Islam the Glorious religion
"BismilLaa-hirRahmaa-nirRaheem"
(Allah, in the name of, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful)
"Al-Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbil 'Aalameen was Salaatu was- Salaamu 'Alaa Saieyidinaa Muhammadin wa Aalehee wa As-haabehee Ajma 'een ".
(Praise be to Allah, the Creator, Sustainer and Nourisher of all the universes and the choicest blessings and peace of Allah be upon [His Messenger] our kind master Hadrat Muhammad and upon his pious posterity and devoted companions).
FUNDAMENTALS OF ISLAMIC FAITH
SIX CARDINAL ARTICLES
1. KALIMA-E-TAIE-YIBFIRST: THE HOLY CODE
Laa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Muhammadur-Rasoolul Laah. (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).
No one is worthy of worship but Allah alone (and) (Hadrat) Muhammad is the (true) Messenger of Allah.
2. KALIMA-E-SHAHAADAT
SECOND: THE CODE OF EVIDENCE
Ash-hadu Allaa-Ilaaha Illal-Laahu Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka Lahoo wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan 'Abduhoo wa Rasooluh.
I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah alone; He is One; He has no partner and I bear witness that (Hadrat) Muhammad is His (chosen) servant and (true) Messenger.
3. KALIMA-E-TAMJEED
THIRD: THE CODE OF GLORY OF ALLAH
Subhaa-nal Laahi wal-Hamdu Lillaahi wa-Laaa Ilaaha Illal-Laahu wal-Laahu Akbar. Wa-Laa Haula wa-Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaa-hil 'Alee-yil 'Azeem.
Glory be to Allah and Allah alone deserves all praise; there is no deity but Allah alone and Allah is the Most Great; there is no power, no might but in Allah to save(us)from sins and enable (us) to do good, Who is the Most High, the Most Great.
4. KALIMA-E-TAUHEED
FOURTH: THE CODE OF ONENESS OF ALLAH
Laa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu Lahul Mulku Walahul Hamd. Yuhyee wa yomeetu wa Huwa Haie-yul Laa Yamootu Abadan Abadaa. Zul-Jalaale wal-Ikraam Bi-yade-hil Khaier. Wa Huwa ' Alaa Kulli Shaie-in Qadeer.
There is no deity but Allah alone; He is the One indeed; He has no partner; His is the Kingdom (of all the worlds) and all praise is due to Him; He gives life and causes death; And He is ever-living and death will never come to Him; He is the Most Great and highly Glorified; in His hand is all good and He has absolute power over everything.
5. KALIMA-E-ISTIGHFAAR
FIFTH: THE CODE OF BEGGING FORGIVENESS
Astaghfi-rul Laaha Rabbi Min Kulli Zanmbin Aznabtohu 'Amadan Ao-khata-an Sirran Ao 'Alaa-ni-yatan wa Atoobu Ilaiehi Minaz-zanmbillazee 'Alamu wa Minaz-zanmbillazee Laaa 'Alamu Innaka Anta 'Allaa-mul Ghu-yubi wa Sattaa-rul 'Oyubi wa Ghaffaa-rul Zunoob. Walaa Haula walaa Quwwata Illaa Bil-Laa-hil-'Ali-yil Azeem.
I beg forgiveness of Allah, Who is my Creator and Cherisher, for each and every sin which I committed consciously or unconsciously, secretly or openly; I also seek His forgiveness for sins which I know or do not know; O' Allah! Undoubtedly, You are the best Knower of all the unseen, the best Coverer of (our) failings and the best Forgiver of (our) sins and it is only the blessing of Allah, which helps (us) to avoid sins and do good; He is indeed the Most High, the Most Great.
6. KALIMA-E-RADD-E-KUFR
SIXTH: THE CODE FOR DENIAL OF INFIDELITY
Allaa-humma Innee A'oozu-bika Min An Ushrika Bika Shaie-an wa Anaa 'Alamu Bihee wa Astaghfiroka Limaa Laaa 'Alamu Bihee Tubtu 'Anhu wa-Tabarra'-tu Minal Kufri wash-Shirki wal-Kizbi wal-Gheebati wal-Bid'ati wan-Nameemati wal-Fawaahishi heresy wal-Bohtaani wal-Ma'aasee Kullihaa wa Aslamtu wa Aqoolu Laaa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Muhammadur Rasoolul Laah. (Sallal Laahu 'Alaiehi wa-Sallam).
O' Allah! I seek refuge with You to save myself from associating any partner with You, which I know; and I beg Your forgiveness for sins which I do not know; I solemnly repent and disdainfully cast off infidelity, polytheism, lie, back-biting, (bad innovations), sneaking (tale-bearing), all shameful deeds and slanders and every sort of disobedience and I sincerely embraced Islaam and declare from the core of my heart that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone; (Hadrat) Muhammad is the (choicest) Messenger of allah. ISLAMIC FAITH IN BRIEF
"Aamantu Bil-Laahi Kamaa Huwa bi-Asmaaa-ehee wa Sifaatehee wa Qabiltu Jamee'a Ahkaamehee Iqraa-rum bil-Lisaani wa Tasdeequm bil-Qalb".
(I firmly believed in Allah as He is with all His names and attributes and I sincerely accepted all His commands confirming them with my tongue and from the bottom of my heart). ISLAMIC FAITH IN DETAIL
"Aamantu Bil-Laahi wa Malaaa-ikatehee wa Kutubehee wa Rusulihee wal-Yaumil Aakheri wal-Qadri Khaierehee wa Sharrehee Minal Laahi Ta'aalaa wal-Ba'si Ba'dal Maut".
(I believed (with all my heart) in Allah, His Angels, His (revealed) Books, His Messengers and the Day of Judgement (and) that every good and evil has been predestined by Allah and that the dead ones will be resurrected). THE GIST OF ISLAMIC BELIEFS
1. Allah is the One indeed. He has absolutely no partner. He alone is worthy of being worshipped. He is all Independent and depends on none. All the worlds and creatures are subservient to Him.
2. We believe in all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets whom Allah Almighty sent for the guidance of humanity. It is obligatory upon every believer to respect and revere all Messengers and consider them as Allah's "loved ones". Our kind lord and master Hadrat Muhammad (may the choicest blessings & peace of Allah be upon him) is the leader and highest of all the Apostles, Messengers and Prophets.
