Elements of Namaz

7/31/2019 Elements of Namaz

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PREFACE

Islamic Academy of Science,was established in 1985, with the aim ofPropagating Islam in a style relevant to the present level of knowledge. In the

pursuit of presenting Islam and hence the Holy Quran on an academic levelSeminars, Discussions and Symposium were organized quite regularly in whichexperts and student from various fields participated. Islamic Academy of Sciences

stepped into the field of publication and has a dozen books to its credit.

This book on Namaz ( Salaat ) has been compiled in the form of questionsand answers to make it easy for the reader to understand various aspects of

Namaz the most important act after Iman.

Arabic texts, transliterations and translations of the passages to the recitedbefore, during and after the Namaz, have been given to help the reader in

having the appropriate emotion while surrendering before Allah (SWT), as Prophet(SAWS) did.

I am greatful to Allah (SWT) for helping me in writing this book and gettingit published through the sincere efforts of Mr. Syed Tameem, Secretary Islamic

Academy of Sciences.

May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts of inviting people to His path. Ameen.

Author

1. WHY SHOULD WE OFFER NAMAZThe word Islam is generally understood to mean:Submission to the Willof Allah (SWT): The Will of Allah (SWT) is made known to us through the Holy

Quran. The Quran, in addition to various facts, contains instructions ordering asto do certain things and not to do certain others. The way one should submit tothe Will of Allah (SWT), that is, obey His orders given in the Holy Quran, has

been demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed (SAWS). A Muslim would thereforebe defined as a person who obeys the orders of Allah (SWT) in accordance with

the instructions given by Prophet Muhammed (SAWS). The instructions, sayingand deeds of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) are known as the Hadis. If the order

to offer Namaz (Salaat in Arabic) is given in the Holy Quran and Hadis and if weclaim ourselves to be Muslims then it becomes our duty to obey the order. Let

us, therefore, search the Holy Quran and Hadis understand them thoroughlyand find out, why should we offer Namaz and whether offering Namaz iscompulsory or optional?

I am Allah there is no god except Me, so serve Me and establish worship (

Salaat ) for My remembrance.


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( Ch:20 V:14 )

And establish worship ( Salaat ) and give charity ( Zakat ) and whatevergood you send before for yourselves, you will find it with Allah, Allah is certainly

the Seer of what you do. ( Ch:2 V:110 )

And enjoin worship ( Salaat ) on your people and be constant therin. We donot ask you for provision, We provide for you. And the consequences of

guarding (against) evil is good. ( Ch:20 Vs:132 )

Read that which is communicated to you of the book and establish worship

(Salaat), worship ( Salaat ) certainly keep one away from indecency and thingsand recognized (as good), and the remembrance of Allah is greatest, and Allah

knows the work which you do. ( Ch:29 V:45 )

(Be of) those who turn to Him in repentance and fear Him and establishworship (Salaat ) and do not be of the polytheists, ( Ch: 30:Vs:31 )

..Say, Allah certainly leaves in error whom He wills and guides to Himselfthose who turn ( to Him ), those who believe and whose hearts find peace in

the remembrance of Allah. Beware ! hearts do find peace in the remembranceof Allah ( Ch:13 Vs:27 and 28 )

And those who are custodians of their worship (Salaat). They will be

honoured in gardens. ( Ch:70 Vs.35 )

THE HADIS

Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) is reported to have said, The foundation of

Islam rests on five pillars:

1. To bear witness of the fact that there is no god except Allah (SWT) andMuhammed (SAWS) is His Servant and Messenger.

2. To offer Namaz regularly.3. To pay the poor tax ( Zakat ).4. To fast (Roza during the month of Ramadan and5.

To perform pilgrimage ( Hajj ), narrated by Hazarath Abdullah bin Omer(RA) and reported by Bukhari and Muslim).

Hazarath Ibni Masood (RA) [a companion of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS)once asked the prophet, which act does Allah (SWT) like the most He replied,

To offer Namaz in time. Then he asked Next to this which (act) The Prophetreplied, To be good to parents. He again asked, Next to this? Then Prophet

replied, To fight in the way of Allah (SWT). Reported by Bukhari and Mulsim).


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Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) is reported to have said:

"The only wall that differentiates a Muslim from an unbeliever is Namaz andnot offering Namaz wipes off this difference (that is, a Muslim not offering

Namaz goes closer to disbelief)" (Narrated by Hazarath Jabir (RA) and reported

by Muslim).

Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) once asked his companions, "If a stream is

flowing in front of one's door and if he bathes in it five times daily, will any dirtremain on him?" His companions replied " No dirt will remain on him." TheProphet Muhammed, (SAWS) explained "Similar is the case of offering Namaz

five times a day, due to it Allah (SWT) wipes off the sins." ( Narrated byHazarath Abu Hurrairah (RA) and reported by Bukhari and Muslim).

In view of the above passages quoted form Holy Quran and Hadis, offering

Namaz is an order of Allah (SWT) and His messenger and in view of the factthat we are Muslims that is those who are required to obey Allah and Prophet

Muhammed (SAWS), offering Namaz is our duty that should not be avoided.

1. Namaz is the most important deed after Iman.

2. Due to it we get peace of mind and heart.3. It keeps us away from evil and shameful deeds.

4. It wipes off sin.5. If we do not offer Namaz we go nearer to disbelief, the punishment for which

is hell.6. The reward for being regular at Namaz is paradise. Besides offering Namaz

or doing anything good is for ourown benefit, in no way do we obl ige Allah (SWT) because He is free from al

wants. In fact we should be

thankful to Allah (SWT) to have selected us from amongst millions of humanbeings to stand before Him

offering Namaz and thereby getting reward both in this world and in the lifehereafter death.

II. WHOM SHOULD WE WORSHIP ?

Let us search the Quran and see what should be the object of our worship while

offering Namaz. The Holy Quran states :

To Him is due the real prayer (for help), and those to whom they pray (forhelp) besides Him, do not respond to them in anything . . . . . (Ch:13 Vs:14)


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And to Allah bows down whoever (and whatever) is in the skies and theearth willingly and unwillingly and their shadows (too), in the mornings and in the

evenings. Say '"Who is the Fosterer of the skies and the earth?" Say, "Allah." Say,"Then do you take guardians besides Him, who do not have the power to benefit

or harm (even) their ownselves?" ..... (Ch:13 Vs:14 to 16)

You alone do we serve and (from) you alone do we seek help. (Ch:l Vs:4)

It is clear from the above verses of the Holy Quran that we are required toworship and serve only Allah (SWT) and no one else. Worshipping anything otherthan Allah (SWT) and considering that Allah has partners are sins known as Kufr

and Shirk which will not be forgiven and the punishment of which is hell. It is ofutmost importance that we should be very clear and correct in our belief (Iman),

that: Allah (SWT) is the Greatest, the Most Powerful, no one is equal to Him inanything, Everything good or bad happens by his command, no one can stop Him

from doing anything He wishes, He is the Supreme, the only Master of everythingeverywhere.

If there were two or more gods then each God would have had his ownfollowers and all the followers of each god would have got their food, water, air,

clothing etc. from their respective gods. On the contrary, all human beings,animals and plants get their food, water and all other necessities from common

sources which proves that God is ONE, that is Allah (SWT) and besides Him thereis no other God. He has created everything and has full control on everything. He

brings us to life and causes us to die. He knows everything, is always watching uswhether we are busy worshiping Him or doing anything else. He helps every one

but does not need any one's help. He has neither parents nor children, He is alone.No one is like Him, He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful, the Cherisher andSustainer of everything everywhere.

We should worship only Allah (SWT) and ask only Him for all help, do all that

He has ordered us to do and abstain from that which He has forbidden because Herewards the good and punishes the evil. In the known and the unknown universe

everything is created by Allah (SWT). We should not worship anything created butworship only the CREATOR, that is, ALLAH (SWT) and serve only Him...

III. WHERE SHOULD WE OFFER NAMAZ?

People of different religions have places of worship like the churches/temples etc. Where should we Muslims worship Allah (SWT), that is, offer Namaz?

The Quran states :

And establish worship (Salaat) and give charity (Zakat) and bow down withthose who bow down. (Ch:2 Vs:43)


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Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) is reported to have said:'Offering Namaz in congregation (jamat) is 27 times better than offering it

alone". (Narrated by Hazarath Ibni Omer (RA) and reported by Bukhari andMuslim);

The importance of offering Namaz in jamat can be realized from the fact thatonce Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) said that he felt like setting on fire the housesof people who did not come (to the Mosque) for Namaz. (Narrated by Hazarath

Abu Hurrairah (RA) and reported by Bukhari and Muslim.).

