Islam In Focus

THE APPLICATION OF FAITH

The Purpose of Prayer

Prayer constitutes one pillar of Islam and is considered the Foundation of Religion. Any Muslim who fails to observe his prayers and has no reasonable excuse is committing a grave offense and a heinous sin. This offense is so grave because it is not only against God, which is bad enough, but is also against the very nature of man. It is an instinct of man to be inclined to adore the great beings, and to aspire to lofty goals. The greatest being and the loftiest goal of all is God. The best way to cultivate in man a sound personality and actualize his aspirations in a mature course of development is the Islamic Prayer. To neglect prayer is to oppress the good qualities in human nature and unjustifiably deny it the right to adore and love, the right to aspire and ascend, the right to excel in goodness and achieve noble aims. Such oppression and denial constitute a very serious and destructive offense. Here lies the significance and vitality of prayer in the life of man.

It should always be borne in mind that God does not need man’s prayer, because He is free of all needs. He is only interested in our prosperity and well-being in every sense. When He emphasizes the necessity of prayer and charges us with any duty, He means to help us; because whatever good we do is for our own benefit, and whatever offence we commit is against our own souls. Here, too, man is the center of gravity, and his common interest is the main concern. The benefit which man can derive from the Islamic prayer is immeasurable and the blessing of prayer is beyond imagination. This is not just a “theory” or conventional assumption; it is a fascinating fact and a spiritual experience. Here is an explanation of the effectiveness of the Islamic prayer :-

1. It strengthens the belief in the Existence and Goodness of God and transmits this belief into the innermost recesses of man’s heart.

2. It enlivens this belief and makes it constructive in the practical course of life.

3. It helps man to realize his natural and instinctive aspirations to greatness and high morality, to excellence and virtuous growth.

4. It purifies the heart and develops the mind, cultivates the conscience and comforts the soul.

5. It fosters the good and decent elements in man and suppresses the evil and indecent inclinations.

When we analyze the Islamic prayer and study its unique nature, it will reveal to us that it is not merely a physical motion or a void recital of the Holy Book. It is a matchless and unprecedented formula of intellectual meditation and spiritual devotion, of moral elevation and physical exercise, all combined. It is an exclusively Islamic experience where every muscle of the body joins the soul and the mind in the worship and glory of God. It is difficult for anyone to impart in words the full meaning of the Islamic prayer yet it can be said that it is :-

1. A lesson in discipline and willpower;

2. A practice in devotion to God and all worthy objectives;

3. A vigilant reminder of God and constant revelation of His Goodness;

4. A seed of spiritual cultivation and moral soundness;

5. A guide to the most upright way of life;

6. A safeguard against indecency and evil, against wrong deviation and stray;

7. A demonstration of true equality, solid unity, and brotherhood;

8. An expression of thankfulness to God and appreciation of Him;

9. A course of inner peace and stability;

10. An abundant source of patience and courage, of hope and confidence.

This is the Islamic prayer, and that is what it can do for man. The best testimony to this statement is to experience the prayer and avail oneself of its spiritual joys. Then one will know what it really means.

The Conditions of Prayer

The offering of prayer is obligatory upon every Muslim, male or female, who is:

1. Sane and responsible;

2. Relatively mature and in the age of puberty, normally about fourteen. (Children should be advised by parents to start practice at the age of seven and strongly urged by the age of ten);

3. A Muslim is required to pray even in a state of sickness in a manner he is capable. However, women are exempted from performing prayers during their menstruation period and post-childbirth the minimum of which is 40 days. In these circumstances women are exempt from prayers completely.

Prayer is not valid unless the following requirements are fulfilled:

1. Performing the ablution (Wudu’), which will be explained later;

2. Purity of the whole body, the clothes worn on it, and the ground used for prayer from all kinds of dirt and impurity;

3. Dressing properly in such a way as to meet the moral regulations aimed at covering the private parts. For the male, the body should be covered at least from the navel to the knees. For the female the whole body should be covered except the face and the hands, feet should also be covered in prayer. For both, transparent clothes must be avoided in prayer;

4. Having the intention of prayer (Niyyah) by heart; Reason: the intention emanates from the heart and is not essential to declare verbally according to sunnah.

5. Facing the right direction of “Qiblah”, the direction of the Ka’bah at Mecca. There are many ways to decide the right direction. If a person has no means of telling, he would follow his best judgement.

The Kinds of Prayer

The following are the various kinds of prayer:

1. Obligatory (Fard), which includes the five daily prayers and the Friday’s noon congregational prayer. Failure to observe these prayers on time is a serious and punishable sin. However, funeral prayer which is known as “Farad Kifayah” in Arabic, which is a collective duty, is also obligatory in the sense that if no one comes out to perform the prayer on a deceased Muslim in a given community, the community as a whole is deemed sinful in the sight of Allah, but if it is performed by some of the people, then, the rest of the community are absolved of the sin.

2. Supererogatory (Wajib and Sunnah), which includes the prayers accompanying the obligatory services, and the congregations of the two great festivals (Eeds). Failure to observe these is a harmful negligence and a reproachable conduct.

3. Optional prayer which includes all voluntary prayers at any time of the day or the night. Two periods have a special preference: the later part of the night until just before the breaking of the dawn and the mid-morning period.

The Times of Prayer

Every Muslim, male or female, must offer at least five daily prayers in time, if there is no lawful reason for exemption, combination, or temporary delay, They are:

1. The Early Morning Prayer (Salatu-l-Fajr), which may be offered anytime after the dawn and before sunrise, a total period of about two hours.

2. The Noon Prayer (Salatu-l-Zuhr). This prayer may be offered anytime after the sun begins to decline from its Zenith until it is about midway on its course to setting. For example, if the sun sets at 7:00 p.m. the prayer time begins a little after 12:00 noon and continues until a little after 3:30 p.m. Soon after that, the time of next prayer begins. However, there are accurate calendars telling the time of each prayer. But if there is none available, one must resort to one’s best judgement.

3. The Mid-Afternoon Prayer (Salatu-l-‘Asr), which begins right after the expiration of the Noon Prayer time and extends to sunset.

4. The Sunset Prayer (Salatu-l-Maghrib). The time of this prayer begins immediately after sunset and extends till the red glow in the western horizon disappears. Normally it extends over a period of one hour and twenty to thirty minutes.

5. The Evening Prayer (Salatu-l-‘Isha’), which begins after the red glow in the western horizon disappears (nearly one hour and thirty minutes after sunset) and continues till a little before the dawn.

It is noticeable that Islam has set the times of prayers in such a way that our spiritual recreation remarkably coincides with our physical nourishment, and combines the peace of mind with the relaxation of the body. The Early Morning Prayer is due in the regular period of breakfast; the Noon Prayer coincides with the lunch period; the Mid-Afternoon Prayer falls about the breaktime for tea or coffee; the Sunset Prayer is about the supper time; and the Evening Prayer corresponds with the late snack. It is also noticeable that the Muslim, by observing these prayers, marks the whole day with a spiritual stamp in the beginning, at the end and throughout. So he combines religion and life, feels the presence of God within him throughout the day, concludes his daily transactions with a spiritual feeling and builds up his moral prestige on strong foundations. Moreover, in this way the Muslim introduces spiritual vitality into all aspects of his life, and religion presents itself to all fields of activity. It becomes effective in shops and offices, homes and farms, factories and plants. It extends its light to every circle of business and work. Indeed, this timetable of prayer is remarkable because it is the work of God and the product of Islam.

It is always preferable to offer the prayer as soon as the times sets in, lest some things cause unexpected delay or postponement. These prayers are Divine contests. The reward for those who pass the contests is immeasurable, and their delight is beyond imagination. The happiness they attain, the rejoicing they feel, and the honor they receive cannot be expressed in words. On the other hand, failure to participate in these contests is a punishable sin. It causes severe penalties, spiritual deprivation, mental agony, and social isolation.

The Noon (Zuhr) and the Afternoon (‘Asr) Prayers may be offered together, if a person is travelling or sick. The same permission is granted with regards to the Sunset (Maghrib) and the Evening (‘Isha) Prayers. In the first case, joining the prayers is of the advanced type. The Mid-Afternoon is actually offered before its due time and immediately follows the Noon prayer. In the second case, the combination is of the belated type. The Sunset prayer is actually offered after its due time but immediately before the Evening prayer. Such joining of prayers may alleviate the apprehension of the Muslims who cannot, for legitimate reasons (e.g. travel, work shifts, etc.), observe all their prayers in time.

The Partial Ablution (Wudu’)

Before offering the prayer one must be in good shape and pure condition. It is necessary to wash the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog. This performance is called Ablution (Wudu’) and is preferably carried out as follows:

1. Make the intention by heart.

2. Wash the hands up to the wrists, three times.

3. Rinse out the mouth with water, three times, preferably with a brush whenever it is possible.

4. Cleanse the nostrils of nose by sniffing water into them, three times.

5. Wash the whole face three times with both hands, if possible, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.

6. Wash the right arm three times up to the far end of the elbow, and then do the same with the left arm.

7. Wipe the whole head or any part of it with a wet hand, once.

8. Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and their outer sides with the thumbs. This should be done with wet fingers.

9. Wash the two feet up to the ankles, three times, beginning with the right foot.

At this stage the ablution is completed, and the person who has performed it is ready to start his prayer. When the ablution is valid a person may keep it as long as he can, and may use it for as many prayers as he wishes. But it is preferable to renew it as often as possible. It is also preferable to do it in the said order, although it will be accepted from those who fail to keep this order. Ablution in the said way is sufficient for prayer unless it is nullified by any reason.

Nullification of the Ablution

The ablution becomes nullified by any of the following:

1. Natural discharges, i.e. urine, stools, gas, etc.

2. The flow of blood or pus and the like from any part of the body:

3. Vomiting.

4. Falling asleep;

5. Losing one’s reason by taking drugs or any intoxicating stuff.

After the occurrence of any of these things the ablution must be renewed for prayer. Also, after natural discharges, water should be applied because the use of toilet tissues may not be sufficient for the purpose of purity and worship.

Complete Substitute for the Ablution (Tayammum)

Tayammum or resort to pure earth may substitute for the ablution and even the bath. This is allowed in any of the following cases:

1. When a person is sick and cannot use water;

2. When he has no access to water in sufficient quantity;

3. When the use of water is likely to do him harm or cause any disease;

In any of these instances it is permissible to make ‘Tayammum’ which is performed as follows:

1. Strike both hands slightly on pure earth or sand or stone.

2. Shake the hands off and wipe the face with them once in the same way as done in the ablution.

3. Strike the hands again and wipe the right arm to the elbow with the left hand then the left arm with the right hand.

This ‘Tayammum’ is a symbolic demonstration of the importance of the ablution, which is so vital for both worship and health. When Islam introduced this repeatable ablution, it brought along with it the best hygienic formula which no other spiritual doctrine or medical prescription had anticipated.

