Islam 101: Common Mistakes Made During Salat

Salat (Salah, Namaz) or Prayer is the most important pillar of Islam which will be questioned on the day of Resurrection. Performing Prayers is obligatory for every adult Muslim. Salah is a ritual prayer having prescribed conditions and one must perform Salaah while fulfilling those conditions. Many times we perform Prayers or Salah as a practice or a part of habit only but tend to forget the basic essence of Namaz and make many mistakes during Prayers. 10 common mistakes and errors in Prayers or Salah are discussed:

1. Delaying the Salah intentionally: While being busy in worldly affairs we often delay the Salah from its preferred time. This is the most common mistake in Prayer made by most of us. We think that Praying is last thing to do and we must attend to other matters first. Many workers delay Zuhr and Asr Prayer till night-time. Quran speaks strictly on guarding our Salat:

“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e. Asr Prayers)” [2:238]

Here to safeguard the Salat means to perform it at its prescribed time and to be steadfast upon it.

Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A): Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said: “Whoever misses the Asr prayers (intentionally), then it is as if he lost his family and property.” [Al-Bukhari]

Another Hadith explains the importance of praying on time:

Narrated Abu Al-Malih (R.A): “We were with Buraidah in a battle on a cloudy day and he said, “Offer the Asr prayer early as the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “Whoever omits the Asr prayer, all his (good) deeds will be lost.” [Al-Bukhari]

2. Reciting Holy Quran fast in the Prayers: we must pause and take breaks while reciting Holy Quran during Salat. We should not recite the Surah’s so fast that that the verse get intermingled. One of the Hadith emphasizes this issue:

  

“The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to pause after each verse of Surah al-Fatiha.["] [Abu Dawood]

3. Moving before the Imam in congregational prayers: one should not race with the imam (i.e. try to move before the Imam or with the Imam) because the correct ruling is when Imam says Allahu Akbar, then the person who’s following the Imam in Prayers should say Allahu Akbar. Not before Imam or with Imam. Like this Hadith of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) states:

“Surely the imam is there to be followed” [Muslim]

Another Hadith states:

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Does not the one who raises his head before the Imam does fear that Allah would transform his head into a donkey’s head” [Muslim]

4. Performing the Salah hastily: Salat should be performed slowly and calmly. Rukoo or Sujood must be performed unhurriedly. In order to complete the Rukoo one must stay in Rukoo posture long enough to recite “Subhan Rabbi yal Adtheem” at least three times. In the same manner, for the Sujood the person should say “Subhan-na Rabbi yal-ala” three times slowly. This Hadith commands to complete the Rukoo and Sujood in proper manner:

The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: “The worst thief is the one who steals from his own prayer.” People asked: ‘Messenger of Allah! How could one steal from his own prayer?’ He said: “By not completing its rukoo and sujood” [at-Tabarani]

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “He who does not complete his rukoo and sujood, his prayer is void” [Abu Dawood]

5. Gazing right, left or upward during Salat: While performing Salah, one should concentrate on looking to the point where the head is placed during Sujood rather than looking upwards. Because this may lose concentration. In the Hadith recorded by Sahih Muslim the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:

“Let those who raise their gaze up during prayer stop doing so, or else their sights would not return to them” (i.e. they will lose their eyesight) [Muslim]

6. Performing Sujood improperly: most common mistake observed in Prayers is to perform Sujood by resting only the tip of head on floor.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “I am commanded to prostrate on seven bones the forehead and the nose, the two hands [palms], the two knees, and the two feet” [Muslim]

7. Not performing Prayers during illness or while traveling: The Prophet (P.B.U.H) always used to perform Prayers even during His last days before death. He (P.B.U.H) never neglected it even during combats. Prayer is obligatory and must be performed in any condition. If a person cannot perform ablution due to his illness then he may perform tayammum (dry ablution). If he cannot stand in prayer, he may perform Salah while sitting or even laying down. Same is the case while traveling. The person can combine 2 Salah while traveling i.e. Zuhr Prayer and Asr Prayer. or Maghrib Prayer and Isha Prayer.