During the life - time of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) even sick persons used to

come to the mosque for offering Namaz. Even Prophet Muhammed (SAWS), duringserious illness/ came to the mosque with the help of two persons.

From the Holy Quran and Hadis it is clear that Namaz, as a rule, should be

offered in jamat. It is said that three persons offering Namaz in jamat is betterthan all offering it separately. The places where Namaz is regularly offered in

jamat are Mosques.

Namaz can be offered at home under abnormal and unavoidable circumstances

like severe cold, heavy rains, serious illness etc. It is better to offer Namaz in themosque, but if due to some reason it is not possible, then it should be offered at

home but in no case should it be missed.

For girls and women it is better to offer Namaz at home.

Mosque : Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) is reported to have said; 'For Allah, thebest places are mosques and the worst places markets (Bazars)' Narrated by

Hazarath Abu Hurrairah (RA) and reported by Muslim.)

'Every step towards the mosque carries reward. (Narrated by Hazarath Jabir(RA) dnd reported by Muslim.)

In view of the teachings of the Holy Quran and Hadis, we should make it ahabit to visit the mosque regularly for Namaz. We should keep the mosques clean

and try our level best to provide as much comfort as is possible for the persons

who visit the mosque, behaving as hosts, welcoming others.

Mosques should be maintained as sacred and peaceful places where we

should not use indecent language or talk aloud disturbing others who are busy inprayers. When we enter the mosque, we should first place the right leg inside andthen the left and recite the following prayer:


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ALLAH-HUMMA-FATHA-LI ABWABA REHMATIK

O ! Allah open the door of Mercy for me.

When we leave the mosque, we should first place the left leg out and thenthe right and recite the following prayer:

ALLAH-HUMA INNI ASALUKA MIN FAZLIKA WA REHMATIKA

O ! Allah I ask for your Grace and Mercy.

IV. WHEN SHOULD WE OFFER NAMAZ?

The Holy Quran, about the timings of Namaz, states:

Then when you have finished the worship (Salaat) remember Allah standingand sitt ing and (lying down) on your sides. Then when you are in safety, establish

(regular) worship. Worship (Salaat) is certainly prescribed for the believers atfixed timings.(Ch:4 Vs:103)

Establish worship (Salaat) from the decline of the sun till the darkness of the

night, and (recite) the Quran at dawn, (recitation of) the Quran at dawn iscertainly witnessed. And forsake sleep for (worshipping during part) of the night.(This is) an additional (duty) for you. May be that your Fosterer wil l raise you to a

praised position.Ch:17ys:78 & 79)

"So Glory be to Allah when you enter the evening and when you enter themorning. And praise is due only for Him (both) in. the skies and the earth, and (in)

the evening and when you are at midday.(Ch:30 Vs:17 & 18)

Be guardians of your worship (Salaat) and the middle or the normal worship

(Salaat) and stand up for Allah in full obedience. (Ch:2 Vs:238)

And establish worship at the two ends of the day and in the early parts of thenight. Good deeds certainly remove evil deeds. That is a reminder for those who

are mindful. (Ch:ll Vs:114)

Above verses of the Holy Quran just hint at the periods when Namaz is to beoffered, based on the instructions and practice of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS),

following periods have been fixed for offering Namaz.


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1. FAJAR : From dawn to just before sunrise.

2. ZUHAR: After noon. From the time the sun starts declining till the timethe shadow of everything is twice its own size.

3. ASAR : After Zuhar till just before sun set.

4. MAGHRIB : After sun set t ill the light in the sky disappears.

5. ISHA : After Maghrib till just before dawn. It should preferably beoffered before mid-night.

6. TAHAJUD : After the Isha Namaz till just before dawn. It should preferably

be offered after midnight, getting up from sleep. Normally oneshould offer Namaz-i-Isha and sleep without offering Namazi-

wajibul vittar which should be offered after Tahajud after gettingup from sleep late at night.

7. Friday Congregational Namaz : SAME AS ZUHAR.. (Jamat)

8. IDD Congregational Namaz : From sunrise till Zuhar. It is better to offer itearlier.

Normally all mosques, display the exact time at which each Namaz would be

offered. Calenders showing the duration of each Namaz throughout the year arealso available. It is better to offer Namaz as soon as the time for that particular

Namaz starts.

If due to unavoidable circumstances one is unable to offer a particular

Namaz during the prescribed time, he or she should offer it later (Khaza Namaz),If one is regular at offering Namaz five times a day and unfortunately if the Asar

Namaz could not be offered in time/ then Asar Namaz should be offered beforeoffering the Maghrib Namaz and so on for all other prayers.

Namaz is forbidden during the following periods :

1. Immediately before sun rise for about 5 to 7 minutes.2. Just at noon for about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Immediately after sun set about 5 to 7 minutes.

V. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF NAMAZ?

In general there are four categories of Namaz:

Farz, Wajib, Sunnath and Nafil. Let us briefly learn something about them.


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1.Farz : means duty. It is compulsory and should not be avoided. It has two sub-divisions:

a) Farz-i-ayn ; which is compulsory on all Muslims, for example offering Namaz

five times a day, fasting during the month of Ramadan etc. One who performs it

gets the reward but one who does not perform it is a sinner, liable to be punished.One who rejects it altogether is a kafir (Unbeliever).

b) Far,z-i-kifayah ; which is not compulsory on all Muslims and even if a group ofMuslims perform it the responsibility of all Muslims would be fulfil led, for exampleNamaz-i-janazah (Namaz for the dead).

2. Wajib : means essential or necessary. It is next to Farz in importance., for

example Namaz-i-Idd. One who performs it gets the reward but one who does notperform it is a sinner liable to be punished.

3. Sunnath : means that which Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) did. There are two

types of sunnaths: a) Sunnath-i-muakkadah: that which Prophet Muhammed(SAWS) always did and ordered his followers to do. One who does it gets thereward and one who does not do, is a sinner liable to be questioned. Sunnath-i-

ghair muakkadah ; that which Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) did occasionally andwhich is optional on his followers. One who does it gets a reward.

4. Nafil: means extra. One who does it gets a reward but one who does not do/ is

not liable to be punished.

The table given below/ shows different categories/ number of rakats etc. ofNamaz. For convenience following abbreviations have been used: Farz=F;Sunnath-i-muakkadah=SM; Sunnath-i-ghair muakkadah=SGM; Wajib=W;

Nafil=N.

NAMAZ CATEGORY No. of Rakat TOTAL

1. Fajar SM 2

F 24

2. Zuhar SM 4

F 4

SM 2

N 2

12

3. Asar SGM 4

F 4 8


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4. Maghrib F 3

SM 2

N 2 7

5. Isha SGM 4

F 4SM 2

N 2

W 3

N 2 17

6. Tahajud SM 2 to 12

7. Friday SM 4

F 2

SM 4

SM 2

N 2 14

8. Idd W 2 2

VI. WHAT STOPS US FROM OFFERING NAMAZ?

Each Namaz hardly requires about five to ten minutes, yet most of us

neglect it not realizing the greatness of the sin we are committing and the severity

of the punishment we might get for this negligence. If Allah (SWT) forgives us fornot offering Namaz, we are fortunate, but if He does not forgive, how will we facethe punishment? Allah (SWT) is so kind and considerate that while ordering us to

offer Namaz and do other good things. He has also cautioned us and clearly shownto us our enemy who stops us from offering Namaz and doing anything good. Inthe Holy Quran, Allah states:

O you who believe ! intoxicants and games of chance and stones (set up around

Kaaba for sacrificing animals, idols) and divining arrows (Casting lots with arrows)are only an uncleanliness from the devil's work, so avoid it that you may be

successful. The only intention of the devil is to cause enemity and hatred to befallamong you through intoxicants and games of chance, and to turn you away from

Allah's remembrance and worship (Salaat). Will you then desist? And obey Allahand obey the messenger and be cautious, then if you turn away, know that (theduty incumbent) on Our messenger is only clear-conveyance (of the message).

(Ch:5 Vs:90 to 92)

It is clear from the above verses of the Holy Quran that the main cause for ournot offering Namaz is the devil, who inspires evil and runs away. Elsewhere in the

Holy Quran the devil is stated to be an open enemy of man. The devil's aim is not


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only to lead us to hell but also ruin our present life. We should therefore be alertand cautious of him and should not follow his it evil suggestions. We should make

a determined effort to be regular at offering Namaz and doing other good thingsbecause good deeds are for our own good. It is said that when the devil inspires

evil, we should recite:

AAOUZO BILLAHI MINASH-SHATTANI AAMANTU BILLAHI WA RASOOLAHI(I betake myself to Allah for refuge from the devil I believe in Allah and His

messengers.

