Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contents
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................5
THE FOUR SCHOOLS OF FIQH......................................................................................................................7
THE DEFINITION OF SALAH........................................................................................................................11
THE RULING OF SALAH..............................................................................................................................11
THE EXCELLENCE OF SALAH.......................................................................................................................12
THE BENEFITS OF SALAH............................................................................................................................13
THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF SALAH...............................................................................................................13
Praying after the expiration of time (Qada)...........................................................................................14
THE RULING ON ABANDONING THE SALAH...............................................................................................14
THE HISTORY OF SALAH.............................................................................................................................16
The Characteristics of the Prayer Before Islam......................................................................................16
The History of Salah in Islam..................................................................................................................17
THE TIMES OF SALAH.................................................................................................................................18
The Time for Fajr...................................................................................................................................18
The Time for Zuhr..................................................................................................................................18
The Time for Asr....................................................................................................................................19
The Time for Maghrib............................................................................................................................19
The Time for Isha...................................................................................................................................19
Time for Witr.........................................................................................................................................20
The Preferred Salah Times for the Madhab...........................................................................................20
The Prohibited/Disliked Times...............................................................................................................21
ADHAN.......................................................................................................................................................23
The Definition of Adhan.........................................................................................................................23
The History of the Adhan.......................................................................................................................23
The Virtue of the Adhan........................................................................................................................23
The Ruling of the Adhan........................................................................................................................24
Ruling of the Adhan for a Women’s Congregation................................................................................24
Ruling of the Adhan for an Indivdual.....................................................................................................24
Summary...............................................................................................................................................24
The Shurut of the Adhan.......................................................................................................................25
The Etiquettes of the Adhan..................................................................................................................25
SHURUT OF SALAH.....................................................................................................................................27
Shurut of Salah......................................................................................................................................27
Pre-requisites (Shurut) for obligating Salah...........................................................................................27
Conditions (Shurut) for validating Salah................................................................................................27
ARKAN (INTEGRALS) OF SALAH..................................................................................................................29
Arkan of Salah........................................................................................................................................29
Issues on the Fatihah.............................................................................................................................30
The Virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah.............................................................................................................30
WAJJIBAT (OBLIGATORY ACTS) OF SALAH.................................................................................................33
SUNAN (RECOMMENDED ACTS) OF SALAH...............................................................................................33
MAKRUH (ABONIMABLE) ACTS IN SALAH..................................................................................................37
MUBAH (PERMISSIBLE) ACTS IN SALAH.....................................................................................................38
THE ETIQUETTE OF SALAH.........................................................................................................................38
The Difference between Men and Women in Regard To Salah.............................................................38
HOW TO ACHIEVE KHUSHU IN SALAH.......................................................................................................39
THE POST SALAH DHIKR.............................................................................................................................41
SALAT’L-MUSAFIR (THE PRAYER OF THE TRAVELLER)................................................................................42
Al Qasr – Shortening the prayer............................................................................................................42
The Rulings of praying Al-Qasr...............................................................................................................42
The Minimum distance to allow Qasr....................................................................................................42
What is the time-period that constitutes residency?............................................................................43
COMBINING PRAYERS................................................................................................................................44
The forms of combining prayer.............................................................................................................44
The rulings on combining prayer...........................................................................................................44
Combining between Fard Salah.............................................................................................................44
ACTS THAT NULLIFY THE SALAH.................................................................................................................45
Acts that allows the departure from Salah............................................................................................45
Sujud’l-Sahw (Prostration due to forgetfulness)....................................................................................45
CONGREGATIONAL SALAH.........................................................................................................................47
Benefits of Congregational Salah...........................................................................................................47
The Ruling of Congregation Salah..........................................................................................................47
The Prayer Line......................................................................................................................................48
Rules of the Imam..................................................................................................................................48
Abominable acts in leading Salah..........................................................................................................49
Rules of the Ma’mum............................................................................................................................50
Etiquette of the latecomer for Salah (al-Masbuq).................................................................................50
Rules of the Masjid................................................................................................................................51
Etiquette of going to the Masjid............................................................................................................51
SALAT’L NAFILAH (SUPEREROGATORY PRAYERS)......................................................................................52
Forms of Nafl Salah................................................................................................................................52
Obligatory Prayer Rakats.......................................................................................................................53
Sunnah Prayer Rakats............................................................................................................................54
OTHER CONGRAGATIONAL PRAYERS.........................................................................................................55
Salat’l-Jum’ah........................................................................................................................................55
Salat’l-Eedayn........................................................................................................................................55
Salat’l-Taraweeh....................................................................................................................................56
Salat’l-Khusuf (Lunar) & Kusuf (Solar) – The Eclipse Prayer...................................................................56
Salat’l-Istiqa – Prayer for the request of rain.........................................................................................56
Salat’l-Khawf..........................................................................................................................................56
REFERENCES
Al Fiqh-ul-islam-wa-iddalatihu – this has evidences for all schools, for all actions concerning the Prayer.
INTRODUCTION
Prophet (SAW) said the greatest trial from time of Adam to the Hour, is Ad-Dajjal.
There has not come a Prophet that did not warn about the Ad-Dajjal.
The people will be starving, poor and destitute and the Dajjal will appear. He will produce food and give money.
People will be confused and stressed. He will tell people if he is able to bring back his parents, if they believe in
him.
Dajjal will be with us for 40 days, 1 day will be like a year, 1 day will be like a month, 1 day will be like a week and
the rest of the days will be like our days.
Prophet (SAW) said if he was amongst his people at the time Ad-Dajjal comes, he will protect them.
The companions asked about the day when it would be like a year, if they would be able to perform their five daily
prayers – this was their number one concern – their link with Allah. This needs to be understood – this is our most
important link with Allah.
It has been recommended to memorize either the first ten or the last ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf – as this will be a
protection from the Dajjal.
In Islam, there is no easier way to Paradise than the kind treatment of parents.
We should not base our arguments on tajroobah (benefits/wisdoms) in defending Islam – these should come at the
end, e.g. the issue of Niqab.
When a ruling is given by the scholars, the basis of these rulings start bottom up, i.e. first and foremost, they are
the commandments of Allah or the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).
Subhan – You are addressing the supreme. O Allah you are truly exalted and transcendent from what they say. This
is a statement of distance, maximum distance between what people say of Allah and His true reality.
The following three things have been abrogated in Islam, over a period of time:
The five times prayer was given to the Prophet (SAW) in the heavens directly by Allah during the night of Isra wa’l
Mi’raj – which is understood to be three years before Hijrah or just after. The more correct opinion is that it took
place between 8-18 months before the Hijrah.
Prophet (SAW) said pray as you see me pray. The prayer has to be done according to the Sunnah, the evidences.
Prophet (SAW) said a person will pray and will only take a tenth, a ninth, a eighth, a seventh, a sixth, a fifth, a
quarter, a third and a half of their prayer – authentic hadith.
Allah continues to look at his slave when he is praying until the slave turns away. Allah turns to us at this time. This
is mentioned in a number of hadith.
The people of religion of the past said, that in reference to the act of Salah, “We are human beings having a
spiritual experience” but the Muslims said “We are spiritual beings having a human experience”.
We are better than the angels as they only do what they are commanded to do, where as Insan has the freedom of
choice, where he can accept or not accept Islam.
Tafsir-e-quran-bil-quran – Understanding a verse of the Quran using another verse of the Quran.
Shirk in our time is the worship of rationalism – in which it is believed that the intellect is greater than the books
and Sunnah.
The Aql (intellect) needs to be used to understand the text, not to try and define it.
THE FOUR SCHOOLS OF FIQH
The four greatest Fuqaha (jurists) ever known in the Sunni school (Ahlus-sunna-wal-jammah) were the four Imams
– who always tried to find a solution from Quran and Sunnah to make things easy for the masses.
When these four Fuqaha unanimously state that an action will have severe consequences, this needs to be treated
very seriously, as these verdicts are based on a detailed study of the Quran and Sunnah.
Hanafi – Founded by Abu Hanifah – he was the first to master the science of Fiqh. The key authorities in this
school, i.e. those do the checking and are the masters of the school are Imam Zufur, Abu Yusuf, Muhammad ibn
Hamza Shaybani (main student), Yahya Ibn Zakariyya, Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, Yahya Ibn Ma’in (great scholar),
Zaydahi.
Maliki – Founded by Imam Malik – 3rd generation of Muslims, so amongst the Salaf. Views largely dependent on
the actions of the people of Madina. Author of Mu’attah. He is also a Muhaddith. Ibn Qurtubi, Ibn Qardun.
Shafi’i – Founded by Imam Shafi – Teacher was Imam Malik. Muhammad ibn Hamza Shaybani was his main
teacher. Imam Al Bukhari, Imam Al-Muslim, Al Tirmidhi, Ibn Hajjah, Abu Dawud, An-Nissae, Imam Ghazali, Imam
Nawawi, Ibn Kathir, Suyuti, Ibn Hajar Al-Askalani (one of the greatest scholars to have ever lived in Islam).
Hanbali – Founded by Imam Ahmad Ibn Habal – Student of Shafi’i. Very hadith oriented and orthodox in their
creed. Popular in parts of Egypt. Al-Khallal, Abdul Qadir al-Jilani, Al Jawziy, Qudama, Majd Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn
Taymiyyah (he reformed Fiqh, he reformed Islam and Politics, he has a high regard for Imam Malik and wrote an
entire book defending Imam Malik. He also has high regard for Imam Shafi’i and Abu Hanifah also).
Al-Muttamat – the authoritative book in the school of Fiqh. In Hanafi school, there are many books that can be
regarded as the Muttamat. These books in essence are the established facts.
Malik + Abu Hanifah – were considered as Ahl-e-Raii’ – People who use opinion.
