Ruku'

Don’t rush through prayer
By Rahla Khan

(excerpt from : http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009121456980)


Obligation of Ruku’

The acts of bowing and prostrating in prayer are commanded in the Qur’an and made obligatory upon the believers:

“O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and serve your Lord.” (Qur’an, 22:77)



Abu Mas’ud Al-Badri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The prayer of one who does not straighten his back in his bowing and prostration is not accomplished.”

[Narrated by “the five,’’ [narrators] and Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban, at-Tabarani and al-Baihaqi]




Prophet’s manner of performing Ruku’.

In The Prophet’s Prayer Described, the Prophet’s manner of performing Ruku’ is narrated thus:

* “He would place his palms on his knees”, and “would order them (his Companions) to do likewise.”

* “He would put his hands firmly on his knees (as though he were grasping them).”

* “He would space his fingers out”, ordering “the one who prayed badly” likewise, saying: “When you make Ruku’, place your palms on your knees, then space your fingers out, then remain (like that) until every limb takes its (proper) place.”

* “He used to spread himself (i.e., not be in a compact position), and keep his elbows away from his sides.”

* “When he made Ruku’, he would spread his back and make it level, such that if water were poured on it, it (the water) would stay there (i.e., not run off).”

* He also said to “the one who prayed badly”, “When you make Ruku’, put your palms on your knees, spread your back (flat) and hold firm in your Ruku’.”

* “He would neither let his head droop nor raise it (i.e. higher than his back)”, but it would be in between.

* “He used to make his Ruku’, his standing after Ruku’, his Sujood (prostration), and his sitting in between the two Sajdas (prostrations), nearly equal in length.”


(Muslims Offering Prayer in New York ~ www.islamicfinder.org/.../Salaat_in_New_Yo.jpg)


Inner dimensions of Ruku’.

In Ihya Ulum Ad-Din, in the Book of Prayer, Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy upon him) writes, “Ruku’ and Sujud (prostration) are accompanied by a renewed affirmation of the supreme greatness of Allah.

In bowing you renew your submissiveness and humility, striving to refine your inner feeling through a fresh awareness of your own impotence and insignificance before the might and grandeur of your Lord. To confirm this, you seek the aid of your tongue, glorifying your Lord and testifying repeatedly to His supreme majesty, both inwardly and outwardly.”

While researchers today are slowly making the connection between prayer and physical and spiritual health, Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) wrote about it centuries ago in Za’ad Al-Ma’ad:

“Prayer has an amazing effect on the health of the body and heart, and in strengthening them and expelling harmful toxins from them. No two people have been afflicted with any disability, disease, or other calamity, except that the portion of the one who prays, is less (harmful) and his outcome is better.

Prayer also has an astounding effect on the evils of the Dunya (worldly life), especially when the prayer is performed properly and perfectly, inwardly and outwardly. Nothing keeps the evils of the Dunya at bay and brings on the benefits of it like prayer.

The reason behind this is that prayer is one’s connection to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic. So based on the strength of a person’s relationship with his Lord, the doors of goodness will accordingly be opened up for him, bad things and the reasons for them befalling him will be cut off, and the elements of success granted by His Lord, will begin pouring in…”

Q & A : Praying in the Sacred Mosque

Rahma - Poland

Question : Passing in Front of a Praying Person in the Sacred Mosque

Date - 01/Jun/2005


Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to offer prayer in the Sacred Mosque in Makkah while people pass in front of the those who are praying? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Answer :

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah, the Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake alone.

It is permissible to offer prayer in the Sacred Mosque in Makkah while the people are passing in front of the praying person and this is one of the special characteristics of the Sacred Mosque.

In this regard, we will cite what Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq states in his well-known book, Fiqh As-Sunnah:

It is permissible to offer prayer in the Sacred Mosque in Makkah while the people, male or female, are passing in front of the worshipper. There is no harm in it, and it is one of the special characteristics of the Sacred Mosque.

Kathir Ibn Kathir Ibn Al-Muttalib bin Wida`ah reported from some of his relatives and from his grandfather that he said: "I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) offering prayer in the Sacred Mosque in the area adjacent to Bani Sahm while people were passing in front of him but he did not place any sutrah (something that a praying person puts in front of him in order to alert people that they should not pass in front of him while praying) in front of him.”

Sufyan Ibn `Uyainah said, "There was no sutrah between him and the Ka`bah." (Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah)

Tahiyatul Masjid

This is a NAFL (optional) Salat, a highly recommended prayer consisting of two Raka'ahs and performed when first entering a mosque. It is considered to be a way of greeting the place of worship in order to draw nearer to Allah.

The Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pray whenever he used to go in the Mosque (Masjid).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

'If any of you enters the Mosque, let him not sit until he prays two rakats."

[Bukhari & Muslim]


And on the authority of Abu Dhar (Allah be pleased with him) he said,

"I entered the mosque, and there was the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) sitting alone, so he (peace be upon him) said:

"Oh Abu Dhar, Truly the mosque has a greeting, and indeed its greeting is two rakats, so stand up and pray them."

[Reported by Ibn Hiban in his Sahih]

Solat : "Dedicated to beginners"

For clearer view, please refer :

(http://www.howdoipray.com/howdoipray/Home/)

Solat Tasbeeh

It is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and other books of hadith that Rasulullah (sallallahu `alayhi wasallam) once said to his uncle Hadrat `Abbas (r.a.) :

"O Abbas!O my uncle! Shall I not give you a gift? Shall I not show you something by means of which Allah Ta`ala will forgive your sins, the first and the last of them, the past and recent, the unintentional and the intentional, the small and huge, the secret and open?"

