Who passes in front of a praying person...

Abul-Juhaim `Abdullah bin Al-Harith
(May Allah be pleased with him) said:

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said,

"If the person who passes in front of a praying person,
realizes the enormity of the sinfulness of this act,
it will have been better for him to wait
forty than to pass in front of him.''

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

[The narrator was not sure whether
the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said forty days, months or years.]


Commentary:


We learn from this Hadith that it is a great sin to pass before
a person who is offering Salat. People should also take care that
they do not offer Salat without placing a Sutrah in front of them.
A Sutrah refers to anything that a person sets up in front of him;
this could be a stick, another person praying in front of him or
even a line which he can draw on the ground. The distance between
the person offering his Salat and the Sutrah should not be more
than approximately one meter and a half. If the distance is longer
than this, then it is not unlawful to pass before someone offering Salat.

Mistakes Done In Sujud

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

By: Mashhur Hasan Al Salman


(Source: The Clarified Ruling Of Mistakes Done In Salat)


While being in the State of Sujud, some muslims abandon the Sunnah of Tajafi which is to lift one’s belly up wards away from one’s thighs and one’s arms away from one’s sides as far as possible provided one does not cause inconvenience to the one next to him.


It also includes that one lifts one’s arms from the ground putting only his hands on it at the level of his shoulders or ears not at the knees.





However, a muslim must not exaggerate in doing Tajafi by straightening his back to an extent that he looks like the one lying on the ground. This is indeed a detested exaggeration.(3)


Tajafi must be done in a moderate manner; stretching not one’s back too much nor huddling oneself too much.




Some muslims behave like animals in their Salat the thing that indicates their sense of carelessness towards it.


Some of them may look here and there like a fox does, spread their arms on the ground like lions, do their Salat so quickly in the same manner a crow does when eating, stick to a certain place in which one does his Salat like a camel does regarding his resting place, sit on one’s buttocks spreading one’s feet like dogs do when they sit, or moving one’s hands to the left and to the right when reciting Taslim in the same manner horses move their tails.


Ibn Al-Qayyim said: ‘Our Shari‘ah prohibited that a muslim act in the same manner the Kuffar, animals, demons, bedouins or women [as for men] act. While being in Salat, we [muslims] are also forbidden to act in the same manner animals or the ignorants behave.(4)





’Anas (Radhi Allaahu Anhu) related that the prophet (Sallalahu Alahi wa Sallam) said: ‘Straighten your selves when doing Sujud; never spread your arms on the ground as dogs do’.(5)


Explaining this hadith, Imam An-Nawawi said: ‘The hadith means that when prostrating, a muslim must put his hands on the ground lifting his arms a way from it and totally a way from his sides that his armpits could be seen in case they were uncovered. This manner of doing Sujud is recommended by all ‘Ulamah, if it was abandoned one incurs a sin upon himself but his Salat is valid, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) knows best.






The ‘Ulamah stated that the rationale behind such a manner of doing Sujud is to show complete submission [to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)] and it gives a sense of activity. On the other hand, spreading one’s arms on the ground -like dogs do when they sit- cast a sense of carelessness towards Salat and not being fully given to it’.(6)


It is of Sunnah that one’s feet be erected in Sujud, heels be close together and toes be directed to the Qiblah.(1) Unfortunately, this Sunnah has been abandoned by many muslims. I hope that these few lines get them to remember it and put it under application. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) guide us to follow his prophet’s (Sallalahu Alahi wa Sallam) Sunnah.


It is also a mistake to put one’s fists on the ground when doing Sujud as some people do and so is the case with putting one feet on the other.


May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) guide us and them to the right.







(1) Narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah in his “Sahih” (vol. 1 / p. 322) (no. 638), through a good chain of narrators as is mentioned in “Sifat Salatun Naby” (p. 149).

(2) See: “Sifat Salatun Naby” (p. 149).

