FIQH

INDEX

THE FIVE MAJOR IMPURITIES

TAHAARAH

GHUSAL
Method of making Ghusal
The Fards (Faraa'id) of Ghusal
The Sunnahs of Ghusal
When is it Sunnah to make Ghusal?
When is it Mustahab to make Ghusal?

WUDU
Method of making Wudu
The Fards (Faraa'id) of Wudu
The Sunnahs of Wudu
When does Wudu become Makrooh?
The Mustahabs of Wudu
Actions which breaks Wudu and Tayyammum
When is it Mustahab to make Wudu?
Masah over the Bandage or Plaster
Warning

TAYYAMMUM
Conditions for Tayyammum
How to make Tayyammum
The Fard (Faraa'id) of Tayyammum
The Sunnahs of Tayyammum
Objects on which Tayyammum can be Performed
Objects on which Tayyammum cannot be Performed
Actions which break Tayyammum

AZAAN
Method of Reciting the Azaan
The Words of the Azaan

IQAAMAH

SALAAH - BASICS
The Benefits of Salaah
Forbidden Times of Salaah
The Conditions of Salaah
The Faraa'id (Fard) of Salaah
The Waajibaat (Wajib) of Salaah
The Sunnah of Salaah
The Sunnan of Takbeer-e-Tahreema
The Sunnan of Qiyaam
The Sunnan of Qiraah
The Sunnan of Ruku
The Sunnan of Sajdah
The Sunnan of Qa'dah
The Sunnan of Salaam
The Mustahabaat (Mustahabs) of Salaah
The Makroohaats (Makroohs) of Salaah
Actions which Break the Salaah

SALAAH (A Few short articles)

ISLAMIC TERMS
Adaa-e-Salaah
Qada
Jamaah Salaah
Imaam
Muqtadi
Mudrik
Masbook
Laahiq
Munfarid

KINDS OF RELIGIOUS ACTIONS

Fard
Fard-e-Kifaayah
Waajib
Sunnah
Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah
Sunnat-e-Ghair Mu'akkidah
Nafil or Mustahab
Haraam
Makrooh
Makrooh-e-Tahreemi
Makrooh-e-Tanzeehi

WITR SALAAH
What is Witr Salaah?
How to Perform the Witr Salaah 

SAJDAH SAHW
When does Sajdah Sahw become Waajib
Other Rules relating to Sajdaw Sahw
How to make Sajdah Sahw

JUMMAH SALAAH
Conditions for Jummah Salaah
Sunnah Acts on the Day of Jummah
The Jummah Salaah 

TARAWEEH SALAAH

SALAATUL MAREED

SALAATUS SAFAR (QASR)

NAWAAFIL (NAFIL) SALAAH

Salaatut Tahajjud
Salaatul Ishraaq
Salaatul Chaast
Salaatul Awwabeen
Salaatul Tasbeeh
Salaatul Haajaat
Salaatul Istikhaarah
Salaatul Istisqa
Salaatul Kusoof and Salaatul Khusoof
Tahiyatul Masjid, Salaah
Tahiyatul Wudu Salaah 

SAJDAH TILAAWAH 

QADA SALAAH 

MASBOOQ

THE DAYS OF EID

Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha
The Sunnah Actions on the Day of Eid
The Time of Eid Salaah
Method of Performing the Eid Salaah
The Eid Khutbah
The Difference between Eid and Jummah Salaah

SAUM - BASICS
The Benefits of Saum
The Position of Saum
Types of Fast
Persons excused from Fasting
Sunnah acts during Fasting and in the Month of Ramadaan
Makrooh acts during Fasting
Qaza Saum
Kaffarah
Fidya 

SAUM (A Few short articles)

I'TIKAAF 

LAYLATUL QADR - THE NIGHT OF POWER 

SADAQAH - E - FITR

ZAKAAH - BASICS
Important Points on Zakaah
Whom can Zakaah be given to?
Whom can Zakaah not be given to?
ZAKAAH (A Few short articles)

AQEEQAH 

FESTIVALS OF ISLAM

HAJJ
The Importance of Hajj
Upon whom is Hajj Fard?
The Faraa'id of Hajj
Waajibaats of Hajj
What are the Miqaats
The Five Days of Hajj
Talbia
What is Umrah
Actions not permitted during Hajj
Ayyaam-e-Tashreeq

Hajj, Umrah and Ziarah

QURBAANI
Important Points about Qurbaani
Animals that can be Sacrificed
Physical Condition of the Animal
Method of Slaughter

DEATH AND JANAZAH

Salaatul Janazah
Fard of Salaatul Janazah
The Manner of Making Salaatul Janazah
Late-comers for the Salaatul Janazah

DUROOD SHAREEF
 What is Durood Shareef?
How to Read the Durood Shareef, Blessings of Durood Shareef

THINGS THAT ARE HARAAM 

NATURAL ACTS OF CLEANLINESS 

THE ADAAB OF EATING AND DRINKING 

GOOD CONDUCT

ADAAB OF DRESSING

SHORT SURAHS (with commentaries)

SURAH FATEHA;SURAH IKHLAAS;SURAH KAUSAR;SURAH NAAS ;SURAH
FALAQ;SURAH LAHAB;SURAH NASR;SURAH KAAFIROON;SURAH MA'OON
;SURAH QURAISH ;SURAH FEEL;SURAH ASR;SURAH TAKATHUR;SURAH
QADR ;SURAH INSHIRAH ;SURAH DHUHA ;SURAH THEEN

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

  

Assalamu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

ASALATU WASALAMU ALAYKA YA RASULLALLAH Salla Allahu ta’ala

‘alayhi wa Sallam,

5 MAJOR IMPURITIES
There are 5 major impurities (things that are not clean or pure) that we Muslims should
be aware of. These are :-

1. Urine
2. Excreta
3. Blood
4. Matter or Pus
5. Alcohol

Of course, there are other impurities. But we have mentioned the ones that affect you.
Besides keeping our bodies clean it is very important for us to keep our clothes clean. If
any of these impurities stains our clothes, then our clothes will become unclean. If this
happens, then one has to wash one’s clothes under running water at least 3 times for it to
become clean. We also have to make sure that the clothes be squeezed thoroughly after
each wash to remove all stains of the impurity.

TAHAARAH

As Muslims we must always be in a state of “Tahaarah” or “Cleanliness.” The Holy

Quran says: “Surely Allah loves those who turn to him and those who care for
cleanliness.” (2:222)

There are 3 ways for a Muslim to be in a state of Tahaarah :

1. Ghusal
2. Wudu
3. Tayyamum

GHUSAL

Ghusal is an act of washing the whole body from the head to the toe. “Ghusal” means
“Bath.” We must use clean running water to have a Ghusal so that all the dirt will be
removed from our body.

Method of Making Ghusal

Read the Niyyah:

1. Wash both your hands up to the wrist.

2. Wash the private parts properly to remove all the dirt. Remove all pubic hair and the
hair from under the arms.
3. Make WUDU. Ensure that the mouth and the nostrils are washed properly. Also brush
your teeth and gargle your mouth till the throat.
4. Wash the entire head properly.
5. Then wash the entire body, making sure that every part is washed properly. Start with
the right-hand side of the body and then the left-hand side.
6. When you have completed the Ghusal, dry the whole body with a clean towel and get
dressed as quickly as possible.

The Fards (Faraa’id) of Ghusal

Now that you have a brief idea of how to make Ghusal, you should learn the Fards
(Faraa’id) of Ghusal which are:

1. To wash the whole mouth. If you are not fasting, then you must gargle your mouth
until the water reaches the throat.
2. To cleanse the nostrils.
3. To wash the whole body thoroughly from the head to the toe.

The Sunnahs of Ghusal

There are certain actions in Ghusal which are Sunnah. If you perform these actions you
will get great Thawaab. These actions are:

1. The person should make the Niyyah or intention for Ghusal.

2. Washing the hands 3 times till the wrist.
3. Washing the private parts thoroughly.
4. All dirt from the body should be removed.
5. To perform the Wudu.
6. To pour water over the right shoulder 3 times and then over the left shoulder 3 times.
7. To pour water over the head and the whole body 3 times.
8. Washing the feet when Ghusal is completed and then leaving the place of Ghusal.
9. To make Ghusal in a private place. If you are making Ghusal in the bathroom, make
sure that the door is closed and nobody can see you.
10. Make sure that you do not read or speak while making Ghusal. If somebody does call
you and you need to reply then make a noise or sound like you are clearing your throat.
The person will know that you are making Ghusal and will not disturb you.
11. To dry the body with a clean towel or cloth.

Note:
(a) Do not face the Qiblah when making Ghusal or making Istinja. Remember not to
build toilets and bathrooms facing the Qiblah.
(b) You may stand or sit when making Ghusal, but it is better that you sit.
(c) Do not waste water.

When is it Sunnah to make Ghusal?

There are certain occasions in which it is Sunnah to make Ghusal. Some of these
occasions are:

1. For Jummah Salaah.

2. For both the Eids (Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha).
3. On the Day of Arafaat.
4. Before one wears the Ihraam.

When is it Mustahab to make Ghusal?

It is “Mustahab” or “preferable” to make Ghusal on the following occasions :

1. Staying at Arafaat.
2. Staying at Muzdalifa.
3. When entering Masjidul Haram.
4. When visiting the Masjid-un-Nabawi.
5. Making Tawaaf.
6. When entering Mina.
7. When stoning the Shaytaan (on the 3 days).
8. Laylatul Baraat (Night of Baraat).
9. Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power).
10. On the night of Arafaat.
11. For the Mawlood-un-Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and when attending all
Islamic functions.
12. After making Ghusal for the dead.
13. After the person is cured of madness or illness.
14. After unconsciousness.
15. After intoxication (drunkenness).
16. Before making Tauba.
17. When wearing new clothes.
18. After returning from a journey.
19. For most of the Nawaafil Salaah like Salaatul Istisqa and others.
20. When there is unnatural darkness in the skies.
21. On the afternoon of a very hot day to wash away perspiration.
22. When embracing Islam.

WUDU

Wudu (Ablution) is the key to Salaah and it is essential that we perform Wudu first
before we begin Salaah. These are the steps to take when making Wudu:

Method of making Wudu

First, make the Niyyah (Intention) for Wudu:

a: Wash both the hands up to the wrist 3 times making sure that water has reached
between the fingers.
b: Next, put a handful of water into the mouth and rinse it thoroughly 3 times.
c: After this, sniff water into the nostrils 3 times to clean them and then wash the tip of
the nose 3 times.
d: Wash the face 3 times from right ear and from the forehead to the throat.
e: Wash the right arm and then the left arm thoroughly from the wrist to the elbow 3
times.
f: Then move the palm of the wet hand over the head, starting from the top of the
forehead to the back and pass both hands over the back of the head to the neck.
g: Next, rub wet fingers into the grooves of both ears and holes and also pass the wet
thumbs behind the ears.
h: Next pass the back of wet hands over the nape.
i: Finally, wash both feet to the ankles starting from the right and making sure that water
has reached between the toes and all other parts of the feet.

The Fards (Faraa’id) of Wudu

There are 4 Fard in Wudu which we must strictly follow. These 4 Fards are:

1. To wash the face - which is from the forehead till the chin and from one ear to the
other ear once.
2. To wash both the arms till the elbows once.
3. To make Masah of at least a quarter of the head. By quarter is meant 4 fingers width.
4. To wash the feet till the ankles once.
5. If these 4 actions are not carried out, then the Wudu will be incomplete. It will,
therefore, be Haraam for a person to read Salaah.

The Sunnahs of Wudu

There are also some Sunnahs of the Wudu, which if you perform will earn you immense
Thawaab. These Sunnahs are:

1. To make the intention of Wudu before you begin.

2. To say “Bismillah” before you begin.
3. To wash the hands up to the wrist 3 times.
4. To gargle the mouth.
5. To wash the nostril.
6. To use Miswaak to clean the teeth. “Miswaak” is a special tooth-brush made from the
roots of certain trees.
7. To make Wudu in the correct sequence.
8. To wash all parts immediately one after the other.
9. To wash all parts 3 times.
10. To make Masah of the ears.
11. To make Masah of the whole head.
12. To make “Khilal” of the beard (pass wet fingers through the beard).
13. To make Khilal of the fingers and toes (pass wet fingers in between the toes and
fingers).

When does Wudu become Makrooh ?

There are certain actions which are “Makrooh” or “undesirable” in Wudu. Some of these
actions are:

1. To make Wudu in a dirty place.

2. To cleanse the nose using the right hand.
3. To talk of worldly things while making Wudu.
4. To perform Wudu in any sequence, for example, to wash the feet first then the face.
5. To waste water.
6. To use too little water so that certain parts are not washed properly.
7. To splash water on the face.
8. To ask someone for help in making Wudu without a proper reason.

The Mustahabs of Wudu

There are certain acts which are “Mustahab” or “preferable” in Wudu. Some of these acts
are:

1. To face the Qiblah. Remember that you should not spit towards the Qiblah.
2. To make Wudu in a clean place.
3. To read “Bismillah” before washing each part.
4. To read the proper Du’as when washing each part.
5. To wash each part from the right side.
6. To shift or to remove rings or bangles and to let the water pass under these objects.
7. To clean the nostrils with the left hand.
8. To clean the inside of the ears.
9. To read the Du’a and the Kalimah Shahaadah after Wudu and to also read Surah Qadr
facing towards the sky.

Actions which Break Wudu and Tayyammum

There are certain actions which break the Wudu and Tayyammum. We will learn about
Tayyammum later. What are these actions? These actions are:

1. Any discharge from one’s private part, for example urine, stool, wind, or any
substances.
2. When blood, pus or any matter flows out from a cut, wound, sore or pimple.
3. When one vomits a mouthful.
4. When one falls off to sleep while leaning or lying down.
5. When one becomes mad, faints or gets epileptic fits.
6. Laughing aloud in Salaah.
7. The spitting of blood, if the blood is more than the saliva.
8. When one becomes drunk or looses ones frame of mind either through drinking
alcohol or taking drugs.

When is it Mustahab to make Wudu?

There are certain occasions when it is Mustahab to make Wudu. Some of these are:

1. When one awakens from sleep.

2. Before every Fard Salaah, even if one already has Wudu.
3. When one becomes angry.
4. When reading the Holy Quran from memory (Hifz).
5. When listening to Islamic lectures and when learning or teaching Islam.
6. When giving Azaan or Takbeer or when delivering the Khutbah.
7. When visiting sacred places like the Mazaars of the Awliya Allah.
8. When making Wuqoof on the plains of Arafaat on the 9th of Zil Hajj.
9. When making Sa’ee between Saffa and Marwa.
10. After backbiting and after committing a sin.
11. When visiting the grave-yard.

Masah over the Bandage or Plaster

”Masah” is to wipe over a specific area, in this case the plaster or the bandage, with wet
hands. If any part of the body which has to be washed in Wudu and has a plaster or
bandage over it, then one is permitted to make Masah over the plaster and bandage.
Remember that Masah, in this case, can only be done if:

1. By removing the bandage or plaster causes pain.

2. Water is harmful to the wound.
3. Water lengthens the healing process.

Warning

Without Wudu or Tayyammum, you cannot:

1. Carry or touch the Holy Quran that is without a proper cover.

2. Read Salaah.
3. Make Tawaaf.
4. Perform the Sajdah Tilaawah.

TAYYAMMUM

”Tayyammum” or “Dry Ablution” can be done in place of Wudu or Ghusal.

Conditions for Tayyammum

Tayyammum can only be made under the following conditions:

1. If there is no water after making a search for water within a two and a half kilometre
(2.5 km) area.
2. If a person is very sick and fears that the use of water will cause more illness or harm
to the person.
3. If a person is becoming late for Janazah Salaah or Eid Salaah.
4. If a person fears being attacked by snakes or animals if he or she goes for water.
5. When water is very scarce and only sufficient for drinking purposes.
How to Make Tayyammum

STEP 1: Make the Niyyah (Intention) for Tayyammum:

STEP 2: Strike both hands on the earth, sand or dust or any object having dust on it.
Then, dust the hands clean or blow the extra dust off the hands and wipe the entire face
(as done in Wudu) without leaving out any part of the face.
STEP 3: Strike both hands again on the ground, dust clean and wipe the right arm up to
the elbow with the left hand and left arm with the right hand. Make Khilal of the fingers.
If one is wearing a ring or bangle, it is necessary to remove it or shift it. If one has a
beard, it is Sunnah to also make Khilal of the beard (run fingers through the beard).

The Fard (Faraa’id) of Tayyammum

The Faraa’id of Tayyammum are:

1. To make the Niyyah (intention) for Tayyammum.

2. Striking both palms on the earth or dust and wiping them over the face.
3. Striking both palms on the earth or dust and wiping them over the arms till the elbows.

The Sunnahs of Tayyammum

The Sunnahs of Tayyammum are:

1. To begin with the “Bismillah.”

2. To start with the right hand.
3. To make Khilal of the beard.
4. To make Khilal of the fingers.
5. To make Tayyammum in the proper sequence.

Objects on which Tayyammum can be Performed

1. Earth (clean soil)

2. Sand
3. Stone
4. Lime
5. Baked earthen pots which are unglazed.
6. Walls of mud, stone or brick.
7. Clay
8. Things that do not melt or burn to ashes.

Objects on which Tayyammum cannot be Performed

1. Wood
2. Metals
3. Glass
4. Food
5. Items which burns to ash or which rots and melts.

Actions which break Tayyammum

1. The same actions which break the Wudu or Ghusal.

2. The finding of water.
3. After one is fit.
4. If there is no more danger from snakes or animals.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

ASALATU WASALAMU ALAYKA YA RASULLALLAH Salla Allahu ta’ala

‘alayhi wa Sallam.

AZAAN
1.It is Sunnat-e-Mu’akkidah to invite the Muslims to each Fard Salaah through calling
out the Azaan.
2. The “Mu’azzin” is the person who calls out the Azaan.
3. It is the Mu’azzin’s duty to remember the correct times of Salaah and the manner of
reciting the Azaan.
4 The Mu’azzin:
4.1 must be in a state of Wudu,
4.2 must stand in a specific place made for calling out the Azaan,
4.3 must face the Qiblah,
4.4 must place his Shahaadah fingers in his ears, and
4.5 call out the Azaan in a loud voice.
5. The Mu’azzin must avoid calling out the Azaan in a singing style.
6. The Arabic words of the Azaan must be recited with a “pulling” tone only at those
places where it is permissable to “pull.” Therefore, it is necessary for the Mu’azzin to
know Tajweed.
7. The Azaan must be called out in a clear and simple manner.
8. One should repeat the words of the Azaan after the Mu’azzin. However, after you hear:
“Hayya alas Salaah” and
”Hayya alal falaah,” you should say : “There is no Help or Strength except that which
comes from Allah.”
9. If one hears the Azaan being recited and is not in the Masjid, one must immediately go
to the Masjid for Salaah.
10. After Azaan, it is a great Thawaab to lift both hands and read the Du’a After Azaan.
11. It is also Mustahab to kiss both fingernails of the thumbs and rub them over the eyes
when you hear the Mu’azzin read:
”I bear Witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
11.1 The first time that you hear “Muhammaddar Rasulullah” (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam), you should say: “O Rasulullah! The coolness in my eyes is through you.”
11.2 The second time that you hear the same, you should say: “O Allah! Make me enjoy
vision and sight.”
This was a practise of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah’s (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) beloved
Sahaba, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu). We must also make this our practise as
there is great Thawaab in this.
12 . When the Mu’azzin says: “Hayya alas Salaah” he should turn towards the right each
time.
13 .When the Mu’azzin says: “Hayya alal Falah” he should turn towards the left each
time.
Remember, do not turn the shoulders and the entire body, but only the face.

The Words of the Azaan

”Allah is the Greatest” (4 times)

”I bear witness that there is no god but Almighty Allah.” (2 times)
”I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Almighty Allah.” (2 times)
”Come to Salaah” (2 times)
”Come to Success” (2 times)
”Almighty Allah is the Greatest” (2 times)
”There is no god but Almighty Allah” (once) 
After reciting the “Hayya alal falah” for the Fajar Salaah, the Mu’azzin should read:
“Prayer is better than sleep.” (2 times)

IQAAMAH

1. The “Iqaamah” is the call to gather the Jamaah (Congregation) for the Fard Salaah
inside the Masjid.
2. The “Mukabbir” is the person who recites the Iqaamah.
3. The Iqaamah must be recited in a voice loud enough for the Jamaah to hear.
4. If you are reading the Fard Salaah alone it is necessary for you to recite the Iqaamah.
5. The words of the Iqaamah is the same as in the Azaan, except that the Mukabbir will
read after the “Hayya alal Falah”: “Prayer has indeed begun.” “Prayer has indeed
begun.”
6. The Mukabbir must not turn his face during “Hayya alas Salaah” and “Hayya alal
Falah.”
7. The Mukabbir must not place his Shahaadah fingers in his ears during the Iqaamah but
should stand with his arms at his side.
8. It is also Mustahab to remain sitting when the Iqaamah is being recited and to stand at
the point when you hear “Hayya alal Falah.”

SALAAH

The Benefits of Salaah

The Holy Quran says: "Establish Salaah to remember Me (Allah)." (20:14)

Before we explain how Salaah should be read, we will list some of the benefits of
Salaah to help you gain a better understanding of this very important form of
Ibaadah.

1. Salaah with Jamaah increases Muslim Brotherhood.

2. Salaah makes us remember that Almighty Allah Sees and Hears us.
3. Salaah builds love for Almighty Allah and for His special servants, the Ambiya
(Prophets) and Awliya (Saints).
4. Salaah destroys the evil within us.
5. Salaah acts like a light and leads us away from darkness and trouble.
6. Salaah teaches us discipline.
7. Salaah builds "Taqwa" or "Piety" in us.
8. Just as food maintains our body, Salaah maintain our Soul (Ruh).

Forbidden Times of Salaah

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "Salaah at fixed times has been enjoined on
the believers." (4:103) It is forbidden to read any Salaah or to make Sajdah
Tilaawah during these 3 times of the day:

1. When the sun is rising.

2. When the sun is at its highest point (Zawaal).
3. When the sun is setting.

It is forbidden to read any Nafil Salaah:

a. after the break of dawn,

b. before sunrise,
c. after the Fard of the Fajar Salaah,
d. after Asar Salaah until sunset, and
e. during the Khutbah of both the Eids and the Jummah Salaah.