Special Facilities in Ablution

With regard to the ablution Islam has offered certain facilities. If socks or stockings are on and have been put on after performing an ablution, it is not necessary to take them off when renewing the ablution. Instead of taking them off, the wet hand may be passed over them. They should be removed, however, and the feet washed at least once in every twenty-four hours. The same practice may be resorted to if the boots are on their soles and appearances are clean. Similarly, if there is a wound in any of the parts which must be washed in the ablution, and if washing that particular part is likely to cause harm, it is permissible to wipe the dressing bandage of the wound with a wet hand.

The Complete Ablution (Ghusl/Bath)

The whole body with the nostrils, mouth and head must be washed by a complete bath before entering prayer in any of the following cases:

1. After intimate intercourse;

2. After wet dreams;

3. Upon expiration of the menstruation period of women;

4. At the end of the confinement period of nursing women, which is estimated at a maximum of forty days. If it ends before, complete ablution should be done.

It should be pointed out that at the start of the bath or ablution the intention must be clear that it is for the purpose of purity and worship. Also, a person who is performing an ablution, partial or complete, should combine his performance with some utterances glorifying God and praying him for true guidance. 

The forms of such utterances are described in detail in the elaborate sources of the religion. One, however, can say one’s own best utterances if one does not know the exact wording. That is sufficient as long as it is in the praise of God and is said with sincerity.

The Prayer Call (Adhan)

Now the worshipper has performed his ablution as explained above and is ready for prayer. When the time of prayers comes, it is good practice, after the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad, to say the Prayer call (Adhan). The caller stands facing the Qiblah (the direction of Ka’bah at Mecca), raising both hands to his ears and says, in a loud voice, the following:

1. Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest), (repeated four times);

الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر

Ashhadu An La illaha-ila-lah (I bear witness that there is no god but the One God), (repeated twice);

أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله

Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan Rasulu - l - lah (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God), (repeated twice);

أشهد أن محمداً رسول الله أشهد أن محمداً رسول الله

Hayya ‘Ala-s-salah (Come fast to prayer), (repeated twice, turning the face to the right);

حي على الصلاة حي على الصلاة

Hayya ‘Ala-l-falah (Come fast to success), (repeated twice, turning the face to the left);

حي على الفلاح حي على الفلاح

Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest), (repeated twice);

الله أكبر الله أكبر

La Ilaha -ila-lah (There is no god but the One and True God), (once).

لا إله إلا الله

When the call is made for the early morning prayer, the caller adds one sentence right after (5) above. The sentence required is this:

As-salatu Khayrun Minan-nawm (Prayer is better than sleep), (repeated twice)

الصلاة خير من النوم

Then the caller continues with parts (6) and (7). This exception is made in the morning only because it is the time when people are asleep and in need for a reminder of prayer.

Entrance Into Prayer (Iqamah)

When this call is uttered, the worshippers get ready for prayer and inaugurate it with an announcement called ‘Iqamah’. The sentences here are the same as those of the Adhan above with two differences:

(a) The Iqamah is said in a faster and less audible voice; part (1) to be reduced the same as part (6) being repeated only twice, while all the rest only once. However, the words “Qad Qamati-s-salah” should be said twice immediately following part (5) and before part (6).

‘Qad Qamati-s-salah’ (Prayer is ready). قد قامت الصلاة

Then part (6) and (7) should follow to the end as usual.

The Performance of Prayer

After the worshipper has done the ablution and after the ‘Adhan’ and ‘Iqamah’ are said, the prayer starts as follows.

The Early Morning Prayer (salatu-l-Fajr)

In this prayer two units (Rak’ahs) are offered first as supererogatory (Sunnah). These are followed by two other units as obligatory (Fard). Both supererogatory and obligatory units are offered in the same manner except that, when declaring the intention, one has to distinguish between the two kinds. This is the description of performance:

Act 1. One stands in reverence and humility, facing the Qiblah, raising his hands up to the ears, and says his intention by heart “Nawaytu Osalli Sunnata Salati-Fajr or Farda Salati-Fajr (As the case may be);

نويت أن أصلي سنة صلاة الفجر أوفرض صلاة الفجر

This means: I declare my intention to offer the supererogatory or obligatory (as the case may be) prayer of morning.

And then the prayer begins by pronouncing "Takberatul-Ihram": "Allah Akbar" الله أكبر God is the Greatest .

Then he lowers his arm and places the right hand over the left hand, right above the navel. (This position of the hands is in accordance with one school of law. Other positions are preferred by other schools. However, these are minor differences and do not affect the validity of the prayer. In fact, all such differences are considered as conveniences and facilities rather than hindrances and restriction.) This the waquf position (standing position).

Act 2. He then says in a low voice the following: "Du'a Thana" (Praise supplication):

“Subhanaka-l-lahumma wa bihamdik, wa tabaraka-smuk, wa ta’ala jadduk, wa La Ilaha Ghayruk. A’udhu bi-l-lahi mina-sh-shaytani-r-rajeem. Bismi-l-lahi-r-rah-mani-r-raheem

سبحاك اللهم وبحمدك , وتبارك اسمك , وتعالى جدك ولا اله غيرك , أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم , بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم .

This means: “Glory be to You, O God, and Yours is the praise and blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god besides You. I seek the refuge of God from the condemned devil. In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” (This part is recommended. It is not absolutely essential for the completion of the prayer.)

Act 3. Then in a low or audible voice he recites the Opening Chapter of the Qur’an (al-Fatihah), followed by any passage from the Holy Book. (The Opening and examples of these short chapters and verses will be found later in this chapter.)

Act 4. Then he says: “Allahu Akbar,” (God is the Greatest ), bowing his trunk down at a right angle, placing the palms of his hands on the knees. This is the Ruku’ position (bowing position), and saying in a low voice:

“Subhana Rabbiya-l-Azeem”.

سبحان ربي العظيم

This means: “Glory to my Lord the Great”, (repeated three times).

After that the standing position is resumed with these words:

“Sami’ a-l-ahu Liman Hamidah; Rabbana Laka-l-Hamd

سمع الله لمن حمده ربنا لك الحمد

This means: ("God accepts any who are thankful to Him; Our Lord, praise be to You"). When saying this the hands remain on the sides.

Act 5. The worshipper then says: Allahu Akbar, prostrating himself with the toes of both feet, both knees, both hands and the forehead touching the ground. This is the Sujud position (prostration position) and is accompanied with these words:

"Subhana Rabbiya-l-A’La"

سبحان ربي الأعلى

This means: "Glory to my Lord the most High", ( repeated three times).

Act 6. Then with the utterance of Allahu Akbar comes the Julus position (sitting position), a short rest in sitting posture: the outer side of the left foot and the toes of the right one, which are in an erect position, touching the ground and the two hands are placed on the knees.

After this a second prostration (Sujud) is repeated in the same way with the same utterances as in the first one. This completes one unit (Rak’ah) of the prayer.

Act 7. After the first unit the worshipper rises, saying Allahu Akbar, to assume a standing position for the second unit and recites the Opening (the Fatihah) followed by a Qur’anic passage as in the first unit.

Act 8. When he has finished the second bowing and the two prostrations in the same way as the first, he takes a sitting position as in Julus and recites the Tashahhud with its two parts. (This will be found later in this chapter.)

Act 9. Finally he turns his face to the right side saying these word: “Assalamu ‘Alaykum wa rahmatu-l-Lah (peace be on you and the mercy of God). Then he turns his face to the left side uttering the same greetings (Taslim).

This is how any prayer of two units (Rak’ahs), whether obligatory or supererogatory, is performed. When knowing how to perform this prayer in the right way, all other prayers will be found very easy. It should be pointed out that every move or every word in the Islamic prayer has a great significance attached to it and is symbolic of a very deep meaning.

The Noon Prayer (Salatu-z-Zuhr)

This consists of four units as Sunnah, followed by four units as Fard, and then two others as Sunnah. The performance of the Fard of this prayer is as follows:

(a). The first two units are performed in the same way as in the morning prayer. The Fatihah and a portion of the Qur’an are recited in a low voice. Bowing and prostration postures are observed in the same way.

(b). When reciting the Tashahhud after the second unit, the worshipper stops at the end of first part of it to resume the posture of standing.

(c). Then he recites the Fatihah only in the third unit without any added portion of the Qur’an.

(d). When he concludes the third unit, he stands for the fourth and recites the Fatihah only as in the third.

(e). After bowing and prostration he takes the sitting posture of Julus and recites the whole Tashahhad with its two parts.

(f). Then he utters the peace greetings right and left.

(g). Offering the two Sunnah units is like the morning prayer but in a low voice.

The Mid-Afternoon Prayer (Salatu-l-'Asr)

It consists of four units as Sunnah followed by four others as Fard. These are performed in the same way as the noon prayer and in a low voice.

The Sunset Prayer ( Salatu-l-Maghrib)

It consists of three units as Fard followed by two as Sunnah. It may be said in the first two units with a low or audible voice; the third unit is in a low voice. It is performed in the same way as the noon or mid-afternoon prayer except that the fourth unit is excluded and the final sitting here, following recital of the Fatihah, bowing, and prostration, comes after third unit, which ends with the utterances of peace greetings. The two Sunnah units are offered in the same way as the Early Morning Prayer.

The Evening Prayer (Salatu-l-‘Isha’)

It consists of four units as Fard, two as Sunnah and three as Witr (higher than Sunnah and lower than Fard). The first two units of the four Fard may be said in a low or audible voice. Other than that, it is performed the same way as the noon or mid-afternoon prayer. The two Sunnah units are performed exactly like the early morning prayer.

