5 is 50: Fiqh of Salah by Ustadh Shakiel Humayun

September 11, 2011

Takbir: Where and How are my Hands?

- Different modern opinions:

1. Shoulder height

2. Ear height

3. Gotta touch the lobes

4. Hi-speed

5. Double Click Smooth Operator

- Why do all of these opinions exist?

Result of not trying to seek for the truth with proper proofs and evidences.

Working hard to find out what the Prophet (S) did requires effort and is a sign of

one’s Iman and love for Allah and His Messenger.

Definition of Salah:

- Literal Meanings:

1. Du’a

Surah Tawbah, Ayah 103: “Take, [O Muhammad] from their wealth a charity

by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s

blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them.

And Allah is all-Hearing and all-Knowing.”

2. Mercy, forgiveness, and blessings

Surah Ahzab, Ayah 56: “Indeed, Allah confers blessings upon the Prophet,

and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to

confer] blessings upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.”

- Terminological Meaning:

Worship to Allah that includes specific statements and actions which begin with

the Takbir and end with the Taslim.

Ruling (Hukum) of Salah

- Fard-ul-‘Ayn: An obligation on every single individual except the insane and the child that

hasn’t reached puberty.

- The Rasul (S) said, “The pen is lifted upon three: the one sleeping till he awakens, the

child until he reaches puberty, and the insane until he regains sanity.”

Abandoning Salah

- Two opinions:

1. It’s Major Kufr

2. It’s Minor Kufr

- Conclusion: Abandoning Salah is Major Kufr

The Rasul (S) said, “Between a person and ash-Shirk and Al-Kufr is the

abandonment of Salah.”

Principle: When “Kufr” is mentioned in the definite form (with an Alif and

Laam), then it means Major Kufr.

The Prophet (S) said, “The covenant between us and them is the Salah; whoever

abandons it has certainly committed Kufr.”

He (S) also said, “Whoever safeguards and maintains it, then it will be a light,

proof, and salvation on the Day of Judgment. Whoever does not safeguard or

maintain it, then it will not be for him a light, proof or salvation, and on the Day of

Judgment, he will be with Qaarun, Fir’awn, Haamaan, and Ubay ibn Khalaf.”

A person will only abandon his Salah because of:

1. Wealth – Like Qaarun

2. Power – Like Fir’awn

3. Work/Job – Like Haamaan (minister of Fir’awn)

4. Business – Like Ubay ibn Khalaf (used to mock the Rasul (S) and

would cheat the people in money matters)

September 18, 2011

- Pillars are a part of the prayer and the conditions are the prerequisites for the prayer.

Conditions for Salah:

1. Purification

2. Face the Qiblah

- Surah Baqarah, Ayah 144: “So turn your face towards al-Masjid al-Haram, And wherever you

[believers] are, turn your faces towards it [in prayer].”

- What’s the Direction?

The Rasul (S) said, “The Qiblah is between the East and the West.”

Using the Hadith and our geographic location, the Qiblah is between the north

and south; therefore, we would face the eastern direction for Salah.

- Exceptions to Direction:

1. The Fear Prayer (Salatul-Khawf)

Surah Baqarah, Ayah 239: “And if you fear [an enemy, then pray] on foot or

riding. But when you are secure, then remember Allah [in prayer], as He has

taught you that which you did not [previously] know.”

Abdullah ibn Umar (R) said, “Facing the Qiblah or not.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (R): “Once the Prophet (S) led the fear prayer and

the people stood behind him. He said Takbir and the people said the same.

He bowed and some of them bowed. Then he prostrated and they also

prostrated. Then he stood for the second Rakah and those who had prayed

the first Rakah left and guarded their brothers. The second party joined him

and performed bowing and prostration with him. All the people were in

prayer but they were guarding one another during the prayer.”

Hadith shows the importance of praying in one Jama’ah.

2. The Rider Praying the Optional Prayers

Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to pray on his camel

while coming from Makkah to Madinah, in whatever direction his face

had turned; and it was in this context that this verse was revealed: “And to

Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the

Face of Allah (Surah Baqarah, Ayah 115).”

3. The Sick or Unable

Surah Baqarah, Ayah 286: “Allah does not charge a soul except [with that

within] its capacity.”

- Praying while not Facing the Qiblah:

Facing the Qiblah is a condition for Salah.

If one tried finding the Qiblah and prayed, but then later found out that the

direction was incorrect, he does not have to repeat the prayer.

September 25, 2011

Conditions for Salah (continued)

3. Time of Prayer:

● Each Salah is performed at a specific time. E.g. one can’t pray Dhuhr when it’s Fajr.

● Surah Nisa, Ayah 103: “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of

specified times.”

● A true Mu’min is concerned about the times of Salah.

● *A Muslim is one who says the Shahadah, has the minimum Iman, and prays

Salah, while a Mu’min is one that does what a Muslim does and he fulfills ALL

his obligations, and a Muhsin is one who perfects everything about his Islam.

Hadith of the Rasul (S) Concerning the Time of Salah:

“Jibreel led in prayer at the House (Ka’bah). He prayed Dhuhr with me when the sun

declined the length of a shoelace, and he prayed Asr with me when the shadow of an

object equals its length, and he prayed with me Maghrib when a person breaks his fast,

and he prayed Isha with me when food and drink is prohibited upon the fasting person.

“When the next day came, he prayed with me Dhuhr when the shadow of an object

equals its length, and prayed Asr with me when the shadow of an object equals twice its

length, and prayed Maghrib with me when a person breaks his fast, and prayed Isha with

me when a third of the night passed, and prayed Fajr with me in the light.”

● The first portion of the Hadith tells when the Salah starts, and the second part of

the Hadith tells when the Salah ends.

● *The Hadith shows us the methodology of learning & gaining knowledge: it is

impossible to gain knowledge all at once.

● The Rasul (S) also said:

● “The time of ‘Asr is as long as the sun doesn’t turn yellow.”

● “Whoever catches one Rakat of the Asr prayer before the sun sets, then he has

caught the prayer.”

● “The time of Isha is until midnight.”

● Using Calculations, Such as Prayer Times and Moon Sightings

● Principle of Fiqh: “The ruling follows the reason in existence and absence.” - So if the

reason exists, then the ruling exists. E.g. If the sun sets, then Maghrib is an

obligation.

● Praying Early:

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R) said, “I asked the Rasul (S): ‘Which action is more

beloved to Allah?’ He (S) said, ‘The Salah upon its beginning time.’”

o Highly recommended to pray Salah early.

Narrated by Abu Barza al-Aslami: “Allah’s Messenger (S) used to offer the ‘Asr

prayer and after the prayer, one of us would return to his house at the furthest

end of Al-Madinah and arrive while the sun was still hot and bright. And he

(S) loved to delay the ‘Isha prayer, and he disliked sleeping before it and

conversation after it. After the Fajr prayer, he used to leave when the people

could hardly recognize one another and he used to recite between 60 to 100

verses of the Quran in the Fajr prayer.”

● Delaying Prayers: (it’s not okay to purposely delay your Salah when you are able to pray

right when it comes it).

