3.

2 SALAH

a) The nature and significance of Salah for Muslims:

SALAH:
Prayers is a unique training and development
program, which if well performed, can achieve
for a Muslim many valuable spiritual, Physical
and ethical gains.

Salah is the ritual prayer practiced by

Muslims in Supplication to Allah (SWT). The
term is commonly used to refer to the five
daily prayers, which are compulsory upon
mature Muslims.

Salah is considered the most important act of

worship (ibadah) in Islam and its importance
has been emphasized about 500 times in the
Holy Quran.

Prayer is the second pillar of Islam. Allah says "Establish prayer and pay
zakah" (al- Baqrah 110). And "So serve me and establish worship for My
remembrance" (Taha 74), and the verses, "And who pay heed to their
prayers. These are the heirs who will inherit Paradise. There will they
abide" (al-Mu'minun 1-29-11). The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "The head of
the matter is Islam, its pillar is the prayer, and the top of its hump is jihad
in the way of Allah." (Agreed)

Prayer was the first act of worship that was made obligatory for the
Muslims. It was made obligatory during Miraj in the 10th year of
Prophethood, Anas (R.A.) reported, "The prayers were made obligatory
on the Prophet in the night of his ascension to heaven At first, they were
fifty in number, but were reduced several times until they were five. Then it
was proclaimed, 'O Muhammad! The order is not changed. These five are
(equivalent) to the fifty."(Ahmed)

Salah is the first act that a person will be held accountable for on the Day
of Judgement, the Messenger of Allah said, "The first act that the slave
will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment will be the prayer. If it is
good, then the rest of his acts will be good. And if it is evil, then the rest of
his acts will be evil." (Tabarani) It is the last thing that the Prophet said to
the Muslims before he died, saying, "Prayer, prayer and what your right
hand possesses." (Ahmed)

It is obligatory on every adult, sane Muslim males or females whether he

is at home or travelling, in peace or war, healthy or sick, safe or in fear.
"Be guardians of your prayers, and of the mid-most prayer, and stand up
with devotion to Allah. And if you go in fear, then (pray) standing or on
horseback. When you are safe, remember Allah, as He has taught you
that which (heretofore) you knew not (al-Baqrah 238-239). However,
women are exempted from offering Salat during the menstruation period.

Many verses of the Qur'an prayer are followed with remembrance of Allah,
"Lord Worship preserves (one) from lewdness and iniquity, but verily,
remembrance of Allah is more important." (Al-Ankabut 29:45)

Salat distinguishes a believer from the non believer. Jabir (RA) reported,
the Prophet said, "The pact between us and them is prayer. Whoever,
abandons it is a disbeliever." (Ahmad)

It is not obligatory for a child to pray, however it is mandatory for the

parents to order him to pray when he is seven years old and they may
beat him if he does not pray after he reaches the age of ten so that he
develops the habit of praying by the time he reaches puberty, Abdullah
Amr ibn Aas (RA)reported, the Prophet said, "Order your children to pray
when they reach the age of seven. Beat them (if they don't pray) when
they reach the age of ten." (Abu Dawood).

Significance of Salah:
Once a man asked the Prophet (S) about the most virtuous deed. The
Prophet(S) stated that it is prayer. The man asked thrice, so each time the
Prophet(S) replied salah, then on the fourth. Occasion he stated- "Jihad in
the way of Allah."

Salah is the most important obligation for a Muslim. After pronouncing the
shahadah by Which one enters the fold of Islam, the very first obligation
testing one's sincerity of faith is salah. It is important to realize that the
believers are commanded to establish the five daily prayers.

This means that these prayers must be performed at their proper timings
in congregation and in a mosque according to its rules and regulations
taught by the Messenger of Allah.
 The structure and timing of each of the five prescribed daily prayers is
recorded and fully explained in the traditions of the Messenger of Allah. It
is important to note that salah will not be valid without preceding it with
wudu' (ritual ablution).

b) The Importance of salah in the life of Muslims:

The Prophet(S) said: "The first matter that the slave will be brought to
account on the Day of Judgment is prayer. If it is sound, the rest of his
deeds will be sound. And if it is incomplete, the rest of his deeds will be
incomplete. If the prayer is performed with true remembrance it will have a
lasting effect on the person after he finishes the prayer, his heart will be
filled with the remembrance of God. He will be fearful as well as hopeful of
God."

Benefits of Salah
1. Shields against Evil:
Man was created weak, and without seeking help from Allah, refraining
from evil will be impossible Allah says "verily prayer restrains (oneself)
from shameful and unjust deeds".

2. Enriches the Soul:-

Man is forgetful, especially with our busy lifestyles. Prayer satisfies our
spiritual need to be in contact with our creator. This gives the soul peace
and contentment. Allah says" Without doubt, in the remembrance of Allah
do hearts find contentment"-Quran: 13:28.

3. Makes humble:-
By realizing Allah Greatness & our dependence on him, man is humbled
and is his pride and arrogance. In prayer, the Muslim puts the highest part
of his body and his source of intellect, his head, on the ground and says.
"How perfect is my lord, the most High"
Humbleness is one of the qualities which Allah has associated with
success "Successful Indeed are the believers, who are humble in their
prayers" - Quran
23:1-2
 4. Washes Sins:-
Everyone commits sins; However Allah has provided a way to wipe out
those sins. Allah says - "And perform prayer surely the good deeds
remove the evil deeds."

