“And if you fear that you will not be just towards orphan girls, marry the women whom you like - two at a time, or three or four; then if you fear that you cannot keep two women equally then marry only one or the bond women you own; this is closer to your not doing injustice.” (Surah Nisaa Verse 3)
Critics of Islam, especially the western world and even some Muslims, who only consider those things acceptable and good which their minds and intellect can understand, continuously condemn the issue of the number of wives allowed in Islam. In light of this it is very beneficial and appropriate to briefly shed some light and present the reality on this issue.
1. This is not an order which is essential for every Muslim to act upon. It is merely permission that is granted.
2. This permission is not merely granted without conditions. Rather, very strict conditions have been placed on the person who wishes to act upon this permission.
3. All medical personnel (old and new) agree that the nature of men differs from the nature of women.
4. Sexual desire in men is much higher than in women. The obvious reason for this is that after sexual intercourse a woman has to go through many delicate stages – becoming pregnant, delivering the child, breast-feeding and caring for the child. All these stages keep her so busy that her sexual appetite is diminished but men do not have all these responsibilities.
5. More female than males are born in most countries. Additionally hundreds and thousands of men are killed in wars and battles and therefore the population of women compared to men increases.
6. From the beginning of time, all those places that place a limit on the number of wives to one, are in essence giving permission to commit adultery. Even though this abominable act creates countless evils it is not considered a crime.
7. Is it more tolerable for a wife to accept another wife for her husband or a mistress? Consider the mental, spiritual, monetary and physical aspects of this.
8. Is it right for any self-respecting and honourable woman to be the owner of a home and have a husband who is responsible for her well-being and safety and that her children are considered legitimate and she is considered respectful in society? Or should she display her beauty to all who will look but no one is willing to neither be the father of her children nor take on any other responsibilities?
9. In spite of all their scientific successes, are Europe and America not alarmed at the increasing number of illegitimate children being born and unwed mothers? (According to a U.N. report, in some European countries, the number of illegitimate children born is as high as 70% of all births). They have publically started stating that there is no way out of this predicament without following the laws of the Qur’an. (Zia-ul-Qur’an Vol 1 Pages 317-318)
This verse means that other than the women mentioned in verse 23 of Surah Nisaa, all other women are lawful and it is permissible to marry them.
Allah Ta’ala also states in the following verse:
“And
whoever among you does not have in marriage free, believing women due
to poverty, should marry from the believing bondwomen you own...” (Surah
Nisaa Verse 25)
This verse means that those of you who do not have the means or finances to marry a free Muslim woman should marry a Muslim slave woman and this is not a matter of shame.
Point: It is permissible for the person who has the means to marry a free woman to also marry a slave girl. This point is not made in this verse but is proven from the previous verse.
Point: It is also permissible to marry a slave girl from the people of the Book but it is better and preferred to marry a believer as is mentioned in the following verse:
“...and likewise are the virtuous Muslim women and the virtuous women from the people who received the Book(s) before you when you give them their bridal money - marrying them, not committing adultery nor as mistresses; and whoever turns a disbeliever after being a Muslim, all his deeds are wasted and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter.” (Surah Maidah Verse 5)
In relation to the above verse, Zia-ul-Ummah Hazrat Allama Peer Karam Shah Azhari writes, ‘According to some Scholars it is only allowed to marry those women of the book who are citizens of a Muslim country. It is not permissible to marry women of the book who are citizens of ‘Darul Harb’ (non-Islamic state).
