Allah" (Allah's blessings be upon you, O the Messenger of Allah). It is recommended (Mustahab) to kiss one's thumbnails and touch them on one's eyes while saying, "Qurratu ayni beka yaa Rasool-Allah - Allahumma Matteyni Bis-Samye wal-Basar" (The coolness of my eyes is due to you, O the Messenger of Allah! O Allah, grant me the usage of the ears and the eyes). The one who does this will be taken by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Paradise.

The words proclaimed to announce the beginning of the congregational Prayers (with Jamaat), are called “Iqamah”. All words are the same as in the “Azaan”, except that after the second "Hayya alal-Falaah", the following words are said twice - "Qad QamatisSalaah" (The Prayer has been established). In response to this, one should say "AqamahAllah wa adamaha maa damatiSamawate walArd" (May Allah keep it established, and grant it permanence as long as the skies and the earth remain.)

It is undesirable (Makrooh) for a person who comes in at the time of “Iqamah” to remain standing and wait - he should sit down and stand up only when the Proclaimer (Mukabbir) has announced "Hayya alal-Falaah". Likewise those who are already present in the mosque must stand up at this moment. The same applies to the “Imaam”.

After The Adhan:

The following du'a is optionally read:

Allahumma rabba haazihi-daawatit-taammate was-salaatil-qaaemate aate sayyedenaa Muhammadan-ilWaseelata walFadeelata wad-darajatar-rafeeata wabas-hoo maqaamam-mahmoodanil-lazee wa-attahoo warzuqnaa shafaatahoo yawm-alqiyaamate, innaka laa tukhleful-meeaaad.

(O Allah, the Lord of this perfect call and of the Prayer to be established! Grant our leader Hazrat Mohammed, the highest point in Paradise, and Excellence, and the highest rank, and install him on the praiseworthy position which You have promised him - and grant us his intercession on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed You do not go against Your promise.) 

Islam 312: Understanding Salat: What is Salat? (meaning, effect, benefits)

What is Salat?

A pillar of religion.

The key to paradise.

The spiritual ascent of the faithful believer.

The greater Jihad (holy war).

A sign of faith.

Light of the heart.

The radiance of the face.

The nourishment of the soul.

A cause of blessings in the house.

A cause of abundance in provision.

Cure for ailments of the body and soul.

A light in the gloom of the grave.

A canopy in the hot sun on the Day of Resurrection.

An entertainer of the heart amidst the fear of the grave.

A swift carrier across the thin bridge on the Day of Resurrection.

A means of attaining forgiveness from sins.

A barrier between hell and the offerer of Prayers.

A repeller of the devil.

A bestower of Allah's proximity and His favour.

So, what is so important about prayer?

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has stated: "The first duty that Allah, the Supreme, has ordained upon my nation is that of offering Prayer, and indeed Prayer is the first thing that will be taken account of on the Day of Resurrection."

It is also reported in the Hadith that, "Whoever keeps the Prayer established, has kept his religion established - and whoever leaves Prayer has demolished religion".

It is reported by Syedna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah the Supreme states, 'O the son of Adam! Free yourself for My worship, I shall fill your heart with content - and if you do not do so, I shall make you busy in several affairs but not remove your poverty.' " (Mishkaat ul Masabeeh, Ibn Majah)

"Be content with five things before (the advent of) the other five: Youth before old age, good health before sickness, prosperity before poverty, spare time before indulgence in affairs, and life before death." (Hadith reported in Tirmizi)

Regrettably, the Muslims of this age have forgotten Prayer. Most people simply do not have the time for it, whereas some people do offer their Prayers but do not know the proper way of offering it. It is imperative to learn the correct way of offering the Prayer, and to offer all the 5 Obligatory Prayers with the congregation.