3. Allah Almighty has revealed books to some Messengers which are "Kalaam Allah"(speech of Allah). Belief in all the revealed books and in their contents is essential. Of all the revealed books, the Glorious Qur-aan which was gifted to the Beloved Prophet (Hadrat) Muhammad is the best and Allah Almighty Himself has taken up the responsibility of its protection.
4. Angels are "Noori"(ethereal, luminous) creature of Allah. They are neither male nor female. They are innocent and obedient servants of Allah. They do what Allah commands them. They subsist on worship and remembrance of Allah.
5. Genies have been created of fire. They live and die like humanbeings. There are believers, disbelievers, good and bad in them. Disbelieving and mischievous genies are called devils.
6. One day everything (angels, mountains, animals, the earth, the sky) will perish like humanbeings. There will remain nothing in existence but Allah alone. Then all things will be re-created and dead ones resurrected from their graves. All will be made to gather in a particular field that is called "Hashar" (resurrection). The Balance will be installed and doings of all will be weighed therein. Everyone will get the nemesis of his/her misdeeds and sins and reward of virtuous acts. Believers will be entered into paradise and infidels and disbelievers will be cast into Hell.
7. The Hell has a bridge over it which leads to heavens. It is called "Siraat"(straight pathway). It is thinner than a hair and sharper than a sword. All people will have to cross this "Siraat". It is the only pathway to reach heavens.
8. What had to happen in the world and what one had to do Allah Almighty wrote all that with His eternally infinite knowledge. And whatever has been decreed will certainly happen sans the slightest change. This is called "Taqdeer" (predestination). DEFINITION OF ISLAAM
Q 1: Who are you? A. We are Muslim.
Q 2: Who is called Muslim?
A. The follower of Islamic faith is called Muslim.
Q 3: On which principles does Islaam base?
A. Islamic faith is based on five cardinal principles:
a. To bear witness that there is no true deity save Allah and that Hadrat Muhammad (may the choicest blessings & peace of Allah be upon him) is His chosen servant and true Messenger.
b. To establish prayer five times a day.
c. To pay "Zakaat" (poor due).
d. To perform Hajj.
e. To observe fasts during the holy month of
Ramadaan.
Q 4: What is Kalimah of Islaam (Islaamic declaration)?
A. "Laa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Muhammadur Rasoolul Laah". (None is worthy of worship but Allah alone. [Hadrat] Muhammad is Allah's [choicest] Messenger). Q 1: What is Islamic faith?
A. Islamic faith is to firmly believe that the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad (may the choicest blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) is true and his every word and deed is also true. Whoever believes so is a Muslim.
Q 2: Can one be Muslim who recites Kalimah without understanding its meaning?
A. He will be considered a Muslim who believes that Islaam is the true religion and expresses his intention of embracing Islaam with his tongue reciting Kalimah if there is none to make him understand the meaning of Kalimah or he does not understand due to any handicap.
Q 3: What about those who do not believe in Islaam?
A. Such people are called "infidels".
Q 4: Who is called "Murtad" (renegade)?
A. Apostate or renegade is that wretched one who has embraced Islaam but even then speaks blasphemous words against Islaam and is adamant not to renounce his blasphemy.
Q 5: Who are hypocrites?
A. Hypocrites are those who have embraced Islaam and claim to be Muslim but deny Islaam at heart.
Q 6: Which people are called "Mushrik"(polytheists)?
A. Those wretched ones who worship different objects excepting Allah or consider someone or something as partner in Allah's infinite kingdom and eternal power.
Q 7: Which nations are "Mushrik"in the world?
A. Like Hindus who worship idols and consider them partner in Allah's infinite Kingdom and eternal power, Christians, Jews, Parsi etc: who believe either in duality of God or in trinity. All such people are "Mushrik".
Q 8: Are there "Mushrik"(polytheists) in Muslims?
A. God forbid! How can a Muslim be "Mushrik", for, he firmly believes in Oneness of true God i.e. Allah. Contrary to this, Mushrik considers one or the other humanbeing or thing as partner of Allah. No Mushrik can be called Muslim and no Muslim can be described as Mushrik.
Q 9: What about those people who term Muslims as "Mushrik"?
A. Some misguided and disgruntled groups of people have surfaced who call Muslims "polytheists" and "heretics" on one pretext or the other. The Muslims must avoid and disassociate themselves from such misguided elements to save their Islamic faith.
Q 10: Can we call a "Kaafir"(infidel) as infidel or not?
A. A Muslim should be called Muslim and an infidel as infidel. There is no rhyme or reason in forbidding one to call infidel as "Kaafir". Allah Almighty Himself calls infidels as "Kaafir" i.e. "Qul Yaaa Aieyu-hal Kaaferoon" (Say you [Muhammad] O' infidels!). OF PARADISE
Q 1: What is paradise?
A. Paradise is an abode of endless bliss which Allah Almighty has created for the believers. It is comprised of one hundred classes and the distance between two classes is like that of the distance between the earth and heavens. Each heaven is so vast and spacious that there will remain enough room if the whole world with all its contents is placed therein.
Q 2: What is in paradise?
A. Allah Almighty has created such paraphernalia of physical and spiritual bliss and felicity in it that is unseen, unheard, un-imagined and undreamt of. Even an emperor and king can not enjoy such pleasures and facilities which will be available to the inmates of the lowest class of the paradise.
Q 3: Which will be the greatest blessing in paradise?
A. The greatest favour with which the believers will be graced in heavens is the "vision(sight) of Allah". All divine boons, bounties and favours will be eclipsed by Allah's vision. Once believers had it they would get absorbed in its exquisite ecstasy for ever.
Q 4: How many believers will be entered into heavens?
A. The Holy Prophet said that of my bondslaves, seventy thousands would be admitted into heavens without any "reckoning". Everyone of them would take a group of seventy thousand believers with him into paradise. Allah Almighty would yet grace them and three more multitudes of believers would accompany them. The exact number of believers who will be entered into heavens is known to Allah or His Choicest Prophet whom Allah Almighty has endowed with such knowledge. OF HELL
Q1: What is hell?
A. Allah Almighty has created a dreadful place for the chastisement and punishment of infidels, disbelievers and sinners which is called "Jahannam" (hell). It has seventy thousand dangerous and horrendous valleys with each valley having seventy thousand similar horrid dells and pits. These valleys, dells and pits are infested with innumerable frightful scorpions, serpents and dragons.
