- Striving to gain that which gives and strengthens Khushoo.
- Preparing oneself properly for Prayer.
- Moving at a measured pace during Salah
- Remembering death while praying
- Thinking about the Aayath and Adhkaar being recited during Salah and interacting with them.
- Pausing at the end of each Aayah.
- Reciting in a slow, rhythmic tone (Tarteel) and making one’s voice beautiful while reciting.
- Knowing that Allah responds to Salah
- Praying with a barrier (sutrah) in front of one and praying close to it.
- Looking at the place of prostration.
- Varying the Surahs, Ayahs, Adhkaars, and Duas recited in Salah.
- Performing Sujood al Tilawah when reciting an ayah where this is required.
- Seeking refuge with Allah from the Shaytaan.
- Thinking of how the Salaf were when they performed Salah.
- Striving to offer duas at the appropriate times during Salah, especially in Sujood.
- Adhkaar is to be recited after prayer.
- Removing anything that may distract the worshipper.
- Not praying in a garment that has decorations, writings, or pictures that will distract the worshipper.
- Not praying when food is prepared when one wants to eat.
- Not praying when one needs to answer the call of nature.
- Not praying when one feels sleepy.
- Not praying behind someone who is talking or sleeping.
- Not occupying oneself with smoothing the ground in front of one.
- The Prophet (SAW) said: Do not wipe the (ground) when you are praying, but if you have to do then do it only once. (Abu Dawud:946)
- Not disturbing others with one’s recitation.
- Not turning around during prayer.
- Not raising one’s gaze to the heavens.
- Not spitting in front of one when in Salah.
- Trying not to yawn when in Salah.
- Not putting one’s hands on one’s hips when in Salah.
- Not letting one’s clothes hang down (Sadl) during Salah.
- Not rembling like animals in Salah.
Category: Prayer
Praying Duha
Fiqh-us-Sunnah Fiqh 2.31a
The time for ‘duha’ begins when the sun is about a spear’s length above the horizon and it continues until the sun reaches its meridian. It is preferred to delay it until the sun has risen high and the day has become hot.
Zaid ibn Arqam (r.a.)relates: “The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s) went to the people of Quba’, and they were performing the ‘Duha’ prayer, and he (s.a.w.s) said: ‘The prayer of ‘Duha’ should be observed when the young weaned camels feel the heat of the sun.'”
Related by Ahmad, Muslim, and at-Tirmidhi .
Fiqh-us-Sunnah Fiqh 2.31b
The minimum number of rak’ah to be prayed in the supererogatory ‘Duha’ (forenoon) prayer is two. The most the Prophet (s.a.w.s) performed was eight rak’at, whereas, the most he (s.a.w.s) mentioned was twelve rak’at. Some eminent scholars, such as Abu Ja’far At-Tabari, Al-Mulaimi, and Ar-Ruwyani, who subscribes to the Shafi’ school of thought, say there is no maximum limit to the number of rak’at that one may perform for the voluntary ‘Duha’ prayers.
Al-‘lraqi says, in the commentary on Sunan At-Tirmidhi: “None of the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s) or followers are known to have restricted it to twelve rak’at.” As-Syuti agrees with it.
Sa’id ibn Mansur (r.a.) records that al-Hassan (r.a.) was asked: “Did the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s) perform the ‘Duha’ prayer?” He answered: “Yes . . . some of them would pray two rak’at, and some of them would pray four rak’at, and some of them would continue until half the [early] day [had passed].”
Umm Hani (r.a.) narrates that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alehi wa sallam prayed eight rak’at of ‘Duha’ and made the taslim after every two rak’at.
Related by Abu Dawud.
Aishah (r.a.) reports: “The Prophet (s.a.w.s) would pray four rak’at for ‘Duha’ and would add to it whatever Allah willed.”
Related by Ahmad, Muslim, and ibn Majah.
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.274 Narrated by Abu Huraira (r.a.)
My friend [the Prophet (s.a.w.s)] advised me to do three things and I shall not leave them till I die, these are: To fast three days every month, to offer the voluntary Duha prayer, and to offer Witr before sleeping.
