understanding adhan-iqamah-salah

UNDERSTANDING OF

ADHAN, IQAMAH & SALAH

Ayaz Malik [1] Understanding of Adhan, Iqamah & Salah

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ADHAN & IQAMAH .......................................................................................................................................................2

STORY OF ADHAN & IQAMAH ......................................................................................................................................2

ADHAN FOR ZUHR, ASR, MAGHRIB & ISHA ...............................................................................................................3

ADHAN FOR FAJR ...........................................................................................................................................................4

IQAMAH ...........................................................................................................................................................................4

AHADITH RELATED TO ADHAN & IQAMAH ...............................................................................................................5

SALAH (PRAYER) ..............................................................................................................................................................9

WHY FIVE OBLIGATORY SALAH/ PRAYERS? ................................................................................................................9

FIVE OBLIGATORY SALAH ........................................................................................................................................... 12

TIMINGS OF FIVE OBLIGATORY SALAH .................................................................................................................... 12

STEPS IN OFFERING SALAH ......................................................................................................................................... 13

OFFERING FAJR SALAH (TWO RAKAHS) ................................................................................................................... 26

OFFERING ZUHR, ASR & ISHA SALAH (FOUR RAKAHS) .......................................................................................... 26

OFFERING MAGHRIB SALAH (THREE RAKAHS) ........................................................................................................ 27

OFFERING WITR SALAH (ODD NUMBER OF RAKAHS) ........................................................................................... 27

AHADITH RELATED TO SALAH ................................................................................................................................... 31


ADHAN & IQAMAH

STORY OF ADHAN & IQAMAH

A long time ago when the Muslims migrated from Makkah to Medina they used to agree abouta fixed time for the congregational prayer. They found it difficult to remember the time fixedfor the prayer sometimes, especially when they were busy doing their work. One day ProphetMuhammad (SAW) and the Muslims discussed the matter of calling the people for thecongregational prayer at the exact time. Some of the believers suggested the use of somethinglike the bell of the Christians, others suggested the use of a horn like that of the Jews, but Umar(RA) suggested sending someone to announce the prayer. Then Allah's Messenger (SAW)appointed Bilal (RA) to call the people to prayer. But it seems through the study of hadith thatthe method was not satisfactory. Then Prophet Muhammad (SAW) agreed to use a Naqoose (aconch), something like the bell of Christians but he was not happy to use it because of itssimilarity with the Christians.

After Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had ordered a bell to be made so that it could be struck togather the people to prayer; on that same day a companion, Abdullah bin Zaid bin Abd Rabbihi,said, "I was sleeping when I saw a man carrying a Naqoose in his hands, and I said, ‘Servant ofAllah will you sell this to me?’ When he asked, ‘what would I do with it?’ I replied that wewould use it to call the people to prayer. He said, ‘Shall I not guide you to something better thanthat?’ I replied, ‘Certainly,’ so he told me to say:

هللا ◌هللا اكرب ◌هللا اكرب ◌هللا اكرب ◌هللا اكرب اال ا اشهد ◌اشهد ان الهللا اال ا الرسول هللا ◌ان ال محمد ◌اشهد ان محمد الرسول اشهد ان

ىل الصلوة◌هللا ىل الصلوة◌ ىل الفالح ◌ ىل ◌ هللا ◌هللا اكرب ◌هللا اكرب ◌الفالح اال ◌ال ا

After the Adhan the stranger kept quiet for a while and then said, when the congregation isready you should say (which is Iqamah):


هللا ◌ هللا اكرب ◌ هللا اكرب اال ا الرسول ◌ اشهد ان ال محمد اشهد انىل الصلوة◌ هللا ىل الفالح ◌ قدقامت ◌الصلوةقدقامت ◌

هللا ◌ هللا اكرب ◌ هللا اكرب ◌ الصلوة اال ◌ال ا

When I told Allah's Messenger (SAW) in the morning what I had seen, he said, "It is a truevision, Insha-Allah, so get up along with Bilal, and when you have taught him what you haveseen let him use it in making the call to prayer, for he has stronger voice than you have."

So I got up along with Bilal (RA) and began to teach it to him, and he used it in making the callto prayer. Umar bin al-Khattab (RA) heard this when he was in his house, and he came outtrailing his cloak and said, “Messenger of Allah (SAW), by Him who has sent you with the truth,I have seen the same kind of thing as has been revealed.” To this Allah's Messenger (SAW)replied, “Praise be to Allah!” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Ibn, Tirmizi)

So from that day on to the present day Adhan is said to gather people for the congregationalprayer.

ADHAN FOR ZUHR, ASR, MAGHRIB & ISHA

Recital Arabic English Translation

4 times اكرب هللا Allah is the greatest

2 times الان اشهد هللا االا I bear witness that there is noneworthy of worship but Allah

2 times هللا الرسول محمد اناشهد I bear witness that Muhammad isthe Messenger of Allah

2 times الصلوةىل Come to the prayer

2 times الفالح ىل Come for the success.


2 times هللا اكرب Allah is the greatest.

1 time ال هللا االا There is none worthy of worshipbut Allah

ADHAN FOR FAJR


4 times اكرب هللا Allah is the greatest

2 times هللا اال ا اشهد ان ال I bear witness that there is noneworthy of worship but Allah

2 times هللا الرسول محمد اناشهد I bear witness that Muhammad isthe Messenger of Allah

2 times ىل الصلوة Come to the prayer

2 times الفالح ىل Come for the success.

2 times ري الصلوة ن النوم م Prayer is better than sleep

2 times هللا اكرب Allah is the greatest.

1 time ال هللا االا There is none worthy of worshipbut Allah

IQAMAH


2 times هللا اكرب Allah is the greatest

1 time هللا اال ا اشهد ان ال I bear witness that there is noneworthy of worship but Allah

1 time هللا الرسول محمد اناشهد I bear witness that Muhammad isthe Messenger of Allah


1 time ىل الصلوة Come to the prayer

1 time الفالح ىل Come for the success.

