Cambridge International AS & A Level Islamic Studies 9488

Section B: Islamic beliefs, practices and ceremonies

1.6 Acts of devotion and commitment

Content

• daily and occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily prayers, Eid prayers and prayers on
special occasions
• the importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)
• the role of the family in developing faith; marriage (nikah) as an act of commitment
• diversity of acts of devotion carried out by different Muslims, including Ashura, the 10th of
Muharram and personal prayers (duʾa) for guidance
• Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily prayers, Eid prayers and
prayers on special occasions

What is Salah
Salah is an Arabic word that literally means to make dua for or to pray.
In the technical sense in Islamic Sharia, the term Salah is the
combination of a number of acts of worship that are done by Muslims
are fulfilling the obligation prescribed by Allah Almighty upon them as
the second pillar of the five pillars of Islam. In one form or the other,
the Salah or worship has been obligatory in all divine religions.
However, there is a difference between the Salah in Islam, and other
divine religions are about the place where Salah can be performed. As
far as the previous religions are concerned, they had to perform Salah
in a specific place dedicated to the purpose of worship, while for the
Muslims, they can offer Salah anywhere if the place is clean. The
Prophet peace be upon him said: “for my Ummah, the whole Earth has
been made Masjid.” The Salah is a combination of different acts in
which physical activities and physical positions –such as standing,
bowing down, prostrating, and sitting- are involved.
 • Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily prayers,
Eid prayers and prayers on special occasions

Virtues of prayer: How it helps to avoid sins

Benefits of Daily Prayers: How it strengthens

faith

Daily Prayers are a Tremendous Source of Forgiveness

Prayers Serve as Purification

Being Thankful to Allah for the Five Daily Prayers

 • Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily prayers,
Eid prayers and prayers on special occasions

Salah on Specific Occasions

• Jumu'ah (or Friday) Prayer.
• Tarawih (or Ramadhan) Prayer.
• The 'Id Prayers (Salatul-'Idayn).
• Funeral Prayers (Salatul-Janazah).
• Shortened Prayer (Salatul-Qasr).
Jumu'ah (or Friday) Prayer
Friday, is a religious festival for the Muslims. In this holy day, the Muslims gather at the Masjid
(mosques). The Salah is offered in congregation.

In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (saw) orders, “The most propitious day the sun rises on is Friday. Adam (as) was
put on the Heaven at that day, was taken out of it at that day. The doomsday will be Friday” All these events bear
in itself many goods and wisdom

Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) saying, "We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but (will be)
the foremost on the Day of Resurrection though the former nations were given the Holy Scriptures before us. And
this was their day (Friday) the celebration of which was made compulsory for them but they differed about it. So
Allah gave us the guidance for it (Friday) and all the other people are behind us in this respect: the Jews' (holy day
is) tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) and the Christians' (is) the day after tomorrow (i.e Sunday)." [Sahih Al-Bukhari,
Volume 2, Hadith no. 1]
• Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily prayers, Eid prayers and prayers
on special occasions
The time for Friday prayer (Salat al Jumu'ah) is the time for Zuhr salat. Athan is read at the minarets of the
mosques. As the same for Zuhr (noon) salat, 4 raka'at Sunnah salat (Khablal Jumu'ah) is performed
individually. Then, an interior Azan is read in the mosque. The Imam delivers a sermon (Khutba) on the
pulpit (Minbar). After the Khutba, the Imam leads the congregation in a two raka'at fardh salah (prayer), by
reading the Fatiha and the verses aloud. After fardh salat, another 4 raka'at Sunnah salat (Badh-al-
Jumu'ah) is performed individually. After this 2 or more raka'ats of Sunnah or Nafilah prayers are offered
individually.
Tarawih (or Ramadhan) Prayer.