As for the three Witr units, they are performed just like the sunset prayer with two exceptions: (a) in the third unit the Fatihah is followed by a portion of the Qur’an, and (b) while standing after bowing and before prostration the worshipper says these words: 
اللهم إنا نستعينك ونستهديك , ونستغفرك ونتوب إليك ونؤمن بك ونتوكل عليك , ونثني عليك الخيركله , نشكرك ولا نكفرك , ونخلع ونترك من يفجرك , اللهم إياك نعبد , ولك نصلي ونسجد , واليك نسعى ونحفد . نرجو رحمتك , ونخشى عذابك إن عذابك بالكفار ملحق وصل اللهم على محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم

“Allahumma inna nasta ‘eenuk, wa nastahdeek wa nastaghifiruk, wa natubu ilayk, wa nu’minu bik, wa natawakkalu ‘alayk, wa nuthni ‘alayka-l-Khayra kullah. Nashkurk, wa la nakfruk, wa nakhla’u wa natruku man yafjuruk. Allahumma iyyaka na’bud, wa laka nusalli wa laka nasjud, wa ilayka nas’a wa nahfid. Narju rahmatak, wa nakhsha ‘adhabak; inna adhabaka bi-l-Kuffari mulhaq wa salli-l-llahumma ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi wa sallim.”

This supplication is called Qunut and may be interpreted as follows:

“O God! We beseech You for help and guidance, and seek Your protection and believe in You and rely on You, and extol You and are thankful to You and are not ingrate to You, and we declare ourselves clear of, and forsake, him who disobeys You.

“O God! To You do we pray and prostrate ourselves, and to You do we betake ourselves and to obey You we are quick, and Your mercy do we hope for and Your punishment do we fear, for Your punishment overtakes the unbelievers.

“O God! Exalt Muhammad and his people and its true followers.”

If this Qunut cannot be commanded by memory, it sufficient to say any recitation similar to it till it is mastered.

There are minor differences of interpretation between the various schools of law regarding the wordings and times of qunut. Some require no qunut; others require it in the Early Morning prayer with slight variations. However, following any of the authentic schools is acceptable.

All the Sunnah (supererogatory) prayers are to be said individually, that is, not in congregation except the ‘Eed prayers, and Taraweeh and Witr prayers in the month of Ramadan.

The Sunnah Prayers are not required from a person who has missed some Fard Prayers. Instead, he must make up for what he has missed and offer the obligatory services. Also the Sunnah prayers are not required if the due time of the accompanying Fard Prayers has expired. So if a person misses any prayer and wants to make up for it, he has to offer the Fard only.

If a worshipper does not know how to say his whole prayers in the Arabic version, he should simply say Subhaan Allah, Al-Hamdu Lillaah and Allaahu Akbar, this means: Glory to God, Praise be to God, God is greatest of all, until he learns to recite the prayers in Arabic language.

Explanations: Non-Arabic speakers can always read the translations of the Qur’an in other languages they understand since believers are requested to concentrate in their prayers and to understand or at least grasp the meanings of the words to be recited. However, when it comes to prayers they are required to recite the prayer in Arabic. Allah revealed His Message choosing the Arabic language which means that His Message (Words) must only be read in its original form especially when we consider that Arabic words have no exact equivalents in any language.

The Fard Prayer is much more preferable when offered in a congregation (Jama’ah) led by an Imam. The congregation is best when it is held in a mosque, but it may be held in other places. Those who arrive at the mosque before the Iqamah announcement of the Fard prayer are recommended to offer a two units Sunnah (supereragatory) prayer called “Tahiyatu al Masjid” which means “Moosque greetings”.

The Congregational (Jama’ah) Prayers

1. The congregation is led by an Imam from among the present worshippers. He must be chosen on his merits of religious knowledge and piety.

2. After the announcement of the Iqamah, the Imam of the congregation stands in the front by himself while the followers stand behind him in straight lines, all facing the Qiblah. A congregation can be made up even with two persons: the Imam and one follower.

3. After declaring the intention of prayer and after beginning the prayer (i.e., saying takberatul-Ihram and du'a Thana) the Imam recites the Fatihah and the complementary passage of the Qur’an in an audible voice in the Early Morning Prayer and in the first two units of the Sunset and Evening Prayers. When the Imam is reciting the Qur’an aloud, the followers listen to him in meditation and humility. They do not recite the Fatihah nor the other passage after the Imam.

4. When the Imam concludes the Fatihah the followers say ‘Ameen’. (this means: "O God accept our invocation") After the Imam stands from bowing posture he says: “Sami’a-l-lahu liman Hamidah” (this means: "God accepts any who are thankful to Him"), and the followers respond in these words: “Rabbana laka-l-Hamd” (this means: "our Lord praise be to You").

5. The followers should follow the Imam is his movements without anticipating him in any act. Should any follower supercede the Imam in any movement, this person’s prayer will become void.

6. The congregational prayer is not valid unless the Imam declares his intention that he is acting in the service in the capacity of Imam. The followers also must declare their intention that they are following that particular Imam in the same particular prayer he is offering. All intentions, be it by the Imam or by the followers must be done by heart.

7. When a person comes after the start of prayer, he should pronounce the Takbeeratul-Ihram (standing) and then, join the congregation. He should follow the Imam / congregation whatever be the stage of their prayer. However, after the Imam has completed the service by uttering the final peace greetings, if this late comer has missed one unit or more, he must take standing position to make up the earlier unit / units he has missed until he completes his prayer. When a person joins the congregation in the bowing position, before rising, he is considered as having joined from the start of this particular unit. But if he joins the congregation in any position after bowing, he has missed the unit and must make up for it individually right after the Imam has concluded the prayer.

8. Whenever there is an opportunity for praying in congregation, a Muslim should not miss it. Prayer in congregation is a handsome demonstration of unity in purpose and action, of plural piety and humility before God, of effective solidarity among Muslims, of public order and mutual response.

Also, if a person forgets or oversleeps which has caused him to miss the prayer, he should perform it immediately when he remembers.

The Islamic congregation is a positive answer to the acutest problems of humanity rising from racial discrimination, social castes and human prejudices. In the congregational service of Islam, there is no king or subject, rich or poor, white or colored, first or second class, back or front benches, reserved or public pews. All worshippers stand and act shoulder to shoulder in the most disciplinary manner regardless of any worldly considerations.

The Friday Prayer (Salatu-l-Jumu’ah)

So far we have been dealing with the daily prayers. Now we come to the weekly convention of Friday Congregation. This service is compulsory upon every Muslim who is required to observe the other prayers and has no reasonable excuses to abstain. It falls on Friday of every week and is especially important because:-

1. It is the occasion earmarked by God for the Muslims to express their collective devotion.

2. It is an appointment to review our spiritual accounts of the week gone by and get ready for the following week just as people do in any other business.

3. It is a convention for the Muslims to reassure themselves and confirm their religious bonds and social solidarity on moral and spiritual foundations.

4. It shows how the Muslims give preference to the call of God over and above any other concern.

Muslim of the Daylight Saving time zones seem to run into some difficulties and confusion over the proper time for the Friday Congregational Prayer (Jum’ah). The problem can be solved easily by setting the prayer time between 1:15 to 2.30 p.m. throughout year. In this way there will be no need to change the time from winter to summer. We strongly recommend this to our brethren so that they may work it into their weekly schedules as a permanent arrangement.

The Highlights of the Friday Prayer

This prayer of Friday is marked by these features:-

1. Its time falls in the same time as that of the noon prayer (Salatu-z-Zuhr), and it replaces the very same prayer.

2. It must be said in a congregation led by an Imam, no single person can offer it by himself.

3. If any person misses it, he cannot make up for it; Instead, he has to offer the noon prayer, the original prayer which this service normally replaces.

4. All kinds of normal work are allowed on Friday as on any other week day. For Muslims there is no Sabbath. They can carry on with their usual duties and activities provided they come to the congregational service in time. After the service is over, they may resume their mundane activities.

5. This Friday prayer must be performed in a mosque, if there is one available. Otherwise, it may be said at any gathering place e.g. homes, farms, parks. etc.

6. When the time for prayer comes, the Adhan is said, the Imam stands up, facing the audience and delivers his sermon (khutbah) which is an essential part of the service. Muslims are recommended to offer Sunnah prayers before the sermon. As for those who will arrive at the Mosque during the sermon they should offer the two brief units of the Sunnah prayer “Tahiyatu al Masjid” (Mosque greetings) and then sit down to listen. While the Imam is talking nobody should talk, everyone present should take a sitting position and listen to the sermon quietly to the end.

7. The sermon (khutbah) consists of two parts each beginning with words of praise of God and prayers of blessing for Prophet Muhammad. In the first part some Qur’anic passage must be recited and explained for the purpose of exhortation and admonition. At the end of the first part the Imam takes a short rest in the sitting posture, then stands up to deliver the second part of his sermon. General affairs of the Muslims may be stated in either or both parts of the sermon. In the second part, especially, the Imam prays for the general welfare of all Muslims.

8. After that, the Iqamah is made and the two obligatory units are offered under the leadership of the Imam who recites the Fatihah and the other Qur’anic passage in audible voice. When this is done, the prayer is completed. After that, Sunnah prayers may be offered individually in a low voice. 

The Sunnah prayers may be offered at home. Also they may be replaced with some obligatory prayers that one has missed in the past and for which one has to make up. 

Any participant in the Friday weekly congregation or ‘Eed Prayers should do his best to be neat and tidy. Though there is no compulsory reason for a complete ablution, a bath is strongly recommended as it makes one fresher and more pleasant.

The Significance of ‘Eed Prayers

‘Eed means recurring happiness or festivity. The ‘Eed Prayer is very important for all Muslims. It has the merits of the daily prayers as explained above, the effects of the weekly convention (Jumu’ah) and the characteristics of annual reunions between Muslims. There are two such ‘Eeds. The first is called ‘Eed-l-Fitr (the Festival of Fast – Breaking). It falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal the tenth month of Muslim year, following the month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed and which is the month of Fasting. The second is called ‘Eed-l-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice). It falls on the tenth day of Thul-Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim year, following completion of the course of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), an extremely devotional course.

The Islamic ‘Eeds are unique in every way. To them there can be no similar in any other religion or any other sociopolitical system. Besides their highly spiritual and moral characteristics, they have matchless qualities:

1. Each ‘Eed is a wholesome celebration of remarkable achievement of the individual Muslim in the service of God. The First ‘Eed comes after an entire month of “absolute” fasting during the days of the month. The second ‘Eed marks the completion of Hajj to Mecca, a course in which the Muslim handsomely demonstrates his renouncement of the mundane concerns and hearkens only to the eternal voice of God.

