Prayer #

The act of prayer, commonly known as As-Salat in Arabic, is considered the most significant form of worship in Islam. It is a sign that differentiates Muslim from non-Muslim. Muslim must perform Prayer five times per day, every day. He has to do it if he is sick, traveling, or fighting in a battle.

As much as it is a burden, it is a bliss from Allah. Allah wants you to take a break from your routine five times a day to feed your soul. You start the day by praying and end it by praying. Prayers provide you with the fuel you need to overcome all the challenges you face in daily life. They are a chance for you to perform what you are created for (i.e., worship Allah).

In Islam, there are five compulsory daily prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Aser, Maghrib and Isha). In addition to those five, there are many recommended prayers. Whenever, the prerequisites are met, the prayer must be performed as soonest. It is not accepted to miss the prayer unless there is a good reason. You need to make up that prayer once that reason has been lifted in general. Depended on the situation, the way how prayer is performed will be simplified. Because of this, Muslims need to learn how to pray in every situation they come across.

In this chapter, I will attempt to simplify this topic as much as possible. First, I will explore the prerequisites of prayer. Then, I will list important terminologies around the prayer, how to perform the prayer physically, what’s breaks the prayer, [add the missing parts as we go through them]

Prerequisites For Prayer #

There are prerequisites for prayer must be met to perform prayers. Being Muslim is the first obvious requirement. In order for your prayer to be accepted, you must first admit to Islam.

The second one is to be an adult. The children are not obliged to perform prayers. Once they reach to adulthood, they will be obliged to do the prayers. There are many signs of puberty: wet dreams, hair growing in the pubic and armpits, and menstruation for girls. At 15 years, Islam considers children as adults.

Although the prayer is not compulsory for children, parents must teach them how to pray as early as possible. They should closely monitor their children until they become accustomed to performing the prayer correctly.

Prayers are not obliged in three situations: if a person loses their mind, in the menstruation period and in the post-natal bleeding period. In those situations, there is no need to compensate for missed prayers during those periods.

Purification #

Purification is a prerequisite to performing prayers. In the Purification chapter, we discussed in details the purification. Your cloth must be free from any najas. If your cloth gets najas on it, you need to take najas off and wash that area.

Your body must be pure as well. Major and minor hadath must be lifted and be in taharah state.

Finally, the place you will perform the prayer in must be clean. Moreover, It is prohibited to perform prayers in graveyards, areas of slaughtering animals and areas where camels rest.

Clothing Requirement #

Any decent clothing is acceptable for prayer. Covering the Awrah (one’s private parts in Islamic sense) is a minimum requirement to perform prayers. The men awrah is from the navel down to and including the knees. Moreover, it is recommended for men to cover their chest, belly, and shoulders.

Woman awrah is all her body except the face and two palms. The Islamic scholars are disputed whether the feet are part of women’s awrah or not (which should be concealed throughout prayer and when meeting with non closely related men to her). To get out of the dispute, it is more prudent to consider the feet to be part woman’s awrah. Moreover, the cloth should be wide and loose.

Furthermore, there are some issues related to wearable for prayers that require your attention:

1. Silk and gold are prohibited for men.
2. Any accessories that come into direct contact with the body that wasn’t made of gold (for women, see point 1) and sliver are not permissible. This includes watches, eyeglasses, rings, …etc. Whoever forgets to take them out before prayer, he must take them off as soon as he remembers.
3. Isbal (lengthening one’s garment so that it reaches below the ankles) is not permissible for men, as it is one of the major sins.
4. It is not permissible to wear anything that has a drawing of a living creature.
5. The cloth must be loose enough that it does not embody the awrah, for example, tight trousers. Obviously, the cloth must not be transparent.

Prayer Times #

The prayers becomes obligated for Muslims when their time begins. Each prayer has a specific time, as follows:

There are many phone applications and websites, telling you the exact prayer time for your location. I recommend the Omani Calendar App for your phone. Please visit your local Islamic center/Masjed to know more about the prayer times, as the timing displayed in all Masjeds.

Note: There are times that prayers (any type of prayer) are not permitted at the following times:

1. During sunrise, i.e., when the sun begins to rise until it has fully risen above the horizon.
2. When the sun is at the meridian (i.e., exactly overhead, until it tips to the west).
3. During sunset, (i.e., from the beginning of the sunset, until the sun has completely disappeared on the horizon).

Al-Qiblah #

The last prerequisite for the prayer is facing Al-Kabah (Coordinates: 21°25′21.0″N 39°49′34.2″E) in Mecca. Muslims need to direct their faces in prayer towards it. You have to ask and try to find the direction with all the means you get. Subsequently, if you find out that you prayed in the wrong direction, you don’t need to do it again.

You can use a compass to find out the Al-Qiblah. Moreover, there are many phone applications to find out Al-Qiblah. The Omani Calendar App has that function.

There are some cases legitimately excused from facing Al-Qiblah, as follows:

1. In fear, if person fears for his life or his money and can’t direct to Al-Qiblah.
2. If the person seriously ill, forced or tied.
3. In doing voluntary prayer whiles on travel.

By this, we complete all the perquisites for prayers. However, it is recommended to make Sutrah in front of the person who performing prayer. Sutrah is any object that a person puts it in front of him as a barrier. Putting sutrah will let the person pray without caring who passes beyond that. This is useful when praying in the open area or in Masjeds.

Prayer Terminologies #

In this section, all the terms used in performing prayer will be listed as follows:

Term	The Meaning and how it performed
Azan	Azan is a call to prayer. It is as follows: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Ash’hadu an laa illaha illa Llah Ash’hadu an laa illaha illa Llah Ash’hadu anna Muhammadan rasulu Llah Ash’hadu anna Muhammadan rasulu Llah Hayya alas Salaa Hayya alas Salaa Hayya alal Falah Hayya alal Falah Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Laa illaha illa Llah The translation as follows: Allah is the Greatest. (Four times) I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. (Two times) I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. (Two times) Come to prayer. (Two times) Come to salvation. (Two times) Allah is the Greatest. (Two times) There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.
Iqama	Iqama is to say the following: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Ash’hadu an laa illaha illa Llah Ash’hadu an laa illaha illa Llah Ash’hadu anna Muhammadan rasulu Llah Ash’hadu anna Muhammadan rasulu Llah Hayya alas Salaa Hayya alas Salaa Hayya alal Falah Hayya alal Falah Qad Qaamati Salaa Qad Qaamati Salaa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Laa illaha illa Llah The translation as follows: Allah is the Greatest. (Four times) I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. (Two times) I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. (Two times) Come to prayer. (Two times) Come to salvation. (Two times) Prayer has commenced. (Two times) Allah is the Greatest. (Two times) There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.
Tawjih	Tawjih is orientation, and it is to say the following: Subhanaka Llahumma wa bihamdika, Tabaaraka ismuka, Wa taala jadduka, Wala illaha ghayruka, Inni wajjahtu wajhiya Lilladhiy fatara ssamaawati wal’ardha hanifan wa ma’ana mina l’mushrikin. The translation as follows: Glory and praise be to you Allah. Blessed is your name. Supreme is your Majesty. There is no god worthy of worship except You. I turn my face to Him who originated the Heavens and the Earth, shunning all false creeds and professing the true religion, and I am absolutely not among the polytheists. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.
Qiyam	Qiyam is standing. The standing position should be upright, without leaning against any object, and with a reasonable distance between the feet. The hands should be positioned sideways. Person should look to the prostration place. Qiyam is illustrated in the below photo:
Takbira	Takbira is saying “Allahu Akbar” which means “Allah is the Greatest”.
Rukuu	Rukuu is bowing down. The person should bow down, straightening his back, neck and head, until your palms grasp his knees, with his fingers stretched out. Rukuu is illustrated in the below photo: While you are fully in Rukuu position, you need to say: “Subhana Rabbiya I’Adhim” at least 3 times or 5, 7, …etc.
Sujud	Sujud is prostration. The proper Sujud is to fall down from standing to prostration, putting the knees on the floor first, the palms with the fingers aligned together and directed towards Al-Qiblah. Throughout the prostration the forehead, palms, knees and the inner part of the toes, nose should be placed on the floor. The palms should be placed between knees and head. The fingertips should be at the level of the ears, leaving enough space between the arms and the body. Sujud is illustrated in the below photo: While you are fully in Sujud position, you need to say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Aala” at least 3 times or 5, 7, …etc.
Juluus	Juluus is sitting after Sujud. Juluus is to sit with your back upright, with your left foot laying flat on the floor, sitting on it and with your right foot raised upright with your toes on the floor. The right palm should be placed on the right thigh with the fingers aligned together towards Al-Qiblah. Likewise for the left palm. The fingertips are to be at the top of each knee. Juluus is illustrated in the below photo:
Tashahhud Part 1	Tashahhud part 1 is to say the following: Attahiyaatu lillahi wa ssalawaatu wa ttayyibaatu, Assalamu alayka ayyuha nnabiyyu wa rahmatu llahi wa barakatuh, Assalamu alayna wa alaa ibadi llahi ssaalihin, Ash’hadu an la illaha illa Llah wa ash’hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh. The translation as follows: Salutations, prayers and good deeds are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet. Peace be upon us and upon the virtuous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.
Tashahhud Part 2	Tashahhud is to say the following: Allahumma ssalli ala Muhammad wa alaa aali Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim wa alaa aali Ibrahim, wa barik alaa Muhammad wa alaa aali Muhammad, kama barakta alaa Ibrahim wa alaa aali Ibrahim, fil alamina innaka hamidunmajiid. Rabana aatina fiddunya hasanatan, wa filaakhirati hasanatan, wa qina adhaba nnaar. The translation as follows: O Allah! Grant Your grace to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You granted Your grace to Abraham and the family of Abraham. And grant Your blessing to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You granted Your blessing to Abraham and the family of Abraham among the nations, You are the Praiseworthy, The Glorious. Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire.
At-Taslim	At-Taslim is performed while you’re in Juluus position, turn your face right and say : “As-Salaamu alaykum ”. Then turn your face to the left and say: “Wa Rahmatu Llah”.
Rakah	Rakah is the unit of prayer. Rakah consists of Qiyam, Rukuu, Qiyam, Sujud, Juluus and another Sujud. After last Sujud, you either go for another Rakah or Juluus and say Tashahhud.