The importance of establishing Prayer has been mentioned in the Holy Qur'an and Hadith, on several occasions:-

Allah the Supreme states in the Holy Qur’an: “And keep the Prayer established, and pay the charity, and bow your heads with those who bow (in Prayer).”(Surah Baqarah)

On another occasion, it is stated: “Guard all your Prayers, and the middle Prayer; and stand with reverence before Allah.” (Surah Baqarah)

On yet another occasion, it is stated: “And keep the Prayer established at the two ends of the day and in some parts of the night.” (Surah Hud)

The "two ends of the day" mean the morning and evening. The time before noon is classified as morning and the time after it is classified as evening. The Morning Prayer is the Dawn (Fajr) Prayer, and the Prayers of the evening are the Afternoon (Zohr) and the Evening (Asr) Prayers. The Prayers for the night are the Sunset (Maghrib) and the Night (Isha) Prayers. (Tafseer Khazain ul Irfan)

The Holy Qur'an warns those who abandon Prayer, in the following words: “And after them came the unworthy successors who squandered Prayer and pursued their own desires, so they will soon encounter the forest of Gai in hell.” (Surah Maryam)

“Gai” is a well in the lowest part of hell, in which accumulates the pus of its inhabitants. It is also mentioned that “Gai” is the hottest and deepest part of hell. This is the well which Allah opens up whenever the heat of hell lessens, causing the fire of hell to rage again. This well is the destination of those who abandon Prayer – and adulterers, drunkards, usurers and those who hurt their parents.

The Holy Qur'an has mentioned a trait of the hypocrites, that they are lazy in offering Prayers, and that they deem it to be a burden. It therefore states: “Undoubtedly the hypocrites, in their fancy, seek to deceive Allah whereas He will extinguish them while making them oblivious; and when they stand up for Prayer, they do it unwillingly and for others to see, and they do not remember Allah except a little.” (Surah Nisaa). The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said the following about the hypocrites: “The most burdensome Prayers for the hypocrites are the Night Prayer and the Dawn Prayer. If they were to know the blessings they have in store, they would have come to them, even slithering.” (Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim)

The Holy Qur'an also explains that offering the Prayer is not at all a burden for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. It says: “And seek help in patience and Prayer; and truly it is hard except for those who prostrate before Me with sincerity - Who know that they have to meet their Lord, and that it is to Him they are to return.” (Surah Baqarah). We therefore know from the Holy Qur'an, and from the Hadith, that it is obligatory on all Muslims to offer Prayers 5 times daily. To be lazy in Prayer, and especially not to offer the Night and Dawn Prayers, are the traits of hypocrites. We also know that not offering Prayer is the way of the disbelievers - this is why the Sahabah (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) did not deem the abandonment of any deed as disbelief, except the abandonment of Prayer.

The importance of Prayer can be gauged from the fact that it has been emphasised right from childhood. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for it (Prayer) when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately.

The Sin Of Letting The Prayer Lapse:

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “Whoever lets the Prayer lapse, and then offers it after its due time, will burn in hell for not praying on time, for a period of one "Haqab".” One "Haqab" equals 80 years, and one year has 360 days, and the Day of Resurrection will equal a thousand years. Which means that one who lets just one Prayer lapse, will burn in hell for a period of 28,800,000 years! (May Allah protect us - Aameen).

Allamah Amjad Ali Aazmi (may Allah have mercy on him) mentions that abandoning Prayer is terrible in itself, but see what Allah the Supreme says about those who let it lapse: “So “vail” (or ruin) is to those offerers of Prayer - Those who are neglectful of their Prayer.” (Surah Maoon) “Vail” is the name of a dreadful valley in hell, from which hell also seeks refuge. This will be the destination of those who let their Prayers lapse. (Bahaare Shariat)

The Blessings Of Prayer:

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If there was a river at the door of anyone of you and he took a bath in it five times a day, would you notice any dirt on him?" The Companions said: “Not a trace of dirt would be left." The Prophet added, "That is the example of the five Prayers with which Allah annuls evil deeds." (Saheeh Bukhari & Saheeh Muslim) Here “evil deeds” mean the lesser sins. The cardinal sins are forgiven only after repentance and giving the people their due rights.

It is recorded in Mishkaat Shareef that once during the winter season, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) caught hold of a tree branch and shook it, causing its leaves to fall. He then said: “When a Muslim offers Prayer, seeking Allah's pleasure, his sins fall off like these leaves did."