Rasulullah (sallallahu `alayhi wasallam) then taught him the Solat Tasbeeh.

Furthermore he advised him that it be offered daily, if possible. If not then every Friday or once a month or once a year or at least once in one's life time.

Solat Tasbeehh consists of 4 raka`ahs. It can be performed any time of the day or night except at the makruh times.

The following tasbeeh is recited seventy-five times in each raka`ah totalling 300 in the 4 raka`ah.

(Subhaanallaahi walhamdu lillaahi walaa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar)

The method of this solat is as follows:

* After beginning the solat by saying Allah-u-Akbar recite the thana ', Sura al-Fatiha and a Sura followed by the above tasbeeh 15 times.

* Then go into Ruku and after reciting the usual tasbeeh for ruku` recite the above tasbeeh 10 times.

* After standing up from ruku` recite the usual Rabbana Lakal Hamd and thereafter recite the tasbeeh 10 times.

* Then go into Sajda and after reciting the usual tasbeeh for sajda recite the above tasbeeh 10 times.

* Then sit up from sajda and recite the tasbeeh 10 times between the two sajdas.

* Thereafter go into sajda again and after reciting the usual tasbeeh for sajda recite the above tasbeeh 10 times.

* Then sit after the 2nd sajda (i.e. before standing up for the second raka`ah) and recite the tasbeeh 10 times.

This adds up to 75 times in one raka`ah.

Do the same for the remaining 4 raka`ah.

[Note : If at night, this solat can be performed with 2 salams - 2 raka'ahs each]

(http://sunnipath.com/)

Tahajjud

Al-Muzzammil (Surah 73)

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

"O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad SAW)! (1) Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. (2) Half of it, or a little less than that, (3) Or a little more; And recite the Qur'ân (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style[] (4) Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, laws). (5) Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing oneself, and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh). "(6)

The following acts are recommended for one who wishes to perform the Tahajjud Prayer:

* Upon going to sleep, one should make the intention to perform the Prayers. Abu Ad-Darda' quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“Whoever goes to his bed with the intention of getting up and praying during the night, but, being overcome by sleep, fails to do that, he will have recorded for him what he has intended, and his sleep will be reckoned as a charity (an act of mercy) for him from his Lord.” (An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah)

* On waking up, it is recommended that one wipes the face, use a toothbrush, and look to the sky and make the supplication which has been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Abu Hudhaifa reported:

"Whenever the Prophet intended to go to bed, he would recite: (With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live)." And when he woke up from his sleep, he would say: (All the Praises are for Allah Who has made us alive after He made us die (sleep) and unto Him is the Resurrection.)" (Al-Bukhari)

* One should begin with two quick rak`ahs and then one may pray whatever one wishes after that. `A’ishah said:

“When the Prophet prayed during the late-night, he would begin his Prayers with two quick rak`ahs.” (Muslim)

* It is recommended that one wakes up one's family, for Abu Hurairah quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“May Allah bless the man who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up his wife and who, if she refuses to get up, sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah bless the woman who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up her husband and who, if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” (Ahmad)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“If a man wakes his wife and prays during the night or they pray two rak`ahs together, they will be recorded among those (men and women) who (constantly) make remembrance of Allah.” (Abu Dawud.)

* If one gets sleepy while performing Tahajjud, one should sleep. This is based on the hadith narrated by `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying:

“When one of you gets up during the night for Prayer and his Qur’anic recital gets mixed up to the extent that he does not know what he says, he should lie down.” (Muslim.)

Tahajjud may be performed in the early part of the night, the middle part of the night, or the latter part of the night, but after the obligatory `Isha’ Prayer (night Prayer).

It is best to delay this Prayer to the last third portion of the night. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: ‘Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?’” (Al-Bukhari)

`Amr ibn `Absah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying:

“The closest that a slave comes to his Lord is during the middle of the latter portion of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah the Exalted One at that time, then do so.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Tahajjud Prayer does not entail a specific number of rak`ahs that must be performed, nor is there any maximum limit that may be performed. It would be fulfilled even if one prayed just one rak`ah of Witr after `Isha’.

Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“The Messenger of Allah ordered us to pray during the night, a little or a lot, and to make the last of the Prayer the Witr Prayer.” (At-Tabarani and Al-Bazzar)

In Du’a : The Weapon of the Believer by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi (Chapter 7)

1) Allah describes the true believers as those who:

‘…and, in the hours of dawn, they seek forgiveness from their Lord…’ Surah Al-Dhariyat, Ayah 18

The distinction between a believer and one who is just a Muslim is further defined by this act.

2) The doors of Mercy and Forgiveness are open during the last 1/3 of night:

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

Our Lord descends every night, during the last third of it, to the skies of this world, and asks: ‘Who is making du’aa to me, so that I can respond to him? Who is asking Me, so that I can give him? Who is asking for My forgiveness, so that I can forgive him?’

(Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah)

3) If a person wishes his/her Du’aa to be accepted this is the best time to ask as shown in hadeeth above.

4) Huge incentive for the believer to wake up when everyone else is asleep and remember Allah (Subbhana Wa Ta’ala) privately.

5) Allah favored this time over other times and Allah distinguised this timing so that the worshipper can eagerly anticipate this time and pray earnestly and sincerely; The worshipper should ensure his/her du’aa is more frequent and sincere during these times.