In light of the above guidance of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s), it would be considered a Sunnah to offer the voluntary ‘Duha’ (forenoon) prayers between the time the sun has completely risen until it reaches its zenith or meridian at mid-day. One may offer a minimum of two rakahs, and a maximum of as much as one wishes.
How To Pray Salatul Tasbih
Many of us know that it is a prayer that we should pray at least once in our lifetimes, although we should make a regular habit of praying it as it is a prayer full of many virtues and benefits. May Allah ta’ala reward every person that benefits from reading and learning from this article….Ameen.
Pray Salatul Tasbih as follows:
This salaat (namaz) is offered by reading four rakaats. At a time and can be read in any part of the day and night beside the three makrooh times, keeping in mind the forbidden times for performing Salat. The Tasbih to be read in Salaat-Ul-Tasbeeh is the third kahalimah:
” Subhaan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar ”
Method: The above Tasbih is to be read 300 times in the four Rakaats. In the first rakaat, after reading Sana “Subhaana Kallahumma…”, read the above tasbih 15 times. Now recite Aaoz and “Bismillah…”, Then read sura Fatiha and a Surah then read the tasbih again 10 times. (this will total 25 times) Go into ruku saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar), after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem” a minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Ruku. (Total 35) Saying “Samee Allahu Liman Hamidah Rabbana Lakal Hamdh” get up from ruku. Now read the tasbih 10 times again. (Total 45) Go into Sajdah saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal A’la” minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in the first Sajdah. (Total 55) Now sit up from the first Sajdah and sit in the “At-tahiyah” position (sitting position) saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar). Sitting in this position read tasbih 10 times (total 65) Go into the second sajdah and again read Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal A’la” a minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in the second Sajdah again. (total 75)
Get up to begin 2nd Rakat saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar). Do rakah #2 in the same fashion, but before reading Bismillah “Bismillah…”, and Surah Fatiha, read the tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in the first Rakat. After the second Sajdah of the Second Rakat sit in Qaidah Oola (first sitting) read Attahiyat, Durood, and Dua then get up for 3rd rakaat without saying, Salam. Begin the third Rakat, just like the first Rakat, with Sana “Subhaana Kallahumma…”, and read the above tasbih 15 times.
Follow the rest as you did in the first Rakat until you sit for Qaidah Akihra (last sitting) after the second sajdah of the fourth Rakah. In Qaidah Akihra Attahiyat (the last sitting position of namaz), Durood, Dua finish Salah with Salam.
Special notes for Salat-Ul-Tasbih:
1) Do not count loudly. It will break your namaz
2) Do not count on fingers or by holding a Bead Tasbih in hand.
3) You may count by pressing the fingers as a reminder. For example, if you are in Ruku. You press the pinky of your right hand first for the first count, then the finger next to it for the second count, then the middle finger for the third count, following this method until you reach the pinky of your left hand will give you an exact count of ten. Use the same method in Qayam, Sajdah, and Jalsa.
4) If missed a count then make it up in the next posture. For example, if forgot to recite Tasbih after Surah in Qayam. Then you may recite Tasbish 20 times instead of 10 in Rukuh after “Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem”. Missed Tasbih cannot be recited in Qayam after ruku and Jalsa between Sajdah. If you missed the Tasbih in Ruku then recite 20 in the first Sajdah instead of the Qayam after rukuh. Similarly if missed the Tasbih in the first Sajdah then do not make it up in Jalsa. Instead, recite missed tasbih in the second Sajdah. If Tasbih has been missed in the last sajdah of the second or fourth Rakah then you can recite the missed ones before Attahiyat in Qaidah.
5) If you miss a wajib in Salah and have to do Sajdah Sahaw. You don’t have to recite Tasbih in Sajdah sahoo, since the 300 count has been established. But if you missed Tasbih in any of the postures and remember it later, then you may recite the missed Tasbih in Sajdah Sahaw now.