5. Cures problems:
Man is surrounded by numerous trails and problems. Once we focus on
strengthening our relationship with our lord, He who is all powerful, will fix
our worldly problems. Like the scholars say whoever strengthens their
relationship with Allah will strengthen his relationship with him. Allah says-

"Seek help in patience and prayer." Quran-2:153.

6. Unites the Muslims:-

When prayer is performed in congregation it cultivates brotherhood,
equality and humanity between Muslims. They stand in rows, shoulder to
shoulder, without any distinction of race, nationality, color, etc. and all
pray together as one body. This act of unity helps demolish all acts of
which stand between the Prophet (S) said:
"Prayer in congregation is better than praying alone"

c) How salah is performed

wudu
To say your Salah you must be pure and clean. The Qur'an says "Indeed
Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance and loves those who
purify themselves." (2:222) Purification of the body and clothes is called
Taharuk, and cleanliness a called Nazafah They are not the same, but
they are connected to one another. You may be clean outwardly and shall
not be pure it is especially important to remove all traces of urine or
excrement from the clothes worn for Salah.

How can we have cleanliness? We can fully wash

the whole body with pure and clean water or we can
have a part-wash, cleaning only parts of the body
The full wash or bath is called Ghusl and the part
wash is Wudu' (ablution) Keep in mind that Muslims
are not allowed to have a bath or a shower in the
nude or in the presence of others.

Prophet Muhammad said: "Indeed, on the Day of

Resurrection, my followers will he called 'al-Ghurrul
Muhajjalun' from the traces of Wudu, so whoever can
increase the area of his radiance should do se (i.e. By performing ablution
regularly)." (Al-Bukhari)
Before we can begin to say Salah, we must first prepare ourselves. This
preparation includes making sure we are clean. We do this by carrying out
Wudu Wudu' is essential for performing Salah. We must not say Salah
without first making Wudu Allah says in the Qur'an:
"O you, who believe, when you prepare for Salah, wash your faces and
your hands to the elbows, wipe over your heads and wash your feet up to
the ankles." (5:6)
This verse refers to the compulsory (Fard) parts of Wudu the additional
actions performed by Prophet Muhammad are recommended (Sunnah),
and are mentioned in the books of A hadith.
Muslims prayer is intended to purify the heart and bring about spiritual and
moral growth. Hence they need to perform wudu, which is not just
washing away dirt, but a mental & physical cleaning.
The washing is always done in a quiet, prayerful manner. While washing,
Muslims pray they will be purified from the sins they have committed and
that they will be empowered to do good and not evil.
METHOD OF WUDU:
1. Make Niyyah (intention) saying the Tasmiyah (Basmalah or Bismillah):
Bismillahir rahmanir rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind.
2 Then wash both hands up to the wrists three times making sure that
water has reached between the fingers.
3 Put a handful of water into the mouth and rinse it thoroughly three times.
4 Sniff water into the nostrils three times to clean them and then wash the
tin of the nose.
5 Wash the face three times from right ear to left ear and from forehead to
throat.
6 Wash the right arm, and then left arm, thoroughly from hand to elbow
three times.
7 Move the wet palms of both hands over the head, starting from the top
of the forehead to the neck.
8 Rub the wet fingers into the grooves and holes of both ears and also
pass the wet thumbs behind the ears.
9 Pass the backs of the wet hands over the nape.
(See Nailul Awtar by 'Allamah Shawkani, 1973, vol. 1, p. 203)
10 Wash both feet to the ankles starting from the right foot and making
sure that water has reached between the toes and all other parts of the
feet.

If you make a full Wudu before putting on your socks, it is not necessary
to take them off every time you repeat your Wudu'; it is enough to wipe the
upper part of the socks with wet fingers. Leather socks are better for this,
but any durable, untorn thick socks will also de This type of wiping is valid
for twenty- four hours only (three days in the cac of a journey).
At the end of all the steps, recite:

Ash-hadu alla ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu

WA ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasulullah. I testify that
there is no god but Allah and He is one and has no partner and I testify
that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

You should repeat your Wudu' after:

1 Natural discharges (e.g. urine, stool, wind and the like).
2 Flow of blood or pus from any part of the body
3 Full mouth vomiting
4 Falling asleep or losing consciousness
5 Touching the sexual organs.
Tayammum (Dry Ablution) ‫التيمم‬
You can perform your Salah with Tayammum (4:43) when:
1 water is not available at all,
2 the water available is insufficient (e.g. available water is enough for
drinking only), or
3 use of water is harmful (e.g. in sickness)

For Tayammum you are required to:

1 (a) Make Niyyah by saying. Bismillahir rahmanir rahim, then (b) place
both your hands lightly on earth, sand, stone or any other object having
dust on it.
2 Blow the dust off your hands and wipe your face with the hands once
the same way as you do in Wudu'.
3 Repeat 1(b) and wipe the right arm from wrist to elbow with the left hand
and the left arm with the right hand.

Time of prayers

Each prayer has its own particular time at which it must be performed
Allah says. "Prayer at fixed hours has been enjoined upon the believers."
(An-Nisa 103) The time of each prayer is as follows
Name of prayer Commencement of time End of time
Fajr After the break of dawn. Just before
sunrise.

Dhuhr When the sun begins to decline The shadow of

and man's shadow is the same man becomes
as his height double his
Asr When the shadow of man Just before the
becomes sun set.