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has also said: “For the one who is regular in his Prayer, the Prayer will become a light, a guide and the cause of his salvation on the Day of Resurrection. Whereas the one who is not regular in his Prayers, will not have any light, guide or salvation - and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be along with Qaroon, Firaun, Hamaan, Ubai bin Khalaf” - i.e. with the major infidels. (Mishkaat)

Another blessing of Prayer is that all hardships are resolved through it, and the offerer gains solace from it. Hazrat Huzaifah (may Allah be well pleased with him) says that whenever the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was faced with any difficulty, he used to turn his attention towards Prayer. (Abu Dawood) 

  

The Excellence Of Offering Prayer In Congregation (With Jamaat):

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “The Prayer in congregation is twenty seven times superior to the Prayer offered by a person alone." (Bukhari & Muslim)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) found some people absenting themselves from certain Prayers and he said: “I intend to order someone to lead people in Prayer, and then go to the persons who do not join the (congregational) Prayer and then order their houses to be burnt by the bundles of fuel. If one amongst them were to know that he would find a fat fleshy bone he would attend the Night Prayer.” (Muslim & Abu Dawood)

Abu Huraira (may Allah be well pleased with him) reported that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A man's Prayer in congregation is more valuable by twenty degrees and some above them as compared with his Prayer in his house and his market, for when he performs ablution doing it well, then goes out to the mosque, and he is impelled (to do so) only by (the love of congregational) Prayer, he has no other objective before him but Prayer. He does not take a step without being raised a degree for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque, and when he is busy in Prayer after having entered the mosque, the angels continue to invoke blessing on him as long as he is in his place of worship saying: O Allah, show him mercy, and pardon him! Accept his repentance (and the angels continue this supplication for him) so long as he does not do any harm in it, or as long as his ablution is not broken.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be well pleased with him) reported that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If anyone hears him who makes the call to Prayer and is not prevented from joining the congregation by any excuse (he was asked what an excuse consisted of and replied that it was fear or illness) the Prayer he offers will not be accepted from him.” (Abu Dawood) 

If the one who misses the congregational Prayer knew what reward lay in it for him, he would come to it slithering. (Tibrani)

The Importance Of Reverence And Humility:

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) states: “Worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot do this, then you must at least be certain that He is looking at you." (Saheeh Bukhari)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) states: “Whoever offers all his Prayers on time after a perfect ablution, stands with humility and reverence, prostrates and bows with calm, and offers the entire Prayer in good manner - so that Prayer becomes a radiating one and prays for him thus: O the offerer of Prayer! May Allah guard you the way you have guarded me. And as regards the one who offers the Prayer poorly - that is without proper ablution, and not even prostrating and bowing correctly - then the Prayer curses him thus: May Allah ruin you the way you have ruined me. Then the Prayer is folded and thrown back at his face like a used (dirty) cloth.” (Tibrani).

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once said: “The worst thief is one who steals during the Prayer.” The companions therefore asked "O the Messenger of Allah! How does he steal in Prayer?” He answered "He does not prostrate or bow correctly." (Musnad Imaam Ahmed & Tibrani)

In yet another Hadith, glad tidings of salvation have been given to those who regularly offer their Prayers with humility and reverence. (Abu Dawood).

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be well pleased with him) states: "The reverent ones are those who fear Allah and offer their Prayers with calm."

It is clear from the above that Prayer must be offered with reverence, humility and calm, keeping in mind all its requirements.

Prayer Makes One Pious:

Allah the Supreme states in the Holy Qur’an: “O dear Prophet (Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), recite from the Book which has been sent down to you, and establish the Prayer; indeed the Prayer stops from indecency and evil; and indeed the remembrance of Allah is the greatest; and Allah knows all what you do.” (Surah Ankabut)

The above verse reveals that Prayer stops from indecency and evil matters - which means that if one offers the Prayer regularly and properly, he shuns indecent matters in due course, and becomes pious.

A young man from the Ansar used to pray along with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and was simultaneously also given to involving himself in cardinal sins. The matter was reported to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who said: “His Prayer will some day prevent him from these evil acts". Very soon, he therefore repented and his state became better.

Hazrat Anas (may Allah be well pleased with him) said: “If the Prayer does not prevent one from indecency and evil, then that is not Prayer." (Tafseer Khazain ul Irfaan) 

Being Certain That The Prayer Has Been Accepted:

Do not ever get distracted by the worldly affairs that come to mind while offering Prayer. Rather do not care about them, and pay attention to the meanings of the words that are being said during the Prayer.

Some people question as to how they can be sure whether Allah has accepted the Prayer that they have offered. As an answer, just reflect upon the following Hadith: "Allah will deal with His bondman on the Day of Resurrection in the same manner as the bondman had thought about his Lord". It is therefore imperative, along with the fear of Allah, to have the good belief that our worship has been accepted.