2 times الصلوةقدقامت The prayer has begun

2 times اكرب هللا Allah is the greatest.

1 times ال هللا االا There is none worthy of worshipbut Allah

AHADITH RELATED TO ADHAN & IQAMAH

1- Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, “When the Adhan is pronouncedSatan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not tohear the Adhan. When the Adhan is completed he comes back and again takes to hisheels when the Iqamah is pronounced and after its completion he returns again till hewhispers into the heart of the person (to divert his attention from his prayer) andmakes him remember things which he does not recall to his mind before the prayerand that causes him to forget how much he has prayed.”

2- Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, “Whenever you hear theAdhan, say what the Muadhdhin is saying.” (Muadhdhin is a person who calls peoplefor the congregational prayer i.e., who says Adhan)

3- Narrated Yahya as above (3) and added: "Some of my companions told me that Hishamhad said, "When the Mu'adhdhin said,

ىل الصلوة (Hasten to the Prayer)

Muawiya said,


هللا العىل العظمي الحول وال قوة اال

(There is neither might nor any power except with Allah), ” and added, "We heard yourProphet saying the same."

4- Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah: Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "Whoever after listening tothe Adhan says,

لهم عوة هذه ربا ات القائمة والصلوة التامة ا ید ن محمد س ی الوس ة والفضی ر عة وا ى ن محمود مقاماوابعثه الرف دتها او وارزقامة یوم شفاعته لف ال انك الق المیعاد خت

(O Allah! Lord of this perfect call and of the regular prayer which is going to beestablished, give Muhammad (SAW) the right of intercession and illustriousness andresurrect him to the best and the highest place in Paradise that You promised him, andbless us with his intercession on the Doomsday. Undoubtedly, you don't do anythingagainst your promise), then intercession for me will be permitted for him on the Dayof Resurrection."

5- Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "If the people knew the reward forpronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in congregational prayers)and found no other way to get that except by drawing lots, they would draw lots, andif they knew the reward of Zuhr prayer (in the early moments of its stated time) theywould race for it (go early) and if they knew the reward of 'Isha' and Fajr (morning)prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl."

6- Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (SAW) said, "When you hear the Iqamah, proceedto offer the prayer with calmness and solemnity and do not make haste. And praywhatever you are able to pray and complete whatever you have missed.”


7- Narrated Malik bin Huwairith: Prophet (SAW) said (to two persons), "Whenever theprayer time becomes due, you should pronounce Adhan and then Iqamah and theolder of you should lead the prayer."

8- Narrated Nafi: Once on a very cold and stormy night, Ibn Umar pronounced theAdhan for the prayer and then said, "Pray in your homes." He (Ibn Umar) added. "Onvery cold and rainy nights Allah's Apostle used to order the Muadhdhin to say, “Pray inyour homes."

9- Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: A cloud came and it rained till the roof started leakingand in those days the roof used to be of the branches of date-palms. Iqamah waspronounced and I saw Allah's Apostle (SAW) prostrating in water and mud and even Isaw the mark of mud on his forehead.

10- Narrated Aisha (RA): The Prophet (SAW) said, "If supper is served, and Iqamah ispronounced one should start with the supper."

11- Imam As-Sadiq (AS) has said: “One who offers his prayers along with Adhan andIqamah, two rows of angels pray behind him, while one who offers his prayers withonly the Iqamah and without the Adhan, one row of angels pray behind him.” TheImam (AS) was asked: “And how long is each row?” The Imam (AS) replied: “At thevery minimum, its length is the distance between East and West, while at themaximum, its length is the distance between the earth and the heavens.” (Wasa’ilushShi`a, Volume 4, Page 620)


SALAH (PRAYER)

WHY FIVE OBLIGATORY SALAH/ PRAYERS?

SAHIH AL-BUKHARI 5-227

Narrated Anas bin Malik: Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle (SAW) described to them hisNight Journey saying, "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to meand cut my body open from here to here." I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, "What does hemean?" He said, "It means from his throat to his pubic area," or said, "From the top of the chest."The Prophet (SAW) further said, "He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief wasbrought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to itsoriginal place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkeywas brought to me." (On this Al-Jarud asked, "Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?" I (i.e. Anas)replied in the affirmative). The Prophet (SAW) said, "The animal's step (was so wide that it)reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal's sight. I was carried on it, and Jibrail(AS) set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven. When he asked for the gate to beopened, it was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail (AS) answered, “Jibrail.” It was asked, “Who isaccompanying you?” Jibrail (AS) replied, “Muhammad (SAW).” It was asked, “Has Muhammad(SAW) been called?” Jibrail (AS) replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, “He is welcomed.What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, Isaw Adam (AS) there. Jibrail (AS) said (to me), “This is your father, Adam (AS); pay him yourgreetings.” So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, “You are welcomed, Opious son and pious Prophet (SAW).” Then Jibrail (AS) ascended with me till we reached thesecond heaven. Jibrail (AS) asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail(AS) answered, “Jibrail (AS).” It was asked, “Who is accompanying you?” Jibrail (AS) replied,“Muhammad (SAW).” It was asked, “Has Muhammad (SAW) been called?” Jibrail (AS) replied inthe affirmative. Then it was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate wasopened. When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (AS) (i.e. John (AS)) and Essa(AS) (i.e. Jesus (AS)) who were cousins of each other. Jibrail (AS) said (to me), “These are Yahya(AS) and Essa (AS); pay them your greetings.” So I greeted them and both of them returned my