Maghrib Double his height just after the Disappearance of

sunset. redness on the
horizon.
Isha Disappearance of redness on Till midnight.
the horizon.

Adhan (Call to Prayer) ‫األذان‬

Prophet Muhammad, by his practice and sayings, showed that Muslim

men and older boys should offer their compulsory (Fard) Salah in
congregation in a mosque (Masjid). Women and girls may offer their Salah
in a mosque if they wish. All other Salah can be offered privately at home.
To call Muslims to Salah, Prophet Muhammad introduced the Adhan to
signal that the time of Salah has arrived. The person who calls the Adhan
is called the Mu'adhdhin (Caller). While doing so he faces the Qibla (the
direction towards the Kabah in Makkah). He raises his hands up to his
ears and calls out:

Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest
Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest
Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest
Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest

Ash-hadu alla ilaha illallah

I testify that there is no god except Allah

Ash-hadu alla ilaha illallah

I testify that there is no god except Allah

Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar rasulullah

I testify that Muhammad
is Allah's messenger

Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar rasulullah

I testify that Muhammad
is Allah's messenger
 Haiya 'alaş şaläh
Rush to Salah

Haiya 'alaş şalah

Rush to Salah

Haiya 'alal falah

Rush to success

Haiya 'alal falah

Rush to success

Allahu akbar
Allah is the Greatest

Allahu akbar
Allah is the Greatest

La ilaha illallah
There is no god except Allah

During the Adhan for Fajr Salah the following words are added after
Haiya 'alal falah:

As-salatu khairum minan naum

Salah is better than sleep

Aş-şalātu khairum minan naum

Salah is better than sleep
 Below are the rules of salah-
 Start at time
 Face Qiblah
 Pray at clean place
 Clean cloth
 Clean Yourself
 Cover Satar
 Niyyah

The prayer times vary a little each day with the season and the year, and
from one town to
Another through the effects of latitude and longitude. Salah can be
performed individually or in congregation, but men must perform it in a
mosque. Allah's Messenger said, 'The merit of the congregational prayer
(Salat-al-jamaat) surpasses that of individual
prayer by twenty- seven degrees! (Reported by
al-Bukhari and Muslim) The Prophet also said,
To perform the late evening prayer ('Isha) in
congregation is equivalent to spending half the
night in prayer, while to perform the dawn
prayer (Fajr) in congregation is like praying the
whole night! (Reported by Muslim) The Friday
prayer, which is performed at Dhuhr time, has
special significance as it is preceded by a
sermon (khutbah) delivered by the imam. It has
to be performed in congregation and is
obligatory on all adult men.

Allah has underscored this aspect of the

prayer in the Noble Qur'an:
Indeed, the prayer guards one against
immorality and evil. (Surah al-'Ankaboot, 29:45) Of all the possible
restraints against committing evil, the prayer is the most effective. What
could be more effective than calling people five times a day to remember
Allah and to refresh in them the fact that they have no right to act with
unfettered freedom, for they are the servants of the All-Knowing Allah,
One who is aware of the desires and intentions that lie hidden in their
hearts, and the One to whom will one day have to render an account of all
their deeds. In fact, the prayer practically trains people not to disobey any
of Allah's commands even when no one is watching them.
Cleanliness and purity.
Prayer makes a person clean and pure both physically and spiritually A
person keeps his body pure from every kind of major impurity by taking
bath and he makes ablution before every prayer itself keeps him spiritually
clean. The Messenger of Allah asked his Companions, "Do you believe
that dirt can remain on a person bathing five times a day in a stream
running in front of his door? The Companion’s replied that no dirt can
remain on his body. The Prophet remarked; So exactly similar is the effect
of prayer offered five times a day. With the grace of Allah, it washes away
all sins. Ablution washes out physical dirt while prayers wipe out spiritual."
(Agreed)

Obedience and Humility: A Muslim completely submits himself to Allah

(S.W). He stands in humility in the presence of Allah (S.W) with both
hands folded; he bows, kneels and prostrates. He shows his utter
dependence on Allah (S.W). "Successful indeed are the believers who are
humble in their prayers." (Al-Muminun 23:1)

Self-Discipline and Self-Control: Prayers instill self-discipline and self

control in a person. Prayers are obligatory on every adult, sane Muslim
under all circumstances, if a person is sick then he can offer his prayers
while sitting. If he cannot sit, he can pray while lying down. If water is not
available, he can perform dry ablution. If correct Qibla cannot be
determined, he can pray in the possible direction of Qibla.

Piety and Taqwa: Prayer develops piety and fear of Allah (S.W) in a
person and restrains him from evil deeds, Allah (S.W) says, "Establish
regular prayers, for it restrains from shameful and unjust deeds." (Al-
Ankabut 29:45)

Patience and Perseverance: Prayers develop patience, endurance,

contentment, and perseverance in a person. Allah (S.W) says, "Therefore,
be patient with what they say and celebrate (constantly) the praises of
your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting." (Ta-Ha
20:130)

The Five Daily Salah

Fajr Zuhr 'Asr Maghrib 'Isha'