Whenever we get bad thoughts, when we feel that something is stopping us from

doing good, when we are angry and before reciting the Holy Quran, we should

recite:

AAOUZU BILLAHI MINASH-SHAITANIR RAJEEM(I betake myself to Allah for refuge from the accursed devil.)

VII. ARE THERE ANY PRE-REQUISITES FOR OFFERING NAMAZ?

The Holy Quran does not directly tell us about the prerequisites and the exactprocedure for offering Namaz and many other things, but directs us to follow

Prophet Muhammed (SAWS), who under the guidance of Allah, (SWT) hasdemonstrated how various instructions given in the Holy Quran, including Namaz,

are to be implemented.

Like that. We have sent among you a messenger from among you, who reads

to you Our signs and purifies you and teaches you the hook and the wisdom andteaches you that which you did not know. (Ch:2 Vs:151)

So remember Me I will remember you and be grateful to Me and do not beungrateful to Me. (Ch:2 Vs:152)

And obey Allah and obey the messenger and be cautious, then if you turn

away, know that (the duty incumbent) on Our messenger is only clear conveyance(of the message). (Ch:5 Vs:92)


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In the Messenger of Allah, there is indeed a good example for you to follow, forhim who expects (to meet) Allah and (the coming of) the period hereafter and

remembers Allah much.(Ch.33 Vs: 21)

For every act there are some conditions to be fulfilled before performing it.

Similarly/ there are some prerequisites for offering Namaz which have beensystematically laid down by learned Muslims/ based on the instructions andpractices of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS). These pre-requisites are as follows :

1. Iman Or Faith : The Holy Quran on the subject of Iman states:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east and the

west, but righteous is he who believes in Allah and the period hereafter and theangels and the book and the prophets and gives wealth out of love for Him to therelatives and the orphans and the poor and the wayfarer and to those who ask

(begger) and for setting the slaves free, and establish worship (Salaat) and givescharity (zakat), and those who keep up their agreements when they make an

agreement, and the patient in poverty and adversity and at the time of conflict.Those are the persons who are true (believers) and those are the persons who

guard (against evil)..(Ch:2 Vs:177)

Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) was once asked/ "What is Iman (faith orbelief)". (The meaning of) Iman is that you believe in and accept the reality ofAllah, His angels, His books. His messengers, day of resurrection (Qiyamat) and

favourable (good) and unfavourable (bad) destiny (that it is by the Will of Allah).

Iman is the most important item in the life of a Muslim. Without Iman nodeed has any reward. We should therefore try to repeatedly refresh our Iman

which can be done by remembering Allah, offering Namaz regularly, reading theHoly Quran, attending religious meetings where purely religious matters are

discussed etc.

2. Cleaniliness of Body & Clothes : Iman is spiritual cleanliness with whichour body and clothes should also be clean.

a) Ghusul (Bathing): It is said that cleanliness is half Iman and that Allah lovesthose who are clean. We should therefore regularly take bath in addition to

Fridays, Idd days etc.

Bathing is compulsory after 1) sexual Intercourse) 2) discharge of semen 3)

completion of menses 4) confinement 5) after giving bath to a dead body and 6)before accepting Islam. In these conditions Namaz should not be offered without

bathing.

The method of taking bath is to first wash the hands till the wrists, thenwash the private parts removing all dirt and uncleanliness and perform wazu


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(details given later). Finally take regular bath taking care that no part of the bodyis left dry and unclean,

The minimum requirement is to pour water on the whole body three times in such

a manner that no part of the body is left dry or unclean.

After taking bath we should always wash our "private parts whenever we

pass urine or stool. We should pass urine in a sitting position and not standing. Weshould regularly cut our nails and remove unwanted hair.

b) WAZU : The Holy Quran, on the subject of wazu, bathing and tayammum,states ;

O you who believe ! When you rise up for worship (Salaat), then wash your

faces and your hands upto the elbows and wipe your heads and (wash) your feetupto the ankles and if you have not taken a bath after sexual intercourse (or

passing out of semen during sleep etc.) then clean (your whole body by takingbath). And if you are on a journey or one of you comes from the toilet or you havetouched women, then, (under the above circumstances) if you do not find water,

or if you are sick, then take clean dust and wipe your faces and your hands with it.Allah does not intend to put any difficulty on you, but He intends to clean you that

He may complete His favour on you so that you may be grateful. (Ch:5 Vs:6)

It is clear from the verses of the Holy Quran cited above that wazu isessential before offering Namaz.

We should start the wazu by reciting

BIISMILLA-HIR REHMAN-IR RAJIEEMIn the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Now perform the wazu with clean water as follows :

1. Wash both the hands three times till the wrists, first the right then the left,

clean the portions between the fingers and nails.

2. Clean the teeth with index finger or preferably with miswak (a crude form of

brush) then gargle three times, cleaning the mouth well.

3. Blow the nose and rinse the nostrils well 3 times.

4. Wash the face from the fore head down to the chin and from ear to ear three

times.


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5. Wash the fore arms from the finger tips to the elbow 3 times, first the rightthen the left.

6. With wet hands wipe the head once, passing the fingers through the hair, as if

combing, then pass the wet tips of the index fingers inside the ears , and the wet

ends of the thumbs outside the ears, thus cleaning them well, then with the wetback of the hands wipe the neck..

7. Lastly wash the feet upto the ankles three times/ first the right then the left,taking care to wash the portions between the toes and the nails.

After the wazu recite the following:

AAS-HADUAN-LLAA ILLAHA ILLALLAHU WAHDAHU LA SHARIKA LAHU WA ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMEDAN ABDUHU WA RASULUHU.

I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, He is alone without a partnerand I bear witness that Muhammed is His servant and messenger:

ALLAHUM-MA JALNI MINAT-TAWWABEENA WA JALNI MINAL MUTATAH-HIREENA

WA JALNI MIN IBADIKAS-SALIHEEN.

O Allah ! Make me of those who repent (for their sins) and those who keepthemselves clean and those servants of Yours who are good.

When is fresh wazu necessary?

We should perform fresh wazu when we 1) pass urine 2) stool 3) gas 4)when there is excessive bleeding through a wound 5) after sleeping 6) after

unconsciousness 7) If we laugh during Namaz.

c) Tayammum : Tayammum is permissible instead of wazu and ghusul whenone is sick or water is not available. As soon as sickness is over or water is

available tayammum is not permissible and wazu or ghusul has to be performeddepending on the requirement.


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The method of performing tayammum is :

Place the palms on clean sand remove superficial dust by blowing, then wipe theface with both the palms as you wash with water. Again place the palms on clean

sand, remove the superficial dust and wipe the right forearm with the 1eft palm

from the tips of fingers to the elbow and similarly the left forearm with the rightpalm. If clean dust is not available, talcum power may be used, because it is thepowder of the mineral Talc.

Prayers at the start and end of tayammum are the same as for wazu and theconditions for performing fresh tayammum are the same as for wazu or ghusul, as

the case may be.

d) Clothes: Our clothes should be neat and clean and such that no private partsare exposed. If the pants or pajamas we wear are very long they may touch

the ground and become dirty specially on roads, in bathrooms and latrines. Weshould therefore take special care to see that our trousers do not touch the

ground.

1. Cleanliness of Place : Mosques are normally clean, we should also try tokeep them clean. The place where we offer Namaz at home should also beclean.

2. Timings of Namaz : Each Namaz should be offered during the prescribedperiod. If due to some unavoidable reason we cannot go to the mosque, eachNamaz should be offered preferably immediately the period for that particular

Namaz starts.

3. Direction in Namaz : The Quran, in this regard, orders:

"..... turn your face towards the sacred Mosque (Kaaba }, and. where ever youare, turn your face towards it. . . ."(Ch:2, Vs:144).

In obedience to the orders of Allah/(SWT) Muslims all over the world are

required to face the Kaaba as the center, parallel circle of praying Muslims will beformed all over the world. It may be noted here that we do not worship the Kaaba,

we worship only Allah/(SWT) we just face towards the Kaaba. One of the reasonsfor all Muslims facing towards Kaaba during Namaz, is uniformity. In the absenceof a 70 common direction in Namaz, Muslims from different places might have

turned in different directions and this would have given rise to great disturbanceand confusion especially at occasions like the Hajj.