Minimum Quran you Need to Memorize #

Prayers required to recite parts from Quran. The most important Surat is Al Fatih (first Surat in the Quran). You should learn how to read it and memorize it as soon as possible. It is as follows:

Bismillahi Rrahmani Rrahim (1) Alhamdu lillahi Rabbi l‘aalamin (2) Arrahmaani Rrahim (3) Maaliki yaumidiin (4) Iyaaka na ‘abudu wa iyaka nastaiin (5) Ihdina ssiratal mustaqiim (6) Ssiraata ladhina an‘amta alaihim , Ghayri l’maghdhuubi ‘alayhim wala dhaaliin (7)

The translation of the meaning as follows:

(1) In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
(2) All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds,
(3) the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,
(4) Master of the Day of Judgment.
(5) You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
(6) Guide us to the straight path,
(7) the path of those whom You have blessed; not of those who incurred Your Wrath, or of those who went astray.

Surat Al-Ikhlaas (Number 112)

Bismillahi Rrahmani Rrahim

Kul huwa Llahu Ahad (1) Allahu Ssamad (2) Lam yalid walam yuulad (3) Walam yakun lahu kufuwan Ahad (4)

The translation of its meaning as follows:

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful Say: He is Allah, The One and Only (1), Allah, the Eternal, Absolute (2), He begets not, Nor is He begotten (3), And there is none Like unto Him (4).

Surat An-Nas (Number 114):

Bismillahi Rrahmani Rrahim

Kul audhu birabbi nnaas (1) Maliki nnaas (2) Ilahi nnaas (3) Minsharri lwaswaasi lkhannaas (4) Alladhi yuwaswisu fi suduuri nnaas (5) Mina ljinnati wa nnaas (6)

The translation of its meaning as follows:

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of mankind (1), The King of mankind (2), The God of mankind (3), From the evil of the sneaking whisperer (4), Who whispers in the hearts of mankind (5), Of the jinn and of mankind (6).

Finally, you can use your phone or laptop to memorize these Surats. I recommend Memorize Quran tool.

How Prayer Performed #

Praying can be a bit tricky for new Muslims who’ve never done it before. Don’t worry, you can do it. Depending on your dedication, you can perform it in a reasonable time within a week or two. I suggest writing down the steps on a piece of paper and following them when you want to pray.

Azan (Call for Prayer) #

Azan is an announcement of starting a prayer time using particular words. It is normally performed in Masjeds. It must raised by a Muslim male after the prayer time begins. Furthermore, it must be in Arabic. Azan should be done loudly and slowly.

In case there is no Masjed in the area or on travel, Azan recommended being raised by the person who wants to prayer individually or in group. Women are not required to do Azan.

Iqama is an announcement that the prayer will be conducted now. It is similar to Azan with the extra phrase “Qad Qaamati Salaa”. It is performed just before the prayer for men only (individually or in group). In congregational prayer, the person who did Azan, should do the Iqama on behalf of all people attending that prayer. It shouldn’t be loud and should be performed fast.

Azan and Iqama are performed for the obligatory five daily prayers and Friday prayer only. The wording of Azan and Iqama are in Prayer Terminologies.

Prayer Steps #

Steps before each prayer #

Before each prayer, you need to:

1. Meet all the Prerequisites For Prayer.

2. Relieve yourself by going to the toilet.

3. It is recommended to do Wudu, even if you don’t break your previous wudu.

4. Choose a quiet place to perform the prayer without disturbance.

5. Make an intention in your heart to preforming the due prayer (for example, Fajr prayer) for Allah’s sake.

6. If you man, recite Iqama.

   Note: All the prayers are done whispering.

How to Perform Fajr Prayer #

After you are ready, the following step will show how we conduct Fajr (two Rakah) when we are performing it individually:

Preparation (Step 1-3)

1. In Qiyam position, Recite “Tawjih”.

2. Say “Allahu Akbar”.

3. Say “Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajiym”.

1st Rakah (Step 4-10) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

4. Recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”.

5. Recite “Surat Al-Ikhlaas”.

6. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

7. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position, say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

8. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

9. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds.

10. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

2nd Rakah (Step 11-18) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

11. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”.

12. Recite “Surat An-Nas”.

13. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

14. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position, “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”.

15. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

16. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds.

17. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

18. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, recite Tashahhud Part 1 and Part 2.

Close Prayer (Step 19-20)

19. Turn the face to the right, say: “Assalam Alaykum”.

20. Turn the face to the left, say: “Wa Rahmatu Llah”.

How to Perform Dhuhr Prayer #

Please refer to the steps you need to do before each prayer. Dhuhr prayer is four Rakah with no reciting of short surah after Al-Fatiha. The coming steps will show how to conduct Dhuhr prayer:

Preparation (Step 1-3)

1. In Qiyam position, Recite “Tawjih”.

2. Say “Allahu Akbar”.

3. Say “Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajiym”.

1st Rakah (Step 4-9) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

4. Recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”.

5. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

6. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”.

7. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

8. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

9. While moving to 2nd Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

2nd Rakah (Step 9-15) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

9. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”

10. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

11. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

12. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

13. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

14. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

15. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, recite Tashahhud Part 1.

3rd Rakah (Step 16-21) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

16. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, Recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”.

17. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

18. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

19. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

20. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

21. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

4th Rakah (Step 22-28) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

22. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”

23. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

24. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

25. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

26. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

27. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

28. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, recite Tashahhud Part 1 and Part 2.

Close Prayer (Step 29-30)

29. Turn the face to the right, say: “Assalam Alaykum”

30. Turn the face to the left, say: “Wa Rahmatu Llah”

How to Perform Aser Prayer #

Aser prayer is identical to the Dhuhr prayer.