2. Each ‘Eed is a Thanksgiving Day where the Muslim assemble in a brotherly and joyful atmosphere to offer their gratitude to God for helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations prior to the ‘Eed. This form of thanksgiving is not confined to spiritual devotion and verbal expression. It goes far beyond that to manifest itself in a handsome shape of social and humanitarian spirit. The Muslims who have completed the fasting of Ramadan express their thanks to God by means of distributing alms among the poor and needy on the First ‘Eed. Similarly, the Muslims who have completed the course of Hajj at Mecca, as well as those who are at home, offer their sacrifices by slaughtering oblations to be distributed among the poor and needy. The distribution of alms and oblations constitutes a major part of the ‘Eed’s highlights. This Islamic form of thanksgiving is a wholesome combination of spiritual devotion and humanitarian benevolence, a combination which cannot be found except in Islam.

3. Each ‘Eed is a Day of Remembrance. Even in their most joyful times the Muslims make a fresh start of the Day by a plural session of worship to God. They pray to Him and glorify His name to demonstrate their remembrance of His favors. Along with that course, they remember the deceased by prayer for their souls, the needy by extending a hand of help, the grieved by showing them sympathy and consolation, the sick by cheerful visits and utterances of good wishes, the absentees by cordial greetings and sincere considerateness, etc. Thus the meaning of Remembrance on the Day transcends all limits and expands over far-reaching dimensions of human life.

4. Each ‘Eed is a Day of Victory. The individual who succeeds in securing his spiritual rights and growth receives the ‘Eed with a victorious spirit. The individual who faithfully observes the duties, which are associated with the ‘Eed, is a triumphant one. He proves that he holds a strong command over his desires, exercises a sound self – control and enjoys the taste of disciplinary life. And once a person acquires these qualities he has achieved his greatest victory; because the person who knows how to control himself and discipline his desires is free from sin and wrong, from fear and cowardice, from vice and indecency, from jealousy and greed, from humiliation and all other causes of enslavement. So, when he receives the ‘Eed, which marks the achievement of this freedom, he is in fact celebrating his victory, and the ‘Eed thus becomes a Day of Victory.

5. Each ‘Eed is a Harvest Day. All the good workers in the service of God all the faithful believers reap the fruits of their good deeds on the Day, as God grants His mercy and blessings abundantly. The Islamic society, on the other hand, collects the due subscriptions to religious brotherhood and social responsibility, in which subscriptions are paid in the form of mutual love, sympathy and concern. Every member of the Islamic society will be reaping some fruits or collecting some revenue in one way or another. God gives infinitely, especially to those who are sincerely concerned with the general welfare of their fellow believers. Those beneficiaries who cannot give will receive, along with God’s enormous grants, the contributions of their fellow benefactors. The haves and have-nots will all enjoy the providence of God in a most plural fashion, and the Day will indeed be a Good Harvest Day.

6. Each ‘Eed is a Day of Forgiveness. When the Muslims assemble in the congregation of the Day, they all wholeheartedly pray for forgiveness and strength of Faith. And God has assured those who approach Him with sincerity of His mercy and forgiveness. In that pure assembly and highly spiritual congregation any true Muslim would feel ashamed of himself before God to hold any enmity or ill feelings toward his brethren. A true Muslim would be deeply impressed by this brotherly and spiritual assembly, and would overcome his ill feelings if he has been exposed to any. Consequently, he would find himself moving along with others responding to the spirit of the Day to purify his heart and soul. In this case, he would forgive those who might have wronged him; because he himself would be praying for God’s forgiveness, and would do his best to acquire it. The spirit of this highly devotional assembly would teach him that if he forgives he will be forgiven. And when he forgives, the virtue of forgiveness will be mercifully exercised by God, and widely exchanged between the Muslims. And that marks the Day as a Day of Forgiveness.

7. Each ‘Eed is a Day of Peace. When the Muslim establishes peace within his heart by obeying the law of God and leading a disciplinary life, he has certainly concluded a most inviolable treaty of peace with God. Once a person is at peace with God, he is at peace with himself and, consequently, with the rest of the universe. So when he celebrates the ‘Eed in the right manner, he is actually celebrating the conclusion of a Peace Treaty between himself and God, and this marks the ‘Eed as a day of Peace. 

That is the proper meaning of an Islamic ‘Eed: a Day of Peace and Thanksgiving, a Day of Forgiveness and Moral Victory, a Day of Good Harvest and remarkable Achievements, and a Day of festive Remembrance. An Islamic ‘Eed is all this and much more; because it is a Day of Islam, a Day of God.

The Performance of ‘Eed Prayers (Salatu-l-‘Eed)

1. As on Friday, every worshipper should go to the ‘Eed Congregation in his best, neat, tidy and high – spirited. In the mosque or the place of assembly a certain verbal prayer is said before the actual prayer begins. This is know as Takbeer and will be found at the end of this Chapter

2. The time of the ‘Eed prayers is any time after sunrise and before noon. No Adhan or Iqamah is required. The prayer consists of two units with the Imam reciting in each the Fatihah and another passage from the Qur’an audibly.

3. The Imam declares his intention to lead the prayer saying Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest of all), then he repeats the same utterance seven times, raising his hands up to the ears and dropping them by his sides at the end of each utterance. On completion of the seventh Takbeer (utterance) he places the right hand over the left one under the navel as in other prayers. The worshippers follow the Imam in these movements step by step, doing and saying exactly the same.

4. At the end of the first unit, the Imam rises up for the second, saying Allahu Akbar. Then he adds five such utterances doing the same thing as he did in the first unit, and followed by the congregation in a like manner.

5. After the prayer is completed in two units, the Imam delivers a sermon of two parts with a short recess in between. The first part is begun by saying Allahu Akbar, nine times and the second by making same utterance seven times. The rest of the sermon goes along the lines of exhortation and advice like those of the Friday sermon.

6. We must draw the attention to the matter of Sadaqatu-l-Fitr (the Charity of breaking the Fast). This is an obligatory tax, whereby every individual Muslim who can afford it must give at least one full meal, or its value, to the poor. If he has any dependents, he must do the same thing for each one of his dependants. For example, if he provides for himself and three dependents, he has to distribute as a minimum four full meals or their value to the needy. This charity should be distributed early enough before the Eed-l-Fitr prayer so that the poor may be able to receive the Day in a festive and cheerful spirit.

7. In the sermon of the Second ‘Eed, the Imam should draw the attention to the duty of Sacrifice. On the day of ‘Eed-l-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) every Muslim with means is to offer an oblation. A goat or sheep suffices for one household. A cow or steer suffices for seven different households. It is preferable to slaughter the animal of Sacrifice on the ‘Eed Day after prayers. But if it is slaughtered on the second or the third day, it will be accepted. With regard to the meats of the slaughtered animals the Holy Qur’an stipulates these instructions: Eat of them and feed the poor man who is contented and the beggar…(22:63).

In the same reference, the Holy Qur’an declares that God is neither interested in nor does He get the meats of the oblations or their blood; but it is the piety of His worshippers that He gets and is interested in.

It should be repeated that the ‘Eed prayers do not substitute for the obligatory Early Morning (Fajr) Prayers, and cannot themselves be substituted for by any other prayers.

The Takbeer, which is said before the Prayers of both ‘Eeds and after the ordinary congregations prayers offered during the three days following the second ‘Eed, is called Takbeeru-t-Tashreeq. It goes as follow: 
Allahu Akbar, (thrice) الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر

La illaha illa-L-Lah لا إله إلا الله

Allahu Akbaru (twice) wa lil-Lahi-l-hamd . الله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد
This Takbeer means:

God is the Greatest, (three times) 
There is no god but the One God. 
God is the Greatest, (twice), and praise be to Him.

Shortening of the Prayer

1. When a person is travelling with the intention of proceeding fortyeight miles or over from his home he should shorten the obligatory prayers of four units to two each. The curtailment is applicable to the Noon (Zuhr) Prayer, the Mid-Afternoon (Asr) Prayer, and the Evening (Isha) Prayer. The Early Morning (Fajr) Prayer and the Sunset (Maghrib)Prayers remain unchanged .

2. This advantage remains effective even after the traveler arrives at his destination, if he does not intend to prolong his stay there for fifteen days or more. Otherwise, he should offer the reducible prayers in their original and complete number of units.

3. While traveling under these circumstances, he is exempt from all supererogatory prayers (Sunnah) except the two Sunnah units of the Early Morning (Fajr) and Witr which follows the Evening (Isha) prayers.

There are some minor differences of interpretation between the various schools of law regarding the travel distance and the travel duration.

Times When Prayer is Forbidden
The Muslim is forbidden to offer either obligatory or supererogatory prayers at:

1. The time when the sun is rising;

2. The time when the sun is at its Zenith;

3. The time when the sun is setting;

4. The period of menstruation or confinement due to childbirth.

5. The time of impurity, partial or complete.

It must be clarified that if a person forgets, oversleeps or misses a prayer, he must perform it immediately when he remembers regardless of the position of the sun.

Making Up For Delayed Prayers

1. As a rule, every Muslim, male or female, should offer the prayer in its due time. Failing to do so is a punishable sin unless there is a reasonable excuse for delay.

2. With the exception of women in confinement or menstruation and any who remain insane or unconscious for some time, every Muslim must make up for his or her delayed obligatory prayers.

3. When making up for the delayed prayers one must offer them in their original form, e.g., if they were due shortened they should be offered so and vice-versa.

4. Order between the delayed prayers and between these and the present ones should be maintained, i.e., the first in dueness is offered first unless the missed prayers are too many to remember their exact dates, or the time available is not sufficient for both missed and present prayers. In this case, the present prayer comes first and the missed ones may be offered later. At any rate, the Muslim must make certain that his record is clear to the best of his knowledge, and that there are no missed prayers.

The Taraweeh Prayers

These prayers are special characteristic of the month of Ramadan. They follow the Evening (‘Isha’) Prayers. They consist of eight to twenty units (Rak’ahs) offered two by two with short break between each two units. It is much more preferable to say them in a congregational form and before the Witr, which is the last part of the Evening Prayer.

Invalidation of Prayers

Any prayer becomes invalid and nullified by any act of the following:

1. To anticipate the Imam in any act or movement of prayer;

2. To eat or drink during the prayer;

3. To talk or say something out of the prescribed course of prayers;

4. To shift the position away from the direction of Qiblah in Mecca; unless it is impossible to the worshipper to face the Qiblah;

5. To do intentionaly and unnecessary any noticeable act or movement outside the acts and movements of prayer;

6. To do any thing that nullifies the ablution, e.g., discharge of urine, stool, gas, blood, etc.; unless due to a medical condition not in the worshipper’s control, in this case the worshipper needs to perform ablution only once for every Fard (obligatory) prayer, and he should not repeat the ablution to perform the Sunnah prayer relative to that Fard prayer.