Tarawih consist of eight, twelve or twenty raka'at salah that is Sunnat-e-Maukida and is prayed in the
month of Ramadhan after the Fardh salah of Isha, every night. The salah is offered two by two with a
short rest between every four raka'at. They may be said alone but collective prayers are recommended.
These are additional Sunnah prayers.
It is Mustahhab to delay it until one third of the night has passed.
 • Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily prayers, Eid prayers and prayers on
special occasions
The 'Id Prayers (Salatul-'Idayn

Eid is a special occasions of great festivity for the Muslims. The first is called 'Idul-Fitr or the festival of fast
breaking. It is celebrated on the first day of the tenth Islamic Month (Shawwal) following Ramadan, the month of
fasting. It marks great thanks-giving for the Muslims all over the world.
The second 'Id is the 'Idul-Adha or the festival of great sacrifice, which is observed on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah,
the last Islamic Month. The animals are sacrificed to celebrate the great sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace
be upon him).
The presence of all Muslims, women and children included, is strongly recommended. On both these 'Ids, 'Id
prayers are offered in congregation any time after sunrise and before noon. There is no Adhan (call for prayer)
or Iqama (second call before congregation).
Since this prayer comes only once a year, there is often confusion about how to perform this prayer. Here is
how to do it:
In general, when praying any Salah, always follow the Imam in prayer. Do not make your movements (i.e.
bowing, prostrating, etc.) before he does or different from him.

Eid prayer consists of two units (Rakat in Arabic, singular is Raka). The main difference in the way this prayer and any
other prayer of two Rakat is performed is the number of Takbirs that are done.
Takbirs is an the Arabic word referring to when "Allahu Akbar" is said and the hands are raised to the ears.
 • Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily prayers, Eid
prayers and prayers on special occasions
The 'Id Prayers (Salatul-'Idayn
Step 1: Make an intention of doing two Rakat behind the Imam for Eid prayer along with six additional
Takbirs.
The First Raka
Step 2: After the Imam has said "Allahu Akbar" the first time, you should raise your hands and follow. This is
the first Takbir of the prayer.
Step 3: There will be 3 Takbirs before the Imam starts reciting Qur'an. Each time the Imam says "Allahu
Akbar", you should follow by raising your hands, then putting them on your sides.
After the third Takbir, the Imam will begin reciting the Qur'an. At that point, you should put your hands on your
chest, with your right hand on top of the left.
Step 4: Listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Imam will recite Surah Al Fatiha (the first Surah of the
Qur'an) and then another Surah.
Step 5: When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Ruku (the bowing position).
Step 6: Stand up straight when he says Sami Allahu liman Hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), and
say "Rabbana lakal Hamd" (our Lord praise be to You) in a low voice.
Step 7: When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Sujud (prostration). You will do two prostrations as in
normal prayer.
 • Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five
daily prayers, Eid prayers and prayers on special
occasions
The 'Id Prayers (Salatul-'Idayn

The Second Raka

Step 8: The Imam will first recite from the Holy Qur'an (first Surah Al Fatiha and another Surah.

Step 9: After the recitation, before going into Ruku, there will be 3 Takbirs. Follow the Imam. Raise your
hands after each "Allahu Akbar". After the third Takbir, go into Ruku (the bowing position).

Step 10: Stand up straight when the Imam says Sami Allah huliman Hamidah, and say "Rabbana lakal
Hamd" in a low voice.

Step 11: When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Sujud. You will do two prostrations.
Step 12: After this, you sit for the complete Tashshahud.

Step 13: After the Imam ends the prayer by turning to his face to the right first and saying "Assalamu
alaikum wa Rahmatullah" and then to his left and doing the same, you should follow.

Step 14: Do not get up right away. The Imam will give a short Khutbah (speech). Please stay still and listen.
It is recommended to do so.
 • Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five
daily prayers, Eid prayers and prayers on special
occasions
Funeral Prayer - Salatul Janazah

Salatul Janazah is Fard Kafayah, that is, if one prays the prayer than all are bareeuz zimma [free of
the responsiblity] otherwise all those who received the news but did not come are sinners. The Salatul
Janazah is offered in congregation but unlike other formal prayers, it has neither any Ruku' (bowing)
nor any Sajdah (prostration). It is sufficient even if one person prays.
Some people pray while wearing shoes and many people pray Janazah while standing on the shoes. If
one prays wearing the shoes then it is necessary that the shoes and the earth underneath be pure and
if one stands on the shoes then it is necessary that the shoes be pure.
There is more ihtiyat (care) that one does not pray while standing on the shoes. Stand on the earth, if
you want you can stand upon your handkerchief.
It is necessary for the body of the deceased to be present. The Janazah of the absent is not
permissible
Narrated Abu Huraira: that Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever attends the funeral procession till
he offers the funeral prayer for it, will get a reward equal to one Qirat, and whoever accompanies it till
burial, will get a reward equal to two Qirats." It was asked, "What are two Qirats?" He replied,  "Like
two huge mountains."
[Funerals (Al-Janaaiz) of Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith no. 410]
 • Daily and Occasional prayer rituals, including the five daily
prayers, Eid prayers and prayers on special occasions
Shortened Prayer (Salatul-Qasr).