Facing the Kaaba, before reciting the niyyath (intention), we should recite the

following verse of the Quran to ourselves :


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INNI WAJJAHTU WAJHIYA LILLAZI FATARS SMAWATI WAL ARZA HANII-FO-WN-

WAMAA ANA MINAL MUSHRIKEEN.

I have turned mi/face ( direction ) towards Him Who created the heavens

and the earth, as one by nature upright and I am not of those who ascribepartners (unto Allah), (Ch:6, Vs:79.).

4. Languages of Namaz: We are required to offer Namaz in the Arabiclanguage, that is the language in which the Holy Quran was revealed. This too,

besides other advantages, gives rise to uniformity, a Muslim belonging to anyapart of the world can offer Namaz in any part of the world, fully understanding all

that is recited in Namaz. Absence of common language of Namaz would againgive rise to confusion as in the case of absence of common direction.

5. Niyyath ( Intention ):Every deed depends for its value and reward on ourintention. Before offering Namaz too, we should have the intention to do so hopingfor full reward. We should not stand for Namaz without intention that is, just

mechanically or habitually. We should stand with the intention of offering theparticular Namaz, for example; I am offering four Rakat Farz of Zuhar Namaz, for

Allah (SWT) with my direction towards the Kaaba.

6. Consciousness:The following verse of the Quran clearly indicates that whileoffering Namaz we should be in our senses so as to understand what we recite :

"O you who believe ! Do not go near Namaz when you are intoxicated untilyou know (well) what you say....." (Ch:4, Vs:43)

Though the orders are for the state of intoxication yet the reason given isvery clear that under the influence of intoxicants we lose our senses and do notknow what we say, therefore in this condition we are ordered not to offer Namaz.

Going a little deep into the problem it clearly means that while offering Namaz weshould know and understand what we recite. This can be done by memorizing the

meaning of all that we recite in Namaz which would also help us in having theproper emotion during the whole Namaz.

7. Attitude during Namaz : While offering Namaz we should feel that we areseeing Allah (SWT), if this is not possible, we should feel that Allah(SWT) is seeingus. This would give rise to great respect for and fear of Allah (SWT) in our minds

At the same time we should be full of devotion to Allah (SWT), extremely humbleand hoping for Allah's Mercy, and Forgiveness. We should be peaceful and

composed. We should not be hasty and every act in the Namaz should beperformed so peacefully that anyone, watching us should not feel that we are inhaste.


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In each act of the Namaz we should allow so much time that all the joints andmuscles of our body should feel relaxed.

We should not allow our thoughts to wander here arid there but offer Namazwith full concentration which can be increased if we understand what we recite in

the Namaz. Namaz is something like talking to Allah (SWT). In our normal life dowe talk to a person in a language which we ourselves do not understand ? Wemust therefore consider it our duty to learn the Arabic language. Concentration in

the Namaz is so essential that it is ordered that if we feel like attending to nature'scall or if meals are ready, we should first attend to these necessities and then go

for Namaz, otherwise our attention might get diverted and we may not be able toconcentrate on what we recite during the Namaz. It is reported that once an arrow

got stuck up in the heel of Hazarath Ali (R.A) (fourth Calif ah). It was so painfulthat he did not allow anyone to take it out. When he was busy offering Namaz

someone slowly pulled it out and Hazrath Ali (R.A) did not even feel it. Just

imagine his devotion and concentration. May Allah (SWT) give us that devotionand concentration.

Another very important advantage of knowing the meaning of what we recitein the Namaz can be illustrated by the following example.

In every Namaz, while reciting the Surah Fateha, we pray : "O Allah guide us

to the straight path." After the Namaz If, we try to remember this prayer, willhave the indecency to commit a sin, that is one moment we ask Allah (SWT) to

guide us to the right path and the very next moment we commit a sin? If wedevelop this attitude of remembering the prayers recited in Namaz, even after the

Namaz, we are sure to be away from sin In fact by this attitude we will be provingthe truth of, the verse of the Holy Quran cited in the first chapter that Namazkeeps one away from evil and shameful deeds, our Namaz would thus influence

our whole life and thereby serve one of its most important purposes.

VIII. WHAT IS AZAAN?

Azaan is an announcement informing Muslims that it is time for Namaz and

inviting them to come for the jamat (to the mosque). The person who makes thisannouncement is known as the muazzin, who faces the Kaaba and makes the

announcement in a standing position with his index fingers in his ears. Thewordings of the azaan are as follows:


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a) ALLAHU AKBAR, ALIAHU AKBAR, ALLAHU-AKBAR, ALLAHU-AKBAR.

'Allah is (infinitely) Great'

b) ASH-HADU-A(N)L-LA-I-LAHA ILLALLAH, ASH-HADU-A(N)L-LA-I-LAHA ILLALLAH

I bear witness that there is no god except Allah

c) ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR-RASUL-ULLAH ASH-HADU AN-NAMUHAMMADAR-RASUL-ULLAH

Ibear witness that Muhammed, is the messenger of Allah.

d) HAY-YA 'ALASSALAH HAY-YA-'ALAS-SALAH'

(turning the face to the right) "come for Namaz"

e) HAY-YA 'ALAL-FALAH HAY-YA'ALAL-FALAH

(turning the face to the left) come towards success

f) AS-SALATU KHAIRUM-MINAN-NAUM( 2 times only for the fajar Namaz) "Namaz is better than sleep

g) AL-LAHU AKBAR AL-LAHU AKBAR,

Allah is (infinitely Great)


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h) LA ILAHA IL-LALLAH

There is no god except Allah

In the Azaan for the Fajar Nama2; it is stated: Namaz is better than sleep

In sleep we normally do not feel pain and grief. When we suffer from severepain or grief; doctors normally put us to sleep. It is stated that Namaz is better

than sleep, from the point of view of reward Namaz is definitely better thansleep, but it could also mean that one who offers Namaz in the right manner

should feel free from pain and grief. This was actually proved in the case ofHazrath Alt whose story has been narrated above. As for grief, Namaz is known

to give peace of mind. May Allah (SWT) make us realize its true value andregularly offer Namaz.

IQAMAT : This is the second announcement for Namaz made immediately

before the Farz Namaz normally by the mauzzin when Namaz is offered injamat and by one self when offered alone. It is similar to azaan with the

addition of the statement given below.

QAD QAMATIS SALAHQAD QAMATIS SALAH

The prayer has been established.One who hears the azaan or iqamat should slowly repeat the statement 1 to 3,

5 & 7 but after items 4 & 5 he should reply by reciting;

LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWAT ILLA BILLAH-IL-ALIYAL AZEEM'There, is no energy and power except that of Allah".

Whenever the name of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) is mentioned whether in

Azaan or else where we should recite the Durood (a prayer for ProphetMuhammed (SAWS)) or atleast pray SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM

meaning: Mercy of Allah and Peace be on him.

After the azaan following prayer is to be recited:


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'ALLAHUMMA RABBA HAAZIHI-DDAWATI-TTAA-MMATWAS-SALATIL-QAAIMATIAATI MUHAMMADA 'NILWASEELATA WAL FAZEELATA WA-BAS HU MAQAMAM-

MEHMOODA NILLAZI WAAD-TTHU INNAKA LA TUKHLIFU-MIYAD.

'O Allah ! O Fosterer of this whole announcement (for Namaz) ! and theNamaz which is being established (started), You Grant to Muhammed wasila (a

special position in paradise) and Grace and make him stand at Muqham-i-Mehmood, which You have promised him Surely You do not go back on Your

word'.

IX. HOW SHOULD WE OFFER NAMAZ?

A) TWO RAKAT NAMAZ (FARZ, SUNNAT & NAFIL) OFFERED ALONE:1 Takbir-i-tahrima: Raise both the hands till the ears with palms facingforward, fingers separated and say : Allahu Akbar: Allah is (infinitely) Great

2. Qiyam : Place the palm of the right hand over the back of the wrist of the

left hand holding it lightly keeping the right thumb at the top, both hands beingbelow the navel and your gaze being at the place of the sajda

2 a) Now recite the SANA;

SUBHANAK-ALLAHUMMA WA BIHAMDIKA WA TABARAKASMUKA WA TA ALAJADDU KA WA LAA ILAHA GHAIRUKA.