The Conditions of Salaah

Before performing the Salaah there are certain conditions that a person must be
aware of. It is Fard to follow these conditions :

1. Tahaarah: to make sure that the body and the clothes are clean.
2. Make sure that the place where Salaah is being read is clean.
3. To cover the body properly:-
3.1 For the male it is necessary to cover the body from the navel till below the
knees.
3.2 For the female it is necessary to cover the body from the head to the feet, except
the face. 
3.3 The feet till the ankles and the hands till the wrist must be covered.
4. To face the Qiblah.
5. To make sure that the Salaah is read in the specified times.
6. To make the correct Niyyah for Salaah.
7. To be a Muslim with correct Islamic beliefs.
The Faraa'id (Fard) of Salaah

There are 7 Faraa'id of Salaah:-

1. Takbeer-e-Tahreemah (the first Allah Akbar)

2. Qiyaam (standing)
3. Qiraah
4. Ruku
5. Sajdah
6. Qadah Akheerah
7. To indicate the end of Salaah.

The Waajibaat (Wajib) of Salaah

Waajibs are those actions which are compulsory. In Salaah there are certain Waajib
actions that, if when left out, can be corrected through Sajdah Sahw. The Waajibaat
of Salaah are:

1. To read Surah Fatiha in every Rakaah.

2. To read one short Surah, or to read one long Ayah or to read 3 short Ayah after
the Surah Fatiha in the first 2 Rakaah of the Fard Salaah and in all the Rakaah of
other Salaah (non-Fard Salaah).
3. To read the Salaah in the correct sequence.
4. To stand erect after Ruku (Qiyaam) before going for Sajdah.
5. To sit in Jalsa position between the two Sujood (Sajdas).
6. To sit in Qadah 'Ula after 2 Rakaah when you are reading a 4 or 3 Rakaah Salaah.
7. To read Attahiyaat in Qadah 'Ula and Qadah Akheerah.
8. To read Salaah without rushing.
9. To read Du'a Qunoot in the Witr Salaah of Isha.
10. The Imaam should read aloud during:
10.1The first 2 Rakaah of the Fard of Fajar, Maghrib and Isha Salaah.
10.2 The two Rakaah of the Jummah and Eid Salaah.
10.3 The Taraweeh and Witr Salaah during the Month of Ramadaan.
11. The Imaam should read silently in:
11.1 All the Rakaah of the Zohar and Asar Salaah.
11.2 The third Rakaah of the Maghrib Salaah.
11.3 The third and fourth Rakaah of the Isha Salaah.
12. To read 6 extra Takbeers in both the Eid Salaah.
13. To end the Salaah with the words of Salaam.
14. Among the Waajibaats of Sajdah, it is compulsory that at least 3 toes must touch
the ground facing the Qiblah.

The Sunnah of Salaah

There are certain actions which are Sunnah in Salaah. If one misses these Sunnahs,
then the Thawaab of the Salaah is reduced. What are these Sunnahs?

The Sunnah of Takbeer-e-Tahreema

1. It is Sunnah for the males to lift up their hands to their ears for Takbeer, while the
females should lift up their hands to their shoulders.
2. While lifting the hands, the fingers should be kept relaxed with the palms facing
towards the Qiblah.
3. The males, after lifting up their hands, should then fold them below their navels
with the right hand over the left hand. The females should place their hands on their
chest, with the right hand over the left hand.

The Sunnah of Qiyaam

1. Stand with the feet parallel to each other. There must be about a four finger width
gap between the feet.
2. The body must be straight with the head lowered and the eyes should be directed
to the spot where Sajdah is to be made.

The Sunnah of Qiraah

1. To read the Thana.

2. To read the Ta'oozu or "A'oozubillah."
3. To read the Tasmiyah or "Bismillah."
4. To read "Bismillah" at the beginning of every Rakaah.
5. To say "Ameen" at the end of Surah Fatiha.
6. To read the Ta'oozu, Tasmiyah and say the Ameen silently.
7. The first Rakaah should be longer than the second Rakaah.

The Sunnah of Ruku

1. To say the Takbeer, "Allahu Akbar", when going into Ruku.

2. To read the Tasbeeh of Ruku 3 times.
3. To hold (clutch) the knees firmly. The males should have their fingers spaced out
while clutching their knees, while the females should have their fingers closed.
4. The legs should be straight and not bent at the knees.
5. The back should be in line with the neck. This means that it must be straight so
that if a glass of water is placed on the back of a person, the water will not spill over.

6. To read the Tasmiyah when waking up from Ruku and to read the Tahmeed while
in Qiyaam.

The Sunnah of Sajdah

1. When going into Sajdah make sure that the knees touch the ground first, followed
by the hands, the nose and, lastly, the forehead.
2. When waking up from Sajdah, the whole method should be reversed.
3. In Sajdah, the fingers should be closed and facing the Qiblah. The forehead should
rest between the hands.
4. To say the Takbeer, "Allahu Akbar", when going into Sajdah and when waking up
from Sajdah.
5. To read the Tasbeeh of Sajdah three times.
6. When in Sajdah, the males should make sure that their stomach does not rest on
their thighs and that the arms does not rest flat on the ground.
7. Females should keep their stomach close to their thighs and their arms should be
flat on the ground and close to their bodies.
8. All the toes of the feet must touch the ground.

The Sunnah of Qa'dah

1. Males should sit on the left foot by placing it flat on the ground and the right foot
should be up with the toes facing the Qiblah.
2.Females should sit on their left rear, placing both their feet out to the right.
3. Place the palms of both hands above the knees.
4. When reading "Attahiyaat", lift the right Shahaadah finger on reaching the "Laa"
of "Ashhadu al laa ilaaha." Fold the rest of the fingers into a ball and lower the
Shahaadah finger on reaching "Illal laahu."
5. To read the Durood-e-Ebrahim and any Masnoon Du'a after this.

The Sunnah of Salaam

1. The face should be first turned to the right and then to the left when making
Salaam.
2. When making Salaam in Jamaah, one should have the intention of greeting the
Imaam, the Musallies and the Angels. A person who is reading alone should make
the intention of greeting the Angels.

The Mustahabaat (Mustahabs) of Salaah

1. Look at the place where you make Sajdah when in the Qiyaam position.
2. During Ruku you should look at the feet.
3. The eyes should focus on the nose during Sajdah.
4. When in the Qa'dah position the eyes should focus at the knees or the thighs.
5. When making Salaam, the eyes should be focused on the shoulders.
6. One should avoid coughing.
7. One should avoid yawning.

The Makroohaats (Makroohs) of Salaah

1. To scratch the body unnecessarily.

2. Playing with one's clothes.
3. To close ones eyes through tiredness.
4. To miss out any Sunnah deliberately.
5. To make the second Rakaah longer than the first.
6. To read the Surah in the incorrect sequence, for example, to read Surah An Naas
in the first Rakaah and then Surah Al Falaq after.
7. To read Salaah when one is very hungry, or one has to go to toilet or when the
food has already been served.

Actions which Break the Salaah

There are certain actions which break the Salaah. They are called "Mufsidaat-e-
Salaah." If these actions occur, one will have to re-read the Salaah. What are these
actions?

1. To utter any word that is not part of the Salaah.

2. To cry out in pain.
3. If Wudu breaks.
4. When one loses his senses.
5. When a persons chest is intentionally turned away from the Qiblah more than 45
degrees.
6. When one leaves out any Fard.
7. When one reads the Holy Quran incorrectly.
8. When one eats or drinks in Salaah.
9. When one moves about in Salaah in different directions.
10. To step ahead of the Imaam.
11. To laugh or giggle.
12. When the private parts are revealed.
13. When one performs "Fe-le Katheer". Fe-le Katheer are those actions which will
lead the observer to believe that one is not in Salaah, for example, tying one's belt,
removing one's handkerchief, wiping one's nose, and so on.
Note: If the hat falls to the floor while Salaah is being performed the person can pick
it up and wear it without causing a lot of movement.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SALAAH 

Salaah is the soul of all our Ibaadaat (prayers). The Pious predecessors have stated
that if a person does not perform his Salaah, then no other Ibaadat performed by
him or her is accepted and if a person loves Salaah and is punctual in his Salaah
then Allah Willing, his or her wrongs will all be forgiven. We should thus try our best
to perform our Salaah and also show strictness in our homes so that our families
may also perform their Salaah.Hazrat Esa (alaihis salaam) once passed by a river.
There he saw a beautiful and elegant looking bird lying in a puddle of mud and dirt.
The bird's entire body was covered with filth. He then noticed this bird come out of
the mud and then dive into the river until it was clean and beautiful again.
Thereafter, the bird once again flew into the dirt and mud and became covered with
filth. Once more, the bird left the mud and flew into the river again until it was clean
and beautiful again. This astonishing act was repeated five times. Hazrat Esa (alaihis
salaam) began to wonder as to the reason for this strange sequence of events.
Sayyiduna Jibraeel-e-Amin (alaihis salaam) descended and told him: "This bird is
equal to a human from the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Each time he sins he becomes unclean, and when he performs his Salaah, then
Almighty Allah purifies him just like the mud and dirt that was cleansed from the
bird".

It has been narrated that when a persons Salaah is accepted, then as a reward
Almighty Allah creates an Angel that remains in Ruku and Sujood making Tasbeeh
until the Day of Qiyamah. The Sawaab of all the Ibaadat of this Angel is recorded in
the books of the Salaahi.

It has been stated in authentic sources that on the Day of Qiyamah as the people will
be passing over Pul-Siraat, which is thinner than a hair and sharper than a sword,
there will be a group of people who will say that they are too scared to cross over
the bridge. Sayyiduna Jibraeel (alaihis salaam) will ask them how they used to cross
the oceans in the world. They they will say that they did so with ships. On hearing
their answer, the Musjids that they worshipped in will be brought and they will sit in
these Musjids and pass safely over Pul-Siraat.

The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) once asked the Sahaba if any dirt
would remain on the body of a person who bathed five times daily in a stream in
front of his home. They said that no dirt would remain. He then said: "This is the
example of the five daily Salaah. Any person who reads his five daily Salaah, is
purified of his sins and bad doings by Allah".
Hazrat Abu Zar (radi allahu anhu) states that it was winter and the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) came out of his Hujra. He went to a tree, held it's
branch and shook it. This caused it's leaves to fall off easily. He then said, "O Abu Air
and I replied, 'I am present Ya Rasoolallah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)'". He said:
"When a Muslim reads Salaah for Allah, then his sins fall like the leaves of a tree".

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was questioned concerning which actions
were the most loved and closest to Allah. He replied by saying: "To perform Salaah
in its appointed time, and he who leaves Salaah has no Deen." Salaah is the pillar of
Deen, the Me'raj of a Mu'min and a sign of success. An intelligent man is one who
goes from a low position to a higher position, and an ignorant man is one who
proceeds from a high position to a low position. Mustahab is greater than Mubah.
Sunnah is greater than Mustahab. Waajib is greater than Sunnah. Fard is greater
than Waajib. Greater than all Faraa'idh is Salaah. Even though we make Urs, Fateha,
etc, we should remember that the greatest Ibaadat is Salaah. Without this, all our
other Ibaadaat is incomplete. The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated:
"When your child reaches the age of seven teach him Salaah. When he reaches ten,
shun him if he does not read his Salaah". He also said: "Read your Salaah before
your Janazah is read".

It has been stated that on the Day of Qiyamah, will come in the form of white camels
whose feet will be made from Amber, their necks from Saffron, their heads from
musk, and their reigns from emeralds. Those who gave Azaan will be in front, the
Imams of Musjids will guide them forward from behind and behind the Imaams will
be the musallees who sincerely read Salaah in Jamaat behind the Imaam. When the
others will see this on the Day of Qiyamah they will enquire whether these people
are Angels or Prophets. It will be said to them that they are neither. They will be told
that such are the Ummah of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who
were punctual in their Salaah.

Dear Muslim brothers and sisters! Perform your Salaah, for Salaah will assist us in
this world, in our graves, and on the Day of Qiyamah.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PERFORMING SALAAH WITH CONGREGATION

(JAMAAH)

Salaah is obligatory upon every mature Muslim male and female. Whether a Muslim
is black, white, rich or poor, literate or illiterate, Salaah is Fardh upon him or her five
times a day. Salaah is not Maaf at any time. Salaah is a pillar of religion, recognition
of faith and the key to Jannah. Salaah is the Sunnah of the Ambiya, coolness of the
eyes of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and the Me'raj of the Believers.

Salaah is the greatest of all Ibaadah and the most important obligation. It washes
away sins and builds good deeds. It saves one from Hell and guides one towards
Paradise. By reading Salaah, one gains the Pleasure of Almighty Allah and the
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), love of Angels, safety from calamities, good
health, healthy life, Barakah in sustenance and blessings in all aspects of life. The
grave of the Salaahi will be enlightened with Noor. On the Day of Reckoning, he shall
rise close to the Prophets, Saints, Martyrs and Pious Ones.

If a child is seven years of age, he should be taught to read Salaah, and when he or
she reaches the age of ten years, they should be warned and shunned if they do not
comply. Laziness in Salaah is a sign of hypocrisy. To leave out Salaah completely is a
sign of Kufr and to refute or make a mockery of it is Kufr. A non-Salaahi is disliked
by Almighty Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). There is great
torment for him in the grave. His grave will be cramped and reckoning will be harsh.
He will rise with Qaroon, Firawn, Hamaan and Ubayy ibn Khalf. No other good deed
of his will be accepted.

Salaah should be read sincerely with congregation in the masjid. To leave out the
Jamaah without reason is a major sin. To read Salaah in Jamaah is 27 times more
excellent than reading alone. In Jummah and in Eidain, the Jamaah is a pre-condition
without which there is no Salaah. In Taraweeh, congregational prayers is Sunnat-e-
Kifaayah. To read Witr Salaah with Jamaah in Ramadaan is Mustahab (desirable).
Congregation for Nafil and Sunnah is Makrooh. For women to be present in any
congregational prayer is disallowed.

For Jamaah, the Imam has to be present. The Imam should be a Sunni - Sahihul
Aqeedah. He should know the laws pertaining to Salaah and he should recite the
Quran correctly. Salaah behind open sinners, clean shaven persons, those who do
not keep a Shar'i beard, etc. is Makrooh-e-Tahreemi and Waajib to repeat. In other
words, Salaah read behind such persons should be repeated.

Salaah read behind hypocrites, misled persons, Dushman (Enemy)-e-Rasool, non-

Mazhabites, insulters of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in any way, be it
by saying that he is mixed in the sand (Ma'azallah), he does not possess sufficient
knowledge (Ma'azallah), he is an ordinary human being like us (Ma'azallah), he is
unaware of the happenings in this world (Ma'azallah), he is not the Final Messenger
(Ma'azallah), etc. - all these statements lead a person out of Islam and Salaah
behind such persons is totally forbidden since there is no Salaah behind such a
persons. Salaah is not just any worldly transaction, but it is for Allah. Thus, one
should not read Salaah behind just anyone, but should be satisfied with the Imam's
character and Aqeedah.

After Salaah, it is of great blessing to make Du'a. The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) said that Dua is the crux and soul of Ibaadah. To lift up your hands after
Azaan and Salaah to make Dua for the Believers is loved by Almighty Allah, a
Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), a practice of the Sahaba
and a means of mercy and reward. To shake hands, and make Salaam to one
another after Salaah is also permitted.

Remember: Only stand for Salaah after hearing "Hayya alas Salaah" and "Hayya alal
Falah" in the Iqaamah. To stand before this is Makrooh and to follow the proper
practice of sitting is Mustahab (desirable) and a sign of the Ahle Sunnah.

THE PROHIBITION OF WEARING FOLDED CLOTHES IN SALAAH

Those people who fold their hems of their pants over their ankles believe that by
doing this they are making their Salaah proper, but by doing this they are making
their Salaah Makrooh Tahrimee (undesirable).

According to the Shari'ah to read (perform) Salaah with folded clothes is Makrooh.
The following Ahadith are very explicit on this matter.

"I was ordered to prostrate on seven parts and not to fold clothes and not to coil
hair." (Sihah Sittah) "I was ordered not to fold clothes and not to coil hair." (Bukhari
& Muslim) "To fold (gather or lift) clothes for Salaah is Makrooh." (Quoted in most
Kitaabs)

"To fold clothes in Salaah or to lift clothes with both hands from front or back at the
time of sajdah with a small action is Makrooh or to enter (Salaah) Salaah with folded
clothes is Makrooh." (Ghoonyha- quoted in Fatawa Razvia)

To read Salaah with folded clothes is Makrooh Tahrimee (necessary to repeat the
Salaah) and to read Salaah with pants hanging over the ankle and below the ankle is
Makrooh Tanzeehi (not necessary to repeat the Salaah).

It is not necessary to repeat the Salaah as A'la Hadrat, Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat (radi
Allahu anhu) has stated in "Fatawa Razvia," Vol.3: "To leave the pants hanging
below the ankle with pride is Haraam and to perform Salaah with this intention is
Makrooh Tahrimee, otherwise it is Makrooh Tanzeehi."

THE EASY WAY TO PERFORM SALAAH THAT ONE HAS MISSED OF THE PAST
AGE

It is compulsory upon each and every adult Muslim male and female to perform
Salaah. If a person started performing Salaah after a few years of his or her adult
age, the balance of the Salaah due is compulsory upon him or her. For example: If
Abdullah has become an adult at the age of 14, but at the age of 20 he started
reading his Salaah, the balance of 6 years of Salaah is due on him. If the person
does not remember the date of his adulthood, that person should consider 12 years
as being their adult age. According to Islamic Fiqah, boys become adults at the age
of 14 years.

If the female does not know when her adult age is, she can consider 9 years as being
her adult age. Over and above she can further reduce her days by considering her
monthly course period. Salaah is not compulsory in this time. In this way she can
perform the balance of the Salaah that she had missed.

Each and every person should perform the balance of the Salaah immediately.
Nobody knows when death will come or sickness and other work necessary in life.
Salaah should be performed in time. Instead of performing Sunnat-e-Ghair-
Muakkidah and Nawaafil Salaah, it is essential to perform the Salaah that are due.
Instead of performing Nawaafil Salaah on important nights, it is better to perform
the Salaah that are due. One must have hope on Almighty Allah that we will benefit
from both the fard and Nawaafil Salaah together.

There are 20 Rakaahs of Fard Salaah in a day: Fajr (2), Zohar (4), Asr (4), Maghrib
(3), Esha (4) and Witr (3). These Salaah can be performed any time accept during
Zawaal, sunrise and sunset (During these period Salaah is Haraam). You should
perform all balance of Salaah quickly without laziness. Nawaafil will not be accepted
by Almighty Allah if the balance of the Salaah that have to be performed are still
due.

When you stand to perform your due Salaah, you must say that you are performing
the due Salaah for say, Fajr, for the sake of Allah, facing the Kaaba, Allahu-Akbar.
The same way for the other Fard and Witr Salaah. If a perform has a lot of balance
Salaah to be performed, then A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) has shown an easy
way:-

In the Fard Salaah, while performing the 3rd and 4th Rakaah, instead of reading the
Alhamdu Shareef, say Subhanallah 3 times and go for Ruku. This rule is only for the
3rd and 4th Rakaah of Fard Salaah. Witr must be performed fully.

While in Ruku and Sajdah, say only one time Subhana-Rabbi-al Azeem and Subhana-
Rabbi-al A'la, saying these words properly.

While performing the Fard and Witr Salaah, after the At-tahiyat, say only Durood.

During Witr Salaah, instead of reading the Dua-e-Qunoot, say 3 times Rabbigh
Firlee. (Fatawa Razvia, Vol.3, pages 621-2 & Al- Malfoozat Shareef, Vol.1, page 60-
1)

WHY DOES TARAWEEH HAVE TWENTY RAKAAH?

From the Ahadith, there is proof that Salaatul Taraweeh consists of 20 Rakaah of
which 8 Rakaah make up Salaatul Layl and not Salaatul Taraweeh. A specific point
shown to us by the Ulema is that the entire Quran consists of 540 Rukus. Hazrat
Uthman Ghani (radi Allahu anhu) used to perform 20 Rakaah of Taraweeh every
night in Ramadaan and with one Ruku recited for each Rakaah, the entire Quran
used to be completed by the 27th night of Ramadaan. Wherever Hazrat Uthman
Ghani (radi Allahu anhu) had stopped to make Ruku in Salaah, that stopping point
was marked in the Quran with a Ruku sign. This is proof that the Khulafa-e-
Rashideen performed 20 Rakaah of Taraweeh and that we have to follow the
example of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen (ridwanullahi ta'ala ajma'in).

ISLAMIC TERMS

There are certain Islamic Terms which you should remember and which will assist
you to understand facts better. These terms are:

1. ADAA-E-SALAAH: To perform Salaah in its correct time.

2. QADA: To perform Salaah after its appointed time has passed.
3. JAMAAH SALAAH: To perform Salaah with the congregation.
4. IMAAM: One who leads the Salaah or congregation.
5. MUQTADI: One who follows the Imaam.
6. MUDRIK: One who follows the Imaam from the start to the finish of a Salaah.
7. MASBOOK: One who joins the Jamaah anytime after the first Ruku.
8. LAAHIQ: One who joins the Salaah from the beginning and then misses one or
more Rakaah while in Salaah.
9. MUNFARID: One who reads the Salaah alone. 

KINDS OF RELIGIOUS ACTIONS

FARD:

Fard are those actions ordered by Almighty Allah and are compulsory. Anyone who
rejects or denies a Fard becomes out of the fold of Islam. If a person leaves out a
Fard without a valid excuse, then that person is a "Faasiq-e-Kabeer" or a great
sinner. For example, a person becomes a great sinner by leaving out the Fard Salaah
or not fasting in the Month of Ramadaan. 

FARD-E-KIFAAYAH:

Fard-e-Kifaayah are those actions which are compulsory, but if they are performed
by a few or a single Muslim, it ends the responsibility of other Muslims. For example,
attending the Salaatul Janazah and burial of the dead by a few Muslims removes the
responsibility from other Muslims. 

WAAJIB:

Waajib actions are those actions which are second to Fard. If a person leaves out a
Waajib action then that person commits a great sin. If a person rejects a Waajib
action, he or she does not become a Kaafir. For example, if a person leaves out the
Eid Salaah, Qurbaani or Sadqa-e-Fitr he or she does not become a Kaafir but is
committing a great sin. 

SUNNAH:

Sunnah are those actions which have been performed by Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). We should also try to follow these actions to get Thawaab. 

SUNNAT-E-MU"AKKIDAH:

Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah are those actions which have been performed by Sayyiduna

Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) regularly without a break. A person must
perform these actions regularly for, by neglecting these actions, he or she becomes a
sinner. For example, performing the two Sunnah of Fajar, or Taraweeh Salaah or
using the Miswaak during Wudu are actions that must be done regularly without a
break. 

SUNNAT-E-GHAIR MU'AKKIDAH:

Sunnat-e-Ghair Mu'akkidah are those actions which were performed by Sayyiduna

Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) with occasional breaks. For example, the
four Sunnah of Asar and Isha Salaah. 

NAFIL OR MUSTAHAB:

Nafil or Mustahab are those actions which are approved by Shariah (Islamic Law). A
person who performs these actions will receive Thawaab. If they are neglected then
it would not make up a sin. 

HARAAM:

Haraam actions are those actions that are clearly forbidden by Almighty Allah. If a
person rejects this prohibition, then he or she becomes a Kaafir. One who performs a
Haraam act is a great sinner. For example, it is Haraam to gamble, drink alcohol and
to eat pork. 

MAKROOH:
Makrooh actions are those actions disliked by Shariah. 

MAKROOH-E-TAHREEMI:

Makrooh-e-Tahreemi is an action that is close to Haraam and brings punishment to

those who do it. It must be avoided. 