When in circumstances where it is not possible to pray or when on journey, you are permitted to shorten Salah.
Such a shortened prayer is known as Salatul-Qasr.
When travelling one may offer two raka'ats in place of four raka'ats in Zuhr, Asr and 'Isha, but there is no change in
the two raka'ats of Fajr and three raka'ats of Maghrib Salah.

Distance Of Shar’i Safar (Travel in the Shariah)

Please consult your local Imam before you travel certain distance.

The Duration Of Time Pertaining To Qasr

Please consult your local Imam before you travel certain distance and you intend to stay for certain days.
 
May Allah the Almighty forgive us for our shortcomings and guide us to that which He loves and is pleased with.
Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of
me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.
The importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)
 The importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)

Why worship (‘ibadah)?

Worship (‘ibadah) means the expression of abasement (dhillah), the highest form of humility and homage,
before God. As to its importance, it is enough to state that worship is the purpose behind the creation of all
beings and the mission (bi’thah) of the prophets (as) (the creational world (‘alam at-takwin) and the
legislative world (‘alam at-tashri’), respectively). God says:

“I did not create the jinn and humans except that they may worship me.”

The mission of all the prophets (as) has been to invite the people to worship God:

“Certainly We raised an apostle in every nation (to preach :) ‘Worship Allah, and keep away from the
Rebel’.”
 The importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)
Reasons for worship
The following reasons persuade man to worship and serve God:
1. Greatness of God
When man sees the greatness and magnificence of God, he unconsciously feels humble and weak before Him, just
as a person who regards himself insignificant before a distinguished person and scholar, also honors and respects
him.
2. Feelings of dependence
Man’s nature is such that he feels humble before some one upon whom he is dependent. Our very existence depends
upon the will of God and we need Him all the time. This feeling of need and deficiency urges man to worship God—for
only He is the Ultimately Perfect and Independent. It is stated in some hadiths that if there were no death, poverty and
sickness, some people would never humble themselves before God.
3. Awareness of blessings
Man loves to possess and enjoy blessings. Remembering the abundant blessings of God can be the strongest motive for
worshipping Him. In the litanies (munajat) of the infallible Imams (as), the blessings of God, including those that are
related to those prior to the birth of man, are initially mentioned, and in this way man shows his love to God and than he
humbly presents his requests. God also says:

“Let them worship the Lord of this House, who has fed them (and saved them) from hunger, and secured them from
fear.”
In another verse, man is asked to worship God who created him.
 The importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)

4. Human nature (fitrah)

Worship is an instinctive and integral part of human nature. Being innate, man sometimes
treads the correct path and worships God. When misled, he is drawn to the worship of the sun,
stones, wood, the cow, money, spouses, and taghuts.
The prophets (as) have not come to instill the sense of worship in man. Rather, their mission is
to guide this natural disposition in the right direction. ‘Ali (as) said:
“God thus sent down Muhammad in truth to stop His servants from idol-worship, and invite them to His
worship.”
The importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)

• Taqwa refers to God-consciousness, piety, and fear of Allah. It is essential for everyone to have Taqwa. One cannot
be a true believer without fearing Allah.
• Allah commands those who are true believers to fear him in Surah Ali ‘Imran. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma’idah,
Allah says not to fear men but to fear Him.
• Taqwa involves fear of Allah and fear of His punishment.
• Taqwa is practiced by fearing Allah and obeying and worshipping Him while abstaining from all evil deeds and
prohibited matters that displease Him.

• In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says that believers are those who experience fear in their hearts when He is
mentioned.