'Glory be to You O0 Allah ! And praise be to You Blessed is Your name and exaltedYour Majesty; and there is no other god besides You


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b) TAWOZ:

AOOZU BILLAHI MINASH SHAITANIR RAJEEMI betake myself to Allah for refuge from the accursed devil

c) TASMIYA :

BISMILLAHIR-RAHMAANIR-RAHIIM.(In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful).

d) SURA I-FATEHA (First chapter of the Holy Quran)

AL-HAMDU LILLAAHI RABBIL 'AALAMIIN 'AR-RAHMAANIR-RAHIIM, MAALIKIYAWMID-DIIN! IYVAAKA NA'-BUDUWA 'IYYAAKA NASTA- 'IIN, 'IHDINAS-

SIRAATAL-MUSTAQIIM- SIRAATAL" LAZIINA 'AN- 'AMTA 'ALAYHIM GYRIL-MAGZUBI 'ALAY-HIM WAL LAZ-ZAAALIIIN.AMEEN.

Praise is due only for Allah, the Fosterer of the worlds the Beneficent, theMerciful, the Master of the day of judgment. You alone do we serve and (from)

You alone do we seek help. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those, onwhom You have bestowed favours, not (the path of those), upon whom is Your

anger, nor of those who are astray. (Ch:l Vs:l to7)

e) QURAN : This is followed by the recitation of any portion of the Quran which

should not be less than three consecutive small verses or a long verse. Normallyone of the small chapter (suras) at the end of the Quran is recited. Try tomemorize with meaning as much of Quran as is possible, this carries great reward.

Some passages from the Quran are given below.

THERE CONSECUTIVE SMALL VERSES :


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'SUBHANA RAB BIKA RAB BIL IZZAATI A'MMA-YASIFOON WA SALAAMUN 'ALAL-

MURSALIIN! WAL-HAMDU LILLAAHI RABBIL 'ALAMIIN

(Ch: 37 Vs:180 to 182)

'ALLAAHU LAAA 'ILAAHA 'ILLAA HUU. 'AL-HAYYUL-QAYYUUM. LAA TA'-KHUZUHUUSINATUNW-WA LAA NAWM. LAHUU MAA FISSAMAAWAATI WA MAAFIL 'ARZ

MAN-ZALLAZII YASHFA-'U 'INDAHUUU 'ILLAA BI-'IZNIH? YA'-LAMU MAA BAYNA'AYDIIHIM WA MAA KHALFAHUM. WA LAA YUHIITUUNA BI-SHAY- 'IM-MIN

'ILMIHIII ILLAA BIMAA SHAAA' WASI-'A KURSIYYU-HUS- SAMAAWAATI WAL-'ARZ WA LAA YA-'UUDUHUU HIFZU-HUMAA, WA HUWAL 'ALIYYUL 'AZIIM.

Allah, there is no god except Him, the Living, the Eternally Existing; neitherslumber takes hold of Him nor sleep; whatever is in the skies and whatever is in

the earth is His. Who is there who can recommend to Him except by Hispermission ? He knows that which is before them and that which is behind them,

and they cannot encompass anything from His knowledge except that which Hewills (to impart); His Chair (power, jurisdiction) extends over the skies and theearth and it does not tire Him to preserve (monitor) them both, and He is the

High, the Great. (Ch:2 Vs:255)

SMALL SURAS (CHAPTERS) OF THE QURAN:


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'INNAAA 'A'-TYNAAKAL-KAWSAR. FA-SALLI LI-RABBIKA WANHAR.

IINA SHAANI-'AKA HUWAL-'ABTAR.

We certainly gave you abundance, so worship your Fosterer and sacrifice.

The one who hates you, he is certainly without posterity. Ch:108

QUL HU-WALLAAHU 'AHAD : 'ALLAAHUS-SAMAD :LAM YALID, WA LAMYUULAD : WALAM YAKUL-LA-HUU KUFUWAN'AHAD.

Say, "Allah is one. Allah is He on whom all depend.He does not beget and He is not begotten. And there is no 'one equal to Him.

Ch:112.

QUL 'A-'UUZU BI-RABBIL-FALAQ, MIN-SHARRI MAA KHALAQ: WA MIN-SHARRI GAASIQIN 'IZAAWAQAB, WA MIN-SHARRIN-NAFFAASAATI FIL-

'UQAD, WA MIN-SHARRI HAASIDIN 'IZAA HASAD.

Say "I. seek the protection of the Fosterer of the day break, front the evil ofthat which He has created, and from the evil of the darkness (of night) when

it overspreads, and from the evil of women blowing in the knots (practicingwitchcraft) and from the evil of the envier when he envies." (Ch:113)


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QUL 'A-'UUZU BI-RABBINNASS, MALIKIN-NAAS, 'ILAHIN-NAAS, MIN-SHARR1L-WASWAASIL-KHANNAAS 'ALLAZII YUWAS-WISU FII SUDDU-RIN-

NAASI, MINAL-JINNATI WAN-NAAS.

Say, "I seek the protection of the Fosterer of mankind, the King of

mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil whispering of (the devil), he who(whispers and then) withdraws, who whispers into the bosoms (hearts, or

minds) of mankind, from among the jinn and mankind."Ch:l14

3. Ruku: a) After reciting a portion of the Quran saying Allahu Akbar, bowdown holding the knee caps with the palms, keeping fingers apart. The back

should be straight and as far as possible horizontal/ gaze being in between

the feet.

b) Now recite the ruku tasbih three times. SUBHANA RABBIYAL AZEEM

Glorious is my Fosterer, the great.

c) QOWMA: Rise from ruku saying:

SAMI ALLAH-HULIMAN HAMEEDAH RABANA LAKAL HAMAD

'Allah has listened to him who has praised Him, our Fosterer ! Praise beto You [Let the arms be aside]

4. Sajdah : Saying Allahu Akbar, bow down for Sajdah.


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a) First put your knees on the ground, then the palms, then the tip of the

nose and finally the forehead. Both the hands should be in line with the ears,with the fingers close and facing forward. The, toes, knees, palms, and

forehead should be apart.

b) Now recite the sajdah tasbih three times:

SUBHANA RABBIYAL AALA:Glorious is my Fosterer the Most High.

c) JALSA : Saying Allahu Akbar, raise the fore head and thepalms and sit down with the heal of the right foot erect on toes and the left

foot under the left hip, palms resting on the thighs just above the knees.

d) Second Sajdah : Saying Allahu Akbar perform the second sajdah similar tothe first one. After reciting the tasbih, saying Allahu Akbar, raise your head,

palms and finally the knees and stand erect in Quiyam, as far as possiblewithout taking support. This completes the first Rakath.

5. Second Rakat: Start with reciting the Sura-i-Fateha, then recite a portion ofthe Quran and perform the ruku and sajdah as in the first rakat.

6. Quaidah: After the second sajdah sit down as between the two

sajdahs and recite the following:

TASHAH-HUD OR AT-TAHIYYAT


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a) AT-TAHIYYATULILLAHI WAS-SALAWATU WAT-TAIYYABATU ASSALAMUALAIKA AYYUHAN-NABIYYU WA RAHMATHULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU

ASSALAMU ALIANA 'WA' ALA 'IBADILLAH-IS SALIHEEN ASH HADUAN (hereraise the index finger) "LAA ILAHA ILLALAHU WA ASH-HADUANNA

MUHAMMEDAN" ABDUHU WA RASULUHU.

"All greetings, worship (services) and good things are for Allah, Peace be onyou O Prophet (SAWS) and the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings. Peace be onus and all the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god

except Allah, (here raise the index finger of the right hand then close all thefingers of the right hand and let it rest on the thigh til l the end of Namaz) and

I bear witness that Muhammed is His servant and messenger.

The above passage is the conversation between Allah (SWT) andProphet Muhammed (SAWS) when he was invited by Allah (SWT) to meet Himand see paradise and hell which is known as Meraj. All orders concerning

various aspects of life were sent to prophet Muhammed (SAWS) on earth.Offering Namaz 5 times a day was the only order for which prophet

Muhammed (SAWS) was himself summoned to the heavens (Meraj). Thisshows the importance of Namaz.

b) DUROOD-1-IBRAHIM: Now recite the following


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ALLAHUMMA SALLI 'ALA MUHAMMEDIN WA 'ALA AALE MUHAMMEDIN KAMASALLAITA 'ALA IBRAHIMA WA 'ALA ]AALE IBRAHIMA INNAKA HAMEEDUNMAJEED. ALLAHUMMA BARIK 'ALA MUHAMMEDIN WA 'ALA AALE

MUHAMMEDIN KAMA BARAKTA 'ALA IBRAHIMA WA 'ALA AALE IBRAHIMAINNAKA HAMEEDUN MAJEED.