7. To fail in observing any of the essential acts of prayers, like standing, reciting the Qur’an, Ruk’u, Sujud, etc.; unless for reasons of disability or physical ailment.

8. To uncover the body between the navel and knees during the prayer in the case of males; and in the case of females, to uncover any part of the body, except the face and the hands.

Any prayer which becomes invalidated must be repeated properly.

The Funeral Prayers (Salatu-l-Janazah)

1. The prayer to God for the deceased Muslim is a common collective duty (Fard Kifayah). This means that some Muslims should offer this prayer, and when it is offered by some of the Muslims present at the time it is sufficient, and the other Muslims become exempt from responsibility.

2. When a Muslim dies, the Whole body - beginning with the exposed parts washed in ablution (wudu’) - must be washed a few times with soap or some other detergent or disinfectant, and cleaned of all visible impurities. A man washes a man and a women washes a woman. A woman may wash her husband, and a man or woman may wash young children. During the washing the washer’s hands should be covered by gloves or cloth, and the private parts of the dead body should be washed without being seen. When the body is thoroughly clean, it is wrapped in one or more white cotton sheets covering all the parts of the body.

3. The dead body is then placed on a bier or in a coffin and carried to the place of prayer, a mosque or any other clean premises. The body is put in a position with the face toward the direction of Mecca.

4. All participants in the prayer must perform an ablution unless they are keeping an earlier one. The Imam stands beside the body facing the Qiblah at Mecca with the followers behind him in lines.

5. The Imam raises his hands to the ears declaring the intention in a low voice to pray to God for that particular deceased one, and saying Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest). The worshippers follow the Imam’s lead and after him place their right hands over the left ones under the navel as in others prayers.

6. Then the Imam recites in a low voice the “Du’a Thana” and the Fatihah only.

7. Then he says Allahu Akbar without raising his hands and recites the second part of the Tashahhud (from “’Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad” to the end). (This will be found later in this chapter).

8. Then he makes the third Takbeer saying Allahu Akbar without raising the hands and offers a supplication (Du’a’) in any suitable words he knows preferably these

اللهم اغفرلحينا و ميتنا و شاهدنا و غائبنا و ذكرنا و انثانا و صغيرنا و كبيرنا . اللهم من أحييته منا فأحيه على الاسلام و من توفيته منا فتوفه على الاسلام . اللهم لا تحرمنا أجره و لا تفتنا بعده

Allahumma-ghfir li hayyina wa mayyitina wa shahidina wa gha’ibina’ wa dhakarina wa unthana wa sagheerina wa kabeerina. Allahumma man ahyaytahu minna fa ahyihi ‘ala-l-Islam. Wa man tawaffaythu minna fa tawafahu ala’-l-Islam. Allahumma la tahrimina ajrah, wa la taftinna ba’dah.

“O God! Grant forgiveness to our living and to our dead, and to those who are present and to those who are absent. And to our young and to our old folk, and to our males and to our females. O God! whomsoever You grant to live, from among us, help him to live in Islam, and whomsoever of us You cause to die, help him to die in Faith. O God! Do not deprive us of the reward for patience on his loss, and do not make us subject to trial after him.”

9. Then the fourth Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) without raising the hands is made followed by the concluding peace greetings right and left as in other prayers. It should be remembered that the worshippers behind in lines follow the lead of the Imam step by step and recite privately the same utterances in low voice.

10. After completing the Prayer, the body is carried to the graveyard, there the body is lowered in the grave for burial with the face resting in the direction of Mecca. When lowering the body down these words are said:

بسم الله , وبالله , و على ملة رسول الله صلى عليه وسلم

“Bismi-l-Lahi wa bi-l-Lahi wa ‘ala Millati Rasuli-l-Lahi Salla-l-Lahu ‘ Alayhi wa Sallam.”

“In the name of God and with God, and according to the Sunnah (Traditions) of the Messenger of God upon whom be the blessings and peace of God.”

Besides these, any other fit prayers may be offered.

If the deceased is a child under the age of puberty, the prayer is the same except that after the third Takbeer and instead of that long supplication the worshippers recite these words:

اللهم اجعله لنا فرطا , واجعله لنا ذخرا , واجعله لنا شافعا ومشفعا 

“Allahumma-j-alhu lana faratan wa j’alhu lana dhukhra, wa j’alhu lana shafi’an wa mushaffa’a.” 

“O God! Make him (or her) our fore-runner, and make him for us a reward and a treasure, and make him for us a pleader, and accept his pleading.” 

The whole funeral prayer is offered in the standing position.

Whenever a funeral procession passes by, be it of a Muslim or otherwise, every Muslim should stand out of respect for the dead. 

The grave should be built and marked in a simple way. The dead body should be covered with white cotton sheets of standard material. Any extravagance in building the grave or dressing up the body in fine suits or the like is non-Islamic. It is false vanity and a waste of assets that can be used in many useful ways. 

The custom of some Muslims of offering a big and costly banquet upon burial of the deceased is also non-Islamic and an irresponsible waste of money and effort that can be of infinite benefit If used otherwise.

General Remarks on Prayer

As already pointed out, the Muslim’s mind should always be occupied with the remembrance of God and his tongue be busied with utterances of praise and glory of Him. Besides the above mentioned forms of prayer, there are many other occasions where prayer is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad. Such occasions are like these:

1. The time of excessive rain;

2. The time of drought and shortage of rain;

3. The time of moon or sun’s eclipse. 

In times like these the Muslim is advised to pray as many units and as long as he wishes. 

There are other times where he utters certain expressions without resorting to the prescribed form of ordinary prayers. In such utterances he expresses gratitude God and appreciation of His favors, hope in Him and reliance upon His aid, remembrance of Him and prayer for His mercy. Among these times are:

1. The time of childbirth;

2. The time of performing marriage;

3. The time when going to and rising from bed;

4. The time of leaving the house and returning to it;

5. The time of entering and leaving toilet;

6. The time of starting a journey or entering a city;

7. The time of riding or driving;

8. The time of entering a boat;

9. The time of distress;

10. Before a looking glass or facing a mirror;

11. After bath or ablution;

12. When receiving the first fruits of the harvest;

13. When visiting the graveyard.

On each of these occasions the Muslim is advised to remember God with proper and fitting utterances expressing his feelings and thoughtfulness.

There are given prayers for these occasions, but one can use whatever one knows as long as it is in praise of God and remembrance of Him. Here we give more specific examples to be used as a suitable pattern:

Before meals or drinks one says:

بسم الله

“Bismi-l-Lahi" this means

“In the name of God"

When finishing meals one says:

الحمد لله الذى أطعمنا وسقانا وجعلنا مسلمين

“Al-Hamdu Lil-Lahi-L-Ladhi At’amana, wasaqana, wa Ja’alana Muslimeen.”

This means

“All praise is due to God Who has given us to eat and drink, and Who has made us Muslims.”

When visiting the Sick, one says:

أذهب البأس رب الناس , واشف أنت الشافي ,

لا شفاء إلا شفاؤك شفاءاً لا يغادر سقما

“Adhhibi-l-ba’sa Rabba-n-nas Wa-shfi Anta-Sh-shafi; la shifa e’lla shifa-uk-shifaan layughadiru Saqama" this means

“Take away the sickness, O Lord of all people! And restore to health, You are the Healer; there is no healing but the healing You give; grant recovery which leaves no ailment behind.”

The Fatihah (The Opening or Al-Hamd)

Bismi-l-Lahi Rahmani-r-Raheem بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Al-Hamdu li-l-lahi Rabbi-l-ala-meen الحمد لله رب العالمين

Ar-Rahmani-r-Raheem الرحمن الرحيم

Maliki yawmi-d-Deen مالك يوم الدين

Iyyaka na’budu wa lyyaka nasta’een إياك نعبد و إياك نستعين

Ihdina-s-Sirata-l-Mustaqeem إهدنا الصراط المستقيم

Sirata-l-ladheena an’amta ‘alayhim صراط الذين أنعمت عليهم

Ghayri-l-maghdubi ‘alahim غير المغضوب عليهم

Wa la-d-dalleen (Ameen) ولا الضالين (آمين)

This may be interpreted as follows: 
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 
Praise be to God, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, 
Most Gracious, Most Merciful, 
Master of the Day of Judgement. 
You do we worship; and Your aid we seek. 
Show us the straight Way, 
The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, 
Those whose (portion) is not wrath and who go not astray.

2. The Tashahud - The First Part

At-tahiyyato-li-l-lah wa-s-salawato wa-t-tayyibat التحيات لله و الصلوات و الطيبات

As-salamu’alayka ayyuha-n-nabiy السلام عليك أيها النبي

Wa rahmatu-l-lahi wa barakatuh و رحمة الله وبركاته

Alsalamu ‘alayna السلام علينا

Wa ‘ala ‘ibadi–l-lahi-s-salihen على عباد الله الصالحين

Ashhadu an la ilaha-illa-l-lah أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله

Wahdahu la shareeka lahu وحده لا شريك له

Wa ashadu ana Muhammadan و أشهد أن محمداً

Abdahu wa rasulahu عبده و رسوله
This may be interpreted as follows: 
All reverence, all worship, all sanctity are due to God. 
Peace be upon you, O prophet and the mercy of God and His blessings. 
Peace be upon us all and on the righteous servants of God. 
I bear witness that there is no god but God alone, 
And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.

(This part is recited after the second unit in every prayer consisting of three or four units and then the worshipper stands up for the third unit.)

2. The Tashahud - The Second Part

Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad اللهم صل على محمد

Wa ‘ala ale Muhammad و على آل محمد

Kama sallayta ‘ala Ibraheem كما صليت على ابراهيم

Wa ‘ala ale Ibraheem و على آل ابراهيم

Wa Barek ala Muhammad و بارك على محمد

Wa ala ale Muhammad و على آل محمد

Kama barakta al Ibraheem كما باركت على ابراهيم

Wa 'ala ale Ibrahem و على آل ابراهيم

Fil –‘ala Meena innaka hameeddun majeed في العالمين إنك حميد مجيد

This may be interpreted as follows: 
O God! Exalt Muhammad and the people of Muhammad, 
As You did exalt Abraham and the people of Abraham. 
And bless Muhammad and the people of Muhammad 
As You did bless Abraham and the people of Abraham 
Indeed You are praiseworthy, and glorious.

(The two parts of the Tashahhud are recited in the last unit concluding any prayer, With the end of the second part followed by the peace greetings, the prayer is completed. The second part alone is recited in the funeral prayer after the third Takbeer.)