2 Sunnah 4 Sunnah 4 Sunnah* 4 Sunnah

 2 Fard 4 Fard 4 Fard 3 Fard 4 Fard

2 Sunnah 2 Sunnah 2 Sunnah

2 Nafl 2 Nafl 2 Nafl

3 Witr

2 Nafl

Ibn ' Amr (R.A) reported that the Messenger of Allah said, "The time of the
Noon Prayer is when the sun passes the meridian and a man's shadow is
the same length as his height. It lasts until the time of the afternoon
prayer. The time of the Afternoon Prayer is until the yellowing of the sun
(during its setting). The time of the Evening Prayer is as long as twilight.
The time of the Night Prayer is to the middle of a night of medium
duration. And the time of the Morning Prayer is from the appearance of
the dawn until the time of sunrise. When the sun rises abstain from
praying as it rises between the horns of Satan." (Sahih Muslim)
It's is prohibited to pray when the Sun is in meridian or is rising or setting.
d) Salah in the home and mosque and at Friday prayer:

Friday Prayers

Friday is the best day of week and has special importance for Muslims .
Abu Hurairah, reported that the Messenger of Allah said, "The best day on
which the sun rises is Friday. [On Friday] Adam was created, and on that
day he entered paradise, and on that day he was expelled from paradise.
And the Hour will come to pass on Friday." (Sahih Muslim). There is an
hour in Friday in which supplications are accepted.

Muslims are commanded to say their Friday prayers in mosque. Great

reward has been promised for offering the Friday prayers, all sins of a
person committed between the present and the previous Friday are
forgiven. Salman al-Farsi reported, Allah's Apostle. said, "Anyone who
takes a bath on Friday and cleans himself as much as he can and puts oil
(on his hair) or scents himself; and then proceeds for the prayer,and does
not force his way between two persons (assembled in the mosque for the
Friday prayer), and prays as much as is written for him, and remains quiet
when the Imam delivers the Khutbah, all his sins in between the present
and the previous Friday will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari). Salat ul
Jumu'ah is obligatory on every free, adult, and sane Muslim who has the
ability to attend the Salah and does not have a valid excuse to miss it. The
one who misses it without a genuine reason is a sinner. The Prophet said.
"Whoever misses three Friday prayers in a row out of negligence will have
a seal put over his heart by Allah." (Ahmed, and Ibn Majah)

The time of al-Jumu'ah is the same as that of Dhuhr. It takes the place of
Dhuhr prayer. It consists of 2 Rakk’ahs. The Salat-ul Jumu'ah is valid if
there are two or more people present, since the Prophet said, "Two or
more constitute a congregation." (Ibn Majah).

It is highly desirable that worshippers should cut their nails, remove

unwanted hair, clean teeth, take bath and put on their best clothes for the
Jumu'ah prayers.

When the first adhan is proclaimed Muslims are required to leave every
kind of business and hurry to the mosque. They may resume their
business after the prayers. Allah says,

"O you who believer When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the
Day of Assembly) hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah and
leave off business (and traffic); that is the best for you if you but knew.
And when the Prayer is finished then may you disperse through the land,
and seek of the Bounty of Allah." (Al-Jumu'ah 62:9-10)

The sermon (Khutbah) of the Friday is obligatory, and listening to it is

wajib. Second adhan is delivered when the imam ascends the pulpit. After
adhan, Imam delivers sermon facing the congregation. The sermon is
divided into two parts with a brief interval of about one minute duration in-
between the two parts.

Friday sermon Includes praises of Allah, the Exalted; blessings upon the
Prophet, admonitions, and Qur'anic recitations. Allah's Apostle said, "The
Friday khutbah that does not contain the testimony ["There is no God
except Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger] is like the defective
hand." (Musnad Ahmad) The Imam reminds the congregation about their
duties towards Allah and towards their fellow beings. He exhorts people to
do good deeds, and warns them against the consequences of evil actions.
He also reminds them of the Hereafter, and prays for the welfare of
community.

While sermon is being delivered, it is prohibited to make conversation or

even to recite the Qur'an. Abu Hurairah reported, Allah's Apostle said,
"When the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, and you ask your companion
to keep quiet and listen, then no doubt you have done an evil act." (Sahih
Bukhari) After the sermon is over, the Iqamah proclaimed, the rows are
straightened, and the worshippers stand shoulder to shoulder The Friday
prayer is like any other congregational prayer, however, it is Sunnah to
recite aloud in the two rakk'ahs of the Friday congregation prayer,
Intention is made, the imam says Takbir Tahrimah in a loud voice, and
then the Imam and the followers recite Thana, Tawuz, and Tasmiyah in a
low voice in the first rak’as. After this, the imam recites Surah Fatiha and
some other Surahs aloud both in the first and the second Rakk’ahs, the
followers listen to him attentively. When the imam says, "Wa-laddalin at
the end of Surah al-Fatiha, the followers says Ameen in a low voice.

When the imam bows, the congregation also bows, when the Imam says,
'Sami'a-Hahu Liman hamida', the followers say, 'Rabbana-lakal hamd' in a
low voice. The congregation follows the Imam in all actions. It does not go
ahead of the Imam in standing, bowing or prostrating. When the Imam
makes tasleem all make tasleem. It is Sunnah to read surah Al-A'la in the
first Rakk'ah and Sura Al-Gashia in the second Rakk'ah. It is also a
Sunnah to pray four rakk'ahs or two rakk'ahs after al-Jumu'ah prayer.

 The Importance of congregational prayers on Fridays to Muslims.