Q 2: What is in hell?
A. There are varied torments in hell. It is dreadful even to think of the torments therein. In sum, it has the torments of fire, chilling cold, snakes, scorpions, poisonous animals etc. The flames of its fire rage high unabatedly and overtake the infidels with violent force. The fuel of hell is humanbeings and stones.
Q 3: How will a sinful believer be absolved?
A. A believer will ultimately be absolved irrespective of his myriad sins and admitted into paradise either by the blessing of Allah Almighty or the intercession of His Darling Elect Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings and peace be upon him) or having served his term of punishment in hell. Paradise is the last and ultimate abode of believers wherein they will live eternally.
Q 4: Is there any absolution for infidels or not?
A. The major sins of infidelity and polytheism will never be absolved. Infidels and polytheists will live eternally in hell and face different sorts of torments. They will also be locked in boxes of fire which will be encased in other fire boxes. Every infidel and polytheist will think that it is the last chastisement but they will get no relief and keep suffering torments upon torments. IMPECCABLE LIFE OF ALLAH'S BELOVED PROPHET
Q 1: Which Prophet's community (Ummah) do you belong to?
A. We belong to the Ummah (community) of Allah's Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him).
Q 2: Briefly explain about the Holy Prophet?
A. Our kind lord and master Hadrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) was born in Makkah city of Arabia. His father Hadrat Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) had passed away before his birth. His mother Hadrat Beebee Aminah (may Allah be pleased with her) also died when the Prophet was yet of six years. Thus the responsibility of his upbringing automatically devolved upon his paternal grand father Hadrat Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him). But he also expired when the Prophet attained to the age of 8 years, 2 months and 10 days. Hadrat Haleema nursed and breast fed the Holy Prophet during his early infancy.
Q 3: At what age did Allah Almighty make him Prophet?
A. Though the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) formally received Prophet hood and first
revelation at the age of forty but, in fact, he was the "first" in all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets as he himself said that "first of all Allah Almighty created my Noor (light)".
Q 4: How did the Holy Prophet preach and promote Islaam?
A. At the outset the Holy Prophet preached Islaam to his close relatives and acquaintances as the ignorance and barbarism reigned supreme in Arabia and the concept of One God, as the Creator, Sustainer and Nourisher was alien to their nature and to their soil. The Muslims worshipped Allah secretly. Even father was afraid of his son and vice versa due to having embraced Islaam. Gradually, the number of male and female converts to Islamic faith swelled and then Allah Almighty commanded the Holy Prophet to preach Islaam openly. He did so and Islaam rapidly spread in whole of Makkah city and even in the adjoining areas.
Q 5: Who was the first to embrace Islaam?
A. Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first in men to embrace Islaam, Hadrat Khudaija-tul-Kubra (may Allah be pleased with her) was first in women, Hadrat 'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) was in teenagers and in slaves Hadrat Zaid bin Harisah (may Allah be pleased with him),was first who embraced Islaam.
Q 6: Where did the Holy Prophet live throughout his life?
A. The Holy Prophet preached Islaam for ten years in the holy Makkah (his birth place). Since Allah Almighty wanted to make the holy Madinah, the "bastion" of Islaam so some people of Madinah during their visit to Makkah embraced Islaam and started preaching Islamic faith. Thus the first seminary of Islaam was founded in Madinah. Gradually the Muslims of Makkah migrated to Madinah and at last the Darling Elect of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) also shifted to Madinah and spent his entire remaining life there. His Roda-e-Aqdas (holy shrine) is in holy Madinah which is visited by millions of his lovers and votaries. He (apparently) passed away at the age of sixty three, but actually he is alive in his hallowed grave.
Q 7: With which especial favour the Holy Prophet was endowed in Makkah?
A. The Holy Prophet was blessed with "Me'raaj" (ascension to the heavens) a night in the waking during the fifth year after the proclamation of his Prophethood. He was taken on "Buraaq" (a white, very fast, sexless heavenly animal which stepped beyond eyeshot) by the Chief Angel Hadrat Gibreil from his sacred house to Aqsa mosque (Jerusalem) and then to the skies,heavens. He visited all the seven skies, empyrean, heavens and Haud-e-Kauser (an exclusive heavenly body of water reserved for the Holy Prophet). Hell was presented before him to see for himself the torments to be meted out to infidels and sinners. He saw each and everything. Nothing remained unseen. Even he saw Allah's Jamaal (splendidly sublime sight) and spoke with Him sans any intermediary. On this occasion, Salaat (prayer) five times a day was made obligatory on the believers. Before the night was over he came back home.
Q 8: Is there any successor to the Prophethood of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him)?
A. No, absolutely not. The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is "Khaataman Nabi-yeen" (the Last Prophet). He who believes or considers that there was or is or will be any Prophet after Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is infidel and disbeliever.
Q 9: What rank does the Holy Prophet hold among the Prophets?
A. Our kind lord and master Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is the highest and leader of all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets. He is a perfect agglomeration of all those blessed traits, impeccabilities and miracles that were individually found in the other Prophets. He is the "Darling Elect" (Beloved) of Allah which aptly vindicates that no other Apostle, Messenger, Prophet or Angel is so close to Allah as he is.
Q10: What about the belief of those people who describe the Holy Prophet mere a human being or like their elder brother?
A. He who considers the Holy Prophet mere a human being like himself or says he is like my elder brother or tries to denigrate him in one way or the other is apostate and disbeliever. It has been explained at places in the Holy Qur-aan that nations in the past slided into misguidance and disbelief because they considered and treated their Prophets as mere humanbeings like themselves.
Q11: What does it mean to believe in the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him)?
A. Belief in Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) means that we should have unwavering faith in his being the "Last Prophet" of Allah and no Prophet to succeed or follow him, he is the best of all mankind and the most truthful and that our salvation in this world and the world hereafter lies in obeying him. We ought to love him more than our parents, children, all mankind even our own self. In fact, our unbounded love and reverence for the Holy Prophet is "real faith" (Eimaan).
Q12: Which deeds reflect "love" for the Holy Prophet?
A. Following deeds of believers are reflective of "love" for the Holy Prophet:
- Speak high of him with due reverence.
- Invoke Allah's blessings on him profusely (recite Durood Shareef in as many numbers as possible).
- Be attentive and respectful when his sublime life is explained before you and recite Durood Shareef hearing his blessed name. Do not forget to add "Sallal Laahu 'Alaiehi wa Sallam" to his name if you write anywhere.