Scholars say that if you have offered the Dawn Prayer and then later offered the Afternoon Prayer, then be well convinced that Allah has accepted your Dawn Prayer. Further, when you have offered the Evening Prayer, be convinced that the Afternoon Prayer has been accepted. Similarly, after each Prayer, be sure that the previous Prayer has been accepted - because if Allah had not accepted your Dawn Prayer, he would not guide you to offer the Afternoon Prayer. The Beneficent Lord's guidance to you to offer the next Prayer is a proof of His having accepted your previous one. 

The Prayers Of The Pious:

Every Prayer should be offered like a person who is certain that it is the last Prayer of his life. Hazrat Hatim Balkhi (may Allah have mercy upon him) was once questioned as to how he offered his Prayers. He answered, "When it is time for Prayer, I do a proper ablution and stand calmly on the prayer-mat. I imagine that the Holy Kaaba is in front of me, Paradise on my right, hell on my left, and that I am standing on the thin bridge (of the Day of Resurrection) - and that the angel of death is above me and that this is the last Prayer of my life. Then with utmost humility I proclaim "Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)" and keeping the meanings in mind, I recite the Holy Qur'an - and with extreme reverence and humility I complete the Prayers. I then hope that Allah will accept it by His mercy, and fear that it may be rejected because of the shortcomings of my deeds."

Such is the Prayer of the Friends of Allah! May Allah guide us to follow the footsteps of His friends. Aameen. 

  

- Culled From Kitaab-ul-Salaat (The Book of Prayers) By: Allamah Sayyed Shah Turab UlHaque Qadri

*We'll talk more about prayers and how to offer prayers in the next posts.

Islam 312: How To Perform Dry Ablution (At-Tayammum)

What is Tayammum?

Well, tayammum is the act of performing ablution using sand or dust if water is not available.

"O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles . If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e. after a sexual discharge), purify yourselves (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey, or any of you comes after answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e. sexual intercourse), and you find no water, then perform tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour to you that you may be thankful." - Qur'an 4:43

Instances When Tayammum Is Permitted:

1. When one has searched earnestly for water, and has found that it is not available, or it is not sufficient enough for wudhu, Tayammum is permitted.

2. When water is nearby, but the person is not able to fetch it due to fear for his/her life, family and wealth, (e.g. from an enemy either beast or human in the vicinity) then, At-Tayammum may be performed.

3. If one is injured or ill and believes that the use of water will worsen his/her condition (one does not have to be absolutely sure about it, but the assumption must be based on a past experience or from what a well-informed person has said), Tayammum is allowed.

4. Tayammum is allowed when the water available is not enough for wudhu, or of the person is saving it up for cooking or drinking.

5. Tayammum is allowed when the water is too cold such that it may harm the person and there is no means of heating the water, or if a public bathroom is not available.

What Kind Of Soil Can Be Used For Tayammum?

It Must be pure soil (I.e., sand, stone, gypsum and so on... Anything that covers the earth that produces sand or dust when hit with the earth).

How To Perform Tayammum:

First and foremost, you must make the intention of performing Tayammum, and you must say bismillah (in the name of Allah) before you begin.

After making the intention in your heart, you then strike the soil with your hands, then you blow it (so that you are not covered with sand or dust), and then you wipe your face and hands (up to your wrist and starting with the right hand).

Then you finish with the dua as you usually do after wudhu ( "ashadu anla illahha illahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, wa ashadu Anna muhamadan abduhu wa rasulu")

And that is how you perform the At-Tayammum. There is no difference between it and the normal ablution (in terms of purification), it can also be performed when water is not available and one needs to perform ghusl (after sexual intercourse or wet dreams etc). You can also touch the Qur'an after performing at-Tayammum.

Abu Tharr reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The soil is a purifier for a Muslim, even if he does not find water for ten years. Then if he finds water, that is, to make ablution, and so on, it becomes incumbent upon him to use it." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]

However, like wudhu, there are things that nullify Tayammum:

Things that come out of the anus or penis/vagina such as urine, feaces or gas etc.

Falling sound asleep.

Intoxication, insanity or fainting (unconsciousness).

Touching the uncovered private parts.

Vomiting.

Discharge of blood, pus or anything from the body.

Touching a woman in a way that leads to semen being emitted. A man can still touch, kiss and hug his wife and his wudhu will still be valid. It will only break if these actions lead to the emission of semen.