6) It is preferable to recite after Surah Fatiha Sura Takathuur in the first raka’, Surah Wal A’sr in the second raka’, Surah Kaferoon (qul ya aiyuhal Kafiroon) in the third and Surah Akhlas (Qul hu Allah-hu ahd) in the fourth raka’. If one does not remember these surahs they can recite the ones they prefer.
Practical Tips For Praying Qiyam Al-Layl
Qiyam means standing and Qiyam Al-Layl means standing at night. In Islamic terminology, both words refer to the voluntary night prayer, whose time extends from after the Isha prayer until dawn.
Other common names for Qiyam Al-Layl are Salat-ul-Layl (the night prayer), Tahajjud (from hajada, meaning remained one who awake at night), and Taraweeh (resting).
A widespread misconception is that Tahajjud is a different night prayer than Qiyam or Taraweeh. It is important to clarify this misunderstanding and to make clear that the voluntary night prayer is known by different names.
1. Ikhlas (Sincerity)
Allah’s Help is required not only for worldly affairs but also for our worship. And Allah helps those who are sincere in their hearts. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “If you are truthful with Allah, then Allah will deliver to you what you wish for.” (An-Nasa’i, Al-Hakim and Sahih Al-Jami’’)
Therefore, one should have a sincere intention to pray Qiyam Al-Layl. One should seek the pleasure of Allah alone and avoid any desire for praise or fame. Allah says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone…” (Qur’an, 98:5)
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “The degree to which a person is helped and aided by Allah depends on the degree of his intention, drive, aim, and hopes. Help from Allah comes to people in proportion to their drive, intention, hopes, and fears. Failure comes to them in a similar manner.”
2. Know the virtue
Knowing the virtues and rewards of worship encourages us to perform them. The virtue of praying at night during Ramadan supersedes the virtue of praying any other night during the year. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) encouraged the people, without making it an absolute command, to perform Qiyam during Ramadan. He (peace be upon him) used to say: ‘Whoever stands (in Qiyam) in Ramadan out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s reward), all his previous sins will be forgiven.’ ” (Sahih Muslim)
3. Take a nap
Taking a nap before or after Zuhr Salah will reduce stress and give you sufficient energy to wake up late at night to stand in front of your Lord. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Take a nap, for the Shayateen (pl. of Shaytan) do not take naps.” (At-Tabarani, Al-Sahihah, no. 2647)
4. Sleep as per the Sunnah
• Sleep early! It’s a healthy habit and it was the practice of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). He would sleep immediately after performing the Isha prayer. Abu Barzah Al-Aslami said the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to prefer to delay Isha, and he did not like to sleep before it or talk after it.” (Al-Bukhari)
• Sleep in a state of taharah (cleanliness). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Purify these bodies and Allah will purify you, for there is no slave who goes to sleep in a state of purity, but an Angel spends the night with him, and every time he turns over, (the Angel) says, ‘O Allah! Forgive Your slave, for he went to bed in a state of purity.’ ” (At-Tabarani, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 3831)
• Choose a suitable bed. Extreme luxury and very soft mattresses provoke laziness. We tend to sleep more and become negligent. Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the pillow of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was made of leather stuffed with palm fibers.” (Abu Dawood and Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 4714)
• Keep the bed clean and lie on your right side. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When any one of you goes to bed, let him clear his bed by hitting it with his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it. Then let him lie down on his right side…” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
• Recite the Adhkar (supplications) mentioned in the Sunnah before sleeping. Among the Adhkar are reciting the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah; reciting Surah Al-Falaq, Al-Nas, and Ikhlas and blowing in the palms and wiping as much of the body as possible – starting from the head, face, and then the front of the body – three times; and saying Subhan Allah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
5. Don’t eat too much
Eating and drinking too much are the main obstacles that make one lazy and negligent of Qiyam Al-Layl. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Man fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to have a few mouthfuls to give him the strength he needs. If he has to fill his stomach, then let him leave one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air.” (Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 5674)