MAKROOH-E-TANZEEHI:

Makrooh-e-Tanzeehi is such an action that if it is avoided brings Thawaab, but if the

action is carried out then there is no punishment.

WITR SALAAH

What is Witr Salaah?

1. Witr Salaah is Waajib.

2. There are 3 Rakaah in Witr Salaah.
3. Witr Salaah is read after Isha Salaah till "Subha Saadiq" dawn.
4. Witr Salaah cannot be read before the Fard of Isha Salaah.
5. In Ramadaan Witr Salaah is read with Jamaah.
6. It is Sunnah to read Surah A'ala in the first Rakaah, Surah Kaafirun in the second
Rakaah and Surah Ikhlaas (Ahad) in the third Rakaah.

How to Perform the Witr Salaah

1. Make the intention of 3 Rakaah Witr.

2. After the Attahiyaat of the second Rakaah, stand up for the third Rakaah.
3. After Surah Fatiha and any Surah in the third Rakaah, and before going for Ruku,
lift the hands up to the ears, saying "Allahu Akbar", and then fold them as usual.
4. Now, read Du'a-e-Qunoot. Refer to Hifz Syllabus.
5. After reciting this dua, go into Ruku and complete the Salaah.

SAJDAH SAHW

"Sajdah Sahw" are the 2 Sajdah that are performed at the end of the Salaah to
correct a mistake made during Salaah.

When does Sajdah Sahw become Waajib?

Sajdah Sahw becomes Waajib in the following instances:

1. When a person leaves out a Waajib.
2. When a person changes the sequence of a Waajib or Fard action.
3. When a person delays a Waajib or Fard act for the period that it takes to read
"Subhan Allah" 3 times.
4. When a person performs the Waajib or Fard act more than the required times, for
example, when a person reads the Attahiyaat twice.
5. When a person changes the nature of a Waajib act, for example, to read aloud
during the Fard Salaah of Asar and Zohar.
Other Rules Relating to Sajdah Sahw

1. In the case where Salaah is being performed with Jamaah and the Imaam makes
a mistake requiring him to make Sajdah Sahw, then the Jamaah will have to follow
the Imaam in Sajdah Sahw.
2. If a Muqtadi makes a mistake behind the Imaam, then no Sajdah Sahw is to be
performed.
3. Sajdah Sahw is only made once, even though more than one mistake may have
been made in that Salaah.

How to make Sajdah Sahw

After having read the Attahiyaat in the last Rakaah, make Salaam to the right only
and then perform the 2 Sajdah. After this, read the Attahiyaat, the Durood-e-
Ebrahim, the Dua and complete the Salaah with the Salaams.

JUMMAH SALAAH

Conditions for Jummah Salaah

There are certain conditions that a person must fulfil before Jummah Salaah
becomes compulsory. They are:
1. To be a male.
2. To be within the boundary of a town.
3. To be healthy (physically able to perform the Salaah).
4. The road to the Masjid should be safe.
5. Not to be physically handicapped, for example, being blind or cripple.

Sunnah Acts on the Day of Jummah

1. Make Ghusal (bath), trim nails and remove the unwanted hairs of the body.
2. Wear clean clothes. Of course, this should be done at all times.
3. Use sweet scent (I'tr) when going to the Masjid.
4. Try and read the following Surahs: Surah Kahf and Surah Dukhaan.
5. It is highly recommended that one reads the Salaatus Tasbeeh.
6. Read as much Durood Shareef as possible.
7. Make as much Du'a as possible.

The Jummah Salaah

1. The time for Jummah Salaah starts after Zawaal until the end of the Zohar Salaah
time.
2. After the first Azaan, read the 4 Rakaah Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah.
3. The Imaam normally gives a short lecture.
4. Then the two Khutbah are read. You should not speak, read Salaah or make Zikr
during the Khutbah. You should listen carefully to the Khutbah and face the Imaam.
5. After the Khutbah, 2 Rakaah Fard Salaah is read with Jamaah.
6. Thereafter, the following Salaah are read: 4 Rakaah Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah, 2
Rakaah Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah, and lastly, 2 Rakaah Nafil Salaah.
7. Since Jummah is not Waajib upon the females, they can read their Zohar Salaah
at home.
8. A person who misses his Jummah Salaah can perform his Zohar Salaah.
9. Nowadays, it is seen that many youngsters rush off from the Masjid immediately
after the Fard Salaah of Jummah. This is a great sin as they are leaving out the
Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
10. It is a great sin for a male not to go for Jummah Salaah without a valid excuse.
11. Avoid talking and making noise in the Wudu Khana and Masjid during the lecture
and the Khutbah.
12. Do not come late to the Masjid and miss out on listening to the Jummah
Khutbah. Many have the habit of just entering the Masjid before the end of the
Jummah Khutbah and rushing for the Fard Salaah. This is not a good practise.
13. It is of great benefit to recite the Salaatu Salaam (ie. send Salaams to Sayyiduna
Rasulullah sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) after the Jummah Salaah.

TARAWEEH SALAAH

1. Taraweeh Salaah is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah for both males and females during the
Month of Ramadaan.
2. Taraweeh Salaah consists of 20 Rakaah with Salaams after every 2 Rakaah.
3. After every 4 Rakaah, there is a short resting period, during which a Zikr and a
Du'a is read.
4. During Taraweeh, it is Sunnah to complete the entire Quran at least once.
5. To perform Taraweeh Salaah with Jamaah is Sunnat-e-Kifaayah.
6. Witr Salaah is read with Jamaah after the Taraweeh Salaah.

SALAATUL MAREED

1. If a person is sick and cannot stand and read Salaah, he or she may sit and read
Salaah. The head should be bent a little for Ruku and a little more for Sajdah.
2. If the person is very sick and cannot even sit up, then he or she may perform his
Salaah while lying on his back. The head should be placed on a high position and the
knees bent so that he or she will be able to bend the head a little for Ruku and a
little more for Sajdah. If his or her knees cannot bend, then the legs should be facing
straight towards the Qiblah.
3. If the person has been unconscious for less than 24 hours then he or she must
perform the Qadah Salaah. If the person has been unconscious for more than 24
hours or more than the time in which 6 Salaah could have been performed, then
there is no Qadah Salaah for that person.

SALAATUS SAFAR (QASR)

1 Muslims, with the intention of travelling 106 kilometres or more and intend staying
at their destination for less than 15 days, must shorten their Salaah.
2. The Fard of Zohr, Asar and Isha Salaah is shortened from 4 to 2 Rakaah.
3. The number of Rakaah in the Fard of Maghrib and Fajar Salaah will remain the
same and not be shortened.
4. The number of Rakaah in the Sunnah and Nafil Salaah (the other Salaah) will also
remain the same.
5. If the "Musaafir" or traveller is in a hurry, he can leave out the Nafil Salaah.
However, it is better that he performs it.
6. This shortening of Salaah on a journey is called "Qasr".
7. When the Musaafir reads behind an Imaam who is not a Musaafir, then the
Musaafir should follow the Imaam during the entire Salaah. He must not shorten his
Fard Salaah.
8. If the Imaam is a Musaafir, he should notify the Musallies before the Fard Salaah
that he is a Musaafir. What should the Musallies do? As soon as the Imaam
completes his Fard Salaah (Remember, that he has shortened his Salaah), and reads
the Salaam, the Musallies must stand up after hearing the first Salaam and complete
their last 2 Rakaah. The Musallies should not read Surah Fatiha in these last 2
Rakaah but remain silent as much as the time it takes to read Surah Fatiha. The
Musalli must then complete his Salaah with Salaams.

NAWAAFIL (NAFIL) SALAAH

Nawaafil Salaah, even though they are not obligatory, help Muslims to praise
Almighty Allah and increase Barakah. It also helps us to create a closer bond with
our Creator, Almighty Allah. Care should be taken that these Salaah are not
performed during the Makrooh times. 

Salaatut Tahajjud 

Salaatut Tahajjud can be read from Isha till Subha Saadiq (dawn). Four to 12
Rakaah can be read. One may read this Nafil Salaah as a 4 or as a 2 Rakaah Salaah
with Salaams after every 2 or 4 Rakaah. This Salaah is read after awakening from
sleep. 

Salaatul Ishraaq 

Salaatul Ishraaq can be read from about 20 minutes after sunrise till the time of
Salaatul Chaast. Two or 4 Rakaah of this Salaah can be read.

There is also great Barakah for one who reads this Salaah. 

Salaatul Chaast 

Salaatul Chaast can be read from the time when the sun has fully risen till the time
of Zawaal. About this Salaah, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has
said, "Whosoever reads 12 Rakaah of Salaatul Chaast, Almighty Allah will build for
him a place in Jannah." One may read 4 or 12 Rakaah in this Salaah. 

Salaatul Awwabeen 

It is reported in a Hadith that whosoever reads 6 Rakaah of Salaatul Awwabeen after

Maghrib without any talk will get Thawaab equal to 12 years of Ibaadah. Salaatul
Awwabeen is read from after Maghrib till Isha. One may read from 2 to 20 Rakaah in
this Salaah. 
Salaatul Tasbeeh 

It is reported that anyone who reads this Salaah will have all his or her sins wiped
out. Salaatul Tasbeeh can be read once every day, or every Friday, or once in a
month or once in a life time.

HOW TO READ SALAATUL TASBEEH:

a. Make the intention.

b. Read the Thana after the Takbeer-e-Tahreema (first Takbeer).
c. Read the third Kalimah 15 times: 
d. Read Surah Fatiha and any Surah. Then read the third Kalimah 10 times.
e. Go into Ruku. Read the Tasbeeh of Ruku and read the third Kalimah 10 times.
f. Stand up for the Qaumah and read the third Kalimah 10 times.
g. Go into the first Sajdah. After the Tasbeeh of Sajdah read the third Kalimah 10
times.
h. Sit in the Jalsa position after the first Sajdah and read the third Kalimah 10 times.

i. Go into the second Sajdah and after the Tasbeeh read the third Kalimah 10 times.
Note : This would complete the third Kalimah 75 times in each Rakaah. In this
manner, when you have read 4 Rakaah, you would have read the third Kalimah 300
times. It is better to read the Salaatul Tasbeeh before the Fard of Zohar, that is,
between the Sunnah and Fard of Zohar. However, if it is not possible, then you may
read it at any time. 

Salaatul Haajaat 

Salaatul Haajaat is a 2 or a 4 Rakaah Salaah which is read if one desires a special

favour or help from Almighty Allah. After this Salaah, one should read as much
Durood Shareef as possible and beg Almighty Allah for assistance. After the Surah
Fatiha in the first Rakaah, one should read the Ayaatul Kursi 3 times. In the second,
third and fourth Rakaah, one should the 3 Quls (Surah Ahad, Surah Falaq and Surah
Naas). If one is reading 2 Rakaah, then the 3 Quls should be read in the second
Rakaah. One can read any Du'a.

Salaatul Istikhaarah 

Salaatul Istikhaarah is read when one needs guidance on what action one needs to
take in a certain matter. One should read 2 Rakaah Salaah with the intention of
Istikhaarah. After completing the Salaah, one should read the following dua. When
one comes to the word "Haazal Amr", one should think about the reason he or she is
reading this Salaah. After reading this Salaah, one should go to sleep and await for a
sign. There should be no talking after the Du'a. It is better to read this Salaah for 3,
7, 9 or 11 nights. If one sees red or black colour in a dream, then it is a sign that
one should not do what one intends. If one sees green or white colour, then it is a
good sign for one to carry out ones intentions. 

Salaatul Istisqa 

Salaatul Istisqa is a Salaah for rain. The people get dressed in their old clothes and
offer 2 Rakaah Salaah with Jamaah outside the town.

After the Salaah, the Imaam reads a Khutbah and then makes a Du'a for rain.
Thereafter, the Imaam also changes his shawl inside out with the intention that the
weather will change for the best. 

Salaatul Kusoof and Salaatul Khusoof 

Salaatul Kusoof is that Salaah which is read at the time of the eclipse of the sun.

Salaatul Khusoof is read at the time of the eclipse of the moon. In Salaatul Kusoof 2
Rakaah are read. The Imaam reads softly. After the Salaah, a long dua is read
lasting till the moment the eclipse is over. In Salaatul Khusoof the 2 Rakaah of
Salaah are read individually by each person. Each person reads the Salaah aloud.
Thereafter, a Du'a is read. 

Tahiyatul Masjid Salaah 

This special Salaah consist of 2 Rakaah Sunnah which is read by a person on

entering a Masjid. It should be read before one sits in the Masjid. 

Tahiyatul Wudu Salaah

These are 2 Rakaah of Salaah which is read by a person after Wudu. 

SAJDAAH TILAAWAH

1. There are certain Ayah (Verses) of the Holy Quran, for which it becomes Waajib
upon a person to make Sajdah. This rule applies for both the reader and the listener.
However, if there is no one listening, then it is only Waajib upon the reader.
2. When reading any Sajdah Tilaawah verse, one should read the Takbeer, "Allahu
Akbar", and go into Sajdah. Only one Sajdah is made and the Takbeer is read in the
Sajdah.
3. It is Makrooh to delay making the Sajdah Tilaawah.
4. Most of the Holy Qurans have the word "Sajdah" written in the margin. This
enables the reader to identify the Ayaat-e-Sajdah.
5. It is also Makrooh to skip a Sajdah verse. In fact, there is much more Thawaab in
reading it.
6. If a person is sitting and reads many Sajdah Ayaah, then the person is required to
make only one Sajdah and not for each verse.
7. The fourteen verses (14) of the Holy Quran by which it becomes Waajib for one to
make Sajdah Tilaawah are:

a. Surah Araaf: verse 206

b. Surah Raad : verse 15
c. Surah Nahl : verse 50
d. Surah Bani Israeel : verse 109
e. Surah Mariam : verse 58
f. Surah Hajj : verse 18
g. Surah Furqaan : verse 60
h. Surah Naml : verse 26
i. Surah Sajdah : verse 15
j. Surah Saad : verse 25
k. Surah Haa Meem : verse 38
l. Surah Najm : verse 62
m. Surah Inshiqaaq : verse 21
n. Surah Alaq : verse 19

QADA SALAAH

1. Qada Salaah is Salaah that is made after the appointed time of that Salaah has
passed.
2. It is a great sin to intentionally delay reading Salaah from its actual time.
3. Qada Salaah should be made as soon as possible.
4. There is no Qada for the Sunnah or Nafil Salaah.
5. If a person misses his Salaah during a journey, then his Qada will also become a
Qasr Salaah if he is making the Qada of Zohar, Asar or Isha Salaah.
6. Qada has to be made for all Waajib and Fard Salaah.
7. Females, who have missed their Salaah due to Haiz and Nifaas, may not perform
the Qada of their missed Salaah.
8. If a person has missed many Salaah, then he or she may perform the Qada of
these Salaah according to the order he or she has chosen. One should also mention
before ones Salaah what Qada he or she is about to read.
9. If the Qada of that day's Fajar Salaah is read before Zawaal, then it is better for
the person to also read the Sunnah of the Fajar. 

MASBOOQ

1. If the Masbooq misses one Rakaah of any Salaah then he must not make
Salaam with the Imaam but stand up just after the Imaam's second Salaam. He
should then read the Thana, Ta'ooz, Tasmiyah, Surah Fatiha and another Sura, and
then complete the Salaah as normal. 

2. If the Masbooq misses 2 Rakaah of Fajar, Zohar, Asar, or Isha Salaah, then
he must stand up and read the Thana, Ta'ooz, Tasmiyah, Surah Fatiha and another
Surah for the first Rakaah. He must then go into Sajdah and after the second Sajdah
immediately come up for the second Rakaah. He must read Surah Fatiha followed by
another Surah and then complete the Salaah as normal. 

3. If the Masbooq misses 3 Rakaah of Zohar, Asar or Isha Salaah, then he

must stand up and read Thana, Ta'ooz, Tasmiyah, Surah Fatiha and another Surah.
He should then sit in Qoudah after the Sajdah and read Tashahhud. Then, he should
stand up for his second Rakaah and read Surah Fatiha and another Surah. After
completing the Sajdah, he should stand up for the third Rakaah and read only Surah
Fatiha and complete the Salaah as normal. 

4. If the Masbooq misses 2 Rakaah of Maghrib then he must stand up and read
Thana, Ta'ooz, Tasmiya, Surah Fatiha another Surah and after the 2 Sajdah, he
should sit and complete the Tashahhud. He should then rise for the second Rakaah,
read Surah Fatiha followed by another Surah and then complete the Salaah as
normal.

THE DAYS OF EID

Eid-ul-Fitr: Eid-ul-Fitr occurs on the 1st of Shawaal. It is a day of joy for those who
have kept Fast during the Blessed Month of Ramadaan.

Eid-ul-Adha: Eid-ul-Adha occurs on the 10th Zil-Hajj. It is a day when Qurbaani is

performed by all those who can afford it. Qurbaani is done to honour the Sunnah of
Sayyiduna Nabi Ebrahim (alaihis salaam) and Sayyiduna Nabi Isma'il (alaihis
salaam). On this day Almighty Allah commanded Sayyiduna Nabi Ebrahim (alaihis
salaam) to sacrifice his son, Sayyiduna Nabi Isma'il (alaihis salaam).

The Sunnah Actions on the Day of Eid

1. One should wake up early.

2. One should eat something before Eid Salaah on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
3. It is Mustahab for those who are sacrificing an animal not to eat anything on the
morning of Eid-ul-Adha till they sacrifice the animal and partake of the meat of the
sacrificed animal.
4. One should make Ghusal, wear new clothes and use Itr before going for Eid
Salaah.
5. One should give "Sadqa-e-Fitr" or charity before the Eid Salaah or a few days
earlier.
6. One should show happiness and give charity in abundance.
7. One should try and be as early as possible in the Masjid or Eid Gah (open ground
for performing Eid Salaah).
8. One should read the Takbeer softly while going to the Masjid or Eid Gah on the
day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
9. The Takbeer should be read loudly on the day of Eid-ul-Adha.
10. One should partake of the Qurbaani meat on Eid-ul-Adha.
11. It is preferable that one uses different routes in travelling to and from the Masjid
or Eid Gah.

The Time of Eid Salaah

1. The time of Eid Salaah begins just after sunrise and continues up to Zawaal.
2. No Nafil Salaah should be read before the Eid Salaah.
3. No Azaan or Iqaamah is given for Eid Salaah.

Method of Performing the Eid Salaah

1. Eid Salaah is Waajib. Both Eid Salaah consists of 2 Rakaah with Jamaah.
2. Make the Niyyah (intention) of reading 2 Rakaah behind the Imaam with 6 extra
Takbeers. Refer to Hifz Syllabus.
3. Read the first Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) with the Imaam and fold your hands as in
ordinary Salaah. Then read Thana.
4. The Imaam will then read two more Takbeers. For both these Takbeers, raise the
hands and leave them at the side.
5. The Imaam will then read the third Takbeer. Raise the hands and fold them.
6. The Imaam will then read Surah Fatiha and a Surah, and complete the first
Rakaah.
7. In the second rakaah, the Imaam will read the Surah Fatiha and a Surah. He will
then read 3 extra Takbeers. At each Takbeer you will raise the hands and leave them
at the side. After the fourth Takbeer, you must go into Ruku.
8. The rest of the Salaah follows.
The Eid Khutbah

1. The Khutbah of both the Eids is read after the Eid Salaah.
2. The Khutbah is Sunnah and it is Waajib to listen to them.
3. The Khutbah, which has two parts, is delivered by the Imaam.
4. There is a short break between the Khutbah.
5. During Khutbah, all talking or reading is forbidden.

The Difference Between Eid and Jummah Salaah

1. Jummah Salaah is Fard, while Eid Salaah is Waajib.

2. In Jummah, Khutbah is read before the Salaah, while in Eid, Khutbah is read after
the Salaah.
3. Jummah Salaah has no extra Takbeers, while Eid Salaah has six extra Takbeers.
4. Jummah Salaah has Azaan and Iqaamah, while Eid Salaah has no Azaan and
Iqaamah.
5. Jummah Salaah is performed after midday, while Eid Salaah is read before
midday.

SAUM BASICS

The Benefits of Saum 

1.Saum or Fasting is a great Blessing given to us by Almighty Allah.

2. Saum is the fourth pillar of Islam.
3. Saum helps us not only to keep away from food and drink but also helps us to
develop the qualities of self-control. This is one of the main objectives of Fasting.
4. By being "hungry" throughout the entire day, we are able to understand the plight
of the poor and hungry and be more sympathetic towards them.
5. Saum helps build in us "Taqwa" or piety, a quality that makes us have Fear for
Almighty Allah.
6. When we Fast we avoid speaking lies, speaking bad about others, laughing at
others, keeping bad intentions and thoughts in our hearts, avoid being miserly, and
keeps us in check with all the bad elements of our character.
7. The Month of Ramadaan is a spiritual training ground for the Muslim community.
8. Fasting helps us to build up a good character so that Almighty Allah is pleased
with us and will reward us.
9. Fasting also has numerous medical benefits.
10. During the Blessed Month of Ramadaan, a Muslim has the chance of seeking
Almighty Allah's great Mercy in the special night of "Laylatul Qadr" or the Night of
Power.
11. The Taraweeh Salaah, which is performed after the Isha Salaah, helps to
increases Islamic Brotherhood and the sense of true Ibaadah. 

The Position of Saum 

Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quran: "O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed to
you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may learn self-restraint."
(2:183) 
1. Fasting in the Month of Ramadaan is Fard upon every Muslim male and female,
who are Muqeems and are physically fit.
2. Fasting not only means to stay away from all food and drink, but also from all
sinful activities from dawn till sunset.
3. It is necessary to make the Niyyah of Fasting before Fasting. The Niyyah can be
said with words or made in one's heart.
4. If a person forgets to make the Niyyah at the time of keeping Fast, then he or she
should make the Niyyah before Zawaal.
5. It is also a great Sunnah to make the Sehri in the morning. 

Types of Fast 

1. FARD - This is to Fast in the Month of Ramadaan.

2. WAAJIB - To keep Fast for the fulfilment of a vow or oath.
3. SUNNAH - To keep Fast during the 9th and 10th of Muharram, the 9th of Zil-Hajj,
and the 13th, 14th and 15th of every Islamic month.
4. MUSTAHAB - To fast during any 6 days of Shawaal, the 15th of Shabaan, and to
fast every Monday and Thursday.
5. MAKROOH - For a wife to keep Nafil Fast without the permission of her husband.
6. HARAAM - To keep Fast during both the Eids, and the 11th, 12th and 13th of Zil-
Hajj. 

Persons Excused from Fasting 

1. A Traveller
2. A very sick person.
3. A pregnant woman.
4. A women who is breast-feeding her child.
5. Women who have their monthly sickness or who have just given birth. 

Sunnah acts during fasting and in the Month of Ramadaan 

1. To partake of Sehri before the Subha Saadiq (break of dawn).

2. To make Sehri at the last part of the Subha Saadiq.
3. To break Fast immediately after sunset.
4. To perform Taraweeh Salaah at night.
5. To increase the recitation of the Holy Quran.
6. To observe I'tikaaf (Seclusion) during the last 10 days of Ramadaan.