8. Crossing in front of a person who is performing Salah: The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Were the one who crosses in front of a praying person to know the consequences of doing so, he would have waited for forty years better than to cross in front of him” [Bukhari]

9. Going to Mosque for performing Salah with rapid walk: when the time of Prayer has approached and some person has fear that he might miss his Salah; for the fear of that most of us try to walk quickly or run for the fear of missing some part of the prayer. This is not allowed according to Hadith:

The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: “When prayer has already started, do not walk quickly to join in. Proceed calmly and reposefully; then join in whichever part you catch up, and complete whichever part you missed” [Bukhari and Muslim]

10. Eating food of bad smell before performing Prayers: consuming foods that have bad smell like the garlic or onion etc. should not be taken before the Salah because the bad smell may irritate the angels and the praying people.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “He who eats from the smelly plant [garlic or onion], let him come not near our mosque; the angels are bothered by that which bothers men” [Muslim] 

May Allah guide us to perform our Salah perfectly and help us to guard our Salat so when on the Day of Judgment we are questioned about our prayers, we may succeed. Ameen.

- Culled

Islam 101: Common Mistakes Made During Salat

Salat (Salah, Namaz) or Prayer is the most important pillar of Islam which will be questioned on the day of Resurrection. Performing Prayers is obligatory for every adult Muslim. Salah is a ritual prayer having prescribed conditions and one must perform Salaah while fulfilling those conditions. Many times we perform Prayers or Salah as a practice or a part of habit only but tend to forget the basic essence of Namaz and make many mistakes during Prayers. 10 common mistakes and errors in Prayers or Salah are discussed:

1. Delaying the Salah intentionally: While being busy in worldly affairs we often delay the Salah from its preferred time. This is the most common mistake in Prayer made by most of us. We think that Praying is last thing to do and we must attend to other matters first. Many workers delay Zuhr and Asr Prayer till night-time. Quran speaks strictly on guarding our Salat:

“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e. Asr Prayers)” [2:238]

Here to safeguard the Salat means to perform it at its prescribed time and to be steadfast upon it.

Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A): Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said: “Whoever misses the Asr prayers (intentionally), then it is as if he lost his family and property.” [Al-Bukhari]

Another Hadith explains the importance of praying on time:

Narrated Abu Al-Malih (R.A): “We were with Buraidah in a battle on a cloudy day and he said, “Offer the Asr prayer early as the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “Whoever omits the Asr prayer, all his (good) deeds will be lost.” [Al-Bukhari]

2. Reciting Holy Quran fast in the Prayers: we must pause and take breaks while reciting Holy Quran during Salat. We should not recite the Surah’s so fast that that the verse get intermingled. One of the Hadith emphasizes this issue:

  

“The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to pause after each verse of Surah al-Fatiha.["] [Abu Dawood]

3. Moving before the Imam in congregational prayers: one should not race with the imam (i.e. try to move before the Imam or with the Imam) because the correct ruling is when Imam says Allahu Akbar, then the person who’s following the Imam in Prayers should say Allahu Akbar. Not before Imam or with Imam. Like this Hadith of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) states:

“Surely the imam is there to be followed” [Muslim]

Another Hadith states:

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Does not the one who raises his head before the Imam does fear that Allah would transform his head into a donkey’s head” [Muslim]

4. Performing the Salah hastily: Salat should be performed slowly and calmly. Rukoo or Sujood must be performed unhurriedly. In order to complete the Rukoo one must stay in Rukoo posture long enough to recite “Subhan Rabbi yal Adtheem” at least three times. In the same manner, for the Sujood the person should say “Subhan-na Rabbi yal-ala” three times slowly. This Hadith commands to complete the Rukoo and Sujood in proper manner:

The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: “The worst thief is the one who steals from his own prayer.” People asked: ‘Messenger of Allah! How could one steal from his own prayer?’ He said: “By not completing its rukoo and sujood” [at-Tabarani]

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “He who does not complete his rukoo and sujood, his prayer is void” [Abu Dawood]

5. Gazing right, left or upward during Salat: While performing Salah, one should concentrate on looking to the point where the head is placed during Sujood rather than looking upwards. Because this may lose concentration. In the Hadith recorded by Sahih Muslim the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:

“Let those who raise their gaze up during prayer stop doing so, or else their sights would not return to them” (i.e. they will lose their eyesight) [Muslim]

6. Performing Sujood improperly: most common mistake observed in Prayers is to perform Sujood by resting only the tip of head on floor.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “I am commanded to prostrate on seven bones the forehead and the nose, the two hands [palms], the two knees, and the two feet” [Muslim]

7. Not performing Prayers during illness or while traveling: The Prophet (P.B.U.H) always used to perform Prayers even during His last days before death. He (P.B.U.H) never neglected it even during combats. Prayer is obligatory and must be performed in any condition. If a person cannot perform ablution due to his illness then he may perform tayammum (dry ablution). If he cannot stand in prayer, he may perform Salah while sitting or even laying down. Same is the case while traveling. The person can combine 2 Salah while traveling i.e. Zuhr Prayer and Asr Prayer. or Maghrib Prayer and Isha Prayer.