- Have love for his posterity, companions and those who love the Holy Prophet.
- Harbour enmity towards his enemies.
- Say such words while talking about him that befit his dignity and greatness.
- Do not call him "Yaa Muhammad" (O' Muhammad) but as "Yaa Nabi-yal Laah (O' Prophet of Allah) and "Yaa Rasoolal Laah" (O' the Messenger of Allah).
- Follow his Sunnah heart and soul.
- Organise and attend "Eid Meelaad-un-Nabee" programs (celebrations of the Holy Prophet's birth day i.e. 12th Rabi ul Awwal) and recite Salaat-o-Salaam (invocation of Allah's blessings on him) aloud enthusiastically. OF THE HOLY QUR-AAN:
Q 1: What is Holy Qur-aan?
A. The Glorious Qur-aan is "Kalaam Allah"(Speech of Allah) which Allah has gifted to His Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) who is the best and highest of all creatures. To believe in what it contains is a part and parcel of our faith.
Q 2: How do you know that the Holy Qur-aan is "Kalaam Allah"(Speech of Allah)?
A. The Holy Qur-aan is itself a cogent proof of its being "Kalaam Allah". It declares and challenges infidels and disbelievers that "if you are in some doubt about what we have sent to Our chosen servant then bring one chapter like it". All the enemies of Islaam (particularly the eloquent and rhetoric literati and poets of Arabia) put their heads together and strove hard to bring or produce a like of it but miserably failed to produce even a verse like it what to talk of any chapter. Thus the Holy Qur-aan is an "ever-challenging" phenomenon to infidels and disbelievers till the end of time.
Q 3: What is the exclusive distinction of the Qur-aan?
A. The ever-living miracle of the Glorious Qur-aan is that the believers even their children commit it to their memory in whole. Contrary to this fact the other revealed books could not be memorised by the followers of the books excepting the Prophets to whom the said books were revealed.
Q 4: What is the total period during which the Holy Qur-aan was descended?
A. The descent period of the Holy Qur-aan is 23 years. Its verses were sent down either singly or in batches as the need arose.
Q 5: How much reward does a believer get by reciting the Glorious Qur-aan?
A. Our kind master Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) said that he who recites a letter of the Qur-aan gets one goodness which is equal to ten good deeds and stressed "I do not say that "Alif-Laaam-Meeem" is one letter but Alif is a letter, Laaam is a letter and Meeem is a letter.
Q 6: What about that believer who does not learn the Holy Qur-aan?
A. The Holy Prophet has said "the breast(of believer) which has nothing of the Qur-aan therein is like a deserted house".
Q 7: What are the due rules of reciting (reading)the Holy Qur-aan?
A. Believer should in the state of ablution (Wudu) sit at a clean place preferably in mosque facing the Qibla (Holy Ka'bah) placing the Holy Qur-aan before himself on any raised thing (small slanted desk or pillow) and begin reciting the Glorious Quraan preceded by "A'oozu bil-Laahi Minash Shaietaa-nir Rajeem" (I seek refuge with Allah from Devil, the accursed) and "Bismil-Laahir Rahmaa-nir Raheem" (Allah, in whose name I begin, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful) with all heart and humility. Show no haste but recite carefully and with serenity. Mind it! The mouth should be free from every kind of smell like onion, garlic etc.
It is sinful to touch the Holy Qur-aan without ablution. Listeners should be attentive and respectful to the recitation.
Q 8: How to dispose of an old Qur-aan which is worn out and has also lost its legibility?
A. The Holy Qur-aan which is worn out and is no more legible, should be buried, wrapping up in a piece of clean cloth, at such a place that is not trodden by humanbeings and animals. It is better to bury it in a grave-like ditch so as to save it from the earth.
Q 9: Are copies of the Holy Qur-aan with correct text available?
A. Yes, the copies of the Holy Qur-aan with correct text (without the slightest difference) are available everywhere. It is safe from being interpolated as Allah Almighty is Himself its protector.
Q 10: What is the divine wisdom in the descent of the Holy Qur-aan?
A. Allah Almighty has descended the Holy Qur-aan for the guidance of His servants to the right path so that they may know Allah and His Messenger, follow their commands and abstain from evils. EXCELLENCE OF SALAAT(PRAYER).
Q 1: What is Salaat(prayer)?
A. Worship of Allah by the Muslims in a specified way (five times a day) is called "Salaat"(prayer). This method of prayer has been taught to the Muslims by Allah Almighty, His Messenger, Holy Qur-aan and Sunnah.
Q2: On whom is prayer obligatory?
A. It is "Fard"(obligatory) upon every sane and mature Muslim male and female. The denier of its obligatory nature is infidel. TIMINGS OF SALAAT(PRAYER).
Q 1: How many prayers are offered in a day (during 24 hours)?
A. Prayer is obligatory five times a day (day night:24 hours).
Q 2: What are the names of prayers?
A. 1. Salaat-ul-Fajr (early morning prayer) 2.Salaat-ul-Zuhr (afternoon prayer) 3.Salaat-ul-Asr (late afternoon prayer) 4.Salaat-ul-Maghrib (evening prayer) 5.Salaat-ul-'Ishaa (night prayer).
Q 3: What is the appointed time of each prayer?
A. The appointed time of Fajr begins at dawn and ends at the sun-rise, Zuhr time begins when the sun has passed meridian and lasts till the shadow of everything doubles excepting the real shadow, Asr time begins at where the Zuhr time ends and lasts till (before) sun-set, Maghrib time begins after the sun has set and lasts till the disappearance of evening twilight (Maghrib time lasts for at most 11/2 hours after Maghrib's Azaan) and 'Ishaa time begins after the evening twilight has vanished and lasts till (before) the dawn of Fajr.
Q3: Is prayer obligatory on children?
A. It is not obligatory upon minors. However, at the age of seven they should be taught how to offer prayer and when they are grown-up of 10, influence even force them if they do not offer.
Q 4: Please explain some excellences of prayer?
A. The Beloved Prophet of Allah (Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa, may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) has said: when a Muslim stands up to offer prayer his sins fall down as leaves of a tree wither down during autumn. In another tradition it is reported that when a Muslim stands up to offer prayer, the gates of Paradise are opened up for him. Prayer is key to heavens. Prayer is the pillar of Islaam, whoever offers/establishes it, strengthens Islaam if abandons it he demolishes the fortress of Islaam.