Makrooh acts during Fasting 

1. To chew gum, rubber, plastic or other substances.

2. To taste food. If a woman fears that her husband will not be satisfied with her
cooking, then she may taste the food making sure that nothing goes down her
throat.
3. To collect saliva in one's mouth with the intention of swallowing a mouthful so that
one is able to quench one's thirst.
4. To delay Fard Ghusal till after Sehri without any excuse.
5. To complain of hunger and thirst.
6. To use bad languages, fight, tell lies, and do all sorts of bad things. These are also
very sinful acts even when a person is not Fasting.

Qaza Saum 
Fasting breaks if a person has done one or more of the following acts. The person
will have to keep the Fast again as a Qaza Fast. What are the acts that break the
fast? 
1. To let water down the throat while fasting.
2. To vomit intentionally.
3. To eat or drink in error and to continue to eat or drink when one realizes that one
is fasting.
4. To prolong the Sehri after the Subha Saadiq.
5. To open Fast before the actual time of Iftaar.
6. To put oil (or any liquid), which reaches the stomach, in the ear or nostril. 

Kaffarah 

If a person deliberately or intentionally breaks his or her Fast by eating or drinking,

then he or she must observe Kaffarah. This means that he or she must pay penalty
for the fast that has been broken. How can this be done? 
1. One has to fast continuously for 60 days.
2. One can feed 60 people two proper meals.
3. One can feed one poor person 2 proper meals per day for 60 days.
4. One can give the poor 1 kg and 700 g of wheat or its value in cash or kind per
person to 60 poor people. 

Fidya 

Any person who cannot fast because of old age or some serious illness, for which
there is no cure, should give Fidya for every Fast that they have missed. "Fidya" is
also a type of penalty for missing a Fast. The amount that should be given as Fidya
is as follows : 
1 One kg and 700 g of wheat or its value.
2 Two meals or its value. 
Any one of these two should be given to a poor person. Please note that the amounts
stated above is per Fast. So if a person has missed 30 Fasts, then any one of the
above provision that a person wishes to give, should be multiplied by 30! 

SAUM ( A Few short Articles)

ITS MEANING AND IMPLICATION

Prior to the creation of man, it was envisaged by the Angels that mischief making
and rebellion would be part and parcel of man's nature. Very remarkably, the
Supreme Creator Allah did not rebut this cry of the Angels, but instead only
answered with the caution of, "Certainly, I know what you do not know."

Thus, history testifies that Messengers of Allah (alaihimus salaam) have been sent to
every nation upon the face of the earth, and this is also confirmed in the Glorious
Quran, the purpose of which is for the physical, moral and spiritual enlightment of
man. One of the tenets of the final Scripture, the Holy Quran, and a Command of
Almighty Allah is "Fasting" - an institution which is generally accepted as a means of
subjugation of man's baser self, and helping him to be more moral and earning
spiritual advancement.
The Divine decree of Fasting is a universal enjoyment. The Encyclopedia Britannica
says: "It would be difficult to name any religious system in which it (fasting) is
wholly unrecognised." The Bible tells us that the Prophet Isa (alaihis salaam) and
Prophet Musa (alaihis salaam) fasted for full 40 days. Gautham Budda fasted until he
was actually reduced to skin and bones, as can be ascertained from his statues. And
for a surety, all spiritual luminaries cannot omit this indispensable essential pillar for
the physical, moral and spiritual purification of their respective adherents.

Why is it, that mankind must undergo this gruelling task of Fasting? The Holy Quran
furnishes this reason: "That you may guard against evil." (2: 183) This is the special
beauty of the Divine Command - it plainly spells the most significant importance of
the Ramadaan fast. Evil, as we see today, circumscribes the very foundation of
man's character and the society where he lives.

Today's rational, scientific and modern man is living in a world that is seething with
indescribable crimes and rampant acts of unrighteousness. Various man-formulated
deterrents and laws which have been enacted to conquer evils, have absolutely
failed. A proof of this lies in the numerous courts of laws that conduct cases of
diverse crimes and injustices every day; and also the cells of prisons are clear signs
that man-made laws have had very little effect or no effect for the curbing of sins
and other evils.

Today, we notice that evils such as gambling, prostitution, alcohol, and a host of
others have been legitimised by certain Governments. Yet there is a hue and cry at
the consequences of these and many other evils which are made legally permissible.
Since it is now indisputable that man-orientated cure for evils are ineffective and
impotent, it thus necessitates the intervention of the Divine hand. Fasting now plays
the role as the firmest reign for the control of the widespread, sin-plagued humanity.

Man and animal share the same physical characteristics and physique. But since
animals are not gifted with the faculties of speech, reason, understanding, choice,
etc. man emerges as the higher creation. In fact, man is Allah's Khalifa
(representative) on earth. When man becomes oblivious of his higher objective,
when he is indifferent to the Commandments of Allah and his duties as a Muslim, he
is likened to an animal. He confines his energies and aspirations within the
boundaries of his life, and ponders not on the life hereafter.

Like the physical animal, his object is just to live for this material world. Eating,
drinking, sleeping, multiplying, etc. become the "be all" and "end all" of his life, too.
What difference is there now between the animal and the "modern," "rational" and
"intellectual" man? It is this animal in man that has to be subjugated before man can
reveal his true identity.

Our studies of animals would show that they can only be tamed when deprived of
food, drink and sensual desires for a limited period of time. You can confirm this
from a zoologist. So is it with man: depriving him of these intrinsic daily
requirements for well over 12 hours daily for an entire month, may undoubtedly
bring about a spiritual transformation within, when his animal desires are tamed and
this ultimately result in his magnetic affiliation with the Divine Being.

Almost every man, with the exception of Prophets and spiritual luminaries, have the
tint of the animal characteristics within him. But many, with Allah's Help, do control
it. The desire to amass more and more wealth (lawfully or unlawfully), injuring our
fellow human beings, and a host of other vices which we are lured to, display the
animal instinct within humans.

The Holy Quran says: "Look at him who takes his desires for his god" - a practical
Divine observation of man's character. As can be seen, the object of Fasting is to
help us become masters of our passions and materialistic cravings, and becoming
alive to the need of others, instead of us being slaves to them. We must aspire and
work to become that "Mutaqqi" (pious through Allah-consciousness) - with whom
Allah is pleased with. This goal can only be achieved if we fully comprehend the true
implications of our fasting during the month of Ramadaan.

RAMADAAN

O peopIe, there comes upon you a great month, a most blessed month, in which lies
a night greater in worth than one thousand months. Allah has made compulsory
Fasting in this month and has decreed wakefulness at night (i.e. Taraweeh) Sunnah.
Whosoever tries drawing nearer to Allah by performing any Nafl (optional) deed in
this month, for him shall be such reward as if he performed a Fardh in any other
time of the year. And whosoever performs a Fardh, for him shall be the reward of
seventy Fardh in any other time of the year. This is indeed the month of patience,
and the reward for true patience is Jannah; it is the month of sympathy with one's
fellowmen; it is the month wherein believer's Rizq (provision) is increased.

The month of Ramadhaan, the month of blessings has come to you wherein Allah
turns towards you and sends down to you this special Mercy, forgives your faults,
accepts prayers, appreciates your competition for the greatest good and boasts to
the Angels about you. So show to Allah your righteousness; for verily, the most
pitiable and unfortunate one is he who is deprived of Allah's Mercy in this month.
(Tabraani)

The Doors of Jannah are opened up on the first night of Ramadhaan. Not a single
door is closed until the last night of Ramadaan. (Bayhaqi)

And in this month, four things you should endeavor to perform in great number; two
of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without
which you cannot make do. Those which shall be to please your Lord, are that you
should in great quantitv recite the Kalimah Tayyibah, "Laa ilaaha illallah", and make
much "Istighfaar" (beg Allah's forgiveness). And as for those, without which you
cannot make do, you should beg Allah for entry into Jannah and seek refuge with
Him from the Fire of Jahannam. (Ibne Khuzaymah)

When the month of Ramadaan comes, the Doors of Jannah are thrown open and the
Doors of Jahannam are closed and the Shayateen are chained up. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Suhoor (Sehri)

1. Verily, Allah and His angels send mercy upon those who eat Suhoor. (Tabraani)
2. Eat Suhoor because in Suhoor lies Barakah. (Mishkaat)

Days of Ramadaan

1. Ther fishes in the sea seek forgiveness for those fasting until they break their fast.
Allah decorates His Jannah every day and then says, "The time is near when My
pious servants shall cast aside the great trials and come to me." (Ahmad)
2. During each day and night of Ramadaan, Allah sets free great number of souls
from Hell. And for every Muslim, during each day and night, at least one Du?a is
certainly accepted. (Bazzaaz)

Sawm (Fasting)

1. Sawm (Fasting) is a shield, as long as he (the fasting person) does not tear it up.
(Nisaai)
Note: Fasting is a protection from Shaytaan or from Allah's punishment in the
Hereafter. One who indulges in sins whilst fasting such as lies, backbiting, etc., they
become the cause of the fast becoming wasted.
2. All good deeds are for the one who renders them, but Fasting is exclusively for me
(Allah). (Bukhari)
3. Fasting is a shield and a powerful fortress. (Ahmad, Bayhaqi)
4. I swear by that Being in Whose possession is the life of Muhammad! The odour of
the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.
(Bukhari)
5. Fasting is exclusively for Allah, the reward of it (being limitless) no one knows
besides Allah. (Tabraani)

Iftaar

1. Whosoever gives something to a fasting person in order to break the fast, for him
there shall be forgiveness for his sins and emancipation from the Fire of Jahannam;
and for him (the one who gives) shall be the same reward as for him (whom he fed),
without that person?s (the one who was fed) reward being diminished in the least.
(Ibne Khuzayrnah, Bayhaqi)
2. Whoever gave a person, who fasted, water to drink, Allah shall give him a drink
from my Fountain where after he shall never again feel thirsty until he enters
Jannah. (Ibne Khuzaymah)
3. The fasting person experiences two (occasions) of delight: at the time of Iftaar
and at the time he will meet his Rabb. (Bukhari)
4. Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is
rejected. (lbne Maajah)

Nights of Ramadaan

1. Whoever stands in prayer and worship in (the nights of) Ramadaan, with lmaan
and with sincere hope of gaining reward, his previous sins are forgiven. (Bukhari,
Muslim)
2. Allah Ta?ala has ordained Fasting in Ramadaan compulsory, I have decreed (by
the Command of Allah) wakefulness at night (that is Taraweeh, etc.) Sunnah.
Whoever in the state of Imaan and with the hope of gaining reward fasts in
Ramadaan and stays awake at night (Taraweeh), emerges from sin, purified as the
day when his mother gave birth to him. (Nisaai)
3. For every Salaat performed during the nights of Ramadaan (that is Taraweeh,
etc.) Allah Ta?ala records one and a half thousand goods deeds for every Sajdah
(prostration). (Bayhaqi)

I'tikaaf
1. It is related by Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhu) Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) observed I'tikaaf for ten days every year in the month of Ramadaan. In
the year he passed away, he observed it for twenty days. (Bukhari)
2. Those who observe (I 'tikaaf) are prevented from all sins and they obtain reward
as if they are rendering all good deeds. (Mishkaat)
3. He who observes the ten days of I'tikaaf during Ramadaan will obtain the reward
of two Hajj and two Umrah. (Bayhaqi)

Last Night of Ramadaan

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "On the last night of Ramadaan, the
fasting Muslims are forgiven". The Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum) inquired: "O
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), is that the Night of Power?" Nabi (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) replied, "No! But it is only right that a servant should be given
his reward having completed his duty." (Ahmad)

NOTE:

Muslim must scan the skies for the sighting of the moon for Ramadaan and for Eid
and convey the Shari? method of Shahaadat to the Ulama.

FASTING MERITS, RULES AND SUPPLICATIONMERITS:

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says: "O believers! Fastings have been made obligatory
upon you as were made before you, so that you may become pious." (2:183) Thus
the fastings were obligatory on Muslims and it became the third pillar of Islam.
Regarding merits of fastings there are so many Hadiths have been narrated, some of
them are being referred below:

Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (radi Allahu anhu) said that our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) said that he who keeps fast with belief and hope of getting blessings then
his forthcoming sins will be forgiven and he who believes and prays in the nights of
Ramadaan with the intention of getting blessings then his forthcoming sins will be
forgiven and he who believes and prays with the intention of getting blessings in the
night of Qadr, his forthcoming sins will be forgiven. (Bukhari & Muslim)

Sayyiduna Suhail bin Sa'ad (radi Allahu anhu) said that our Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) said that in Heaven there is a door which is called "RAYAN". On the
Day of Judgment (Qiyamah) only the people who observed fastings will enter into
Heaven through this door. Nobody other than those mentioned will enter. A call will
be made, where are those who used to keep fasts? Then the people of fasting will
stand up and enter into Heaven and then the door would be closed and none could
be able to enter through this. (Muslim)

Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (radi Allahu anhu) said that I have heard our Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) saying that Allah says: All the deeds other than fasts are for
the men himself but fastings is for Me and I only will give reward for that. I swear by
Who has Power on my Soul that the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is
better than the smell of "Musk" scent. (Muslim)

RULES:

1. For every day's fasting, intention must be done before the time of "Zawaal" or
(Nisf un Nahar Sharayee).
2. Intention for fasting need not be pronounced, only intention by heart is sufficient
but it is better to pronounce the words. (Bahare Shari?at, part 5)
3. Eating by mistake does not break the fasting, putting oil in your hair or putting
black powder in the eyes and entering a fly in the mouth or smoke or dust of flour do
not break the fasting. Gargling the mouth and throwing out the water then
swallowing the wetness in the mouth and entering water in the ear does not break
the fasting. If you cough and swallow the spit of any quantity does not break the
fasting. Nightfall and backbiting also does not break the fast although backbiting is a
great sin. Similarly, if you are fasting but did not took bath after sex then it will not
break the fast although to remain without bath (Ghusl) for whole day is Haraam. If
your lips become wet with your saliva and are then swallowed, Fast will not break.
(Bahare Shari?at, part 5)
4. If you were gargling, the water went inside without intention or the water went up
inside the nose or putting oil in the ear or putting drops inside the nose breaks the
fasting if you remember that you are fasting.
5. Intentionally mouthful of vomiting breaks the fast if you remember that you are
fasting, if it is less than mouthful vomiting then fasting did not break.
6. If you vomitted unintentionally but if it is less than a mouthful, then fasting did
not break but if it is mouthful and you swallowed it back, then it did break the
fasting.
7. If tears entered in the mouth and if they are more than one or two drops and you
felt the salty taste in the whole mouth then it did break the fasting.
8. If you spit on your hand and then swallow your spit or swallow somebody's spit
then it did break the fasting.
9. Drinking water or eating while sleeping breaks the fasting.
10. Kissing, touching and having sex with your wife leadinq to discharqe breaks the
fasts.
11. Normally eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or beetle-leaves breaks the
fasts if you remember that you are observing fast. (Bahare Shari?at, part 5)
12. To break the Ramadaan fasts intentionally is punishable by a fine. For breaking
every Ramadaan fast intentionally - as a fine one has to keep 60 days continuous
fasting. If it is not possible, then pay for the release of one slave for each fast. If this
is not possible, then provide food for 60 poor men twice daily. (Qanoon-e-Shari?at,
part 1)
13. Lying, backbiting, ugly words, dirty talking and giving trouble to others makes
fasting Makrooh (less blessings). Collecting saliva in your mouth and then swallowing
it also makes fasting Makrooh. Delay in Sehri (eating before daybreak) is permissible
but delaying up to the point of daybreak is Makrooh. (Bahare Shari?at, part 5)
14. Cleaning your teeth with Miswak (a stick to dean the teeth) in fasting is not
Makrooh. (Bahare Shari?at, part 5)

WHO IS EXEMPTED FROM FASTING:

In the following conditions, not to keep fasts is permitted, but one will have to keep
them after Ramadaan month:
1. If one is on a journey, and if that journey is at least 92 Kilometers (57.5 miles)
long.
2. Pregnant and breast-feeding women when she is concerned about the health of
herself or the baby.
3. If a person is sick and he is concerned that the disease will get worst or will take
longer time to cure or a healthy person, if he is sure to get sick.
4. Ladies having child birth and menstruation period. (Bahare Shari?at, part 5)
5. A person is so old who is not capable of fasting nor he can hope of repeating the
missed fasting then he should pay "Fidya" a fixed amount per day. That is to feed a
poor twice for each fasting or give Sadaqa equivalent to Sadaqa Fitr. (Bahare Shari?
at, part 5)

SUPPLICATIONS:

1. Du?a for Fasting: Allahumma asumu ghadal laka faghfirli ma qadamtu wama
akhartu. Or Wabi saumi ghadin nawatu min Shahri Ramadaan.
2. Du?a when breaking Fast: Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alaika
tawakkaltu wa alaa rizqika aftartu fataqabal minni ma qaddamtu wama akhartu.
3. Supplication for Taraweeh: Sub Hana Zil Mulki Wal Malakoot. Sub Hana Zil Eizzati
Wal Azmati Wal Haibati Wal Qudrati Wal Kibreeyai Wal Jabaroot. Sub Hanal Malikil
Hayyillazi La Yanamu Wala Yamoot Subbuhun Quddusun Rabbuna Wa Rabbul
Malaaikati War?rooh. Allahumma Ajirna Minannari Ya Mujeeru Ya Mujeeru Ya Mujeer.

LAYLATUL QADR ? THE NIGHT OF POWER

The month of Ramadan enjoys a intrinsic superiority over all other months of the
year. It has a night better than thousand months according to the Qur'an:
"Undoubtedly, we sent it down in the blessed and valuable night. And what you
know, what the blessed night is? The blessed and valuable night is better than a
thousand months. Therein descend angels and Jibrail (the Spirit) by the command of
their Lord for every affair. That is all peace till the rising of the dawn." (Surah Qadr)

About the reason of revelation of this verse, it has been narrated by our Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that one day he talked to his Companions about a
person of a past nation and informed them that he spent a thousand months praying
the whole night and doing Jihad all day. So his companions felt very sorry that due
to their short life they cannot get that status. Then Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala
revealed this verse (Surah) and informed Muslims that though you have not been
given long lives yet by praying on the Night of Power you can get the rewards more
than a person praying one thousand months.

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) also described several times the significant
values of this night: Sayyiduna Anas bin Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that this month (Ramadaan) has
approached to you, a night of this month is better than thousand months. One who
failed to get the blessings of this is failed to get any blessings. And no one is failed
but he who is truly disappointed. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala promissed forgiveness
to the praying persons in this blessed night: Abu Huraira (radi Allahu anhu) reported
that our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that one who prays in this night
with Imaan and with the intention of getting blessings will be forgiven. Anas bin
Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) reported that our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
said that at the Night of Power, Jibrael (alaihis salaam) came down with a group of
angels and prayed for mercy for the bondsman who is engaged in the worship of
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sitting or standing.

How to find out Laylatul Qadr:

It is narrated by Sayyiduna Aisha (radi Allahu anha) that the Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) said: "Seek the Night of Power in the odd nights of the last ten days
of Ramadan". This Hadith shows that the Night of Power falls on one of the odd
nights of last ten days that is 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29 th night. But we have
some other indications from the companions of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) and Muhaddhiseen, that this should be the night of 27th of
Ramadaan.Due to this it seems a general consensus among the Islamic Scholars
towards the 27th night. However, it is better to keep vigil during all odd nights of last
ten days to get the blessings of this precious night. The Du?a to be read during this
night is "Allahumma innaka afuwuh tuhibbul afwa fa?fu anni". This Du?as was taught
to Sayyiduna Ayesha Siddiqa (radi Allahu anha) by the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) himself.

HOW SHOULD A MUSLIM OBSERVE EID-UL-FITR

Eid-ul-Fitr refers to the festival after completion of fasting in the Month of

Ramadaan. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on the 1st of Shawaal, which is the
10th month of the Islamic calendar. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is a manner of showing
appreciation and gratitude to Almighty Allah for all that He has bestowed upon us.

Muslims are very glad to receive the Eid following a month of fasting to perform a
sacred duty prescribed upon them. In this month, Muslims entered a state of purity
and spiritual worship to seek the mercy and forgiveness of Almighty Allah.

People had during the month of Ramadaan exercised an unusual level of restraint
and self-control to defy temptations and achieve victory over shaitaan. The spirit of
social unity, sympathy, love and true affections prevailed throughout the entire
month of Ramadaan. Muslims helped the poor in distress, showed love to the
unfortunate, stayed up at night for prayers and fasted during the day. They hope
that all the spiritual strength which they gained through prayer, contemplation and
fasting will assist them to lead a good life and enter Jannah. Where do we go from
here? What should now be our objective in life?

The benefits from this one month of fasting, should also be apparent in the other
eleven months of the year. In other words, Muslims should show kindness, modesty,
patience in times of difficulties and gratefulness when gaining the blessings of
Almighty Allah. Not only should we show all these good qualities, but we should also
abstain from all evils, such as jealousy, hatred, etc. Those Muslims who exercise
self-control and patience are the pious ones that gain Allah's favour. We should try
our best to build good relations with fellow Muslims. We should show gratitude, pity
and love. In doing so, the Muslim world would be an embodiment of virtue and good
morals, and stand out as an example to people of other faiths. It is a necessity in the
trouble-filled world that we live in, for people to exercise self-restraint, patience and
a deep sense of human understanding in order to alleviate the human misery that we
see today and bring about the greatly needed peace that we desire. Last but not
least, we should try to rejuvenate the enthusiasm to serve humanity.

Now that the month of Ramadaan is over we should understand that while our
spiritual well-being is constantly under threat, a return to a life of greater devotion
and prayer is the only foundation which the human race can build on for the future.
In Islam lies total salvation, despite the state of Muslims today, to those wishing to
take advantage of it as a remedy for the ills of the world.

On the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims throughout the world perform the traditional
Eid Salaah, which is Waajib upon all Muslims. It is not permissible to miss the Eid
prayer without any valid reason. With the exception of performing the Eid Prayer,
there are also various actions which are desirable on the day of Eid. These are:

1. to trim the hair and nails,

2. to perform the Ghusl (Ceremonial Bath),
3. to use the Miswaak (special toothbrush),
4. to wear (if affordable) or good clean clothing, to wear a ring (for men - a silver
ring with one stone), and to use Ittar (Perfume),
5. to perform the Fajr Salaah (morning prayer) in the nearest Mosque of your area,
6. to leave early to perform the Eid Salaah,
7. to give the Sadqa-e-Fitr (Eid-ul-Fitr Charity) before the Eid Salaah,
8. to go by foot (if possible) for the Eid Salaah, and return home in another route,
9. to eat a few dates (preferably an odd number) or something sweet before going
for Eid Salaah, and
10. to show happiness and gratification, to give charity in abundance, to walk
modestly towards the Eid gathering, and to
11. wish and congratulate one another after the Eid Prayer.

As much as Eid is a time of rejoicing, it is also a time of giving and sharing with
those less fortunate than yourself. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
would always be the first to congratulate the poor and the orphans. We should also
try to be as kind as possible on this day to our fellow Muslims. The Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated, "Smiling in the face of your brother is
Charity." 

