Islam >> "MASNOON" (ACCEPTED) MODE OF OFFERING PRAYER

The mode of offering prayer is that the believer should, in the state of ablution, stand upright facing the Qiblahh with a gap of four toes between his feet and express intention (in the heart and by the tongue as well) for whichever prayer he has to offer. He should raise his hands upto the ears in such a way that the palms face the Qiblahh and that the fingers remain in their normal condition (neither separated nor close together) and then bring them down after the thumbs have touched the lobes, while saying Takbeer-e-Tahreema i.e. Al-Laahu Akbar (Allah is the Most Great) and put them below his navel. The right hand should be placed on the wrist of the left hand with the thumb and the little finger encircling the wrist and the remaining three fingers resting on it and then recite Sanaa, Ta'awuz, Tasmiyah and Al-Hamd Shareef (Surah Faateha) followed by any Surah or three verses or a verse which is equal in length to three small verses. Say "Aameen" at the end of Surah Faateha in soft voice.

Now he should perform Rukoo saying "Al-Laahu Akbar" (method): bow down and grasp the knees with the fingers well-spread thereon (neither all fingers inclusive of the thumb are joined-up nor all fingers, putting the thumb aside, are one-sided). The head should be at level with the back, neither low nor high.

In this posture, he should recite "Subhaana Rabbi-yal Azeem"(Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most Great) at least thrice and then stand erect while saying "Sami Allahu-liman Hamida"(Allah has listened to him who has praised Him). Also say "Rabbanaa Lakal-Hamd"(O' our Sustainer! All praise is due to You alone) if offering the prayer by himself.

And then observe Sajdah saying "Al-Laahu Akbar" (method):first the knees should be placed on the ground then the hands and thereafter the head be placed between the hands. The bone of the nose should touch the ground and the forehead be placed firmly. The arms should be off the sides, the belly aloof from the thighs and the thighs apart from the calves. His feet should firmly rest on the insides of all the toes on the ground facing the Qiblahh and palms of the hands should rest on the ground with the fingers pointing towards the Qiblahh.

In this state, he should recite "Subhanaa Rabbi-yal 'Aalaa" (Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most High) at least three times and then raise his head while saying "Allah-o-Akbar" followed by the hands and then sit upright with his left foot under him and the right foot standing (resting on the insides of the toes, facing the Qiblah). He should put his palms on the thighs near the knees (fingers pointing towards the Qiblah and then do second Sajdah saying "Allah-o-Akbar" on the style of the first one. After performing the second Sajdah, he should rise placing his hands on the knees (stressing on the tiptoes) and stand erect.

Now in this second Rakah, he should recite Surah Fateha preceded by Tasmiyah and followed by any Surah as he had done in the first Rakah. Thereafter, he should observe Rukoo and Sujood like those of the previous ones and sit with his left foot under him for Qa'adah in which he should recite complete Attahyaat (Tashah-hud) without omitting or adding any word and on reaching the word "Laa" he should raise his index finger (joining the middle finger with the thumb to make a circle with the little and ring fingers bent towards the palm) and lower it on uttering "Ilia" and then let all the fingers rest straight like that of the left hand.

If he has to offer more Rakahs, he should stand up and complete the remaining Rakah(s) like those of the preceding ones. In case of Fard prayer, Surah Faatehah (Al-Hamd Sharif) should not be followed by any other Surah.

Now, in the next Qa'adah (Qa'ada-e-Akheera), he should recite Durood Shareef (invocation of Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet) after having recited Tashah-hud and then make "Maasoorah Du'aa"(authentic supplication) for example:"Allaa-humma Innee Zalamtu Nafsee Zulman Kaseeran wa Innahu Laa Yaghfiruz Zunooba Illaa Anta Faghfirlee Maghfiratam Min 'Indika warhamnee Innaka Antal Ghafoorur Raheem" (O' Allah! I have greatly oppressed my soul and that there is no forgiver except You. Therefore, You forgive my sins with Your particular blessing and have mercy on me. Undoubtedly, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful).

This Du'aa was taught to Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) by the Holy Prophet (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). Or recite this: "Allaa-humma Rabbanaa Aatinaa fid-Dunyaa Hasanah, wa fil-Aakhirate Hasanah wa Qinaa 'Azaaban-Naar" ( O' Allah! Grant us good in this world and the next world and protect us from the torment of Hell). And then say "As-Salaamu Alaikum-wa-Rahmatul Laah" (peace be on you and the mercy of Allah) turning the face towards the right side and then towards the left.

This mode of saying prayer is meant for Imaam and individual (he who offers prayer alone) as well. However, a Muqtadi (follower) should not recite Surah Faatehah and any other Surah while following Imaam in Jama'at.