 The worshippers can see the strength of their numbers.
 They give an opportunity for the Muslim men to come together.
 They have a change to learn about their faith from the sermon.
 They can exchange thoughts and news.
 They are reminded that all Muslims should always be united.
 Benefits of Congregational prayer.
 The reward gets multiplied up to 27 times.
 To confirm solidarity with fellow Muslims.
 Brotherhood between Muslims
 Congregation turns mosque into a community center

Delayed Prayers (Qada)

It is obligatory for anyone who has forgotten to prayer or slept through its
time to make up for the missed (Qada) prayer, the Prophet said, "There is
no negligence while one is asleep but forgetfulness occurs when one is
awake. If one of you forgets the prayer or sleeps through its time, then he
should perform the Salah when he recalls it." (Fard Sunnan) In another
tradition, he said, "There is no expiation (for prayer) except the prayer
Itself." (Sahih Bukhari) Missing one's Salah intentionally is a sin. If a
person delays intentionally and its time passes, he will never be able to
make up for that Salah, Such person must seek Allah's Forgiveness and
increase his good deeds and supererogatory prayers. The missed prayer
should be offered at the earliest possible opportunity, in case several
prayers of a day are missed, the Qada of these should be offered in the
several prayers of a day are missed, the Qada of these should be offered
in the prescribed order, the Qada of Fajr then Dhuhr and so on. Qada is
only offered for Fard prayer, however Qada of two pre Fard Sunnah of
Fajr prayer may also be prayed.

If a person missed his Dhuhr, Asr or Isha during journey, on returning

home he should offer shortened prayers. However, if the prayers become
Qada before the journey, he will offer complete prayer for them if he goes
on a journey.

The Qasr or the shortened prayer

It is performed when a person is travelling. The traveller has the option
either to shorten his prayers or complete it, Allah says, "When you travel
through the earth there is no blame on you if you shorten your prayers."
(An-Nisa 4:101) Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha are shortened to two rakk'ahs, Fajr
and Maghrib remain unchanged and Sunnah prayers are dropped.

Traveller may shorten his Salah as long as he is on a journey. Likewise, if

he stays in some place for business or some other affair, then he may
shorten his Salah as long as he is there. If a person intends to stay in a
place for a certain time, but keeps delaying it for some reason, he may
keep shortening his prayers. Prescribed order, the Qada of Fajr then
Dhuhr and so on. Qada is only offered for Fard prayer; however Qada of
two pre Fard Sunnah of Fajr prayer may also be prayed. If a person
missed his Dhuhr, Asr or Isha during journey, on returning home he
should offer shortened prayers. However, if the prayers become Qada
before the journey, he will offer complete prayer for them if he goes on a
journey.

TEACHINGS

Prayers may be shortened when a person leaves his house and is outside
his city, and he is not required to resume his regular Salah until he
reaches the first house of his city. If a resident is praying behind a
travelling Imam in a congregation of Dhuhr, Asr and Isha, the resident
must complete his remaining two rakk'ahs, after the Imam's tasleem, but if
a traveller is saying his prayer behind a resident Imam, he has to
complete his four rakk’ahs, He not allowed making Qasr even if he joins
the Salah in the third rakk’ahs.
Majority of scholars are of opinion that it is allowed for the resident to
combine his prayers due to some pressing need. "The Messenger of Allah
combined the Dhuhr and Asr prayers and then the Maghrib and Isha
prayers in Madinah without there being any danger or rain." When Ibn
Abbas was asked, "What did he desire by that action?" He replied, "He did
not want any hardship for his Ummah." (Sahih Muslim)

Salah of Fajr cannot be joined either with Isha or Dhuhr, nor can Salah of
Asr and Maghrib.

Delayed Combination (Jamah Takheer): In this case Dhuhr prayers is

delayed and prayed with that of Asr in time of Asr, and Maghrib prayer is
delayed and prayed with Isha, at the time of Isha, Mu'adh bin Jabal
reported that "While the Prophet was at Tabuk and the sun had passed
the meridian, the Prophet combined the Dhuhr, and Asr prayers before he
started his journey. If he started his journey before the sun passed its
meridian, he would delay the Dhuhr prayer until the time when he stopped
for the Asr prayer. He would do likewise for the Maghrib prayer. If the sun
set before he began his journey, he would combine the Maghrib and Isha
prayers [at that time). If he began a journey before the sun had set, he
would then combine them at the time of Isha." (Sunnan Abu Dawood and
Tirmidhi).

Funeral prayer is called Salah -tul Janazah.

When a Muslim dies, funeral prayers should be performed for him. It is the
duty of every Muslim to attend the funeral prayers. Taking part, in funeral
prayer is Fard Kifayah. If some of the Muslims perform it, the remaining
will not be sinful. If no one performs it, all will be held sinful. Great reward
is promised to those who perform funeral prayers. The Prophet said:
"Whoever follows a funeral procession and offers the prayer for the
deceased, will get one kerat of reward. And Whoever follows it and
remains with it until the body is buried, will get two kerats of reward, the
least of which is equal in weight to 'Mount Uhad."(Muwatte)

The body is washed and shrouded with kafan. Those who take part in
funeral prayers must perform Wudu. The bier is placed in front of the
congregation in an open place. In case of rain or some other reason it
may be performed in mosque.