I’TIKAAF

1. I'tikaaf means to seclude oneself in the Masjid for the Ibaadah of Almighty Allah.
2. The person who performs the I'tikaaf is called the "Mu'takif."
3. It is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah to observe I'tikaaf during the last 10 days of
Ramadaan.
4. I'tikaaf begins from sunset of the 20th of Ramadaan and ends with the sighting of
the Eid moon.
5. Women should observe I'tikaaf in their homes at the place where they normally
read their Salaah.
6. Some of the many benefits that are to be gained by performing the I'tikaaf are:
6.1 A person in I'tikaaf keeps away from worldly affairs and many sinful deeds.
6.2 A person is able to devote all his or her time in Ibaadah and, thereby, increase in
Taqwa (piety).
7. The Muslim who performs the I'tikaaf must be sane, mature and in a state of
Tahaarah (cleanliness).
8. I'tikaaf should be performed in a Masjid where the 5 daily Salaah is performed
with Jamaah.
9. While in I'tikaaf, a person should occupy himself in Zikr, Nafil Salaah, recitation of
the Holy Quran, learning and teaching Islamic knowledge.
10. The person must not indulge in worldly affairs or talks.
11. Leaving the Masjid without any valid reason will break the
I'tikaaf.                                                                                                               
12. One of the main purposes of the I'tikaaf is also to seek the Night of Qadr
(Power). 

LAYLATUL QADR – THE NIGHT OF POWER

1. Laylatul Qadr is to be found amongst the last 5 odd nights of Ramadaan, that is,
from the 21st till the 29th night.
2. However, it is generally regarded to be the 27th night of the Month of Ramadaan.
3. It is on this night that the Holy Quran was revealed to Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) while he was in the Cave of Hira.
4. One should spend the entire night or a large part of the night in Ibaadah as there
is abundance of Thawaab to be gained.
5. Almighty Allah states that the Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months.
6. On this night, Almighty Allah orders Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam) and His
Angels to travel throughout the world to make dua for those who are busy in
Ibaadah.
7. This blessing of Laylatul Qadr lasts till the rising of dawn.
8. We must also remember that Laylatul Qadr can be any of the nights of the 21th,
23th, 25th, 27th or the 29th of Ramadaan. These nights should also be spent in
Ibaadah.

SADAQAH-E-FITR

1. Sadaqah-e-Fitr is compulsory upon all Muslim men and women who are "Saahib-
e-Nisaab". This means that it is compulsory for those that have a little extra money
which is kept aside as savings.
2. It is Sunnah to give the Sadaqah-e-Fitr before the Eid-ul-Fitr Salaah or a few days
earlier.
3. An adult should give Sadaqah-e-Fitr for himself as well as for his children who are
not able to afford the Sadaqah-e-Fitr.
4. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: "A person's fast
remains hanging in between the Heavens and Earth, till the time the Sadaqah-e-Fitr
is given."
5. The amount of Sadaqah-e-Fitr is equal to the value of 1kg 700 g of wheat.
6. This amount can also be given in cash or kind. The amount is about R20.00
(Calculated in the year 2003. Find out the new amount each year!)
7. If the woman of the house is Saahib-e-Nisaab, then it is Waajib upon her to give
Sadaqah-e-Fitr herself. In this case, it is not Waajib upon the man or the husband to
give Sadqa for his wife or female family member. 

ZAKAAH – BASICS

1. Sadaqah-e-Fitr is compulsory upon all Muslim men and women who are "Saahib-
e-Nisaab". This means that it is compulsory for those that have a little extra money
which is kept aside as savings.
2. It is Sunnah to give the Sadaqah-e-Fitr before the Eid-ul-Fitr Salaah or a few days
earlier.
3. An adult should give Sadaqah-e-Fitr for himself as well as for his children who are
not able to afford the Sadaqah-e-Fitr.
4. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: "A person's fast
remains hanging in between the Heavens and Earth, till the time the Sadaqah-e-Fitr
is given."
5. The amount of Sadaqah-e-Fitr is equal to the value of 1kg 700 g of wheat.
6. This amount can also be given in cash or kind. The amount is about R20.00
(Calculated in the year 2003. Find out the new amount each year!)
7. If the woman of the house is Saahib-e-Nisaab, then it is Waajib upon her to give
Sadaqah-e-Fitr herself. In this case, it is not Waajib upon the man or the husband to
give Sadqa for his wife or female family member. 

ZAKAAH ( A Few short Articles )

VERSES FROM THE HOLY QURAN

 
Zakaah is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has been mentioned, along with daily
Prayers (Salaah), seventy times in the Qur'an. Allah's Word commanding "... and
establlsh regular Salaah and give regular Zakaah" are referred to in many parts of
the Qur'an. From this we can conclude that after Salaah, Zakaah is the most
important act in Islam.

The following are some verses from the Holy Qur'an and some Ahadith showing the
importance and benefits of Zakaah.

1. "The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain
of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases
manifold to whom He pleases." (al-Baqarah:261)
2. "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which
you love; and Allah knows well whatever you give". (Aal-i-lmran: 92)
3. "And nothing do you spend in the least (in His cause) but He replaces it, for He is
the Best of those who grant Sustenance." (Sabaa: 39)
4. "And let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts, which Allah has given
them of His Grace, think that it is good for them. No, it will be worse for them. Soon
shall the things, which they covetously withheld, be tied to their necks like a twisted
collar, on the Day of Judgment. To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the
earth. And Allah knows all that you do." (Aal-i-lmran: 180)
5. "Of their good take alms, so that you might purify and sanctify them ?" (Tauba:
103)

Ahadith-e-Mubarakah:

1. Sayyiduna Umar Farooq (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that our beloved Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that the loss of wealth that one suffers on land or
sea is due to not paying Zakaah. (Tibraani)
2. Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that our beloved Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) said that three persons would enter the Hell first. One of them, is
the person who does not give Allah's rightful share (Zakaah & Sadaqah) from his
wealth. (Ibn-e-Khazema & Habaan)
3. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that our beloved Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that wealth does not decrease when you give
Sadaqah; and Allah increases the esteem of the one who forgives other people's
mistakes; and Allah raises the status of the one who practices humbleness for His
sake. (Bukhari & Muslim)
4. Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that a man asked the Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) about a deed that would take him to Heaven. Our
beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) replied: Pray to Allah. Do not commit
Shirk (do not hold any partners with Him), keep performing Salaah, give Zakaah,
and be kind to everyone. (Riyad-us-Saliheen)
5. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Masu'd (radi Allahu anhu) has said that we were
commanded to perform Salaah and give Zakaah, and that Salah is not accepted of
the person who does not give Zakaah despite eligibility. (Tibraani)
6. Bazzaz narrated from Sayyiduna Alqamah (radi Allahu anhu) reporting that our
beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said that the completion of one's
Islam is dependent upon giving away Zakaah from one's wealth.

It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakaah the following benefits are derived:

1. Gain the pleasure of Allah,

2. Increase in wealth and protection from losses,
3. Allah's forgiveness and blessings,
4. Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death,
5. A shelter on the Day of Judgment,
6. Security from seventy misfortunes.

Just as Salaah is the most important act of worship, which has to be performed
bodily, so is Zakaah the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily.
Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and
Hereafter. Whoever evades Zakaah has been sternly warned in the Qur'an and
Hadith of the consequences.

Linguistically, Zakaah has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it

means to purify one's possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to
the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer.

There are many major benefits of giving Zakaah:

1. It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to
the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to His Commands.
2. Zakaah functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today
pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is
necessary to help them live decently.
3. The Zakaah payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a tof submission
and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakaah receives it as a grant
from Allah out of His bounty, a favour for which he is thankful to Allah.
4. Economically, Zakaah is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest
their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after
year at the rate of the payable Zakaah. This helps increase production and
stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand
by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.

Zakaah is obligatory upon a person if:

1. He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim.

2. He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding
his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are
termed article of personal needs).
3. It should be possessed for a complete lunar year.
4. It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such
as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc.

The amount of wealth, which makes one liable for Zakaah, is called Nisaab. The
Nisaab as fixed by Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is as follows:
1. Gold: 87.48 (grams) or 7.5 Tolas
2. Silver: 612.36 (grams) or 52.5 Tolas
3. Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold
or Silver.
4. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold,
silver, currency, etc. and if it is equal to or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as
specified in the above table, the Zakaah is due at the rate of 2.5%.
5. The payment of Zakast is compulsory on the excess wealth or effects which is
equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic
year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to
the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakaah then must be calculated
on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year.

TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAAH ARE IMPOSED:

1. Gold and silver, in any form

2. Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc.
3. Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab
4. Livestock
5. On income derived from rental business

CALCULATION OF ZAKAAH

1. To calculate Zakaah on jewelry, etc. one must first determine the gold or silver
content and then calculate the Zakaah according to current market price.
2. If the Gold possessed is less than 87.48 grams or if silver possessed is less then
612.36 grams, but the value of both combined is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab of
either Gold or Silver, the Zakaah will be due.
3. In the event of an article not being of pure gold or pure silver, but containing a
mixture of other metals and the gold or silver content is more than the other metal,
it will be regarded as gold or silver and Zakaah will be due. But in the case where
other metal/s is of greater quantity than either gold or silver, Zakaah will not be due
on this article.
4. For stocks (shares held in a company), Zakaah is calculated based upon the
current market value. As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings
etc. are exempt from Zakaah, one is allowed to subtract these from the total asset.
This could be obtained from annual reports. For example, if one has shares worth
R1000 and machinery, land etc., are worth 5% of the total asset, then deduct R50
for these assets, afterwards deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to
the percentage of shares held. Zakaah must be calculated on the balance.

DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAAH

1. Zakaah should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.

2. All of the Zakaah can be given to one person or to several persons.
3. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakaah nor can Zakaah be given in
payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to
collect Zakaah.
4. Zakaah will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for
example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakaah money, then Zakaah will
not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.
5. Zakaah cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well,
a bridge or any other public amenity.
6. Zakaah can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or
alternatively, it could be paid in cash.

TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAAH ARE NOT IMPOSED:

1. On any metals other than gold or silver.

2. Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is
used in running business.
3. Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi-precious stones, which are for personal
use.
4. There is no Zakaah on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan,
personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.
5. There is no Zakaah on a person whose liabilities exceeds or equals his assets.
Some Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the
Zakaah purpose.

RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAAH:

The recipients of Zakaah, according to Qur'an are as follows: "Alms are for the poor
and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose
hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt;
and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge
and Wisdom." (Qur'an 9:60)

1. FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but
do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.
2. MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are
forced to beg for their daily food rations.
3. AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakaah.
4. MU-ALLAFATU-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need
of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would
help strengthen their faith.
5. AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an
agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed
amounts.
6. AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth
or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this
debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.
7. FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has
become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to
complete that obligation.
8. IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey
do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be
given Zakaah in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.

PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAAH:

1. Zakaah cannot be given to the descendants of Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi

wasallam);
2. Zakaah cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one's
children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakaah.
3. A husband and wife cannot give Zakaah to each other.
4. Zakaah contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organizations who do
not give the rightful recipients possession of Zakaah, but instead use Zakaah funds
for constructions, investment or salaries.

THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAAH:

Allah says in the Qur'an: "And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not
spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on
the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then
with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be
said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the
treasure that you have been hoarding."

AQEEQAH

1. The word "Aqeeqah" in Arabic means, "the hair on the head of a new born child."
2. In Islamic Shariah, ( Islamic Law), Aqeeqah means to sacrifice an animal on the
seventh day after the birth of a child.
3. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has instructed us to give Azaan
in the right ear and Iqaamah in the left ear of a child that is newly born.
4. It is also Mustahab to name the child on the seventh day and to shave the child's
hair.
5. The Aqeeqah for a boy is 2 sheep or goats and for a girl, is one sheep or goat.
6. After the child's hair has been shaved, silver or its value in money should be given
in charity.
7. The meat of the Qurbaani can be eaten by all members of the family, friends and
relatives.
8. If one is not able to make Aqeeqah on the 7th day, then one is allowed to make
Aqeeqah when one is able to afford it.

FESTIVALS OF ISLAM

1. Youmul Aashurah: 10th of Muharram.

2. Laylatul Me'raj: 27th night of Rajab.
3. Laylatul Baraat: 15th night of Shabaan.
4. Laylatul Qadr: 27th night of Ramadaan.
5. Birth of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam): 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal.
6. Urs Shareef of Sultaanul Awliya, Shaikh Sayyid Abdul Qaader Jilaani (radi Allahu
anhu): 11th of Rabi-us-Saani and the 11th of every month.
7. Urs Shareef of Mujaddid-e-Deen-o-Millat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi
Allahu anhu): 25th Safar
8. Eid-ul-Adha: 10th of Zil Hajj
9. Eid-ul-Fitr: 1st of Shawaal
10. Urs Shareef of the Sahaba Ikraam and the Four Imaams Arba'in (radi Allahu
anhumul anjma'in).
11. Urs Shareef of Shaikh Sayed Khawja Mo'inuddeen Chisty Ajmeri (radi Allahu
anhu): 6th Rajab

and other dates which your Imam will bring to your attention.

HAJJ
The Importance of Hajj

1. Hajj or Pilgrimage to Makkatul Mukarramah is the fifth pillar of Islam.

2. It is a duty of a Muslim, who can afford it, to visit the Holy Kaaba in Makkatul
Mukarramah at least once in a lifetime.
3. Hajj became Fard on the Muslims in 9 A.H.
4. Hajj is actually a gathering for Muslims from all parts of the world to meet and
strengthen the ties of Islamic Brotherhood.
5. By putting on the Ihraam, a Muslim is made to think about death and leaving this
world with only a simple piece of cloth that he or she has to wear in the Qabar.
6. By making Hajj, a Muslim sacrifices his money and pleasure for the Sake of
Almighty Allah.

Upon whom is Hajj Fard?

Hajj is Fard upon :

1. An adult Muslim male or female.
2. One who is free from all debts.
3. One who is fit in body and in mind.
4. One who has enough money to cover all costs of the journey and be able to
support one's family while one is away.
5. One who is confident of travelling safely.
Note: Hajj is not Fard upon those women who do not have a "Mahram" to
accompany them. By "Mahram" is meant those people to whom it is Haraam for the
woman to marry.

The Faraa'id (Fard) of Hajj

1. The person must be in Ihraam.

2. One has to make Tawaaf around the Holy Kaaba after the Wuqoof at Arafaat and
Muzdalifa.
3. One has to be present at Arafaat on the 9th of Zil-Hajj.

Waajibaats of Hajj

A person is required to:

1. Make Sa'ee between Saffa and Marwa after the Tawaaf.
2. Stay in Muzdalifa for one night in the open space.
3. Throw stones at the three Jamraats on the 10th, 11th, 12th of Zil-Hajj. There is
great Thawaab if one also pelts (stones) the Jamraats on the 13th Zil-Hajj.
4. Shave or trim the hair after the Qurbaani.
5. Perform the Last Tawaaf (Tawaaf-e-Widaa), just before leaving Makkatul
Mukarramah.

What are the Miqaats

Miqaats are those places beyond which it is not permissable to cross without putting
on the Ihraam for all those who intend making the Hajj or Umrah.
There are 5 Miqaats:
1. Zul Hulaifa or Bir-e-Ali : For those coming from the side of Madinatul
Munawwarah.
2. Zaatul Iraq : For those coming from Iraq.
3. Jahfa or Rabigh : For those coming from Syria.
4. Qauran : For those coming from Najd.
5. Yalam lam : For those coming from India, Pakistan and Yemen (also South Africa).

The Five days of Hajj

1ST DAY - 8th Zil-Hajj : The people go to Mina from Makkatul Mukarramah in the
morning after wearing the Ihraam.
2ND DAY - 9th Zil-Hajj : The people arrive in Arafaat in the morning and continue
their Ibaadah. They also read their Zohar and Asar Salaah and leave for Muzdalifa
just before sunset.
3RD DAY - 10th Zil-Hajj : People stay in Muzdalifa for the night and read their
Maghrib and Isha Salaah together. They continue their Ibaadah the whole night. Just
after Fajar Salaah, they leave for Mina. They then make Qurbaani and stone the
Jamratul Uqbah. After Qurbaani, they trim or shave their hair and remove their
Ihraam for ordinary clothes. Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah is then made and Sa'ee between
Saffa and Marwa. They now return to Mina.
4TH DAY - 11th Zil-Hajj : The three Jamraats are stoned.
5TH DAY - 12th Zil-Hajj : The three Jamraats are stoned again. Before leaving
Makkatul Mukarramah, the Haaji will have to make the Farewell Tawaaf (Tawaaf-e-
Widaa).

NOTE : Muslims are also required to visit the Blessed Grave of Sayyiduna Rasulullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in Madinatul Munawwarah as well as other sacred
places. This can be done before or after the Hajj. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) has said: "One who visits my grave, is like one who has visited me
in my lifetime." "One who visits my grave, my Shafa'at becomes Waajib for him."

TALBIA

1. The Talbia is read by the person throughout the Hajj while in the state of Ihraam.
The Talbia is: "Here I am, O Lord, here I am. Here I am, you have no partner, here I
am. Surely, Praise, Blessings and the Kingdom are for You. You have no partner."
2. The Talbia stops immediately after pelting the Jamratul Uqbah (Big Shaytaan) on
the 10th of Zil-Hajj.

What is Umrah

1. Umrah, unlike Hajj, can be made anytime during the year, except during the 8th
till the 12th of Zil-Hajj.
2. A persons presence in Arafaat is not Fard during the Umrah.
3. No Qurbaani is required in Umrah.
4. In Umrah, Sa'ee between Saffa and Marwa and the Tawaaf of the Holy Kaaba is
Fard.

Actions not Permitted during Hajj

1. To kill or harm animals (including insects).

2. To use perfumes.
3. To break or uproot plants.
4. To hunt.
5. To marry or take part in a wedding.
6. To do anything dishonest or be arrogant.
7. To carry arms.
8. To cover the head (males).
9. To cover the face (females).
10. To wear sewn clothes.
11. To wear shoes covering the ankles.
12. To cut hair or clip nails.

Ayyaam-e-Tashreeq

1. "Ayyaam-e-Tashreeq" or "The Days of Praise" are those 5 days from the 9th till
the 13th of Zil-Hajj.
2. Ayyaam-e-Tashreeq begins from the Fajar Salaah of the 9th and ends at the Asar
Salaah of the 13th of Zil-Hajj.
3. On these days, it is Waajib upon all Muslims to read the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq aloud
once after every Fard Salaah. Females are required to read softly.
4. It is Sunnah to read this Takbeer 3 times.
5. The words of the Takbeer are: "Allah is Great. Allah is Great. There is none worthy
of worship except Allah and Allah is Great. Allah is Great and to Allah belongs all
Praise."

HAJJ,UMRAH & ZIARAH

HAJJ

The Hajj Pilgrimage, is one of the Pillars and fundamentals of Islam. It is the
completion of surrender and the day of perfection of the religion of Islam. It was on
this day that Almighty Allah revealed the following message to the Ummah of His
beloved Prophet, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam): "Today, I
have perfected your religion for you and completed my grace upon you and approved
Islam as your religion."We must understand that the basis of all actions is intention
and intention without doubt bears fruit if there is sincerity, and Hajj, which is an
integral part of Islam, will therefore require those who perform it to have sincerity.

When the person intends undertaking Hajj, he severs all ties with his family and
home. This is a reminder to him also of the journey he will have to undertake for the
Hereafter.

As for provisions, the intending pilgrim must ensure that they have been acquired in
the Halaal (permissable) manner. If a person desires to take a lot for the journey,
then let him remember the journey to the Hereafter which is longer and more
difficult and that the best provision for that journey will be Taqwa (Piety).

As for transport, when the pilgrim acquires transport he should give thanks to the
Almighty Creator and at the same time remember the transport that will carry him
the grave and the next world, namely his Kaffan (Shroud).As for leaving home, the
intending pilgrim should know that he is now bound for the House of Allah. He is on a
journey unlike any other. He should bear in mind where he is heading and whom he
intends to visit. He should also have hope that his Hajj will be accepted, not because
of the difficulties faced, but because of the trust that he has in His Creator.

When wearing the Ihraam, the pilgrim is aware that he has heard the summons of
Almighty Allah. He should possess fear and hope when considering the acceptance of
his Hajj. This fear should be the fear of Almighty Allah and hope in His Mercy.

As for touching the Hajre Aswad (Black Stone), the pilgrim should believe that he is
pledging his loyalty to Almighty Allah and that he will obey the Commands of the
Supreme Being. Make firm your promise and do not be like those who promise today
and change their minds tomorrow.

When the pilgrim clings to the Khilaaf (Cloth) of the Holy Kaaba, seek forgiveness
and beg for Allah's Mercy. Even the running between Saffa and Marwa must signify a
slave who is running to and from the Court of a Mighty King not knowing whether he
has been accepted or rejected. As for standing at Arafaat, look at the crowds
following their Imaams (Leaders) and recall the sight of the Yaumal Hashr (Day of
Gathering).

After this, plead for Almighty Allah's Mercy. When you throw stones at the Shaitaan,
your purpose should be obedience to your Creator. The idea is to drive Shaitaan
away from you.

Such should be the various duties of the pilgrim at all stages of the Hajj. When all
acts are completed, your heart should be filled with concern and hope, for you do not
know whether your Hajj has been accepted or rejected. Yet after completion you
realise that your inner and outer self has been filled with enthusiasm and love, and
you have a genuine feeling of making Ibaadah, then remember that you have been
placed among the chosen ones!

This is without doubt the culmination of a great festival - a festival where Muslims of
all colour and language congregate on one massive plain to celebrate the praise of
their Creator, Almighty Allah. Hajj provides an opportunity to unite Muslims of the
world and it also offers to Muslims an occasion to exchange views on their mutual
problems, to iron out their differences, to discuss common opinions, to exchange
gifts as well as goodwill, and to take back to their respective homelands memorable
feelings of the Muslim brotherhood, of course, in addition to the innumerable
blessings of Almighty Allah and the new found purity of their body and soul.

The Five days of Hajj

1ST DAY - 8th Zil-Hajj : The people go to Mina from Makkatul Mukarramah in the
morning after wearing the Ihraam.
2ND DAY - 9th Zil-Hajj : The people arrive at Arafaat in the morning and continue
their Ibaadah. They also read their Zohar and Asar Salaah and leave for Muzdalifa
just before sunset.
3RD DAY - 10th Zil-Hajj : People stay in Muzdalifa for the night and read their
Maghrib and Isha Salaah together. They continue their Ibaadah the whole night. Just
after Fajar Salaah, they leave for Mina. They then make Qurbaani and stone the
Jamratul Uqbah. After Qurbaani, they trim or shave their hair and remove their
Ihraam for ordinary clothes. Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah is then made and Sa'ee between
Saffa and Marwa. They now return to Mina.
4TH DAY - 11th Zil-Hajj : The three Jamraats are stoned.
5TH DAY - 12th Zil-Hajj : The three Jamraats are stoned again. Before leaving
Makkatul Mukarramah, the Haaji will have to make the Farewell Tawaaf (Tawaaf-e-
Widaa).