(3) See: The article titled “Tanbihat ‘Ala Ba’dil ’Akhta’ Allaty Yaf‘aluha Al-Musallin Fi Salatihim” by shaikh ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abdir Rahman Al-Jibrin, published by “Al- Mujtama’ magazine (issue no. 855).

(4) Al-Furusyyah (p. 10). See: “As- Salat wahukmu Tarikiha” (p. 143).

(5) Narrated by Al-Bukhari in his “Sahih” (vol. 2 / p. 301) (no. 822).

(6) “Sahih Muslim” Sharh An-Nawawi, (vol. 4 / p. 209).

Eid ul Fitr Greetings

Assalamualaikum

To all my Muslim friends :

May the blessings of Allah SWT be with you and famly.

Eid Prayer

Short Description of the Eid Prayer and the Eid Khutbah

From Islamic Newsletter 'As-Sunnah' Issue no: 10

Compiled by Sister Shawana A. Aziz

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Let the free women, the virgins, and the menstruating women attend the Eid prayer, and witness the good and the supplications of the believers. As for the menstruating women, they should stay away from the Musallah (i.e.. should not participate in the prayer itself).”
[Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

Eid ul Fitr Salah (Prayer) - Makkah - 1429 (2008)
صلاة العيد في الحرم المكي

1 - The Eid Salaah consists of two Raka'ahs. Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The traveler’s prayer is two raka'ah; the Adha prayer is two Raka'ah; and the Jumuah prayer is two Rak'ah; this is their full length as came from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam).”
[(saheeh) Musnad Ahmad, Nisa'ee, Baihaqee and others]

2 - The Eid Salaah is not preceded by the adhan (the call to announce the prayer time) or Iqamah (the call to start prayer). Jabir bin Samurah (radhi allahu anhu) said: “I prayed the Eid prayer with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), on more than one occasion, without adhan or Iqamah.”
[Saheeh Muslim]

3 - No Sunnah prayer may precede or follow the Eid prayer, except if it is performed in a Masjid instead of a Musallah, in which case one must pray two raka'hs before sitting down. Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) went out (of his house) on the day of Fitr, prayed two raka'hs and did not pray before or after it.”
[Zaad al-Maad (2/443)]

4 - Like any other deed in Islam, the prayer must be preceded with a true intention of worshiping Allah alone in the heart.

5 - The first raka'h (one prayer unit) is initiated with Takbeer al-ihram, followed by the opening supplication.

6 - Then followed by seven Takbeers in the first raka'h and five more in the second rak'ah. Aa'ishah (radhi allahu anha) said: “Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) would say Takbeer in both Fitr and Adha: seven in the first and five in the second, other than the two Takbeers of Ruku (bowing).”
[(Saheeh) - Abu Dawood (1150) and others]

7 - After the Takbeer one should recite Ta'awwuth - 'A'uthu billahi min ash-Shaytaan ir-Rajeem' meaning “I seek refuge in Allah from the outcast devil” and Basmallah 'Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem' meaning 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.'

8 - Followed by the recitation of Soorah al-Fatihah

9 - Then, the recitation of Soorah al-Qaaf in the first raka'h and the Soorah al-Qamar in the second - OR - Soorah al-Alaa in the first and Soorah al-Ghashiyah in the second.

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: “Both of these have been authentically reported from the action of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), nothing else is authentic.”
[Zaad al-Maad (1/443)]

(Note: Reciting a Soorah different from the ones mentioned above will too complete the prayer.)

The remainder of the prayer is performed in the same manner as any other prayer, without any difference.

Eid-ul-Fitr Salah - Madinah - 1429

The Eid Khutbah:

The Sunnah of the Eid Khutbah is that it should be delivered after the Eid Salaah. Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: “I attended the Eid with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), Abu Bakr (radhi allahu anhu) Umar (radhi allahu anhu) and Uthman (radhi allahu anahu); all of them would pray before the Khutbah.”
[Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Listening to the Eid Khutbah is not wajib , Abdullah bin as-Sa'ib (radhi allahu anhu) reported that he attended the Eid prayer with the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam); and when he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) finished the prayer, he said: “We shall have a Khutbah; so let whoever wishes to sit for the Khutbah do so, and whoever wishes to leave, may leave.”
[(saheeh) Abu Dawood)]

If the Eid falls on a Friday, it becomes optional for men to attend the Jumu'ah prayer. Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that on such occurrence, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Two Eids have coincided on this day of yours; thus whoever wishes, is exempted from attending the Jumu'ah prayer. Yet, we shall hold it.”
[Authenticated by Shaikh al-Albanee in Irwa ul-Ghalil]

It should be noted that if one does not attend the Jumu’ah prayer, then it becomes obligatory on him to offer the Dhuhr prayer.