DUA TO ASSIST ONE IN AWAKENING FOR TAHAJJUD

A person remarked to Abdullah bin Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu], "I always intend awakening in the last portion of the night to perform Salaat but sleep overpowers me."

Ibn Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu] replied, "Before sleeping recite from "QUL LAW KAANAL BAHRU MIDADAL..." to the end of Surah Kahf. Allah Ta'ala will waken you at whatever time you intend rising." [Tha'labi-Ma'ariful Quraan vol 5]

قُل لَّوۡ كَانَ ٱلۡبَحۡرُ مِدَادً۬ا لِّكَلِمَـٰتِ رَبِّى لَنَفِدَ ٱلۡبَحۡرُ قَبۡلَ أَن تَنفَدَ كَلِمَـٰتُ رَبِّى وَلَوۡ جِئۡنَا بِمِثۡلِهِۦ مَدَدً۬ا (١٠٩

"Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind). "If the sea were ink for (writing) the Words of my Lord, surely, the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord would be finished, even if we brought (another sea) like it for its aid." (109)

قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۟ بَشَرٌ۬ مِّثۡلُكُمۡ يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَـٰهُكُمۡ إِلَـٰهٌ۬ وَٲحِدٌ۬‌ۖ فَمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلۡيَعۡمَلۡ عَمَلاً۬ صَـٰلِحً۬ا وَلَا يُشۡرِكۡ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِۦۤ أَحَدَۢا (١١٠)

"Say (O Muhammad SAW): "I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God — i.e. Allâh). So whoever hopes for the Meeting[] with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." (110)

*******

Narrated Aisha r.a:

Once in the middle of the night Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) went out and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed with him. The next morning the people spoke about it and so more people gathered and prayed with him (in the second night). They circulated the news in the morning, and so, on the third night the number of people increased greatly. Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) came out and they prayed behind him.

On the fourth night the mosque was overwhelmed by the people till it could not accommodate them. Allah's Apostle came out only for the Fajr prayer and when he finished the prayer, he faced the people and recited "Tashah-hud" (I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His Apostle), and then said,

"Amma ba'du. Verily your presence (in the mosque at night) was not hidden from me, but I was afraid that this prayer (Prayer of Tahajjud) might be made compulsory and you might not be able to carry it out."

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (9 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5bL6cNwyOI

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (8 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YefVjw40XuQ

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (7 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfJZ8ij5p8I

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (6 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HDG-7fQ-Fk&feature=related

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (5 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKpEIfIVhOs&feature=related

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (4 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSW66KVsDUM&feature=related

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (3 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUbqL3A-Fq4

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (2 / 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAwUcEwCSJY

Sifat Solat Nabi s.a.w - (1 / 9 )

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYsKiCHDio8)

VIRTUE OF DHUHA

The time of Dhuha begins when the sun is about a spear’s length above the horizon and
it continues until the sun reaches its meridian. It is preferred to delay it until the sun has risen high and the day has become hot.

The minimum number of rak’ahs to be prayed is two. The most that the Prophet
(SAW) performed was eight rak’ahs. Umm Hani narrated that the Prophet (SAW)
prayed eight rak’ahs of Dhuha and made the taslim after every two rak’ahs.
(Abu Dawud)

After the completion of the prayer, one is recommended to recite the following du’a:

DHUHA (Chaasht) SALAAH:


According to authentic Ahaadeeth of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]:

When anyone of you awakens in the morning, you must give sadaqah (charity) for every joint (of your body).

So, every tasbih is sadaqah and every tahmeed is sadaqah and and every tahleel is sadaqah and every takbeer is sadaqah and to enjoin a good action is sadaqah and forbidding an evil action is sadaqah.

And equal to all of this collectively is (the reward) a person gains from performing two raka’aat at the time of Dhuhaa (Chaasht).

(Sahih Muslim)

**************************
(http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=518)


From Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:

'Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two units of prayer has the reward like that of Hajj and `Umrah.'" He said, "Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Complete, complete, complete (i.e. reward).'"

(Related by at-Tirmidhi (2/586), Takhreej Ahmad Shakir. `Abu `Isa (at-Tirmidhi) said: This hadeeth is hasan ghareeb. Shakir said in his verification: At-Tirmidhi declared it hasan, and in its chain of narrators is Abu Dhilaal, and he has been spoken about, but the hadeeth has other supporting narrations. Al-Albani declared it hasan in Saheeh at-Tirmidhi (591) and At-Ta`leeq ar-Ragheeb (164 and 165) and Saheeh at-Targheeb (1/461) and declared it saheeh in Saheeh al-Jaami` (6346).)

---------------------------

From Abi Umaamah who said: "Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:

'Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation then sits remembering Allah until he sun rises, then stands up ad prays two units of prayer returns with the reward of Hajj and `Umrah.'"

[Majma` uz-Zawaid of al-Haythami 10/104-105] Related by at-Tabarani and its isnad is good. Al-Albani declared it hasan in Saheeh at-Targheeb (1/464)]

--------------------------

From `Usrah who said, "I heard the Mother of believers, meaning `Aa'isha, say:

'I heard Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, say: 'Whoever prays fajr (or he said al-ghadaah, [transl. both referring to the morning prayer]), then sits in his place and does not speak idly with something from matters of this world and remembers Allah until he prays four units of Dhuha, he will leave his sins like the day his mother bore him, without any sin.''"