Exceptions:

1. Dhuhr – Allah’s Messenger (S) said, “When it is hot, delay the (Dhuhr)

prayer till it cools down, for the intensity of heat is from the exhalation of

the Hell-Fire.”

2. Isha – Narrated by Aisha (R), “The Prophet (S) delayed the Isha prayer one

night till a great part of the night passed; then he went out and offered the

prayer and said, ‘This is the proper time for it were it not that I would

impose a burden on my followers.”

● Making up Missed Prayers

1. Due to forgetfulness or sleep:

The Rasul (S) said, “If one oversleeps a prayer or forgets it, then let him pray

when he remembers.”

What if he wakes up during a prohibited time? Then, he should pray the Salah

right away because it is Fard on him no matter what.

2. If it is intentional and the time has run out, there is no Qadaa for it.

Qadaa requires a reason.

● Praying in Sequence

1. Prayers are to be prayed in sequence.

2. If one misses a Salah and then the current Salah’s time is running out, then he/she

should pray the current Salah first.

Principle: The condition of praying on time always supersedes other conditions.

When in battle: While it is possible to pray later, it’s allowed to

compromise the direction of the Qiblah just to get the prayer done in time.

October 2, 2011

Conditions for Salah (continued)

3. Time of Prayer (continued)

Asr Salah:

Preference Time: When the shadow of an object is double its length

Permissible Time: The sun becomes yellow.

Time out of Necessity to Pray: Until the sun sets.

Isha Salah:

End Time: Half of the night

4. Clothing/Adornment in Prayer

Surah Araaf, Ayah 103: “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every Masjid.”

Ibn Abbas says that this Ayah refers to clothing in Salah.

Covering is from Islam

Uncovering is from Shaytaan

E.g. making Tawaf naked

E.g. Surah Araaf, Ayah 22: “And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts

became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from

the leaves of Paradise.”

‘Awrah

Literal Definition: Deficiency, something that is highly disliked.

Legal Definition: What is prohibited to uncover of the body.

Types of ‘Awrah

‘Awrah in Public

‘Awrah in Salah

1. For women: The Rasul (S) said, “Allah does not accept the Salah of a woman

who reached the age of menstruating except in a Khimar.”

Terminologies:

i. Khimar (head covering) – Surah Nur, Ayah 31: “…And not expose their

adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap

[a portion of] their headcovers over their chest except to their

husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their

husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons,

their women, that which their right hand possesses…”

ii. Jilbaab (garment over the clothes) – Surah Ahzab, Ayah 59: “O

Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the

believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer

garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be

abused. And ever is Allah all-Forgiving and all-Merciful.”

iii. Hijab (veil, partition) - Surah Ahzab, Ayah 53: “But Allah is not shy

of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them

from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their

hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the

Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him. Indeed, that

would be, in the sight of Allah, an enormity.”

*This Ayah specifically refers to the wives of the Prophet (S),

but it is also applicable to the believing women.

iv. Niqaab (what covers the face)

Umm Salamah reported that the Rasul (S) said the garment should “cover

the two feet.”

2. For men:

o The Rasul (S) said, “Do not look towards what is below the navel and

above the knee.”

o The Prophet (S) said, “No one of you should pray in a single garment

with nothing on his shoulders.”

o Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari: We asked Jabir ibn Abdullah about

praying in a single garment, and he said, “I went out with the Prophet

(S) on one of his journeys and I came at night for some purpose, and I

found him praying and I was wearing a single garment. I wrapped myself

in it and prayed beside him. When he had finished, he said, ‘What is this

walking at night O Jabir?’ I told him of my need and when I had

finished, he said, ‘What is this wrapping that I see?’ I said, ‘It is too

small.’ He said, ‘If it is large enough, wrap it around the body, and if

it is too small, tie it around your waist.’”

Exposing ‘Awrah in Salah

1. If it is a large amount showing for a long period of time, then the Salah is

invalidated.

2. If it is out of ignorance, then one doesn’t have to repeat the Salah.

October 9, 2011

Conditions for Salah (continued)

5. Purification:

● Removal of Impurities in: clothes, body, place of prayer

● Removal of State of Impurity:

● Major Impurity - requires Ghusl

● Minor Impurity - requires Wudu

6. Intention (Niyyah) - A determination/decision to make Salah in order to become closer to Allah

1. ‘Aqidah Perspective: Ikhlas (only for Allah)

2. Fiqh Perspective: Distinction

● Differs and distinguishes your actions. E.g. Four Rakat for Dhuhr vs. Four Rakat for

‘Asr

● Place of the Intention

● In the Heart - there is no Hadith or Mawquf statement that proves the Rasul (S)

and the Sahabahs would verbalize their intention. The intention is the heart, so

there is no need to verbalize it.

● During Hajj and Umrah: said aloud. It isn’t an intention; it’s a representation.

*Qiyas (analogies) are only used in times of necessity, when there is no Daleel.

● Time of Intention: before Salah by some time permissible, but is required right before the

Takbiratul-Ihram.

● Breaking the Intention During Salah - Ruling: Breaking the Intention is Prohibited. Surah

Muhammad, Ayah 33: “O you who have believed! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do

not invalidate your deeds.” (*Before this Ayah was revealed, the Sahabahs were allowed to

speak, laugh, etc. during Salah).

● Exceptions:

1. Legal Reason: relieving the call of nature, etc.

2. Perceptual Reason: fear for oneself due to fire, etc.

● If one is certain about breaking the Salah, then it is invalidated; if one hesitates

but does not break the Salah, then it is valid (*Principle: Certainty is not

overruled by doubt).

● Changing the Intention During Salah

● Changing a Fard to another Fard: Not permissible. E.g. Praying 4 Rakat ‘Asr, but

one remembers that he didn’t pray Dhuhr and wants to change it to Dhuhr.

Reason: The distinction of the Salah has to be in the beginning.

● Changing a Nafl to a Fard: Not permissible. E.g. Praying 2 Rakat Sunnah and one

wants to change it to 2 Rakat Fard for Fajr because time is running out. Reason:

The distinction of the Salah has to be in the beginning.

● Changing a Fard to a Nafl: Permissible. E.g. Praying 4 Rakat Dhuhr and wants to

change it to a Nafl prayer because he wants to catch the Jama’ah. Reason: Nafl

Salah does not require the intention from the beginning.

● A person in Salah can either be:

1. The Imam

2. A Follower

3. Praying Single

● Changing from an Imam to a follower: Permissible. (The Imam steps

back to be a follower and someone else becomes the Imam). E.g. The

Rasul (S) was planning to go on a journey and he feared he wouldn’t be

back in time for Salah, so he appointed Abu Bakr to be the Imam if he

didn’t come back in time. The time for Salah came and Abu Bakr began

to lead the people, and during the middle of the Salah, the Rasul (S)

came back and motioned for Abu Bakr to stay as the Imam, but instead,

Abu Bakr stepped back and became a follower, and the Rasul (S) stepped

up and became the Imam.

● Follower to Imam: Permissible

● Imam to Praying Single: Permissible

● Praying Single to Becoming the Imam: Permissible. E.g. Once, the Rasul

(S) was praying single and Ibn Abbas joined him, so the Rasul (S) then

became the Imam.