greetings to me and said, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet (SAW).” ThenJibrail (AS) ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It wasasked, “Who is it?” Jibrail (AS) replied, “Jibrail (AS).” It was asked, “Who is accompanying your?”Jibrail (AS) replied, “Muhammad (SAW).” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail (AS) repliedin the affirmative. Then it was said, “He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!” The gatewas opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Yusuf (AS) (Joseph (AS)). Jibrail(AS) said (to me), “This is Yusuf (AS); pay him your greetings.” So I greeted him and he returnedthe greeting to me and said, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet (SAW).”Then Jibrail (AS) ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. Itwas asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail (AS) replied, “Jibrail (AS).” It was asked, “Who is accompanyingyou?” Jibrail (AS) replied, “Muhammad (SAW).” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail (AS)replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, “He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!” Thegate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris (AS). Jibrail (AS)said (to me), “This is Idris (AS); pay him your greetings.” So I greeted him and he returned thegreeting to me and said, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet (SAW).” ThenJibrail (AS) ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It wasasked, “Who is it?” Jibrail (AS) replied, “Jibrail (AS).” It was asked, “Who is accompanying you?”Jibrail (AS) replied, “Muhammad (SAW).” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail (AS) repliedin the affirmative. Then it was said “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” So when Iwent over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (AS) (Aaron (AS)), Jibrail (AS) said, (to me), “Thisis Harun (AS); pay him your greetings.” I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me andsaid, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet (SAW).” Then Jibrail (AS) ascendedwith me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail(AS) replied, “Jibrail (AS).” It was asked, “Who is accompanying you?” Jibrail (AS) replied,“Muhammad (SAW).” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail (AS) replied in the affirmative.It was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” When I went (over the sixthheaven), there I saw Musa (AS). Jibrail (AS) said, (to me), “This is Musa (AS); pay him yourgreetings.” So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, “You are welcomed,O pious brother and pious Prophet (SAW).” When I left him (i.e. Musa (AS)), he wept. Someoneasked him, “What makes you weep?” Musa (AS) said, “I weep because after me there has been


sent (as Prophet (SAW)) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbersthan my followers.” Then Jibrail (AS) ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for itsgate to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail (AS) replied, “Jibrail (AS).” It was asked,“Who is accompanying you?” Jibrail (AS) replied, “Muhammad (SAW).” It was asked, “Has hebeen called?” Jibrail (AS) replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, “He is welcomed. What anexcellent visit his is!” So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Ibrahim (AS).Jibrail said (to me), “This is your father; pay your greetings to him.” So I greeted him and hereturned the greetings to me and said, “You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet(SAW).” Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmostboundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e., a place near Medina) and its leaveswere as big as the ears of elephants. Jibrail (AS) said, “This is the Lote Tree of the utmostboundary.” Behold! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked,“What are these two kinds of rivers, O Jibrail (AS).” He replied, “As for the hidden rivers, theyare two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.” Then Al-Bait-ul-Maur (i.e., the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another fullof milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Jibrail remarked, “This isthe Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.” Then the prayers wereenjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Musa (AS) whoasked (me), “What have you been ordered to do?” I replied, “I have been ordered to offer fiftyprayers a day.” Musa (AS) said, “Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, Ihave tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go backto your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.” So I went back, and Allahreduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Musa (AS), but he repeated the same as hehad said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When Icame back to Musa (AS) he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observeten prayers a day. When I came back to Musa (AS), he repeated the same advice, so I went backto Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day. When I came back to Musa (AS), hesaid, “What have you been ordered?” I replied, “I have been ordered to observe five prayers aday.” He said, “Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got anexperience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back


to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.” I said, “I have requested somuch of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.”When I left, I heard a voice saying; “I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden ofMy Worshippers."

FIVE OBLIGATORY SALAH

The Farz are the number of Rakahs that are obligatory to perform Salah (Prayer). AdditionalRakahs, often called “Sunnah” are after the example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and areoffered individually, that is, not in congregation. Table below shows the number of Rakahs oneneeds to offer for five obligatory prayers.

Prayer NameObligatory Optional

WitrÃFarz Sunnah,

before FarzSunnah

after Farz Nafil

Fajr 2 2Zuhr 4 4 2Asr 4 4

Maghrib 3 2 2Isha 4 4 2 2 Odd Number

Ã Many scholars have an opinion that Witr prayer (which is followed by Isha prayer) isobligatory. However, correct view is that it is a Sunnah.

TIMINGS OF FIVE OBLIGATORY SALAH

Prayer NameTime of Salah

From ToFajr Breaking of the dawn Sunrise

Zuhr Sun declining from its Zenith About midway from SunsetAsr About midway from Sunset Sunset

Maghrib Sunset Disappearance of red glow in the skyIsha Disappearance of red glow in the sky Midnight/ Dawn


STEPS IN OFFERING SALAH

As discussed before, Salah is offered by offering specified number of Rakahs. Each Rakah isoffered in a manner specified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,"Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.604)

First, steps which are required to complete a Salah consisting of four Rakahs will be explainedin detail. Later each Salah will be explained in the form of a flow chart utilizing these steps.

STEP 1 – WUDU (ABLUTION)

Before we perform any Salah we must first prepare ourselves. This preparation includesmaking sure that we are clean from any physical impurities and performing Wudu. Note thatafter intercourse, re-performing Wudu alone is not enough to be able to perform Salah. Thereis another form of purification that must be performed known as Ghusul (Which isn’tdiscussed).