[al-Mataalib al-`Aaliyah bi Zawaa'id al-Masaaneed ath-Thamaaniyah of Ibn Hajr (3/3394), takhreej: Habeeb ur-Rahman al-A`dhami. The authenticator said: "Al-Buwaysari said: 'Abu Ya`laa related it about Salat adh-Dhuha with a hasan chain.'"] Related by Abu Ya`laa and at-Tabarani related something similar to it in al-Awsat.

Salaat-ul-Istikhara

Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem
Assalaamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu
Salaat-ul-Istikhara and its Rulings

(Summary from the Book, "The Three Abandoned Prayers" by Shaykh Adnaan Ali Uroor)

(http://www.geocities.com/albayaan/shaban1421/istikhara.html)

When the servant is concerned about an affair or decides upon a matter, or a problem arises in his mind and he wishes to act upon it, then he should seek guidance from his Lord before embarking upon it (as established in Sahih Bukhari vol.2, no.263; Ahmad 3/344; Abu Dawood vol.1. no.1533, an-Nasa'i no.3253, Tirmidhi no.480, Ibn Majah no.1383) by the following:

FIRSTLY: that he fulfills all the conditions of superogatory prayer - which are the same conditions for the obligatory prayer except the condition of enterning of the time for that particular prayer.

SECONDLY: that he prays two rakaahs of superogatory prayer, with the intention of al-Istikharaah (seeking guidance).

THIRDLY: after the prayer, he should make the supplication of al-Istikharaah:

Translation:
"O Allah, I seek your counsel by Your knowledge and I seek your assistance by Your power and I ask You from Your immense favor, for verily You are able while I am not, and verily You know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the Unseen. O Allah, if You know this affair (and here he mentions his need) to be good for me in relation to my religion, my life and aftermath, then decree it and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it, and if You know this affair to be ill for me concerning my religion, my life and end, then remove me from it, and decree for me what is good, wherever it maybe, and make me satisfied with it"

"The du'aa of one of you in answered so long as he does not become impatient and say "I made a du'aa to my Lord but He did not answer me"" (Bukhari, vol.8 352; Muslim, vol.4 6595).


FOURTHLY: He should have a strong assurance in his Lord and truthful reliance upon his Lord , being sure of guidance, waiting for the answer.



SOME FURTHER POINTS

* Salaat ul Istikharaah is not allowed in the times when salah is prohibited

*There is no specific surah to be recited in al-Istikharaah.

*The du'aa is to be performed after the two rakahs, without interruption. If one forgets to say it immediately but he still has wudhu and is still sitting then he should make it. If one has walked away then he must repeat the two rakahs.

* It is necessary to adhere to the exact text - "Verily the wordings of the duas are maintained exactly to the form established from the Prophet" (an-Nawawi, al-Majmoo 3/495). The scholars differ whether one is permitted to say something before the dua (praising Allah swt) and after it (saying salaam on the Prophet saw), as the general evidences for du'aa suggest this; or if it should be disallowed given al-istikharaah is a specific du'aa, therefore it is not befitting to add to it.

*The general rule is one hands should be raised unless proved that the Prophet (saw) did not do this in a particular dua. "Verily your Lord is generous, shy. If His servant raises his hands to Him (in supplication) He becomes shy to return them empty" (Ahmad, Abu Dawood vol.1 1483, Tirmidhi)

* Whether ones heart inclines towards something before al-Istikharah or not, the individual should still make al-Istikharaah for this affair.

*The individual should also seek guidance from those whom he knows to be righteous, whether before or after performing al-Istikharaah.



*****************************

"There is not a Muslim on the face of the earth that invokes Allah with a supplication except that he will be granted it or will be protected from an evil equal to his supplication, so long as the supplication is not for a sinful matter or for severing the family ties"
(Tirmidhi no.3568; see also Ahmad 3/18; and al-Haakim 1/493)

Salaah - Taraweeh Prayer

From : (http://ramadan.com.au/prayer?start=9)

‘Taraweeh prayers are daily night prayers observed after Isha prayer in Ramadan and can be carried out in congregation or individually. Although not compulsory but widely practiced, Taraweeh prayers are recognized as a special part of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

The reason why Muslims prayer the Taraweeh prayer can be best explained in the following hadith.

“The Messenger of Allah, sala Allahu alahi wa sallam, said: "Whoever observes night prayer in Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out." (Muslim)

The practice of performing Taraweeh prayers in the mosque was established by our beloved Prophet Mohammed, sala Allahu alahi wa sallam. However, he did not continually observe the Taraweeh prayers in the mosque for fear that it would be made compulsory on all Muslims to do so throughout the Holy month of Ramadan.

Taraweeh prayers consist of various numbers of raka'ats, generally ranging from 8 to 20 (not including the witr prayer). Muslims are encouraged to perform the Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan to increase their level of spirituality amongst many other benefits.

Taraweeh is an opportunity to acquire the pleasure of Allah swt. Depending on a Muslims physical strength, time constraints and willingness, Taraweeh prayer can be varied in units and extended for greater rewards in the manner of more rakaa’s prayed or longer surat being read. In fact it is sunnah to complete reading the entire Quran in Taraweh prayer in Ramadan.

"The Messenger of Allah, (sala Allahu alahi wa sallam), observed Taraweeh prayer in the mosque one night and people prayed with him. He repeated so the following night and the number of participants grew. The companions congregated the third and fourth night, but the Messenger did not show up.

In the morning he told them, "I saw what you did last night, but nothing prevented me from joining you except my fear that it might be made mandatory on you in Ramadan."

It was only Omar bin kutab (r.a), that had made the companions join together and pray Taraweeh in congregation.