Taqwa is to fear Allah

• Taqwa originates from a root word which means to protect or prevent. It involves people fearing Allah by
striving to prevent themselves from being afflicted with His punishment by obeying Him
• n Surah An-Nisa, Allah tells us that He had also commanded those who were given revealed books in the past
to fear Him. 
• The Quran frequently informs us of the necessity of Taqwa. In Surah An-Nahl, we see that Allah is with those
who fear Him. In Surah Al-A’raf, we learn that Allah’s mercy is all-encompassing. He shall decree it for the
ones who fear Him. Allah tells us in Surah At-Talaq that He will forgive the sins of whoever fears Him.
Moreover, he will grant him an immense reward.
 The importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)

Three things that build piety

Firstly, one should be aware of each sin and how evil it is. Secondly, one should take the punishment prescribed
for the sin seriously. Finally, one should keep in mind that he may not get the opportunity to repent for an evil
deed for some reason.

Even the most pious of believers are imperfect beings, and it is in our nature to sin

The connection between knowledge and Taqwa

In Surah Fatir, Allah informs us that only those of his slaves who possess knowledge fear Him. One achieves
Taqwa by attaining the correct knowledge of Allah and His attributes.

Additionally, knowledge is key to observing piety and God-consciousness correctly.

Muslims are obligated to worship Allah alone without the association of any partners and to have firm faith that
Allah will hold them accountable for all their deeds on the Day of Judgment. Without correct knowledge, it would
not be possible to do all that Allah commands us to do in the right way.
 The importance of acts of worship (ibadah) and developing God-consciousness (taqwa)

Good deeds wipe away sins

When Muslims sin, they should perform good deeds after their error. The Prophet (PBUH) informed the believers
that doing a good deed after sinning erases the sin. In Surah Hud, Allah tells us to establish prayer and says that
righteous deeds wipe away evil deeds.

There is also a hadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim in which a man told the Prophet (PBUH) that he
had sinned. He said that he had committed the sin of having contact with a woman but not to the extent of
fornication. The same man had just prayed the Fajr prayer with the Prophet (PBUH). When the Prophet (PBUH)
asked if he had prayed the Fajr prayer with them, he confirmed that he had. Then, the Prophet (PBUH) recited
the verse from Surah Hud about good deeds erasing evil ones.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah tells us that in the case of those who repent, believe, and do noble
deeds, He will transform their sins into good deeds. Particularly in the case of major sins, Muslims must never
fail to repent, as sincere repentance is a condition of Allah’s promise of forgiveness. In a hadith in Sahih Al-
Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) says that Allah will forgive a slave who accepts his
wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness
 The role of the family in developing faith; marriage (nikah) as an act of commitment
THE FAMILY IN ISLAM:
STRUCTURE, PRINCIPLES AND RULES
We have discussed the salient features of the Islamic outlook on life, the foundations of the family in Islam
and its objectives and functions. In this final section an effort shall be made to explain briefly the actual
working of the institution of the family in Islam, its structure, principles and rules.

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage, as a social institution, is essentially a civil contract. And as a civil contract it rests on the same footing as
other contracts. Its validity depends on the capacity of the contracting parties, which according to Islamic law, consists
in having majority (bulugh) and discretion. Mutual consent and public declaration of the marriage contract are its
essentials. The law does not insist on any particular form in which this contract is entered into or on any specific
religious ceremony, although there are different traditional forms prevalent amongst the Muslims in different parts of
the world and it is regarded advisable to conform to them. As far as the Shariah is concerned, the validity of the
marriage depends on proposition on one side (ijab) and acceptance (QubuI) on the other. This offer and the acceptance
can take place directly between the parties, or through an agent (Wakil). In a traditional Muslim marriage the bride's
consent is procured through her representative. Normally there are at least two witnesses to this matrimonial contract,
entered into at a family ceremony. There is also a dower (mahr) which husband pays to the wife and which is for her
sole and exclusive use and benefit. This last (i.e. dower) is an important part of the scheme, but it is not essential for
the legality of the marriage that its amount must be pre-fixed. As such its absence would not render the marriage
invalid, although husband is expected to pay it according to custom.