The Holy Qur-aan says: surely prayer keeps one away from shameful and forbidden acts. In sum, the believer who is steadfast in offering/establishing prayer is dear to Allah and His Messenger and his livelihood, life and "Eimaan" are blessed by the grace of prayer.
Q 5: What about that believer who does not offer prayer?
A. The Holy Prophet said that the name of Muslim who deliberately abandons prayer is written on the gate of Hell. Allah and His Prophet are fed up with him. The believer who is not steadfast in prayer will be raised with Pharaoh on the Doomsday.
Q 6: Which punishment should be meted out to the believer who does not offer prayer?
A. Excommunicate him. He may improve himself by the fear of excommunication and become steadfast in offering prayer.
Q 7: What is the maturity age?
A. The boys and girls who have attained the age of 15 are considered mature in Islaam. Prayer and fasts become obligatory upon them and all Islamic rules and regulations apply to them. RAK'AHS(PARTS) OF PRAYER:
Q 1: How many Rak'ahs(parts) are Fard(obligatory) in prayers five times a day?
A. 17 Rak'ahs are obligatory i.e. Fajr=2, Zuhr=4, Asr=4, Maghrib=3 and 'Ishaa=4.
Q 2: How many Rak'ahs are Sunnat-e-Muakkadah (emphasised Sunnah) in all the five time prayers?
A. 12 Rak'ahs are Sunnat-e-Muakkadah i.e. Fajr=2 (pre-Fard), Zuhr=6 (4 pre-Fard & 2 post-Fard), Maghrib=2 (post Fard) and Isha=2 (post Fard).
Q 3: How many Rak'ahs are Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkada (non-emphasised Sunnah) or Nafil (optional, voluntary prayer) in all the five time prayers?
A. Following are Sunnat-e-Ghair-Muakkadah and Nafil in all the five time prayers: 2 Nafil after Zuhr, 4 or 2 Rakahs Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah before Asr, 2 Nafil after Maghrib and 2 or 4 Rakahs Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah before Isha's Fard, 2 Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah after Isha's Fard followed by 2 Nafil, 3 Witr (essential prayer) and 2 Nafil. No particular number of Nafil prayers has been reported.
Q 4: How many Rak'ahs are offered in all the five time prayers?
A. Total 48 Rak'ahs are offered in all the five time prayers i.e. Fajr:4 Rak'ahs (2 Sunnat & 2 Fard), Zuhr: 12 Rak'ahs (4 Sunnat, 4 Fard, 2 Sunnat & 2 Nafil), Asr:8 Rak'ahs (4 Sunnat-e-Ghair-Muakkadah & 4 Fard), Maghrib:7 Rak'ahs (3 Fard, 2 Sunnat & 2 Nafil) and Isha:17 Rak'ahs (4 Sunnat Ghair Muakkada, 4 Fard, 2 Sunnat, 2 Nafil, 3 Witr & 2 Nafil).
Q 5: Is Witr prayer Fard or Sunnat?
A. Three Rak'ahs of Witr are neither Fard nor Sunnah but are Waajib (essential) which are offered with Isha prayer. OF AZAAN (CALL TO PRAYER)
Q 1: What is Azaan?
A. A particular proclamation to call Muslims to mosque for offering prayer is called Azaan.
Q 2: Are there some specified words of Azzan?
A. Yes, there are specified words of Azaan i.e.
Al-Laahu Akbar. Al-Laahu Akbar.
Al-Laahu Akbar. Al-Laahu Akbar.
Ash-hadu Allaaa Ilaaha Illal Laah.
Ash-hadu Allaaa Ilaaha Illal Laah.
Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolul Laah.
Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolul Laah.
Haiey-ya 'Alas-Salaah.
Haiey-ya 'Alas-Salaah.
Haiey-ya 'Alal Falaah.
Haiey-ya 'Alal Falaah.
Al-Laahu Akbar.
Al-Laahu Akbar.
Laa Ilaaha Illal Laah.
Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. I bear witness that there is no god save Allah. I bear witness that there is no god save Allah. I bear witness that (Hadrat) Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. I bear witness that (Hadrat) Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Come to offer prayer. Come to offer prayer. Come to gain salvation. Come to gain salvation. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship excepting Allah.
Q 3: Are the same words repeated in every Azaan?
A. Yes, in every Azaan the same words are proclaimed except for Fajr Azaan in which these words "Assalaatu Khaierum Minan Naum" (prayer is better than sleep) are uttered twice after "Haie-ya 'Alal Falaah".
Q 4: How should one make Azaan?
A. Believer who intends to make Azaan (call to prayer) should stand, in the state of ablution, on a high or elevated place outside the precinct of mosque facing the Qibla with his index fingers in his ears and loudly utter the words of Azaan at ease. While saying "Haie-ya ' Alas-Salaah" turn his face towards the right side and while saying "Haie-ya 'Alal-Falaa" turn the face towards the left.
Q 5: What is he called who proclaims Azaan?
A. He who makes Azaan is called Mu'azzin.
Q 6: What should one do on hearing Azaan?
A. Hearing Azaan, one should abandon every work even recitation of the Holy Qur-aan, if reciting at the moment. He should listen to it attentively and respond to. Remaining busy in talks ignoring Azaan may cause one to meet bad end (death).
Q 7: What should one say in response to Azaan?
A. Believer should repeat the words of Mu'azzin but in response to "Haie-ya 'Alas-Salaah" and "Haie-ya 'Alal-Falaa" he should say "Laa Haula wa-Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaah" (there is no might and power but in Allah who helps (us) avoid sins and do good).
Q 8: What should a believer do on hearing the blessed name of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) in Azaan?
A. Believer must invoke Allah's blessings (recite Durood Sharif) on him when Mu'azzin utters "Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolul Laah" and better to say "Qurratu 'Aienee Beka Yaa Rasoolal Laah. Alla-humma Matte'nee Bissam'i wal-Basar"(O' the Messenger of Allah! you are the delight of my eyes. 0' Allah! bless my hearing and sight faculties) while kissing his thumbs and then touching them with his eyes.
Q 9: What should be recited on hearing "As-Salaatu Khaierum Minan Naum" (prayer is better than sleep)?
A. Say "Sadaqta wa-Bararta wa-Bil-haqi Nataqt" (You have spoken the truth and done a good deed).
Q 10: Which Du'aa (supplication) is made after Azaan?