8. Crossing in front of a person who is performing Salah: The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Were the one who crosses in front of a praying person to know the consequences of doing so, he would have waited for forty years better than to cross in front of him” [Bukhari]

9. Going to Mosque for performing Salah with rapid walk: when the time of Prayer has approached and some person has fear that he might miss his Salah; for the fear of that most of us try to walk quickly or run for the fear of missing some part of the prayer. This is not allowed according to Hadith:

The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said: “When prayer has already started, do not walk quickly to join in. Proceed calmly and reposefully; then join in whichever part you catch up, and complete whichever part you missed” [Bukhari and Muslim]

10. Eating food of bad smell before performing Prayers: consuming foods that have bad smell like the garlic or onion etc. should not be taken before the Salah because the bad smell may irritate the angels and the praying people.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “He who eats from the smelly plant [garlic or onion], let him come not near our mosque; the angels are bothered by that which bothers men” [Muslim] 

May Allah guide us to perform our Salah perfectly and help us to guard our Salat so when on the Day of Judgment we are questioned about our prayers, we may succeed. Ameen.

- Culled

Islam 321: The Comprehensive Guide to Performing Salat (For Women)

Dress-Code For Females: Any clothing that covers all of the body (including the head) except the face, hands, and according to Imam Abu-Hanifah the toes and a portion of the front of the feet.

I'm going to tell you how you can perform the two raka'ah (cycle) prayer. But I'll also tell you how to perform the three and four raka'ah salat's too at the end of the article.

1. After you have cleansed yourself with wudhu (ablution), and you have seen to it that your clothes are free from impurities (I.e., Discharge from the vagina, blood, etc), you will then ensure that the place you want to pray is clean. Once these are seen to, face the direction of the Ka'abah (Qibla). Then. Ate the intention of praying withing your heart (e.g., "I am going to perform the Asr prayer, for the sake of Allah; I am facing the Holy Ka'abah").

2. After making the intention, raise your hands up to your shoulders with you palms facing the Qibla and say "Allahu Akbar". Then lower your hands and Fold them on your chest (place the right palm on the back of your left hand).

Then Read the Sanaa:

“Subhanak-Allah humma wabi hamdika watabara-kasmuka wata aala jadduka walaa ilaha ghairuk”

(All Glory be to You O Allah! Praise is to You; Blessed is Your Name and Exalted is Your Majesty; there is none worthy of worship except You)

Then the Ta’awuz:

“Aoozu billahi minash Shaitaanir-rajeem”

(I seek protection with Allah from the cursed Shaitan)

Then the Tasmiyyah:

“Bismillahir rahmanir-raheem”

(In the Name of Allah, Most Kind, Most Merciful)

3. Then you recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the first chapter in the Qur'an):

“Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil-aalameen, ar-rahma nir-raheem, maaliki yawmiddeen, iyyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nastaeen, ihdinas-siraatal mustaqeem, siraatallazeena anamta alaihim, ghairil maghdoobi alahim wa ladhaaleen. Ameen.”

"All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Universe, the Most Kind, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement. You alone we worship and from You alone we ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those who You have favoured, not the path of those who earned Your anger, nor the path of those who went astray. Ameen (So let it be O Allah)".

A. Then recite any Surah or verses from the Qur’an. For example:

“Qul huwallahu ahad, Allahus-samad, lam yalid, wa lam yoolad, wa lam yakullahu kufuwan ahad”

(Say, He is Allah, The One. Allah is above and all things depend on Allah. He does not beget, nor is He begotten. And there is none like Him).

4. Then say “Allahu Akbar” and go into Ruku (bowing). In ruku fingers of both hands should be together and placed on the knees. The arms should be well joined to the sides and the ankles of both the feet should be together. A woman should only bow to the extent that their hands reach the knees.

While in the bowing position, recite: "Subahana Rabbiyal ‘Azeem" (Glory be to my Lord, The Greatest) three times. After this, stand up whilst reciting "Sami Allahu li an hamidah" (Allah listens to him who has praised Him), then "Rabbana Lakal Hamd" (O our Sustainer! All prayer is due to You alone).