Funeral prayer can also be held for absent deceased. The Imam stands in
the first row, people generally form odd number of rows. All face Qiblah.
 Funeral prayer consists of four Takbirs. There are no Ruku or Sujood in
the prayer.

e) Exemptions from Salah People:

 Mad person,
 Unconscious person/seriously ill
 Menstruating women

CHAPTER QUESTIONS:

1Q. Describe the actions of one unit of a Salah.

Ans: Salah is composed of a prescribed repetitive cycle of bows and
prostrations, called rakat. The number of rak’as, also known as units of
prayers, varies from prayer to prayer. Ritual purity and wudu are
prerequisites for performing the prayers also known as namaz. Muslims
face the directions of Kaaba with respect to this direction is Qibla. They
start prayer with intentions of worshiping Allah (S.W.T). The first fardh act
of Salah is the opening takbeer to begin your Salah. Every Muslim that
say prayer must say Allahu-Akbar by raising their hands to start the
prayer. This shall be said in such a way that at least the person himself
can hear his voice, and if he forgets it, he has to repeat his prayer. In case
of physical illness or restriction, you can sit and offer prayer but if you
have no physical illness or restriction then it is obligatory for you to pray.
While standing.The period of standing is equivalent to the length of our
recitation. This action is Qiyyam. Recitation of the holy Quran is an
obligatory part of Salah. Recitation of surah fatiha followed by zammi
surah is a wajib act of Namaz, Ruku refers to bowing your head and body
in your prayer. There is a bit difference in man and women’s way of
bowing. To an extent for men, the back should be so straight in level with
the floor that if it is filled with water on your back, the water doesn’t flow
over. For the women, it is just enough that their hands reach the knees.
Sujood or prostration is the position in the prayer to bow down so as to
touch the floor with the forehead. There are two prostrations in each rakat.
If you forget or left out any sajdah deliberately or unintentionally then your
prayer will become void. Juloos/Jalsa is the last sitting posture in prayer to
recite tashahud. It is farz is namaz to sit in the last rakat of prayer so long
that you could recite the whole tashahud.It is wajib act of Salah to sit in
the second rakat of namaz to recite tashahud. After performing 2 sujood.
After you finish with Jalsa the say Salam on the right shoulder then on the
left one.

2Q. Describe the actions of wudu.

Ans: before we perform salah we need to prepare ourselves mentally,
physically and spiritually. A large portion of the preparation is what is
known as wudu. It is a purification process that every Muslim must
perform before their prayer can be performed. It is such an important part
of salah that if anyone decides to leave it due to ignorance, forgetfulness
or negligence then their prayer will not be accepted by Allah.
Step 1- Make your intention to perform wudu. Creating the intention is a
matter of the heart and mind.
Step 2- Say Bismillah. Before we begin to wash ourselves, we need to
say Bismillah (In the name of Allah).
Step 3- Wash your hands (Three times). Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)
taught us to begin with our right hand first. That means you will need to
wash your right hand from the fingertips to the wrist three times. Make
sure water touches every part of the hand. Afterwards perform the same
actions with your left hand three times.
Step 4- Rinse your mouth (Three times). Take some water into your right
hand and rinse your mouth three times. Do this through to clean your
mouth properly.
Step 5- Sniff water into the nostril (Three times). Take some water in your
right hand and sniff it into your nose.
Step 6- Wash your face (Three times). Every part of the face needs to be
washed. That means ear to ear and from top of the forehead to bottom of
your chin. Do these step 3 times. For men who have a beard take your
wet hands and pass them through your beard as you wash your face.
Step 7- Wash your arms (Three times). Start from the fingertips and wash
your right arm up to your elbow 3 times. Make sure that no part is left dry.
Afterwards follow the same process for your left arm and do it 3 times.
Step 8- washes your head once. Move your wet hands from the top of the
forehead to the back of the head, and from the back of the head to the
forehead.
Step 9- Clean your ears once. This should be performed with the same
water from step 8. Using wet hands you will use your index fingers to
clean the inside of your ears and your thumb to clean the area behind
your ears.
Step 10- Wash your feet (Three times). Begins from your toes on your
right foot and wash up to and including your ankle. Make sure water
touches every area of the right foot, especially between the toes and the
back of the ankle. Do this three times with the right foot followed by 3
times with the left foot.
Step 11- Recite the shahadah. When the prophet (PBUH) would complete
his wudu he would say shahadah. Which means “I testify that there is no
god but Allah (S.W.T)” and I also testify that Mohammed (PBUH) is his
servant and messenger.
4Q. Describe how salah is prayed in congregation.
Ans: Congregation is an Arabic term jamaat. Offering prayers in
congregation is further strengthens the unity and power.Prophet
Mohammed (PBUH): “Whoever attends isha (Prayers) in congregation,
then he has (The reward as if he had) stood half of the night. And
whoever prays isha and fajr in congregation. Then he has (The reward as
if he had) spent the entire night standing (in prayer)” [Jamiat Tirmidhi –
221].The prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: If there are three people, let
one of them lead the prayer, and the one who has the right to lead the
prayer is the one who recites (knows) the most (Quran).

5Q. Explain the importance of offering salah daily in the life

of Muslims.
Ans: Salah is the ritual prayer practiced by Muslims in supplication to
Allah (S.W.T). The term is commonly used to refer the five daily prayers,
which are compulsory on mature Muslims. Salah is considered the most
important act of worship (ibadah) in Islam and its importance has been
emphasized about 500 times in the holy Quran. The hadith says:
“The first act that the servant will be accountable for on the day of
judgement will be salah. If it is good, then he wills the pleasure of the
Allah (S.W.T). And it was poorly done, and then he will lose in the
hereafter”. Reported in Al – Tirmidhi.