A. Recite Durood Sharif(invoke Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet) followed by this Du'aa:
Allaa-humma Rabba Haazihid-Da'watit-Taaammati was-Salaatil Qaa-imati Aati Saiey-yidinaa Muhammada nil-Waseelata wal-Fadeelata wad-Darajatar Rafee'ata wab-As-hu Maqaamam Mahmooda nil-Lazee wa'Attahu waj'alnaa Shafaa'atehee Yaumal Qi-yaamah. Innaka Laa Tukhliful-Mee'aad.
O' Allah! The Sovereign Lord of the ever-establishing prayer and of this perfect call, grant our leader Hadrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) "Al-Waseelah" (the loftiest position of
intercession) and "Al-Fadeela" (the singular Fee excellence), and the highest rank and elevate him to "Maqaam-e-Mahmood" (an exclusively praise-worthy primacy reserved only for the Holy Prophet) and bless us with his intercession on the Doomsday. Undoubtedly, You do not do anything against Your promise. OF IQAAMAH
Q 1: What is Iqaamah?
A. Making call for the commencement of prayer in which the words of Azaan are repeated causing the believers to stand in rows behind the Imaam, is called Iqaamah or Takbeer.
Q 2: What is the difference between Azaan and Iqaamah?
A. The difference between Azaan and Iqaamah is that while making Azaan one stands on a high or a elevated place outside the precinct of mosque and puts his index fingers into the ears while Iqaamah is made in mosque in the first row behind (right-side or left-side of) the Imaam without putting forefingers into the ears. Besides, in Iqaamah "Qad Qaamatis Salaah, Qad Qaamatis Salaah" (prayer is ready to stand/establish, prayer is ready to stand/ establish) is recited after "Haie-ya 'Alal Falaah".
Q 3: How to respond to Iqaamah?
A. Iqaamah should be responded like that of Azaan. However in response to "Qad Qaamatis Salaah" these words should be uttered: "Aqaamahal Laahu Ta'aalaa wa Adaamahaa Maadaamatis-Samaawaatu wal-Ard" (O' Allah keep it intact for ever till the sky and earth are in existence).
Q 4: Should Iqaamah (Takbeer) be listened-to in sitting posture or standing position?
A. Imaam and Muqtadi should stand hearing "Haie-ya 'Alal Falaah". It is an undesirable act to listen to Iqaamah standing.
Q 5: What is he called who makes Iqaamah?
A. He who utters Iqaamah is called "Mukabbir".
Q 6: Who should call Iqaamah?
A. The first right of uttering Iqaamah is of Mu'azzin who has made Azaan. However, any other person can also make Iqaamah with his permission or in his absence. OF "WUDU" (ABLUTION)
Q 1: What is "Wudu" (ablution)?
A. To wash the face from the forelock down to the lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other, to wash hands up to the elbows and the feet up to ankles and passing wet fingers of both the hands over the head is called "Wudu" (ablution). It is forbidden to offer prayer without ablution.
Q 2: What is the method of performing Wudu?
A. Sit at a clean elevated place facing the Qibla to perform ablution and then recite "Bismil Laa-hir Rahmaa-nir Raheem" (Allah, in the name of, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful) with the intention of gaining reward and carrying out the command of Allah Almighty; wash both hands up to the wrists and then apply "Miswaak" (soft tooth stick) to the teeth, if available, otherwise rub the teeth with the forefinger; rinse the mouth thoroughly thrice and also gargle if not observing fast; sniff up water into the nostrils with the right hand three times ensuring that the water reaches the soft spot of the nose and wash the nose with the left hand; wash the face well thrice in such a way that no spot from the forelock down to the lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other remains dry (the water should flow on each spot of the face); wash both the hands (first right hand and then the left) up to, inclusive of, the elbows three times (no spot even nails should remain dry); do "Masah" of the head, ears and neck with wet hands only once and then wash the feet (first the right foot and then the left) inclusive of the ankles thrice.
Q3: How to do Masah?
A. Having the hands wet with fresh water join three fingers (excluding the forefingers and thumbs) of both the hands and pass them over the head from the forelock up to the nape of the neck and then bring them back similarly to the forehead; (the palms should not touch the head); wipe the inner sides of the ears with the tips of forefingers and wipe the outsides of the ears with the insides of the thumbs and the neck be wiped with the back of the fingers. It is undesirable to do Masah of the throat.
Q 4: What should be recited after Wudu?
A. Having performed Wudu recite: "Allaa-hummaj 'Alnee Minat-tawwaabeena waj'alnee Minal Mutatah-hareen"(O' Allah! make me of those who have repented and make me of those who have been purified by You).
Drink a little of the rest of ablution's water (standing upright). Recite Kalimah-e-Shahaadat raising index finger towards and looking to the sky and also recite Surah Al-Qadr which will earn the believer a great reward. WORDS OF SALAAT (PRAYER)
SANAA
Subhaana Kal-Laahumma wa Bi-Hamdika wa Tabaarakasmuka wa Ta'aalaa Jadduka Walaaa Ilaaha Ghaie-ruk.
O'Allah! All glory is due to You, I praise You, Your name is the Most Blessed, Your Majesty is highly exalted and there is none worthy of worship You.
TA'AWUZ
A'oozu Billaahi Minash Shaietaa-nir Rajeem.
I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil.
TASMIYAH
Bismil Laahir Rahmaa-nir Raheem.
Allah, in whose name I begin, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful.
SURAH FAATEHA
Al-Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbil 'Alaameen. Ar-Rahmaanir Raheem. Maaleke Yaumid-deen. Ei-yaaka Na'budu wa Ei-yaaka Nasta'een. Ihdenas Siraatal Mustaqeema Siraatal Lazeena An'amta 'Alaie-him Ghaieril Maghdoobi 'Alaie-him Walad Daaaleeen.
All praise is due to Allah, the Sovereign Lord of all the universes. The Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful. The Owner of the Day of Retribution. O' Allah! You alone do we worship and You alone do we beseech for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those whom You have Favoured. Not of those who earned Your wrath and nor of those who went astray.
SURAH IKHLAAS
Qul Huwal-Laahu Ahad. Allaa-hus Samad Lam Yalid Walam Yoolad Walam Yakul Lahoo Kufuwan Ahad.
Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is All Independent. Neither He begot anyone nor He was begotten. And none is equal to Him in any way.