Malik –
The Hanafi position on Fiqh is normally deemed as different to other schools, as it is based on the differences in the
classification of hadith.
i. Abu Hanifah’s large dependence on these two companions (Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood & Ali ibn Talib)
who went to kufah in Iraq, Abu Hanifa’s home town.
ii. There was a lot of fabrication of hadith, innovations, sects, etc, that were going on in Iraq at Abu
Hanifa’s time in his locale. The Khawarij also came from there. Therefore, Abu Hanifah had to be
very strict on hadith and be extra restrictive to make sure he has authentic hadeeths, making his
pool of hadith even smaller.
iii. Abu Hanifa’s fiqh (deep understanding) was unparalleled to other scholars – knowledge on
another level. That’s why his opinions are at a variance with other madhabs.
Principle – The one who seeks a ruling is upon the madhab of the one who he asks.
Al-Mustaftti-Al-al Madhabi – The one who does not know a ruling is automatically upon the school of the one who
he asks.
Muhaqeqeen – They make Tahqeeq (authenticate) – they review the Hadith, by going over and checking the
opinions and the hadeeths of the madhab.
If the scholars differ in opinion, then it is best to go with the safest position.
Fiqh – there are differences in opinions on issues which are not firmly established within the Quran and Sunnah.
A Fatwah is a ruling which is unique to the person, where nothing has been found regarding this situation in
Hadith, etc. A Fatwah is not a Fiqh ruling.
A Fiqh ruling is well established, but Fiqh is not Aqeedah, as nothing is written in stone and sound differences of
opinion are permissible with the four Imams.
A ‘Sunnah’ when it comes to Fiqh is something if it is omitted, then it is not punished, however, if it is followed,
then is rewarded, inshallah.
Principle: Live your life by Taqwa (fearing Allah) and not Fatwah (ruling).
Takleed – Blindly following the rulings of the Imams and the Scholars – the general masses of Muslims fall into this
category as they do not have the knowledge or the means to study the evidences for themselves. For these people,
the madhabs that they follow should be strictly adhered to – there is no picking and choosing from different
madhabs for particular situations.
Taqleed is a tool – to follow someone who knows more than you, without you knowing or understanding the
evidences yourself. It usually refers to the layman (ammi’) accepting a religious ruling from an Alim without
questioning his textual proof of juristic reasoning. The four Imams are the most established in the Sunni school.
However, other great Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah, Shawkani, Al-Albani, etc, can also be followed.
The Layman cannot and should not mix and match between a Madhab. However, a scholar can mix and match
madhabs, and this scholar, in turn can be followed in his views by others. If one’s prayer becomes a combination of
the different madhabs due to his own study and following trusted scholars, then this is also permissible.
Tarfeeq – Permissibility for people (students of knowledge) to take from different madhabs as long as it is done for
the sake of Allah and not just to find something which is easy.
Imam Nawawi was a strong Shafi, who had universal acceptance by all the schools. His books were the very best.
His collection of hadith and explanations were the very best.
Mu’adh ibn Jabbal was a companion who was sent to Yemen by our Prophet (SAW).
Imam Bukhari is regarded as Amirul Mumineen – and the greatest hadith scholar to walk the earth. The most
authentic set of hadith are contained in Sahih Bukhari. Imam Bukhari was a Shafi and also Ahlul-Hadith and was
also considered to be a Mujtahid Muqlak – which is as qualified as they come.
The criteria and classification of the hadith are subject to the utmost rigour to verify their authenticity, some of
which are mentioned here. The hadith becomes stronger the less people there are in the chain. Each person in the
chain is assessed in the most critical way, so there is no possibility of bias, forgetfulness, weakness, etc. All the
Sahabah are trustworthy – these are the companions of the Prophet (SAW) – they met the Prophet and died as
Muslim. The thabeen met the Sahabah and died as Muslim. The thabe-thebeen met the thabeen and died as
Muslim. These three generations are known as the Salaf - the pious predecessors, the preserved.
In Sahih Bukhari there are no weak or hasan hadith in his book. There are only authentic hadith in here. Bukhari
went through approx. million hadith, and only accepted approx. 1000 in his book.
In the Muttah of Imam Malik, there are certain hadith which has the “golden chain” – i.e. there are three key
people in the chain – Ibn Umar who related the hadith narration to Naf’i (servant boy) who related the narration it
to Imam Malik. This contains more hadith than Bukhari, but not as authentic – this was never meant to be a book
of hadith.
Sunan of Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Al-Nasa’i - in these four books, there is different classification of Sahih,
Hasan, and Daeef hadith in these collections.
The Ulama allow weak hadith to be used when it concerns Salah – to encourage the people to pray.
Weak hadith can be used to encourage others and discourage others from performing actions as long as this does
not legislate.
i. This hadith must not be “very weak” – i.e. there is someone in the chain that has lied or fabricated in
the past.
ii. The hadith is talking about something that has already been established in the Sunnah.
iii. When the hadith is quoted or narrated, the weakness of it should also be mentioned.
No excuses are accepted in obligatory actions such as Salah – it is from the matters which are “known by necessity
in the religion.”
THE DEFINITION OF SALAH
Prophet (SAW) in authentic hadith prayed an entire prayer with just one verse – “O Allah if you punish them, they
are your servants, but if you forgive them, then you are the Mighty, the Powerful, the Wise.” (Al Maidah). This
verse is known as the verse of Shifaa (intercession). This was originally used by Prophet Esa for his people who
associated him with Allah.
i. Du’a
ii. Blessing, Forgiveness, Mercy.
iii. A Synagogue
iv. Middle of the back (from the definition of the Jahiliyah Arabs)
Technical Definition – “The worship of Allah with a particular set of statements and actions that begin with the
takbir (Allahu Akbar) and end with the taslim (Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah).”
i. Intention has to be for the sake of Allah – this is from the inner dimension.
ii. Has to be done according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) – this covers the external aspect.
“Kitaban” – Written/Established.
Salat and Zakat always mentioned together in the Qur’an by Allah – this religion and our Prophet (SAW) has been
sent down to “purify” us. Our scholars used to say our objectives are purification (tasfiyah) and education
(tarbiyah).
Prophet (SAW) said the Qiblah is between the East and West – This means that in times of difficulty there is a
flexibility of approx. 180 degrees.
THE EXCELLENCE OF SALAH
Major sins (Kaba’ir) are sins that have explicitly been strictly forbidden in Islam, with a defined punishment or a
threat of a punishment, of if the word “cursed” is used, i.e. Bid’ah, Riba. These can only be forgiven through tawba,
which has the following conditions:
There are obligations in Islam, in which certain other obligations need to be met first, e.g. Hajj is an obligation, but
it is necessary to have the wealth to do this, otherwise it is not considered to be an obligation upon you. Salah,
however, is an outright obligation, which must be performed in all conditions.
THE BENEFITS OF SALAH
Tuma’ninah (relaxation) occurs 3 times in the Qur’an e.g. Ibrahim in Surah Al-Baqarah
Whole Salah is based upon this word Tuma’ninah (statement of the heart).
If you find salah difficult it means you have no khushoo and if you have no khushoo your salat is worthless.
According to a hadith, you will only receive a reward equivalent to a 1/10 th , 1/9th, 1/8th, 1/7th 1/6th , 1/5th, 1/4th,
1/3rd or 1/2 of the prayer that has been performed.
Every Mukallaf (legally responsible adult ) is fully accountable for Salah. The detail of taklif (legal responsibility) is
based on the hadith:
“The pen has been lifted from three: the insane one until he regains his sanity, the sleeping one until he awakens,
and the child until he reaches puberty.”
This hadith is muttawatir in its meaning. This hadith has been established as authentic.
This is in reference to the accounting of one’s deeds, i.e. it will not write when you are in any of the above three
states.
i. Islam has to exist for the person – only the Muslim is accountable specifically
ii. Sanity – when someone understands what they’re being told and has full control over their mental
faculties.
iii. Post-pubescence – The famous hadith (Abu Dawud) encourages parents to order their children to
pray at the age of seven and then discipline them at the age of ten, if they refuse. This discipline
should not be in any form to cause any harm or pain to the child i.e. no marking, no aggression, etc, it
is for the issue of establishing fear. The spanking has to be light, avoid the face and any marks.
iv. State of purity – the woman should not be in a state of menstruation.
v. State of awareness.
Ibn Taymiyyah said that these prayers missed due to unconsciousness are Adaa, as the person was unconscious,
therefore the prayer was not obligatory for him at that time, but as soon as he is awake and conscious, then it
immediately becomes obligatory for him.
Abu Hanifah has said if a person is unconscious/drunk for a long period of time. If you are unconscious for less than
one day, then you have to perform all your prayers on regaining consciousness.
The second a person remembers he has missed a prayer, he must perform it immediately.
If someone repents after a long period of negligence in prayer, according to Ibn Taymiyyah only tawbah is
required. Abu Hanifah says if you fall into a coma which lasts for days, they don’t need to be made up for missed
prayers – however, it is just for a day, then those five prayers need to be made up. The other scholars say, that if
you become ill, unconscious, then you are not accountable, then you do not need to make these up.
If a number of prayers have been missed, then all the prayers should be performed in order. However, if it is time
for Maghrib, then you should perform Maghrib first, or the obligatory prayer that is being performed at the masjid
at that time, then perform the other missed prayers in order.
Scenario A – The one who denies the obligation of Salah. There is a unanimous consensus that this person is a
disbeliever. The exemption is one who is new to Islam and is just learning the commandments and the reality.
Takfir – To announce/take someone out of Islam. This is a very important issue. There is an authentic hadith that
says that if someone has made takfir on someone who was once a believer, then one of them is definitely a Kafir –
either the person making the takfir or the person being accused of it.