● Intentions of the Imam and the Followers:

1. Imam praying Fard, while the followers are praying Nafl: Permissible

2. Imam praying Nafl, while the followers are praying Fard: Permissible. Ruling: One

has to follow the Imam in physical motions but can have a different intention

October 16, 2011

The Sutrah

Linguistic Meaning: What is used to cover or block

Legal Meaning: What a Musalli (one who prays Salah) places in front of him in order to

prevent anyone or anything from passing in front of him.

Narrated by Aisha (R) that the Messenger Allah was asked in the expedition of Tabuk about

the Sutrah of the Musalli. He (S) said, “It is like the back of a saddle.”

What Qualifies as a Sutrah:

o The Rasul (S) said, “When one of you prays, he should put something in front of him,

and if he cannot find something, he should set up a stick; but if he has no stick with

him, he should draw a line (in the sand or dirt).”

The Sutrah was used when the Companions would pray openly outside. It was

never recorded that they would make a special Sutrah in the Masjid.

Ruling of the Sutrah:

o Different Opinions:

1. Wajib (Obligation): The Rasul (S) said, “Let one of you who is in Salah put a Sutrah

in front of him even if it is an arrow.”

2. Mustahab (Recommended)

i. The Rasul (S) said, “If one of you prays towards something that separates him

from the people…”

o The Rasul (S) said “if,” meaning that there would be times where you might

not pray with a Sutrah (example where a command is not an obligation).

ii. “The Rasul (S) prayed in an open space. There was nothing in front of him.”

[Ahmad – Sahih]

o Conclusion: Usage of the Sutrah is Mustahab. Even though there are authentic Ahadith

that state the Sutrah being Fard, there are also other authentic Ahadith that prove it to

be Mustahab, so the Fard drops down to Mustahab.

Wisdom of the Sutrah:

1. One is able to obtain more focus in Salah, as opposed to having a wide, open space that

easily invites distractions.

2. The Rasul (S) said, “If one of you stands for Salah, mercy faces you.”

When you stands in Salah, Allah will come and stay in front of you, so the

Sutrah enables privacy between you and Allah.

3. Prevents someone from passing in front of you

The Rasul (S) said, “If the person who passes in front of another person in prayer

knew the magnitude of his sin, it would have been better for him to wait for forty

years than to pass in front of him.”

It is from one of the major sins to walk in from of someone who is praying Salah.

Blocking the Passer:

The Rasul (S) said, “If one of you prays towards something that separates him

from the people and someone tries to pass in front of him, then have him turn

away; if he refuses, then let him fight, for he is a Shaytaan.” *Stopping or

blocking someone from passing in front of you is Mustahab.

Anyone interrupting an act of worship is seen as a Shaytaan, meaning that he is

doing something that Shaytaan would do.

Start with the most kind method and increase as needed.

No brawls or usage of firm fists to block

If one does not have a Sutrah, then you can walk in front of him from the point where he

makes Sujud and further.

What Breaks the Salah?

- The Rasul (S) said, “A man’s Salah is cut off by the woman, the donkey, and the black

dog.”

The Prophet (S) said, “The black dog is Shaytaan.”

He (S) also said, “If you hear the bray of a donkey, then seek Allah’s refuge,

because it saw a Shaytaan.”

Women: The best wisdom/derivation is because the Rasul (S) said so, and

Allah and His Messenger know best.

- Do these three invalidate the Salah?

Two opinions:

1. It doesn’t invalidate the Salah – Breaking means distraction and lessens the

humility in Salah.

2. Invalidates the Salah – Breaking means invalidation. The Rasul (S) said, “The

prayer is to be repeated due to the passing of a donkey, woman, or black dog.”

Usage of an authentic Hadith proves that one has to re-do their Salah in this

scenario.

PASSING in front is prohibited; not sitting or lying in front of one praying.

October 23, 2011

- A man was praying Salah one day and then he went to the Rasul (S), who told him to go back

and pray because he did not pray.

Here the validity of the Salah is being negated.

*Cases of negation in Shariah:

1. Wujood - Negation of existence

2. Sihhah – Negation of validity

3. Kamaal – Negation of completeness

- The man went back and prayed, and then went to the Rasul (S), who again said that he did

not pray. This happened again until the man told the Prophet (S) that he didn’t know of any

other way of praying. So the Rasul (S) taught him how to pray by saying:

“When you stand for Salah, make Takbir, then recite what is easy for you of the Quran;

then make Rukhu until you are calm in Rukhu; then rise until you are calm in being

straight; then make Sujud until you are calm in Sujud; then rise until you are calm in

sitting.”

The man’s Salah was not accepted because it wasn’t done calmly.

The Rasul (S) said that the worst thief is the one who steals from his Salah.

So…what’s the rush? He (S) emphasized on calmness. If calmness isn’t there, then the

Salah isn’t accepted.

- The Hadith shows the importance of Salah: If we see someone not praying correctly, then it is

our duty to inform and educate them of the proper way.

- The Rasul (S) was the master educator. He would create interest in the subject and would only

give assistance when requested, instead of spoon-feeding them, which helps them to at least

TRY to solve the problem .

- Performing Salah with Khushoo’ and Calmness:

The Salah is not accepted without being calm.

The Rasul (S) would spiritually prepare the Sahabahs, so when they would pray their

Salah, they would say, “Paradise is to my right, Hell-Fire is to my left, the throne of

Allah is in front of me, and the Angel of Death is descending behind me to take my

soul.”

He (S) said, “Pray the farewell prayer.”

Any Salah that we perform could be the last one we ever make.

- How to Get Khushoo’

Intellectual Readiness

When you know what you are saying in Salah and the meaning of the words, then

you will be able to strengthen your amount of Khushoo’.

There has to be the actual movement of the mouth and tongue. Proof: The Sahabahs

reported that when the Rasul (S) would pray Dhuhr (it’s in the daylight), they would

see his beard move from behind him

Realize that you are having a conversation with Allah, where you are seeking His mercy

and refuge. Usually, in Dunya affairs, we have a strong attention span and have full

concentration, so it should be the same in Salah. Also, keep in mind that after you say

each Ayah, Allah responds to you. Make your Salah a dialogue between you and Allah.

Be conscious, not habitual

Concentration starts even before the Salah. When one makes Wudu, their minor

sins are removed.

Walk towards Salah with calmness; without it, you’ll lack calmness in the Salah

Try to interpret the Adhaan. The Sahabahs reported that once the Adhaan was

called, the Rasul (S)’s face would change…Let it penetrate through your heart.

Beginning the Salah

- Takbiratul-Ihram: Raise hands

Ihram: the time when things become Haram that were once Halal e.g. eating,

drinking, talking, laughing, etc.

Time for full submission: give up everything of the Dunya and submit to the One

who created you.

Throw everything behind you.

- Level of Hands:

“parallel to his shoulders” [al-Bukhari]

“parallel to his ears” [Muslim]

“parallel to ear lobes” [Abu Dawud]

*no ear lobe wiggle

Ruling: Women pray exactly like men unless there is textual evidence that proves

otherwise. E.g. it is best for men to pray in the front lines and women to pray in the

back lines.