Short Passages of The Qur’an

(a)

Bismi-l-lahi-r-Rahmani-r-Raheem بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Qul huwa-l-lahu Ahad قل هو الله أحد

Al-lahu-s-Samad الله الصمد

Lam yalid wa lam yulad لم يلد و لم يولد

Wa lam yakun lahu kufwan ahad و لم يكن له كفواً أحد

This may be interpreted as follows:

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Say: He is God, the One and Only

God, the eternally besought of all.

He gives no birth, nor is He born

And there is none like unto Him (Qur’an, 112).

(b)

Bismi-l-lahi-r-Rahmani-r-Raheem بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Wa-l-asr و العصر

Inna-l-insana lafee khusr إن الإنسان لفي خسر

Illa-l-ladheena amanu wa ‘amilu as-salihat إلا الذين آمنوا و عملوا الصالحات

Wa tawasaw bi-l-haq sabr wa tawasaw bi-s-sabr و تواصوا بالحق و تواصوا بالصبر

This may be interpreted as follows: 
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful 
By (the token of) time (through ages) 
Verily man is in loss 
Except those who have Faith, and do righteous deeds 
And join together in the mutual teaching of truth and of constant patience (Qur’an, 103)

One of such short passages is recited after the Fatihah in each of the first two units. In the third and fourth units no recitation other than the Fatihah is required.

There are many short and easy passages in the Qur’an. Every Muslim must make some efforts to learn by heart as many passages as he can. Also he must read and study the instructions of the Qur’an. Reading the Qur’an is in itself a high form of worship and fruitful session of devotion.

The Fasting (Sawm)

Another unique moral and spiritual characteristic of Islam is the prescribed institution of Fasting. Literally defined, fasting means to abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, intimate intercourses and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year. But if we restrict the meaning of Islamic Fasting to this literal sense, we would be sadly mistaken.

When Islam introduced this matchless institution, it planted an ever-growing tree of infinite virtue and invaluable products. Here is an explanation of spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting:

1. It teaches man the principle of sincere Love; because when he observes the Fasting he does it out of deep love for God. And the man who loves God truly is a man who really knows what love is.

2. It equips man with a creative sense of Hope and an optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is hoping to please God and is seeking His Grace.

3. It imbues man with a genuine virtue of effective Devotion, honest Dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts he does so for God and for His sake alone.

4. It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound Conscience; because the fasting person keeps his Fast in secret as well as in public. In Fasting, especially, there is no mundane authority to check man’s behavior or compel him to observe the Fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own conscience by being faithful in secret and in public. There is no better way to cultivate a sound conscience in man.

5. It indoctrinates man in Patience and Unselfishness; because when he fasts he feels the pains of deprivation but endures patiently. Truly this deprivation may be only temporary, yet there is no doubt that the experience makes him realize the severe effects of such pains on others, who might be deprived of essential commodities for days or weeks or probably months together. The meaning of this experience in a social and humanitarian sense is that such a person is much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with his fellow men and responding to their needs. And that is an eloquent expression of unselfishness and genuine sympathy.

6. It is an effective lesson in applied Moderation and Willpower. The person who observes his Fasting properly is certainly a man who can discipline his passionate desires and place his self above physical temptations. Such is the man of personality and character, the man of willpower and determination.

7. It provides man with a Transparent Soul to transcend, a Clear Mind to think and a Light Body to move and act. All this is the never failing result of carrying a light stomach. Medical instructions, biological rules and intellectual experience attest to this fact.

8. It shows man a new way of Wise Savings and Sound Budgeting; because normally when he eats less quantities or less meals he spends less money and effort. And this is a spiritual semester of home economics and budgeting.

9. It enables man to master the art of Mature Adaptability. We can easily understand the point once we realize that Fasting makes man change the entire course of his daily life. When he makes the change, he naturally adapts himself to a new system and moves along to satisfy the new rules. This, in the long run, develops in him a wise sense of adaptability and a self-created power to overcome the unpredictable hardships of life. A man who values constructive adaptability and courage will readily appreciate the effects of Fasting in this respect.

10. It grounds man in Discipline and Healthy Survival. When a person observes the regular course of Fasting in consecutive days of the Holy Month and in the Holy Months of the consecutive years, he is certainly applying himself to a high form of discipline and a superb sense of order. Similarly, when he relieves his stomach and relaxes his digestive system, he is indeed insuring his body, not to mention the soul, against all harm that results from stomach overcharge. In this manner of relaxation he may be sure that his body will survive free from the usual disorder and break, and that his soul will continue to shine purely and peacefully.

11. It originates in man the real Spirit of Social Belonging, of Unity and Brotherhood, of Equality before God as well as before the Law. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when man fasts, he feels that he is joining the whole Muslim society in observing the same duty in the same manner at the same time for the same motives to the same end. No sociologist can say that there has been at any period of history anything comparable to this fine institution of Islam. People have been crying throughout the ages for acceptable belonging, for unity, for brotherhood, for equality, but how echoless their voice has been, and how very little success they have met! Where can they find their goals without the guiding light of Islam?

12. It is a Godly prescription for self-reassurance and self-control, for maintenance of human dignity and freedom, for victory and peace. These results never fail to manifest themselves as a lively reality in the heart of the person who knows how to keep the Fasting. When he fasts in the proper manner, he is in control of himself, exercises full command over his passions, disciplines his desires and resists all evil temptations. By this course, he is in a position to reassure himself, to restore his dignity and integrity and to attain freedom from the captivity of evil. Once he obtains all this, he has established inner peace, which is the source of permanent peace with God and, consequently, with the entire universe.

Now, someone may be tempted to raise the objection: If this is the case with the Islamic institution of Fasting, and if this is the picture of Islam in this aspect, why are the Muslim not living in an utopia? To such an objection we can only say that the Muslims have lived in and enjoyed an utopia in certain epoch of their history. The realization of that utopia was a phenomenon of an unique achievement in the history of man. We say unique, because no religion or social system other than Islam has ever been able to realize its ideals in reality. The utopia of other religions and social systems has always remained in the category of theories or wishful thinking and dreams – sometimes clear, sometimes vague, sometimes near, most of the time far. But the utopia of Islam was realized and put into practice and production at full capacity. In a human and practical sense this means that the utopia of Islam can be reestablished once again right here on this earth, and that it is raised on solid foundations and practicable principles. 

The reason why the Islamic utopia is not being established nowadays is manifold and easily explicable. But to restrict our discussion to the institution of Fasting we may say that many Muslims, unfortunately for them, do not observe the fast or, at best, adopt the attitude of indifference. On the other hand, most of those who observe it do not realize its true meaning and, as a result, derive very little benefit out of it or, in fact, no benefit at all. That is why the Muslims of today, on the whole, do not enjoy the real privileges of Fasting.

Fasting in Comparative Perspective

1. The purpose of Fasting in other religions and philosophies is invariably partial. It is either for spiritual aims, or for physical needs, or for intellectual cultivations. But in Islam it is for all these gains and many other purposes, social and economic, moral and humanitarian, private and public, personal and common, inner and outer, local and national – all combined together as mentioned above.

2. In other religions and dogmas, in other philosophies and doctrines, the observer of fasting abstains from certain kinds of food or drinks only, but he is free to substitute for that with other substituting food and drinks. In Islamic Fasting one abstains from all the things of material nature i.e. all kinds of food & drinks, smoking and intimate intercourse.

3. The non–Islamic fasting does not demand more than a partial abstinence from certain material things. But the Islamic Fasting is accompanied by extra devotion and worship, extra charity and study of the Qur’an, extra sociability and liveliness, In particular Islamic Fasting demands extra self-discipline and conscience-awakening: The Prophet said “Whoever does not give up lying speech and acting on those lies and evil actions [i.e. if one does not eschew lies and false conduct], God is not in need of his leaving his food and drink [i.e. God will not accept his fasting]”; also The Prophet said “When anyone of you is observing Fasting on a day , he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: ‘I am observing Fast’”.

4. Other moral philosophies and religions teach man that he cannot attain his moral aims or enter the Kingdom of God unless and until he uproots himself from the stem of worldly affairs. Accordingly, it becomes necessary for such a man to divorce his mundane interest, to retreat from the normal course of life and to resort to some kind of severe asceticism of which fasting is an essential element. But Fasting in Islam is not a divorce from life but a happy marriage with it, not a retreat but a penetration with spiritual armaments, not a negligence but a moral enrichment. The Islamic Fasting does not divorce religion from daily life or separate the soul from body. It does not break but harmonizes. It does not dissolve but transfuses. It does not disintegrate but bridges and redeems.

5. The timetable of the Islamic Fasting is a striking phenomenon. In other religions and dogmas the time of Fasting is fixed at a certain time of the year. But in Islam the time of Fasting comes with the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the year. The Islamic Calendar is lunar one, and months go according to the various position of the moon. This means that over a period of a limited number of the years the Islamic Fasting covers the four major seasons of the year and circulates back and forth between the summer and the winter through the fall and the spring in a rotating manner. The nature of the lunar calendar is such that the month of Ramadan falls in January, for example, in one year and in December in another year, and at any time in between during the succeeding years. In a spiritual sense this means that the Muslim enjoys the moral experience of Fasting on various levels, and tastes its spiritual flavors at variant seasons of variant climates, sometimes in the winter of short and cold days, sometimes in the summer of long and hot days, sometimes in between. But this variety of experience remains at all times an impressive feature of the liveliness of the Islamic institution. It also stands as an unfailing expression of readiness, dynamism and adaptability on the part of the Muslim believer. This is certainly a healthy, remarkable component of the teachings of Islam.

The Period of Fasting

It has already been indicated that the period of obligatory Fasting is the month of Ramadan. The daily period of observance starts before the break of the dawn and ends immediately after sunset. Normally there are accurate calendars to tell the exact time, but in the absence of such facilities on should consult one’s watch and the sun’s position together with the local newspapers, weather bureau, etc.

The Fasting of Ramadan is obligatory on every responsible and fit Muslim (Mukallaf). But there are other times when it is strongly recommended, after the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad. Among these times are Mondays and Thursdays of every week, a few days of each month in the two months heralding the coming of Ramadan, i.e., Rajab and Sha’ban, six days after Ramadan following the ‘Eed-l-Fitr Day. Besides, it is always compensating to fast any day of any month of the year, except the ‘Eed Days and Fridays when no Muslim should fast. However, we may repeat that the only obligatory Fasting is that of Ramadan – which may be 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s positions. This is a pillar of Islam, and any failure to observe it without reasonable excuses is a severely punishable sin.