How to Perform Maghrib Prayer #

Maghrib prayer is three Rakah. In the last Rakah, we don’t recite any short Surat after Surat Al-Fatiha. Please refer to the steps you need to do before each prayer. Then follow these steps:

Preparation (Step 1-3)

1. In Qiyam position, Recite “Tawjih”.

2. Say “Allahu Akbar”.

3. Say “Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajiym”.

1st Rakah (Step 4-10) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

4. Recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”.

5. Recite “Surat Al-Ikhlaas”.

6. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

7. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

8. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

9. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

10. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

2nd Rakah (Step 11-18) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

11. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”

12. Recite “Surat An-Nas”.

13. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

14. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

15. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

16. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

17. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

18. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, recite Tashahhud Part 1.

3rd Rakah (Step 19-25) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

19. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”

20. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

21. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

22. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

23. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

24. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

25. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, recite Tashahhud Part 1 and Part 2.

Close Prayer (Step 26-27)

26. Turn the face to the right, say: “Assalam Alaykum”

27. Turn the face to the left, say: “Wa Rahmatu Llah”

How to Perform Isha Prayer #

Isha prayer is four Rakah. In the last two Rakah, we don’t recite any short Surat after Surat Al-Fatiha. Please refer to the steps you need to do before each prayer. Then follow these steps:

Preparation (Step 1-3)

1. In Qiyam position, Recite “Tawjih”.

2. Say “Allahu Akbar”.

3. Say “Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajiym”.

1st Rakah (Step 4-10) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

4. Recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”.

5. Recite “Surat Al-Ikhlaas”.

6. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

7. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

8. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

9. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

10. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

2nd Rakah (Step 11-18) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

11. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”

12. Recite “Surat An-Nas”.

13. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

14. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

15. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

16. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

17. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

18. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, recite Tashahhud Part 1.

3rd Rakah (Step 19-25) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

19. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”

20. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

21. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

22. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

23. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

24. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

4th Rakah (Step 25-31) [Qiyam ➝ Rukuu ➝ Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud]

25. While moving to Qiyam position, say “Allahu Akbar”, recite “Surat Al-Fatiha”

26. While moving to Rukuu position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Rukuu position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” 3 times.

27. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”

28. While moving to Sujud position, say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

29. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, stay silent for 3–4 seconds

30. While moving to 2nd Sujud say: “Allahu Akbar”. In Sujud position, say: “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” 3 times.

31. While moving to Juluus position, say: “Allahu Akbar”, recite Tashahhud Part 1 and Part 2.

Close Prayer (Step 32-33)

32. Turn the face to the right, say: “Assalam Alaykum”

33. Turn the face to the left, say: “Wa Rahmatu Llah”

Pillars of Prayer #

After you learn how to conduct prayers step by step, I will discuss those steps in more details. Prayer actions are divided into pillars and Sunnah. All of them are important, and you must ignore any of them. However, in case you forget a pillar action, you need to redo it or repeat the prayer again if you remember after you complete it. If you forget the Sunnah action, your prayer will still be accepted. The detail will come later.

There are nine pillars for the prayer:

1. Intention: You need to make an intention before the prayer and to keep it during the prayer.
2. Qiyam position: The obligatory prayer must be started with Qiyam position. The voluntary prayers can be done in the sitting position (Juluus).
3. Opening Takbira: (see step 2 from each prayer) by saying “Allahu Akbar”, you start the prayer. It is called ihram takbir in Arabic.
4. Khushu: Khushu is an Arabic word that means to be respectful, aware, and attentive when you pray. Person should achieve tranquility in Qiyam, Rukuu, Sujud and Juluus positions. The person who is praying must remain in each position until every limb returns to its original position and becomes completely still.
5. Reciting Surat Al-Fatiha: You should recite it fully with correct pronunciation. You must not repeat any verse without any necessity (like correct pronunciation, or you forget a read one verse).
6. Rukuu. All Rukuu in the prayer.
7. Sujud. All Sujud in the prayer.
8. last Tashahhud: the one before At-Taslim (see step 18 in Fajr prayer).
9. At-Taslim: to close the prayer (see step 19 and 20 in Fajr prayer).

Note: If a person forgets a pillar, and he hasn’t finished the prayer yet, he must go back and perform that pillar and what follows it. After At-Taslim, he needs to do two forgetfulness Sujud. If he remembers after finishing the prayer, then he needs to redo the whole prayer again.

Sunnah Acts of Prayer #

Prayer’s Sunnha is divided into a mandatory to have and good to have. If you refrain from performing the mandatory Sunnah deliberately, your prayer is invalidated. If you forget them, do not return to them after you moved to another posture. In this case, the only thing you have to do is to perform the two Sujud of forgetfulness before At-Taslim.

They are as follows:

1. Tawjih: Tawjih is opening supplication. It should be recited before Opening Takbira. It is an emphasized Sunnah and not a mandatory.
2. Istiadhah: It is saying “Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajiym” before you recite the first Surat Al-Fatiha. It is the step 3 in the Prayer sequence. Istiadhah literally means “I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan”. This is a mandatory Sunnah.
3. Recite Quran after Surat Al-Fatiha where applicable (Fajr, first two Rakah in Maghrib prayer and first two Rakah in Isha prayer). The least amount of recitation after al-Fatihah that suffices for one’s prayer is a single verse with a complete meaning. It is a firmed Sunnah, but not a mandatory.
4. Transitional Takbira. It is to say “Allahu Akbar’ for every lowering and raising, standing and sitting except upon rising from Rukuu to Qiyam (see step 7 in Isha prayer where you say “Samia llahu liman hamida”, “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”). It is a mandatory Sunnah.
5. Tasbih in Rukuu and Sujud (i.e., saying “Subhana Rabbiya l’Adhim” in Rukuu and saying “Subhana Rabbiya l’ A ‘ala” in Sujud). This is a mandatory Sunnah.
6. First Tashahhud after the first two Rakah in Dhuhr, Aser, Maghrib and Isha prayers where you need to recite Tashahhud Part 1. It is a mandatory Sunnah.
7. Salah upon the prophet after Tashahhud in the last Tashahhud (i.e., first sentence in Tashahhud Part 2). It is not a mandatory, but you should do it.
8. Supplication after Salah upon the prophet in the last Tashahhud and before At-Taslim (i.e., second sentence in Tashahhud Part 2). This is a good place to make duaa. However, It is not a mandatory. We choose this duaa ”Rabana aatina fiddunya hasanatan, wa filaakhirati hasanatan, wa qina adhaba nnaar.”
9. Supplication after At-Taslim. It’s not necessary, but you’ll miss out on a lot if you don’t utilize this opportunity to Ask Allah. Take a few minutes to say “Subhan Allah”, “Al-Hamdu Lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” for 33 times then make duaa for yourself, family and loved one.

Action that nullifying prayer #

Here is the list of actions that nullifying the prayer:

1. Changing or abandoning the intention during prayer.
2. showing off or being proud-hearted about doing the prayer. The intention should be sincere to Allah.
3. losing consciousness.
4. Keeping one’s mind busy with an issue that is not part of prayer and taking one’s focus away from it. If he/she doesn’t know what he/she doing, and how many Rakah was performed, the prayer must be performed again.
5. Missing a pillar or prerequisite of the prayer.
6. Repeating a pillar of the prayer intentionally and without necessity.
7. Messing up, eating or drinking during prayer.
8. Talking during prayer.

Disliked Actions in prayer #

Disliked actions are distracting attention, but not nullifying the prayer. You should do any of them to perform the prayer in perfect way.

1. Praying when one is resisting urine or stool.
2. Praying when one is feeling sleepy. You should get a sleep then perform the prayer giving the prayer time is allowing that.
3. Praying in the presence of food. You should take the food first to avoid the distraction.
4. facing what could distract one’s attention.
5. Sticking to a particular area in the Masjed.
6. The slight turning of the face
7. The slight accidental smiling.
8. Observing the two Sujud of forgetfulness without forgetting
9. Yawning in prayer

Allowed Action in prayer #

1. Correcting or helping the Imam (Congregational prayer leader) in his recitation.
2. Correcting the Imam by Tasbih (saying “Subahn Allah”) when he is mistaken.
3. Emotionally weeping, fearing Allah and the day of Judgement.
4. The non-excessive action taken for the benefit of prayer, such as making the place of prostration flat and level.
5. Diverting the person passing before the one in prayer.
6. Killing a snake, scorpion or any other harmful animal.
7. Rescuing oneself or one’s possessions from being ruined
8. Picking up and silencing a child
9. Swallowing saliva or spitting

Recitation Sujud #

The Sujud of recitation, also called Sujid at-Tilawah, is a single Sujud. It is legitimate for you when you recite or listen to a verse of prostration attentively, whether you are in prayer or not. It is not a mandatory but recommended act. You do recitation Sujud exactly as prayer Sujud one time.