Wudu is required for performing Salah. We cannot offer our Salah without first makingWudu. Wudu further requires many steps as tabulated below:

Step Picture Step Description

1

Make Intention (Niyyah) to perform Wudu. Niyyah is theIslamic concept of performing an act for the sake of Allah.Niyyah doesn't involve saying anything out loud, butfocusing on the phrase "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah)is good way to accomplish the centering necessary

2

Wash your hands. Use your left hand to wash your righthand. Do this three times. After that, use your right handto wash your left hand three times. Make sure to wash inbetween your fingers and all the way up to your wrists


3

Take water into your mouth. Use your right hand to cupwater into your mouth three times. Swish it around inyour cheeks and the back of your throat. Do thisthoroughly to get all remaining food in your mouth, out

4

Inhale water into your nose. Use your right hand to cupwater and inhale it into your nose three times. You canuse your left hand to close one nostril and blow out if youneed to. Snort sharply and abruptly without taking toomuch water into your nose and choking yourself. If youcannot inhale water into your nose, you can wet yourfingers and put water on the lower part of your nostril

5Wash your face. Wash your face three times by spreadingyour hands from your right ear to the left, and from theedge of the hair to the chin

6

Wash your lower arms from wrists to elbows, leaving nopart dry. From your wrist to your elbow, wash your rightarm with your left hand three times and then wash yourleft arm with your right hand three times

7

Clean your head. Using your wet hands, gently wipe yourforehead from the eyebrow to the hairline. Also wipedown your hair, the back of your neck, and your temples.Do this one time


8

Wipe your ears inside and out. With the same water, useyour finger to clean all the crevices of your ear. Use yourthumb to clean behind your ears from the bottomupward. This is also done one time

9

Wash each of your feet. Clean up to the ankles and besure water goes between the toes. Use your pinky fingerand go through each toe to eliminate anything between.Start with your right foot and scrub each foot three times

10While pointing the right index finger to the sky, recite abrief prayer of witness. Generally, the prayer is 2ndKalmaV

V 2nd Kalma is as below;

ا اشهد ان اعبده ورسو محمد واشهد ان ده ال رشیك هللا و اال(I bear witness that no-one is worthy of worship but Allah, the One alone, without partner, andI bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger)

STEP 2 – INTENTION FOR SALAH (NIYAH)

Narrated Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA): Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "The reward ofdeeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward accordingto what he has intended.” As per Muhammad (SAW) way of offering Salah, theintention is made within the mind and not uttered out aloud. A person should befacing in the direction of Qibla before making an intention.

Typical Intention (Niyah): I am going to pray “(Salah name which is beingoffered)” Salah, facing the Qiblah, “(Number of Rakahs being offered)” Rakahs, asan imam or following an imam.


STEP 3 – TAKBEER TAHRIMAH

Abu Humaid As-Saidi (RA) said, "I remember the prayer of Allah's Apostle (SAW)better than any one of you … I saw him raising both his hands up to the level ofthe shoulders on saying the Takbeer …" (Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith no. 791, NarratedMuhammad bin Amr bin Ata). One should start his Salah saying Takbeer, i.e.,

كرب ا(Allah is the greatest),

Raising both of his hands to the level of his shoulders/ ears. Then he should foldhis hands over his chest, right hand over the left hand. This first step is called TakbeerTahrimah because after saying Takbeer Tahrimah every common and worldy action, talk ormovement is forbidden.

Wail bin Hujr (RA) says, “I prayed with the Prophet (SAW) and he placed his right hand overhis left on his chest.” (Ibn Khuzaimah,Hadith:479) However, it is common to see Muslimsfolding their hand between chest and abdomin.

STEP 4

Throughout the Salah the eyes of the worshipper should point to the spot wherethe forehead rests in Sajdah. Dont look towards the sky. Narrated by Anas binMalik (RA), The Prophet (SAW) said, "What is wrong with those people who looktowards the sky during the prayer?" His talk grew stern while delivering thisspeech and he said, "They should stop (looking towards the sky during the prayer);otherwise their eye-sight would be taken away." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 12,Hadith no. 717).

Now, in this position, one should recite the following in the order presented:

DUA BEFORE FATIHAH

ا ب لهمنك س دك وتعاىل امسك وتبارك حبمدك و ا وال ريك ا


(O Allah, how perfect You are and praise be to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Yourmajesty, and none has the right to be worshipped but You)

One should recite this silently (as an Imam). This dua should only be recited in the first Rakahof any Salah.

TAAWUDH

اعوذ جمي الرالشیطن من (I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan)

One should recite this silently (as an Imam)

TASMIYAH

ـن الرحمي الرمح سم ا(In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful)


SURAH FATIHAH

لمني رب الع ـن الرحمي ◌ الحمد ن ◌ الرمح یوم ا ك ◌ م ك نعبد وا اتعني تقمي ◌ س اط المس الرص ن ◌ اهد اط ا ري المغضوب رص م لهي نعمت

ني ل م وال الض ◌لهي(Praise be to Allah, the lord of all the worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful, Master of the Day ofJudgement. You alone we worship, and to You alone we beseech for help. Guide us on the rightpath, the path of those on whom You have bestowed Your grace, not of those who haveincurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray)

After reciting Surah Fatihah, say “Ameen.” Narrated by Ubada bin As-Samit (RA), Allah's Apostle(SAW) said, “Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid.” (SahihBukhari, Vol. 1, Book 12, Hadith no. 723)


Then Allah's Messenger (SAW) said "Do not recite anything (behind the Imam) except Fatihah-tul-Kitab (Surah Fatihah) because he who does not include it in his recitation in prayer, hisSalah is not valid." (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)

RECITATION AFTER SURAH FATIHAH

Abu Qatadah (RA) reported that the Prophet, (SAW), would recite al-Fatihah and some surah inthe first two Rakahs of the noon prayer, and only Al-Fatihah in the last two Rakahs. Sometimeshe would recite some verses. The first Rakah’s recital would be longer than the second. Thatwas how it was done in the afternoon and morning prayers. (Al-Bukhari, Muslim and by AbuDawud).