“When someone says to another, “Disbeliever”, then one of them has disbelieved. If the one he said it to really is a
disbeliever then he spoke the truth. If that was not the case, then the one who said it has brought disbelief upon
himself.”
Scenario B – The one who abandons the prayer out of laziness or other reasons.
i. Imam Ahmad Ibn Habal – The person is to be killed as a Kafir - this is only applicable in an Islamic
State (by the Amirul Amineen) or a country which is run with Islamic Law and there is a Muslim
majority where the Muslims are practising.
Evidences:
The verse in the Qur’an about slaying the Polytheists, is in the context of warfare – but if the enemy
repents and establishes the prayer and pays the zakah, then we are commanded to let them go free.
If, however, they do not comply, then the punishment is applicable.
If a Muslim living in an Islamic state, abandons the prayer he is treated as an apostate, where this
punishment applies.
The Hadith of Buraydah – “The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is the prayer and
whoever neglects it has disbelieved.” [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi]
Another Hadith:
“Verily, between a person and shirk and kufr is the abandonment of the prayer.”
ii. Imam Malik and Imam Shafi - The person is a Muslim but a Fasiq (disobedient evildoer). He is asked
for three days yet if he doesn’t then he is killed as a prescribed punishment (hadd) not as a
disbeliever or an apostate.
Evidences:
The Hadith in the text is Muwattah – i.e. the hadith is weak because there is a break in the chain.
Surah Nisa, Verse 48 – Allah will not forgive those that assign partners to Him, He will forgive
everything, except shirk.
Allah has obligated five prayers, for someone to perform perfect ablution and perform the prayer at
the correct times, with kushoo, with sujood, etc, he has a promise that he will be forgiven, but if he
does not do that Allah might either punish him or forgive him.
Ibn Majah narrates a hadith by Abu Hurayrah – “If there are deficiencies in the obligatory prayers,
then the Sunnah and Nafl prayers are checked which will be used to fix these deficiencies.”
Hadeeth of Shifa’ah – last person who comes out of hell has done nothing good in his life except
the shahadah.
iii. Imam Hanifah – The persons is a Muslim but a Fasiq (disobedient evildoer). He is not to be killed but
rather he should be imprisoned.
Evidences:
It is Haram to spill the blood of another Muslim, except in three conditions: the married person who
commits adultery, a life for a life, and the one who forsakes his religion.
Conclusion – strongest opinion
Malik & Shafi’I and majority of the scholars of the salaf and khalaf considered the person who leaves salah is not a
disbeliever, but committed an evil sin and is asked to repent either he does that or is killed as an apostate.
The person who just prays their Jummah salah only is as close to kufr as possible.
The reference of the Prophets and the act of Salah mentioned in the Quran:
i. During the time of Dawud – Sad: 24. This is the first mention of Salah to the Prophet (SAW) of the
earlier Prophets (the word “ruku”).
ii. During the time of Ibrahim – Ibrahim: 37.
iii. During the time of Ismai’l – Maryam: 55.
iv. During the time of Musa – Yunus: 87.
v. During the time of Bani Israil – Al-Maidah: 12.
vi. During the time of Esa – Al-e-Imran: 43.
i. Muslims were not the first or only people who performed Salah.
ii. Actions of Salah are universal, not exclusively Islamic.
iii. Acts of Salah represent humility and humbleness and a sign of devotion.
iv. Some Salah-related rituals might be different from what we do today.
Stage 2: The early years of the Message – the Night Prayer (Qiyam’l-Layl) was obligated on the Prophet (SAW) first
due to the command in Surat’l-Muzzammil. The five daily prayers ordained on the Night of Miraj later abrogated
this obligation (for the Ummah).
Key Lessons:
i. Two daily prayers (two rakats) established in the Quran – the Doha Prayer and the Asr Prayer
ii. Wudu was optional for these prayers.
iii. The Qiblah was towards Jerusalem
iv. The obligation of Qiyam’l Layl is abrogated.
The acceptable range for the time of this occurrence was 3 years before the Hijrah, to just after the Hijrah. It is
usually accepted that it was roughly 18 month to 8 months before the Hijrah.
ii. The Qiblah was changed towards Makkah. The Hadith mentioned here where the people performing
Salah changed their direction whilst praying, is an evidence that a Hadith Ahad (single narration) can
establish Law.
iii. Salah was enhanced and number of rak’at is increased.
iv. The Eid prayer was established – second year after Hijrah.
v. The Janazah prayer was established
vi. Talking during Salah was prohibited.
vii. More Sunan prayers were established including Salat’l Ghaib (prayer for someone who has passed
away) Salat’l Khawf
i. It is the only pillar in Islam that was obligated in Makkah before the Hijrah
ii. We followed the steps of the righteous nations before us in Salah
iii. We are the only nation today that adheres to the original form of Salah
iv. Allah, the Most Merciful, prescribed gradually.
v. Qiyamul Layl is indeed the most powerful spiritual retreat
vi. The change of the qiblah was an indication to the significance of this Ummah.
vii. We do as little as five, and we get as much as fifty – such a lucrative bargain!
“Establish the Prayer; indeed the Prayer has been enjoined upon the Believers at set times.” [Al Nisa: 103]
The word “time” (waqt) is defined as “the legally established time for which that ‘ibaddah is required.”
One of the key hadiths on the Fiqh of Salah, with regards to the timing of Prayer is the Hadith of Jibril.
The Time for Fajr is from the true dawn (Al-Fajr’l-Sadiq) until sunrise (Ulu’ Al-Shams).
Al-Fajr’l-Kadhib (the false dawn) once the twilight becomes visible vertically. An hour before Fajr you see a vertical
brighness coming from the horizon upwards, but then disappears.
Al-Fajr’l-Sadiq (the true dawn) – once the twilight becomes visible lengthways across the sky connected to the
horizon.
The angle of the morning twilight for Fajr prayer should be about 15 degrees, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes before the
sun rises. The bigger the number (angle), the earlier starting time for fajr, which is risky, as it may actually be
before Fajr has started.
The time for Zuhr is from when the sun starts to decline to the West post its zenith. This is agreed upon.
It ends once the shadow of each object is the same as its length, plus the length of that object at the time if zawwal
– Malik, Ahmad, Shafi, Muhammad Ibn al-Hassan and Abu Yusuf.
It ends once the shadow of each object is twice the length of the original object, plus the length of that object at
the time if zawwal. – Abu Hanifah
The time for Asr starts just after the time for Zuhr has finished. It finishes just before the sun has set, i.e. the disk of
the sun disappears from the horizon.
The scholars say it is makrooh to pray the Asr prayer just before the Maghrib prayer.
The time for Maghrib, by consensus, starts once the sun has set, and the disk disappears on the horizon. The time
for Maghrib continues until the twilight remains in the sky.
According to the two companions (Abu Yusuf Al Qadi and Muhammad Ibn Hamza Shaybani), the Hanabilah and the
Shafiyyah, the twilight is the redness in the sky. This is now the position of the Hanafi madhab as well.
Abu Hanifah said that the twilight is the whiteness that remains on the horizon after the redness until darkness
falls.
Note: 15 degree angle gives approx. 1.5 hours between Maghrib and Isha.
All the scholars agree that the best time to pray Maghrib is straight after sunset – this is the preferable time.
Midnight is normally considered half the time between the beginning time of Maghrib and the beginning time of
Fajr. This is the preferable time before which the Isha prayer should be performed.
The angle of the evening twilight for Esha prayer should be about 15 degrees, if the angle is too big, then the later
time for esha.
“Negligence is not to be found during sleep. Negligence is when one doesn’t pray a prayer until the time of the
next prayer comes.” [Muslim]
This shows that each prayer is technically valid until the start time of the next prayer, however, this is makrooh and
should be avoided.
The Hadith of Numan Ibn Bashir said the Messenger of Allah would pray it once the moon had set on the third
night.
This effectively means the time for Isha starts that length of time that it takes for the new moon on the third night
for it to set.
Time for Witr
It’s beginning time is after Isha and its end time is just before the break of dawn.
Middle of the night – half way between the beginning of Maghrib and the beginning of Fajr.
The Hanafis
Fajr: should be delayed and prayed once the sky has started to become brighter and lighter because of the
narration:
“Pray the Fajr when it becomes brighter, for it is greater in reward.” [Tirmidhi: 142] – Sahih.
Zuhr: should be delayed until it gets cooler in the hot countries. They liked to hasten it during Autumn and Winter.
Asr: should be delayed, so that more nawafil can be performed before it, because it is makruh to pray those after
Asr as per the Hadith.
Maghrib: should be prayed as soon as possible at all times, with no more that a brief time to sit or three verses
length between the adhan and iqamah.
The Malakis
Every single prayer, whether prayed individually or in congregation, whether hot or cold weather, is to be
performed in the earliest time because that gains the pleasure of Allah, as per the Hadith.
The Shafi’is
All of the prayers are to be prayed in their earliest times, other than Zuhr during intense heat.
The Hanbalis
All the prayers are to be performed in their earliest times except Isha, Zuhr during intense heat, and Mahgrib if it is
cloudy.
When only a portion of the prayer is performed within the time limit.
The first opinion: The Hanafi & Hanbalis in the strongest narration.
i. After the Fajr prayer until the length of a spear after sunrise (i.e. after prayer with congregation has
finished, no prayer is allowed now until after sunrise)
ii. During sunrise (tulu al-shams) until about 15-20 mins afterwards
iii. When the sun is at its zenith (al-istiwa) and highest midday point
iv. After Asr until the sun sets
v. During the yellow period of the sunset (ghurubl shams)
The three times (associated with sun) equals (ii), (iii), (v).