How to Seek Laylatul-Qadr

By ~ Shaykh Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen al-Albani

(From Islaam.com)

Adapted from "The Night Prayers: Qiyam & Tarawih from works by Muhammad Nasir ud-Deen al-Albani (and other scholars)"
(Compiled by Muhammad al-Jibali, © 1997 QSS)

Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night.

A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. If a believing person is zealous to obey his Lord and increase the good deeds in his record, he should strive to encounter this night and to pass it in worship and obedience. If this is facilitated for him, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.

Praying Qiyaam

It is recommended to make a long Qiyaam prayer during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadeeths, such as the following:

Abu Tharr (radhiallahu `anhu) relates:

"We fasted with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Ramadaan. He did not lead us (in qiyaam) at all until there were seven (nights of Ramadaan) left. Then he stood with us (that night - in prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of the night had passed. So we said, 'Allah's Messenger! Wouldn't you pray with us the whole night?'

He replied:

'Whoever stands in prayer with the imaam until he (the imaam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.'…"
[Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who authenticated it), an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, at-Tahawi (in Sharhu Ma`an il-Athar, Ibn Nasr, al-Faryabi, and al-Bayhaqi. Their isnad is authentic.]

[Point of benefit: Abu Dawud mentioned: "I heard Ahmad being asked, 'Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?' He replied, 'Pray with the people' I also heard him say, 'I would prefer for one to pray (qiyaam) with the imaam and to pray witr with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "When a man prays with the imaam until he concludes, it is recorded that he prayed the rest of that night." [Masaa'il]]

Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the report of `Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]

Making Supplications

It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?"

And he instructed her to say:

"Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me."
[Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi. Verified to be authentic by Al-Albani]

Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship

It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr is likely to be. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah.

`A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported:

"When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

And she said:

"Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights."
[Muslim ]

How to pray from the Sunnah

The way to pray from Sunnah

(by : AshSheikh786)

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

How to pray from the Sunnah (1 of 5)

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

How to pray from the Sunnah (2 of 5)

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

How to pray from the Sunnah (3 of 5)

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

How to pray from the Sunnah (4 of 5)

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

How to pray from the Sunnah (5 of 5)

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

Performing Wudu and Its Virtues

Cleanliness (Taharah) is an important precondition of Islamic worship.
Wudu is an essential part of Cleanliness.

Salah(prayer) is not valid without Wudu' or Tayammum(dry Ablution).
Allah says in the Qur'an :

"Surely Allah loves those who turn to Him and those who care for cleanliness" (Al-Baqarah (2):22).

(From : Islamawareness.net)

1. First make Niyyah (Intention) that you are making Wudu' for Salah and begin saying. "Bismillah.." (In the name of Allah, the most merciful and the most kind). Wash both hands up to the wrist three times, making sure that water has reached between the fingers.

2. Put a handful of water into your mouth and rinse it thoroughly three times

3, 4 Sniff water into your nostrils three times to clean them and then wash the tip of the nose.

5,6 Wash your face three times from right ear to left ear and from forehead to throat.

7. Wash your right arm and then your left arm thoroughly from wrist up to elbow three times.

8 a & b) Move the wet palms over the head from the top of forehead to the back of the head.

9) Pass the wet tips of index fingers into the grooves and holes of both ears and also pass the wet thumbs behind the ears

10. Finally, wash both feet to the ankles starting from the right, making sure that water has reached between the toes and all other parts of the feet.