According to Scholars of Hanafi Jurisprudence, it is not unlawful (Haram) but is certainly disliked (Makrooh). However, some Scholars have given permission to marry all women of the book regardless of which country they are citizens of. It should be noted that where the Qur’an here states it is lawful, this does not mean that merely being a Jew or Christian makes them lawful (for marriage). Rather, if marriage to them will cause more evil or corruption then this lawfulness is now negated.’ (Tafseer Zia-ul-Qur’an Vol 1 Page 443)
Huzoor Sadrush Shariah, Allama Mufti Amjad Ali writes, ‘It is possible that a Muslim man can marry Christian or Jewish women but it should not be done as this opens the doors to many evils. (A’alamgiri etc) This permissibility (of marrying them) is only if they are firm on their Christian or Jewish faith. If they are merely ‘Jewish’ or ‘Christian’ by name and in reality are atheist as is very common nowadays then it is not permissible to marry them nor is their slaughtered meat lawful which nowadays is not slaughtered correctly either. (Bahar-e-Shariat Vol 7 Page 17)
“And do not marry the women who were wedded to your fathers (and grand fathers), except what has already passed; that is indeed an act of shame and great wrong; and an evil way. (Surah Nisaa Verse 22)
In the following verse Allah Azzawajalla states:
“Forbidden for you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your father’s sisters, and your mother’s sisters, and your brothers’ daughters and your sisters’daughters, and your foster-mothers (who breastfed you), and their daughters (your foster-sisters), and your wives’ mothers (mothers-in-law), and your wives’ daughters who are under your protection - born of the women with whom you have cohabited; and if you have not cohabited with them, then it is no sin for you to marry their daughters; and (forbidden are) the wives of your own sons (and foster sons and grandsons) and the keeping of two sisters together in marriage, except what has already passed; indeed Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. And all married women are forbidden for you except the wives of disbelievers who come into your possession as bondwomen; this is Allah’s decree for you; and other than these, all women are lawful for you so that you seek them in exchange of your wealth in proper wedlock, not adultery; therefore give the women you wish to marry, their appointed bridal money; and after the appointment (of bridal money) there is no sin on you if you come to a mutual agreement; indeed Allah is All Knowing, Wise.” (Surah Nisaa Verse 23-24)
At another point Allah Azzawajalla states:
“And do not marry polytheist women until they become Muslims; for undoubtedly a Muslim bondwoman is better than a polytheist woman, although you may like her; and do not give your women in marriage to polytheist men until they accept faith; for undoubtedly a Muslim slave is better than a polytheist, although you may like him; they invite you towards the fire; and Allah invites towards Paradise and forgiveness by His command; and explains His verses to mankind so that they may accept guidance.” (Surah Baqarah Verse 221)
There are certain women whom it is unlawful to marry and there are certain reasons why it is not allowed to marry them.
There are below types of women it is not allowed to marry for various reasons.
First Type: Those women who are unlawful due to a close relationship with them and there are seven categories – Mother, daughter, sister, paternal aunt, maternal aunt, paternal niece (brother’s daughter), maternal niece (sister’s daughter).
Mother means the woman whose child you are either directly or indirectly. As well as the birth mother, this category also includes grandmothers (maternal and paternal) and great grandmothers etc. Regardless of how many generations up you go they are all unlawful to marry as they are either your own mother or the mother of your parents, grandparents etc.
Daughter means those women who are his offspring meaning daughter, grand-daughter, great grand-daughter (paternal and maternal) regardless of how many generations removed she is as she is considered a daughter.
Second Type: The second group of women whom it is not allowed to marry are those women who are related by marriage meaning your wife’s daughters, mother and grandmothers. Also the wives and daughters of your fatherin-law and grandfathers-in-law etc.
Third Type: Those women who have a blood relationship with each other which makes it unlawful for a man to be married to them both at the same time. For example, if a man marries a woman, her sister is now considered to be his sister and therefore he cannot marry her at the same time. Similarly he cannot marry his wife’s aunt (maternal or paternal) as they are his wife’s aunts and his relationship with them is now considered to be that of aunt and nephew. Therefore, they cannot be wives at the same time and even if he was to divorce his wife, he cannot marry the relations of his ex-wife mentioned above until she has completed her ‘Iddat’ (probationary period). (Hidaya etc)
Fourth Type: Those women who are in your possession by way of slavery like slave-girls regardless of whether she is solely in your possession or jointly owned by someone else. However, latter day Scholars state that Nikah should be performed with them to be on the safe side but this does not mean the usual Nikah with Mehr and divorce allowances. (Hidaya, Bahaar)
Fifth Type: Those women with whom Nikah is forbidden as a result of polytheism (shirk).
Sixth Type: Those women who are unlawful as their marriage to someone else have not yet been terminated.
Seventh Type: Those women who are unlawful as their marriage to someone else have not yet been terminated.
Eighth Type: Those women who are unlawful as a result of already having the maximum number of wives.