The two times (associated with time intervals) equals (i) and (iv).
The Hanafis
Makruh Tahriman – This is something which is popular and specific to the Hanafi madhab. Its ruling is: one is
rewarded if he avoids it, and is punished upon doing it. Yet one is not excommunicated if he denies this ruling,
unlike something which is classified as haram.
Makruh Tanzihan – The Hanafis defined this as something which is requested to be avoided in the Shariah – not
obligated, just requested – and there is no punishment for the one who does it.
Prophet (SAW) said don’t wear gold or silk. All scholars therefore said that this is Haram and therefore is
punishable. The Hanafis said that is also Haram, but if you say it’s not from Islam (Daleel Dhanni – has come to us
from Khabar Ahad (singlular narration), which they don’t consider binding, then it is punishable, but it is Makruh
Tahriman.
Upon Hadith of Qibla which was also Hadith Ahad (Fardun Ayn), shows that Hadith Ahad is acceptable.
The two prohibited times are also classified as Makhruh Tahriman to pray at all, except Qada.
The three prohibited times are classified as Makhruh Tahriman to pray in these times, whether nawafil, wajib or
qada prayers. They differed between Asr (allowing it) and Fajr (prohibiting it) but also allowed the masses to pray
during these times in case they left the prayer off completely. Yet the prayers in all these times is considered
correct.
Something can be classified as Haram in Islam, but can still be correct/valid. The is when an action is done in the
wrong way, but is still accepted. An example of this is the fast which remains valid, even if someone doesn’t pray.
The Malikis
The two prohibited times: The nawafil are disliked but specific ones are allowed such as Sajdat-l-tilawah, Salat’l-
Janazah and the two Sunnah of Fajr.
The three prohibited times: Voluntary prayers prohibited but obligatory allowed.
The Shafis
The three prohibited times: Makruh Tahriman to perform the voluntary prayers but obligatory allowed.
The Hanbalis
Allowed some prayers to be made up during all five prohibited times, including missed prayers, two units for
Tawaf, the prayer to make up a vow, to repeat a congregational prayer again for no reason with the conditions that
it is repeated in a Masjid, etc.
The Salat Janazah is only allowed during the two prohibited times.
Other voluntary prayers are prohibited whether they have specific reasons or not.
Note: If you are praying a sunnah, this should be broken by walking away from it, if the Iqamah for the obligatory
prayer has been given.
One must make up all of his missed prayers – this is the Hanafi position and the position of all the four imams.
According to the Hanafi Madhab, many years of missed prayers can be prayed during the permissible times. A
missed prayer can be prayed after an obligatory prayer.
One should make tawbah and spend time offering extra sunnah and nawafil prayers – position of Ibn Taymiyyah
(This is also the position of Abu Eesa).
ADHAN
Technical Definition: “It is an act of worship for Allah with a specific dhikr, after the entering of the time for a
Prayer, informing of it thereby.”
There are authentic narrations that the adhan was also delayed (so not always said at beginning time), if the prayer
itself is delayed such as the Zuhr in intense heat.
The story behind adhan is based on some long authentic hadith collected by Abu Dawud and all the Imams of the
Sunan.
The story was of Abdullah Ibn Zayd who saw in his dream someone in green garments teaching him the words of
the adhan. These words were then taught to Bilal, on the request of Prophet (SAW). Umar ibn Khattab told Prophet
(SAW) an angel taught him the exact same words in his dream the night before.
The additional recitation of “Prayer is better than sleep” during the adhan is not required today. This was really
only applicable when Bilal gave the adhan.
Various Hadith
Whoever hears the adhan, whether human being or jinn or any other creature, will be a witness for them
(Muezzin) on the Day of Resurrection.
The Mu’adhdin will have the tallest necks amongst mankind on the Day of Standing. This can be a sign of honour.
This can be also be because people will be drowning of their own sweat, these people will have their head above
this.
According to the Shafi and Hanbali said that to give the adhan is better than being the Imam, because Allah says:
“Who speaks better than someone who calls people to Allah.....” [Al-Fussilat: 33]
Some of the Ulema considered this to refer to those who give the adhan.
Abdullah Ibn Masud said if had been a Mu’addhin, he wouldn’t care about going to Hajj, performing Umrah or
going on Jihad.
Umar Ibn al-Khattab said if it wasn’t for the Khilafah, he would have been a Mu’addhin.
The Ruling of the Adhan
Some scholars considered it as a Fard-ul-Kifayah (a communal obligation) such as the Hanabilah and Ibn Tayyimah.
This is the correct opinion – someone in the community should perform it.
i. Malikiyyah and Shafiyyah said only the iqamah is Mustahhab (recommended) and the adhan is not done
because of fitnah.
ii. Hanafiyyah and Hanbali said neither of them allowed because of fitnah.
i. Both Adhan and Iqamah are Recommended – this is the opinion of Shafi and strongly emphasised by
the Hanafis
ii. Only the Iqamah is Recommended – this is the position of Maliki.
iii. Both Adhan and Iqamah are Fard Kifayah – this is the Hanbali position, even for the individual or the
one who has missed prayers.
Summary
i. The majority said it is Sunnah for men to have adhan, but not for women.
ii. It is Sunnah for missed prayers but not for the Malikis
iii. The Iqamah is sunnah for women to be said silently for the Shafi’s and Malikis, disliked by the Hanafis
and not legislated for the Hanbalis
iv. The adhan of the locality is sufficient for all the people, except the Shafi’is who ask for it from
everyone.
Every obligatory action in Islam has:
i. Shurut (conditions) – e.g. the person must be a Muslim, have Iman, be Sane, etc.
ii. Shurut of the action itself – e.g. When praying the Salah, the place needs to be clean, the body needs
to be clean, etc.
iii. Arkan – obligations that cannot be compensated for. Integrals, pillars, key aspects.
iv. Wajibat – obligations
v. Sunan – preferred actions
vi. Adhab – etiquette
The adhan of Kufiyun, Al-Thawri and Abu Hanifa is referred to as the 15-word version.
The 19-word version included additional words (the ‘shahadatayn’ are repeated) are the tarjee’. The correct way
of doing this is performing the extra ‘shahadaytayn’ to yourself, and then loud.
The 17-word version is the same as the 19-word version, but at the beginning Allah-u-Akbar is only said twice, not
four times.
First opinion – Malik, Shafi and Ahmad – Two Adhans, one before the actual time of Fajr, and one upon the start
of Fajr time
Second opinion – Abu Hanifah – There should be one adhan at the state of the actual time of Fajr.
Third opinion – Ahl’l Hadith – If there are two Muaddhins in one locality, one should call before actual time and
one for the actual time of Fajr.
Iqamah – It is the call to stand up in order to establish the actual Salah itself.
First opinion: Shafi and Ahmad – To repeat the statements of the Adhan once each and the statement “Qad
Qamatus Salah” twice: this is called the 11-word Iqamah.
Second opinion: Malik – Same as first opinion except “Qad Qamatus Salah” only pronounced once.
Third opinion: Abu Hanifah –The Iqamah should be like the Ahdan in repeating each statement twice including the
statement “Qad Qamatus Salah”. This means a 17-word Iqamah.
SHURUT OF SALAH
Shurut of Salah
i. Islam
ii. Puberty
iii. Sound mind
Note: Both the praying area and the area of Sujud needs to be clean.
Note: If awrah is intentionally exposed during the Salat – it is invalidated. If it is done accidentally and only a tiny
amount is shown, this does not invalidate the prayer. If the exposure is considered ‘shocking’ and the patch is
exposed for a significant time*, the prayer is invalidated, but if it is hidden quickly, then this is ok.
* In matters such as this, the principle of urf (community discretion) should be used, i.e. what is deemed
acceptable by the community as a whole.
Bismillah should be recited silently for the individual. (Basmallah is part of the Fatihah)
For a person praying by himself, it is permissible to recite out aloud during the prayer, in the non-silent prayers.
For Fajr, it is important to get one rakat in before sunrise, in order for the prayer to be valid.
During the silent prayers, it is permissible to (silently) recite fatihah and a surah – it should be treated just like a
normal prayer – except the ‘samiallahulliman-hamidah’.
During the loud prayers, it is not permissible to recite anything while the Imam is reciting.
If praying in a congregation and you are in the middle of fatihah in silent prayer and the Imam goes into ruku, you
must go into ruku immediately.
The surahs recited in Prayer don’t have to be chronological in order, but order is maintained out of adab.
It is Sunnah to recite a longer surah in the first rakat and a shorter surah in the second rakat.
There is an obligation to say ‘basmallah’ when reciting Fatihah. The ‘basmallah’ includes ‘hirrahma-nirrahim’.
ARKAN (INTEGRALS) OF SALAH – These are obligations
Arkan is the plural of Rukn, which means the strong corner on which a structure is built. Without these, there is no
prayer – omitting these cannot be compensated for, they must be performed.
The Hadith of the One who Erred in His Prayer (Al-Musi fi Salathi)
This Hadith is Mutawattir (the number of narrators involved, the companions involved, the places they lived, they
place they ended up, the fact they wouldn’t lie, they didn’t always agree with one another, etc, have all narrated
the same hadith, making it undisputed) in wording and meaning. This is the text that established the Arkan of
Salah.
Arkan of Salah
i. Al-Qiyam – Standing for those who are able to. The back should be straight. The head being lowered
slightly out of humility is permissible. Avoid leaning on anything, if possible. If there is a problem
standing (i.e. old age, pregnancy, excessive pain, etc), then one may sit down and pray. Qiyam is only
required for the key part of the recitation, i.e. for the Al-Fatiha, so one may sit down after this, if
required. If praying sitting down, then should try and mimic actions of someone standing up, lowering
each position. It is not permissible to do Sajda on a pillow.
ii. Takbirat’l-Ihram – The opening Takbir. It should be in Arabic and it should just be “Allahu Akbar”. The
Prophet (SAW) raised his hands to his ear lobes and to his shoulders. The safest and best position is
where the fingers are at the level of the ear lobes (not necessarily touching, but this is also
permissible) and base of palms at about the shoulder length.
iii. The recitation of the Quran – By unanimous agreement (Ijmaa), the recitation of the Quran is an
integral part of the Salah.