TASMEE
Sami 'Allaahu Liman Hamidah.
Allah listens to him who praises Him.
TAHMEED
Rabbanaa Lakal-Hamd.
O' our Sustainer! All praise is due to You alone.
TASHAH-HUD
Atta-hee-yaatu Lillaahi was-Salawaatu wat-Taie-yi-baat. As-Salaamu 'Alaieka Aie-yu-han Nabeeyu wa Rahmatul Laahi wa Barakaatu. As-Salaamu 'Alaie-naa wa 'Alaa 'Ibaadil Laahis-Saaleheen. Ash-hadu Allaa Ilaaha Illal Laahu wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan 'Abduhu wa Rasoolu.
O' Allah! You alone deserve all veneration, worship and glory. O'Prophet! Peace be on you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and on virtuous servants of Allah. I bear witness that none is worthy of worship save Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His chosen servant and His Messenger.
DUROOD-E-IBRAAHEEMI
Allaa-humma Salle 'Alaa Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin Kamaa Salaieta 'Alaa Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema Innaka Hamee-dum Majeed. Allaa-humma Baarik 'Alaa Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin Kamaa Baarakta 'Alaaa Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema Innaka Hamee-dum Majeed.
O' Allah! Send blessings on our master (Hadrat) Muhammad (peace be upon him) as You did send on our master (Hadrat) Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and the progeny of Ibraaheem(peace be upon him). You are, indeed, Praised, Glorified. O1 Allah! Bless our master (Hadrat) Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the progeny of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as You did bless our master (Hadrat) Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and his progeny. Undoubtedly, You are Praised, Glorified.
DU'AA
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 oppressed my soul and undoubtedly there is no forgiver of sins but You alone. O' Allah! Forgive me and have mercy on me. Undoubtedly, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Or this one:
Allaa-humma Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fid-Dunyaa Hasanah, wa Fil-Aakhirate Hasanah, wa Qinaa 'Azaaban-Naar.
O' Allah! Our Sovereign Lord, grant us good in this world and the world hereafter and protect us. from the torment of hell.
DU'AA-E-QUNOOT
Allaa-humma Innaa Nasta'eenuka wa Nastaghfiruka wa Nu'minu Bika wa Natawakkalu 'Alaieka wa Nusnee 'Alaiekal Khaier. Wa Nashkuruka walaa Nakfuruka wa Nakhla'u wa Natruku Maien Yafjuruk. Allaa-humma Ei-yaaka Na'budu wa Laka Nusallee wa Nasjudu wa Ilaieka Nas'aa wa Nah-fidu wa Narjoo Rahmataka wa Nakhshaa 'Azaabaka Inna 'Azaabaka Bil-Kuffaare Mulhiq.
O' Allah! We implore You for help and beg forgiveness of You and believe in You and rely on You and extol You and we are thankful to You and are not ungrateful to You and we alienate and forsake him who disobeys You. O' Allah! You alone do we worship and for You do we pray and prostrate and we betake to please You and present ourselves for the service in Your cause and we hope for Your mercy and fear Your chastisement. Undoubtedly, Your torment is going to overtake infidels.
Q 1: What should one recite in case he has not learnt Du'aa-e-Qunoot by heart?
A. He should recite "Allaa-humma Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fid-Dunyaa Hasanah, wa Fil-Aakherate Hasanah, wa Qinaa 'Azaaban-Naar" until he commits Du'aa-e-Qunoot to his memory.
Q 2: What is "standing-upright posture after performance of Rukoo" called?
A. Standing erect after performing Rukoo is called"Qaumah".
Q 3: What is "sitting posture between two prostrations" called?
A. A pause while sitting between two prostrations is called "Jalsah".
Q 4: What is "offering prayer jointly" called?
A. Prayer offered in congregation is called "Jamaa'at". He who leads the prayer is called "Imaam" and those who follow Imaam in prayer are called "Muqtadi".
Q 5: What is he called who offers prayer by himself?
A. He who does not say prayer in Jamaa'at but offers by himself is called "Munfarid".
Q 6: How much reward does one get by saying prayer in Jamaa'at?
A. Prayer in Jamaa'at carries 27 times more reward than offering by oneself.
Q 7: Which supplications (Du'aa) should be recited while entering and stepping out of mosque?
A. When one enters into mosque should put his right foot first and then the left and recite: "Allaa-hummaf-tah Lee Abwaaba Rahmatik" (O' Allah! Open the gates of Your mercy for me), and when he steps out he should take his left foot out first and then the right and recite: "Allaa-humma Innee As-aluka Min Fadlik" (O' Allah! I beseech You for Your grace).
Q 8: What should we do in mosque?
A. Having entered into mosque say "Salaam" to those present there. Offer prayer with Jamaa'at. If there is no time of appointed prayer or you have offered prayer then busy yourself in recitation of the Holy Qur-aan, remembrance of Allah, recitation of Kalimah or Durood Shareef. Do not indulge in worldly talks as it is strictly forbidden in mosque. Do not walk,pass in front of those who are offering prayer. Do not snap fingers. MODE OF OFFERING PRAYER:
Q 1: What is the correct mode of offering prayer?
A. Having performed Wudu and put on pure and clean dress, one should stand upright at a clean place orientating himself towards the Qiblah with his feet four toes apart. He should express intention (in the heart as well as by the tongue) for whichever prayer he has to offer. He should raise his hands upto the lobes of the ears in such a way that the palms face the Qiblah and that the fingers remain in their normal condition (neither separated nor close together) and then bring them down saying "Allaah-o-Akbar" and put them below his novel. 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. Now recite "Sanaa" (Subhaana Kal-Laahumma wa Bi-Hamdeka wa Tabaarakasmuka wa Ta'aalaa Jadduka Walaaa Ilaaha Ghaie-ruk) followed by "Ta'awuz"
(A'oozu Billaahi Minash Shaietaa-nir Rajeem) and "Tasmiyah"( Bismil Laahir Rahmaa-nir Raheem) and then recite "Surah Faateha" (say Ameen at the end of it in a low pitch) followed by any Surah or three small verses. After this he should go into "Rukoo" saying "Allaah-o-Akber" i.e. bow down placing hands on the knees with the fingers well-spread thereon and grasp the knees. The back and the head should be straight in level and the eyes pinned on to the toes.