There are fourteen places in the Holy Qur’an in which the recitation Sujud is to be observed. These places are to be found in the chapters: al-A‘raf, ar-Ra‘d, an-Nahl, al-Isra’, Maryam, al-Hajj, al-Furqan, an-Naml, as-Sajdah, Sdd, Fussilat, an-Najm, al-Inshiqaq, al- ‘Aalq’.

Note, if you just want to cite or repeat the versa for memorization, you don’t need to do recitation Sujud. You need to say “Allah Akber” while going down and while raising.

Forgetfulness Sujud #

Forgetfulness Sujud is to prostrate twice after the prayer if forget some prayer’s steps or make some mistakes in the prayer. It is a mandatory to do it in the these situations:

1. Forgetting a necessary Sunnah of the prayer. Note: Whoever omits one of the Sunnah acts unintentionally, or doubts whether he has performed it or not, should not turn back to it, as he has already passed its position and moved to another act.
2. Adding extra a pillar or Sunnah of the prayer accidentally.
3. Unintentionally performing one of the sayings or acts of prayer in other than their places.
4. Building on certainty and dropping the doubt. For example, if a person is doubtful about the number of units he has performed, e.g., three or four units, he should continue his prayer based on the less number of which he is certain. Then, he ought to prostrate for this forgetfulness.

There is a rule about where to do forgetfulness Sujud, If something in prayer is omitted forgetfully, the prostration is done before At-Taslim. If something is added, the prostration is done after At-Taslim. You do the forgetfulness Sujud twice, same as you do in the prayer.

If you make multiple mistakes, you have to do one forgetfulness Sujud.

Congregational Prayer #

Men are required to perform the daily five compulsory prayers in a group (two people or more). The Islamic scholars have two opinions about the requirement of congregational prayer: the first one it is an Individual duty on every man, the second it is a sufficiency duty (the individual is not required to perform it as long as a sufficient number of community members fulfill it.). Doing the prayer in a congregation is worth 27 times more than doing the prayer alone.

Building Masjed in every neighborhood is a must, so the people can observe the prayer in congregation. If there is no Masjed, they need to locate a place where they can pray in congregation. People are disallowed to establish a congregational prayer before the first regular/main congregation. Furthermore, they are not allowed to establish a congregation after the first congregation deliberately without a legitimate excuse. The reason being that, the congregational prayer is legislated to gather and unite people, and doing otherwise is a proof of division and a sign of dispute.

The congregation may be legally conducted after the first main one in the case of some people coming late due to an excuse, such as sleep, as long as this does not lead to neglecting the prayer, or being lazy to attend the prayer in its first regular congregation.

Women can go to the Masjeds to pray in congregation for the five obligatory prayers and on Friday, provided they leave their house with full decency, away from that which might attract men’s attention, such as any apparent adornment. However, the woman’s prayer in her house yard is better than prayer in her neighborhood Masjed. And her prayer inside her room is better than prayer in her house yard.

Legitimate excuses to leave the congregation are:

1. Fear and illness.
2. Severe Winds, rain, or cold.
3. Eating food with an unpleasant smell.
4. Being too hungry in the presence of food.
5. Struggling with the urine and stool.

How to Pray in Congregation #

The congregational prayer is led by an Imam (leader) and the rest of the group follows him. None should go ahead of him. Some prayer steps will be done by the Imam only. Here is how the congregational prayer is done:

1. The Muadhin (who performed Azan) recites Iqama. If Muadhin is not available for any reason, anyone can do Iqama for the rest of the group.
2. The Imam should come forward in front of the people. The others should organize themselves in perfect straight rows behind him. All lines should be full and no space between each person and the next one. The Imam should check and straighten the rows.
3. The Imam make the intention he will lead the congregational prayer. The rest need to make the intention they will follow the Imam in that prayer.

Then, the prayer will start with the same sequence of steps. However, when praying in congregation, you will hear the Imam saying in a loud voice the following:

1. The Opening Takbira ‘Allahu Akbar’, (Takbiratul Ihram in Arabic).
2. Recitation of Al-Fatiha in the first two Raka‘as, (except in Dhuhr and Aser prayers, as these are silently recited).
3. Recitation of Surah after Al-Fatiha in the first two Raka‘as, (for prayers which require Surah).
4. ‘Allahu Akbar’ when bowing, prostrating, sitting and standing.
5. ‘Samia Llahu Limanhamida’ when standing from bowing position.
6. ‘Salaam Alaykum Warahmatullah’ when the Imam concludes the prayer.

You repeat what the Imam says in silence, except in number ‘3’ you don’t recite the Surah (just listen), and in ‘5’ you don’t repeat what the Imam says, but you say ‘Rabbana Walaka l’Hamd’ after standing.

The Prerequisites for the Imam:

1. Being Male if he is leading male or female. Female can’t lead males in any prayers, mandatory or voluntary. A woman leading other females is permitted, but it should not be a regular practice.
2. Knowing the rulings of the Imam and recitation because ignorance of such rulings might lead to the invalidity of prayer. However, if all the group is ignorant of the rulings and recitation, then anyone of them can lead the prayer.
3. Free of disabilities: that prevent doing the prayer in its legitimate way, including its pillars and obligations, such as the handicapped. Excluded from this is blindness.

Position of the Imam and his follower:

1. If the followers are two onwards, they stand behind the Imam in a row. The Imam should be located in the middle of the row. If the row is full, then a new row should be started from a position that is behind the Imam (i.e., from the middle of the former row). The new row can be started with one person or more, but the newcomer should make sure that the former row is full.
2. If the Imam is followed by one single follower, the follower stands adjacent to his Imam, on his right-hand side. The follower should not stand ahead of the Imam. He should stand at the same row or just behind him a little. If another follower joins them during their prayer, the latter follower pulls the former until the former stands behind the Imam, and the latter stands on his right-hand side.
3. The female Imam stands in the middle of the first row, not in front of it.
4. If the Imam is a husband or close relative (mahram), a female stands next to the Imam, on the right-hand side, just like any individual follower.
5. if a woman is alone, she should pray behind the rows of praying men. If she is with a group of women from two onwards, without any men among them, they pray behind the Imam. Furthermore, if there is only one man among the females, the man prays alongside the Imam on his right side, while the females pray behind them.
6. If the congregation contains men, women and children, the men should stand in the first row, then the children behind the men, then the women behind the children.

Notes:

1. It is permissible to perform obligatory prayer behind the one performing voluntary prayer, and verse versa. However, it is necessary for the one who offers a voluntary prayer behind the Imam who performs the Maghrib prayer to stick to the same number of Rakah.
2. It is not a condition for the prayer of the Imam and the follower to be identical. For example, if one prays behind an Imam in the Aser prayer, then he discovers that the Imam has prayed the Afternoon prayer, he does not have to redo Aser prayer. This situation happens normally when people pray two prayers together for legitimate excuses such travel or weather conditions or sickness.
3. If the prayer of the Imam get nullify for any reason, he should request (by gesture, verbal or physically direction) one of his followers to continue leading the prayer. This is called Istikhlaf in Arabic. If istikhlaf takes place while the successor is in the state of Rukuu, Juluus or Sujud, the latter should intend istikhlaf from that posture, then he comes forward when he stands up.
4. The prayer of the follower is tied and connected with his Imam’s prayer until At-Taslim. If the Imam prostrates for forgetfulness before At-Taslim, the follower must follow him anyway. Conversely, if he prostrates only after At-Taslim, the follower prostrates with him if he commits forgetfulness. Otherwise, he does not have to prostrate.
5. If the follower commits behind his Imam that which necessitates the prostration of forgetfulness, he is required to prostrate after At-Taslim.