Apart from the obvious benefits as mentioned in the hadith above, Taraweeh prayer other positives include building a sense of community by bringing together Muslims during Ramadan every evening, physical benefits through mediation and movement of the body, and building and strengthening a spiritually conducive environment for Muslims.

It is in fact quite common that the leader of the congregation, the Imam, recites the entire Qur'an throughout the month. This gives the listeners a chance to hear the Holy Qur'an in its entirety and gives them a chance to reflect over its meanings. It is common to see grown men cry and shed tears as they reflect on the words of their creator, and they reflect on their lives.

Praying Taraweeh, with sincerity and correctly not only wipes away previous sins and increases the level of closeness to Allah swt, building greater conviction, and certainty, which strengthens a Muslim in their speech and actions in and outside of Ramadan.

For most Muslims as they approach the end of the month of Ramadan, the aura in the air at Taraweeh prayers is one of sadness and sorrow that this special prayer is gone for another year.

The Muslim who has the capacity, but fails to grasp the opportunity of performing the Taraweeh prayers with sincerity and correctly, knowing well the benefits of it, truly suffers from a poverty of incorrect priorities.

5 DAILY OBLIGATORY SOLAH

Allah states in Surah At Taubah verse 103 :

" Verily ! Your solahs are a source of security for them, and Allah is All- Hearer, All Knower."

Solah is defined as :

Specific words and actions that begins with "takbiratul ihram" and ends with the "salaam".

It is a gift to Muslims from Allah, a form of prayer that includes a number of Rakaah (praying during standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting) whilst facing the Qiblah (Direction towards the Ka'abah in Makkah, Arabia).

Salaah is performed in a specific manner, read in Arabic and includes recitations of the Holy Quran and words of that praise, gratify and glorify Allah - The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.

Five salaah are (Fardh) obligatory and are the second pillar of Islaam, and compulsory upon every Muslims that fulfils the following requirement :

1. Mukallaf ( reached the age of pubescence ).

2. Sane

3. Free from menstruation ( haid ) and post child-birth ( nifas ).


These Solah are determined by its time period and cannot be performed before or after its pre-determined time.

These timings were taught by Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after the occasion of Israk and Mi'raj.


1. Fajar (2 Raka'ats)

The time of Fajar starts from the break of dawn ( fajar sadiq ) till the sunrise.


2. Zuhur (4 Raka'ats)

The time of Zuhur starts when the sun passes its median to the West. During this time, the shadow of each object starts elongating towards the East.The time for Zuhur continues till the length of the shadow is the same as the object itself.


3. 'Asar (4 Raka'ats)

The time of 'Asar starts when the shadow of each object equals its own height. It continues till sunset.


4. Maghrib (3 Raka'ats)

The time for Maghrib starts from sunset and continues till the redness of the clouds ( syafak ahmar ) dissappears.


5. 'Isyak (4 Raka'ats)

The time for 'Isyak starts when the redness of the clouds clears and continues till the break of dawn.

Allah Almighty knows best.

*************************************

It was reported in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked by a Bedouin Arab about the obligatory Solah and he answered :

5 solahs in the day and night.

The Bedouin asked again : Anything more imposed on me ?

The Prophet answered : No, unless you want to perform the voluntary ones.

*************************************

Prayer (Salah)

Note : In welcoming and preparing for the month of Ramadhan,
InsyaAllah there'll be postings/compilations of videos
titled "In The Shade of Ramadhan"
~ a 30-part series that I found in the youtube,
starting from 1st August 2009 in my blog :
http://cheqna-in-school.blogspot.com/.

May Ramadhan this year be a better one for us.

The following video on Prayer (Salah) is one part of the said series.

~ Imam Suhaib Webb discusses prayer as connection
to Allah and highlights it's benefits.

Solat (animation)

Step by step animation on how to pray ~ Solat.

(according to the Hanafi school of thought).

Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer - Part 7-7

Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer - Part 6-7

Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer - Part 5-7

Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer - Part 4-7

Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer - Part 3-7

Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer - Part 2-7

Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer ~ Part 1-7

al-Khushoo fis-Salat' by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali - Part 7(final)

The Benefit of the Worshipper's Standing Before His Lord

Author: Shaikh Alee Hasan al-Halabi (trans. by Abu Iyaad)

Source: From the Introduction to 'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

The Prayer is a sanctified and holy moment (mauqif) for the worshipper in the presence of his Lord and Deity in truth. He fulfils (by its performance) his covenants, obligations and statements of confession which are contained within and are required by the testimony that: "There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammed(peace be upon him) is His Messenger" and by whose attestation one becomes a muslim.

These covenants, obligations and resolutions: among them are those of belief, those of speech and those of action; and the explanation of that is as follows:

Seventhly:

Whatever is repeated in every raka' from among the obligations and covenants in speech such as the repetition of his praises, requesting of guidance to the straight path, the path of those who have blessings bestowed upon them, not of those upon whom is anger and they are the Jews and whoever is like them, nor of those who are astray and they are the Christians and whoever resembles them, and the likes of what is said in the tashahhud and the meanings of the various verses and supplications that are repeated in the prayer: in summary, every movement, every moment of ease, every statement and every action during the prayer, be it an obligation, covenant, resolution or confession from the worshipper in front of his Master and Deity in Truth, which he repeats in every raka', whether it is in the obligatory or supererogatory, makes free his heart, tongue, limbs and feelings from associating partners with Allah.