After the Fard prayer is over, the Imaam should turn himself either to the right side or to the left (right side is desirable) and even towards his Muqtadees (followers) if no Muqtadi is busy in prayer, for making Du'aa. An individual can make Du'aa at the place where he offered prayer. Imaam should not make lengthy but brief Du'aa after Zuhr, Maghrib and 'Ishaa prayers and offer Sunnat prayers as it is Makrooh (odious) to delay the offering of Sunnat prayer. One should change the place to offer Sunnat prayer.

Imaam can make lengthy Du'aa after Fajr and Asr prayers, but he must care about his Muqtadis.

slam >> ESSENTIAL, SUNNAT & COMMENDABLE ACTS OF PRAYER?

Q 1: What does "Wajibaat" of prayer mean?
A. Wajibaat is plural of Wajib (essential act). Essential acts of prayer have to be observed necessarily. Sajdah Sahv (prostration for forgetfulness) will make up for any Wajib left out by mistake. However, prayer will have to be repeated in case one does not observe Sajdah Sahv despite having left out any Wajib by mistake or leaves any Wajib deliberately.

Q 2: How many Wajibaat are there in prayer?
A. There are twenty-six essential acts of prayer:
1. To say "Allah-o-Akbar" in Takbeer-e-Tahreema.
2. To recite Al-Hamd Sharif i.e.Surah Faatehah.
3. To recite one small Surah (Qur-aanic chapter) or one big Qur-aanic verse or three small verses after Surah Faateha in the first two Rakahs of Fard prayer and in every Rakah of Wajib, Sunnat and Nafil prayers.
4. To determine the first two Rakahs of Fard prayer for Qiraa-at.
5. To recite Al-Hamd Shareef before any Surah.
6. To observe Rukoo immediately after completing Qiraa-at.
7. To follow the first Sajdah by the second Sajdah i.e. to make two prostrations in succession.
8. To stay in Rukoo, Sujood, Qaumah, Qa'adah (pi. Qu'ood) and Jalsah for a span in which one could say Subhaan Allah with ease.
9. To stand erect in Qaumah (after performance of Rukoo).
10. To sit in "Jalsah" (between two prostrations).
11. To sit in "Qa'ada-e-Ulaa" (first sitting posture) in three and four Rakahs' prayer (irrespective of Nafil) for such a time that one could recite Tashah'hud.
12. To recite complete Tashah-hud in both the Qu'ood (Qa'ada-e-Ulaa and Qa'ada-e-Akheerah).
13. To say "Assalaam-o-Alaiekum wa Rahmatul Laah" twice.
14. To recite Du'aa-e-Qunoot and say Takbeer-e-Qunoot in Witr prayer.
15. To utter six Takbeers of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha (Azha) respectively (three at the outset of prayer and the remaining three in the second Rakah before going into Rukoo) in the words of "Allah-o-Akbar".
16. Aloud recitation from the Holy Qur-aan (Qiraa-at) by Imaam in Salaat-ul-Jahr i.e. Fajr, Maghrib, Isha, Jumu'ah, both Eid prayers and Taraawih and Witr prayers in Ramadaan and Qiraa-at in low voice by Imaam in Salaat-ul-Sirr i.e. Zuhr and Asr prayers.
17. Muqtadi should follow Imaam silently in Jama'at i.e. not to do Qiraa-at.
18. To follow Imaam in all Wajibat (essential acts) except the Qiraa-at.
19. To observe Sajdah on reciting the verse of prostration.
20. To observe Sajdah Sahv on any "Sahv" (omission, forgetfulness) in prayer.
21. To observe every Wajib and Fard at their respective appointed places.
22. To observe Rukoo only once in every Rakah.
23. To observe two Sujood (prostrations) in every Rakah.
24. To recite nothing after recitation of Tashah'hud in Qa'ada-e-Ulaa of Fard, Witr and Sunnat-e-Muakkadah prayers.
25. Not to observe Qa'adah before completing two Rakahs and not to observe Qa'adah after third Rakah in four Rakahs' prayer.
26. Not to delay the observance of "Faraid" (obligatory acts) and Wajibaat (essential acts) in succession for a span in which one could recite Tasbih (Subhaan Allah) thrice.

Q 3: What does Sunan-us-Salaat mean?
A. Sunan is plural of Sunnah. Sunan-us-Salaat means those things and acts which were practised by the Holy Prophet(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) in prayer. Their importance is not like that of Fard and Wajib. Therefore, Sajdah Sahv is not observed if any Sunnah is left out by mistake. However to leave any Sunnat act deliberately is very bad and to treat it with contempt is a worst sin nay infidelity.