O Allah! Shower Your Mercy on Muhammed and His descendants asyou showered Your Mercy on Ibrahim, and his descendents. O Allah ! ShowerYour Blessings on Muhammed and on his descendents as you had showered

Your Blessings on Ibrahim and his descendents.

c) Dua:

ALLAHUMA INNI ZALAMTU NAFSI ZULMAN KASEER-AN WALA YAGHFIRUZ-ZUNUBA ILLA ANTA FAGHFIRLI MAGHFIRATAM MIN 'INDIKA WAR- HAMNI,

INNAKA ANTAL GAFOOR-UR RAHIM.

O Allah I have been extremely unjust to myself and none grantsforgiveness against sins but You, forgive me, with the forgiveness that comes

from You and have Mercy, upon me. Verily You. are the Forgiver, the

Merciful.'


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7, Salam : Turn your face first to the right and then to

the left and say: Assalamu alaikum wa Rehamatullah, (Peace be upon you andMercy of Allah.)

8) THREE RAKAT (FARZ & VITAR) OFFERED ALONE:1) Maghrib Farz: After reciting "Attahiyyat in the , second rakat, saying Allahu

Akbar stand up in Qiyam and for the third rakat recite only Sura-i-Fateha,perform the ruku and sajdahs and complete the Namaz as in second rakat of

two-rakat Namaz.

2. Isha Vitar : Same as Maghrib farz except that in the third rakat after the

Sura-i-Fateha, recite some portion of the Quran as, in the first and secondrakats, then raise your hands till the ears saying Allahu Akbar as in the

Takbir-i-tahremah, and again keep standing in Qiyam as before and recite thefollowing prayer (Dua-i-Qunoot).

'ALLAHUMMA INNA NASTAEENUKA WA NASTAGHFIRUKA WA NOWMINUBIKA WA-NATAWAKKALU ALAIKA WA NUSNF ALAIKAL KHAIR WA NASH-

KURUKA WA LA NAKFURUKA WA NAKHLA'U WA NATRUKU MAIYYAFJURKAALLAHUMMA IYYAKA NA' ABUDU WA LAKA NUSALLI WA NASJUDU WA ILAIKA

NAS'AA WA NAHFIDU WA NAR JUU RAHMATAKA WA NAKHSHA 'AZABAKAINNA 'AZABAKA BIL KUFFARI MULHIQ.

'O Allah I We beseech your help and ask your pardon and believe in You

and trust in You, and we praise You in the best manner and we thank You andwe are not ungrateful to You, and we cast off and fore sake one who disobeysYou. 'O Allah ! You alone do we serve and to You do we pray and we bow

down to You and we hasten eagerly towards You and we are present, or Yourservice and we hope for Your Mercy and fear Your punishment; surely Your

punishment overtakes the unbelievers.


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Try to memorize this dua at the earliest. Till then you can recite the followingsmall dua:

RAB BANA AATINA FID-DUNIYA HASANATOWN-WAFIL AKHIRATI

HASANATOWN-WA QINA 'AZABAN -NAAR'(Ch:2 Vs:201)

' O our Fosterer ! Grant us good in this world and in the hereafter and save usfrom the punishment of fire. (Ch:2 Vs:201)

Now perform the ruku and two sajdahs and complete the Namaz as in thesecond rakat of two rakat Namaz.

C) Four Rakat Namaz Farz offered alone:After reciting Attahiyyat in the second rakat, saying Allahu Akbar, stand, up in

Qiyam for the third rakat. Recite only the Sura-i-Fateha, perform the ruku,two sajdahs and immediately stand up saying Allahu Akbar, for the fourth

rakat. "Recite only the Sura-i-Fateha, perform the ruku, two sajdahs andcomplete the Namaz as in the second rakat of two rakat Namaz.

D) Four Rakat Namaz Sunnath & Nafi l Alone :

Similar to four rakat farz offered alone except that even in the third andfourth rakats after reciting the Sura-i-Fateha in Qiyam, a portion of the HolyQuran is recited as in the first and second rakats.

E) Namaz Offered By Women & Girls :

Similar to that offered by male members with the following variations..

1) In takbir-i-tahrimah they should raise their hands till the shoulders.

2) They should keep the palm of the right hand on the back of the left hand

and keep both the hands about six inches below the neck.


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3) In ruku they should bend less than gents, they should just keep theirhands on the knee caps without holding them and their fingers should be

dosed.

4) While sitting down on the ground in Quidah, their hips should be on the

ground with their legs projecting on the right side.

5) In sajdah their forearms should be touching the ground and legs stomach

and arms should be close.

SAJDAH-I-SAHU:

If we forget performing some important item of the Namaz we arerequired to perform the sajdah-i-sahu, if we forget even Sajdah-i-sahu we

should repeat the Namaz, The procedure, for sajdah-i-sahu is as follows:

In the last rakat after reciting Attahiyyat turn your face to the right andsay: Asslamu alaikum wa Rahmatulla and immediately perform two sajdahs,saying Allahu Akbar and reciting the tasbih of sajdah , as in normal Namaz.

After the second sajdah sit in Quidah and recite the Attahiyyat again andproceed as before completing the Namaz.

G) Namaz Offered in Jamat (Congregation or Group):

The jamat is lead by a person known as the Imam, who should be the

most pious and well informed in the group of Muslims present for offeringNamaz. Normally each mosque has an Imam of its own therefore there is noquestion of choosing an Imam. The Imam who stands in front of the group

with the intention of leading the group in Namaz, offers Namazas if he is offering it alone. The group of Muslims : behind the Imam have to

follow a slightly different procedure. They should have the niyyat (intention:)of following the Imam and offer Namaz as follows:


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When the Imam says Takbir-i-tahrimah, they should also repeat AllahuAkbar to themselves, raising the hands till the ears then folding them and

keeping them below the navel as when offering Namaz alone. They should

then recite to themselves (not aloud) the Sana and Tawz and keep quietconcentrating their attention on Allah (SWT) and feeling that He is seeing

them. They should not recite any portion of the Holy Quran.

When the Imam says Allahu Akbar for the ruku, they should also say AllahuAkbar to themselves and perform the ruku and recite the tasbih of the ruku

till the Imam says Sami Allahu Liman hamidah at which they should standstraight leaving their arms aside and saying; "Rabana. Lakal Hamd." They

should perform the two Sajadhs with Imam saying: Allahu Akbar at eachaction and reciting the Tasbih of the sajdah as they do when offering Namazalone. Then with Imam they should stand for the second rakat saying Allahu

Akbar to themselves. In the second rakat while standing in Qiyam nothing isto be recited. Ruku and sajdahs are performed as in the first rakat. After the

second sajdah of second rakat they should recite Attahiyyat, durood and duaas they do while offering Namaz alone. They should wait for the Imam to

finish the Namaz by saying Assalamu alaikum wa Rahamatullah, which theyshould repeat first turning their face to the right then to the left. If it is a

three rakat Namaz, then in the second rakat after reciting Attahiyyat theyshould wait for the Imam to say Allahu Akbar and rise; which they shouldfollow. In the third rakat too they are required to stay quiet in Qiyam. After

the sajdahs of the third rakat they should complete the Namaz as before. If it

is a four rakat Namaz, they should remain quiet in the Qiyam of the fourthrakat too as in second and third rakats and complete the fourth rakat as inthe two and three rakat Namaz.

Farz Namaz of Fajar, Maghrib, Isha, Friday and Wajib Namaz of idd is

recited aloud, while in the Zuhar and Asar Namaz, the Imam also recites it tohimself (not aloud).

We should follow the Imam and not precede him in any action or item.At the end of Sura-i-Fateha we should say Ameen.

H) Friday Namaz : Friday Namaz is offered only in jamat (in the Mosque). In

addition to bathing on other days we should bath on Friday too; applyperfume, put on nice and clean clothes and go for Namaz to the Mosque

before the Qudbah (sermon) starts. When Qudbah is going on we are notsupposed to offer any Namaz, Friday congregational prayer is to be offered astwo rakat Farz Namaz behind the Imam as described above. We should make


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it a habit to recite the durood which is a prayer for prophet Muhammed

(SAWS), specially on Fridays.

I) Namaz of The Sick : Namaz is compulsory and so normal important that

even when we are sick but in our senses, we are not exempted from offeringit. If we are not able to stand we are permitted to sit or even lie down and

offer Namaz in imagination.