How to Join the Congregational Prayer #

If you come late to any congregational prayer and find that the prayer has already started, you can join the prayer at any stage and make up for what you have missed when the Imam ends the prayer with At-Taslim.

If you find the Imam has already started the prayer, recite Tawjih (the opening supplication). Then, when you are standing and completely still on the row, articulate the Opening Takbira. Afterward, follow your Imam in all his actions until the last Tashahhud. When the Imam proclaims At-Taslim, stand up without Takbira to make up for what you have missed from the beginning. When you reach the point at which you have caught the Imam, sit down and do At-Taslim.

Example 1

In the Isha prayer, you find the Imam is reciting Al-Fatiha in the second Rakah. Join the prayer as follows:

1. Recite Tawjih.

2. Say ‘Allahu Akbar’.

3. Say ‘Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajim.’

4. Recite Al-Fatiha following the Imam.

5. Listen to the Imam reciting the Surah after Al-Fatiha.

6. Follow the Imam up to the end of the prayer.

7. When the Imam concludes the prayer, stand up without saying ‘Allahu Akbar’.

8. Recite Al-Fatiha and Surah.

9. Perform the bowing and the prostration acts, and then stand.

10. You are now at the point you joined the prayer.

11. Sit without saying ‘Allahu Akbar.’

12. End the prayer by saying ‘As-Salaamu Alykum Warahmatu’llah’.

Example 2

In the Dhuhr prayer, you find the Imam is in the first Tashahhud. Join the prayer as follows:

1. Recite Tawjih.

2. Say ‘Allahu Akbar’.

3. Sit and follow the Imam up to the end of the prayer.

3. Say ‘Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajim’ before reciting Surat Al-Fatiha in the third Rakah.

5. When the Imam concludes the prayer, stand up without saying ‘Allahu Akbar’.

6. Recite Al-Fatiha, bow, prostrate and stand (This is the first Rakah).

7. Recite Al-Fatiha, bow, prostrate and sit (This is the second Rakah).

8. You are now at the point you joined the prayer.

9. If you managed to recite the first Tashahhud when you joined the prayer, end the prayer by saying ‘As-Salaamu Alykum Warahmatu’llah’. If you did not manage to recite the first Tashahhud when you joined the prayer, recite it and then end the prayer.

Notes:

1. it is preferable to delay the Tashahhud supplication (du‘a’ that is offered usually before the Imam’s At-Taslim) until you finish making up what you have missed, then say this supplication just before your At-Taslim.
2. If you have missed the Rukuu (which means you missed two thirds of the Rakah), you need to make up the full Rakah (i.e, you need to redo Qiyam ➝ Sujud ➝ Juluus ➝ Sujud, after you do the first Qiyam and Rukuu). This Opinion is backed by the sound hadith in which the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said: ‘When you come to pray while we are prostrating ourselves, you must prostrate yourselves, and do not reckon it anything (Rakah).
3. Whoever catches the Imam while reciting the chapter after Al-Fatiha, should listen to that recitation and make up Al-Fatiha afterward.

Masjed Etiquette #

1. Going to the Masjed calmly, and staying there between prayers.
2. Entering the mosque with the right foot, and going out of it with the left foot.
3. Praying two units to greet the mosque before sitting down.
4. Praying Masjed-Greeting Prayer (2 Rakah) before sitting down.
5. Tidying, cleaning and maintaining the mosque.
6. Announcing a lost animal or lost property is not allowed.
7. Don’t make the Masjed a walkway to pass.
8. Buying and selling is prohibited inside the Masjed.
9. Avoid unnecessary talk and raise your voice.
10. The ornamentation of mosques is reprehensible because it is distracting.

Note about Masjeds:

• One who has major hadath (major ritual impurity) is not allowed to enter the Masjed.
• Masjeds remain as they are until Doomsday: Thus, it is never allowed to convert a mosque or use its land for any other purpose, even if it is to be replaced by another building, or given land in place of its assigned land.
• The courtyard of the mosque is part of the Masjed.
• Al-Musalla (the place of prayer It usually denotes a non-built-up area (or an open space) outside a town, designated for irregular prayers, such as Eid and Rain-Seeking prayers.) is given the rulings of the Masjed.
• The women’s prayer hall (female musalla) has the ruling of the mosque.
• What is above and beneath the Masjed has the same legal rulings as that of the Masjed. This applicable if the people want to do extension.
• Al-Mihrab (the niche) is part of the Masjed.

Friday Prayer #

Friday is a special day for Muslims. On Friday, all Muslims go to the Masjid to perform Friday payer instead of Dhuhr payer. This is an individual duty upon every one who hears its call and fulfills the conditions of its obligations.

Friday’s prayer is obligatory upon every capable (i.e., not sick or captive) free male resident adult. Consequently, this excludes slaves, females, and travelers. However, they can observe it and it will suffice for the Dhuhr prayer.

Prerequisites of Friday Prayer:

1. Muslim Ruler. It is the general Muslim ruler, be it righteous or unrighteous, who orders the citizens of the Muslim state to establish the Friday prayer. If the Muslim ruler commands it, his subordinates must respond to its call and perform it.
2. The Time, it same as Dhuhr prayer’s time.
3. Congregation. It is expected to be conducted in a large congregation. Therefore, people should designate a few Masjeds to perform Friday prayer. Technically, it can be done with 3 persons.
4. Sermon. The Friday’s sermon is divided into two sermons, between them is a short sitting. The sermon immediately follows adhan, the Iqama follows the sermon, and the prayer follows the Iqama. Sermon is a mandatory.

The Sequence of Friday Prayer:

1. Muslims go to the Masjid before Dhuhr prayer and wait for the Imam.
2. When the sun passes the meridian, the Imam enters the Masjed, mounts the pulpit and faces the people, saluting them with the Islamic greeting.
3. Then he sits down, waiting until the Azan finished.
4. Then, he delivers his two sermons.
5. After the Sermon finished, the Iqama will be raised.
6. Then the Imam will lead the people in two Rakah same as Fajr prayer.

The Recommended Acts of Friday #

Here is the recommended etiquette for Friday:

1. Ghusl before going to the prayer.
2. Adornment, applying perfume, and using tooth-stick.
3. Going early for prayer as much as possible.
4. Putting in effort for supplication and dhikr, remembering Allah, and waiting for the right time to respond. Because there is an hour on Friday, if a Muslim prays during that time and asks something from Allah, then Allah will definitely meet his demand.
5. Repeatedly sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) on the day and night of Friday.
6. Reciting Surat al-Kahf, the Chapter of the Cave, on Friday.
7. Praying voluntarily before and after the Friday prayer.
8. Shortening the sermon and prolonging the prayer.
9. Reciting Surat al-Jumu‘ah (the Chapter of Friday) or Surat Sabbih (the Chapter of the Most High) in the first unit (rak‘ah), and al-Ghashiyah (the Chapter of the Overwhelming) in the second unit.

Rulings Related to Friday Prayer #

1. The legal prohibition from buying and selling after the call to the Friday prayer pertains only to those who have to observe this prayer.
2. If the Friday prayer is broken, they should repeat it in congregation at the time immediately. Conversely, if the time is over, they should make it a noon prayer. However, if one is to make up for it individually, he must repeat it as a noon prayer and not a Friday prayer, be it inside or outside the prescribed time.
3. The sermon should contain a portion of the Qur’an, and thank and praise Allah, Exalted is He.
4. The sermon can be done in any language.
5. Travelers cannot establish the Friday prayer by themselves in a city in which it is not conducted.
6. You can combine the Aser payer with Friday prayers in case you have a legitimate reason for that.
7. The Friday prayer cannot legally be performed in the same place or town.
8. In case there is Eid prayer is on Friday, the Friday payer is not dropped because it is an obligatory while Eid prayer is a recommended Sunnah.

Praying in Travel #

In travel, you are required to shorten the prayers from four Rakah to two Rakah for Dhuhr, Aser and Isha prayers. You may also combine (a) the shortened Dhuhr and then followed by Aser consecutively any time between Dhuhr and just before Maghrib, and (b) Maghrib followed by the shortened Isha consecutively any time between Maghrib and midnight.