A visit to Madinatul Munawwarah is also necessary. This can be done before or after
the Hajj. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: "One who
visits my grave, is like one who has visited me in my lifetime." AND "One who visits
my grave, my Shafa'at becomes Waajib for him."

What is Ayyaam-e-Tashreeq

"Ayyaam-e-Tashreeq" or "The Days of Praise" are the 5 days from the 9th till the
13th of Zil-Hajj. It begins from the Fajar Salaah of the 9th and ends at the Asar
Salaah of the 13th of Zil-Hajj. On these days, it is Waajib upon all Muslims to read
the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq aloud once after every Fard Salaah. Females are required to
read softly. It is Sunnah to read this Takbeer 3 times. The words of the Takbeer are:
"Allah is Great. Allah is Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Allah
is Great. Allah is Great and to Allah belongs all Praise."

UMRAH: IMPORTANT MASAA'IL

The meaning of "Umrah" is "to visit." The accomplishment of Umrah at least once in
a lifetime is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah. The Umrah performed during the auspicious
month of Ramadaan supercedes that Umrah completed in other days. Bukhari
Shareef states that Umrah in Ramadaan is equal to Hajj.

THE MASAA'ILS OF UMRAH CAN BE BRIEFLY SUMMARISED AS:-

The wearing of Ihraam before entering the Miqat boundary

The performance of two Rakaahs Sunnatul Ihraam
The recitation of Niyyah and Talbiyah
The advancement towards Makkatul Mukarramah while constantly reading the
Talbiyah
The performance of Tawaaf with Idh'tibaa and Ramal
The performance of two Rakaah Waajib Salaah after Tawaaf behind Maqaam-e-
Ebrahim
Advancement to the Multazam to make Du'a and drink water from the Zam Zam well
Performance of Sa'ee between Saffa and Marwa
Shaving or trimming the hair of the head.

THE FARAA'IDH OF UMRAH:

Ihraam
Four circuits of Tawaaf

WAAJIBAAT OF UMRAH:

Completion of all seven circuits

Sa'ee
Shaving/trimming of the hair.
N.B. The rest are either Sunnat or Adaab.

SEQUENCE OF PERFORMING UMRAH:

Adoption of Ihraam and performance of two Rakaah with Niyyah of Umrah
Tawaaf
Du'a at Multazam
Performance of two Rakaah Salaah at Maqaam-e-Ebrahim
Drinking Zam Zam water
Performing Sa'ee between Saffa and Marwa
Two Rakaah Salaah
Shaving/Trimming of the hair.

VISITING THE GRAVE OF THE PROPHET:

Visiting the grave is part of the Sunnah and is both excellent and desirable. Hazrat
Ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhu) said that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said,
"My intercession is assured for all who visit me." (at-Tabarni) Hazrat Anas bin Malik
(radi Allahu anhu) said that the Messenger of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
said, "Anyone who visits me in Madina for the sake of Allah is near to me and I will
intercede for him on the Day of Rising." (Al-Bayhaqi).

Imam Malik (radi Allahu anhu) disliked anyone saying "the tawaf of the visit," or "we
visited the grave of the Prophet," because people normally use that for visits
between themselves, and he did not like to put the Prophet on the same level as
other people. He preferred a specific statement like "We greeted the Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam)." He did not dislike people saying, "We visited the Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)." (Ash-Shifa)

ZIARAH - PRESENTING ONESELF THE BLESSED COURT OF THE HOLY

PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) IN MADINATUL
MUNAWWARAH

To present oneself (Haaziri) at the blessed court of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) is close to Waajib (compulsory). Certain people, disguising
themselves as "friends", try to convince you to stay away from the Rauza-e-Anwar of
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). It is said that it is not important to go
there. Beware! Never listen to their comments and do not return with the stain of
being deprived of visiting Madinatul Munawwarah.

When going to Madinatul Munawwarah, make special intention of visiting Sayyiduna

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Imam Ibn Ilhaam states that when going
to Madinatul Munawwarah do not even make the intention of visiting the Masjid, but
make intention of visiting the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). You should
drown yourself in the recitation of Durood and Zikr throughout your entire journey.
When the Haram of Madinatul Munawwarah is visible, then it is better to travel on
foot. Walk towards it crying, with your head bowed, eyes lowered, and, if possible,
bare feet. When the Green Dome or Ghumbade Anwar is in sight, then recite Durood
and Salaams in abundance. On reaching the Blessed City, drown yourself in the
thought of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Before making Haaziri you should clear the heart of all other thoughts that are
disturbing and avoid unnecessary conversation. Make wudhu (using Miswaak) and
Ghusal, if possible, is better. Preferably wear white clothing and new clothes are
better. Use fragrance and Surma. The best of fragrance is Musk. Now, with total love
and reverence, turn towards the Roza-e-Aqdas. If you cannot cry, make a sorrowful
face and force the heart to weep. Beg in the court of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). At the entrance of the Masjid, send Durood and Salaams and then wait
for a little while as if you are waiting for permission from Sarkaar-e-Madina (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). Say "Bismillah" and enter with the right foot. Do so with
utmost respect and reverence. When visiting the Rauza-e-Anwar, believe in your
heart that the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is physically alive and
present just as he was before passing from the world. His demise and the demise of
all the other Ambiya (alaihimus salaam) is only a split second, to fulfil the promise of
Allah. Their passing away was for them just to be hidden from the eyes of the
general public. Imam Muhammad ibn Haaj Makki (radi Allahu anhu) in "Madkhal",
and Imam Ahmad Qastalaani (radi Allahu anhu) in "Muwaahibul Laduniyah" state,
"There is no difference in the life and demise of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) as he is seeing his Ummah, and he is aware of them, and he is aware of
their intentions. He understands the thoughts of the hearts and all these are before
the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). In this way, that there is nothing actually
hidden in it."

Now at the height of respect, bow your head, lower your gaze, and shiver in the fear
of Allah. Perspire in the shame of your sins, hoping and having faith in the mercy
and blessing of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Present yourself at the feet
of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and hope that the blessed sight of the
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is on you. This is sufficient for you in both the
worlds. Now like the heart, the face is also towards the Jaali Mubaarak of Rasoolullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) which is the resting place of the beloved of Allah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). Stand with total respect and honour. With a soft voice, low
gaze, ashamed, not with a harsh or loud voice (since to speak aloud in this court is
disrespect and cause of destruction) and neither being too soft since it is against
Sunnah (even though the Prophet is even aware of the condition of your heart, just
as it was evident from the sayings of the A'imma mentioned above), say the
following: "As Salaamu Alaika Ayuhan Nabiyu wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barkatuhu, As
Salaamu Alaika Ya Rasolallah. As Salaamu Alaika Ya, Khairi Khalqillah. Asalaamu
Alaika Ya Shafi Al Muznabeen, As Salaamu Alaika Wa Ala Aalika wa Ashaabika Wa
Um'matika Ajmaeen."

Ask for Shafa'at (Intercession) from Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) for your parents, Ustaads, Peer-o-Murshid, respected ones, friends,
relatives and all Muslims. Continuously say, "As Alukash Shafa'ata Ya Rasoolallah." If
someone asked you to convey their Salaams, then do so. May Almighty Allah accept
the Ziyaarat of all those of visit the Rauza-e-Anwar of Huzoor-e-Akram (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam). Ameen.

QURBAANI

2.1 Important Points about Qurbaani

1. Qurbaani can be performed from the 10th of Zil-Hajj after Eid Salaah till the Asar
Salaah of the 12th of Zil-Hajj.
2. Qurbaani is made to observe the Sunnah of Sayyiduna Nabi Ebrahim (alaihis
salaam).
3. It is Waajib upon all those who are able to afford making Qurbaani on the 10th of
Zil-Hajj.
4. Qurbaani is not Waajib upon a traveller, but if he or she wants to do so they may
perform the Qurbaani.
5. Qurbaani may be made for one's children or any deceased.
6. The Qurbaani meat may be divided into three parts:
6.1 One part to the poor and needy.
6.2 One part to friends and relatives.
6.3 One part for one's own household.
7. If the person cannot afford to share in the above manner, then he or she may use
all the meat in their own household.
8. Qurbaani meat cannot be given to non-Muslims who are living in a country that is
ruled by Kuffar (like South Africa). If this was a Muslim-ruled country, then we would
be allowed to give Qurbaani meat to the Kuffar.
9. The skin of the animals can be:
9.1 Used by oneself.
9.2 Given to the poor.
9.3 Sold and the money given to the poor.

Animals that can be Sacrificed

1. Goats and sheep that must be at least one year old. Even if they are 6 month old,
they must be fat and healthy.
2. Cattle, buffalo or bull must be at least 2 years old.
3. Camels must be at least 5 years old.
NOTE : Cattle, buffalo, bull and camel meat can be divided into 7 shares. Seven
people may purchase one animal and share in the meat. The meat must be equally
divided amongst the 7 people.

Physical Condition of the Animal

Animals should be healthy and free from the following defects:

1. Lameness which does not allow the animal to stand on its 4 feet.
2. Blindness, even in one eye.
3. Horns broken from the roots.
4. Ears that are cut more than one third of their actual size.
5. Tails that are cut more than one third of their actual size.
6. Aged animals.
7. Sickness
8. So thin that the bones are visible.

Method of Slaughter

1. Slaughter the animal with a very sharp knife.

2. Do not slaughter an animal in front of another animal.
3. Four veins should be cleanly cut - the throat, windpipe and the 2 jugular veins.
Even if 3 are cut the meat of the animal would still be considered Halaal.
4. It is Makrooh to cause pain and suffering to the animal unnecessarily.
5. The animal should be placed on its side on the ground with its head towards the
Qiblah.
6. It is better that the person who is making Qurbaani should slaughter the animal.
However, if this is not possible, then he or she should at least stand near the
sacrifice.
7. Before slaughtering, read the prescribed Dua.
8. The person should then slaughter the animal by reading the prescribed Dua.

DEATH AND JANAZAH

When a Muslim is in the last stages of his or her life, those present should read
Surah Yaseen, Surah Ra'ad and the Kalimah Shahaadah in order to ease the pangs
of death for the person. We must also urge, and not force, the person to read the
Kalimah. When the person has passed away, the family members should
immediately organize Ghusal and Burial affairs. (Ask your Imam/teacher to explain
or demonstrate to you how the Ghusal of a Mayyit is performed). 

Salaatul Janazah 

Salaatul Janazah is actually a Du'a that is made on behalf of the dead person.
Salaatul Janazah is Fard upon all Muslims who have knowledge of the Janazah or
funeral. While the Imaam reads out the Takbeer aloud, we should repeat them
silently. 

Fard of Salaatul Janazah 

There are 2 Fards in Salaatul Janazah:

1. To stand and perform Salaah (Qiyaam).
2. To read all the 4 Takbeers. 
Note: If one does not know what Du'as to read after each Takbeer, one can still join
the Janazah Salaah and read the Takbeers softly. 

The Manner of making Salaatul Janazah 

1. The body of the Mayyit should be placed with its right side facing the Qiblah.
2. The Imaam should stand in line with the chest of the Mayyit when leading the
Salaah. This also means that the head of the Mayyit will be to the right of the
Imaam.
3. It is also Mustahab to make an odd number of Sufoof (Safs) or rows. However ,if
there are a large number of people, then there is no need to follow this rule.
4. After the Safs are straight, everyone should make the Niyyah.
5. After the first Takbeer, everyone should read the Thana.
6. After the second Takbeer, you should read the Durood-e- Ebrahim which is: The
same as read in Salaah.
7. After the third Takbeer,
A. FOR AN ADULT: (the prescribed Dua)
B. FOR A BOY: (the prescribed Dua)
C. FOR A GIRL: (the prescribed Dua)
8. After the fourth Takbeer, the Imaam will read the Salaam.
9. You should not raise your hands after each Takbeer but repeat the Takbeers
silently.
10. After the Salaatul Janazah, it is recommended that you make a Du'a for the
Mayyit. 

Late-Comers for the Salaatul Janazah 

It is permissable for a person to make Tayyamum if he fears that he will miss the
Janazah Salaah. This rule only applies for Janazah and Eid Salaah. If a person is late
and joins the congregation after the Imaam has already read a few Takbeers, then
he should join the Imaam for the next Takbeer. After the Salaah, he can read the
Takbeers he missed by merely saying "Allahu Akbar" softly for every Takbeer he
missed. He is not permitted to read any Du'a after the Takbeers.
DUROOD SHAREEF

What is Durood Shareef?

To recite the Durood Shareef and send Salaams upon Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) is an action that has been commanded by Almighty Allah.
Almighty Allah declares in the Holy Quran:

"Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you who believe! Send your
blessings on him and salute him will respect." (33:56)

In this verse of the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah and His Malaa'ikah and the Muslims
have been mentioned as sending Durood upon Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam). So, Durood Shareef is actually "a Du'a in praise of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

There is abundance of Thawaab for one who reads the Durood Shareef. The more
Durood Shareef that you read, the more closer you get to Almighty Allah and His
beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

When Almighty Allah sends Durood and Salaams upon Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam), He is actually blessing him. When the Malaa'ikah and the
Muslims send Durood and Salaams to Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam), they are actually showing Almighty Allah their respect for the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Muslims hope that, through the blessings of the Durood and Salaams, Almighty Allah
will forgive them of their sins and increase their status in this world and in the
Aakirah. The Malaa'ikah hope that Almighty Allah will increase their status.

How to read the Durood Shareef

1. Always be in a state of cleanliness when you are reciting the Durood Shareef.
2. It is better to sit in the Tashahudd position as you would sit when in Salaah and
recite the Durood Shareef with concentration and the respect due to it.
3. One should face the Qiblah of the blessed city of Madinatul Munawwarah.
4. Recite Durood Shareef wherever you are (not in the bathroom or toilet) and
during any occasion.

Blessings of Durood Shareef

A few benefits of reciting the Durood Shareef are:

1. Almighty Allah and His Angels (Malaa'ikah) send blessings upon the person who
recites the Durood Shareef.
2. If one reads a single Durood Shareef, one gets 10 Thawaabs, 10 of one's sins are
forgiven, 10 good deeds are given to that person and one's respect is increased 10
times.
3. Durood Shareef saves a person from Hell (Jahannam) and makes a person enter
Heaven (Jannah) with the Martyrs (Shuhadaa).
4. Any Du'a which begins and ends with Durood Shareef is always accepted.
5. The reciter will be in the company of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) on the day of Qiyaamah.
6. A person will be given good news of his or her place in Jannah long before he or
she passes away.
7. A person who reads 100 Duroods will receive 1 000 Thawaabs from Almighty
Allah.
8. The Angels begin to love and help a person who reads the Durood Shareef.
9. The Durood Shareef assists a person when he or she dies.
10. A single Durood Shareef is more in weight than the Mountain of Uhud.
11. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sees and hears a person who
reads the Durood Shareef.
12. A person is saved from the terrible events on the Day of Qiyaamah.
13. The reciter is blessed with Barakah and wealth.
14. The person will not feel thirsty on the Day of Qiyaamah.
15. One who reads 100 Durood Shareefs daily, then 100 of that person's needs are
fulfilled. Thirty of this world and seventy of the Hereafter.
16. Reading 100 Durood Shareefs is equal to spending the whole night in Ibaadah.
17. The place where Durood Shareef is read is greatly blessed.
18. The Durood Shareef saves a person from the evils of jealousy, hatred, etc.
19. The house, business or the place where Durood Shareef is read is greatly
blessed.
20. Durood Shareef increases one's memory. (Students must make it a habit to
recite Durood Shareef before their lessons.)
21. The reciter of Durood Shareef is greatly loved by Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam).

THINGS THAT ARE HARAAM

The flesh of animals which:

1. Kills other animals with their paws and teeth, such as lions, tigers, cats, dogs, and
other animals.
2. Have curved teeth, such as elephants, wildboar, pigs, and other animals.
3. Burrow in the earth such as rats, moles, and others.
4. All Reptiles such as snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and others.
5. The flesh of Halaal animals which:
5.1 Dies by itself.
5.2 Has been strangled to death.
5.3 Has been killed by a fall.
5.4 Has been killed and partly eaten by beasts.
5.5 Has not been slaughtered by a Muslim.
6. The flesh of birds which prey on other birds and small animals, such as eagles,
owls, falcons, vultures, and others.
7. The flesh of swine and the blood of any animal.
8. All alcoholic drinks and substances that intoxicates, irrespective of its quantity.
9. All Halaal food which have been gained through Haraam means.
10. Fish that die due to natural causes or pollution.

NATURAL ACTS OF CLEANLINESS

All natural acts of cleanliness have been termed actions of "Fitrah", in other words,
actions which is the natural acts of a human.
All Ambiya (Prophets) of Almighty Allah have commanded the people to follow these
actions of cleanliness, which are :

The clipping of the moustache: It is Sunnah to trim the moustache and Makrooh
to let it grow over the lips.

The keeping of the beard: It is Sunnah to keep a beard which must be one
fist size in length. It is also Makrooh Tahreemi to shave off one's beard.

The use of Miswaak: It is Sunnah to use a Miswaak to clean one's mouth. There
are many physical and spiritual benefits to be achieved by this.

Cleaning the nose: Since dirt is inhaled every minute, the nostrils gathers dirt. It is
necessary to clean the nostrils thoroughly especially while making Wudu. One
should pour water into the nostrils with the right hand and clean the inside of the
nostril with the little finger and thumb of the left hand.

The trimming of the nails: It is Sunnah to clean and trim the nails. The
nails should be trimmed every Friday. One should not bite one's nails. After trimming
the nails, they should be buried and not thrown in a dirt bin because they are part of
a Muslim's body and should be respected. The approved manner of trimming the
nails is to start with the Shahaadah finger of the right hand then the remaining
fingers excluding the right thumb. Thereafter, one should start with the small finger
of the left hand till the Shahaadah finger and lastly trim the nail of the left thumb
and then the right thumb.

The washing of the joints: Dirt gathers at the joints of the body. We
should regularly clean areas such as the navel, the joints of the feet and hand and in
between the toes and fingers.

The removal of hair under the armpits: One should remove all hair from under
the armpits once a week. One should not delay the removal of hair for more than 40
days. The hair that is removed should be buried.

The removal of hair from below the navel: One should remove unwanted hair
once a week. This also should not be delayed for more than 40 days.

The hair of the head: Females, young or old, are not allowed to cut their hair.
Males are allowed to shave and trim their hair.

Istinja:

1. When entering the toilet, enter with the left foot.

2. When using the toilet, do not face the Qiblah.
3. When washing, use the left hand.
4. Leave the toilet in a clean state by flushing the pan.
5. Do not read or carry any item in the toilet bearing Almighty Allah's Name.
6. Do not relieve yourself in open public places.
7. Do not urinate while standing.
8. Do not speak in the toilet or spit in the pan.
9. When leaving the toilet, leave with the right foot.
10. Take extreme caution when using the high pan.
THE ADAAB OF EATING AND DRINKING

1. Make sure that the food or drink is Halaal.

2. Wash your hands properly first and do not forget to read the "Bismillah" before
eating or drinking.
3. If you are eating with others, read the "Bismillah" aloud so that others will also
remember to read it.
4. Eat or drink with your right hand.
5. Sit and eat or drink and do not do so in a buffet style where everybody stands.
6. Chew your food well and do not eat or drink in a hurry.
7. Do not blow over your food and drink.
8. Do not over-eat. One part of the stomach should be for food, one part for liquids
and one for air.
9. Drink water or other permissible drinks in at least three breaks - not all in one
gulp.
10. Do not stare at other peoples food or drink.
11. After eating, wash your hands properly.
12. Do not dish out a lot of food at once and waste.

GOOD CONDUCT

1. Islam teaches us to be clean in thought and deed.

2. Every Muslim must greet one another and show respect.
3. You must be kind and respectful to your parents, friends, teachers, neighbours,
elders, servants and those smaller than you.
4. You must show respect for visitors.
5. You must help your parents at home, elders on the street and the poor and needy.

6. You must pray for your parents and teachers.

7. You must try to be a good leader and Muslim at all times.
8. You must set a good example to your Muslim brothers and sisters and towards the
non-Muslims.
9. Always try to be honest and truthful.
10. You must treat animals kindly.

ADAAB OF DRESSING

1. Males are not permitted to wear clothes made from silk, while females are allowed
to wear silk clothes.
2. Females are not permitted to wear very thin and see-through clothes.
3. Males are forbidden to wear very bright coloured clothes, like red and yellow.
4. Males are not permitted to wear their pants below the ankle. Females must cover
their ankles.
5. Females should not wear clothes made for males, and males should not wear
clothes made for females.
6. It is Haraam for males to show any part of their body from the navel till the knee.
This includes the knees.
7. Both should not wear tight clothes.
8. It is Fard for females to cover their whole body from head to toe.
9. It is un-Islamic for females to show their faces to a stranger.
10. It is Haraam for females to even expose themselves to other females and for
males to do the same in front of other males.
11. It is Haraam for Muslims to imitate Kuffar in their dress and habits.
12. It is proper for males and females to dress Islamically.

SHORT SURAHS ( With Commentaries )

Translations of verses from "Kanzul Imaan" by A'la Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza (alaihir
rahmah)
SURAH FATEHA 

1. All Praise is for Almighty Allah, Lord of all the Worlds.

2. The Most Affectionate, the Merciful.
3. Master of the Day of Judgement.
4. We worship You alone, and beg You alone for help.
5. Guide us in the Straight Path.
6. The path of those whom You favoured.
7. Not of those who have earned Your anger and nor of those who have astray. 

Surah Fateha means "The Opening". It is the beautiful opening of the Book of Allah
Ta'ala. It is also known as "Umm al-Kitab" (Mother of the Book), "al-Hamd" (the
Praise) and "al-Asas" (the Foundation). 

An Angel once told the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that it is a light
that has never been given to any other Prophet before him. It is the main Du'a of the
Muslims, and Muslims should recite it in every Rakaah of Salaah. 

This Surah is placed at the beginning of the Holy Quran. It is actually a prayer. Allah
Ta'ala is Kind, Merciful, Good to us, and for Him is all our praise. He is our Master
and King. We shall stand before Him on the Day of Judgement with our actions, good
and bad. 

This Surah teaches us how to speak to Allah Ta'ala. He is the only One we worship
and ask for help. We ask Him for help with the Wasila (means of approaching Allah's
Court) of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). We ask Allah Ta'ala to guide
us both in this world and the next. We ask Allah Ta'ala to keep us on the path of
those pious people whom He is pleased with. We ask Him not to make us follow
those people with whom He is angry, nor those who mislead us, making us confused
and lost. 

The other names of Surah Fateha are: Faatehatul Kitaab (Opening Chapter of the
Book); Ummul Quran (Mother of the Quran); Suratul Kanz (Chapter of the
Treasure); Kaafiyah (Abundant); Waafiyah (Complete); Shaafiyah (Healing); Shifa
(Cure); Noor (Light); etc. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It contains 7 Ayahs, 27 words and
140 harf (letters). 