On recitation of the Al-Fatihah
Hadith of the Prophet (SAW) “There is no prayer without the opening of the book (Al Fatihah).”
First Opinion: Abu Hanifah, Malik and Ahmad – He should not say it out aloud.
For the individual, he should recite the Basmallah silently to himself when starting Fatihah.
The person reciting Al-Fatihah has to be very articulate when reciting the Fatihah.
If the Imam is reciting quietly, then according to Abu Hanifah, then there is no need for the followers to recite the
Fatihah, because the Imam’s recitation should suffice. According to the other schools, in the silent prayers, you
must recite the Fatihah and another surah following it (if first two rakahs).
Abu Hanifah – Fatihah of the Imaam is enough for the follower. Hanafi position is that the follower cannot recite
Fatihah behind the Imaam.
Everyone else – one must recite the Fatihah behind the Imam in the silent prayers.
If the Imam is reciting out loud, the correct position (Ibn Taymiyyah, Ahl-e-Hadith), you need to actualize the words
of the Iman, but you don’t need to verbalize it. The Prophet (SAW) criticised others that recited Al-Fatihah aloud
when the Prophet (SAW) was reciting. Do not compete with the Imam during the recitation – this is not allowed at
all. It is permissible to recite the word in your mind, however.
The ruling to say out Amin out loud at the end of the Fatihah is the strongest position. The companions have
reported that they would say Amin on the completion of Al-Fatihah. The Hanafi position doesn’t encourage it being
said out aloud. Hadeeths support both opinions.
In a hadith, recorded in An-Nasi’ie, the person who just says “Alhamdolillah” in order to praise Allah, when he has
received some good news, has performed a better and more superior action than the news itself.
Hadith in Musnad of Imam Ahmad - Ubay Ibn Ka’ab praying in the masjid and the Prophet called him, but Ubay
waited until he finished to respond to the Prophet…. The prophet said do you want me to teach you a surah…… ???
Practical Tip: The meaning of Surah Al-Fatihah should be understood and internalised during prayer. The recitation
should be beautified and time should be taken to recite this.
A new muslim should say tahlil, takbir, tasbeeh & tahmeed to replace the fatihah until he learns the fatihah –
hadith of the Prophet.
iv. The Ruku (bowing down) –bow down so that the back is straight and then relaxed (a cup of water
should be able to balance on your back without falling), the feet should be apart, the palm and fingers
should rest on the front of the knees. The minimum time spent in Ruku should be the time it takes to
achieve a relaxed state, which should correspond to the time it takes to say “Subhana Rabbil Azeem”
once. Hands should be flat on the knee caps, no holding. Back must be horizontally straight.
v. Rising up from the Ruku –you must stand up straight following the Ruku.
vi. The Sujud on seven bones – Prostration (the forehead, the palms, the knees and the toes). In a
Hadith it says don’t descend like the camels descend (i.e. the front legs first and then lowering the
back) but the narrator then added a judgment mistake to the Hadith at the time by saying “don’t go
down with your legs first”. Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jawzziyah then came along and said there is Inqilaab (said
something but meant something else) in the Hadith and that the narrator made a mistake in the
narration and what he wanted to say was don’t go down with your front first. The correct position is
that you go down with knees first. The forearms should not be flat on the floor. The fingers and toes
should be touching the ground and facing the Kiblah.
viii. Sitting calmly (tuma’ninah) between the two sajdahs – Making Adhkar asking Allah to forgive you.
The right foot should be upright and the toes facing Qiblah and the left buttock should be resting on
the left foot which is flat – this is the strongest position. The position of both feet up is permissible,
but not the strongest position.
ix. Sitting during the last Tashahhud. Having right foot upright (Nasl) and left foot flat with left buttock
resting on left foot (this sitting position is a Sunan, not the rukn – the actual sitting is the rukn). On the
last tashahhud, the left buttock should now rest on the floor and the left leg should slide slightly
inwards to allow this (tawarrur).
xii. The Taslim – saying salam at the end. Technically, the bare minimum to establish this rukn is to do
one salam.
“Hatta Tutma’in” - until you are relaxed. Take a deep breath between each position and let the
bones in the body just relax.
Physical movements will control your inner consciousness, state of mind and khushoo.
Take a huge breath in each position after you’ve sat in each position, this helps to attain Tuma’ninah
even further.
Note: The Hanafis do not classify these acts as Fard (obligatory) because they come from ‘Daleel Dhanni’ or
‘Khabar Ahad’ therefore, according to that school, in denying these as Fard would not lead to making takfir of
someone.
Hanafi’s make a distinction between Fard and Wajib. They give the ruling of Wajib on a matter if that matter is
based upon a hadith that has come by one narration (ahad), so they consider it speculative (dhanni).
SUNAN (RECOMMENDED ACTS) OF SALAH – These are acts and statements of Salah which are pardoned if
omitted and their absence does not nullify the Salah, and Sujjud’l-Sahw is not required to compensate for them.
They are generally considered anything that is not a Rukn or a Wajjibat, generally considered from the Sunnah of
Salah – these increase the reward of the prayer, these will lead you to closely align your Prayer with the Prayer of
the Prophet (SAW) and they are the beautification of the prayer.
i. Placing a Sutra (barrier) in the front between the person praying and the Qiblah. The pillar in the
mosque used to be the most commonly used Sutra by the Prophet (SAW). The minimum size of the
Sutra should be a foot. However, if one does not have access to a Sutra whatsoever he can simply just
draw a line. The Sutra should be placed just beyond the position of Sujud – the area in which the
prayer is being performed is considered to be the personal space of someone performing the Prayer.
If there is no Sutra present, however, then a person should only pass across as long as the area of the
personal space is not traversed. If the person who breaks someone’s personal space is a woman, then
there is an opinion where the person’s prayer is invalidated – this is the safest position. If children
pass through the personal space, then this does not invalidate the prayer. If in congregation, then the
Sutra area is just in front of the Imam, which is the Sutra for the Jamaat, therefore, it is permissible to
pass through the personal spaces of the people praying in congregation, without affecting their
prayer.
ii. Raising the hands (Rafi’idayn) on saying the Takbir – by unanimous agreement, raising hands with
the opening takbir is recommended, but scholars differ on raising them with the other takbir. The
palms should be showing and facing kiblah. The hands should be raised between level of ears and
shoulders.
According to Imam Abu Hanifah and Malik, there is no raising of the hands in Salah besides the
opening Takbir.
According to Imam Shafi and Ahmad, there are four positions for raising the hands in Salah:
Imam Abu Hanifah placed the hands (small finger and thumb clasping the forearm and the middle 3 fingers across
the wrist) under the navel.
Imam Shafi says the hands should be placed above the navel and below around the chest. (Chest is as low as the
rib bone).
Maliki school say hand goes on the hand or arm goes on the arm. Imam Malik himself, however, used to pray with
the hands to his side, as he saw the early companions and their descendents praying like this. In his Muwatta, he
narrates the hadith of the Prophet praying with one hand on the other hand.
Hassan al Basri (famous tabieen) prayed with his hands to the sides.
Ahl-e-Hadith says that the hand should be placed above the navel and should be placed in the mid region.
From a Hadith point of view those that state high on chest and below the naval have concerns.
When standing in prayer, the eyes should be fixed at the point of prostration. When in ruku, one should look
straight down. When in tasahhaud, eyes should be focussed on the finger.
Principle of Usul-ul-Fiqh: If there is no evidence to take something away from the norm, then remain with the
norm.
‘Subahanallah’ normally translated as “Glory be to Allah”. When in actual fact, this is really used to proclaim Allah’s
supremacy and exaltedness above the creation, showing his transcendence above the entire creation.
Shafi and Ahmad: It should be pronounced out loud during the Salah in which recitation is done loudly.
Hadeeth to prove this is in Sahih Bukahari.
x. Reciting a Du’a between the two sujud – ‘Rabighfirli Rabighfirli’ as a minimum should be recited or a
du’a between the sajdah, some scholars (hanbali madhab) deem this as an obligation
xi. To sit down before moving up for the second or fourth rak’ah (Jalsat’l-Istiraha) – It is permissible to
take a rest before getting up for Qiyam, however, this hadith in Bukhari is understood to be
something that the Prophet (SAW) did when he got a bit older and needed a little rest. The status quo
on this however and the most accepted position amongst the scholars is to get up immediately after
the prostration.
xii. To sit for the final Tashahhud in the position of Tawarruk (to tuck the left foot under the right shin
and the left buttock resting on the floor). Note: In the Hanafi madhab, there is no tawarruk. This
opinion is not strongly supported by hadith.
Nasab – right foot is up in the first tashahud (1st seating position), toes should be facing the Qibla and
all the toes should be touching the floor.
Hanafi: The fingers are all flat, until the shahadah and the finger goes up, a circle is made and then:
Shafi: Finger brought up at the shahadah and kept up until the end.
Hanbali: Finger is brought up from the beginning until the end of the actual tashahhud position. (‘asl -
Base position)
There are differences in opinion, whether the finger should be kept straight or kept in a relaxed
natural state.