The travel distance that you are required to shorten the payers is 12 Kilometers from the border of your town. The boarder here refers to the end of buildings and farms of the town. In the vast and extended town, you can start counting from your house.

If a traveler intends to exceed the 12 Kilometers, he should begin shortening his prayer when he leaves the boundaries of his town, even if he has not exceeded the 12 km yet.

As long as the traveler is traveling, he must continue to shorten his four-unit prayers. If the traveler makes his destination as permanent residence, then he must stop shortening the prayers.

Notes of the praying in travel:

1. The shorting of the prayers is mandatory. This means if you don’t short your prayer while you are on travel, your prayer is null, and you need to repeat it. Moreover, if you missed one payer on travel without excuse, and you want to make it up when you return to your home. You need to do it as if you’re on travel (i.e., two Rakah for Aser, for example). Same if you missed a prayer while you’re at home, and you want to make it up while you are on travel. You need it to do it four Rakah without any shorting.
2. If you forget or fall asleep throughout the prayer time, you need to do it when you remember or wake up directly according to the place you are at that moment. For example, if he forgets the Isha prayer while travelling, then remembers it in his homeland after the time has elapsed. In this case, he should pray it in full, according to the place in which he is in.
3. Shorting the prayers, or doing it in full, does not relate to the payer time. It is dependent on the location where you are at the time. For example, Aser prayer is due, but you reached your homeland, you need to perform Aser payer with full four Rakah. Similarly, If Aser prayer is due, and he decides to travel and get out the 12 km, he needs to do it two Rakah.
4. The combining the prayers on travel is not mandatory. If you are staying during your travel in a certain place for a while, it is recommended to perform each prayer at its prescribed time, separately without combining.
5. Whoever intends to combine the two prayers, and after he finishes the first one, he chooses to abandon the combining, he can do so. Similarly, he can combine after At-Taslim, even if he didn’t intend to combine from the beginning.
6. On travel, If you pray behind a resident Imam who completes his prayer, you must follow him and not short the payer. As example, if you join a resident Imam for Aser payer in the third Rakah, you need to make up three Rakah after At-Taslim of the Imam.
7. The resident Imam should lead the prayer. However, If a traveler Imam leads the prayer for any reason, any resident follower must complete the four Rakah after At-Taslim of the Imam. If they miss the first Rakah, for example in Aser prayer, they first need to do the third and fourth Rakah. Then they return to make up the first Rakah. The travelling Imam should notify his local followers to complete their four-unit prayers.
8. You need to set at least one homeland for you. One’s home is where he settles and feels tranquil. If one of these conditions (actual settlement and tranquility) missed, you can consider that homeland as not your home. Therefore, you must short your prayer there.
9. The child follows his father in his homeland until he reaches the age of puberty. Similarly, the wife follows her husband. This applicable after she moved to live with him.
10. For those returning from travelling, praying (in short or full) within the 12 km, follows the state of the prayer conducted outside the 12 km. If one shortened payers while travelling, he has to shorten within 12 km on his return, unless he enters the boundaries of his homeland. In opposition, if he does not shorten on that journey, he should not shorten within 12 km.
11. it is prohibited for a person to go out of the 12 km, only to shorten and combine the two prayers, then return home straight away.
12. The regular Sunnah prayers observed before or after the five-mandatory prayers are not legally enacted when one combines two prayers.

Praying in Fear Situation #

In fear situations, you can short the prayer as much as possible to suit that condition. Examples of that situation are:

1. Being confronted by an enemy face-to-face.
2. Being looked for by an enemy.
3. Being pursued by a predator.
4. Escaping a destroying flood or fire.
5. Expecting an imminent danger that hinders him from offering payer in its ideal way.

Our Prophet (PBUH) performed the prayer of fear on multiple occasions and in different ways. These different ways of performing the prayer of fear depend on the nature of the ongoing situation, and in a way that helps achieve the purpose of it being enacted.

Here are the common known fear prayers:

1- The Face-to-Face Prayer:

This form of prayer is to be performed in the case of standing face-to-face before an enemy, fearing that they might make a sudden attack against Muslims.

In this particular case, the soldiers divide into two groups, the first stands behind the Imam, and the second faces the enemy. The Imam leads the first group for only one Rakah. Once the first Rakah has been concluded, this group goes to face the enemy. Subsequently, the second group is led by the Imam for the second Rakah.

When the Imam declares At-Taslim, both groups pronounce At-Taslim as well. Having done so, the Imam has eventually performed two Rakah, while each group has only performed one Rakah.

2- The Sword Prayer

It is offered when the two opposing armies are clashing in an ongoing battle with one another, by swords or the like, wherein Muslims cannot escape the enemy fighters to pray.

As a result, the performance of prayer in its ideal way becomes almost impossible. Thus, if one could not pray, even with nodding or gesture, he pronounces Takbira five times for each obligatory prayer. This suffices and drops the obligation.

3- Prayer in General Fear Situations

Generally speaking, the one who is in fear for his life, money, or children can shorten his prayer or reduce from its acts whatever he cannot perform.

In cases of inability, he may nod if he cannot bow down, prostrate, or sit. Additionally, he may pray on foot or while riding, walking or running, facing Al-Qiblah or not. All that depends on the surrounding circumstances.

Funeral Prayer #

A Funeral prayer is a special prayer conducted before the burial of the deceased person. it is a sufficiency duty (As long as there are a sufficient number of community members who fulfill it, the individual is not required to perform it).

Our Messenger’s (PBUH) saying: ‘He who attends the funeral until the prayer is offered for (the dead), for him is the reward of one qirat, and he who attends (and stays) until he is buried, for him is the reward of two qirats. It was said: What are the qirats? He replied: They are equivalent to two massive mountains’.

The prerequisites for the Funeral Prayer are the same as the five daily prayers. It can be conducted any time except forbidden times (during sunrise, when the sun is at the meridian and during sunset).

How to conduct the Funeral Prayer #

The Funeral prayer consists of four Takbirs, which are performed while standing, without bowing or prostration or sitting. The details steps as below:

1. After the deceased corpse prepared, it should be placed in the front of the congregation towards Al-Qiblah to pray over it. It is recommended to lay down the corpse on its right side, with the face directed towards Al-Qiblah.

2. The guardian of the deceased is to proceed to lead people in the funeral prayer over his related dead. Alternatively, he introduces the most righteous and qualified one in the religion to lead the congregation on his behalf.

3. Once the Imam and his followers are up in the rows and the rows are straightened, the Imam proclaims the first Takbira.

4. Silently, they pronounce Istiadhah by saying “Audhu Billahi Mina Shaytani Rrajiym”. Then recite the Surat Al-Fatiha.

5. Then the Imam proclaims the second Takbira.

6. Send the peace and salutations upon the two Prophets, Muhammad and Ibrāhīm just as one does at the end of the regular prayer, by saying:

   Allahumma ssalli ala Muhammad wa alaa aali Muhammad,
   kama salayta ala Ibrahim wa alaa aali Ibrahim,
   wa barik alaa Muhammad wa alaa aali Muhammad,
   kama barakta alaa Ibrahim wa alaa aali Ibrahim,
   fil alamina innaka hamidunmajiid.

7. Then the Imam proclaims the third Takbira.

8. Thereafter, people sincerely supplicate for the deceased by asking Allah to give him the mercy and forgive his sins if the deceased is a good person. Otherwise, the supplication should be general for all believing men and women.

9. Then the Imam proclaims the fourth Takbira.

10. The prayer is concluded with the At-Taslim, which is the saying, “As-salāmu alaikum wa rahmatullāh”.

It is worth knowing that the followers must emulate their Imam in all of his acts. Once they have pronounced At-Taslim, their prayer is done, and their intercession and supplications are likely to be accepted.

Notes on Funeral prayer:

1. The Imam stands at the head of the corpse during the funeral prayer if the deceased is a male, and at the middle of the corpse if the deceased is a female.
2. Women can pray over the dead as long as they don’t mix with the other gender.
3. When there are multiple dead people, men are placed first from the Imam’s side, then children, then women. Within each category and if known, the best of them is placed first.
4. The funeral prayer must be conducted for every monotheist Muslim, be they male or female, young or old, righteous or unrighteous.
5. If a child is born alive or has a sign of life then dies, Muslims should pray over him.
6. It is allowed to perform Funeral prayer for an absent deceased (such he died in a different city or country) whether on the same day or after a while.