Knowing what Fasting can do for man, God has enjoined, as an alternative, the fast of three days on anyone who breaks an oath. Similarly, if someone declares his wife as forbidden for him as his mother, - an old pre-Islamic custom, he must pay for his carelessness and irresponsibility. To expiate for this sin he has, as an alternative, to observe the fast of two consecutive months (Qur’an, 2:183-185; 5:92; 58:1-4). [It is interesting to note that expiation for breaking an earnest oath is the feeding, or clothing of ten indigent persons. If that is not possible the offender must emancipate a slave or ransom his freedom. If that also is not possible then the fasting of three days is the last resort (Qur’an, 5:92). In the case of that thoughtless use of words, that distasteful pre-Islamic custom, the offender’s first obligation is to emancipate a slave or ransom his freedom. If he cannot afford that, then must observe the fast of two consecutive months before he resumes intimacy with his wife. If he cannot fast, then he must feed sixty needy person or distribute sixty average meals among the poor. There are other occasions where fasting is either required or recommended to substitute for unmanageable tasks (Qur’an, 58:1-4; cf – 2:196)].

Who Must Fast?

The Fasting of Ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications:

1. To be mentally and physically fit, which means to be sane and able;

2. To be of full age, the age of puberty and discretion, which is normally about fourteen. Children under this age should be encouraged to start this good practice on easy levels, so when they reach the age of puberty they will be mentally and physically prepared to observe the Fasting;

3. To be present at your permanent settlement, you home town, your farm, your business premises, etc. This means not to be travelling on a journey of about fifty miles or more;

4. To be fairly certain that the Fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst, etc.

Exemption From Fasting

These said qualifications exclude the following categories:

1. Children under the age of puberty and discretion;

2. The insane people who are unaccountable for their deeds. People of these two categories are exempted from the duty of fast, and no compensation or any other substitute is enjoined on them;

3. Men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships. Such people are exempted from this duty, but they must offer, at least, one needy poor Muslim an average full meal or its value per person per day. This compensation indicates that whenever they can fast even for one day of the month, they should do so, and compensate for the rest. Otherwise they are accountable for their negligence;

4. Sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast. They may postpone the fast, as long as they are sick, to a later date and make up for it, a day for a day;

5. People in the course of travelling of distances about fifty miles or more. In this case such people may break the fast temporarily during their travel only and make up for it in later days, a day for a day. But it is better for them, the Qur’an tells, to keep the fast if they can without causing extraordinary hardships;

6. Expectant women and women nursing their children may also break the fast, if its observance is likely to endanger their own health or that of their infants. But they must make up for the fast at a delayed time a day for a day;

7. Women in the period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days) or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days). These are not allowed to fast even if they can and want to. They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it, a day for a day. 

It should be understood that here, like in all other Islamic undertakings, the intention must be made clear that this action is undertaken in obedience to God, in response to His command and out of love for Him.

The fast of any day of Ramadan becomes void by intentional eating or drinking or smoking or indulgence in any intimate intercourses, and by allowing anything to enter through the month into the interior parts of the body. And if this is done deliberately without any lawful reason, the penalty is to observe the fast of sixty consecutive days or, as a second alternative, feed sixty poor persons sufficiently, besides observing the fast of one day against the day whose fast was made void.

When the fast of days other than those of Ramadan is broken for a lawful reason like those classified under the heading “Exemption” above, the person involved must make up for that fast later, a day for a day.

If anyone, by mistake, does something that would ordinarily break the fast, his observance is not nullified, and his fast stands valid, provided he stops doing that thing the moment he realizes what he is doing.

On completion of the fast of Ramadan, the special charity known as Sadqatu-l-Fitr (Charity of breaking the Fast) must be distributed before Eed-l-Fitr prayer (see the value of this charity in the previous topic ”The Performance of ‘Eed Prayers”).

General Recommendations

It is strongly recommended by prophet Muhammad to observe these practices especially during Ramadan:

1. To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor;

2. To eat three dates and have a drink of water right after sunset, saying this prayer: Al-lahumma laka sumna wa ‘ala rizqika aftarna (O God! For Your sake we have fasted and now we break the fast with the food You have given us).

3. To make your meals as light as possible because, as the prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill is his stomach,

4. To observe the supererogatory prayer known as Taraweeh;

5. To exchange social visits and intensify humanitarian services;

6. To increase study and recitation of the Qur’an;

7. To exert the utmost in patience and humbleness;

8. To be extraordinarily cautious in using the senses, the mind and especially, the tongue; to abstain from careless and gossipy chats and avoid all suspicious motions.

The Alms (Zakah)

Another exceptionally remarkable institution and major pillar of Islam is the Zakah. To the Qur’anic word Zakah and the meaning it conveys, there is no equivalent in any other language as far as we known. It is not just a form of charity or alms-giving or tax or tithe. Nor is it simply an expression of kindness; it is all of these combined and much more. It is not merely a deduction of a certain percentage from one’s property, but an abundant enrichment and spiritual investment. It is not simply a voluntary contribution to someone or some cause, nor a government tax that a shrewd clever person can get away with. Rather, it is a duty enjoined by God and undertaken by Muslims in the interest of society as a whole. The Qur’anic word Zakah not only includes charity, alms, tithe, kindness, official tax, voluntary contributions, etc., but it is also combines with all these God-mindedness and spiritual as well as moral motives. That is why there can be no equivalent to the word Zakah because of the supreme originality of the Qur’an, the Divine Book of God.

The literal and simple meaning of Zakah is purity. The technical meaning of the word designates the annual amount in kind or coin which a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakah is much deeper and more lively. So is its humanitarian and sociopolitical value. Here is an explanation of the far-reaching effects of Zakah:

1. Zakah purifies the property of the people with means and clears it from the shares which do not belong to it anymore, the shares which must be distributed among the due beneficiaries. When Zakah is payable, a certain percentage of the wealth should be distributed immediately in the right manner, because the owner no longer has moral or legal possession of that percentage. If he fails to do so, he is obviously retaining something which does not belong to him. This is corruption and plain usurpation from every point of view, moral and spiritual, legal and commercial. It means that the unlawfully retained percentage makes the whole lot impure and endangered. But, on the other hand, if the poor’s dividends are assorted and distributed among due beneficiaries, the remaining portions of the lot will be pure and decent. Pure capital and decent possessions are the first requisites of permanent prosperity and honest transactions.

2. Zakah does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed for wealth. In return, it purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness; and it fosters in his heart, instead, good will and warm wishes for the contributor. As a result, the society at large will purify and free itself from class warfare and suspicion, from ill feelings and distrust, from corruption and disintegration, and from all such evils.

3. Zakah mitigates to a minimum the sufferings of the needy and poor members of society. It is a most comforting consolation to the less fortunate people, yet it is a loud appeal to everybody to roll up his sleeves and improve his lot. To the needy it means that it is by nature an emergency measure and that he should not depend on it completely but must do something for himself as well as for others. To the contributor it is a warm invitation to earn more so that he can benefit more. To all parties concerned, it is, directly as well as indirectly, an open treasure for spiritual investment that compensates abundantly.

4. Zakah is a healthy form of internal security against selfish greed and social dissension, against the intrusion and penetration of subversive ideologies. It is an effective instrument in cultivating the spirit of social responsibility on the part of the contributor, and the feeling of security and belonging on the part of the recipient.

5. Zakah is a vivid manifestation of the spiritual and humanitarian spirit of responsive interactions between the individual and society. It is a sound illustration of the fact that though Islam does not hinder private enterprise or condemn private possessions, yet it does not tolerate selfish and greedy capitalism. It is an expression of the general philosophy of Islam which adopts a moderate and middle but positive and effective course between the Individual and Society, between the Citizen and the State, between Capitalism and Socialism, between Materialism and Spirituality.

The Rate of Zakah

Every Muslim, male or female, who, at the end of the year, is in possession of the nisab (minimum Zakah - able wealth) approximately the value of 85 grams of gold or more, in cash or articles of trade, must give Zakah at the minimum rate of two and one-half percent. In the case of having the amount in cash the matter is easy. But when a person has wealth in business stocks or trade articles, he must evaluate his wealth at the end of every year according to the current value and give Zakah at the same rate of two and one-half percent of the total value of the wealth. If his investment is in immovable property like revenue buildings and industries, the rate of Zakah should go by the total net of the income, and not of the total value of the whole property. But if he puts up buildings and houses for trade or selling, Zakah rate should go by the total value of the entire property. Also if someone is a creditor and the indebted person is reliable, one should pay Zakah for the amount he has lent because it is still a portion of his guaranteed wealth.

In all cases it should remembered that one pays only for his net balance. His personal expenses, his family allowances, his necessary expenditures, his due credits – all are paid first, and Zakah is for the net balance.

It should also be remembered that the rate of 2.5% is only a minimum. In times of emergency or arising needs there is no rate limit; the more one gives, the better it is for all concerned, the distribution of Zakah serves all purposes for which numerous fund-raising campaigns are launched. The Zakah fund substitutes for all the other funds. It is authentically reported that there were times in the history of the Islamic administration when there was no person eligible to receive Zakah; every subject – Muslim, Christian, and Jew - of the vast Islamic empire had enough to satisfy his needs, and the rulers had to deposit the Zakah collections in the Public Treasury. This shows that when the Zakah law is enacted properly it minimizes the needs of the citizens and enriches the Public Treasury to such an extent that there may be no needy or poor, and that enormous amounts of surplus are available.

The unfailing power of this effective measure of public interest stems from the fact that it is a Divine injunction, an ordinance from God Himself. It is not a personal matter or a voluntary contribution; rather, it is an obligation for the fulfillment of which one will be responsible to God directly. Because Zakah is the legislation of God Himself to be enforced in the common interest, no Muslim is allowed to neglect it. When it is not observed properly, the rightful authorities of the State must interfere on behalf of the public to establish the institution and see to it that it is enforced.