Abu Juhayfah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to a man who burped in his presence: “Stop your burping, for the people who eat the most in this life will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Hakim, Sahih Al-Jami’, no. 1190)
6. Exert yourself
Exert yourself to get up and pray. Rise above your desires. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And as for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinoon (good-doers).” (Qur’an, 29:69)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Mujahid (one who strives in the Cause of Allah) is the one who strives against his own self for the sake of Allah.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Sahihah, no. 549)
He (peace be upon him) also said: “When a man from my Ummah gets up to pray at night, striving against his own self to get up and purify himself, there are knots on him. When he washes his hands in wudu, one knot is undone. When he washes his face, another knot is undone. When he wipes his head another knot is undone. When he washes his feet, another knot is undone. Then Allah says to those who are veiled (in the Unseen): ‘Look at this slave of Mine, he is striving against his own self and asking of Me. Whatever My slave asks of Me shall be his.” (Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Al-Targheeb, no. 627)
7. Regret if you missed it
Qiyam Al-Layl is a great blessing of Allah. He has kept numerous spiritual benefits and rewards for the believer in this prayer. Therefore, one should regret if he misses this great opportunity of achieving rewards and the Pleasure of Allah. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” (Qur’an, 59:18)
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “If the slave is responsible and accountable for everything, even his hearing, sight, and innermost thoughts, as Allah says, “…Verily, hearing, sight, and the heart of each of you will be questioned by Allah.” (Qur’an, 17:36), then he should check on himself before he is brought to account.” – As-Sunnah
Ref: ‘The Night Prayers’ by Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen Al-Albani
Amazing Tips To Love Your Prayer Like Never Before!
Why Can’t We Always Be Close to Allah?
It just doesn’t feel the same . . . I lost it . . . How can I get it back?
Get ready for the ultimate Salah booster; a set of amazing productivity tips to enhance your prayer, give you a fresh perspective on the world of Salah, and make you love your prayer like never before, Insha’Allah!
Allah advises and seeks help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive (to Allah). (Quran 2:45)
Below are productivity tips based on a summary of the beautiful :
How to taste the true beauty of the Salah series by Mishari AlKharraz:
1. Say Allahu Akbar and throw the world behind you
Did you ever think: why do we start our prayer with Allahu Akbar, not with Subhan Allah? Realize that when you say Allahu Akbar you affirm that the one before whom you are about to stand is greater than anything occupying you at that moment—greater than your sleep, your families, your bills, and your worries. Just imagine that when you say Allahu Akbar while raising your hands you are throwing all of that behind you!
2. Visualize the veil
When you stand to pray, Allah commands: Raise the veils from between Me and my servant! As soon as you say Allahu Akbar and start your prayer, Allah sets His beautiful face to yours and doesn’t turn away from you, unless you do.
When your thoughts your sight drifts off, He orders the veils to be drawn back down.
Visualize these veils being lifted to keep concentrated with your heart and body. Are you still drifting? This is why you repeat the great words, Allahu Akbar, as you move into each position; it’s a reminder and a new chance again and again to focus!
3. Salute the King
Imagine walking into a palace, how would you recognize the servants of the king?
Probably by their humble position: looking down. As you lower your gaze to the place of your prostration and place your hands right over left and close to your chest it is time to salute the King.
Imagine standing in front of Allah as you utter this beautiful salutation and feel each word: SubhanakaAllahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaaraka ismuka wa ta’alaa jadduka (How perfect You are O Allah, and I praise You. Blessed be Your name) and lofty is your position and none has the right to be worshiped.
Realize that only the parts of Salah you are mindful of are being accepted and that Satan does his very best to steal every sweet moment you have with Allah!
4.Feel Each Ayah of Surah Al-Fatihah is Answered
You are now ready to enter the essence of it all: SurahAl-Fatihah, the greatest chapter of the Quran. Know that Allah Himself answers back when you recite surah Al-Fatihah, so add a short pause after each ayah, feeling this amazing dialogue. How can you ever drift off in this part of the prayer?