He is a muslim, in submission to Him. He gives for His sake, takes for his sake, acts for His sake, abandons for His sake. He loves for his sake and hates for His sake. The proof for this truth is the saying of Allah (Azzawajall) :

{And establish the prayer. Verily the prayer prevents the obscene and evil deeds}[2]

and the saying of the Messenger (sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam}:

"The example of the five prayers is as the example of an abundant flowing river by the side of the door of one of you. He washes every day from it five times."[3]

Therefore know - brother/sister reader - the position and importance of your prayer and establish as it should be truly established and gain happiness from it as Allah desires for you. I ask Allah that he assists us all and has mercy upon us, verily He is the All Hearer, the Responder.

FOOTNOTES

2. Surah Ankabut 29:45

3. Reported by [Muslim] no. 667 from Jaabir.

(http://abdurrahman.org/salah/thebenefitofstanding.html)

al-Khushoo fis-Salat' by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali - Part 6

The Benefit of the Worshipper's Standing Before His Lord

Author: Shaikh Alee Hasan al-Halabi (trans. by Abu Iyaad)

Source: From the Introduction to 'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

The Prayer is a sanctified and holy moment (mauqif) for the worshipper in the presence of his Lord and Deity in truth. He fulfils (by its performance) his covenants, obligations and statements of confession which are contained within and are required by the testimony that: "There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammed(peace be upon him) is His Messenger" and by whose attestation one becomes a muslim.

These covenants, obligations and resolutions: among them are those of belief, those of speech and those of action; and the explanation of that is as follows:


Sixthly ~ Khushoo':

This is a position of total and extreme submissiveness and humility in front of the Deity in Truth and the quiescence/tranquillity of the heart and the limbs. One does not move except where commanded and is not at ease except where commanded.

It is an obligation in action due to the necessity of obedience and the abandonment of disobedience to the Deity in Truth. Whoever discharges this obligation during the prayer then contradicts it (behaves otherwise) upon departing from the prayer he has caused diminution/annulment of (his Khushoo') to the extent of his disobedience.

al-Khushoo fis-Salat' by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali - Part 5

The Benefit of the Worshipper's Standing Before His Lord

Author: Shaikh Alee Hasan al-Halabi (trans. by Abu Iyaad)

Source: From the Introduction to 'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

The Prayer is a sanctified and holy moment (mauqif) for the worshipper in the presence of his Lord and Deity in truth. He fulfils (by its performance) his covenants, obligations and statements of confession which are contained within and are required by the testimony that: "There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammed(peace be upon him) is His Messenger" and by whose attestation one becomes a muslim.

These covenants, obligations and resolutions: among them are those of belief, those of speech and those of action; and the explanation of that is as follows:


Fifthly ~ Folding of the hands during the Qiyaam:

This is a manifestation from among the manifestations of humility and defeat in front of the Deity in Truth. Among its implications are subservience to the divine commandments in that one does not move except when commanded and one is not at ease or quiescence except when commanded.

Whoever sought this position of worship for a few moments and after that lets loose the reigns of his soul then he wanders/trespasses (while ignorant of Allah's rulings) into the greatest of matters (i.e. sins) and he has fallen into a type of deception.

'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali - Part 4

The Benefit of the Worshipper's Standing Before His Lord

Author: Shaikh Alee Hasan al-Halabi (trans. by Abu Iyaad)

Source: From the Introduction to 'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

The Prayer is a sanctified and holy moment (mauqif) for the worshipper in the presence of his Lord and Deity in truth. He fulfils (by its performance) his covenants, obligations and statements of confession which are contained within and are required by the testimony that: "There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammed (peace be upon him) is His Messenger" and by whose attestation one becomes a muslim.

These covenants, obligations and resolutions: among them are those of belief, those of speech and those of action; and the explanation of that is as follows:

Fourthly ~ The Sujood:

This is the extremity in, or the end result of humility; when the worshipper places his noble limbs upon the dust or the earth. The sujood is a covenant in action. It is an obligation due to the absolute obedience owed to the Deity in truth in all situations.

There is no exception in this absolute obedience for moments of desire or moments of the whims of the soul (this absolute obedience incorporates all moments and situations).

Whoever covers his face with dust (due to the performance of sujood) out of extreme humility, then departs from his prayer and returns to the obedience of the soul in disobedience to Allah, obedience to the creation in disobedience to Allah and the following of whims in disobedience to Allah, then he has been false to himself to the extent of his disobedience (or sin).

But whoever does that, then he must repent hastily as the Messenger of Allah has said: "All the progeny of Aadam (constantly) errs and the best of those who constantly err are those who (constantly) repent"[1]

***********************

Footnote :

1. Reported by [At-Tirmidhi] no. 2501 and [Ibn Majah] no. 4251 and [Ad- Daarimee] 2/303 and [Ahmad] 3/198 with a hasan sanad from Anas bin Malik.

'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali - Part 3

The Benefit of the Worshipper's Standing Before His Lord

Author: Shaikh Alee Hasan al-Halabi (trans. by Abu Iyaad)

Source: From the Introduction to 'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

The Prayer is a sanctified and holy moment (mauqif) for the worshipper in the presence of his Lord and Deity in truth. He fulfils (by its performance) his covenants, obligations and statements of confession which are contained within and are required by the testimony that: "There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammed(peace be upon him) is His Messenger" and by whose attestation one becomes a muslim.

These covenants, obligations and resolutions: among them are those of belief, those of speech and those of action; and the explanation of that is as follows:


Thirdly ~ The Tasbeeh:

This is the statement which the worshipper makes during his rukoo' "How free from every imperfection is my Lord, the Mighty" (Subhaana-rabbiyal-adheem) and in his sujood "How free from every imperfection is my Lord, the Highest" (Subhaan-rabbiyal-a'laa).