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

The importance and virtues of performing the wudu (ablution),
how to do it and what to recite.
Hope to inspire and remind us all
that it is not just a repetitive task but
done correctly with sincere devotion and care,
can reap great benefits!

May Allah guide us all to the straight path - Ameen!

(by : NadiyaNAH)

Ramadan Kareem - Taraweeh

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

The virtues of the Taraweeh Prayer

~ Abu Hurayrah said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said "He who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven" (Agreed Upon)

~ The time for Taraweeh prayer is between Isha and Fajr. Generally during Ramadan the taraweeh prayer is prayed after the Isha prayer in the Masjids in congregation.

~ ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to pray eleven rak’ahs at night, and say the tasleem after each two rak’ahs, and he would pray Witr with one rak’ah. Saheeh, (agreed upon)

~ There is no set limit as to how much Quran is recited in each night of the taraweeh prayers.

The Prophet peace be upon him recitation used to vary, sometimes it would be long, at other times short. Sometimes in every rakah he would recite the equivalent of ‘Yaa ayyuha’l-muzammil, which is twenty aayaat; sometimes he would recite the equivalent of fifty aayaat.

He used to say, “Whoever prays at night and reads one hundred aayaat will not be recorded as one of the negligent.”

According to another hadeeth: “…and reads two hundred aayaat, will be recorded as one of the devout and sincere believers.”

Each day after the 8 rak'ahs of the Taraweeh prayers the witr are also prayed.

Du’aa’ which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught to his grandson al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), which is (translation):

(O Allaah, guide me along with those whom You have guided, pardon me along with those whom You have pardoned, be an ally to me along with those whom You are an ally to, and bless for me that which You have bestowed.

Protect me from the evil You have decreed for verily You decree and none can decree over You. For surety, he whom You show allegiance to is never abased and he whom You take an enemy is never honored and mighty.

O our Lord, Blessed and Exalted are You. There is no refuge from You except with You).”

Live broadcast of taraweeh (here)

"When My servants ask about Me, I am indeed close to them. I listen to the prayer of every supplicant, when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me, so that they may walk in the right way" (Qur'an 2:186).

Prayers and Du'a videos (here)

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

52nd International Quran Reciters

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama)

Egyptian Hani Abdel Aziz Ahmad and Pakistan's Samia Khanan were respectively judged champion in the men and women's category of the 52nd International Quran Reciters Assembly (Tilawah Al-Quran) held at the Putra World Trade Centre, here, tonight.

They each won US$10,000 (about RM31,975) in cash, a trophy, souvenir and certificate of participation which were presented to them by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Hani scored 91.46 per cent of the marks and Samia, 91.08 per cent.

The theme for the eight-day tilawah from July 27 with 76 participants from 47 countries, was "Strengthening Brotherhood, Empowering the Ummah (Community)".

Last year, there were 66 participants from 43 countries.

Four countries which took part in the tilawah for the first time this year were Kazakhstan, Surinam, Zambia and Djibouti.

Solat : Easy to Learn Salah (For Children)

Du'a : Save Palestine

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

Du'a for Gaza by Sheikh Rashid Mishary

And So I Bow

Running in again, the third time today and just in from Math Honors Society she doesn't even stop to catch her breath before jumping into the restroom to make a quick ablution.

Frantically trying to beat time she runs and almost falls down the stairs, stumbling over her feet.

Finally calm and assembled she assumes her normal composure of sincerity and focus.

As she lifts her hands up over her shoulders to symbolically push all material concerns away, she quietly utters three of the most powerful words she has ever known:

"God is Greatest."

Already absorbed in her prayer her body begins to tremble slightly, as if a rush of emotions is building up waiting to break free.

She bends her head slightly to direct her gaze at the ground and the corner of her head-covering falls softly over her elbow.

In a sincere and humble tone she recites verses of the Holy Qur'an, of which she has so persistently worked long and hard to memorize.

She gives herself up to the power of the occasion as she bows down to her Lord, face on floor in a position of the utmost humility.