5. Then say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate (sajdah). Your knees should first touch the ground, then you place your hands in line with your ears and your fingers should be close together. When your hands have touched the ground, place your head in between both the hands. 

Both your forehead and your nose should touch the ground and your fingers and toes should face the qibla, but the feet should not be upright (Women are not required to place both feet standing on toes like men). They should be taken out towards the right side. You should draw yourself closely together and press yourself firmly while in Sajdah. The stomach should be joined to both the thighs, the arms should be joined to the sides and both arms should be placed on the ground.

 

6. While in the prostrating position, you say: "Subhana Rabbiyal A'ala" (Glory to my Lord Most High) three times. Afterwards sit upright while saying “Allahu Akbar”. Then you prostrate again (sajdah) and recite: "Subhana Rabbiyal A'ala" (Glory to my Lord Most High) three times. The you'll stand up erect and start from step 3 again.

7. After you stand up, you have completed one cycle (raka'ah) of salat. You will then go over the steps again for the second raka'ah (steps one to six), only that this time, you won't repeat the same surah from the Qur'an (step 3A). 

And after the second sajdah (prostration), you won't stand up (you sit upright again, instead of standing up as you did in the first raka'ah), instead, you'll go into Jalsah while saying “Allahu Akbar”. You should sit on your left buttock and take out (point) both your feet towards the right side. Both your hands should be on your thighs with your fingers joined together.

8. While seated you recite Tashahhud:

Attahiyyaatu lillahi wass-salawaatu wath-thayyibaatu, assalamu alaika ayyuhannabiyyu wa rahamtullahi wa barakaatuhu, as-salaamu alainaa wa alaa ibaadilla hiss-saaliheen, ash-hadu al la ilaha illallahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluh.

"All respect, worship and all glory is due to Allah alone. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you. Peace be on us and on those who are the righteous servants of Allah. I testify that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger".

In this when reciting the word “la ilaha”, join the little finger and the ring finger and form a ring with the thumb and middle finger and raise the index finger towards the sky. Lower the index finger when you reach “illallahu”.

9. Then recite Blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (saw):

Allahumma salli alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin kamaa sallaita alaa Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema innaka hameedun majeed

“Allahumma baarik alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin, kamaa baarakta alaa Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema innaka hameedun majeed”

"O Allah! Shower Your Blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad just as You showered Your Blessings on Ibraheem and the family of Ibraheem. Certainly, You alone are worthy of praise and are Glorious.

O Allah! Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad just as You Blessed Ibraheem and the family of Ibraheem. Certainly, You alone are worthy of praise and are Glorious".

10. After this recite the following du’a:

Rabbij-alnee muqeemas-salaati wa min zurriyyatee, rabbanaa wata qabbal duaa, rabbanagh-fir-lee wali waali dayya wa lil mu’mineena yawma yaqoomul hisaab

"O my Lord! Make my children and myself regular in Salah. O our Lord! Accept my prayer. O our Lord! Forgive me. Forgive my parents and all other Muslims on the Day of Judgement".

If you are doing the two raka'ah (cycle) salat, turn your head to the right and say “As salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (May the Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon you). Then turn your head to the left and say “As salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (May the Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon you). Salam is to be said with the intention of making salam to the angels.

* OVERVIEW:

Two Raka'ah Prayer:

1st Raka'ah: steps 1 to 6 (then you say "Allahu Akbar" and stand up again for the second Raka'ah)

2nd Raka'ah: steps 3 to 10.

Three Raka'ah Prayer:

1st Raka'ah: steps 1 to 6 (then you say "Allahu Akbar" and stand up again for the second Raka'ah)

2nd Raka'ah: steps 3 to 8 (then you say "Allahu Akbar" and stand up again for the third Raka'ah)

3rd Raka'ah: steps 3 to 10 

Four Raka'ah Prayer:

1st Raka'ah: steps 1 to 6 (then you say "Allahu Akbar" and stand up again for the second Raka'ah)

2nd Raka'ah: steps 3 to 8 (then you say "Allahu Akbar" and stand up again for the third Raka'ah)

3rd Raka'ah: steps 3 to 6 (then you say "Allahu Akbar" and stand up again for the fourth Taka'ah)

4th Raka'ah: steps 3 to 10.

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)

   Image From: 30masjids

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.)