Q 4: How many Sunan are there in prayer?
A. There are thirty Sunan in prayer:
(1). To raise the hands for Takbeer-e-Tahreema. (2). To keep the fingers of the hands in their natural condition i.e. open and the palms must face the Qiblahh.(3). Not to lower the head while saying Takbeer. (4). To utter Takbeer before raising the hands. Similarly recite Takbeer-e-Qunoot and Takbeers in Eids' prayers after having lifted the hands upto the ears. It is no Sunnah to raise hands on any occasion in prayer besides these ones. (5).Aloud utterance of "Al-Laahu Akbar", "Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah", Salaam and other Takbeers by Imaam. (6). To fold the hands below the navel immediately after saying Takbeer.(7). To recite Sana i.e. Subhaana-kallaa-humma.... (8). To recite Ta'awuz i.e. Aa'oozu-Billahi.... (9)To say "Aameen" at the end of Surah Faatehah. (10).To utter all these glorifications in low voice. (11). To recite only Surah Faatehah in the second two Rakahs of Fard prayer. (12). To say Allah-o-Akbar while going into Rukoo. (13).To utter Subhaana Rabbi-yal Azeem at least thrice in Rukoo. (14). To hold fast to the knees with the fingers well-spread thereon in Rukoo. (15). While rising from Rukoo, Imaam should say Tasmee i.e. Sami Allahu- liman-Hamida and Muqtadi(follower) should say Tahmeed i.e. Rabbanaa-Lakal-Hamd. Individual (he who offers prayer by himself) should say both Tasmee and Tahmeed. (16). To keep the head and back at level with each other in Rukoo. (17). To say Allah-o-Akbar while going into Sajdah and rising from it. (18).To place first the knees then the palms of the hands followed by nose and the forehead on the ground while performing Sajdah and to raise first the forehead then the nose followed by the hands and the knees while rising from Sajdah. (19). To recite "Subhaana Rabbi-yal 'Alaa" at least thrice in aloof in prostration. (20). To keep the arms away from the sides, belly aloof from the thighs and elbows off the ground but not to keep the arms apart from the sides in Jama'at (congregation). (21). To sit between two prostrations like that of sitting for "Tashah-hud" i.e. to sit with one's left foot under him and the right foot standing (insides of the toes firmly placed on the ground) and the hands rest on the thighs. (22). To keep the fingers of the hands joined up (pointing towards the Qiblah) and the insides of all the ten toes of the feet firmly placed on the ground facing the Qiblah during prostrations. (23). To sit on the left foot (spreading it on the ground) with the right foot standing on the insides of the toes which should face the Qiblah and keep the hands on the thighs near the knees after having completed two prostrations of the second Rakah.(24).To indicate on the recitation of Kalimah-e-Shahaadat in Qa'adah i.e. to raise the forefinger of the right hand on the word "La" (coupling the middle finger with the thumb and the ring and little fingers are bent towards the palm and lower it on reaching the word "Ilia" and then let all the fingers free to rest on the thigh. (25). To recite Durood Shareef(invocation of Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet) after having recited Tashah-hud in the second Qa'adah (Qa'ada-e-Akheera). Recitation of Durood Sharif in the first Qa'adah of Nafil prayer is commendable. (26). To make Dua(supplication) in Arabic for oneself, parents, Muslim teachers and for all Muslims after having recited Durood Sharif. (27). To say Salaam turning the face first towards the right side and then to the left. (28). To say "Assalaam-o-Alaiekum wa Rahmatul Laah" twice. (29). To intend "Salaam" for the worshipping believers, Kiraaman Kaati-been and those angels who are posted for one's protection on each side.

Q 5: What are "Mustahbaat" in prayer?
A. Desirable acts which beautify and perfect the performance of Salaat are called "Mustahbaat singular Mustahab" like: (1). To focus the look on the spot of prostration during Qiyaam, on the insteps of the feet during Rukoo, in the lap during Qa'adah and Jalsah, on the point of the nose during prostration and on the shoulders while saying Salaam. (2). To restrain yawning by pressing the lower lip under the upper teeth and even then it is not controlled, put the back of the right hand over the mouth during Qiyaam and in other conditions use the left hand for the purpose. The best way to resist yawning is that the believer should recall in his heart that all the Prophets were "protected" from yawning, it will immediately vanish. (3). Not to cough noisily. (4). Man should take his hands out if wrapped up in sheet of cloth, for Takbeer-e-Tahreema. (5). All Muqtadies (followers) and Imaam should stand for prayer on "Haieyaa 'Alal Falaah". It is against Sunnah to stand for Iqaamah before it is uttered or is not uttered until Imaam reaches his "Musallaa"(the place where from the Imaam leads prayer). (6). To keep the feet four toes apart during Qiyaam. (7). Muqtadi should begin his prayer following the Imaam i.e. should not precede the Imaam.