SURAH IKHLAAS 

1. Say you: He is Allah, the One.

2. Allah the Independent, Carefree.
3. He does not give birth, He was not born.
4. And nor anyone is equal to Him. 

Surah al-Ikhlas is one of the most important Surahs of the Holy Quran because it
tells us about what we should believe about Allah Ta'ala. Al-Ikhlas means "The Purity
of Faith". When the Makkans, the Jews and the Christians asked the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) about Allah Ta'ala, he used to answer them with this
Surah. Our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used to recite this Surah
often in his Salaah. He also said that by reciting this Surah a Muslim will be in love
with Almighty Allah. 

This Surah tells us that Allah Ta'ala is the One and Only. He is not in need of
anything. Allah Ta'ala does not depend on anyone but all things depend on Him. He
has no son. He has no father. He is so near to us that it is He Who always cares for
us. There is no person like Him. Allah resembles none and nobody resembles Him.
There is none equal to Almighty Allah. 

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that Surah al-Ikhlas is equal to one-
third of the Holy Quran, and that we should recite it often.

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 4 Ayahs, 15 words and 47
letters (harf). 

SURAH KAUSAR 

1. O beloved! Undoubtedly, We have bestowed you abundance of good.

2. Therefore, offer Prayer to your Lord, and do the Sacrifice.
3. Undoubtedly, one who is your enemy, he is cut off from every good. 

Al-Kausar is the name of a fountain in Jannah (Paradise). Almighty Allah has given
the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) this fountain. Al-Kausar means "The
Abundance". Surah al-Kausar tells us that Almighty Allah gave the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) good things in abundance and excellences to which
there are no limit. This Surah tells us about our Nabi Muhammad?s (salllal laahu
alaihi wasallam) high status. Some leaders of the Quraish made fun of the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) when his young son, Hazrat Qasim (radi Allahu
anhu), passed away saying that he no longer had any sons to carry on his name and
that he would be forgotten after he passes away. Allah Ta'ala promises with this
Surah that the memory of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) would continue
forever and that all those who are his enemies will be forgotten. 

It is true that all our Nabi Muhammad?s (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) enemies have
been forgotten. All their riches and sons have been forgotten. Today, millions of
Muslims remember our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in all parts of
the world. They send blessings on him and his family millions of times each day. The
enemies of Islam have been asked many times by Allah Ta?ala to get together and
produce one Surah like this smallest Surah Kausar. They could not even produce a
small Surah like this or change it. 

This Surah was revealed to our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) while
he was in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 3 Ayahs, 10 words and 42 letters (harf).
SURAH NAAS AND SURAH FALAQ

The following last two Suras of the Holy Quran were revealed together. These Surahs
were revealed to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) during a time when
his health was slightly affected by witchcraft or black magic.

There was a Jew called Labid who got hold of the Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) blessed hair and put a spell on it. The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) became very sick.

After a few days Hazrat Jibra?eel (alaihis salaam) came to our Nabi Muhammad
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and told him that a Jew had made Jaa'doo (cast a spell)
on him and had buried the Jaa'doo items under a stone in a certain well. Our Nabi
(sallal laahu alaihi sallam) sent Hazrat Ali (radi allahu anhu) to remove the Jaa'doo
items. Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) went immediately to that well and emptied the
water from it. He found the stone and lifted it. Underneath the stone was a bag
made of date palm fibres and in it was the blessed hair of our Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). He also found a few teeth of the blessed comb of Nabi Muhammad (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) and a line or a string of a bow on which was tied eleven knots.
There was also a puppet made of wax in which there were 11 needles. The Jaa'doo
items were brought to our Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). 

Almighty Allah then revealed these two Surahs together to our Nabi Muhammad
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Surah Falaq had five Ayahs and Surah Naas had six
Ayahs, altogether counting eleven. When our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) read all the eleven Ayahs, all the knots were opened one by one. The
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was cured.

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) urged Muslims to recite these two Surahs
as often as possible. It will protect us from the evil works of devils, Jinn or magic. It
will protect us from hatred and jealousy. When anyone speaks ill about you, when
you are feeling sad or unable to concentrate in your Salaah, then you must recite
these two Surahs. 

SURAH NAAS 

1. Say you: I come in the refuge of the Lord of all mankind.

2. King of all mankind.
3. God of all mankind.
4. From the evil of him who whispers evil thoughts in the heart and slips away.
5. Those who whisper in the hearts of mankind.
6. Jinn and men. 

An-Naas means "The People". Surah an-Naas teaches us to place our trust in Allah
Ta'ala. It teaches us to seek Allah's protection against things that might affect us.
We should not place our trust in man. Allah Ta'ala is our King or Ruler. The Surah
warns us against the secret whispers of evil inside our hearts. It also warns us about
the evil that may come from other men or invisible spirits. As long as we put
ourselves in Allah's protection and we trust in Allah Ta'ala, evil will not be able to
affect us. 

This Surah was revealed in Madinatul Munawwarah. It has 6 Ayahs, 20 words and 79
letters (harf). 
SURAH FALAQ 

1. Say you: I seek refuge with the Lord of Day break.

2. From the evil of all creatures.
3. And from the evil of the darkening one when it sets.
4. And from the evil of those women who blow in the knots.
5. And from the evil of the jealous when he is jealous of me. 

Surah al-Falaq (The Dawn) teaches us to seek shelter in Allah Ta'ala from every kind
of evil of nature. It teaches us to seek Allah's protection from all dark and evil
plottings. This Surah also tells us that those who are sincere worshippers of Allah Ta?
ala must be careful of the envious people who are the worst of peoples. 

This Surah was revealed in Madinatul Munawwarah. It has 5 Ayahs, 23 words and 74
letters (harf). 

SURAH LAHAB 

1. Perished be the two hands of Abu Lahab and he is already perished.

2. His wealth and what he earned availed him not.
3. Now he enters into a blazing fire.
4. And his wife too; carrier of firewood on her head.
5. There is a rope of palm fibre in her neck. 

This Surah is also called al-Masad (The Palm Leaf). Abu Lahab was the son of Hazrat
Abdul Mutallib (radi Allahu anhu). Therefore, he was the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) own uncle, but he was an enemy of Islam. His original name was
Abdul Uz'zaa, but he was called Abu Lahab because he was fair in complexion and
handsome. 

Abu Lahab and his wife did many terrible things to the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) and his Companions throughout their lives. Abu Lahab's wife, Umme
Jameel, used to get up very early in the morning to collect thorns to put in front of
the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) house. One day she was carrying a
bundle of wood on her head. She was tired so she sat down on a rock to take a
breath. Allah Ta'ala commanded an Angel to pull the bundle of wood from behind
her. The bundle of wood fell off her and the rope got caught around her neck, killing
her. 

In this Surah, Allah Ta'ala says that Abu Lahab will be put into the Fire of Hell and
his wife will have a rope of palm fibre around her neck. 

This Surah teaches us that those who hate our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) will be punished by Allah Ta?ala. Allah Ta?ala does not tolerate a slightest
hate against His most respected Prophet. Imaan means to have true love for our
Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 5 Ayahs, 20 words and 77
letters (harf). 

SURAH NASR 
1. When the Help of Allah and Victory come.
2. And you see men entering the religion of Allah in troops.
3. Then praising Allah glorify Him and beg His Forgiveness: Undoubtedly, He is most
Accepting Repentance. 

Surah an-Nasr (The Help) was a sign from Allah Ta?ala that the Holy Prophet's (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) work had been completed. Islam had spread beyond Makkah
and Madina. By now thousands and thousands of people had accepted Islam. Many
tribes also came to accept Islam at the blessed hands of the beloved Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). His mission was successful. This Surah teaches us that Allah
Ta?ala helps and gives victory to Muslims if they remain steadfast. Whenever a
person is successful in any work, no matter how much he sacrificed and how much
good he has done, he must never forget to remain humble before Allah Ta'ala, the
Creator of the Universe. Muslims must pray to Allah Ta?ala and beg forgiveness from
Him daily. As an example for us, our Nabi Muhammad made Tauba (Allah?s
forgiveness) 70 times a day although he was, so that we too will follow his
teachings. 

This Surah was revealed in Madinatul Munawwarah. It has 3 Ayahs, 17 words and 77
letters (harf). 

SURAH KAAFIROON 

1. Say you: O unbelievers!

2. I worship not that you worship.
3. And nor you worship what I worship.
4. And I shall not worship what you worshipped.
5. And nor you shall worship what I worship.
6. For you, your religion, and for me my religion. 

The Makkans wanted to make deals with the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) to change the religion of Islam so that they will find it easier to follow. In
one of the deals some people said that they will worship Allah Ta'ala only for one
year if the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) would worship their idols the
next year, and they could continue to take turns year after year. So Allah Ta'ala
revealed Surah al-Kaafiroon (The Unbelievers) to make it clear to the Quraish that it
was not possible. Our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) recited this
Surah openly in public at every place to tell the Kufaar that the Muslims and the
Kaafirs were not going to compromise as both their religions were not the same. 

This Surah also tells us how to speak to the unbelievers. If a person does not accept
Islam after it has been explained to him, we should not argue with that person, but
simply say: "You follow your way, I will follow mine." 

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that we must recite this Surah before
going to sleep at night to protect us from unbelief. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 6 Ayahs, 26 words and 94
letters (harf).

SURAH MA'OON 
1. Well you see him who denies the Judgement.
2. Then he is the one who drives away the orphan.
3. And does not urge the feeding of the poor.
4. Then woe to those prayer performers,
5. Who are heedless of their prayers.
6. Those who make a show of it.
7. And refuse to give articles of use. 

The title of this Surah means ?The Basic Necessities?. In this Surah, Allah Ta'ala
condemns people who only pay attention to the act of Salaah, but do not worry
about nor take care of the orphans and the poors. These people do not want to help
others. This Surah also warns against being forgetful of one's prayers by not praying
regularly or on time. Some people only pray so that others will say that he or she is
very religious. The Holy Quran says that such people only pray to show people and
warns such people. People who refuse to do even simple things for others are really
hard-hearted and stingy. This Surah teaches us to help our fellow Muslim brothers in
need. It is our duty to help the deprived, poor, orphans, the needy, etc. If we do not
help them then Allah Ta?ala will be displeased with us. 

This Surah was revealed to our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in
Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 7 Ayahs, 25 words and 125 letters (harf). 

SURAH QURAISH 

1. Because the Quraish were made to benefit.

2. He made them benefit in their journeys of both winter and summer.
3. They should therefore worship the Lord of this House.
4. Who gave them food in hunger, and bestowed them security from a big fear. 

Surah al-Quraish means ?The Quraish Tribe.? The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) belonged to the Quraish Tribe. The Quraish earned their living by trading
with their neighbours. In the winter they sent trade caravans Southeast, to Yemen,
to buy spices and other goods. In the summer they sold these goods to the people of
the north, Shaam (Syria), from whom they bought many food products. The Quraish
became very respected and protected wherever they went as they were also in
charge of the Holy Kaaba. The Quraish were also well recognised because they
defeated Abraha, the Christian leader who tried to destroy the Holy Kaaba. The
Quraish had become used to their comfortable position and never having to worry
about their food and safety. In this Surah, Allah Ta'ala tells that they should worship
Him, the Lord of the Kaaba, rather than the idols which they have put in and around
the Holy Kaaba. They should thank Allah Ta'ala for providing for all their needs. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 4 Ayahs, 17 words and 73
letters (harf). 

SURAH FEEL 

1. O beloved! Have you not seen how your Lord dealth with the men of the Elephant?

2. Did He not cause their devise to be ruined.

3. And He sent against them flocks of bird.
4. Striking them with stones made of baked clay,
5. And thus made them like broken straw eaten up. 

Surah al-Feel (The Elephant) tells us about how Allah Ta'ala destroyed the army that
came to destroy the Holy Kaaba.

Abraha, a powerful Christian leader, built a grand Church in San?aa but the Yamanite
Arabs did not worship the idols placed in his Church. The Arabs had their own idols in
the Holy Kaaba which they worshipped. Abraha was bent on destroying the Holy
Kaaba, so he marched to Makkah with sixty thousand men and several huge
elephants, to destroy the Holy Kaaba. The army was too great for the people of
Makkah to fight so they went and hid in the mountains and caves around Makkah. As
Abraha's army came near Makkah, the head elephant stopped and refused to fight in
the war. Then Allah Ta'ala destroyed the enemies with a flock of birds which attacked
them with stones of clay. These clay pebbles pierced through the bodies of Abraha?s
warriors along with their elephants and horses. They began to bleed heavily and they
died in a short time. The Holy Kaaba and Makkah were left unharmed. When Abraha
and his army came to destroy the Holy Kaaba the people of Makkah prayed to Allah
Ta?ala for help and protection. This Surah was a reminder to the Quraish that they
must worship the One and only Allah who is the Lord of the Kaaba. They should think
about how Allah Ta'ala destroyed Abraha and his army and should also not oppose
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This Surah assures Muslims
that Allah Ta?ala can protect any of His Signs by any of His creatures. If a small
community of steadfast Muslims depend on Allah Ta?ala, He will be able to destroy
any super power with His tiny creatures to protect these faithful Muslims.

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 5 Ayahs, 20 words and 96
letters (harf). 

SURAH ASR 

1. By the time of the beloved (Prophet).

2. Undoubtedly, man is necessarily in loss.
3. But those who believed, and did good deeds, and joined one another to accept
truth, and counselled one another to be steadfast. 

Surah al-Asr (The Passing Time) summarises in a few words the main themes of the
Holy Quran. This Surah says that we will be losers if we do not make the most of our
time by filling it with good deeds. It is these good deeds that will help us in the
Hereafter. 

Those who do not believe in Allah and do not do good deeds, or spent their lives in
lies and hypocrisy, will one day lose all that they worked for. Those who do not
struggle to establish or fight for the truth will end up being losers.

We must have faith and always try to do our best. We must encourage each other -
our family, friends, and neighbours - to strive for what is good and true and have
patience to be successful. 

This Surah teaches us that we must have four basic characteristics:

1. Our belief must be perfect. We must not have wrong beliefs,
2. We must perform pious deeds as taught by Allah Ta?ala and His beloved Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), 3. We must encourage others to follow the truth, and
4. We must enjoin others to be patient and steadfast. 
It is said that when the Sahabas met, they would recite this Surah before parting
each other's company. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 3 Ayahs, 14 words and 68
letters (harf).

SURAH TAKATHUR 

1. The piling of more wealth has kept you heedless.

2. Till you saw your graves.
3. Yes, soon you will come to know.
4. Again, yes, soon you will come to know.
5. Yes, if you had known with knowledge of certainty, you would not have loved
wealth.
6. Undoubtedly, you shall necessarily, see Hell.
7. Then again, undoubtedly, you shall necessarily see it with the eye of certainty.
8. Then, undoubtedly, you shall surely be asked about the favours. 

Surah at-Takathur (The Piling of Wealth) is a warning to people who spend much of
their time trying to make more money and collect more material possessions for the
sake of being richer or more important. Such people want to be better than other
people in something. The Holy Quran says that such people will find out the truth in
the grave. None will carry anything in the grave and no riches will work after death.
The only thing that will be of use in the Aakirah (Hereafter) will be the good deeds.
People will be thrown in the Hell and will be questioned for what they have been
doing. We will be questioned in the Aakirah about everything (favours) which Allah
Ta'ala has given us and what we have done with it (our wealth, health, food,
clothing, talents and abilities, etc.) The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) lived a
very simple life and we should do the same. 

This Surah was revealed to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in
Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 8 Ayahs, 28 words and 120 letters (harf). 

SURAH QADR 

1. Undoubtedly, We sent it down in the blessed and valuable Night.

2. And what do you know, what the blessed Night is?
3. The blessed and valuable night is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein descend Angels and Jibra?eel (the Spirit) by the command of their Lord
for every affair. 5. That is all peace till the rising of the dawn. 

Surah Qadr (The Power) tells us about Laylatul-Qadr or the Night of Power. It is
during this night that the Holy Quran was sent down from the Preserved Tablet to
the lowest Heaven. It is also the night that Hazrat Jibra'eel (alaihis salaam) appeared
to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in the cave with the first
revelation of the Holy Quran (al-Alaq 96: 1-5) 

Laylatul-Qadr falls on one of the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of the
month of Ramadaan (i.e., the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th). During these last ten
days, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his Companions used
to spend all their time in the mosque in seclusion (I'tikaf), praying and reading the
Holy Quran, and waiting for this special night on which the Angels come down to
earth with Allah Ta'ala's commands. It is said that if a person is awake on this night
and asks Allah Ta'ala for something, He will give it to him. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 5 Ayahs, 30 words and 112
letters (harf). 

SURAH INSHIRAH 

1. Have We not expanded your chest?

2. And removed from you your burden.
3. Which had broken your back?
4. And We have exalted for you your remembrance.
5. Therefore, surely there is ease with hardship.
6. Undoubtedly, there is ease with hardship.
7. So when you are free after prayer, then strive hard in invocation.
8. And attend to your Lord only. 

Surah Inshirah (The Expansion) was revealed during the very early days of the
Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) mission. The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) had been very troubled in his early years by the terrible things which went
on in Makkan society: young girls were buried alive, poor people were exploited or
abused by the rich, and wars were fought between tribes, killing innocent people.
The Arabs began worshipping idols instead of the One Allah. All these things were a
great burden or weight upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). When
Hazrat Jibra'eel (alaihis salaam) came to him with Allah's Word, it was a great means
of comfort and easing his burden. 

After reminding Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) of Allah Ta'ala's
great favours upon him, the Surah goes on to say that Almighty Allah always sends
some relief along with or after every difficulty. We should continue to strive to
perform our worship even after Allah Ta'ala has eased our load with His Mercy. Many
people are very active in praying when they are in trouble but when everything is
going well they forget Allah Ta'ala. When our duties have been performed, we should
spend time in the evening and night hours with our Lord, in worship. 

The verse "And We have exalted for you your remembrance" was a prophecy of the
future. It promises the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that his status will
be famous among the people and will continue to achieve fame. This proved to be
true, as he was the first Prophet in history to achieve complete success during his
lifetime. There is no moment in which the blessed Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) is not mentioned somewhere in the world - either in the Shahdah, calling
the Adhan, performing the Salaah, giving the Khutbah, reciting the Salaat and
Salaam, or making Du'a. This is Allah Ta'la's special favour to him as His final
Messenger and beloved servant. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 8 Ayahs, 27 words and 103
letters (harf). 

SURAH DHUHA 

1. By the growing brightness of the morning.

2. And by the night when it covers.
3. Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor He was disgust.
4. And undoubtedly, the following one is better for you than the preceding one.
5. And soon your Lord shall give you so much that you will be satisfied.
6. Did He not find you an orphan, then give you shelter?
7. And He found you drowned in His Love, therefore gave way unto Him.
8. And He found you needy so He enriched you.
9. So put not pressure over orphan.
10. And chide not the beggar.
11. And publicize well the favours of your Lord. 

Surah ad-Dhuha (The Morning Light) was revealed during the early days of the
Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) mission. In this period he was worried and
Hazrat Jibra'eel (alaihis salaam) did not come with any Revelations for some time.
The unbelievers of Makkah started to tease the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam), saying that his Lord had abandoned him. Allah Ta?ala assures the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that He can never leave him being His most
perfect model for humanity. Allah Ta?ala being the Most Merciful can never be Angry
with His great Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who is also ?Rahmatul-lil-
Aalameen? (Mercy unto Mankind). Allah Ta?ala also assures the Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) that every tomorrow of his is better than today, meaning that
the Holy Prophet?s (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) status will ever increase till he
occupies the highest seat of Maqaam-e-Mahmood in the Aakirah. So, the first section
begins by assuring him that everything would turn out well in the end. Many scholars
have translated verse 7 saying that the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
was astray and Allah Ta?ala showed him the right way. (Allah forbid!) All the
Prophets and Messengers of Allah Ta?ala are righteous, pious and on the straight
path, being innocent by birth. The Holy Prophet who is the Imaam of all the Prophets
(alaihimus salaam) was never astray or wrongly wandering or the one who lost his
way. The second section reminds Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) that Allah Ta'ala had helped him out of many troubles before. The beloved
Messenger of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was burdened by the death of his
father, mother and grandfather in his early childhood; Allah Ta'ala provided for him
through the care of his uncle and later through his marriage to the wealthy widow,
Hazrat Khatija (radi Allahu anha), his first wife. From a difficult beginning Allah Ta'ala
raised him to a position of fame. 

In this Surah, Allah Ta'ala was instructing Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) and all the Believers to be very careful of their treatment of those more
unfortunate than themselves. The Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) life was the
best example of good treatment for us to follow. Gratefulness to Allah Ta?ala is a
must for everyone. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 11 Ayahs, 40 words and
172 letters (harf). 

SURAH THEEN 

1. By the Fig and the Olive.

2. And by Mount Sinai.
3. And by this City of Security.
4. Undoubtedly, we have made man in the fairest stature.
5. Then We restored him the lowest of the low.
6. But those who believed and did good deeds, for them is a never -ending reward.
7. What then now causes you to lie about the Judgement?
8. Is not Allah the Greatest of all Rulers? 

Surah Theen (The Fig) begins with an oath on the fig, the olive, Mount Sinai and on
the City of Makkah. Allah Ta'ala says that He created humans in the best of forms,
and then reduced him to the lowest of the low - except those who believe and do
good. Allah Ta'ala had honoured Hazrat Adam (alaihis salaam) and his children
above all creatures, giving humans the possibility of reaching a height above the
Angels, through obedience. The people who believe and act righteous are entitled to
the highest credit from Allah Taala. They will receive unlimited rewards. On the other
hand, people who ignore their higher nature can come down to a level of behaviour
much worse than the most savage animals.

The Surah ends by asking: what could make people deny the final Judgement?
People who do the worst crimes are never caught, and many people who do the best
throughout their lives are never rewarded. It is Allah Ta'ala who will hand out the
true and exact Justice to His creatures in the end. 

This Surah was revealed in Makkatul Mukarramah. It has 8 Ayahs, 34 words and 105
letters (harf).

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Question: If any act was not done correctly or mistakenly during the Hajj
and Umrah, can the Dam be given outside the precincts of the sacred
Haram?

Answer: If it is Waajib to give Dam for the mistakes made during Hajj and Umrah,
then that animal of Dam should be slaughtered in the Haram. If the animal is
slaughtered outside the precinct of the Haram, Dam will not be regarded as valid.

Question: Can a person receive injections while he or she is fasting?

Answer: Yes. Most injections do not invalidate the fast. If a person can manage
keeping the fast, and has no desire to break the fast, he or she may take an
injection.

Question: Can Zakaah money be used to pay the salaries of those who
collect Zakaah?

Answer: The paying of salary for a fund-raiser from Zakaah money is only
permissable after making Hela-e-Shar'i. The method of Hela-e-Shar'i is that the
Zakaat should be given to a Faqeer (poor person) by making him the owner of the
money, then in his own way, the Faqeer should give this money to the Zakaat
organisation for its use. In this way, the obligation of Zakaat will be accomplished,
and the Faqeer will become worthy of Sawaab. Only after this is done, should the
money be utilised to pay the salary of the fund-raiser. (Fatawa Amjadiya, Vol. 2)

Question: How many sons did Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) have?
Answer: It is known that Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) had four children, namely two
sons - Hazrat Hasan and Hazrat Hussain and two daughters - Hazrat Zainab and
Hazrat Umme Khulsum. This is the view of the majority of scholars as found in
history. But, according to the Shias, they claim that Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) had
a third son named Muhassin.