The Islam Funeral Rites #

After discussing the Funeral Prayer, it would be a suitable time to enumerate all the Islamic funeral rites. We can categorize them into four categories as follows:

At the Point of Death #

1- At the point of death, one should encourage the dying Muslim to have good thoughts and expectations of Allah.

2- You should try to prompt the dying person to utter shahadah.

3- After the death, cover his eyes and pray specifically for him. This duaa is recommended:

‘O Allah! Forgive [so-and-so, mentioning his name], raise his rank among those who are rightly guided and grant him a successor from his descendants who remain behind. Grant him pardon and us too, O Lord of the worlds. And make his grave spacious and give him light in it’

4- Informing other people about the death, so they can participate in his funeral services.

5- Paying off or settling the debts: Once someone has died, his relatives and the bereaved are urged to quickly pay back all his debts.

6- Rush to prepare the corpse and burial it.

7- Mourning, tearing the clothes and slapping the cheeks are forbidden in Islam.

Washing of the Deceased #

1- Remove all the personal ornaments, jewelry, or belongings such as rings, necklaces, and dentures from the body.

2- Place the body on the washing table that has a drainage system for the water. The place should be private as much as possible. Males are to wash deceased males, and females to wash deceased females except in the case of spouses, in which case a husband may wash his wife and likewise a wife may wash her deceased husband.

3- Remove all the cloth and cover the body between the navel and the knees. The martyr, who is martyred on the battlefield, is not to be washed [i.e. the legal ritual bathing for the dead]. Only he is to be enshrouded with his clothes in which he has died, after taking off all his weapons.

4- Gently but firmly press the stomach and clean out with a towel or cloth any excretions that may have resulted by stomach pressing. The person who washes should put a cloth warp around his hand while washing the body between the navel and the knees. The cover should not be lifted in any case.

5- Washing the body should be washed similar to Ghusl steps. Repeat this procedure three or five times, once with crushed Ziziphus spina-christi (Sidr in Arabic) Leaf. The final wash, should preferably be done with a mixture of water and camphor. The private part must remain covered.

6- Perform wudu for the body.

7- After the body is washed, it is dried with a towel.

8- Perfumed cotton with non-alcoholic perfume (such as camphor) can be put on the places where decomposition accelerates (i.e, mouth, eyes, noise, joints, and armpit). Then a large piece of cloth put on top of the whole face.

Shrouding the Deceased #

Shrouding the deceased is a duty of the people attending the Funeral service. The cloth used as shroud is recommended to be new. If the new is not available, the cloth must be clean. The cloth should meet the clothing requirement for praying. It is recommended to be white. The layer of cloth should be at least one and not more than seven.

Normally, the deceased is shrouded with three large white sheets, each one large enough to wrap the entire body. Each sheet is wrapped separately over the entire body, including the face and head. A strip of cloth is used to tie the shrouds over the head in case you fear the shroud get loose, below the feet and around the mid-section of the deceased. Once the body is placed in the grave, these ties can be undone.

The woman specifically should be dressed with a scarf, a shirt, and lower waist sheet, then wrapped in two large white sheets that cover her entire body, and tied with ties as stated above. However, that is not an obligation and three large sheets are sufficient.

After finishing the shrouding, it should be perfumed with bukhūr (aloeswood) incense and covered with a white sheet.

Taking the Deceased to the Graveyard #

1- While taking the deceased to the graveyard, the head should be in the front.

2- No one should sit until the deceased put in the grave.

3- Avoid unnecessary talk on this trip.

4- Women can walk behind the deceased on this trip, but it is not recommended.

5- The Funeral prayer should be conducted before reaching the graveyard.

Burial #

It is a duty of Muslims to allocate land as a graveyard for them. The grave should be deep enough to prevent the animal from taking out the corpse.

The burial should be conducted as soon as possible except in the forbidden times (during sunrise, when the sun is at the meridian and during sunset).

The grave should be dug in such a way its long side is facing Al-Qiblah. At the bottom of the grave, another spacious cavity can be dug like a pocket in the side closest to the Al-Qiblah, within which the body is placed on its right side facing the Al-Qiblah.

The closest male relatives should lower the deceased into the grave. The body should be entered lengthwise into the grave from the feet-side of the grave, so the head enters the grave area first, and on the right side facing the Al-Qiblah. All other people should sit until the burial finished.

After the deceased is put into the side pocket in the grave, that pocket should be closed with stones or bricks or anything fit for purpose. Subsequently, the grave should be filled and mounded by approximately a hand span. Then water should be splashed to harden the earth on the grave. Then, people should make duaa for the deceased without reading Al-Fatiha.

No building should be constructed on top or around the grave.

It is legislated to visit the graveyard after the burial to be reminded of one’s own mortality and to supplicate for the deceased Muslims.

Condolences #

The condolence in Islam is an important way of expressing one’s support for his fellow Muslim, comforting him and reminding him of Allah.

If one is afflicted by a calamity, he should say “Innā lillāhi wa innā ilaihi rāji’ūn.” This means “We belong to Allah, and to Him, we will return.”.

You can offer condolence to the deceased’s relatives by saying: “May Allah increase your reward and grant you the best of consolation, and may He forgive your deceased.” Or any phrase suitable for condolence.

Time of condolences starts from death time until three days after that. The Sunnah is to provide food for the family of the deceased because they will be because in funnel service. Depending on local customs, the condolence should be organized in such a way it not be a burden on the deceased family. Reciting the Quran is not beneficial to the deceased. Therefore, it is not advisable to engage in it during the period of condolences.

Emphasized Sunnah Prayers #

In addition to the five obligatory daily prayers, there are Sunnah Prayers and Voluntary Prayer. Muslim is highly recommended to perform as much as he can. They increase our reward in the afterlife and bring us closer to Allah. Furthermore, they help us to compensate for any shortcomings in the obligatory ones.

Sunnah Prayers categorize to recommended and emphasized. Although both of them were done by our prophet (PBUH), he strongly commanded his followers to perform, including, for example, the mosque-greeting prayer, the eclipse prayer, Al-Witr prayer. Sunnah Prayer should not to be neglected by a faithful believer.

The best place to perform Sunnah prayers is your house if it is not required to be observed in congregation.

Al-Witr Prayer #

The prayer time for Al-Witr begins right after the Isha prayer, and lasts until the appearance of the true dawn. It could be performed with one Rakah, three, five, seven, nine, eleven or maximum thirteen Rakah. The recommended is three and more.

You can perform Al-Witr in twos (two Rakah), and close it with one standalone Rakah. Otherwise, you can combine the last three Rakah same as you do in Maghrib prayer.

It is highly recommended that you observe Al-Witr during travel.

If you forget or miss Al-Witr until its time has entirely elapsed, should substitute it whenever he remembers or gets up, whether during the day or at night.

Fajr Sunnah Prayer #

This prayer is two Rakah observed before Fajr prayer. It is recommended to recite a short Surat after Surat Al-Fatiha.

If you miss the Fajr Sunnah prayer before its obligatory prayer, for example to catch the congregation prayer, you need to make it up right after the obligatory prayer. In case you don’t wake up until Fajr time elapsed, for example, you should do Fajr Sunnah Prayer, then the Fajr prayer.

Masjed-Greeting Prayer #

If you come to Masjed, you need to perform two Rakah before sitting.

If you enter the Masjed while the Imam is delivering the Friday’s sermon, you should pray the Masjed-greeting prayer and keep it short.

Note: any two-unit prayer could replace the mosque-greeting prayer, such as Al-witr prayer if it is performed with more than one unit, the Fajr Sunnah prayer, the obligatory prayer, …etc.

Eclipse Prayer #

Eclipse prayer is observed when a solar eclipse or lunar eclipse happened.

Upon the occurrence of the solar or lunar eclipse, it is legislated to call people to prayer, proclaiming as-Salah Jami‘ah, which means ‘Come to pray’.