Q 6: Which things are Sunnat for women in prayer?
A. Ten things are Sunnat for women in prayer: (1). To lift her hands upto the shoulders for Takbeer-e-Tahreema.(2). To keep the hands in sheet of cloth in which she is wrapped-up while uttering Takbeer-e-Tahreema.(3). To place the palm of the left hand on the chest under the breast and put the palm of the right hand on the back of the left's palm.(4).Not to grasp but simply place the hands on the knees without opening up the fingers during Rukoo.(5). To bow only to an such extent that the hands reach the knees in Rukoo. (6). Bend her knees unlike man.(7). To observe Sajdah in close manner i.e. to join the arms with the sides, the belly with the thighs, the thighs with the calves and shins with the ground.(8). To spread out both the hands on the ground during prostration. (9). To sit on the left haunch jutting out her feet to the right side in Qa'adah. (10). To keep the fingers of the hands joined up in Qa'adah and Jalsah.

Islam >> OBLIGATORY ACTS OF PRAYER

Q 1: What does "Arkaan-e-Salaat" mean?
A. Arkaan is the plural of Ruk'n which means "fundamental" or "obligatory act". Thus Arkaan-e-Salaat stands for the obligatory acts in prayer. Salaat will not be valid if any of the obligatory acts is left out.

Q 2: How many obligatory acts are there in prayer? A. Seven obligatory acts are in prayer:
1. Takbeer-e-Tahreema (first utterance of the words of "Al-Laahu Akbar" (Allah is the Most Great) to commence prayer).
2. Qiyaam (standing erect).
3. Qiraa-at (recitation from the Holy Qur-aan).
4. Rukoo (bowing of the head with the hands grasping the knees).
5. Sujood: [singular: Sajdah] (prostrations with the forehead, nose, palms of the hands, knees and insides of toes of both the feet firmly placed on the ground).
6. Qa'adah-e-Akheera (last sitting posture).
7. Khurooj-e-Bisun'ihee (to end prayer with his own action or intention).

Q 3: Takbeer-e-Tahreema is called condition of prayer and also obligatory act. Why is it so?
A. Takbeer-e-Tahreema and Arkaan-e-Salaat are interrelated, that's why Takbeer-e-Tahreema is also counted among Arkaan-e-Salaat, otherwise it is, in fact, a condition of prayer.

Q 4: What does Takbeer-e-Tahreema mean?
A. The formula to commence prayer by raising the hands upto the ears and bringing them down saying Al-Laahu Akbar and then put them below the navel is called "Takbeer-e-Tahreema". It means that all other things are now forbidden than the prayer.

Q 5: Can Takbeer-e-Tahreema be uttered in sitting posture or only in standing state?
A. It is Fard (obligatory) to say Takbeer-e-Tahreema standing in Fard, Witr, Eids' prayers and Sunnat prayer ofFajr in which Qiyaam is obligatory. Prayer will not commence if Takbeer-e-Tahreema is uttered in sitting position and then stand erect. However, in Nafil it can be recited sitting.

Q6: Will prayer be in order if one joins Imaam (Jama'at) in Rukoo saying Takbeer-e-Tahreema?
A. If one finds Jama'at in Rukoo and hastens to join it uttering Takbeer-e-Tahreema without standing upright, his prayer will not be valid and in case, he recites Takbeer-e-Tahreema i.e. Allah-o-Akbar in standing (upright) position and then goes into Rukoo, his prayer will be lawful even though he might not have folded his hands below the navel.

Q 7: What does "Qiyaam" mean?
A. Qiyaam means to stand upright in prayer. However, the minimum standing posture is that one should not bend so much that his hands (if let them go) reach the knees.

Q 8: How much Qiyaam is obligatory and in which prayer?
A. Qiyaam is obligatory in Fard and Wajib prayer and also in Sunnats of Fajr prayer. All about Qiyaam hinges on Qiraa-at (recitation from the Holy Qur-aan) in prayer. If Qiraa-at in prayer is Fard (obligatory) then it is Fard, if Qiraa-at is Wajib (essential) it is Waajib and so long as Qiraa-at is Sunnat then Qiyaam is also Sunnat.

Q 9: What should one do if he can not stand in prayer?
A. Qiyaam is obligatory in Fard prayer. Therefore one should do his utmost to stand in prayer. For example, he may take support of wall, stick or servant and observe Qiyaam at least to such an extent that he could say Allah-o-Akbar and then sit. If it is also impossible due to serious illness or fatal wound then he is compelled to offer prayer sitting. However, Qiyaam is not obligatory in Nafil prayer.