There are differences in opinion that the finger should move with the zikr that is being done (Ibn
Jawziyyah and Ibn Uthaymeen). There is another opinion that it is not the actual movement that
hurts the shaytaan, but it is the finger itself that performs this. This particular action does not belong
to any particular madhab, but are opinions of some of the scholars.
xv. Reciting the prescribed Du’a after Tashahhud. The two places of making open du’a are the sajdah
and final tashahhud
xvi. To turn the face right and left upon pronouncing the final Salam.
It is permissible to make dua in the Sajdah. The sajdah is the closest you will ever get to Allah. This is
the most supreme position of worship.
To say “as-salaamu alaykum” to the right is the bare minimum that should be done.
MAKRUH (ABONIMABLE) ACTS IN SALAH
These acts do not nullify the Salah, nor do they require Sujud’l-Sahw as compensation. They do, however take
away from the reward acquired during Salah.
If there is excessive waswasah (whispering) during the prayer, this does not nullify the Prayer, however, if it gets
too difficult, then it is possible to use a “dry spitting” action over the left shoulder and reciting “Auzu-billi-
himanishaytani-rajim”.
It is Haraam/Makruh to run to the prayer. It is important to approach the prayer with ease and focus of the mind
on the act that is about to be performed, therefore, it is more important not to hasten to ensure one catches the
Salah with the Imam. Even if one misses the prayer behind the Imam, but has gone to the masjid with that
intention, then inshallah, he will get the reward.
It is not recommended that the trousers/sleeves are rolled up or the hair tied back during the prayer. The trousers
should be pulled up instead. This is because the Prophet (SAW) said everything should make sajdah.
The garments should be worn above the ankles when in prayer. If trousers are worn, the ruling is not as strict. If
thawb is worn, then it is more strict.
Wearing nail polish invalidates the wudu as this does not allow water to penetrate the nail. The same is true in the
case of paint being on the body, as the water must touch all parts of the skin.
It is not really permissible to pray in the car or on a plane, as you miss the rukn of Qiyaam. However, if no other
option is available whatsoever, then this may be permissible. If there are doubts, then the prayer can be repeated
when a suitable place of prayer is found.
The verbalisation of intentions came about from early scholars who identified a problem and tried to give the
masses a tool in which they could focus on what they were doing.
MUBAH (PERMISSIBLE) ACTS IN SALAH
Acts that do not nullify the Salah and do not lessen the reward:
It is permissible to pray with shoes, as long as they are clean. It is actually sunnah to pray with shoes on from time
to time. The socks/shoes have to cover the ankles if you want to perform masah.
Wearing the hat is not necessary during the prayer. There is no extra reward for wearing a hat or turban during the
prayer. If it is to try and imitate the Prophet, then it is permissible.
If performing tawarruk disturbs person on side of you, then it is best to avoid it.
If a person is performing obligatory prayer, then it is permissible to touch them, to let them know you are there.
Small movements during a prayer (to alleviate a problem) is permissible, i.e. in congregation, if someone is trying
to pass through, this is permissible. In Sunnah and Nafl prayers, more movements are permissible than the Fard
prayers, however should be kept to a minimum. If mobile phone is ringing, then it is permissible to make some
small subtle movements to turn the phone off.
There are no evidences based on hadith that women should pray any differently from men, as Malik-ibn-
Huwaryrith said that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Pray as you have seen me pray.” [Bukhari]
However, the four Imams (Fuqaha) unanimously agreed on certain recommendations based on multiple accounts
of the Sunnah (not from the hadith):
i. Women cover their entire body except for the face, the hands and the feet and men cover between
the navel and the knees
ii. Men raise their hands to their ears and women to their shoulders
iii. Men spread their hands out in sujud and women bring them to their sides
iv. Women bring their stomachs close to their thighs and men don’t
v. In the sitting position, women bring their knees close to each other and men spread them out
vi. Women sit on their heels and men sit on their left foot and prop up their right foot
vii. To correct the Imam’s mistake, men say “subhanallah” and women clap with the hands
viii. The female Imam for a group of women stands in the middle of the first row
ix. The female Imam does not recite out loud in case men were present
According to the Hanafi madhab, women should pray with their hands slightly under their chest, as this is more
modest. However, there is no hadith for this.
Khushu is to be still, calm, relaxed, broken. It is how focussed, concentrated and aware you are of Allah (swt). To
help internalise and achieve khushu in your salah, ensure that the external aspects are there.
There is a hadith, where Prophet (SAW) said if one is in the masjid waiting for Salah, it is as though he is actually in
Salah.
i. Contemplate over the words ‘Allahu Akbar’ while raising your hands up.
ii. Considering the status of ‘Ihsan’ “Pray as if you see Allah, if not then as he sees you”
iii. Fold you hands, the right on the left and look with your eyes down in humility
iv. Observe the Sunnah and correct way of Salah
v. Bring tranquillity to your Salah and slow down the pace of your recitation
vi. Start with commencing Du’a
vii. Contemplate over the Ayat you recite, or try to understand what the Imam is reciting
viii. Beautify the Quran with your voice
ix. Remember that Allah answers as you recite the Fatihah
x. Savour the sweetness of each position in Salah
xi.
xii.
xiii.
xiv.
The Prophet (SAW) used to make Dhikr on his right hand, this is the Sunnah. The tasbih beads were never used by
the Prophet (SAW) or the companions, so is not from the Sunnah, but there are reports that Aisha (rah) used to
use some means (stones) to count her Dhikr. Therefore, its permissibility has been debated by the Scholars, but it
is better to use the right hand, as this is in accordance to the Sunnah.
Sometimes our methodology (manhaj) should be that we leave some actions in order to preserve the unity of the
brothers.
It is permissible to perform a congregational du’a. However, it should be remembered that the Prophet (SAW) did
not make dua in congregation after every prayer, although making du’a after prayers now and again in
congregation is not a problem – but this should not be legislated, which is the key point here.
Dhikr is your meditation moment. One should be relaxed and focussed during the Dhikr. The du’as should be learnt
and internalized.
SALAT’L-MUSAFIR (THE PRAYER OF THE TRAVELLER)
The shortening of the prayers is Ar-Rukhsa (concession) that has given to us by Allah, which should be treated with
Adab and taken as a blessing. The prayers which have four units, i.e. Zuhr, Asr and Isha can be performed as two
rakats. Fajr remains as two rakats and Maghrib remains as three. Two sunnah of Fajr and the Witr prayer remains.
Abu Hanifah – It is wajib. According to the Hanafi school, if you do not shorten your prayers during travel, then you
have sinned.
Shafi and Ahmad – It is a permissible concession. This is technically the most accurate and correct opinion.
Abu Hanifah, Maliki, Shafi and Ahmad – The distance of travelling three days and three nights or two days and
two nights, by camels (approximately 81km or 48/50 miles – distance to Makkah/Jeddah)
Group of pious predecessors – There is no specific distance as long as it is called “safar” or travelling. According to
the evidences from Quran and Sunnah, this is the more correct position, as there was no distance specified. Even
though this is technically the more correct position, the first position is taken to avoid disputes amongst the
masses that try and make Urf (customs of the people) on this and define what a “journey” is, as this becomes
difficult to practically uphold. Therefore, the first position is normally adopted.
The second that one leaves his home town, his Qasr has started. However, it is the safer position, to assume this
time starts when you have left your home city. Therefore, even if one has not completed the entire journey (> 50
miles), then one can still pray Qasr whilst in transit, as long as he has exited his home city.
If I am in Qasr and I am a traveller, but the Imam prays four, I should also pray four.
Even if the traveller catches him in the last rakat (of four), he should also complete the four.
If I am in Qasr and lead the prayer, then I should pray two, but the rest of the Jamaat should pray four.
If the traveller is (hopper travelling), i.e. stopping for a few days in one locality and then moving on, and then
stopping in a different locality for another few days and moving on, then he is considered to be in Qasr during this
entire period, even if the total duration time is more than the minimum duration of residency.
The traveller should not pray the Nafl salah associated with the obligatory prayer, i.e. two prayers after maghrib,
two prayers after Isha, etc.
What is the time-period that constitutes residency?
Abu Hanifah – 15 days and up. If your residency is 15 or more days, then you must pray normal prayers from day
one. If the intended residency is anything less than 15 days, then Qasr can be performed for all 14 days of the stay.
Malik, Shafi and Ahmad – 4 days and up (Ahmad specifically defined this as 21 prayers or more) – If you are going
to pray 21 prayers or more in this new place of residency, then from day one you need to pray your full length
prayers. If it is 20 or less prayers, then you should shorten and pray Qasr.
Note: If you are travelling to your destination, then you should make Qasr (this does not count as your time of
residency). The residency starts when you have actually reached your destination.
COMBINING PRAYERS
The intention of combining should be made before the first prayer is performed (i.e. Zuhr). The intention of the
first prayer should then be made (i.e. Zuhr). Two units of prayer should be prayed, then completed with taslim.
Then you should stand, give Iqamah, make intention for the next prayer and then start.
It is, at best, permissible to combine prayers. This is not a concession intrinsically linked to travel. It is a concession
that can be used when travelling. The Asl (principle) is that you don’t combine the prayers. The principle that Ahl-
e-hadith should use, is that when you are physically travelling, then the concession of combining should be used,
but when you are fixed in your place (even though as a traveller), you should not combine (not recommended) at
this time, but it is permissible.
a. Jam’u Taqdim, if the later Salah was performed during the time of the earlier one. The Zuhr and Asr
prayer is performed at the time of Zuhr. The Maghrib and Isha is performed at the time of Maghrib.
b. Jam’u Ta’khir, if the earlier Salah was delayed until the time of the later one. The Zuhr and Asr prayer is
performed at the time of Asr. The Maghrib and Isha prayer is performed at the time of Isha.