6Q. Explain how Muslims prepare for salah daily.

Ans: Prayers are seen as daily communication with Allah (S.W.T). Salah
encourages self – discipline and keeps Muslims in close contact with Allah
(S.W.T), The Quran says: “Recite, (O Mohammed), what has been
revealed to you of a book and establish prayers. Indeed, prayers prohibit
immortality and wrong, doing and the remembrance of Allah (S.W.T) is
greater. And Allah (S.W.T) knows that which you do. “(Quran 29:45).

There are five daily prayers:

 Break down – Salatul fajr
 When it passes meridian – Salatul noor (Zuhr).
 Afternoon prayer – Salatul Asr.
 Sunset prayer – Salatul Maghrib.
 Night prayers – Salatul Isha. (twilight had passed)

Muslims follow the steps:

 Ritual washing (wudu).
 Body should be pure.
 Clothes should be pure.
 Face towards Qibla.
 Time should have started.
 Niyyah / intention.
 Place should be clean.

7Q. “Friday prayers are more important than the daily salah”.
Ans: Salat-ul-jamaat in the masjid an obligatory ritual on men. The
prophet (PBUH) always prayed in the masjid with the Sahaba or
companions. The prophet (PBUH) emphatically encouraged the Muslims
to pray in groups and congregation. Whenever possible the prophet
Mohammed (PBUH) gave women the choice to come to the masjid for
Salatul jamaat or to pray at home, a blind man once came to the prophet
and said: “O Rasulullah (PBUH) I am blind and my house is little far from
the masjid. Would you allow me to come to the masjid every day?“Prophet
(PBUH) said: Yes”. As the man started walking away, the prophet (PBUH)
quickly called him back and asked: “Do you hear the call prayer from your
house?” “Yes”, the man replied. The prophet Mohammed (PBUH) them
said: “then, you should answer the call”. Every one step takes towards the
masjid will rewarded immensely. Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A) narrates: “the
prayer in congregation is superior to a prayer performed individually by
twenty seven degrees. Reported by (Al-Bukhari and Muslim), Jumah
(Friday) of the Muslim weekend the special day to be worship. The salah
is the obligatory on men’s. On Friday we have 2 azaan. First is to inform
people that time started. Second before kutba / sermon. At Friday angles
come to masjid to write the names of the people who came to masjid
before sermon. As soon as sermon starts the angels stop writing the
names. Jummah which means “the gathering. Some people even call it
‘eid-ul-muslimeen’. The person who attends Salatul Jummah will be
forgiven for all the minor sins that he/she has committed since the last
Jummah. Work, business and environment are prohibited during the
Friday prayer time. Ghusl is a purifying ritual of oneself by taking special
bath or shower on Friday before jummah prayer. Prophet Mohammed
(PBUH) said: “whoever recites(the entire) surath-ul-kahf on Friday”. (Imam
al-baihaqer and al-klalim). We obey Allah (S.W.T) and please him. We are
reminded of Allah (S.W.T) and learn many things about our religion from
the khatereh during jummah khutbah.

8Q. why is salah needed?

Ans: Salah helps us to elevate ourselves. Salah is the second pillar of
Islam. Salah is important as it allows Muslims to communicate with Allah
(S.W.T) and follow in the footsteps of the Prophets. It is best form of
worship and communication with our holy creator.

9Q. Does God need human beings to pray to him?

Ans: No, human beings need Allah(SWT) for all their needs we will be
accountable for our deeds on the Day of Judgement .

10Q. Why is salah made obligatory five times a day

especially, when people have such busy lives?
Ans: So that people remember Allah SWT throughout the day.

11Q. why does Allah (S.W.T) give human beings an

opportunity to talk to him?
Ans: Human beings have great status in Islam. They are honored by god
(Quran 17:70) and can act as god’s vicegerents on earth (Quran 2:30)
while we offer salah we communicate to Allah (S.W.T) and sujood is the
best form to make dua. Man is busy with his wordly affairs. Salah
provides an opportunity to connect to Allah (SWT) from his busy schedule.

12Q. why salah is an act of worship? Does Allah (S.W.T) need

human beings to worship him?
Ans: salah is an act of submission to Allah (S.W.T), the believers his/her
total unconditional faith in the lord and pleads for the acceptance of prayer
and grants him/her remission from the condition of ill health, irrespective
of its nature. Allah (S.W.T) doesn’t need our worship because jin’s and
angles worship him every time.

AYAH:
Qur’an 62:9- 11

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the
day of Jummah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and
leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew. And when the prayer
has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of
Allah , and remember Allah often that you may succeed. But when they
saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left
you standing. Say, “What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a
transaction, and Allah is the best of providers.”