Q10: Can Fard prayer be offered in boat and train in sitting posture?
A. One can offer prayer in boat sitting if he feels giddy in standing posture or he can not disembark from the boat for prayer, but in train that is in motion, Fard, Wajib and Sunnat prayers can not be offered. One should offer prayer in train when it stops. However, in case the appointed time of prayer is about to run out then one should offer in the train in motion but repeat it on the first feasible opportunity.

Q11: What does Qiraa-at mean?
A. Qiraa-at means recitation from the Holy Qur-aan.
During Qiraa-at each and every word must be uttered clearly and distinctly. Recitation from the Holy Qur-aan should be in low pitch but not so low that one could not listen to his own voice, otherwise prayer will not be valid.

Q12: What injunction is there about Qiraa-at in prayer?
A. Recitation of (at least) one Qur-aanic verse in two Rakahs of Fard and in every Rakah of Witr and Nafil is obligatory (Fard) upon Imaam and Muqtadi (he who offers prayer by himself). Recitation of Surah Faatehah and one small Surah (Qur-aanic chapter) or three small verses or one or two verses which is/are equal to three small verses in length are Wajib (essential) in the first two Rakahs of Fard and in every Rakah of Nafil and Witr. Muqtadi (follower) should not make Qiraa-at in Jama'at (congregation). Imaam's Qiraa-at is enough for him.

Q13: Is recitation of Surah Faatehah Waj ib in every Rakah of every prayer?
A. Surah Faateha is Wajib in every Rakah of every prayer irrespective of Wajib, Sunnat, Nafil and Fard prayer except the third and fourth Rakahs of Fard prayer. Recitation of Surah Faateh in the said two Rakahs of Fard prayer is optional. Prayer will be in order if one recites Subhaan Allah or keeps silence (which must not be done) in lieu of Surah Fateha in these Rakahs. However, it is commendable to recite Surah Faatehah.

Q14: How many Qur-aanic chapters or verses should a Muslim commit to his memory?
A. It is obligatory (Fard) upon every Muslim to commit at least one Qur-aanic verse to his memory and commitment of Surah Fateha and another small chapter or three small verses or one big verse to memory is Wajib for every Muslim. Besides, it is incumbent upon every male and female believer to have knowledge of the basic religious matters.

Q15: In which prayers is Qiraa-at Wajib aloud?
A. Aloud recitation from the Holy Qur-aan i.e. Qiraa-at in Fajr (obligatory prayer), first two Rakahs of Maghrib and 'Ishaa, Jumau'ah and Eids' prayers and Taraawih and Witr prayers in the holy month of Ramadaan is Wajib (essential). It is called Salaat-ul-Jahr. The voice of Imaam in Salaat-ul-Jahr should be so loud that it could be heard at least in the first row of Jama'at.

Q16: In which prayers should Qiraa-at be in soft voice?
A. Qiraa-at in soft voice in the third Rakah of Maghrib, third and fourth Rakahs of Isha and in all four Rakahs of Zuhr and Asr prayers is Wajib. Similarly, Qiraa-at in Nafil prayers in day time should be at low pitch. However, one can, if wishes, recite Qur-aanic chapter or verses loudly in Nafil prayers at night. Soft voice should not be so low that one could not hear his own voice otherwise prayer will not be in order.

Q17: What are called those prayers in which Qiraa-at is made loudly?
A. Prayers in which Qiraa-at is done aloud are called "Salaat-ul-Jahr" and those in which Qiraa-at is made in soft voice are called "Salaat-ul-Sirr".

Q18: Should one who offers prayers by himself make Qiraa-at aloud in Salaat-ul-Jahr?
A. It is optional for individual (he who offers prayer by himself) to recite Qur-aanic chapter or verses loudly or in soft voice in Salaat-ul-Jahr, but it is better to make aloud Qiraa-at. However, Qiraa-at at low pitch is Wajib in missed (Qaza,Qada) prayers.

Q19: What is the minimum posture of Rukoo?
A. The minimum posture of Rukoo is that the hands should reach the knees when one bends and full bowing posture is that one's back should be straight.

Q20: What is "Masnoon" (accepted) method of Rukoo?
A. In Rukoo one should grasp his knees with the hands and the fingers are spread well on the knees; hands (elbows) should be aloof from the rips and belly and the back and head should be so straight in level that the water does not brim over if a bowl full of water is placed on the back.

Q21: How should a hunch-backed man perform Rukoo?
A. A man whose hunch has bent his back to the extent of "Rukoo posture" should perform Rukoo with the gesture of his head. So is the case with the old man whose back has become bend due to old age. He should also do Rukoo gesturing with his head.

Q22: What is Sajdah?
A. Placing the forehead firmly on the ground is called Sajdah.
Placing the inside(s) of respective one toe of both the feet on the ground is an important condition of Sajdah, of three toes is Wajib and of all the ten toes is Sunnah.