5. Utter His Name with Pure Love
What has brought us to stand here right now? It is your love and longing to be with Allah. And when you meet up with your beloved, what do you first say? The sweet sound of the beloved’s name, the name that blesses everything it falls upon! Feel the bismillaahir-rahmaanir-raheem soothing your heart as it gently rolls off your lips…
6. Stand Still at: “the Lord of the Worlds.”
The Prophet told us, “Alhamdulillahfills the scale!” (Muslim)
Really feel grateful when you say Alhamdulillah. Did you see those documentaries where they zoom out from the cells of a plant’s leaf all the way to the planets and galaxies?
Now instead of that leaf, start the zoom-out process with the image of yourself standing before Allah. Then zoom back down, through the universe, to the place you are standing in prayer. The next time you pray view yourself from above and faraway and truly taste the meaning of Rabbil al-alameen(Lord of the worlds)!
7. Reflect on Ar-Rahmaanir Raheem before MaalikiYawm-Deen
Have you ever wondered why Allah’s names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem come before Maalikiyawmid-Deen (Master of the Day of Judgment)? Be reminded that it is the Most Gracious and Merciful who will judge us on the Day of Judgment! So feel empowered and comforted when you say Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem and then pause a moment at Maaliki yawm-Deen, realizing the horrors of that Day.
8.Know what “Iyyaaka Na’budu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een” ReallyMeans
You alone we worship, and unto You alone, we turn for help.
Let this remind you to make Allah alone your focus, not the people. So when you are asked, why did you do this or that (deed), you can firmly answer: for Allah!
Feel this ayah by knowing that the companions used to weep for hours reciting it. One of them was once praying in Mecca. His friend went ahead and did the tawaf and when he returned him, he was still at this verse, repeating it and crying, until the sun came up.
9. Say Ameen As if Your Life Depended on it
The most comprehensive supplication you can make is: ihdinas-sirat-al-mustaqeem(Guide us to the straight path). See how you followed the proper etiquette of how to ask Allah.
You started glorifying and praising Him and then you make your request: Guide us. Now realize that your entire existence depends on this supplication. The Ameen you’ll pronounce now will have to come from the bottom of your heart. Ameen means my lord, grant or answer (my prayers). Say Ameen as if you have been sentenced to death and are pleading for pardon, begging with passion.
10. Feel the Bond with Your Lord
When you say subhanaRabbiyya- al-‘adheem (How perfect My Lord is, The Supreme)in ruku’, focus on the pronoun that means my (in Rabbi). It adds that element of bonding: He is My Lord, who raised me in His care and who is nurturing me. Know the Prophet and the companions used to be in the bowing position as long as he would be in the standing segment of Salah.
One companion said that he recited Al Fatihah, then Al Baqarah, Ali Imran, An-Nisaa’, and AlMa’idah, and the companion Abdullah Ibn Al Zubair was beside him, still in his ruku’!
11. Win the Grand Finale: Your Sujood
Your Sujood is the ultimate symbol of complete submission to your Creator. The Prophet said: The closest that a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration. (Muslim)
And: Prostratemuch because there is no Muslim that prostrates to Allah except that Allah raises him one degree in Paradise by it and forgives for him a sin. (Ahmad)
Imagine you are being raised one degree in Paradise with each sujood and a sin falls off you with each prostration. Prostrate with body, heart, and soul and taste the sweetest feeling in the world!
12. Supplicate Before the Tasleem
After the words of the tashahhud (sitting position at the end of prayer) and before the tasleem (saying salaam to indicate the end of prayer), there is a precious moment many wastes! When the Prophet taught Abdullah ibn Mas’ood the tashahhud he said: … Then let him choose whatever supplications he wishes. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Remember this: the sweetness of this life lies in remembering Him, and the sweetness of the next life lies in seeing Him! The next time you proceed for prayer, go because you love Him, go because you miss Him and long to be with Him… Feel your heart flutter. Only then, will you be on your way to attaining that inner peace and comfort Salah was prescribed for?[Mishari Al-Kharraz]
Republished from Understand Quran.