This is an obligation in speech by which the worshipper declares his Deity free from every defect and shortcoming in His attributes, actions and His rights (over the creation). Among His rights are the declaration of His mightiness in every situation, the placing of obedience to Him before obedience to ones soul or parents, leaders and others besides them.

Whoever declares Allah to be free from all imperfections during his rukoo' and sujood and then shows boldness towards His disobedience when he departed from the prayer, he has reduced/diminished his glorification of his Deity to the extent of his disobedience to Him.

'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali - Part 2

The Benefit of the Worshipper's Standing Before His Lord

Author: Shaikh Alee Hasan al-Halabi (trans. by Abu Iyaad)

Source: From the Introduction to 'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

The Prayer is a sanctified and holy moment (mauqif) for the worshipper in the presence of his Lord and Deity in truth. He fulfils (by its performance) his covenants, obligations and statements of confession which are contained within and are required by the testimony that: "There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammed is His Messenger" and by whose attestation one becomes a muslim.

These covenants, obligations and resolutions: among them are those of belief, those of speech and those of action; and the explanation of that is as follows:

Secondly ~ The Rukoo':

This is an obligation in action. The worshipper bends his back and (bows) his head during it out of obedience, lowliness and humility to his Deity.

So by this he fulfils his covenants of being constant in his obedience, carrying out the orders of his Deity, refraining from His prohibitions, ruling by His Sharee'ah in happiness, adversity and every other situation.

The worshipper returns (to fulfil) these covenants and obligations every time he performs the rukoo' both in the obligatory prayers or the supererogatory. Whoever bends his back in the prayer in obedience to Allah and after that rebels from some of His commands or shows boldness towards some of His prohibitions due to the calling of his desire or whim, then he has contradicted his fulfilment of this obligation to the extent of the evil of his action.

'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali - Part 1

The Benefit of the Worshipper's Standing Before His Lord

Author: Shaikh Alee Hasan al-Halabi (trans. by Abu Iyaad)

Source: From the Introduction to 'al-Khushoo fis-Salat' of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

The Prayer is a sanctified and holy moment (mauqif) for the worshipper in the presence of his Lord and Deity in truth. He fulfils (by its performance) his covenants, obligations and statements of confession which are contained within and are required by the testimony that: "There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammed is His Messenger" and by whose attestation one becomes a muslim.

These covenants, obligations and resolutions: among them are those of belief, those of speech and those of action; and the explanation of that is as follows:

Firstly ~ The Takbeer ("Allahu Akbar"):

This is a compulsory acknowledgement for the worshipper, both in belief and speech, that Allah is the greatest, greater than everything in His Essence, Attributes and in the rights (owed to Him).

Among His rights are the obeying of His commands and refraining from His prohibitions in regard to beliefs, acts of worship, characteristics and manners; in all moments and situations.

This acknowledgement penetrates into the various postures of the worshipper during his prayer, from the qiyaam to the rukoo', to the sujood, the verbal confessions he makes and after that into the submissiveness in action; so there does not remain any moment of heedlessness or innattentiveness and there does not remain in his heart that which pushes out the (awareness of the responsibility of fulfilling) the rights of Allah upon His servant; whether it is persons, property, money, family or progeny and among His rights are (His) Magnification, Love (for Him greater than for all else), Fear (of His displeasure and punishment), Hope (in His Mercy) and Obedience.

Mari bersolat (Let's Pray)

No reason not to...
(The nasheed by : Raihan)

The Virtues Of Prayer

Salaat (Prayer) performed genuinely with humility and submission to Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) has unlimited virtues and benefits. It is the noblest expression of faith and the surest way of thanking Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) for His unlimited favors.

It is the way to obtaining Allah's mercy, generosity, kindness, blessings and a sure way to paradise.

Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) says in the Holy Qur'an:“ Prosperous indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers” (Qur'an-Al-Mukminuun 23:1-2).

It is a deliverance on the Day of Judgement for those who used to observe it well.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) says:“ The first thing that the servant of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) will be called to account for on the Day of Judgement will be the prayer; and if it was good the person's deeds will have been good, but if it was bad, the person's deeds will have been bad” (Reported by Imam Bukhari).

Prayer purifies the soul, refines the character and inculcates in man the excellent virtues of truthfulness, honesty and modesty.

It keeps one who performs it from falsehood and from all forbidden actions as is categorically confirmed by the following verse of the Holy Qur'an:“ Verily, prayer refrains from indecency and evil” (Qur'an-Al-Ankabut 29:45).

[Source : Kitab Al-Salaah (The book of Prayer)]

Mencontohi solat Rasullullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 12-12

Mencontohi solat Rasullullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 11-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 10-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 9-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 8-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 7-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 6-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 5-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 4-12

Mencontohi solat Rasullulah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 3-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah (s.a.w) - Bhgn 2-12

Mencontohi solat Rasulullah(s.a.w) - Bhgn. 1-12

Khatmul Quran Duaa-Sheikh Sudais (2008) - With English Translation

Sheikh AbdurRahman as-Sudais made (recited) this most beautiful duaa on the 29th night of Ramadan 1429H/2008, may Allah accept his duaas, and all of ours, ameen.

May Allah accept our siyam, qiyam, dua, ruku and sujood, ameeen!