Q23: Is only one Sajdah obligatory in a Rakah or another too?
A. Two Sujood (singular:Sajdah) are obligatory in every Rakah.

Q24: Will Sajdah be lawful if made only on the nose or only on the forehead?
A. One can observe Sajdah by placing only his nose on the ground if he can not touch his forehead with the ground due to some distress. However, the nose should be placed so firmly on the ground that its bone touches the ground. The observance of Sajdah only on the nose without any cogent reason renders prayer void and it is Makrooh to make Sajdah only on the forehead if one has no difficulty in placing his nose on the ground.

Q25: What should one do if his forehead and nose are wounded?
A. He whose forehead and nose are wounded should observe Sajdah by gesture.

Q26: How long should one pause between two prostrations?
A. After having performed the first Sajdah one should sit erect well and then perform the second Sajdah. A pause (sitting erect well) between two prostrations is Wajib.

Q27: Will prayer be valid or not if Sajdah is made on a soft thing?
A. Observance of Sajdah on any soft thing like grass, cotton carpet etc. is lawful provided the forehead is pressed thereon to the hilt otherwise not. Similarly the nose should also be pressed to the extent of its bone, otherwise prayer will have to be repeated.

Q28: Will prayer be in order if one is at a low place but prostrates on a raised place?
A. Prayer will not be in order if the place on which he prostrates is twelve fingers higher than the place under his feet. Otherwise prayer will be valid.

Q29: How long one should sit in Qa'ada-e-Akheera?
A. It is Fard to sit in Qa'ada-e-Akheera (last sitting posture in prayer) so long that one could recite complete "Attahyaat" (Tashah-hud) up to "wa Rasoolu".

Q30: What does "Khurooj-e-Bisun'ihee" mean?
A. To end the prayer with intent after having completed all recitations in "Qa'ada-e-Akheera" is called "Khurooj-e-Bisun'ihee". One must say "Assalaam-o-Alaikum wa Ramatullah" otherwise the prayer will have to be repeated.

Islam >> "NIYAH" (PRAYER'S INTENTION)

Q 1: What is "Niyah"?
A. "Niyah" means to have firm intention to offer prayer. Mere intention will not serve the purpose unless one resolves and forms "Niyah" in the heart.

Q 2: What about the expression of "Niyah" by the tongue?
A. It is Mustahab (commendable) to express "Niyah" by the tongue (in whatever language it may be) but if one has the intention of Zuhr prayer at heart and inadvertently utters "Asr prayer" then it will be Zuhr prayer not 'Asr.

Q 3: What things are essential for "Niyah"?
A. One should form "Niyah" in the heart for whichever prayer he is about to offer. For example: I make Niyah to offer four Rakahs' Fard (obligatory) prayer of Zuhr or Asr. In case of congregation (Jama'at) also say under the leadership of (following) this Imaam (leader of prayer). Similarly, one should offer missed prayers (if owes) saying: I intend to offer such and such missed prayer of so and so day.

Q 4: How to make Niyah of Nafil and Sunnat prayer?
A. In Nafil and Sunnat prayer it is enough to say: I intend to offer prayer. However, it is better to speak the word of "Sunnat" for Sunnat prayer.

Q 5: Please illustrate full Niyah?
A. Example: I intend to offer two Rakahs' obligatory prayer of Fajr of today for the sake of Allah Almighty and I am facing the Qiblah Shareef. Then he should recite Takbeer-e-Tahreema and fold his hands below the navel. In case of Jama'at, he should also say "following (behind) this Imaam".

Q 6: How to intend for Sunnat prayer?
A. If one has to offer four Sunnats of Zuhr, should say: I intend to offer four Rakahs1 Sunnat prayer of Zuhr for the sake of Allah, Sunnats for the Holy Prophet and I am facing Ka'bah Shareef or Qiblah Shareef.

Q 7: How to intend for Wajib prayer?
A. In Wajib prayer one should make Niyah for Wajib and also say (for example) prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr Wajib or Eid-ul-Azha (Adha) Wajib or Witr Wajib.

Q 8: Is it necessary to mention number of Rakahs in Niyah?
A. Mentioning number of Rakahs is not necessary while making Niyah for prayer. However, it is commendable.

Islam >> PRAYER TIMINGS

Q 1: What is meant by "condition of time for prayer"?
A. Condition of time for prayer means every prayer must be offered within its prescribed timelimit. Prayer will not be in order if offered before time and if offered after time that will be "Qadaa or Qazaa" (late time prayer). It is sinful to offer prayer after due time is over.

Q 2: How many times' prayer is obligatory?
A. Five times' prayer in a day (day & night) is obligatory upon every sane and mature male and female Muslim i.e. Fajr (early morning prayer), Zuhr (after-noon prayer), 'Asr (late after-noon prayer), Maghrib (evening prayer) and 'Ishaa (night prayer).