- Description of Hands:

“Fingers extended, not spaced out nor together.” [Abu Dawud-Sahih]

The Hadith uses the word ة .straight and extended :ممدودم

- Variety:

Must be based on authentic evidence.

Breaks the Salah from becoming habitual/robotic action.

E.g. “He (S) used to sometimes raise his hands with the Takbir, and sometimes after the

Takbir, and sometimes before it.” [Al-Bukhari]

E.g. When you use different Du’as and Dhikr, it refreshes your Ibadaah, and you are

able to enjoy your Salah more.

- For the Imam: Never create a sermon (Khutbah) before the Salah because it takes away

from the reality of the situation and the concentration of the people. Plus, your attention

gets turned from Allah to something else.

- The Rasul (S) was the best of Imams. It was never established by him that he (S) would say

“Pray as if it’s your last prayer,” while everyone was lining up for Salah.

November 13, 2011

What to Do with the Hands

- 3 Opinions:

3. Release them to the sides

4. Place them below the navel

5. Place them on the chest

- First Opinion: Release them to the sides

The Rasul (S) said, “Pray as you see me pray,” and there is no Hadith of the Rasul (S)

proving hands on the sides.

Opinion derived from statements of the Tabi’een and is attributed to Imam Malik.

Imam Malik used to pray with his hands to his sides. Many have different

opinions as to why he did so; some say it was because his hands were

whipped terribly, so he didn’t have the strength to raise his hands.

Imam Malik is considered very special because he never left Madinah. He

took the actions of the people to be Daleel because he figured their actions

were passed down from the Sahabahs and the Rasul (S).

But, Imam Shafi, a student of Imam Malik, said that Daleel should strictly

be from Quran and Sunnah, not from the actions of the people, because

many new people came into the city and many who originally came from

Madinah might have left.

Sahl ibn Sa’ad said, “People were commanded that a person should put the right

hand on his left arm in Salah.”

Takaluf: Going through pain or trouble in order to prove a point. “Thus,

they were putting it on their sides,”

“Placing hands one on the other in Salah,” – Henceforth, one should place

hands on body in Salah, so the ruling of hands to the side can be

eliminated.

- Second Opinion: Place them below the navel

Ali (R) said, “The Sunnah is to put the hand on the hand in Salah below the navel.”

[Abu Dawud, al-Bayhaqi]

Abu Hurayrah (R) said, “…Placing hands on hands in Salah below the navel.”

Verdict on the two narrations:

1. Ibn Hajar: Weak

2. Ibn Kathir: Weak

3. Adh-Dhahabi (scholar of Hadith and student of Ibn Taymiyyah): Not

authentic

4. An-Nawawi: Agreed upon in weakness

Reason for Weakness: The narrator is Abdurrahman ibn Ishaq al-Wasiti, who

was known for switching the words of different Hadith. Declared weak by

Imam Ahmad, Yahya ibn Ma’een, Imam Bukhari, etc.

- Third Opinion: Place them on the chest

“The Rasul (S) used to put his right hand on his left.” [Muslim]

The Rasul (S) said, “The Prophets have been commanded to immediately break the

fast, delay the Suhur, and to place our right over our left in Salah.” [Ibn Hibban –

Sahih]

“He (S) passed by a man praying with his left hand on his right, so he lifted it and

placed the right hand on the left.” [Ahmad, Abu Dawud – Sahih]

Description of Placing the Hands:

3. Wayl ibn Hajr: “He (S) placed his right hand over the back of his left hand,

wrist, and arm.” [Abu Dawud, An-Nasaa’ee]

4. Wayl ibn Hajr: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (S) when he was standing in

Salah and he grasped with his right hand his left.” [An-Nasaa’ee – Sahih]

Derivations:

1. Put right hand over left on chest

2. Right hand grasps left hand on chest

Alternate in order to keep Salah fresh so it does not become habitual.

Your hands are over your heart and your intention is in the heart, so you are

protecting your intention/Ikhlas for only Allah.

Humble standing position of the believer.

3. No Hybrid Version

Where to Look?

1. “His sight would be towards the earth.” [al-Bayhaqi-Sahih]

2. “When he entered the Ka’bah, his sight did not leave the place of Sujud until he left it.”

[Al-Bayhaqi – Sahih]

3. “He forbade looking towards the sky.” [al-Bukhari]

4. “People must desist looking towards the sky in Salah or their sight will not return to

them.” [al-Bukhari]

5. “Allah directs His face to the face of His slave in his Salah as long as he doesn’t turn.”

November 20, 2011

Placing Hands on the Chest:

- Wayl ibn Hujr (R) said, “I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (S) and he used to put his

right hand on his left on his chest.”

- Tawus (R) (Taabi’ee) said, “The Messenger of Allah (S) used to place his right hand over

his left hand and then grasp them while in Salah.” [Abu Dawud]

- In Sahih Bukhari, a Hadith states that the Rasul (S) would put his right hand over his left

arm, which is only possible to be done on the chest.

Du’a Istiftah: Opening Du’a

ب ميم غرب. اللهم اللهم بماعد ب مين وم شرق ومالمم ا بماعمدتم ب ميم المم مم طمايمايم كم خم

نمس. اللهم اغسلن من ى الث وب الب يمض منم الد ق ا ي ن م مم طمايمايم كم ن من خم ن مق

رد اء ومالب م طمايمايم بالث لج ومالمم .خم “Allahumma Baa’id Bayni Wa Bayna Khataayaaya Kamaa Baa’adta Baynal Mashriqi Wal

Maghribi. Allahumma Naqqini Min Khataayaaya Kamaa Yunaqqath Thawbul Abyadu

Minnad Dannas. Allahummagh Silni Min Khataayaaya Bith Thalji Wal Maa’i Wal Bard.”

“O Allah! Set me apart from my sins as you have distanced between the east and west. O Allah!

Cleanse me from my sins as a white garment is cleansed from dirt. O Allah! Wash me from my

sins with ice, water, and coldness.”

- Explanation of Du’a:

1. Cleansing Before Embellishing

Principle in Shariah: Clean before you embellish e.g. shower before you put on new

clothes

2. Standing Before Allah – You want to remove your sins before you talk to Allah.

3. Each phrase is more intense than the previous one

Distance me, then cleanse me, and then wash me

4. White Garment:

Easy to spot stains and any little spec of dirt.

Allah is able to spot every single sin that one carries.

5. Water and ice:

Sins are like stains, and sins have a heat to them which is extinguished by water.

Some stains need to be rubbed, so ice is used to rub it away.

6. Coldness:

Takes away the desire to commit sins.

Shaytaan was made out of fire, so water, ice, and coldness repels him.

If you haven’t gotten in the mood of being a humble slave, then this Du’a will make it

happen.

Surah Araaf, Ayah 146: “I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the

earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. Ad if they

see the way of consciousness, they will not adopt it as a way; but if they see the way of

error, they will adopt it as a way. That is because they have denied Our signs and they

were heedless of them.”