J) Namaz During Journey : A person who is on a journey of 48 miles and morefrom his place can shorten his four rakat Farz Namaz to two rakats. This

Namaz is known as Qasar Namaz. If he halts at a place for fifteen or moredays then he should offer the normal Namaz. During Journey both ways he

can shorten his Namaz.

K) Namaz-I-Idd: It is performed in jamat as two rakat Wajib in which there

are some additions as follows:

After the first Takbir Allahu Akbar, hands are kept below the navel andSana recited as in normal Namaz. The Imam then says Allahu Akbar in short

intervals. At the second and third call hands are raised till the ears and leftaside but after the fourth Takbir they should be folded below the navel as in

normal Namaz. The procedure for two rakat Namaz as stated earlier is thenfollowed. In the second rakat before performing the ruku the Imam callsAllahu Akbar three times in short intervals, when the hands are raised ti ll the

ears and left aside, then the fourth time when the Imam calls Allahu Akbar we

should perform the ruku and proceed as in two rakat Namaz in jamat.

L) Zikr : (Remembering Allah): In addition to Namaz, Zikr (remembering

Allahm by praising Him or repeatedly reciting His Attributes or Qualities),carries great reward and Muslims have been ordered by Allah(SWT) through

the Quran to do so;

So be patient on what they say and glorify your Fosterer by praising

Him before the rising of the sun and before its setting, and during hours ofnight (too) glorify (Him), and (also) at the two ends of the day, that you may

be pleased. (Ch:20 Vs:130)

So be patient over what they say, and glorify by praising your Fostererbefore the rising of the sun and before its setting, and (during parts) of the

night glorify Him and after the. prostrations (of salaat). (Ch:50Vs: 39 & 40).


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After the Fajar and Asar Namaz, there is no other Namaz to be offered

immediately, therefore the Imam and those who follow him are required torecite the following (to themselves) immediately after the Namaz;

LA ILAHA ILLALLAHU WAHDAHU LA SHARIKA LAHU, LAHUL MULKU WA LAHUL

HAMDU, YUHYI WA YUMEETU BEYADEHIL KHAIRU, WA HUWA 'ALA KULLISHAYIN QADEER.

There is no God except Allah, He is one and has no partners. His is thekingdom ( of the universe ) and unto Him is due all praise, Hegives life andHe causes death, in His hand is all good; and He has power over every thing'.

2. Ayatal Kursi (given earlier in this chapter)

3. This should be followed by reciting the following Tasbih, known as Tasbih - i

- Fatima{ Prophet Muhammed's (SAWS) daughter}

a) SUBHAN ALLAH 33 TIMES

'Allah is Pure or Holy it is also recited to mean Glory be to Allah'.

b) ALHAMDU LILLAH 33 times

'Praise be to Allah, also recited for thanks giving.


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c) ALLAHU AKBAR 34 times

'Allah is (infinitely) Great, also said for exclamation''.

These three items, though specifically recited after the Fajar and AsarNamaz, should as far as it is possible, be recited after every Namaz. Tasbih - i

-Fatima should be recited often. All these prayers carry great reward and giveus peace of mind.

M) Dua (Prayer) : After the Namaz and Zikr, we should lift up our hands,

palms facing us and pray to Allah (SWT). There are various prayers and theirorder differs. It is better to start the prayer by praising Allah (SWT) followed

by praying for Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) (Durood) and then recitingwhatever dua we remember. Normally following duaIs recited

ALLAHUMMA ANTAS - SALAMU WA MINKAS -SALAMU TABARAKTA YAZALJALALI WAL IKRAM.

'O Allah ! You are (the giver of) peace and peace is due to You, You are (thepossessor of) Blessings O (You Who are) Majestic and Respectable '.

Other prayers which are commonly recited are :

RAB BANA AATINA FID - DUNIYA HASNATOWN - WA FIL AKHIRATIHASNATOWN WA QINA AZABAN - NAR.(Ch:2 Vs:201)

O our Fosterer ! Grant us good in this world and in the hereafter and save usfrom the punishment of fire'.


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SUBHANA RAB BIKA RAB BIL FZZATI A'MMAYASI -FOON WA SALAMUN A'LALMURSALEENA WAL HAMDU LILLAHI RAB BIL A'ALAMEEN.

Glorified be your Fosterer, Fosterer of Might, (He is far) from what theydescribe, and peace be on the messengers and praise is due only for Allah,

the Fosterer of the worlds.(Ch:37 Vs:180 to 182)

DUROOD {Prayer for Prophet Muhammed (SAWS)):

'ALLAHUMMA SALLI 'ALA SAYYADINA MUHAMMEDIN - WA 'ALA AALE

SAYYADINA MUHAMMEDIN - WA BARIK WA SALLAM.

'O Allah ! Shower Your Mercy on our leader Muhammed (SAWS) and on thedescendents of our leader Muhammed (SAWS) and (your) Blessings and

Peace.

N) What Should We Do When We Join The Jamat Late?

We should always join the jamat by reciting the Takbir -i- Tahrimah :

Allahu Akbar to ourselves and follow the Imam till the Attahiyyat in the lastQaidah is recited, after which we are required to keep quiet without reciting

anything till the Imam recites the salam and finishes the Namaz. At this pointwithout reciting salam we should say Allahu Akbar and stand up in Qiyam and

complete the number of rakats we have missed. A rakat is missed when theruku of that rakat was performed before our joining the jamat at different

stages :

1. If the first rakat is in progress we should, just join the jamat and continue

as in normal Namaz offered in jamat.

2. If the second rakat is in progress, we have to offer one rakat by ourselves.After the Imam completes the Namaz we should immediately stand up, recite


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the Sura -i - Fateha, a portion of the Holy Quran, perform the ruku and sajdhs

and complete the Namaz by reciting the Attahiyyat, Durood, Dua and finallythe Salam.

3. If the third rakat is in progress, we have to offer two rakats by ourselves.We should stand after the Imam completes the Namaz, recite Sura - i -

Fateha, and a portion of the Holy Quran in both the Qiyams of the two rakatsand complete the Namaz as before.

4. If the fourth rakat is in progress we have to offer three rakats by ourselves.

After the Imam finishes the Namaz, we should stand up in Qiyam . This will beour second rakat. In Qiyam we should recite the Sura-- i - Fateha, a portion of

the Holy Quran, perform the ruku and sajdahs, then recite the Attahiyyat andstand up for our third rakat, in which also we should recite the Sura-i-Fatehaand portion of the Quran and perform ruku and Sajdahs and immediately

stand for our fourth rakat. In this last rakat we should recite only the Sura - i- Fateha, perform the ruku, sajdahs and complete the Namaz as before.

5. If the ruku of fourth (last) rakat is over we have to offer all the four rakats

ourselves. Join the Namaz immediately, recite Attahiyyat in Qaidah, wait forthe Imam to complete the Namaz then stand up in Qiyam and offer the whole

Namaz (whether four, three or two rakat Namaz) as if offering alone.

Even if we join the jamat in the last rakat it is said that we get the reward of

offering Namaz in jamat.

Portions of The Holy Quran recited in first, second, third and fourthrakats should be in the same chronological order as in the Holy Quran.

X. ARE THERE ANY OTHER CATEGORIES OF NAMAZ ?

There are many other categories of Namaz, some of which are to be offered

regularly while others occasionally. They are as follows :

1. Namaz - I - Janazah (For the dead):Offering Namaz-i-janazah is a Farz -i-Kifayah. If no one is present it can

be offered alone but when many people are present it should be offeredinjamat. The Imam leads the Namaz and those who follow him form odd

number of rows. In this Namaz there is no ruku, sajdah or Qaidah, we arerequired to stand in Qiyam throughout. With the niyyat (intention) of offeringNamaz-i-janazah the Imam and followers say Allahu Akbar (the Imam aloud


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and the followers to themselves) and fold their arms below the navel as in

Qiyam of normal Namaz. First Sana (Hanafi) Sura-i-Fatheha (Shafai) isrecited, after which the Imam says Allahu Akbar for the second time. This is

followed by reciting the Durood - i - Ibrahim (recited in the last rakat of

normal Namaz), after which the Imam says Allahu Akbar for the third timefinally a Dua for the deceased is recited which depends on whether the

deceased is a male, female, an adult or a child. If one does not remember thespecific Dua, he can recite:

'ALLAHUMMA-GHFIR LIL MUMININA WAL MUMINATI'.

O Allah forgive the Muslim men and women'.