When people gather in the Masjed, the Imam stands and leads them for the eclipse prayer. This prayer consists of two audible Rakah, whether it is performed during the day or night. Unlike the other prayers, each Rakah in this unique prayer has two Rukuu (bowing) and two Qiyam (standings).

To perform the Eclipse Prayer, follow these steps:

1. Make the intention to perform the Eclipse Prayer.
2. Recite the Takbira to begin the prayer (Allahu Akbar).
3. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah. The Surat should be as long as possible.
4. Bow (Rukuu) and recite the tasbih (Subhana Rabbiyal Azim). You need to prolong the Rukuu.
5. While moving to Qiyam position, say: “Samia llahu liman hamida”, when you are in Qiyam position, The follower should say “Rabbana walaka l’Hamd”.
6. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah. The Surat should be shorter than the first Rakah.
7. Bow (Rukuu) and recite the tasbih (Subhana Rabbiyal Azim). This should be shorter than the first Rukuu.
8. Stand Up (Qiyam) and say “Sami’allahu liman hamidah”
9. Prostrate (Sujud) and recite the tasbih (Subhana Rabbiyal Ala). You need to prolong the Sujud. Perform Sujud twice.
10. Do the second Rakah same as above but shorter. You need to do the transition Takbira as normal prayer.
11. After the second Rakah, recite the Tashahhud, then the At-Taslim to end the prayer.

After the Eclipse Prayer, the imam should deliver a sermon about the meaning of the eclipse and the importance of repentance.

Eid Prayer #

In Islam, we have two celebrations: Al-Fitr (first of Shawwal) and Al-Adha (10th of Dhul-Hijjah). Eid prayer should be observed In that celebrations.

Eid prayer’s time starts twelve minutes after the sun has fully risen and ends by midday, before the sun reaches the meridian.

Eid Prayer is two Rakah. It does not have Adan nor Iqama, nor any other call. However, saying takbirs in this prayer is unanimously requested, although scholars differ on how and where to do them as follows:

First: thirteen takbirs: The Imam says five takbirs after the opening takbir. Then, he says five other takbirs after the recitation of the Surat in second unit. After the rise from the second bowing, he says three takbirs.

Second: thirteen takbirs: The Imam says six takbirs after the opening takbir and seven after the second recitation.

Third: twelve takbirs: The Imam says seven takbirs right after the opening takbir and five after standing to the second unit and before reciting anything.

Notice: The followers should say takbirs after the Imam, after every single takbir said by the Imam.

After the Eid payer, the Imam should stand and deliver the Eid sermon. The sermon should have a lot of takbirs and should teach the people what to do on Eid.

Eid Etiquette #

1. Giving away the obligatory Eid Charity (al-Fitr Zakah), for Al-Fitr Eid.
2. Slaughtering the sacrificial animals (udhyah), for Al-Adha Eid.
3. Adornment, taking a ritual bath, putting on perfume and brushing one’s teeth.
4. Eating before going out for Al-Fitr prayer and delaying that eating until coming back from Al-Adha payer.
5. Going on foot to the prayer on a route and coming back on another route.
6. Pronouncing takbirs upon leaving the house for the Eid prayer for both Eids.
7. Offering Eid prayer outside the city on open area or on Musalla (open area designated for Eid prayer only). All Muslims are required to go out of the city to witness this blissful occasion, be they men or women, be they old or young. However, women must go in their decent clothes, that do not expose or reveal any of their beauty to unrelated men, and without intermingling with them.
8. Exchanging congratulations because of completing the worship and wishing one another a blessed Eid.
9. Visiting relatives. It is recommended that one visits members of his extended family, along with his neighbors and relatives. Moreover, it is recommended to give them as much as he can afford as charity.”
10. Giving charity to the poor and the people in need.
11. For Al-Adha Eid, You can say the following takbirs after prayer until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Note:

• Fasting on the two Eids is prohibited.
• Praying before or after Eid prayer is not legislated.
• Shaking hands should be after the prayer, not before it.

Other Sunnah Prayers #

There are many Sunnah prayers that are recommended to observe. They are categorized into three main categorizes:

Al-Rawatib Sunnah #

Al-Rawatib Sunnah prayers are that our prophet (PBUH) was doing after and before the obligatory prayers as follows:

• 2 Rakah before Dhuhr prayer and 2 Rakah after it.
• 2 Rakah after Maghrib prayer.
• 2 Rakah after Isha prayer.
• 2 Rakah after Friday prayer.

If you miss any of Al-Rawatib prayers, you can make it up when you can. In case you combine Maghrib prayer and Isah prayer in travel, the 2 Rakah of Maghrib drops.

You should not perform any Sunnah Prayer in the time from Fajr prayer to the sunrise and from Aser prayer to sunset.

Non Al-Rawatib Sunnah #

There are Sunnah prayers that with recommended but are not linked to the obligatory prayer.

Duha prayer #

Duha prayer is 2 Rakah and more in even number (i.e, 2, 4, 6, 8, …etc.). Duha prayer time starts twelve minutes after the sun has fully risen and ends by midday, before the sun reaches the meridian. However, it recommended observing it when the weather heats up.

Prayer for Rain #

The Prayer for Rain (Al-Istisqa), is a prayer that we ask Allah to send rain in drought time. Its time is similar to Duha prayer.

Normally, it is announced that Prayer for Rain will be conducted, so people can prepare for it. Then all the people gather outside the town at the announced time. There should be no Azan or Iqama. Then, they will perform 2 Rakah led by the Imam, similar to Fajr prayer (i.e, audible).

Thereafter, the Imam will deliver a sermon facing the people. At the end, turn and face the Al-Qiblah and offer supplication (duaa). He should raise his hand and turn his cloak inside out.

Qiyam Al-layl #

Qiyam Al-layl is an Arabic phrase that means “standing at night.” It refers to the voluntary night prayer that Muslims are encouraged to perform. Its time starts after Isha prayer until Fajr prayer.

It is done in two Rakah unit. Each unit is independent of the other. However, you can do one Tawjih in the first unit for all the prayer (i.e, no need to repeat it for each unit).

Qiyam Al-layl is called Tahajud, if it is done in the last third of the night. Note, if you plan to wake up before Fajr time, and you are sure about it, you can delay Al-Witr to conclude your Qiyam Al-layl with it.

Taraaweeh Prayer #

Taraaweeh Prayer is similar to Qiyam Al-layl, but it is done in Ramadan month in congregation.

It is done after Isha prayer and its Sunnah prayer. It’s done in 4 units (i.e, total 8 Rakah).

It is concluded by Al-Witr 3 Rakah.

Istikharah prayer #

Istikharah means seeking guidance as to what Allah knows is the best and most appropriate choice. Istikharah implies submission to the command of Allah and a practical demonstration that one has no power and no strength of one’s own.

Istikharah is prescribed when a person is unsure of the right decision to make (i.e, when a person has a choice of two things and must decide which one to start with or which one not to do.).

It is 2 Rakah prayer. Then the person should make Istikharah Duaa:

O Allah, I seek Your guidance in making a choice by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You for Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (then it should be mentioned by name) is good for me both in this world and in the Hereafter (or: in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for me and for my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs (or: for me both in this world and the next), then turn me away from it, [and turn it away from me], and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it.

Wudu Prayer #

It is two Rakah after the wudu. It is recommended to observe two Rakah after each wudu.

After Return from Travel Prayer #

If you return from the travel, it is recommended to observe two Rakah in your town Masjed before you enter your home. This practice was observed by our prophet (PBUH) whenever he returned from any travel.

Prayer of Repentance #

The prayer of repentance is proven from Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) and it is prescribed when the Muslim repents from any sin, whether it is a major sin or a minor sin.

It is two Rakah prayer.

Sources of this chapter #

1- The Reliable Jurisprudence of Prayer, al-Mu‘tașim Sa‘īd al-Ma‘walī, First Edition, 2017.

2- SALAA PRAYER Guide for New Muslims, Muharram 1441 / September 2019 , Islamic Information Center Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

3- كيفية تجهيز الموتى، عزة بنت محمد بن سالم العيسرية، 2005، الإصدارة الثالثة.

The next chapter is about Fasting.