If humbleness isn’t there, then Allah will turn away from the one that has a bunch

of arrogance in them .

If one isn’t humble in reciting Quran, they won’t be able to benefit from it.

1. Check humility

2. Check understanding

3. Are you talking to Allah or yourself?

Second Du’a Istiftah (Alternative)

كم وملم إلمهم غم د ت معمالم جم ت مبمارمكم اسكم وم انمكم اللهم ومبممدكم وم .سبحم ركم ي

“Subhaanak Allahumma Wa Bihamdika Watabaarak Asmuka Wa Ta’aala Jadduka Wa Laa

Ilaaha Ghayruk.”

“O Allah! You are free from any deficiencies, You are praised with perfection, blessed be Your

name, exalted be Your majesty, and there is none worthy of worship besides You.”

- Subhaanak Allahumma: telling Allah that He has absolutely no defects (cleansing)

- *Baraka: Goodness in abundance.

- Wa Bihamdika: praising Allah with ultimate perfection (embellishment)

- Watabaarak Asmuka: He is abundant in good.

Use variety to repel Salah from becoming habit-like.

The first Du’a is for the slave and the second Du’a is for Allah.

*Surah Fatihah: Half is for Allah and half is for the slave

Isti’aadhah: Seeking Allah’s Refuge

- One of the companions said, “The Shaytaan comes between me and my prayers and my

prayers and recitation, confusing me therein.” The Messenger of Allah (S) said, “That is a devil

called Khanzab. If he affects you, seek refuge in Allah from him and Iftil (blow with

moisture) to your left three times.”

When one is completely affected by Khanzab, then their Salah will not protect them from

evil.

*After the Adhaan and Iqaamah, Shaytaan runs away, but right after the Takbiratul-Ihram,

he comes back.

- Surah Nahl, Ayah 98: “So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from Shaytaan, the

expelled.”

“Aa’udhu Billaahis Samee’il ‘Aleem Minash Shaytaan Nir Rajeem Min Hamzihi Wa

Nafkhihi Wa Nafthihi.”

“I seek refuge in Allah, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing, from Shaytaan, the rejected and cursed

from his:

1. Hamzihi: Madness that he causes

2. Nafkhihi: Blowing up that causes Kibr (puffed up)

The Rasul (S) said that on Yawmul Qiyamah, the one with Kibr will be resurrected as an

ant and he will be stomped on by everyone.

3. Nafthihi: Magic

Refers to blowing on the knots (Sihr)

Rulings of Surah Fatihah:

1. The Basmallah

- Is the Basmallah an Ayah?

Surah Hijr, Ayah 87: “We have given you the seven verses that are worthy of recitation

over and over again and the Glorious Quran.”

Surah Fatihah has 7 Ayat

Hadith Qudsi: Allah (swt) said, “I have divided Salah into two halves between Me and My

slave, and My slave shall receive what he asks. When the slave says, ‘Praise be Allah, the

Lord of Mankind,’ Allah, the Most High says, ‘My slave has praised Me.’ And when he says,

‘The Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy,’ Allah, the Most High says, ‘My slave has

lauded me.’ And when he says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgment,’ He says, ‘My slave has

majestified Me,’ And when he says, ‘You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help,’

He says, ‘This is between Me and My slave, and My slave shall receive what he asks.’ Then,

when he says, ‘Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have

bestowed Your grace, not the way of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went

astray,’ He says, ‘This is for My slave, and My slave shall receive what he asks.’”

This Hadith is proof that the Basmallah is not an Ayah in Surah Fatihah.

- Is the Basmallah Read Aloud?

Abu Hurayrah (R) said, “If you recite al-Fatihah, then recite Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir

Rahim, for it is one of its Ayat.”

We don’t take this statement of one of the Companions because there is an

authentic Hadith Qudsi (above) that contradicts it.

Anas ibn Malik (R) said, “The Prophet (S), Abu Bakr, and Umar used to begin the Salah

with Alhamdu Lillaahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen.” [Agreed Upon]

“They did not mention Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim in the beginning of recitation…”

[Muslim]

“They did not read aloud Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim.” [Ahmad]

2. Recitation of al-Fatihah

- Recitation Behind an Imam

Different Opinions:

1. Recitation of the Imam suffices the followers

The Rasul (S) said, “If one prays behind the Imam, then his recitation is a

recitation for him.” [ad-Daruqutni]

Narrations of this Hadith are weak, as declared by Ibn Hajar, Ibn Abdil

Baar, ad-Daraqutni, adh-Dhahabi, etc.

The Hadith is not specific about Surah Fatihah.

2. One MUST recite Surah Fatihah (conclusion)

The Rasul (S) said, “There is no Salah if one does not recite Umm-ul-Quran.”

[Agreed Upon]

Doubts – Surah Araaf, Ayah 204: “So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it

and pay attention that you may receive mercy.”

Principle: An unrestricted text can be restricted through another text.

The above Hadith specifies the Ayah.

3. If one doesn’t know Surah Fatihah:

The Rasul (S) said, “The person says, “Subhaanallah, Wal Hamdulillah, Wa Laa

Ilaaha Illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Wa La Hawla, Wa La Quwwata Illa Billaahil

‘Aleeyil ‘Adheem.” [Ahmad]

November 27, 2011

Meaning of al-Fatihah:

Attributing all perfect qualities towards Allah, and there is no one else as perfect :الحمد -

as He is.

Mentioning the name of the One you are conversing with. Meaning: the One who :لله -

owns Jannah; the One who decides whether you will go to Jannah or not. الله comes from

.One who is worshipped :إله .(الله drop the Hamza and it becomes) الله

If something is worshipped, then it is an إله, but the only one worthy of worship is

Allah.

Allah’s name carries the branch of Tawhid al-Uloohiyyah.

literally means master/owner. Can be used in a restrictive form, e.g. Rabb-ul-Bayt :رب -

(master of the house). Meanings:

6. Owner – Allah owns everything e.g. our wealth, us, etc.

7. Administrator – Allah administrates the universe and everything in it by Himself.

8. Creator – Allah is the One who created EVERYTHING.

Everything else that exists except for Allah i.e. creation. It is mentioned in the :العالمين -

plural form because there are different categories of creation.

Allah is the Most Merciful….out of all of His names, Allah starts out with His :الرحمان -

mercy. *Allah said that His mercy precedes His anger. Refers to Allah’s mercy for all of

mankind.

,Allah is the one who bestows mercy and this mercy is exclusive to the believers :الرحيم -

referring and meaning that the believers are guaranteed Paradise only by Allah’s mercy.

- Allah is the owner and the king of the Day of Resurrection; the Day where no one will be

able to turn back from their original religion in order to worship Allah.

Na’budu vs. Na’buduka. Na’buduka: we worship Allah, but we can also :إيكن عب د -

worship something else. Na’budu: We wholly worship Allah with no one else.

:وإياكنستعين -

Ayah divides mankind into 4 different groups:

1. Those who worship but don’t seek help – People who blindly worship Allah but

don’t ask Allah for anything, and if they do ask Allah, then they only ask for

things of this Dunya.

2. Those who seek help but don’t worship – People who indulge in Shirk but want

Allah to help them.