From above mentioned Hadith it is concluded that it is Sunnah for a person who is praying thathe should read a Surah from Quran after Al Fatihah in at least, the first two Rakahs of the Farzprayer. He can recite one or more Surah. For example, one can recite Surah Al-Ikhlas;

د ◌ قل هو هللا ا ◌ الصمد ا ولم یو د ◌ لم ی كفوا ا كن ◌ولم (Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is Eternal and Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten.And there is none co-equal unto Him)

STEP 5 - RUKU

Narrated by Abu Qilaba (RA): I saw Malik bin Huwairith saying Takbeerand raising both his hands (on starting the prayers) and raising his handson bowing and also on, raising his Head after bowing. Malik binHuwairith said, "Allah's Apostle (SAW) did the same." (Sahih BukhariVolume 1, Book 12, Number 704)

One should say Takbeer while raising his hands up to the shoulder/ earsthen bend in Ruku so that his trunk (i.e. from head to hips) becomes perpendicular to the restof the body. His hands should rest on his knees with the fingers spread apart, taking care thathis arms do not touch his body. The person should be calm and composed in the Raku postureand not hurry it. Then he should read at least three times:


العظمي ان رىب ب س

(Glory to my Lord, the Exalted)

(Muslim, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

STEP 6 – QAWMAH (STANDING AFTER RUKU)

Narrated by Salim bin Abdullah: "… And on raising his (Muhammad (SAW))head from bowing he used to do the same and then say ‘Verily, Allah listens toone who praises him, Our Lord, praise be to You’ …" (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 1,Book. 12, Hadith no.702)

So in accordance with above hadith, after the Ruku, one should raise his headfrom bowing position, saying,

ده لمن مح ع ا مس(Verily, Allah listens to one who praises Him)

Then one should raise his hands up to the level of his shoulders/ ears (as per hadith stated inStep 5) and then he should lower his hands to his sides. In the standing position, he should beerect so that the joints of his body go back in place. While in this position, he should say,

الحمد ا و رب

(Our Lord, praise be to You)

Narrated by Nafi: Whenever Ibn Umar started the prayer with Takbeer, he used to raise hishands: whenever he bowed (ruku), he used to raise his hands (before bowing) and also used toraise his hands on saying, "Verily, Allah listens to one who praises Him", and he used to do thesame on rising from the second Rakah (for the 3rd Rakah). Ibn Umar said: "The Prophet (SAW)used to do the same." Sahih Bukhari (Volume 1 : Book 12 : Hadith 706)


STEP 7 – 1ST SAJDAH (PROSTRATION)

After the Qawmah the person praying should move to performSajdah saying Takbeer, putting palms downwards on the groundbelow the ears. The knees should be brought downwards on theground. His fingers and toes should be pointing towards Qiblahwithout spreading the fingers of the hands. In this position, heshould say,

ان رىب ب ىل س ا(Glory to my Lord, the Most High)

He should say this at least 3 times. There are some other Dua which can be read in the Sajdahposition. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “The nearest a servantcomes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state).” (SahihMuslim, Book 4, Number 0979)

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to say while prostrating himself, “OLord, forgive me, all my sins, small and great, first and last, open and secret.” (Sahih Muslim,Book 4, Number 0980)

STEP 8 – JALSAH (SITTING BETWEEN TWO SUJOOD)

After performing 1st Sajdah, one praying should raise hishead form Sajdah saying Takbeer, bending the left foot andsitting on it while keeping the right foot propped up withits toes pointing towards the Qiblah, the palms of hishands should rest on his thighs and knees, the back shouldbe straight so that the joints go back in place. One shouldsay the following Dua in this position,

يل اغفر رىب (O Lord, forgive me).


The worshipper can say this Dua once or as many times as he likes. However it is sunnah to saythe following Dua while sitting in between the two Sujood:

لهم ىن اغفرىل ا افىن وارمح وارزقىن واهدىن و

(Oh, Allah, forgive me, and have mercy on me, and grant me safety, and guide me, and provideme with sustenance) (Abu Dawood, Vol. 1, Page 130).

STEP 9 – 2ND SAJDAH

Then one should perform the 2nd Sajdah after saying Takbeer and repeat what he did in the 1 st

Sajdah i.e, Step 7.

STEP 10 – JALSAH-E-ISTARAHAT (SITTING FOR REST)

Then one should raise his head up saying Takbeer and sit for a short while as he did in Jalsahi.e., Step 8. He does this before standing up for the 2nd Rakah. Note that one doesn’t have torecite anything in this position. 1 st Rakah ends at this step.

Narrated by Malik bin Huwairith Al-Laithi, ''I saw the Prophet praying and in the odd Rakah,he used to sit for a moment before getting up.'' (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith no. 0786)

STEP 11 – 2ND RAKAH

After standing up for the 2nd Rakah (or any Rakah other than 1st Rakah), one should fold hishands over his chest as he did in the first Rakah, but this time he should recite the following inthe order presented,

TASMIYAH

ـن الرحمي الرمح سم ا(In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful)



SURAH FATIHAH

لمني الحمد ـن الرحمي ◌ رب الع ن ◌ الرمح یوم ا ك ◌ م ك نعبد وا اتعني تقمي ◌ س اط المس الرص ري المغضوب ◌ اهد م لهي نعمت ن اط ا رص

ني ل م وال الض ◌لهي(Praise be to Allah, the lord of all the worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful, Master of the Day ofJudgement. You alone we worship, and to You alone we beseech for help. Guide us on the rightpath, the path of those on whom You have bestowed Your grace, not of those who haveincurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray)

After reciting Surah Fatihah, say “Ameen.”

RECITATION AFTER SURAH FATIHAH

One who is praying should read a Surah from Quran after Al Fatihah in the first two Rakah ofthe Farz prayer. He can recite one or more Surah. (Similar to what he did in Step 4) After Step11, one should complete his second Rakah following the Steps 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9, in the manner ofthe first Rakah. However, Step 10 is replaced by Step 12 in 2 nd Rakah.