"Asalaamu ALaaikum wa Rahmatullah. Alhamdulilah...after many hours of hard work of translation (by good sister al-Kawthaar with help from brother BeMyBro) and editing, this video is done! :) May Allah reward all who helped in making this upload possible, ameen."


(Note : taken from youtube, video uploaded by "shaykha")

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 15 - Final)

This is the last part of the series, it covers some general points about prayer.

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 14)

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 13)

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 12)

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 11)

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 10)

Second Raka'ah

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 9)

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 8)

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 7)

Performing two units of prayer

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 6)

Importance of Prayer

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 5)

5--General points about ablution

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 4)

4--Intention

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 3)

3 -- General Hygiene

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 2)

The night journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the establishment of the 5 daily prayers....part 2

As-Solah - The Prayer (Part 1)

The night journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the establishment of the 5 daily prayers....part 1

Virtue and Significance of Solah

By Islam Online Researchers

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, alone. May peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Solah stands as the second pillar of Islam after testifying that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His final Messenger.

The Prophet SAW said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing Salah, paying the Zakah, making the pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadhan.” [Al-Bukhari]

An illustration of the virtue and significance of Solah.

Solah is the pillar of Islam, the pinnacle of good deeds, and the peak of obedience. `Uthman ibn `Affan RA reported that the Prophet SAW said: "If the time for a prescribed Solah comes, and a Muslim performs Wudu' properly (and then offers his Solah) with humility and bowing (to Allah), it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this is applicable to all times." [Muslim]

Humran said that he saw `Uthman performing Wudu'; he washed his hands thrice, rinsed his mouth and then washed his nose, by putting water in it and then blowing it out, and washed his face thrice, and then washed his right forearm up to the elbow thrice, and then the left forearm up to the elbow thrice, then wiped his head with water, washed his right foot thrice, and then his left foot thrice and said, "I saw Allah's Messenger performing ablution similar to the one I’ve just performed, and then he said, 'Whoever performs Wudu' (as I’ve just done) and then offers two Raka`at in which he does not think of worldly things, all his previous sins will be forgiven.'" [ Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Solah is consisting of pillars, duties, and Sunnan. The Spirit of Solah is intention, devotion, and contemplation of heart. Without the contemplation, invocation is of no avail since this will be futile utterance. By the same token, all other acts of solah will not bring forth its avowed fruits of the act of Qiyam (standing) that connotes the observation and Sujud (prostration) that implies humility and glorification, which will never be attained without attention (khusyuk).

Allah, Most Exalted Says, "It is not their meat or their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him." (Al-Hajj: 37)

It is now clear that what counts most in the Sight of Allah, Most Exalted, is the state of the heart, by which one submits to the commands of Allah. In this way alertness and mindfulness are required in solah even if a lapse of negligence is pardoned by the Allah as long as consciousness dominates it.

The measure of an acceptable Solah.

1 - Consciousness: It means to show indifference to all worldly interests and have absolute consciousness of Allah SWT. The cause of such consciousness is decisive intention since the man who has decisive intention to do something, necessarily puts his heart to it. Consciousness, in fact, differs according to the strength of belief in the Hereafter and scorn of this world. Therefore, if you miss consciousness in Solah, you should know that the root-cause of this is weakness of faith, and so you should exert yourself to strengthen and bolster it.

2 - Reflection on the words; this is the second step after consciousness: Consciousness may be present without grasping the meaning, and so attention should be directed to grasping the meaning by refraining from thinking of other matters.

3 - Glorification and fear of Allah, Most Exalted, which emanate from two facts: realizing the Majesty and Magnificence of Allah, and looking down upon one's self, which would result in humility and consciousness. Hope is also an important factor in Solah. The one who offers Solah should hope for the reward of Allah, and fear the punishment due to his imperfection.

· The worshiper should contemplate on every act of Solah. When he hears the Adzan (Call to Solah), he should remember the call on the Day of Judgment, and prepare himself to the answer, thinking how to reply. When the worshiper covers his private parts, he should remember his concealed vices which no one knows except Allah, Most Exalted, and which require repentance.

· When the worshiper faces the Qiblah (Direction of Solah), he turns his face towards the House of Allah and turns his back to all other directions. No doubt, directing his heart towards Allah is worthwhile.

· When you say: "Allah is Greatest", your heart should not belie your tongue. If you believe that there is something greater than Allah, you will be a liar. Be cautious.

· When you say: "I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan", you should take into account that you resort to Allah SWT. In this case, if your heart is not in tune with your tongue, what you say will be nonsense and irrational. Try to grasp the meaning of what you say.

· When you say: "Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds," you should ponder over the meaning of these words. Also, you reflect on Allah's mercy when you read: "Most Gracious, Most Merciful". Think about Allah's power when you read: "Master of the Day of Judgment". In this way, one should reflect on what he reads or say in Solah.

It is reported that Zararah Ibn Abi Awfa RA fell dead when he recited the Qur'anic verse, "Finally, when the trumpet is sounded." [Al-Muddathir: 8] which is, no doubt, was due to his imagination of this horrible scene.

· When bowing, try to show humility to your Lord. Likewise, you should be more humble when prostrating since you place yourself in its proper and original position, namely, the earth from which you have been created. In this case, try to reflect on what you say.

· Finally, you should know that performing solah in such a manner purifies and enlightens the heart, which, in turn, could behold the Glory of Allah. In fact, no one but the devout scholars can grasp these meanings.

In contrast, whoever performs solah without observing its requirements would in no way grasp its significance? Such a man, furthermore, may exceed the limit and deny its existence.

Allah Almighty knows best.