3. Those who worship and seek help – The complete form and way for a Mu’min;

take Allah for your best friend; ask Him for anything and everything

4. Those who don’t worship and don’t seek help – the worst of creation.

- There is only one path to Allah; *there are multiple paths to Jannah e.g. path towards

knowledge, path of fasting, etc. The multiple paths of Jannah are found in that one path to

Allah. If one leaves that straight path, there are hundreds of paths to take and every single

path is headed by a Shaytaan. The long path (Allah’s path) is the easiest because it is the

only one that actually works.

Surah Nisa, Ayah 69: Allah said that He has favored :صراطالذينأن عمتعليهم -

those that worship and obey Him and the Rasul (S).

Saalih: one who fulfills the rights of Allah and the rights of mankind

Allah favors four: the messengers, the Siddiqqeen, the Shuhadah, and the Saliheen

(Inshallah, we all strive to fall into this category ).

غيرالمغض وبعليهمولالضآلين: - Allah does not state that He is angry, but

He refers to those that receive the anger of Allah.

Categories of people:

1. Those with knowledge without action

2. Those who act without knowledge

3. Those with knowledge and act upon it – quality of the righteous. Knowledge

precedes and brings action. “Knowledge” is only knowledge if it comes along

with action; if there is no action, then it is just data and info.

- Overview of Surah:

Allah mentions the three branches of Tawhid:

1. Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah: Refers to Rabb

2. Tawhid al-Asma was-Sifaat: Refers to Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim

3. Tawhid al-Uloohiyyah: Refers to Allah. Tawhid that distinguishes a Mu’min

from everyone else.

Tawhid al-Uloohiyyah precedes ar-Rububiyyah

Allah is mentioned before Rabb in the Surah

Na’budu (worshipping Allah) is mentioned before Nasta’een (seeking help

from Allah)

Points out Qualities of Worship:

1. Love – Alhamdulillah

2. Hope – Ar-Rahman Nir-Rahim (Allah is the Most Merciful)

3. Fear – Maaliki Yawmid-Deen (Allah will take you into account for everything on

the Day of Judgment)

4. Humility – Iyyaaka Na’budu Wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een

If one has fear and hope in all actions, then love and emotion will come about in

everything he does.

Worship: to completely love coupled with complete submission (only belongs to

Allah)

Ibadaah: complete submission and love for Allah

Surah Fatihah is the Du’a, specifically: “Ihdinas Siraatal Mustaqeem” (Guide us to

Straight Path), and the rest of the Quran is the answer.

When one says Surah Fatihah, he expects a response.

The most important thing to ask for is guidance, and the rest of Quran is a

guidance.

Du’a is so important that Surah Fatihah is the first Surah in Quran.

Quran begins with a Du’a and ends with a Du’a – Keep the communication with

Allah going!

- Saying Ameen (Meaning: O Allah! Respond!)

Abu Hurayrah (R) said, “When the Prophet (S) used to complete the recitation of

Umm-ul-Quran, he used to raise his voice and say, ‘Ameen.’”

The Rasul (S) said, “If the Imam says Ameen, say Ameen, because if one’s saying of

Ameen matches the Ameen of the angels, his past sins will be forgiven.” [Agreed

Upon]

Wait to catch the Imam’s Ameen because if you do, then most likely, you

caught the angels’ Ameen.

- Recitation After Al-Fatihah

Ruling: Mustahab (recommended)

The Rasul (S) said, “Recite what is easy of the Quran.” Even one Ayah will suffice.”

Abu Hurayrah (R) said, “Whoever recites Umm-ul-Quran has fulfilled it; whoever

increases, then it is better.”

Jabir ibn Abdullah (R) said, “We used to recite in Dhuhr and Asr behind the Imam in

the first two Rakat Surah Fatihah and a Surah, and in the last two Rakat Surah

Fatihah.” [Ibn Majah – Sahih]

Hudhayfah (R) said, “I prayed with the Prophet (S) and he did not pass an Ayah of

mercy except that he stopped and requested, nor an Ayah of punishment, except

that he sought refuge from it.”

*If one doesn’t understand Quran, they are missing out on all the Du’as to

ask Allah .

Going for Rukhu:

- Raising Hands [al-Bukhari]

- Wayl Ibn Hujr: “Whenever the Prophet (S) bowed, he would spread his fingers.”

- “Straightened the back” [al-Bukhari]

- “If water was placed on it (the back), then it would remain.” [at-Tabarani]

- “His elbows would be away from his sides,” [at-Tirmidhi-Sahih]

- “His head would not drop, nor would it be raised,” [Abu Dawud]

Rising from Rukhu:

- Raising Hands [al-Bukhari]

- “Did not make Sujud until he would stand straight.” [Muslim]

- The Rasul (S) said, “When you rise, make your spine upright and raise your head, until the

bones return to the joints.” [al-Hakim]

Placing Hands on Chest?

- Two Opinions:

1. Hands go on the chest

General Hadith mentions something along this line

2. Hands do not go on the chest – Take this opinion

No specific proof about putting them on the chest.

Going For Sujud:

- The Rasul (S) said, “When one of you prostrates, he should not kneel in the manner of a

camel, but should put down his hands before his knees.” [Ahmad]

Two Different Opinions:

1. Hands First

2. Knees First

Ibn al-Qayyim said, relating to the above narration, “but should put his hands before

his knees,” is switched…meaning that the knees should go before hands.

Wayl ibn Hujr: “I saw the Prophet (S) placing his knees before his hands.” [Abu

Dawud-Sahih]

Look at the prostration of a camel: the front two go down first, so if the front are

called hands, then the hands go down first for the camel.

Conclusion: Knees go down first, and then hands.

December 4, 2011

Forms of Prayer:

1. Standing: Summoned

2. Bowing: Recognizing Majesty

Say: Subhaanah Rabbi al-Azdheem (All negative characteristics are removed from

my Lord, the Great)

3. Go Down on Your Knees: Fall Before the King

4. Prostration: Full Submission (taking the highest part of your body to the lowest part).

Say: Subhaanah Rabbi al-A’la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)

The most graceful position for the slave of Allah to be in.

- Rukhu:

Subhaanah Rabbi al-Azdheem is required to say once and is a Sunnah to say three

times.

The Rasul (S) forbade the recitation of the Quran in Rukhu or Sujud, but one is

allowed to make Du’a from the Quran while in Rukhu or Sujud.

Content of Prayer:

- The Rasul (S) said, “I have been forbidden to recite the Quran while bowing or prostrating:

so while bowing, display the grandeur of the Lord, and in prostration, exert yourself in

Du’a, for it is fitting that they may be answered.”

1. Standing: Quran

Reciting Quran has more virtue than making Dhikr and Du’a

2. Bowing: Dhikr

Making Dhikr has more virtue than Du’a.

3. Prostration: Du’a

The Sujud

- The Rasul (S) said, “The two hands make Sujud like the face; if one of you places his face,

then let him place his two hands, and if he raises it, then let him raise them both.”

- The Prophet (S) would, “Put his fingers together.” He (S) would “Place his hands parallel

to shoulders/ ears.”