In this posture say "Subhaana Rabbi-yal Azeem" (Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most Great) at least thrice and stand erect reciting "Tasmee'"(Sami 'Allaahu Liman Hamedah) and also say "Tahmeed" (Allaa-humma Rabbanaa wa Lakal-Hamd or Rabbanaa Lakal Hamd) and then go into "Sajdah" i.e. prostrate in such a manner that first the knees should be placed on the ground then the hands and thereafter the nose and the forehead be placed firmly between both the hands. The arms should be off the sides, the belly aloof from the thighs and the thighs apart from the calves. All the toes of both the feet should be set firmly on the ground facing the Qiblah. Palms should rest on the ground with the fingers pointing towards the Qiblah. In this position say "Subhaana Rabbi-yal 'Alaa" (Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most High) three or five times. Then he should rise reciting "Takbeer" and sit in "Jalsah" i.e. raise first his head then 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 Qibla). He should put his palms on the thighs near the knees with fingers facing the Qibla. Now he should perform second "Sajdah" reciting "Takbeer" on the style of the first one. After having observed second Sajdah he should rise (stressing on his tiptoes and placing hands on the knees) and stand erect. Do not place hand(s) on the ground for support except for any disability. Now, he is in second Rak'ah. He should recite Tasmiyah, Surah Faateha followed by any other Surah and then perform Rukoo and Sujood like that of the first Rak ah and observe "Qa'adah" i.e. sit spreading the left foot under him and the right foot standing on the pattern of "Jalsah" and recite "Tashah'hud" and when he reaches the word "Laa" raise the index finger of the right hand (method:join 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 "Illal Laahu" and then let all the fingers rest straight like that of the left hand, followed by Durood Shareef and Du'aa. And then say "Salaam" i.e."As-Salaamu 'Alaiekum wa Rahmatul Laah"(peace be on you and Allah's mercy) turning his face first towards the right side and then towards the left. Now two Rak'ahs' prayer is over.
Q 1: How to offer three or four Rak'ahs prayer?
A. If one is to offer more than two Rak'ahs then he should stand up from Qa'adah after having recited Tashah'hud (Attahyaat) and offer the remaining Rak'ah(s) which he has to say. He should recite only Surah Faateha in the remaining Rak'ah(s) of Fard prayer, but in case of Sunnat, Nafil and Waajib, Surah Faateha has to be followed by any other Surah or three verses.
Q 2: What is the difference between the prayer of Imaam and Muqtadi?
A. What mode of offering prayer has been delineated in this book is meant for Imaam as well as male individual, but in Jamaa'at, Muqtadi has not to recite Surah Faateha and any other Surah or verses and even not to recite Ta'awuz and Tasmiyah. He has only to recite Sanaa and then to be quiet. While rising from Rukoo he should say "Allaa-humma Rabbanaa wa Lakal-Hamd or Rabbanaa Lakal Hamd".
Q 3: What about he who performs Sujood without firmly placing the insides of his toes on the ground?
A. Placing the inside of at least one toe of each foot firmly on the ground while performing Sajdah is Fard (obligatory) and placing the insides of three toes of each foot is Waajib(essential). Prayer is invalid if one only touches his toes with the ground or keeps them off the ground. Unfortunately most of us are not alive to such essentials of prayer.
Q 4: Which Du'aa is made after Fard prayer?
A. After Fard prayer the following Du'aa is made:
"Allaa-humma Antas-Salaamu wa-Minkas-Salaamu wa Ilaieka Yarji'us-Salaam. Tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa Ta'aa-laieta Yaa Zal-Jalaale wal-Ikraam" (O' Allah! You are Peace and peace is from You and peace turns towards You. O' our Sovereign Lord! You are the Most Blessed and the Most Sublime. O' possessor of all honour and awe). SOME GOOD SUPPLICATIONS.
1. On getting up from sleep: "Al-Hamdu Lil-Laahil Lazee Ahyaanaa Ba'da Maaa Amaatanaa wa Ilaie-hin Nushoor" (All praise is due to Allah Who has given us life [made us wake up] after death [sleep] and every one has to return to Him).
2. Before taking meal:"Bismil Laa Hir-Rahmaanir Raheem. Allaa-hummaa Baarik Lanaa Feehi wa Abdilnaa Khaieram Minh" (Allah, in whose name I begin, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful. O1 Allah! Give us blessing in it and feed us better than it.
3. After finishing meal: "Al-Hamdu Lil-Laahil Lazee At'amanaa wa Saqaanaa wa Ja'alana Minal Muslemeen" (All praise is due to Allah Who has blessed us with food and drink and made us Muslim).
4. On putting on new dress: "Al-Hamdu Lil-Laahil Lazee Kasaanee Haazaa wa Razaqaneehi Min Ghaiere Haulim Minnee wa Laa Quwwah"(All praise is due to Allah Who has clothed us and blessed us despite our helplessness).
5. On looking into mirror: "Allaa-humma Baie-yid Wajhee Yauma Tabyaddu Wujoohoon wa Taswaddu Wujooh" (O' Allah! grace my face with light on the day [Doomsday] when some faces will be full of light and some dark).
6. On applying antimony (collyrium) to eyes: "Allaa-humma Mat-ti'nee Bis-Sam'i wal Basar" (O' Allah! bless my hearing and sight faculties).
7. Repeat Kalimah Tay-yib or Kalimah Shahaadat after every prayer, it will earn you a great reward.
8. If you like or love any thing of your own or of your Muslim brother say "Tabaarakal Laahu Ahsanul Khaaleqeen. Allaa-humma Baarik Lahu Feehi wa Laa Tadurrah" (O' Allah! bless him in it so that it may not harm him), or say "May Allah bless you" it will save him from evil eye.
9. Recite this Du'aa on seeing a thing which you dislike or consider "bad omen":"Allaa-humma Laa Ya'til-Hasanaati Illaa Anta wa Laa Yadfa'us Saie-ati Illaa Anta wa Laa Haula wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Bil-Laah" (O' Allah! there is none except You Who could give us good and there is none but You Who could save us from evil and there is no might and power but in Allah).
10. Recite this Du'aa when you see one in affliction or ill: "Al-Hamdu Lil-Laahil Lazee 'Aafaanee Mimmabtalaaka Bihee wa Faddalanee 'Alaa Kaseerim Mimman Khalaqa Tafdeelaa" (All praise is due to Allah Who has saved me from the affliction which you are faced with and favoured me over many of His creatures).