Q 3: When does the Fajr time begin and end?
A. The time for Fajr prayer begins at dawn and lasts until rays of the sun are resplendent.
(This paragraph was edited by Islamic Academy with permission)

Q 4: What is "Mustahab" (commendable) time of Fajr?
A. Offering Fajr prayer at the time when the light of dawn has spread well is "Mustahab" (commendable). Prayer should be started at such a time during the stipulated period that one could offer it in accordance with Sunnah i.e. to recite about forty to sixty Qur-aanic verses and after the prayer is over there is enough time left to repeat the prayer if need be.

Q 5: What does "Subh-e-Saadiq" (dawn) mean? A. Subh-e-Saadiq (dawn) is the light which appears in the sky (in the east) and gradually spreads the whole sky sending light to the earth. Prior to this, there appears a pillar-like whiteness in the sky beneath which the entire horizon is black. At the time of Subh-e-Saadiq this whiteness vanishes which is called "Subh-e-Kaazib" (evanescent light before dawn).

Q 6: What is the Zuhr time?
A. The time of Zuhr prayer begins when the sun has passed meridian and lasts till shadow of everything doubles barring the real shadow.

Q 7: What is the "Mustahab" (commendable) time of Zuhr?
A. Offering Zuhr prayer in the early hours of the stipulated time during winter and in the late hours in the summer is Mustahab (commendable). It is better to offer Zuhr prayer (individually or in Jama'at) when shadow of anything becomes equal to the original one. However, one should not miss Jama'at (congregation) if held in the early hours during summer for Mustahab time.

Q 8: When does the Asr time begin and end?
A. The Asr time begins at where the Zuhr time ends (i.e. when shadow of every thing has become fully double excepting real shadow) and lasts till sun-set.
(This paragraph was edited by Islamic Academy with permission)

Q 9: What is the Mustahab (commendable) time of Asr?
A. Offering Asr prayer in the last hour of the stipulated time in all seasons is Mustahab. However, it should not be so delayed that the sun reaches the point of setting and its light becomes yellow. The sunlight becomes yellow when there are (about) 20 minutes left in its setting. It is Makrooh (odious) time for prayer.
(This paragraph was edited by Islamic Academy with permission)

Q10: What is the Maghrib time?
A. The time of Maghrib prayer begins at the sun-set and lasts till the setting of "Shafaq" (evening twilight). The span of time during which the Fajr and Maghrib prayers are permissible will always be equal daily.
(This paragraph was edited by Islamic Academy with permission)

Q 11: What is "Shafaq"?
A. According to Imaam 'Azam Abu Hanifah (may Allah be pleased with him) "Shafaq" is the whiteness which spreads in the sky like dawn after the redness has set in the west.

Q12: What is the Mustahab time of Maghrib?
A. Offering Maghrib prayer in the early hour of the stipulated time is Mustahab if the sky is clear. Delaying it without any cogent reason is Makrooh (undesirable). In case the sky is overcast then it is Mustahab to delay the prayer.

Q13: What is the 'Ishaa time?
A. The time for 'Ishaa prayer begins after the evening twilight has set and lasts till (just before) the dawn of Fajr.

Q14: What is the Mustahab time of 'Ishaa?
A. Offering Isha prayer after the one-third of night has passed is Mustahab and till mid-night is "Mubaah" (permitted) but offering it after the midnight has passed is Makrooh.

Q15: What is the time of Witr prayer?
A. The time for 'Ishaa and Witr prayer is the same but the maintenance of sequence in the prayer is obligatory (Fard). For example, if one offers Witr prayer before 'Ishaa his Witr will not be deemed to have been offered but unlawful. It is better for one to offer Witr prayer in the last part of night if he is punctual in waking up otherwise he should offer before going to bed.

Q16: Which timings are there during which no prayer can be offered?
A. The timings during which no prayer is lawful are three i.e. sun-rise, sun-set and meridian. The duration of the sun-rise and sun-set is of (about) 20 minutes and the meridian is of 35-40 minutes. During these timings no obligatory, essential, optional and missed (Qaza) prayer and no prostration (Sajda-e-Tilaawat and Sajda-e-Sahv) is permitted.

Q17: During which timings is Nafil (voluntary) prayer unlawful?
A. There are twelve timings during which Nafil (voluntary,optional) prayer is not permitted:
1. From dawn to sun-rise (No Nafil prayer except for two Sunnats of Fajr is permitted).
2. Iqaamah (call for the commencement of prayer).
3. After Asr prayer.
4. From sun-set to Maghrib prayer.
5. When Imaam (leader of prayer) has ascended the pulpit for sermon.
6. During sermon.
7. Before 'Eid prayer.
8. After 'Eid prayer, if one is in mosque or prayer field. However it is not Makrooh (odious) at home.
9. In ' Arafaat between Zuhr and Asr time.
10. When time of Fard (obligatory) prayer is running out. No prayer even emphasised Sunnats of Fajr and Zuhr are permitted.
11. Anything which distracts attention and concentration. If one can get rid of that he should do, like pressing need to urinate or defecate.