- The whole body worships and submits. The Rasul (S) said, “I have been commanded to

prostrate on seven bones: the forehead and he pointed to the nose, the hands, the knees,

and the toes.”

- The Rasul (S) said, “When you prostrate, place the palms of your hands on the ground and

raise your elbows.”

- Helps to be more attentive.

- “Hands would face the Qiblah,” “toes towards the Qiblah.”

- Forbidden Animal Imitations in Salah:

“He forbade that a person spread out his arms like a wild beast.”

“…arms like a dog.”

“Peck like a rooster,” – the person is not calm in Sujud or Rukhu.

“Peek like a fox” – person is not looking at Sujud; the Rasul (S) said that this

person is stealing from their Salah.

“As a camel sits”

“What is the matter that I see you raising your hands like the tails of horses? Be

calm in your Salah.” [Muslim]

Interpretation of Hadith: Jabir ibn Samrah (R) said, “When saying As-

Salaamu Alaykum, we used to say so with our hands and said, “What is

the matter with you that you move your hands like the tails of horses.”

Encouraged to Imitate the Angels

Saying Amin

The Rasul (S) said, “Will you make your rows as the Angels line up in front of

their Lord? They complete the first rows and they are adjoined in the rows.”

o The Hadith is interpreted that if there is space in the first row, then join

it. If not, then go to the next row, but follow with the Jama’ah.

The Rasul (S) said, “Straighten your rows (three times), by Allah, either you

straighten your rows or Allah will cause conflict between your hearts.”

Anas (R) said, “So I saw each of us adjoining our shoulder with those of our

companions and also our feet…but if you were to practice this today (when he

was alive), a person would flee like a restless mule.”

Do not over-extend feet

Feet width would then equal shoulder distance

Angels vs. Animals

Desires of animals dominate their intellect

Intellect of angels dominate their desires

One who imitates the animals “are like cattle” and one who imitates the angels

become “the best of creation.”

Marks of Sujud

The Rasul (S) said he will recognize his followers because the places where they

made Sujud will be white with Noor on Yawmul Qiyamah.

The Angels will recognize those to pull out of the Hell-Fire because of the marks

of Sujud; the Fire of Jahannam will never be able to burn the marks of Sujud.

December 11, 2011

Why do we Pray Salah?

- Cuz’ Allah ordered us to do so, we must pray Salah... being a Muslim and not praying

Salah do not go together.

So, if we have to Pray Salah, why don’t we enjoy it?

- One reason is because we have no idea what we are saying in Salah.

- Today, we do Ibadaah just to get it over with, but we don’t enjoy doing it…we don’t feel

happy to do something for Allah, the One who created us.

- We should constantly look forward to praying our Salah if we truly love Allah….the Salah

is the connection between the slave and Allah 5 times daily .

Raising from Rukhu:

ه دم ن حم عم الله لمم سم“Sami’allahu Liman Hamidah,”

“Allah hears the one who praises Him,”

- Why don’t we say Allahu Akbar?

In this position, we are getting ready to make Du’a to Allah in Sujud.

It is an etiquette of Du’a to praise Allah and then ask.

لمكم الممد رمب نما وم

“Rabbanaa Wa Lakal Hamd,”

“You are our Lord, and to you is praise.”

لمكم الممد اللهم وم“Allahumma Wa Lakal Hamd.”

“O Allah, to You is praise.”

نما لمكم الممدرمب

“Rabbanaa Lakal Hamd,”

“O our Lord, to You is praise.”

It is only by Allah that we have everything today. After saying this, the only thing we can

possibly do is put our head down to Allah.

Constantly alternate the 3 Du’as to keep the Salah fresh!

ثريا طميبا مبمارمكا فيه دا كم حم

“Hamdan Katheeran Tayyiban Mubaarakan Feehi.”

“To You is much good and blessed praise.”

- Gratefulness should fill up the heavens and the Earth.

- Say these Du’as from the bottom of your heart like you mean it.

Du’as in Rukhu Only:

بم العمظيم .1 انم رم سبحم

“Subhaana Rabbi Al-Adheem.”

“Glory be to my Lord, the Great.”

- Take a breath between each Adhkaar in order to have complete Khushoo’; helps to fully

understand and mean what you say in Salah. *If you really want to enjoy your Salah, slow

down.

ب .2 عت, وم عم لمكم سمعي اللهم لمكم رمكم شم لمكم أمسلممت, خم نت, وم كم آمم

ب. عمصم عمظمي وم مي وم ري وم بمصم وم

“Allahumma Laka Raka’tu, Wa Bika Aamantu, Wa Laka Aslamtu, Khasha’a Laka

Sam’ee Wa Basaree Wa Mukhee Wa ‘Azhmee Wa ‘Asabee.”

“O Allah, to You have I bowed and in You have I believed, and to You have I submitted;

my hearing, my sight, my brain, my bones, and my sinews submit to You.”

Du’as in Rukhu and Sujud:

, اللهم اغفرل. .1 انمكم اللهم رمب نما ومبممدكم سبحم

“Subhaanakallahumma Rabbanaa Wa Bihamdika, Allahummagh Firlee.”

“Glory and praise be to You, our Lord. O Allah, forgive me.”

ة ومالر .2 ئكم لم وس رمب المم وح.سبوح قد

“Subhoohun Quddusun Rabbul Malaa’ikati War Rooh.”

“Glorified, Holy, Lord of the Angels and the Spirit.”

- Allah is the only One who deserves Tasbih and He is the Lord of all.

Du’as in Sujud Only:

انم رمب المعلمى. .1 سبحم

“Subhaana Rabbi Al-A’la.”

“Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.”

- The only way to be truly happy is to reach Jannah, a.k.a. Al-A’la, and where is Allah? He’s

in the A’la.

- If we want Jannah, then we’ll constantly put our head down to Allah.

- Sujud is the best position to ever be in for the slave of Allah; that’s why we do it twice in

one Rakah.

سره.ومجله, أمو اللهم اغفر ل ذمنب كله, دقه .2 نيتمه وم عملم لمه ومآخرمه, وم

“Allahummagh Firlee Dhambi Kullahu, Diqqahu Wa Jullahu, Awwallahu Wa

Aakhirahu, Wa ‘Alaaniyyatahu Wa Sirrahu.”

“O Allah, forgive me of all my sins, small and great, first and last, open and secret.”

- The Rasul (S) said, “The closest a person is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so offer a

lot of Du’a.”

Allah loves the Du’a of the one who not only asks, but INSISTS…Don’t ever give

up on Du’a. Wait and have trust in Allah that He knows what is best for you.

Du’as Between the Two Sajdahs:

رمب اغفر ل, رمب اغفر ل .1

“Rabbigh Firlee, Rabbigh Firlee.”

“My Lord, forgive me. My Lord, forgive me.”

- *Say it like you mean it

عمافن, .2 ن, وماجب رن, وماهدن, ومارزقن, وم , ومارحم اللهم اغفر ل

ومارف معن.

“Allahummagh Firlee, War Hamnee, Wajburnee, Wahdinee, Warzuqunee, Wa

‘Aafinee, War Fa’nee.”