"Praise be to my Lord the Most High,"

she repeats to herself three times with only the desire to please her Lord.

Asking forgiveness and giving thanks, she stands up again but this time with teary eyes.

She can not help but be overcome with emotions at the remembrance of His infinite mercy and kindness.

She can not help but feel ashamed of all the hurtful things she has said and done and all the ways in which she has misused His gifts to her.

Like the devoted believers of old she prays her prayer as if it is her last.

As if this is her final chance to seek forgiveness, redeem herself, give thanks, and draw herself closer to the Almighty.

Grief stricken and frightened she suddenly realizes how unworthy and unthankful she is, how wasteful and materialistic she has grown.

In such a state she appeals to her Lord,

"Forgive me, educate me, guide me."

Again she recites from the Qur'an and it lifts her spirit and gives her hope;

"If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. [Al-Anfal (8):70]

Allah hath prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein: that is the supreme felicity. [Al-Tawba (9):89]"

She pleads her case, "I've always tried my hardest, challenged myself for the best, advocated service to You and your creations, worked to increase my knowledge, and all for You. Please give me the strength, hope, and willpower to persevere."

As her prayer nears an end she again bows down.

A calmness and peace seem to surround her, encircle her rolled up body and rest upon her arched back.

She suddenly feels as if she can do no wrong, as if nothing evil can touch her.

She sits upright again and turns her head to the right and then the left saying "Peace and blessings be unto you" to the angels perched on her shoulders.

Her spirit and mind is renewed and she is ready to work hard, contribute positively, and achieve the best.

She is ready for the challenge and the sacrifice and suddenly her A.P. Calculus project no longer seems so impossible and uninteresting.


-NNU


from MYNAret Newsletter
Muslim Youth of North America

http://www.jannah.org/articles/soibow.html

Hisham Abas ~ Asma ul Husna

The fajr (dawn) prayer

The fajr (dawn) prayer is amongst the most important acts of worship, being one of the five obligatory prayers.


Unfortunately many have become so used to missing it at its prescribed time which ends at sunrise - have forgotten its position in the religion, and barely feel anything is wrong when waking up in the morning for work or school without having performed the fajr prayer.

Muslims should know the great status of fajr in the sight of Allah. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning) "Establish regular prayers at the sun's decline till the darkness of the night, and the recital of the Qurâan in the fajr prayer, for the recital of the fajr is witnessed". (Al-Israa 17:78)

In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever prays the fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he (or she) had prayed the whole night long".

[Muslim & Tirmidhi].

The Prophet (PBUH) "The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are ishaa and fajr, but if they only knew what they contain, they would come even if they had to crawl."

[Ahmad]

The practical aspect of dealing with the problem includes a number of steps which can be taken in order to get used to praying fajr regularly in congregation:

* Having a sincere intention and being determined (when going to sleep) to get up for fajr;

* Remembering Allaah upon waking up.

Allah's Apostle (PBUH) said, "During your sleep, Satan knots three knots at the back of the head of each of you, and he breathes the following words at each knot, 'The night is long, so keep on sleeping.' If that person wakes up and remembers Allah, then one knot is undone. When he (or she) performs ablution (wudu) the second knot is undone. And when he (she) prays, all the knots are undone, and he (she) gets up in the morning lively and in a good mood, otherwise he (she) gets up dull and gloomy." [Bukhary]

* Sleeping early. According to an authentic Hadeeth, the Prophet (PBUH) used to dislike sleeping before ishaa and talking after it. (The kind of talk that is discouraged in this case, as the commentators explain, is that in which there is no clear benefit.)

* Family members should encourage one another, and likewise roommates sharing the same apartment.

* Avoid eating too much before going to bed. Overeating can cause a deep, heavy sleep.

* Finally, true devotion to Allah is the best thing to motivate a person to get up for prayer, because Allah alone controls all means of help.

May Allah Almighty facilitate this prayer and give guidance to what pleases Him...amiin.

(http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/five-pillars-of-islam/fajr-prayer-t1934.html)