Islam >> "ISTIQBAAL-E-QIBLAH" (FACING THE QIBLAH)

Q 1: What does "Istiqbaal-e-Qiblah" mean?
A. Istiqbaal-e-Qiblah means to orientate oneself towards the direction of Qiblah (to face the Qiblah) for prayer. Qiblah means the Holy Ka'bah which is situated in the prominent city of Saudi Arabia, the sacred Makkah. Millions of Muslims perform Hajj there every year.

Q 2: What signs and indications are there to know the direction of the Qiblah?
A. Mosques are the signs and indications of the direction of the Qiblah in cities, towns and other peopled places. Graves of Muslims are the signs outside the populated areas. The moon, sun and stars lead in forests, rivers and oceans. Polestar appears on the right shoulder of Muslim worshipper in some cities of India, thus the Qiblah will be in his front. However, in case, one is uncertain about the direction of the Qiblah, he should confirm from any reliable person in the area.

Q 3: Which direction should one face for prayer if he does not know the exact direction of the Qiblah?
A. If one is at such a place where there is no mosque and minarets nor the moon, sun and stars are visible or if any of them is visible but he can not ascertain the direction of the Qiblah with the help of that and even no man is there to guide him, then he should guess utilising his brain faculties and with which direction his heart feels satisfied he should offer prayer facing that direction.

Q 4: Will prayer be in order if one offers without conscious guess in the given situation?
A. If one offers prayer without guessing at the direction of the Qiblah in the given situation, his prayer will not be valid even though he faces the right direction of the Qiblah at random.

Q 5: How should one offer prayer in case he is helpless to turn his face towards the Qiblah?
A. A person who is helpless due to serious illness and weakness and also there is none to help him, should offer prayer in the position and direction he is.

Islam >> COVERING OF THE BODY FROM NAVEL TO KNEES

Q 1: What does "Satr-e-Aurat" mean?
A. "Satr-e-Aurat" means to cover those parts of the body which are necessarily covered during prayer.

Q 2: Which parts of the body are to be covered by man and woman during prayer?
A. It is obligatory (Fard) upon man to cover himself from the navel to the knees (exclusive of navel and inclusive of knees) and woman (not slave-girl) to cover her entire body except face, palms and soles of the feet. Her hair (plaited on the back or loose), neck and wrists are also included in "Satr-e-Aurat". The face of woman is not included in Satr-e-Aurat but even then it should not be exposed to strangers.

Q 3: Will prayer be in order or not if any covered part of the body gets exposed?
A. Prayer will be in order if any covered part of the body (Satr-e-Aurat) gets exposed less than l/4th or gets exposed more than l/4th but is immediately covered. In case, the covering of the exposed part is delayed for such an interval that one could easily say "Subhaan Allah" thrice or any part was deliberately exposed even though covered immediately, the prayer will go void in such condition.

Q 4: What injunction is there for a person who is in darkness and offers prayer naked?
A. Prayer will not be lawful if one offers naked even in a lonely house in darkness despite possessing a piece of cloth to cover his "Satr-e-Aurat". There is a consensus of Muslim scholars on "Satr-e-Aurat" for prayer sans any exception.

Q 5: Is "Satr-e-Aurat" to be observed even in loneliness?
A. The observance of Satr-e-Aurat is Waajib (essential) in all conditions (within or without the prayer even one is alone). It should not be exposed in loneliness unless permitted by the Shari'ah.

Q 6: What should one do if he has no cloth for Satr-e-Aurat?
A. He who has no cloth to cover necessary parts of his body should use whatever is available for the purpose like hessian, grass, leaves etc. and even any of these things is not possible then it is better for him to offer prayer in sitting posture and gesture for Rukoo and Sujood (bowing and prostrations) placing hands on his private parts.

Q 7: Can a naked man use silk or not?
A. If one has no cloth for Satr-e-Aurat except silk then he should use it for prayer, otherwise silk is Haraam (unlawful) for men and prayer in silk is "Makrooh Tahreemi" (odious and will have to be repeated).

Q 8: Can thin cloth be used for Satr-e-Aurat?
A. Wearing so thin cloth(s) that the body looks through (see-through dress) is Haraam for both man and woman. Prayer will not be lawful in such dress. Even the hair of woman should not look-through from her sheet of cloth in which she is wrapped-up.