The Due Recipients of Zakah

The Holy Qur’am classifies the due recipients of Zakah as follows: 

1. The poor Muslims, to relieve their distress;

2. The needy Muslims, to supply them with means whereby they can earn their livelihood;

3. The new Muslim converts, to enable them to settle down and meet their unusual needs;

4. The Muslim prisoners of war, to liberate them by payment of ransom money;

5. The Muslim in debt, to free them from their liabilities incurred under pressing necessities;

6. The Muslim employees appointed by a Muslim governor for the collection of Zakah to pay their wages;

7. The Muslims in service of the cause of God by means of research or study or propagation of Islam. This share is to cover their expenses and help them to continue their services;

8. The Muslim wayfarers who are stranded in a foreign land and in need of help.

The due recipient of Zakah is one who has nothing to meet his necessities or has little (less than the nissab) at the end of the year. If one has approximately the nissab or more he must be a contributor, not a recipient of Zakah. If a recipient receives his share and finds that it is sufficient for his immediate needs with a balance of about the nissab he should not accept any more, he should return whatever he may receive to other eligible recipients. 

Zakah may be distributed directly to individuals of one or more of the said classes, or to welfare organizations which look after them. It may also be distributed in the form of scholarships to bright and promising Muslim students and researchers, or in the form of grants to welfare organizations and public service institutions which patronize such causes.

A disabled or invalid poor Muslim is preferable to one who is able and capable of making some earnings. The contributor should use his best judgement in finding the most deserving beneficiaries. 

The taxes we pay to governments nowadays do not substitute for this religious duty; it must be earmarked as a special obligation and paid separately, aside from the government taxes. However, the Muslims of North America may take advantage of the tax laws that allow certain deductions for charity. They should pay their Zakah to the deserving beneficiaries and then claim the sums paid as proper legal deductions. 

The contributor should not seek pride or fame by carrying out this duty. He should make it as covert as possible so that he may not be victimized by hypocrisy or passion for vanity which nullifies all good deeds. However, if the disclosure of his name or the announcement of his contribution is likely to encourage others and stimulate them, it is all right to do so. 

Zakah is also obligatory on cattle and agricultural products. The shares payable in this regard vary from case to case, and need a detailed discussion. So the reader may be advised to consult the elaborate sources of law and religion.

The Pilgrimage (Hajj)

The final pillar and one of the finest institutions of Islam is the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. The performance of the Hajj is obligatory, at least once in a lifetime, upon every Muslim, male or female, who is mentally, financially and physically fit. The Muslim who is of responsible age, in fairly good health, and is financially capable and secure must make the Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime. The financial security here means that he should have enough to cover his own expenses and those of his dependents, and to pay his debts, if he is in debt, until he completes the course of Hajj.

The course of Hajj is another unique characteristic of Islam, it is enjoined by God to serve many purposes among which are the following:

1. It is the largest annual convention of Faith where Muslims meet to know one another, study their common affairs and promote their general welfare. It is also the greatest regular conference of peace known in the history of mankind. In the course of Hajj peace is the dominant theme; peace with God and one’s soul, peace with one another and with animals, peace with birds and even with insects. To disturb the peace of anyone or any creatures in any shape or form is strictly prohibited.

2. It is a wholesome demonstration of the universality of Islam and the brotherhood and equality of the Muslims. From all walks of life, from all trades and classes, and from every corner of the globe the Muslims assemble at Mecca in response to the call of God. They dress in the same simple way, observe the same regulations, utter the same supplications at the same time in the same way, for the same end. There is no royalty, but loyalty of all to God. There is no aristocracy, but humility and devotion.

3. It is to confirm the commitment of the Muslims to God and their readiness to forsake the material interests in His service.

4. It is to acquaint the pilgrims with the spiritual and historical environment of Prophet Muhammad, so that they may derive warm inspirations and strengthen their Faith.

5. It is to commemorate the Divine rituals observed by Abraham and Ishmael (Ibraheem and Isma’eel), who are known to have been the first pilgrims to the first house of God on earth, i.e., the Ka’bah at Mecca (Makkah).

6. It is a reminder of the Grand Assembly on the day of Judgement when people will stand equal before God, waiting for their Final Destiny, and where no superiority of race or stock can be claimed. It is also a reminder of the fact that Mecca alone, in the whole existing world, was honored by God in being the center of monotheism since the time of Abraham, and that it will continue to be the center of Islam, the religion of pure monotheism, till the end of time.

In the performance of Hajj it can easily be observed that it is a course of spiritual enrichment and moral rearmament, a course of intensified devotion and disciplinary experience, a course of humanitarian interests and inspiring knowledge – all put together in one single institution of Islam.

The description of the rules and steps followed during the Hajj are rather lengthy. They will not be discussed here. For further details the reader may consult the elaborate works on the subject. However, it should be pointed out that during the whole course of Hajj there are informed guides always available to help the pilgrims with right instructions.

It should also be pointed out that the entire course of devotion is to God alone. The Muslims go to Mecca in glory of God, not to kiss a stone or worship a man or a semi-divinity. Kissing or touching the Black Stone at the Ka’bah is an optional action, not an obligation or a prescription. Those who kiss the Black Stone or touch it do not do it because they have faith in the Stone or attribute any superstitious qualities to it. Their Faith is in God only. They kiss or touch or point to the Stone only as a token of respect or a symbol of love for Prophet Muhammad, who laid the Stone at the foundation of the Ka’bah when it was reconstructed. That event has a special significance. It depicts Muhammad as a man designated for peace. When the Ka’bah was under reconstruction, some years before the advent of Islam, the Black Stone was to be laid at its foundation. The tribal chieftains had a quarrelsome dispute over him who was to have the honor of restoring the Stone. This was a very serious matter and the shadows of civil war hung over the holy place. The Stone was held in especially high reverence by the chieftains, although it was nothing more than a piece of stone. This reverence may be attributed to the fact that the Stone was connected with Prophet Abraham, the Great Grandfather of the Arabs, and that it was, perhaps, the only solid stone remaining from the antique structure of the Sacred Edifice. Be that as it may, the Stone as such has no significance whatsoever as far as Islam and the Muslims are concerned.

When the chieftains failed to settle the dispute among themselves, they agreed to let the first incomer decide the issue. Muhammad was the first incomer. He then decided to wrap up the Stone in a piece of cloth and asked the disputants to hold it together and restore it in such a way that each chieftain would have had a part in the operation. They were happy with his wise decision and put it into effect immediately. Thus the issue died out and peace was maintained. This is the moral of the story of the Black Stone. So when the pilgrims kiss the Stone or point at it with reverence, they do so in remembrance of Muhammad, the wise peace-maker. The point may become clearer by comparison. It is a natural thing for a good patriot returning from exile, or a fighting soldier coming back from the battlefield to do certain things upon reaching the borders of his beloved homeland. For example, he may kiss the ground at the borders, or embrace with deep emotions the first few compatriots he meets, or show admiration for some landmarks. This is considered normal and appreciable, but no one would think that the patriot or the soldier worships the ground or deifies his fellow compatriots or attributes some Divine qualities to the landmarks. The behavior of the pilgrims should be interpreted in a similar way. The Ka’bah at Mecca is the spiritual center of Islam and the spiritual homeland of every Muslim. When the pilgrim reaches Mecca his feelings would be like those of a patriot coming home from exile or a triumphant soldier returning from a decisive battle. This is not a figurative interpretation. It corresponds with the facts of history. The early Muslims were expelled out of their home and forced to live in exile for years. They were denied the right to worship in the Ka’bah, the most sacred house of God in existence. When they returned from exile, the Ka’bah was their main destination. They joyfully entered the Sacred Shrine, destroyed all the idols and images that were there, and completed the rites of pilgrimage.

This interpretation is enlightened by some unusual experiences of extraordinary people. For example, a famous Hungarian writer fled his invaded country and took with him a handful of earth. Literary annals tell that the writer found his greatest comfort and deepest joy in that handful of earth. It was his source of inspiration and symbol of hope that he would return to a free homeland at last. (I read this account during the fifties and very much to my regret, cannot locate the exact source or remember the writer’s name).

Similarly, a documentary called “The Palestinians” was prepared by CBS and televized on Saturday June 15, 1974. In it, a wealthy businessman, who fled the Zionist terror in Palestine, was interviewed at his extremely fashionable home in Beirut. When he was reminded of his good fortune in exile he smiled, pointing to a small bottle half-full of earth. To make his point, he added that he brought it with him from Jerusalem when he fled; that it is more valuable to him than anything he possesses; and that he would give up all his possessions to return to Palestine, his homeland. What is more significant about this interview is that the man’s family was more emphatic and expressed stronger feelings. It will not be at all surprising if it turns out that this man represents many others like him and if that small “earth treasure” becomes a very special, even a sacred, thing in the years to come.

In a more tangible sense, the Associated Press reported on October 14, 1973, that “the Last Israeli strong points on the eastern bank of the Suez Canal surrendered … and 37 tired and bedraggled Israeli troops were paddled in dinghies across the waterway to captivity. … Some of the Egyptian troops, carried away with the emotion of finally liberating this last stronghold (the Bar-Lev line), grabbed handfuls of sand and put it in their mouths. Others kissed the ground.” (Dispatch Observer, p. 2A)

More recently, the same news agency, reporting on the returning Syrian prisoners of war, said that the first man off the plane “sat upright on a stretcher on the stumps of his amputated legs . . . ‘Legs are nothing. We are ready to give our soul . . .’ he shouted. He then insisted on being lifted from his stretcher and placed on the ground so that he could bend down to kiss the soil.” ( Dispatch Observer, June 2, 1974, p. 3A).

It is in this human perspective that the Black Stone story should be viewed. And it is in the light of such human experiences under extraordinary circumstances that it is best understood.

Concluding Remarks about the Hajj

The visit of to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad at Medina (Madeenah) is not an essential obligation in making the Hajj valid and complete. But it is always advisable and strongly recommended that whoever can reach Medina should visit the Prophet’s tomb to pay his respect to the greatest teacher that humanity has ever known.

It should be remembered that the climax of Hajj is marked by offering a sacrifice, an oblation in the way of God, to celebrate the completion of this devotional course and feed the poor so that they may feel the universal joy of the ‘Eed Day. This duty is not undertaken by pilgrims only but by all Muslims with means in every corner of the globe.

One last remark relates to the question of sacrifice and what it actually symbolizes. As already stated in the discussion of the ‘Eeds, it is not the meat or blood that pleases God. It is the expression of thankfulness to Him, the affirmation of faith in Him, that historic event when Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem) was ordered to offer his son in sacrifice, an order which the father and son were ready to obey unquestioningly. But the son’s life was spared and ransomed by a ram. The offering of sacrifice has become an annual celebration to commemorate the occasion and thank God for His favors.

Final Remarks Concerning The Application of Faith

We remind the readers again that there are minor differences of interpretation between the various schools of law regarding few details in the exercise of prayers, fasting, alms & pilgrimage. However, following any of the authentics schools is acceptable.