Courtesy: Khawlah Bint Yahya
Compiled, edited, and adapted by Khalid Latif
Azan And Iqaamah (Call To Prayer)
To give the Azaan for Salah is proven from the Holy Quran-e-Majeed. Almighty Allah says in the Glorious Quran: “And when you call the Azan for Salah”.
The Ulema have stated that to give Azaan for the five daily Salaah including Jummah Salah, is Sunnat-e-Mu’akadah and if the Azaan is not given by anyone, then the people of the entire area are sinners individually. With the exception of the Fardh Namaaz, there is no Azaan for the two Eids, Witr, Janazah Salaah, or any Nafil Salaah. The time for Azaan is the same time as that of Namaz. It is not permissible to give any Azan before the time of that particular Salah.
One who gives the Azan must be a Sunni Sahihul Aqeedah person who is in his proper sense of mind. If Azan is given without Wudhu, it will be complete, but it is not correct to do so. It is not permissible for a person who is in an impure state, an insane person, an intoxicated person, or a Faasiq (open sinner) to call out the Azan. It is Makrooh-e-Tahreemi for women to give the Azaan or Iqaamah. Azan must be given standing facing the direction of the Qibla, with the index fingers in the ears. The Azan must be called out with a loud voice, pausing after each Takbeer. The Azan must be given outside the actual Musjid and not inside as this is Khilaaf-e-Sunnah (against the Sunnah) and Makrooh. This law even applies to the Azaan of the Jummah Khutba. Azan should not be given in front of the Mimbar, but outside the main Musjid, but standing in line with the Khateeb.
To reply to the words of Azan is Mustahab. When the Mu’azzin says, “Hayya Alas Salaah” and “Hayya Alal Falah”, then you should say, “Laa Howla Wa laa Quw’wata illa Billahil Aliyul Azeem”. In the Azaan of Fajr, when the Mu’azzin says, “As Salaatu Khairum minan Naum”, then you should say, “Sadaqtu Wa Barartu”.
It is not allowed to give an answer to the Azan during the Khutba of Jummah. It is important to remain silent and listen to the Khutba. When Azan is read, all talking should stop. Even if a person is reciting the Quran, he should stop and answer the Azan. Even when walking on the street, one should stop and give answer to the Azan when it is heard. If in your area, you are able to hear the Azan of various Masaajid, then you should answer the first Azaan that you hear. In one Hadith, The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) stated: “Freedom from the fire of Hell is written for that Muslim who calls out the Azaan for seven years.”
Benefit In The Answer To Azan:
Once while speaking to a group of women Huzoor-e-Anwar (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: “When Hazrat Bilal (radi Allahu anhu) calls out the Azan and Takbeer, then say as he says, since for every Kalma (word) Almighty Allah will bless you with one hundred thousand good deeds, He will exalt your status by one thousand folds and He will forgive your one thousand sins”. The women then asked, “And what is (the reward) for the menfolk ?” The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) replied, “Double that amount.”
Let us take some time to ponder on this fact, in the Azan of one day, there are seventy-seven words, and in the Iqaamah of one day, there are 85 words. If the Sawaab for the women was so great then imagine it being doubled for the men. Then think that this is for one day, what is the Sawaab of that person whose daily practice this is. Subhan-Allah!
Dua After The Azan:
“O Lord of this beautiful Azan and the Salah which will follow, give our Master Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam’s) Wasila and greatness and a very high station. And let him reach the Plain of Mahmood of which You have promised him and let us receive his Intercession on the Day of Qiyamah. Without doubt, You never go against Your Promise.”
Other Instances Where Azan Can Be Given:
With the exception of Namaaz, it is also Mustahab (desirable) to give Azan in the following instances:-
- To give Azan at times of fear brings tranquillity.
- During an uncontrollable fire. Insha-Allah, the fire will be quickly extinguished.
- Azan can be given in the ears of a person to remove fear and sadness.
- At the birth of a child, Azan should be given in the right ear and Iqaamah in the left ear.
- Azan can be given at the grave-side to give Sukoon (tranquillity) to the deceased.
- Say Azan to cure somebody who is affected by Jinnaat or Shaitaan.