STEP 12 – TASHAHHUD

After repeating Step 9 in 2nd Rakah, a person should raisehis head up saying Takbeer and sit as shown. But now heshould recite the following; Yahya related that Abdullahibn Umar used to say the Tashahhud saying,

والصلوات والطیبات التحیات السالم ◌ ة هللا وراكته ورمح السالم ◌ لیك اهياالنيب

ىل عباد هللا ني لینا و ◌ الصال ا اال ا واشهد ان◌ اشهد ان ال ◌محمدا عبده ورسو


((In the name of Allah) Greetings belong to Allah. Prayers belong to Allah. Pure actions belongto Allah. Peace be on the Prophet and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be on us andon the slaves of Allah who are salihun (Righteous servants of Allah). I testify that there is nogod except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).

RAISING INDEX FINGER

Abdullah bin Zubair narrated on the authority of his father: When theMessenger of Allah (SAW) sat in prayer. he placed the left foot between histhigh and shank and stretched the right foot and placed his left hand or his leftknee and placed his right hand on his right thigh, and raised his finger. (SahihMuslim, Book #004, Hadith #1201)

Raising the index finger is something which is neglected by many worshippers because theyare ignorant of its great benefits and its effect. The Prophet (SAW) said: “It is more powerfulagainst the Shaitan than iron” (reported by Imaam Ahmad, 2/119, with a hasan isnaad, asstated in Sifat al-Salaah, p. 159), i.e., pointing with the forefinger during the Tashahhud ismore painful to the Shaitan than being beaten with a rod of iron, because it reminds the slaveof the Unity of Allaah and to be sincere in his worship of Him alone, and this is what theShaitan hates most; we seek refuge with Allaah from him.” (al-Fath al-Rabbani by al-Saa’idi,4/15). Because of this great benefit, the Companions (RA), used to enjoin one another to do thisand were very keen to remember to do this thing.

After completing Step 12, one should stand up for 3rd Rakah saying Takbeer. Note that in caseof prayers offered with 2 Rakahs one doesn’t need to do this step and should do step 15 instead.

STEP 13 – 3RD RAKAH

After standing up for the 3rd Rakah, one should fold his hands over his chest as, he did in the 1 st

Rakah, and start again with Step 11. Then he should complete his 2 nd Rakah following Step 5 toStep 10, in the manner of the 1 st Rakkah. After performing Step 10, he should stand up for the4th Rakah saying Takbeer.


STEP 14 – 4TH RAKAH

After standing up for the 4th Rakah, one should fold his hands over his chest, as he did in the 1 st

Rakah, and start again with Step 11. Then he should offer his 4 th Rakah following Step 5 to Step9.

STEP 15 – TASHAHHUD WITH DUROOD AND DUA

After repeating Step 9 in 4th Rakah, a person should raise his head up saying Takbeer and sit. In4th Rakah (or the last Rakah in case of prayer consisting of 2 or 3 Rakahs), one should recite thefollowing in the order presented,

TASHAHHUD

والصلوات راكته ◌ والطیبات التحیات ة هللا و ورمح لیك اهياالنيب السالم ىل عباد هللا ◌ لینا و ني السالم ◌ الصال ا اال ا ◌ اشهد ان ال

محمدا عبده ورسو ◌واشهد ان((In the name of Allah) Greetings belong to Allah. Prayers belong to Allah. Pure actions belongto Allah. Peace be on the Prophet and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be on us andon the slaves of Allah who are salihun (Righteous servants of Allah). I testify that there is nogod except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)

DUROOD-E-IBRAHIM

راهمي ل ا ىل راهمي و ىل ا ا صلیت ل محمد مك ىل ىل محمد و صل لهم اید راهمي مجید انك مح ىل ا اركت ا ب ل محمد مك ىل ىل محمد و ارك ب لهم ا

ید مجید راهمي انك مح ل ا ىل و(Oh Allah, send grace and honour on Muhammad and on the family and true followers ofMuhammad just as you sent Grace and Honour on Ibrahim and on the family and true


followers of Ibrahim Surely, you are praiseworthy, the Great. Oh Allah, send your blessing onMuhammad and the true followers of Muhammad, just as you sent blessings on Ibrahim andhis true followers Surely, you are praiseworthy, the Great)

DUA AFTER DUROOD-E-IBRAHIM

ء ل د ى◌ رب اجعلىن مقمي الصلوة ومن ذریىت ربنا وتق ا اغفرىل ولوا ربني یوم یقوم ◌الحساب ولمؤم

(Oh Lord, make me and my children keep up prayers, our Lord, accept our prayer, our Lord,forgive me and my parents and all the Believers on the Day of Judgement.)

STEP 16 – TASLEEM (SALAAM)

After praying for himself as much as the person wishes, he should end his Salah saying,

ة هللا لیمك ورمح السالم (Peace and mercy of Allah be on you)

He should say this by turning the face first to the right and then to the left, both times over theshoulder. This is called Tasleem. This brings the 4 Rakahs of the Salah to completion. Now inthe following sections we will see how we can implement these steps to Salahs consisting of 2and 3 Rakahs, as well as Witr Salah.


OFFERING FAJR SALAH (TWO RAKAHS)

OFFERING ZUHR, ASR & ISHA SALAH (FOUR RAKAHS)

Start Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Step 10 Step 9 Step 8 Step 7 Step 6Step 11


End Step 16




Step 8 Step 7 Step 6 Step 5 Step 11


Step 15 Step 9End

Step 9

Step 16


OFFERING MAGHRIB SALAH (THREE RAKAHS)

OFFERING WITR SALAH (ODD NUMBER OF RAKAHS)

Scholars have differed as to whether it was obligatory to pray the Witr Salah or not. Some ofHanafis even thought it was obligatory. Imam Ahmad said, "Whoever neglects Witr is a badman whose testimony should not be accepted.” This indicates that Witr Salah is something thatis confirmed. This shows its great importance. However the correct view is that it is one of theSunnah (confirmed Sunnah) that Muslims should try to observe regularly and not neglect it.However not performing it does not mean your Farz prayers are not valid.