After the Dua the Imam says Allahu Akbar for the fourth time and endsthe Namaz by reciting the salam as in normal Namaz, by turning the face to

the right and then to the left.

2. NAMAZ - TARAWIH :

This Namaz is sunnath and is to be offered on all nights during the

month of Ramadan after the Namaz-i-isha till dawn but before offeringNamaz-i-Vitar. Some authorities put the number of rakats as eight while

others as twenty. Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) always offered Namaz-i-

tarawih either alone or in jamat. Hazarath Omer (RA) (Second Calif) duringhis regime, started regular jamat for offering Namaz-i-Tarawih.

Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) was made to revise the Holy Quran in themonth of Ramazan to the extent it was revealed. He regularly offered Namaz-i-tarawih. By offering Namaz-i-Tarawih in Jamat in the Mosque we not only

fullfill these two sunnaths of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) but also get thebenefit and reward of offering Namaz in jamat and in the Mosque. In view of

this advantages Namaz-i-Tarawih should prefearbly be offered in the Mosque.In case we are not able to offer it in the Mosque, we should offer it alone. We

should not miss it because Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) never missed it. ThisNamaz can be offered in installments of two or four rakats Just like any other

Sunnath or Nafil Namaz. We can recite the last ten chapters of the Holy Quranor as much Quran as we remember. In the Mosque, normally the Quran isrevised once. The person who leads the Namaz is a Hafiz -i-Quran, that is, one

who has memorised the Holy Quran by heart.


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3. SOME IMPORTANT NAFIL (EXTRA) NAMAZ

a) Ishraq : Two or four rakats to be offered 15 to 20 minutes after the sun

rise. The Namaz carries great reward and it is said that Allah (SWT) helps

such persons the whole day and forgives their sins.

b) Chast: Two to twelve rakats between 10 to 11 a.m. (in India). It is saidthat even two rakats are compensation (sadqa) for all the joints of the body.

c) Awabeen : After two rakats sunnath of Maghrib, six rakats offered in

installement of two rakats is said to be equivalent to twelve years worship.

d) Solar&Lunar Eclipse :Two rakat Namaz during the eclipes.

e) Journey : When one undertakes a journey he should offer two rakat

Namaz-i-nafil at home before preceding and on return first go to the mosqueoffer two rakat Namaz and come home.

f) Forgiveness : When any sin is committed two rakat Namaz should be

offered and Allah's forgiveness should be asked for.

g)After performing wazu :Offering two rakat Namaz carries great reward.

h) On entering the Mosque : Offering two rakat Namaz before sitting down

also carries great reward.

i) Namaz for the Security of Iman : We should occasionally offer two rakat

Namaz praying for the safety and security of our Iman {(faith or belief inAllah (SWT)).}

j) Salat-e- tasbih: Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) had taught this Namaz to his

uncle Hazarath Abbas (RA) and had said that by offering this Namaz all yourprevious and future sins will be forgiven. If possible offer it daily, if not

weekly, monthly or once in an year, if even this is not possible offer it atleastonce in your life time. It is a four rakat Nafil Namaz and the procedure for

performing it is as follows:

1. After reciting the sana recite 15 times:


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SUBHAN ALLAH! WAL HAMDULILLAHI WA LA ILAHA ILLALLAHU WA ALLAHU

AKBAR.

2. Before performing the ruku recite the same ten times (25)

3. In the ruku, after the ruku tasbih, recite it ten times (35)

4. Before performing the sajdah, in the standing position recite it ten times

(45)

5. In the sajdah after tasbih of the sajdah, recite it ten times (55)

6. Between the first and second sajdah, recite it ten times (65)

7. In the second sajdah after the sajdah tasbih, recite it ten times (75)

This adds upto 75 times in each rakat. Follow the same procedure in the

second, third and fourth rakats, starting each rakat by reciting the tasbih 15times before Sura-i-Fathea. Thus in the whole Namaz, the tasbih is recited

300 times. Except for reciting the tasbih, the whole Namaz is to be offered asfour rakat Nafil Namaz as described above.

K) Namaz-i-Istikhara : This Namaz is for seeking good from Allah (SWT)

before one decides to take an important step.

Jabir (R.A) reports that the Messenger (SAWS) of Allah (SWT) used to teachus 'Istikharah' [Namaz and Dua for seeking good from Allah (SWT)] in allaffairs as he used to teach us a chapter from the Holy Quran. He used to say.

"When anyone of you intends to do some work he should offer two rakats(Nafil) other than Farz, and pray as follows:


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'ALLAHUMMA INNI ASTA-KHAIRUKA BI-ILMIKA WA ASTAQDIRUKA BI-

QUDRATIKA WA ASALUKA MIN FAZLIKAL AZEEM, FA INNAKA TAQDIRU WA

LAA AQDIRU WA TA'ALAMU WA LAA AALAMU WA ANTA ALIAMUL GHUYYUBI.ALLAHUMMA IN KUNTA TALAMU ANNA HAZAL AMRA (here think of the affair

under consideration) KHAIRUNLEE FI DEENI WA MA'ASHI WA 'AAQIBATI AMRIFAQDURUH LEE WA YESSIR HU LEE SUMMA BARIK LEE FIHI WA IN KUNTA

TATAMU ANNA HAZAL AMRA (here again think of the affair underconsideration) SHARRUN-LEE FI DEENI WA MA'ASHI WA 'AAQIBATI AMRI FAS

RIFHU 'ANNI WAS RIFNI ANHU WAQDUR LIYAL KHAIRA HAISU KANA SUMMAARZINI BIHI.

'O Allah (SWT) ! I seek good through Your knowledge and I seek power(to do) through Your Power and I ask You (to give me) through Your Grace

because You are Powerful and I do not have power and You have knowledgeand I do not have knowledge and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah !

If in Your knowledge, this work (under consideration) is good for me in myreligious and wordly affairs and in the here after, then (please) order it for me

and make it easy for me and put in it Your Blessing, and if in Your Knowledge,this work (under consideration) is bad for me in my religious and my wordly

affairs and in the here after, then (please) turn it away from me and turn meaway from it and order for me good wherever it is and make me happy withit.

1) Namaz-i-Hajat (For Seeking Allah's Help)

This Namaz is for seeking Allah's help when we need or wish to have

something. After performing wazu, two rakat Nafil Namaz-i-Hajat is to beoffered. First praise Allah (SWT), pray for Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) by


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reciting a durood and finally pray as follows:

LAA ILAHA ILLALLAHU-L-HALEEMUL KAREEM, SUBHANA ALLAHI RAB BIL

ARSHIL AZEEM, WAL HAMDUULLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN ASALUKA MUOJIBATI

RAHMATIKA, WA AZA AAIMA MAGHFIRATIKA WAL GHANIMATA MIN KULLI BIRRIWN-WAS-SALAMATA MIN KULLI ISMIN LA TADAA LI ZANBAN ILLA

GHAFARTAHU WA LA HAMMAN ILLA FAR RAJTAHU WA LA HAJATAN H1A LAKARIZAN ILLA QAZAITAHA YAA ARHAMAR RAHIMEEN.

'There is no god except Allah Who is Forbearing and Honoured, Glory beto Allah Who is the Lord of the Throne, and (all) Praise is due to Allah the Lord

of the worlds (universe). (O Allah !) 1 ask You for things which make YourMercy compulsory, which make Your Forgiveness compulsory and (I ask You)

for my share in every good and safety from all sins. (O Allah !). Do not leaveany sin of mine without forgiving it and any grief without removing it and anynecessity which you like without fulfilling it. O You ! The Most Beneficent of all

beneficents!

This Namaz is in obedience to Allah's orders given in the Holy Quran :

' O you who believe I seek help through patience and worship (salaat) Allah iscertainly with the patient (Ch:2Vs:153)

Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammed (SWAS) have shown us how weare to manage all our through Namaz and dua; To offer two rakat Namaz

when we decide to do something, when we need something, when our wish is

granted, when commit a sin, when we go and come back from journey etc., tosay Bismillah ir Rehman ir Rahim] when we start something, Inshallah whenwe intend doing something, Alhamdu lillah when we sneeze etc. In short all

important acts are to be covered by Namaz or dua. It is said that Namaz is ameans of nearness to Allah (SWT). In view of all this, we should make it a

habit to start and end all our actions with Namaz or dua, on which manybooks are available.

May Allah (SWT) help us in becoming Muslims through NAMAZ, WHICHIS ONE many important purposes.

AAMEEN


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Elements of Namaz

Documents

Transcript of Elements of Namaz