Question: Can breast-feeding mothers keep fast?

Answer: If the breast-feeding mother has sufficient milk and is in good health, she
should keep fast provided she must also be convinced that by fasting no harm will
come to her baby. However, if the breast milk is adversely affected on account of the
fast, the mother should not fast.

Question: If a person who performed Umrah did not shave his head and
returned to his country, what should he do?

Answer: He should shave his head and give Dam.

Question: What is the name of Hazrat Jibraeel's (alaihis salaam) horse?

Answer: Haizoom

Question: What time can a person start reading Fajr Namaaz?

Answer: Fajr Salaah begins with the rising of dawn until sunrise and Fajr Salaah
must be read in this time, irrespective whether Azaan is given or not.

Question: Is the month of Safar a bad month ? Is it allowed to travel, to

marry, etc. in this month?

Answer: This is only the way the people think. There is no source of such information
in Shariah. Like other months of the year, it is permissible in Safar to travel, to
marry, etc. According to the Shariah there is nothing bad. It has come in the Hadith
that there is no such thing as Safar (Laa Safara); in other words, it is improper for
people to think of this as a bad month.

Question: Is it permissible to use the term "radi Allahu anhu" for the Awliya
Allah and the pious?

Answer: The term "radi Allahu anhu" is used in the Holy Quran with reference to the
Sahaba-e-Kiraam and the Tabi'in. To use any other words of Dua for them will be
contrary to the tradition of the Holy Quran. However, the use of this term for non-
Sahaba (Awliya Allah and Buzrugaan-e-Deen) is also proper. The Shariah did not
prohibit this in any way and there is no objection towards this. In the Arab countries,
this term is also used for the learned Ulema. By writing or saying "radi Allahu anhu"
with the name of a non-Sahaba will not make them the Sahaba. To think in this way
is improper.

Question: Adjacent to where I live, a group of Muslims have formed a club.

They meet almost on a daily basis to play card games and money is outlaid
on betting resulting in people losing and winning money. Is this
permissible?
Answer: The playing of cards is abominable. Where money is outlaid in bets resulting
in people winning and losing money amounts to gambling. Gambling is absolutely
Haraam.

Question: Is it permissible in Islam for Muslim men to marry Christian or

Jewish women and allowing the women to practice their faith?

Answer: Islam does allow marriages to Christian and Jewish women who hold the
correct beliefs and practices in their religion as People of the Book. However, in this
day and age, it is not possible to find such Christian or Jewish women because over
the years their religions have deviated from the true and original teachings of their
Prophets to a point where the beliefs of most Christian denominations or Sects
amount to Kufr and Shirk. Islam does not allow marriages with Mushriks (one who
indulges in Shirk) or an unbeliever.

Question: When a Janazah is brought to the mosque at the time of any

Fardh Salaah, Jummah Salaah or Eid Salaah, which should be performed
first, the Salaatul Janazah or the above-mentioned Salaah?

Answer: When a Janazah arrives at the time of a Fardh Salaah and a Jamaat has
congregated, then the Fardh Salaah should be performed first, followed by the
Sunnats. Thereafter, the Salaatul Janazah should be performed. In the case of Eid
Salaah, the Eid Salaah ought to be performed first, followed by the Janazah Salaah
and then followed by the Khutbah.

Question: Is it permissible for Muslims to purchase and burn fireworks

especially during the festival of Diwali?

Answer: This practise is not permissible for Muslims as it is a waste of money. It is

stated in a Hadith that: "There is no good (benefit) in lavishness."

Question: If a person gives his wife three Talaaqs at one sitting, will such an
action be accepted as three Talaaqs or as just a single Talaaq?

Answer: According to the Ahnaaf (Hanafis), this action has the effect of three
Talaaqs. The Ghair Muqalideen and the misled do not accept this ruling and consider
it to be only one Talaaq, which is improper.

Question: Fathima Begum Mohammed's husband has disappeared without

trace for 8 years. There has been no confirmation of his death nor of him
being alive. Fathima is extremely upset and worried. How does Shariah
advise her in this matter?

Answer: In the case of a missing husband, the Fatawa (religious ruling) of Imam
Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) is applied. The Imam's ruling states that if after four years
the husband is not found, then the local Qazi or a group of senior pious and religious
men from the Muslim Community may dissolve the marriage between the missing
husband and his wife and instruct her to serve Iddat-e-Wafaat (Iddat upon death of
husband) from that moment on time. Upon completion of the Iddat, the missing
man's wife may marry again. Allama Shaami (radi Allahu anhu) states that where in
a small community there is no Qazi, then a group of senior Muslims of the Jamaat
(Congregation) may dissolve the marriage.

Question: Can Muslim children act as "Rama" and "Sita" in a Diwali or

school play?

Answer: It is Na Jaa'iz or totally disallowed for Muslims to participate in such games,

sketches and plays.

Question: It is a well known fact that Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam) is alive.
Out of love for Hazrat Khizr (alaihis salaam), every week I offer Fateha in
his name and also in the name of all Marhoums. Some say that Fateha may
only be read in the name of deceased persons and not in the name of those
who are alive. Could you please advise me on this matter?

Answer: Those who hold the view that Esaale Sawaab may only be read for the dead
are wrong. Without doubt, Esaale Sawaab may be done for the living and the dead.
(Durre Mukhtar; Shaami, Vol.10, p.242)

Question: What was the name of Hazrat Maryam's (alaiha salaam) mother?

Answer: Husna bint Faaqooza

Question: Which harf has appeared the least in the Holy Quran?

Answer: "Zaa" - Eight Hundred and Forty Two (842) times.

Question: What is "Maqaam-e-Mahmood"?

Answer: "Maqaam-e-Mahmood" is that place where Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal

laahu alaihi wasallam) will stand on the Day of Reckoning and intercede for his
Ummah (Station of Intercession).

Question: In the light of Hadith Shareef, and in accordance to the sayings of

the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), what is one of the unique
ethics of Islam?

Answer: Hayaa or Shyness.

Question: Is it permissible to make Salaam to a Faasiq (Open Sinner) or to

shake hands with him?

Answer: It is Makrooh to make Salaam to a Faasiq. A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza
Khan (rahmatullahi alai) has stated as follows in his "Malfooz": If a Faasiq wants to
shake hands, then it is permissible, but you should not be the first to do so, even
though he is a Faasiq. However, it is not allowed with false innovators.

Question: Is Tawaaf without making the Niyyah valid?

Answer: No. Tawaaf without Niyyah is not valid. It is Fard to make Niyyah for
Tawaaf.
Question: What should one do if one realises that Tawaaf was not
performed correctly, eg. not starting from Hajre Aswad?

Answer: The Tawaaf should be repeated as it is not valid. This should be done while
one is in Makkah. However, if this is not possible it is Waajib for one to make Dumm.

Question: Is it compulsory to perform two Rakaah Salaah at Maqaam-e-

Ibrahim?

Answer: Yes. This Salaah is Waajib. It should not be read during Makrooh times. It
must be read after making the Tawaaf or later.

Question: Where should a person wear the Ihraam?

Answer: The Ihraam should be worn before one passes the Miqaats -boundries (i.e.
those specific places beyond which it is not permissable to cross without putting on
the Ihraam). To cross the Miqaat without the Ihraam is not permissable. If a person
is travelling by plane it is difficult to determine the Miqaats. It is best advisable to tie
the Ihraam before one boards the plane. This is only applies for the Hajj season. The
Hajj season begins from the month of Shawaal.

Question: Many people say that the urine of a new born child is paak. Is this
true?

Answer: The urine of a child even if he/she is only one day old is Na Paak (Impure).
(Ahkam-e-Shariah)

Question: Is it permissible for a man to give Talaaq to his wife while she is
pregnant?

Answer: Talaaq should not be given during pregnancy. However, if it is given, then it
will be valid. In this case, the Iddat will be until the birth of the child. (Ahkam-e-
Shariah)

Question: Is it allowed to make Tilaawat of the Quran during the time of

Zawwal?

Answer: It is better to read Durood or to be engrossed in any other Zikr during the
exact time of sunrise, sunset or Zawwal, rather than reciting the Holy Quran. These
times are not appropriate for the recitation of the Holy Quran. (Ahkam-e-Shariah)

Question: Does the Shariah allow a Muslim female to travel alone for Hajj or
to gain Ilm-e-Deen?

Answer: It is not permissible for any women to travel abroad without a Mahram,
even if it is for the reason of gaining Ilm-e- Deen. To travel alone to a foreign land
without a Mahram is against the laws of the Quran and Ahadith. Thus, there is no
use in striving to study Ilm-e-Deen if it is done in the manner prohibited by Shariah.
Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and obligatory upon every Muslim who has the
means of accomplishing it. But, even to accomplish this Fardh, it is not permissible
for a women to travel for Hajj alone. It has been narrated from Hazrat Abdullah Ibn
Abbas (radi Allahu anhu), that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "A
women may not travel, except with a Dhu Mahram, and no man may visit her except
with a Dhu Mahram." A man got up and said, "Ya Rasoolallah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam)! I intend to go to a certain battle and my wife wants to perform Hajj." The
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said (to him), "Go along with her (to Hajj)."
(Ref: Bukhari, Vol. 2, Ahadith No. 085)

Question: What is the law in a case where the husband commands the wife
to do a certain chore (task) and the chore will take so much time that her
salaah will become Qazah. Should she follow the command of her husband
in such a case?

Answer: She should perform her Salaah. For him to give such a command (at the
time of Namaaz) is Haraam.

Question: Is the month of Safar a bad month ? Is it allowed to travel, to

marry, etc. in this month?

Answer: This is only the way the people think. There is no source of such information
in Shariah. Like other months of the year, it is permissible in Safar to travel, to
marry, etc. According to the Shariah there is nothing bad. It has come in the Hadith
that there is no such thing as Safar (Laa Safara); in other words, it is improper for
people to think of this as a bad month.

Question: What is the law in the case where a person is in need of Ghusl but
knows that by the time he performs Ghusl, his Fajr Salaah will become
Qazah?

Answer: He should make Tayammum and perform his Salaah and then make Ghusl
and repeat the Salaah.

Question: After sunrise, how long does one have to wait before making
Qazah Namaaz?

Answer: To wait at least twenty minutes after sunrise is Waajib.

Question: What are the Fards (Faraa'id) of Ghusal?

Answer: Firstly, to wash the whole mouth. If you are not fasting, then you must
gargle your mouth until the water reaches the throat. Secondly, to cleanse the
nostrils. Thirdly, to wash the whole body thoroughly from the head to the toe.

Question: In Salaah, how must the female cover herself?

Answer: It is necessary for her to cover the body from the head to the feet, except
the face. The feet till the ankles and the hands till the wrist must be covered.

Question: What are the four Faraa'id of Wudu?

Answer: To wash the face - which is from the forehead till the chin and from one ear
to the other ear once. To wash both the arms till the elbows once. To make Masah of
at least a quarter of the head. By quarter is meant 4 fingers width. To wash the feet
till the ankles once. If these 4 actions are not carried out, then the Wudu will be
incomplete. It will, therefore, be Haraam for a person to read Salaah.

Question: What is the ruling of the Shariah regarding the following: Because
of land development for housing, the developer's wish to exhume the bodies
of unknown Muslim students or disciples of Hazrat Sayyid Jaffer
(rahmatullahi alai) at the place called Camps Bay. The Cape Mazaar Society
wishes to know whether such an action is Islamically correct. If not, what
action should be followed?

Answer: If the land is Waqf, like that of the general Muslim graveyards, or if it is the
personal property of an individual who allows Muslims to be buried there and there
are graves already existing there, then to erect houses on such land is disallowed. To
build houses on the graves is disrespect to the deceased, and disrespect to the
deceased is Haraam. It has been stated in "Raddul Muhtar": "That which causes
discomfort to the living, causes discomfort to the deceased." It is clear from the
above mentioned statement that to build on the graves of Muslims is Haraam. It is
written in "Fatawa Alamgeeri": "To walk on graves is sin. The top of the grave is the
belonging of the Mayyit." Thus the Cape Mazaar Society and the Muslims should join
hands and oppose such an un-Islamic act. You should also try to legally stop this act.

Question: When is it forbidden to read any Nafil Salaah?

Answer: After the break of dawn; before sunrise; after the Fard of the Fajar Salaah;
after Asar Salaah until sunset; and during the Khutbah of both the Eids and the
Jummah Salaah.

Question: What is the law in the case where a person is in need of Ghusl but
knows that by the time he performs Ghusl, his Fajr Salaah will become
Qazah?

Answer: If one makes Wudu or Ghusl, then the Salaah will become Qazah, thus one
should make Tayammum in place of Ghusal. (Tayammum can be performed for
Ghusal and for Wudu. There is no need to make individual Tayammum for each).
Then he must make Ghusl-Wudu and repeat the Salaah.

Question: What is the importance of the second Azaan of Jummah Salaah in

the Islamic Shariah and what happens if any person unintentionally or
intentionally leaves out the second Azaan of Jummah?

Answer: From the Ahd-e-Risaalah (Time of the Prophet sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
right till the Ahd-e-Khilaafah of Sayyiduna Uthman-e-Ghani (radi Allahu anhu) only
one Azaan, the Azaan-e-Khutba, meaning the Azaan before the Khutba used to be
called out.

During the rule of Sayyiduna Uthman-e-Ghani (radi Allahu anhu) he announced the
commencement of the Azaan when the time starts for Jummah Salaah, which is
today known as the first Azaan, but he left the second Azaan of the Azaan-e-Khutba
as it was. Even till this very day this practice is being upheld in all Muslim states.

If any Imam of the Musjid leaves out the second Azaan, or opposes the giving of the
second Azaan, then he is the cause of a new fitna (disruption) in the Ummah. Allah
Forbid! The Azaan-e-Thaani (second Azaan) is Sunnat-e-Mutawatira Mubaaraka (A
continuous blessed Sunnah) which has been consistent from the time of the Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) till this day without any dispute. To follow and continue
this Sunnah is a means of great Sawaab and blessing. However, if somebody
unintentionally leaves out or forgets the second Azaan, then the Salaah will not
become void.

Question: How should the body of a female be positioned when she is in

Sajdah?

Answer: The stomach and the armpits should be close to the body. The elbows
should lie flat to the ground. The thigh should not be raised, but as flat as a position
as possible. The hips should not be raised and should be as close to the ground as
possible.

Question: The Jamaat seeks clarification and wishes to enquire whether

Zakaat money could be utilised for the payment of the Madressa Appas
salaries. It may be mentioned that the majority of the Madressa children
come from poor families and are unable to meet the Madressa fees of R20
per term or R80 per year. At present the madressa has a roll of about 200
children.

Answer: The Madressa should firstly try its utmost to gain funds to run the affairs of
the Madressa. However, if this is still in vain, then Zakaat can be accepted. The
Zakaat must be utilized after performing Hela-e-Shar'i. The method of Hela-e-Shar'i
is that the Zakaat should be given to a Faqeer (poor person) by making him the
owner of the money, then in his own way, the Faqeer should give this money to the
madressa for its use. In this way, the obligation of Zakaat will be accomplished, and
the Faqeer will become worthy of Sawaab. Only after this is done, should the money
be utilised to run the affairs of the Madressa.

Question: Is it permissible for only one Hafiz to perform Taraweeh Salaah

reciting the Holy Quran?

Answer: Yes, it is permissible for only one Hafiz to perform the Taraweeh Salaah,
reciting the entire Holy Quran. It has been stated in the authentic kitaabs of Fiqh
that it is more excellent to perform Taraweeh behind only one Haafiz, and if one
wishes, then there can be two Huffaz.

Question: Is a husband allowed to touch the Janazah of his deceased wife?

Answer: Yes. The Janazah of the female can be carried and touched by the husband.
It can also be lowered into the grave by the husband. The husband is only not
allowed to touch the body directly (contact with flesh), but can do so if necessary
with a covered hand. "Bahre Shariat" and "Qanun-e-Shariat" have a detailed
explanation.

Question: Must one remain seated or standing while the Iqaamat is being
called out?

Answer: It is not proper to remain standing throughout the Iqaamat. However it is

Sunnah to sit and listen to the Iqaamat. Proof of this is present both in the Hadith of
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Hazrat Abu Qatadah (radi Allahu anhu) reports that
the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "When the Iqaamat for Salaah is
being given, then do not stand until you do not see me come out of my Hujrah
(room)." In reference to this Hadith, the Muhaditheen have clearly explained that the
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used to come out of his room at the time when
the Mu'azzin would say "Haya alas Salaah - Haya Alal Falaah." It has been stated in
"Bahare Shariah" with the reference of "Fatawa Alamgiri" as follows: "Those present
in the Musjid should remain seated at the time of the Iqaamat and should only stand
when the Mukabbir (Mu'azzin) says 'Haya Alal Falaah'. To act against this is Khilaaf-
e-Sunnah (in contradiction of the Sunnah)."

Question: What is the proper Islamic method of drawing up an Islamic Will

and how should the wealth of the deceased be distributed?

Answer: According to the Shariah, a Muslim has the right to make a Wasiyyah of
only one-third of his wealth or his Estate. If one makes a Wasiyyah of more than
one-third, then the Will becomes null and void according to the Shariah. If such a
situation arises then such an incorrect Wasiyyah should never be carried out.

The proper Islamic method of distributing the wealth of the deceased is to firstly pay
off all expenses (viz. kaffan, burial, etc.) from his wealth. Thereafter, the deceased
debts should be paid. From the remainder, one-third can be used to carry out any of
the Wasiyyat, if any, left by the deceased. Finally, the remainder of the belongings is
to be distributed amongst the heirs according to the Laws of Inheritance as laid down
by the Shariah. (Fatawa Alamgeeri, Hidayah, Fatawa Radawiyyah, etc.)

Question: What are the basic Islamic responsibilities of the husband

towards his wife?

Answer: It is Waajib (compulsory) upon the husband to provide the necessities, such
as, a roof to live under, and food and clothing for his wife. The Holy Prophet (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated: "I am asking you to be generous with your
women. You should accept this advice of mine. They have been created from the rib
and ribs are curved (not straight) and from amongst the ribs, the one most bent is
the one on the top. If your try to straighten it, then it will break and if you let it be,
then it will remain bent (curved)" (Bukhari & Muslim)Question: Is the father allowed
to give the Zakaat to his daughter?

Question: Can a woman make Tawaaf in the state of Janaabat?

Answer: No. Tahaarat is a condition for Tawaaf, but Sa'ee can be performed while
she is in the state of Janaabat. Tahaarat for Sa'ee is Mustahab.

Question: When and how should the nails be trimmed?

Answer: The nails should be trimmed every Friday. After trimming the nails, they
should be buried and not thrown in a dirt bin because they are part of a Muslim's
body and should be respected. The approved manner of trimming the nails is to start
with the Shahaadah finger of the right hand then the remaining fingers excluding the
right thumb. Thereafter, one should start with the small finger of the left hand till the
Shahaadah finger and lastly trim the nail of the left thumb and then the right thumb.
Question: Recently, there has appeared a number of articles in the media
about the circumcision of Muslim women in some African countries and the
harm that it is causing. What is the Islamic ruling concerning the
circumcision of women?

Answer: The circumcision of women in not Sunnah and neither has it been an
emphasized command in Shariat. It is a tradition in certain of the Arab countries. It
is stated in the Hadith Shareef, "Circumcision is Sunnah for men, and for women it is
only better." It is also stated in "Dur're Mukhtar" that: "The circumcision of women is
not Sunnah, but for the sake of the men, it is something which is better, and this
statement that it is Sunnah, is Da'if (weak)." Where the tradition of circumcision for
women is not present, it should not be started since this will cause people to laugh at
and make a mockery of Shariat. (Fatawa Afriqa)

Question: Can a person read Namaaz without a hat?

Answer: If a person reads Namaaz without a hat thinking that Namaaz is just a
physical activity, then this is Kufr. If a person reads Namaaz without a hat due to the
heat or forgetfulness, then this is Makrooh-e-Tanzeeh.

Question: After slaughtering an animal it was discovered that a foetus was

in the belly of the animal. Is the Qurbani still accepted or not?

Answer: The Qurbani will be accepted. If after slaughtering an animal it is discovered

that the animal was pregnant and a live foetus appears in the belly, then it is
necessary to slaughter that foetus.

Question: Can Zakaah be given to a person who owns a television set, but at
the same time he does not have the financial means of supporting his family
and paying his expenses?

Answer: It is mentioned in "Durr-e-Mukhtar" that to pay Zakaat to a person who is

misguided is not permissable. For one to own a television set and watch it is
considered as Haraam and a sin, but this does not necessitate that Zakaat should be
withheld from him as he is still considered as a needy Muslim. One should try and
stop him from sinning and by displaying good actions by means of a favour towards
that person will make it easier for him to refrain from any more sins.

Question: Is the wife allowed to give Talaaq to her husband?

Answer: The Islamic Shariah has allocated the right of Talaaq to the husband and
has not placed it in the hands of the wife as Ayah 237 of Surah Baqarah states: "
...in whose hands is the marriage tie." But if the wife desires, she can ask her
husband to divorce her by offering him something. Talaaq is a very serious matter
and disliked by Almighty Allah. The Hadith states that the Arsh of Almighty shakes
when a Talaaq is given. Without any solid reason based upon the Shariah, to give
and ask for Talaaq is a great sin.

Question: Must Ghusl be performed for a still-born child?

Answer: The actual Ghusl will not be given. The body must only be washed, wrapped
in a clean cloth and buried. There is also no Janazah Salaah for a still-born child.
(Durr-al-Mukhtar)

Question: Is it necessary for a woman, whose husband has passed away, to

go to someone elses house after the Iddat period?

Answer: No. It is not necessary for a woman to go visiting immediately after the
Iddat period. It is said that this must be done to show others that her Iddat period is
now complete. This is not necessary and carried out due to ignorance. Such a
practice has no ties with the Shariah.

Question: What is "Taqiyyah?"

Answer: "Taqiyyah", in Shia'ite doctrine, is the concealing of the truth for the
purposes of misleading the innocent believers in the name of religion. This, in
Shia'ite belief, is regarded as a great form of Ibaadah carrying a very great reward.
In essence, Taqiyyah involves lying and deceitfully misleading innocent Muslims into
the Shia'ite fold.

Question: If a person is very sick and cannot stand and perform the Salaah,
how should the Salaah be performed?

Answer: If a person is sick and cannot stand and read the Salaah, he or she may sit
and read the Salaah. The head should be bent a little for Ruku and a little more for
Sajdah. If the person is very sick and cannot even sit up, then he or she may
perform Salaah while lying on his or her back. The head should be placed on a high
position and the knees bent so that he or she will be able to bend the head a little for
Ruku and a little more for Sajdah. If his or her knees cannot bend, then the legs
should be facing straight towards the Qiblah.

Question: What is "Tahiyatul Masjid Salaah"?

Answer: This special Salaah consist of 2 Rakaah Sunnah which is read by a person
on entering a Masjid. It should be read before one sits in the Masjid.