In the Hanafi school, the only form of combining is known as As-Suri (image of combining). i.e. praying Zuhr at
its last possible time and then completing it just before (few minutes) the Asr start and then performing the
Asr prayer straight after.
The Hadith here in Sahih Muslim regarding combining prayers, is one of the few that is not practised by the Ulema.
If legal excuse for combining prayer ceases before the time of the latter salah starts, one should perform the
prayers at the appointed time.
In an emergency situation, the combining of prayers can be used. However, Ibn Umar said that the continual
combining of prayer is the opening of Kaba’eer (major sins).
Prayer should be avoided on the plane (as Qiyaam would not be possible), therefore, one should try and pray at
the airport, even if it means to combine the prayers. Combining the prayers at home before the journey is not
permissible.
ACTS THAT NULLIFY THE SALAH
i. Foreign speech (correcting Imam should be done patiently, giving him a chance to correct himself
following the adab)
ii. Eating or drinking (if there are small (yaseer) particles of food in the mouth and they get swallowed,
this is permissible)
iii. Continuous foreign acts (if it is required to switch mobile phone off when in jacket, the movements
should be very minimal, so someone observing knows that you are still in state of prayer)
iv. Exposure of ‘Awrah deliberately
v. Losing the state of purification
vi. Getting in contact with Najasah (i.e. impurities from baby) Note: Touching Najasat, (faeces, urine, etc)
does not breach your wudu, it should just be washed off.
vii. Laughing (smiling is permissible; crying is recommended in prayer)
viii. Hesitation in regard to the intention (confusion in which prayer is being prayed at any time during the
prayer)
ix. Omitting a rukn without returning back to it
x. Omitting one of the wajibbat without an excusable reason
xi. Preceding the Imam (a person should never move to the next position in prayer until the Imam has
completed this position not necessarily when he says ‘Allahu-Akbar’). The one who precedes the
imam is likened to a donkey in the hadith.
xii. The arrival of water for someone who prays with Tayammum (dry ablution)
xiii. To give salam deliberately prior to reaching the end
xiv. To return back to the middle Tashahhud after standing up to the third Rak’ah (if one starts to get up
but does not fully stand, i.e. is in a partial seated, partial upright position, then this does not
invalidate the prayer). If one realises in the third rakah he has missed the tashhahud, he should
continue and then perform the Sajd’Sahw – this does not nullify the prayer, only if he tries to return
back to the tashhahud position will invalidate it.
Note: If a person realises he has no wudu during the prayer, then this is considered to be a tahira (impurity) and
therefore the person should leave the prayer immediately.
i. Forgetfulness
ii. Doubt – If there is doubt how many rakats one has performed, he should continue with the prayers
assuming he has performed the lesser number of rakats, then he should perform a sujud’l-sahw.
There are differences in opinion when this should be performed. However, the correct positions are the following:
After the Taslim: When you have added something to the prayer, and when you have doubt (tahariy) about
something (e.g. doubts about praying either zuhr or asr) you momentarily forget (lapse) but then remember that
you are ok. Sajdah sahw can still be done. This is ok if the prayer has been completed and you are still in the masjid
and haven’t gone home.
Before the Taslim: When you omit an obligation (wajib) or have doubt for example whether you have prayed 2
rakats or 3, so you take the lesser number and continue your salah and then have to build upon that doubt as per
the hadith. [MISSING TEXT]
The Hanafis recite Tashahhud, etc, right from the beginning, when sitting after the Sajd’l Sahw. The other schools
don’t deem this necessary, as they consider the hadith to have weakness in it.
If you have moved onto the next rakat without performing a Rukn, prayer should be continued, and the Rakat
should be performed from the beginning. Another opinion is that if you are in the fourth Rakat, then you should
start again right from the beginning. Another opinion is that you just need to do the one rakat again.
i. If one missed a rukn, but is in the same rakat e.g. he missed the ruku of the first rakat and is currently in the
sajdah position of the same first rakat, one must get up and stand immediately in the qiyam position and then go
into the ruku position (the rukn that he had missed) and continue from their onwards as normal (this still being his
first rakat) and then offer sajdah sahw after the tasleem as he has added to his prayer.
ii. If one missed a rukn, but is now in a different rakat e.g. he missed the ruku of the first rakat and is currently in
the sajdah position of the second rakat, one must get up and stand immediately in the qiyam position and then go
into the ruku position (the rukn that he had missed in the first rakat) and continue from their onwards as normal
(this now being his first rakat, not second) and then offer sajdah sahw after the tasleem as he has added to his
prayer. Tayyib??
iii. If one missed a rukn in his prayer, but only realised after the performing the taslim (exiting from his prayer) then
he must re-do his prayer again.
Note: If praying behind the Imam in the congregational prayer and one forgets to say the takbir (which is wajibaat),
then these are all forgiven – these are all pardoned and overseen (yaseer) as you are praying behind the Imam, and
therefore no sajdah-sahw is required.
CONGREGATIONAL SALAH
When two people are praying by themselves, it can be side by side exactly and feet are level (these are from the
evidences from Quran and Sunnah), or Imam slightly in front. Both positions are accepted. It is the norm, that the
Huffaz, etc are directly behind the Imam, should he need to be corrected.
The lines behind the Imam should be equal in length, first line completed first, second line next, etc, if uneven,
should be more right side heavy than the left. Lines should comprise of men first, then lines of children, then the
lines of women behind the children. If the women are in a separate hall, then the front lines are permissible for
them.
If one catches the Imam while he is in or before the Ruku, he has caught that Rakat. There should only be one
congregational Salah in one masjid. If it is required to have congregation after the main congregation, adab of the
masjid should be obtained, and permission obtained.
If someone who has already performed his Salah enters the masjid, he should join the congregation salah.
Praying the Isha prayer with the Imam in the masjid, is equivalent to spending the entire night in prayer.
The best prayer you will pray in the week is the Fajr on Friday in congregation at the Masjid with the Imaam.
When praying in congregation and space is an issue, the ruku and sajdah can be performed on the back or legs of
the brothers in front of you.
According to Hadith, the best prayer of the woman is the prayer performed by her in her own house.
A wife should pray behind the man when following in prayer, not by the side.
The lines should be straightened. It should be ensured that the shoulders are touching. The feet do not need to be
touching, this is not obligatory, but it is permissible. However, it should be remembered that when touching feet
one takes all precautions not to distract or disturb one from the prayer, as this is the Haraam.
i. A Muslim
ii. Of sound mind
iii. Male
Malik: It is invalid
Can someone who has just reached the age of puberty lead the congregation?
Shafi – A minor only needs to reach the age of recognition to lead the Salah
Shafi and Ahmad, Hanafi: The Imam has to be an adult who has reached age of puberty.
i. Imam should not be someone who is openly Fasiq (disobedient) or Mubtadi (innovator)
ii. Imam should not lead if people dislike his leading (e.g. Hanafis don’t like to pray behind an Imam who has
just wiped over his cotton socks for his masah)
iii. Imam should not prolong the Salah in general
iv. Imam should not prolong any act of Salah in order to let the latecomers join in although this is differed
over
The preferred person to lead the Salah is the person who is a Hafiz or knows the most Qur’an.
The Imam should be able to recite Fatihah with the rules of tajweed.
When the Imam prays seated, then all the followers should pray seated. This is the opinion of all the Imams, except
Abu Hanifah – who says that the followers should stand and pray (according to hadith where Abu Bakr led the
prayer whilst the Prophet (SAW) sat when he was elderly)
The Imam can be someone who has already performed his Salah earlier. The first would be counted as a Fard and
the second would be counted as a Nafl. However, in a scenario, after Asr, no nafl prayer should be prayed between
Asr and Maghrib, so should be avoided.
In the house of a host, according to the hadith, a man should not lead another in his place of authority, therefore
the host is most rightful to lead the Salah, even if he does not know as much as the others there, unless explicit
permission is given.
The Imam should take care of the alignment of the lines before he starts his Salah – this is Sunnah, to ensure their
backs are all in line.
If the Imam breaks his wudu, then he should announce verbally that he has lost his wudu and then put forward
someone else to continue leading the prayer. The Imam should join the prayer at the back of the lines when wudu
has been completed and not rejoin as Imam for that particular Salah.
Rules of the Ma’mum
i. The Ma’mum should line up behind the Imam with the men first, then children, then the women.
ii. The Ma’mum does not need to hear or see the Imam to validate his salah – what is important is that
the lines are properly constructed, as you are following the line in front and there can be someone
who echoes the Imams instructions for ruku, sujud, etc. For the women, it is necessary for them to
hear the women. If the speaker goes at this time, the women should just continue and complete the
Salah themselves.
iii. The Ma’mum should recite the following in the Salah:
Shafi: He should recite Fatihah and another Surah in silent prayers and only the Fatihah in the loud prayers.
Malik and Ahmad: He should recite in the silent Salat, but not in the one done aloud.
When in sajdah during the obligatory prayers, duas in your own language can be prayed, but should really only be
done in the Sunnah/Nafl prayers.
When an Imam makes dua in Qunut, it is important that one does not always say ‘Ameen’, as it may be necessary
at that time to say ‘Ya Allah’ or ‘Subhanallah’.
In the case of latecomers, if the salam has been performed in the congregational prayer, the sutra has now
become active again for the people who are still praying in jamaat, so it is not permissible to traverse their
personal space.
When praying in congregation, if a person returns, it is permissible for this person to pass through the lines of
people praying, as he is not invading the congregation’s personal space. If the person left a gap at the front line, he
should go back and fill that gap. Otherwise, the people in the lines should move forward to fill the gap.
It is permissible for a person joining a teraweeh prayer, to perform Isha (having the intention of Isha) if he has
missed this prayer, getting up himself after the second rakat and continuing the prayer by himself.