- During the time of the storm.
- To ask for rain during drought, or to stop a heavy storm.
- When lost in a forest, by saying Azan, someone will show you your way.
- Saying Azaan in your business or residence will increase Barakah (blessings).
Iqamah(Takbeer)
The Takbeer or Iqaamah that is called out after the Azaan and before the Jamaah is also like Azan except for a few differences in Azaan and Iqaamah:-
- Iqaamah is given inside the Musjid and Azaan is given outside the Musjid.
- Takbeer is given softly and Azan is given loudly.
- During Takbeer, the fingers are not placed in the ears.
- Takbeer is read rapidly.
- Takbeer for Fajr does not have the words “As Salaatu Khairum minan Naum”.
- In Takbeer, “Hayya alal falaah” is followed by “Qad Qaamatis Salaah”.
- In answer to “Qad Qaamatis Salaah” at least say: “Aqaamuhallahu Wa Adamahaa”
- Takbeer must be said by the Mu’azzin and through his permission, someone else will be allowed.
- To stand during Takbeer is Khilaaf-e-Sunnah. The Imam and Muqtadi should sit during Iqaamah and only stand when the Mu’azzin says “Hayya Alas Salaah” – “Haya Alal Falaah”.
The Conditions Of Prayer (Sharaaet)
The 6 conditions of Prayer are as follows:
Purity – The body and the clothes of the one offering Prayer must be pure. Further, the place of worship must be clean. One must either have a bath (if the bath is compulsory) or else just the ablution (which is a must).
Concealing the body – This is also called Satr-e-Aurat. That is to conceal/cover the necessary parts of the body. For men, this consists of the body between the navel up to and including the knees. For women, this consists of the entire body, except the face, hands, and soles of the feet. Women must hide their faces from strangers whilst not in Prayers. Wearing clothes that are so thin that body color is exposed will make the Prayer void. Similar is the case of the headscarf if the shine of the hair is revealed. In fact, wearing such clothes is prohibited even outside Prayer.
Direction towards the “Qiblah” (Kaaba) – this is called “Istiqbaal-e-Qiblah”. The face and the chest must be directed towards the “Qiblah”, whilst offering Prayer.
The Time of Prayer – proper timing is the fourth condition of Prayer. The time for Dawn Prayer starts from actual dawn and ends at the beginning of sunrise. It should be offered within this period. The time for Afternoon Prayer starts from the time the sun crosses its zenith until the shadow of any object becomes double its actual length. (The actual length means the length of a shadow when the sun is at the meridian – i.e. half distance between sunrise and zenith).
The time for Evening (Asr) Prayer starts from the time the Afternoon (Zohr) Prayer ends and finishes at sunset. The period of 20 minutes before sunset is undesirable (Makrooh), therefore one should complete the Evening Prayer before this. If the Prayer could not be offered before this due to some reason, then one should offer it during this period before sunset. The time for the Sunset (Maghrib) Prayer starts immediately after the setting of the sun and ends up on the disappearance of twilight. The period for Night (Isha) Prayer begins upon the disappearance of the twilight and lasts up to dawn. However, delaying it after midnight (half time between sunset and sunrise) is Disliked (Makrooh).
Intention (Niyah) – This is the fifth condition of Prayer. Shariah classifies “Niyah” as the firm intention within the heart. The lowest rank of such resolve is that when a person is asked about which Prayer he is offering, he should be able to answer the question promptly. If he answers after some consideration, the Prayer is void.
It is better (Mustahab) to declare the “Niyah” in a soft voice. There is no condition as to the language in which this should be said. It is better to have the intention in mind while proclaiming the “Takbeer Oola” (the first declaration of Allah’s greatness, at beginning of Prayer).
“Takbeer Tahreemah” (declaration of Allah’s greatness, which prohibits other actions except for the Prayer.) – This is the sixth condition of Prayer. This means to recite aloud “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to begin the Prayer.