The timing of the Witr Salah starts after a person prays the Isha Salah until dawn even if he hasjoined Isha with Maghrib at the time of Maghrib. Evidence for this is that the Prophet (SAW)said: “Allah has prescribed for you a prayer (by which He may increase your reward), which isWitr; Allah has enjoined it for you during the time between ‘Isha’ prayer until dawn begins.”(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 425; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi)

Jaabir (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever fears that he will not get up atthe end of the night, let him pray Witr at the beginning of the night, but whoever thinks that he





Step 16Step 15 End

Step 9


will be able to get up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr at the end of the night, forprayer at the end of the night is witnessed (by the angels) and that is better.” (Narrated byMuslim, 755)

Witr Salah is an odd number of Rakahs. There are several ways of performing the Witr Salahone could pray 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 or more Rakahs (odd numbers). The most common number ofRakahs that are prayed by most Muslims is 3 Rakahs. If you are praying the Witr Salah anddawn is approaching then you should pray 1 Rakah so that you can pray Witr Salah before thestart of dawn. There is one additional step in Witr Salah which is defined as below:

STEP 17 – DUA-E-QUNOOT

This step is usually performed between Step 4 and Step 5. In the Witr Salah the Dua-e-Qanootis recited in the final Rakah of the Witr Salah just before going to Ruku (i.e., bowing position).Dua-e-Qunoot is as below,

ري لكه لیك ال ىن لیك ون تغفرك ونؤمن بك ونتولك تعینك وس س ا لهم الع ونرتك كفرك وخن طمن یفجرك وشكرك وال نصىل و ك نعبد ا لهم ا

لكفار ذابك ذابك ا رجوا رمحتك وخنىش فد و سعى وحن د والیك س وطملحق

(O Allah! We implore You for help and beg forgiveness of You and believe in You and rely onYou and extol You and we are thankful to You and not ungrateful to You and we alienate andforsake him who disobeys You. O Allah! You alone do we worship and for You do we pray andprostrate and we betake to please You and present ourselves for the service in Your cause andwe hope for Your mercy and fear Your chastisement. Undoubtedly, Your torment is going toovertake infidels)

RECOMMENDED METHODS OF PERFORMING WITR SALAH:

Below are the recommended methods of performing 3 Rakah, Witr Salah,

1. Perform 2 Rakahs like a normal 2 Rakah Salah. Then pray one Rakah with the additionof Dua-e-Qunoot before or after Ruku.


2. Perform 3 Rakahs like the Maghrib Salah with two differences. First difference is that inthe 2nd Rakah of Maghrib after the second Sajdah (prostration) a person normally sitsdown to recite the Tashahhud, but in the Witr you do not do that. So you get up andperform the 3rd Rakah. Second difference is that in the 3rd Rakah of the Witr prayer youshould recite the Dua-e-Qunoot either just before Ruku or after Ruku.

HADITHS RELATED TO METHODS OF PERFORMING WITR SALAH:

1. Prophet (SAW) said: “Witr is one Rakah at the end of the night.” (Narrated by Muslim,752)

2. Aishah (RA) said: The Prophet (SAW) used not to say the Tasleem in the (first) twoRakahs of Witr. According to another version, “He used to pray Witr with three Rakahsand he did not sit except in the last of them.” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 3/234; al-Bayhaqi, 3/31. al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (4/7): it was narrated by al-Nasaa’i witha hasan isnaad, and by al-Bayhaqi with a saheeh isnaad. )

3. Aishah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to pray thirteen Rakahs at night,praying five Rakahs of Witr, in which he would not sit except in the last Rakah.(Narrated by Muslim, 737)

4. Umm Salamah (RA) said: The Prophet (SAW) used to pray Witr with five or seven(Rakahs) and he did not separate between them with any salaam or words. (Narrated byAhmad, 6/290; al-Nasaa’i, 1714. al-Nawawi said: Its isnaad is jayyid. Al-Fath al-Rabbaani, 2/297. and it was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i)

5. Aishah (RA) said the Prophet (SAW) used to pray nine Rakahs in which he did not sitexcept in the eighth, when he would remember Allah, praise Him and call upon Him,then he would get up and not say the Tasleem, and he would stand up and pray theninth (Rakah), then he would sit and remember Allah and praise Him and call uponHim, then he would say a Tasleem that we could hear. (Sahih Muslim)

All these ways of offering Witr prayer have been mentioned in the Sunnah, but the best way isnot to stick to one particular way; rather one should do it one way one time and another wayanother time, so that one will have done all the Sunnah.


With regard to Qunoot, some scholars say that Qunoot should only be recited before bowingand some say that it should only be recited after bowing. The fuqaha’ among the scholars ofhadith, say that both are allowed, because both are mentioned in the saheeh Sunnah. Below arethe methods (one of the methods) of performing Witr prayer with one and three Rakahs,

ONE RAKAH WITR PRAYER:

THREE RAKAH WITR PRAYER:



Step 15 End





Step 9Step 8 End

Step 7

Step 15 Step 16

Step 16


AHADITH RELATED TO SALAH

1- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The first thing that Allah made obligatory uponmy Ummah was the five prayers; and the first thing from their acts of worship thatshall be taken up will be the five prayers; and the first thing that they will bequestioned about will be the five prayers.” (Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume 7, Tradition18859)

2- Imam Al-Baqir (AS) has said: “Islam has been founded and established on five things:Prayers, Zakat, Hajj, Sawm (Fasting) and Wilayah.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page234)

3- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “One who adheres to the five (daily) prayersdiligently, they shall be a means of illumination and salvation for him on the Day ofJudgment.” (Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume 7, Tradition 18862)

4- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “The prayer of a person is (in reality) a lightin his heart, so whoever desires, can illuminate his heart (by means of prayers).”(Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume7, Tradition 18973)

5- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The prayer is the standard of Islam. Whosoeverloves prayers, and observes their limits, timings and methods, is a true believer.”(Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume 7, Tradition 18870)

6- Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS) advised: “We command our children to offer prayerswhen they are five years old, so you too order your children to offer prayers (but only)when they are seven years of age.” (Wasa’ilush Shià, Volume 3, Page 12)

7- Imam As-Sadiq (AS) said: “One obligatory prayer is better than performing Hajjtwenty times, and the performance of one Hajj is better than giving away a house fullof gold.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 227)

8- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whenever the time of each prayer arrives, anAngel announces to the people: (O’ People!) Stand up and extinguish, with prayers,


the fire which you have set alight for yourselves.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page209)

9- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: “The position ofprayers with respect to religion is similar to that of the head with respect to the body.”(Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume 7, Tradition 18972)

10- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The example of the five (daily) prayers is likethat of a clear-water river flowing in front of your houses in which a person washeshimself five times a day – cleansing him from all dirt.” (Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume 7,Tradition 18931)

11- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) states that Allah, The Exalted has said: “I have made thefive prayers obligatory upon your Ummah and have made a covenant with Myselfthat one who maintains his prayers with respect to their timings, I shall place him inParadise. As for the one, who does not maintain the timings, I have no covenant (withhim).” (Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume 7, Tradition 18872)

12- Imam Ali (AS) said: “When a person stands up for prayers, Iblis approaches him andlooks at him with envy and jealousy, as he sees the Mercy of Allah encompassing theperson.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 207)

13- Aishah (RA) narrates: “We would be engaged in conversation with the Messenger ofAllah (SAW), but with the arrival of the time of prayers it would appear as if heneither knew us nor we knew him.” (Al-Mahajjatul Baidha, Volume 1, Page 350)

14- Imam As-Sadiq (AS) has said: “When a person maintains his prayer and offers it at itsstipulated time, it ascends in the form of a pure white light and calls out to him: “Youhave guarded me, may Allah protect you.” But if he does not maintain his prayer anddoes not offer it at its decreed time, it ascends as a dark and gloomy form and says tohim: You have destroyed me, may Allah destroy you.” (Al-Mahajjatul Baidha, Volume1, Page 340)


15- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “The most beloved of deeds in the eyes ofAllah are: offering prayers at the stipulated times; (then) goodness and kindnesstowards parents; (and then) Jihad in the way of Allah.” (Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 7,Tradition 18897)

16- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “One who considers the prayers to beinsignificant and trivial is not from me. By Allah! He shall never come close to me atthe pool of Kauthar.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 224)

17- Imam As-Sadiq (AS) said: “Our intercession shall never reach one who considers hisprayers to be inconsequential and unimportant.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page227)

18- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “Do not destroy your prayers for verily onewho destroys his prayers shall be resurrected in the company of Qarun, Haman andFiraun.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 202)

19- The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “Prayer is the pillar of your religion and onewho intentionally forsakes his prayer has destroyed his religion. And one who doesnot guard the times of the prayers, shall be made to enter ‘Wayl’, which is a valley inHell, as Allah, the Exalted, has said: “So woe to the praying ones, who are unmindful oftheir prayers.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 202)

20- The Noble Prophet (SAW) has said: “If a person abandons his prayer such that heneither desires its rewards nor fears its chastisement, for such a person I do not care ifhe dies a Jew, a Christian or a Magian.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 202)

21- The Noble Prophet (SAW) has said: “The good deeds of one who, without anyappropriate excuse does not offer his prayer until its time passes away, are annulled.”He then said: “The divide between a believer and disbelief is the abandonment ofprayers.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 202)


22- The Noble Prophet (SAW) has said: “The name of one who forsakes his prayerintentionally is written upon the door of Hell from which he shall (eventually) enter.”(Kanzul Ùmmal, Volume 7, Tradition 19090)

23- Imam As-Sadiq (AS) said that Allah, the Exalted has said: “I shall accept the prayers ofone who: exhibits humility before My Greatness; restrains himself from his base andcarnal desires for My sake; passes his day in My remembrance; does not seek to showhis greatness over My creation; feeds the hungry ones; clothes the bare ones; acts withkindness and mercy to those in misery and trouble; provides shelter to those who arestrangers (in his city) and away from their homes.” (Wasaìlush Shià, Volume 15,Page 210)

24- Imam Al-Baqir (AS) narrates: One day the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was seated inthe mosque when a person entered and began praying, but in a manner such thatneither did he perform his Ruku (bowing), nor his Sujood (prostration) in a correctmanner. Observing this, the Messenger of Allah commented: “(This person) pecks as acrow pecks. Should he die and the state of his prayers be as they are now, he shallsurely not die upon my religion.” (Al-Mahajjatul Baidha, Volume 1, )

25- Imam As-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said: “One who desires to know whether hisprayers have been accepted or not should observe if his prayers have restrained himfrom evil and sinful acts. (If yes,) then the measure in which they have restrained himis the measure of his prayers that have been accepted.” (Biharul Anwar, Volume 82,Page 198)

26- Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "The reward of the prayer offeredby a person in congregation is twenty five times greater than that of the prayeroffered in one's house or in the market (alone). And this is because if he performsablution and does it perfectly and then proceeds to the mosque with the sole intentionof praying, then for every step he takes towards the mosque, he is upgraded onedegree in reward and his one sin is taken off (crossed out) from his accounts (ofdeeds). When he offers his prayer, the angels keep on asking Allah's Blessings and


Allah's forgiveness for him as long as he is (staying) at his Musalla. They say, 'O Allah!Bestow Your blessings upon him, be Merciful and kind to him.' And one is regarded inprayer as long as one is waiting for the prayer."

27- Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (SAW) said, "Allah will prepare for him who goesto the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer)an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) everymorning and afternoon goings.

understanding adhan-iqamah-salah

Spiritual