It is important to walk your way to the salah place with tranquillity and dignity and do not hurry up, whatever
portion of the Salah you get, and then offer it, and complete afterwards whatever you missed.
The Masbuq can count the Rakah, if he joins before the Ruku.
Malik, Shafi, Ahmad – The rakah you join with the Imam is your first Rakah, and then you should continue
accordingly.
Hanafi – It’s the opposite, you join with the Imam counting the Rakah he is at and then work out what you have
missed, i.e. in your missed rakats, you would need to recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah.
It is not permissible to have a grave in the Masjid (the Prophet (SAW) grave was in his house, which has now been
included now part of the Masjid-e-Nabi by the Umayyads and Kings).
The masjid should not be very decorative, it should be simple and not distracting
Children should not be brought into the masjid, if they are going to run around and cause distraction.
It’s virtue – “Their distinguishing feature is on their faces from the effect of Sajdah.”
It’s significance – These will be used to make up any deficiencies in the obligatory prayers.
The Nafl salah are better to be performed during the night, in particular, Qiyam’l Layl.
The Nafl Salah can be peformed while seated, even without an excuse, but only half the reward will be obtained.
Nafl Salah are performed in units of two. In Hanafi school, there are also units of four.
In general, the night prayer is the best salat after the obligatory prayers, but the sunnah prayers linked to the
obligatory prayers are best (better) during the day.
Other scholars say that it can be 1,3,5,7 and 11. No tashahhud until the last rakat. According to them,
the witr can be performed in the following two ways:
b. Two by two then a single prayer (e.g. two rakats then tasleem and the offer one single unit of
prayer, or two rakats, tasleem, another two rakats, tasleem and then offer one single unit of
prayer). This is the strongest position.
If done as five rakats, then need to perform two rakats, followed by tasleem. Then two rakats,
followed by tasleem, then one rakat and then the final tasleem.
The preferred way is 3 rakat – two rakats, tasleem. Then one rakat by itself. The Qunut is performed
in 3rd rakat (last unit) before the ruku, in Hanafi school. However, it can be performed before the
ruku, or after the ruku.
Only the Hanafis raise their hands with takbir before the Qunut. In Ahle hadith, the Qunut is done
after the ruku, and a dua can be said at this time – before the sajdah. Others do the qunut either
before or after the ruku in the final rakat – both stated in Bukhari. The hands can also be raised for
supplication (Qunut) before the ruku. Rubbing the face after a du’a is permissible.
If someone misses the Witr and has fallen asleep, it should be prayed when woken up, just before
the fajr. If you have already prayed your witr and then gone to sleep, and then get up for Qiyaam, it is
permissible to perform the Witr again.
iii. Al-Duha – Half an hour after sunrise, just before Zawwal. This can substitute many forms of charity.
Minimum of two, maximum of eight. Some scholars say up to twelve.
iv. Al-Shuruq (Ishraq) – Performed just after sunrise. Reward of one Hajj and one Umrah. Performed as
two cycles of two units. This prayer is the Duha prayer, but when prayed at its preferred time (30
mins after sunset) it is called the Shuruq prayer.
v. Qiyam’l Layl (tahhajud) – performed anytime after the Isha prayer. It is technically permissible to
hold the Quran in prayer, if absolutely required. But, it is recommended and should not be done. It is
permissible to make dua in sujud in any language.
vi. Tahyyiat’l Masjid – Two rakats when entering the masjid. Should not be performed during the
prohibited times. Shafi say that this is a wajib, therefore this can be performed at the prohibited
times during the entering of the masjid. If Khateeb is giving Kutbah, then the person should still pray.
If the obligatory prayer has started, then there are no nafl prayers. In Makkah, there is no tahyyiatul
masjid, the tawaf should be performed instead as this is more rewarding, as every footstep is effacing
of sins.
vii. Al-Istikharah – Make up your mind when it comes to making a decision, taking advice, using wisdom,
etc. One should pray two rakats of Al-Istikharah for extra blessing and guidance from Allah, as this is
an act of Ibadah. There is no evidence of any signs that will come to signify what will happen. This
prayer can be performed as many times as one chooses.
viii. Al-Wudu – Two rakats.
ix. Al-Tawbah – Two rakats performed after the sin, and then perform the Tawbah.
x. Al-Hajah – Two rakats when in time of need. This is a sadaqah, so should be performed before asking
from Allah.
xi. Al-Tasbih – There are ahadith authenticated by the early muhadditheen as being permissible.
Opinions are divided on this.
xii. Al-Awwabin – This is the late Duha prayer. Performing the six rakaat after Maghrib (Awwabeen) does
have some basis.
xiii. Al-Mutlaq – Absolute and unrestricted Salah.
2 Fajr
4 Zuhr
4 Asr
3 Maghrib
4 Isha
Sunnah Prayer Rakats
10 Sunnah Mokidah
2 before Fajr
2 after Maghrib
2 after Isha
?????
2 before Fajr
4 before Zuhr
2 after Zuhr
2 after Maghrib
2 after Isha
14 Sunnah Mokidah
2 before Fajr
4 before Zuhr
2 after Zuhr
2 after Maghrib
2 after Isha
?????
4 before Asr
2 before Maghrib
?????
OTHER CONGRAGATIONAL PRAYERS
Salat’l-Jum’ah
This is a substitution for the zuhr prayer. This is more obligatory than the five daily prayers themselves. Whoever
misses three consecutive Jum’ah prayers, their hearts will be sealed. It is only obligatory for males.
The time for Jum’ah is generally considered to be the time for Zuhr. It is two units of prayer.
The minimum required for the Jum’ah congregation according to Imam Malik is 40, Imam Ahmad Hanbali is 12,
Imam Abu Hanifah is 4, Imam Shafi is easy. The correct opinion is 3 as this is the minimum required for a
congregation. It can be established with 2 people. However, the more people in the congregation the better it is.
There can be two Jum’ahs in one masjid, in environments where there are people working, issue of space, etc. The
minimum number of people have to be male, muslim, mature, resident of that area (mustawtir) – most of the
congregation in the Jum’ah here in this country are workers that are not resident in that area, or are students, etc.
But there are fatawah to allow this.
Khutbah is an obligation. It should be started by praising Allah and sending Salaam on the Prophet. This part should
be in Arabic. It is not permissible for the Imam or the followers to lift the hands when the Imam is making the
du’a.
If the person has missed the Khutbah, but has got there before the second Ruku of the Jumah prayer, then this
person has caught the prayer. The Hanafi say as long as you catch the Imam before the tasleem, then the prayer
has been caught. If you have missed the Jumah (i.e. the second ruku), in accordance to the other schools, then you
stand up and pray four rakats of Zuhr.
The khutbah can be done in another language, but the mention of Allah, Hadith, etc, should be done in Arabic. The
Khateeb cannot be female. Surah A’la and Surah Ghashiya should be recited by the Imam, but others can be done.
The Imam other than the Khateeb can lead the Salah.
The best prayer in the week in the masjid after the Jumah prayer is the Fajr prayer on the Friday.
According to the Hanafi school there are three Adhans for Jum’uah. The other schools state that there are only two
athans – one at the beginning to signify the beginning of the prayer, to allow Sunnah prayer to be performed and
one just before the Khutbah is going to start. It is an obligation for the khutbah to be done, but it is not wajib for
the congregation to attend the khutbah.
Salat’l-Eedayn
After sunrise, before Zawwal. The prayer can be performed in the masjid or outside.
The takbiraat is Sunnah. The six extra takbirat (in first rakat), Imam says Allahu akbar, and then performs the extra
six before saying sanaa, reciting fatihah and the surah. When Imam says Allah hu Akbar, then one should say Allah
hu Akbar to himself. Five takbirs in the second rakat. It is sunnah to raise the hands.
Even if women are menstruating, it is permissible for them to attend the Eid prayer – not pray it, but just to attend.
The traveller should also pray the Eid. After first rakat, then just before the Fatihah is five extra takbir. In Hanafi
school, the extra takbirat is done in the second rakat, just before the ruku.
Salat’l-Taraweeh
This is a Sunnah prayer. It can vary between eight (the Prophet (SAW) only prayed eight), twenty (prayed by Umar
bin Khattab), thirty six (prayed by the people of madina according to Imam Malik).
These numbers were increased by the generations to take more frequent breaks in between – the essence is that it
should be performed in a relaxed way. The prayer of Ra’ha (Teraweeh) – to take it easy. The Sunnah is to pray 8
rakats. However, depending on what the masjid imam is praying, this is a Sunnah – and even if he prays 20, then
the entire congregation should also pray 20 and not leave the prayer until the Imam leaves the prayer.
It should be performed in congregation and is only permissible in the masjid – this is a prerequisite for its validity.
It is good and recommended to complete the Qur’an once in Ramadan. However, It is not necessary to recite the
whole Qur’an in teraweeh in Ramadan.
There is no adhan or iqamah to be called. It is prayed in congregation although can be prayed individually. The
prayer is of two units; in each rak’ah are two ruku. The recitation in the first rak’ah is long. The ruku is also long.
The number of Fatihahs is four. The number of Rukus is four.
After the prayer, it is Sunnah to raise the hands very high above your heads in prayer. The exact time of this prayer
is open. It is a simple straight forward two rakats.
Salat’l-Khawf
Performed in a battle situation when facing the enemy. Half the group stay behind and guard. One way to pray this
is as follows.
Zuhr becomes two rakats. Half of the army move forward and pray behind the Imam. The Imam prays first rakat
and gets up and waits there. The followers get up and then perform the second rakat and by themselves. The
second group then comes. The Imam then prays his second rakat and then remains seated waiting for the second
group to complete their second rakat. The followers after completing the first rakat, then get up and complete the
second rakat, completing the second rakat with the Imam.