“O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, enrich me, grant me health, give me

sustenance, and raise my rank.”

The Tashahud:

لمومات ومال م عملميكم التحيات لله ومالص لم ا النب ومرمحمة الله طيبمات. الس أمي هم

د أن لم إلمهم إل الله . أشهم اليم عملمى عبماد الله الص نما وم م عملمي لم اته. الس ب مرمكم وم

دا عمبده ومرمسوله. د أمن ممم ومأمشهم“At-Tahiyyaatu Lillahi Was Salawaatu Wat Tayyibaatu. Assalaamu ‘Alayka

Ayyuhannabbiyyu Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu. Assalaamu ‘Alayna Wa ‘Ala

‘Ibaadillahis Saaliheen. Ash-Shadu Anlaa Ilaaha Illalaahu Wa Ashhadu Anna

Muhammadan Abduhu Wa Rasuluhu.”

“All compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet (S),

and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us, and on the righteous slaves of Allah. I

bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that

Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.”

- Tahiyyaat: Greetings, salutations. If used with ال, then it refers to only Allah, meaning

that it’s the BEST of greetings.

- Say each Du’a as if you are seeing the Rasul (S).

- Each time you say these Salams, your Salam will go to all of the righteous slaves on this

Earth.

The Salah on the Prophet (S):

عملمى ليتم عملمى إب رماهيمم وم ا صم مم د كم عملمى آل ممم د وم ل عملمى ممم اللهم صم

يد يد مم د . اللهم بمارك عملمىآل إب رماهيمم إنكم حم ا ممم مم د كم عملمى آل ممم وم

عملمى آل إ يد. بمارمكتم عملمى إب رماهيمم وم يد مم ب رماهيمم إنكم حم “Alluhumma Salli ‘Alaa Muhammadin Wa ‘Alaa Aali Muhammadin Kamaa Salayyta ‘Alaa

Ibrahima Wa ‘Alaa Aali Ibrahima Innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma Baarik ‘Alaa

Muhammadin Wa ‘Alaa Aali Muhammadin Kamaa Baarakta ‘Alaa Ibrahima Wa ‘Alaa Aali

Ibrahima Innaka Hamidum Majid.”

“O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers

upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed worthy of praise, full of glory. O

Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings

upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed worthy of praise, full of glory.”

- The Rasul (S) said, “Whoever makes Salah on me one time, then Allah will make Salah on

him ten times.”

- Allah will actually mention your name to the angels and He will constantly boast about

you.

Before Taslim:

حيما نمة المم من فت ب وم اب القم من عمذم هنمم وم اب جم اللهم إن أمعوذ بكم من عمذم

ال. ج سيح الد نمة المم ر فت من شم ات وم مم ومالمم

“Allahumma Inni A’udhu Bika Min ‘Adhaabi Jahannama Wa Min ‘Adhaabil Qabri Wa Min

Fitnatil Mahyaa Wal Mamaati Wa Min Sharri Fitnatil Maseehid Dajjaal.”

“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of Hell and the punishment of the grave,

and from the trials of life and death, and from the worst turmoil of the Dajjal.”

- The Rasul (S) said, “Then let him pray for whatever he wants.”

December 18, 2011

Sitting Positions:

- Positions from the Sunnah of the Prophet (S):

1. Iftirash – when you bend your left foot, and you sit on your left foot with your right foot

propped up.

2. Tawaruk – when you sit and your left leg is moved forward and right foot is propped up.

- When is each one done?

1. Iftirash: Done in the first Tashahud

2. Tawaruk: Done in the Last Tashahud

“When he (S) sat after two Rakat, he sat on his left leg and when he sat in the

last Rakah, he moved forward his left leg…” [Abu Dawud – Sahih]

- What if the first Tashahud is the Last?

Conclusion: If the Salah is 2 Rakah, then Iftirash is to be done, e.g. Salatul-Fajr,

Salatul-Jum’uah, Salatul-Eid, etc.

The Ahadith that mention “the last Tashahud” or “last Rakah” are about Salat that are

more than 2 Rakat

There are Ahadith that mention the form of sitting to be Iftirash without mentioning

the number of Rakat; therefore, it would be the default.

The Index Finger

Position:

- Abdullah ibn Umar (R) said, “When he (S) would sit for Tashahud, he would place his left

hand on his left knee, his right hand on his right knee, and he would fold into a 53, and point

with his index finger.”

- Wayl ibn Hujr said, “He made a ring with two fingers,”

- Abdullah ibn Zubayr (R) said, “He (S) placed his thumb on his middle finger. Then, he pointed

with the index finger.”

- Wayl ibn Hujr said, “He raised his finger and I saw him move it.”

Move or do not Move the Finger?

- Opinions:

1. Should not move it. “Saw him move it” is Shaadh (when both Ahadith are authentic,

but the lesser authentic Hadith contradicts the greater authentic Hadith, so we don’t

take the lesser authentic Hadith)…there are other Hadith that are authentic, but do

not mention the Rasul (S) moving his finger.

2. Conclusion: May move it. The additional part is not contradictory because he

(S) could move his finger while still pointing it.

When to Move Finger?

- Wayl ibn Hujr said, “He (S) would move it and make Du’a by it.” [an-Nasaa’ee-Sahih]

- *Whenever Du’a is made, raise finger and move it, so it would be put down right before

the Taslim.

*Saalih: One who fulfills the rights of Allah and the rights of creation. When we make Du’a in

Tashahud, it covers all of the Saaliheen in the heavens and earth.

- Abdullah ibn Zubayr (R) said, “His sight would not pass beyond his pointing.” [Al-Mishkaat-

Hasan chain]

In all other positions, the Rasul (S) would look at the place of Sujud, but in Tashahud, he

(S) would look at his finger.

Wisdom of Pointing:

- The Rasul (S) used to point with the index finger while making Du’a during Jumu’ah

- Representation of Tawhid

3 Levels:

1. Belief

2. Statements

3. Actions

Shahadah:

1. You have knowledge of it

2. You declare it

Done in the end of Salah as a representation that in the end of our life, we should

Tawhid nurtured and enumerated in everything we do, say, and believe. Also, the

Mu’min will end his life on Tawhid and the Tashahud.

- The Rasul (S) said that the finger “Is more severe on Shaytaan than iron.”

The Taslim:

- One Way: Wayl ibn Hujr said, “He used to give Salam on his right: Assalaamu Alaykum

Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu and on his left: Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi

Wa Barakaatuhu.”

- Second Way: “He used to say Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah on his right, such that

the whiteness of his cheek would be seen and Asssalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah on

his left, such that the whiteness of his cheek would be seen.” [Abu Dawud]

Salah Nullifiers :

- Talking intentionally: Allah said to stand in Salah devotedly.

If talking unintentionally, then Salah is still accepted

- Not facing the Qiblah: The person’s body completely turns in another direction

- Anything that breaks the Wudu

- Multiple, unneeded actions done (fixing Hijab, moving phone, extra weird motions)…

- Laughing

- Increasing or decreasing a pillar (Rukhu, Rakah, Sujud) intentionally

- Disrupting the sequence intentionally