Prayer becomes void if the word “Allah” is pronounced as “Aaallah” or if the word “Akbar” is pronounced as “Akbaar”. Rather the person will become an infidel if the words are purposely pronounced this way whilst knowing their derogatory meanings.
Times when prayer is prohibited
- The following are the times when Prayer is regarded as Disliked (Makrooh).
- From sunrise until 20 minutes have elapsed.
- From 20 minutes before sunset, until sunset.
- Mid-morning (meridian noon) until the sun reaches the zenith.
Within these periods Prayer of any type or the Prostration (for Quran recitation, etc.) is not permitted. Except within these periods, all the lapsed Prayers and the Voluntary Prayers can be offered at any time. However, Voluntary Prayers are not permitted after dawn until sunrise and after one has offered the Evening Prayer until sunset. Both Sunnah and Nafil Prayers are prohibited during the time of the Sermon.
The Rakaats in Prayer
(A single round of bodily actions within a Prayer, is called a “Rakaat”. )
Dawn (Fajr) Prayer: Total of 4 “Rakaats” – in the following order: 2 Emphasised Sunnah (Muakkadah), 2 Obligatory (Farz).
Afternoon (Zohr) Prayer: Total of 12 “Rakaats” – in the following order: 4 Emphasised Sunnah (Muakkadah), 4 Obligatory (Farz), 2 Emphasised Sunnah (Muakkadah), 2 Voluntary (Nafil).
Evening (Asr) Prayer: Total of 8 “Rakaats” – in the following order: 4 Non-Emphasised Sunnah (Ghair Muakkadah), 4 Obligatory (Farz).
Sunset (Maghrib) Prayer: Total of 7 “Rakaats” – in the following order: 3 Obligatory (Farz), 2 Emphasised Sunnah (Muakkadah), 2 Voluntary (Nafil).
Night (Isha) Prayer: Total of 17 “Rakaats” – in the following order: 4 Non-Emphasised Sunnah (Ghair Muakkadah), 4 Obligatory (Farz), 2 Emphasised Sunnah (Muakkadah), 2 Voluntary (Nafil), 3 Essential (Wajib Witr), 2 Voluntary (Nafil).
Some Sunnah Prayers are Emphasised (Muakkadah) – which Shariah has stressed upon. Leaving it without proper excuse makes one liable for censure, and abandoning it makes one a sinner, disqualified from giving witness and deserving of fire. (These should not be purposely abandoned even during travel.) Some Imaams have said that one who abandons these will be deemed astray, and a sinner although his sin is less than that of leaving an Essential (Wajib). Leaving the Sunnah habitually is close to forbidden (Haraam) and it is feared that (We seek Allah’s refuge) such a person may remain deprived of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) intercession. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has proclaimed: “Whoever abandons the Sunnah will not obtain my intercession.”
The Call For Prayer: Azaan
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 (PBUH) saying “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 (PBUH) 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 (PBUH) 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)
It is an Emphasised Sunnah (Muakkadah) to proclaim the “Azaan” for offering Obligatory Prayers in the mosque. This command is like an Essential (Wajib) in the sense that if the “Azaan’ is not proclaimed, the entire community residing there will be offenders. It is undesirable (Makrooh) to proclaim the ‘Azaan’ without ablution. The ‘Azaan’ for each Obligatory Prayer can be proclaimed after the time starts for each respective Prayer. An ‘Azaan’ proclaimed prior to its time must be repeated in its due time.
Islamic Law (Shariah) has some specific words for the ‘Azaan’ (the Call for Prayer), 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
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!!
While saying “Hayya alas-Salaah Hayya alal-Falaah” in the ‘Azaan’ or in the ‘Iqamah’, one must face right and left respectively. 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 must 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 Quran, 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).
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.
If several Azaans are heard, the listener must reply to the first one, and it is better if he replies to all. The ‘Azaan’ for the Sermon (Khutbah) must not be replied to by those who pray behind the ‘Imaam’ in the congregation. (The follower is called Muqtadi).
After the Azaan, one must send blessings upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and then supplicate as follows:
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.)
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 Quran – 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 in the footsteps of His friends. Aameen.