Explanation and Teachings

Ans: Salah is central to the lives of all Muslims and is something that
must be regular in the lives of believers. Friday is the most important day
of prayer as it is what was commanded by the Prophet and willed by Allah.
Communal gathering in the mosque is a meeting of members of the
Muslim community and their prayers put Muslims in direct contact with
Allah and each other. This should occur five times a day. It reminds
Muslims every day that Allah will bless their prayers, as Allah teaches in
Surah 62:9-11. Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam and performing it
gives Muslims a discipline that forces them to take their religious life
seriously. It is through this prayer focus that Muslims have their sins
forgiven. Saying Friday prayer (Jummah) at the mosque unites Muslims
with their fellow believers as they stand performing the same actions and
saying the same words. This unity in worship on Friday is singled out for
special prayer and Muslims must not be distracted from Friday prayer as
Allah controls all things, as they are reminded in
Surah 62. Friday is the sixth day in the Islamic week and its literal
translation is ‘congregation’. This, along with surah 62 in the Qur’an
shows the importance of Friday prayer and places a special focus on
praying at this time. However, many Muslims now live in countries in
which they are expected to work all day on a Friday and so miss Jummah.
This makes it impossible to attend Jummah as if they did they would lose
their job. Also, family life demands responsibilities which may prevent
some believers, (for example mothers) from attending Jummah.

Assess this statement.

‘All Muslims must attend the mosque for Friday (Jummah) prayer.’
Assess this statement.You should refer to the significance of this
passage from the Qur’an provided, using your own or others’ views
to support your answer. (Past Paper JUNE 2019)

Ans: Salah is central to the lives of all Muslims and is something that
must be regular in the lives of believers. Friday is the most important day
of prayer as it is what was commanded by the Prophet and willed by Allah.
Communal gathering in the mosque is a meeting of members of the
Muslim community and their prayers put Muslims in direct contact with
Allah and each other. This should occur five times a day. It reminds
Muslims every day that Allah will bless their prayers, as Allah teaches in
Surah 62:9-11 .Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam and performing it
gives Muslims a discipline that forces them to take their religious life
seriously. It is through this prayer focus that Muslims have their sins
forgiven. Saying Friday prayer (Jummah) at the mosque unites Muslims
with their fellow believers as they stand performing the same actions and
saying the same words. This unity in worship on Friday is singled out for
special prayer and Muslims must not be distracted from Friday prayer as
Allah controls all things, as they are reminded in Surah 62. Friday is the
sixth day in the Islamic week and its literal translation is ‘congregation’.
This, along with surah 62 in the Qur’an shows the importance of Friday
prayer and places a special focus on praying at this time. However, many
Muslims now live in countries in which they are expected to work all day
on a Friday and so Miss Jummah. This makes it impossible to attend
Jummah as if they did they would lose their job. Also, family life demands
responsibilities which may prevent some believers, (for example mothers)
from attending Jummah.
Examiner report: This was a well answered d) question overall with
many students finding an alternative point of view easily. Higher levels
awarded, as is the case with all d) questions, with an answer closely
linked to the text. Weaker candidates repeated the content of the text
without any evaluation or relation to the question.

2) ‘Performing Salah is the most important obligation of

Islam.’ Assess this statement. You should refer to the
significance of this passage from the Qur’an provided, using your
own or others’ views to support your answer.
(NOV 2020)

Ans: Salah is the ritual prayer of Islam performed five times a day. It was
performed by the Prophet and so Muslims are following his example when
they pray, which reminds them of the importance of living a good life. By
focusing each day on Salah, Muslims are reminded of the importance of
putting Allah above all things. All good Muslims must live a prayer-
centered life, even at the expense of work, to please Allah and enter
paradise (Jannah) as Surah 62 teaches. Salah also reminds Muslims of
the fundamentals of Islam: submission and peace. The discipline that is
created through Salah is a constant reminder of the need to put Islam at
the center of a Muslim’s heart. This ensures that they are following the
command that all Muslims must pray, which is given in the Qur’an, and
that through the act of prayer Muslims have their sins forgiven. By doing
this Allah will reward them and take care of them in their lives, as
described in Surah 62 . Although Salah is an important obligation of Islam,
and through prayer Muslims are connected to Allah, society has changed
since the time of the Prophet and praying five times a day is no longer
practical for some Muslims due to work commitments. Some Muslims may
say that Shahadah is the foundation of Islam and therefore reciting it is
the most important obligation of Islam. All the obligations are important in
their own way as each is created to ensure that a Muslim can be raised up
on the Last Day and be judged by Allah who will see their deeds and allow
them to enter paradise (Jannah).

Examiner report: This was a well answered d) question overall with many
students finding an alternative point of view easily. Higher levels awarded,
as is the case with all d) questions, with an answer closely linked to the
text. Weaker candidates repeated the content of the text without any
evaluation or relation to the question.

3) Describe how Muslims perform Salah in the mosque.

Ans: They will wash before prayer, this is a sign of a Muslim making
themselves pure before Allah. They then face Makkah and ready
themselves for prayer. The worshippers stand in lines behind the Imam,
who leads them through prayer ritual. Worshiping with others reminds
Muslims that all are equal before Allah.

Advice on how to improve performance

● In b) questions make sure one point made, with a minimum of two, has
an added element of understanding to gain full marks
● In c) questions make sure candidates read the question fully in order to
understand exactly what the demands of the question fully.
● In c) questions remind candidates that in order to gain higher levels they
must demonstrate, using A02 skills, understanding of the key concepts
the question is relating to.
● In d) questions candidates must firstly read the question to understand
what it is asking. Candidates then must carefully read the text and start to
make links between the text and what the question is
asking. This should then be the forming of a good answer aimed at higher
level attainment.
● In d) questions candidates should always look to add a different point of
view into their answer in order to attain higher levels.