Ninth Type: Those women who are unlawful as a result of the relationship of suckling (drinking their milk). (Qanoon-e- Shariat)
Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Abbas(RA) narrates that the Beloved Prophet of Mercy (PBUH) said, “You will not find anything better for people in love than Nikah.” (Ibne Majah Shareef Hadith 1920)
Ponder the fact that before Nikah two people do not even know each other. They are from different families and backgrounds. An Arab and a non-Arab, an Asian and African, when they are legally married they become so devoted and attached to each other that their love becomes such that they do not leave other until death. The relationship that is developed as a result of Nikah is not temporary or brief, rather it is long lasting and permanent.
More Benefits of Nikah at a Glance
There are many benefits of Nikah and some of them are being mentioned here:
1. Nikah safeguards a person’s eyes, protects their chastity and saves a person from a multitude of sins.
2. Performing Nikah ensures that one acts upon a blessed Sunnah of RasoolAllah(PBUH) .
3. Pious children will benefit a person in this world and the hereafter.
4. Pious children born as a result of Nikah can be used to strengthen and reinforce the Islamic community.
5. Having children enables one to act upon the blessed Sunnahs of RasoolAllah (PBUH) which concern children.
6. Having children ensures that the laws of Allah Ta’ala and RasoolAllah (PBUH) concerning children can be acted upon.
7. When a person becomes old and weak, the children become a means of help and support.
8. The passion and desire to work hard and earn money is instilled in a person in order to provide for a wife and children.
9. Society looks at a person with respect as a result of being a family man.
10. If a child dies in infancy it will intercede for the parents.
11. A pious wife is a true companion in all situations. Secrets can be shared with her and she is a great support in times of difficulty.
12. There is nothing comparable to the closeness (physical and psychological) that a husband and wife have. (Sharhey Sahih Muslim Summary by Allama Gulam Rasool Sa’eedi)
It has already been mentioned that if Nikah is performed in order to act upon a Sunnah of RasoolAllah À then it is worship and if it is performed to fulfil sexual desires then the Nikah will still be valid but you will be deprived of receiving reward for it. Let us look at some of those Ahadith in which Allah Ta’ala’s Beloved Prophet À has mentioned the aims of
Nikah in clear words.
(1) Performing Nikah to act upon a Sunnah:
Hazrat Abu Hurairah narrates that RasoolAllah À said, “He who does not follow my traditions (Sunnahs) is not from me Islamic Concept of Nikah (not one of my followers).” (Bukhari Shareef Hadith 5063, Muslim Shareef Hadith 3469)
In another Hadith it states, “Whoever loves me should act upon my Sunnahs and undoubtedly performing Nikah is my Sunnah.” (Kanzul A’amaal Hadith 44413) In this Hadith RasoolAllah À has stated that Nikah is his Sunnah and has urged people to perform Nikah and cautioned against avoiding it.
(2) Performing Nikah to increase the human race:
Hazrat Abu Dawood narrates on the authority of Hazrat Mu’aqal bin Yasaar Ä that RasoolAllah À said, “Marry women who love you and who will produce offspring because (on the Day of Judgment) I will have pride on your increased numbers in front of the other nations (Ummahs).” (Abu Dawood Shareef Hadith 2052)
(3) Performing Nikah in order to avoid sins:
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood Ä narrates that RasoolAllah À said, “O Young men! Those of you who have the strength to manage a home should get married as this lowers the gaze and guards the private parts. The person who does not have the means to manage a home should Fast as this decreases sexual desire.” (Muslim Shareef Hadith 3464)
Each person is entrusted with sexual desire and it is necessary to have a lawful wife in order to fulfil this desire otherwise he will be embroiled in various sins and be deserving of the wrath of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore, if a person has the means he should get married in order to be safeguarded from shamefulness and punishment in both worlds.
Performing Nikah is worship provided the intention is correct and the aim is to act upon the Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet. The aims of Nikah have been mentioned very clearly in many verses of the Qur’an and some of them are being mentioned below.
Allah Ta’ala states: “And among His signs is that He created spouses for you from yourselves for you to gain rest from them, and kept love and mercy between yourselves; indeed in this are signs for the people who ponder.” (Surah Rum Verse 21)
In relation to the above verse, Zia-ul-Ummah, Hazrat Allama Peer Muhammed Karam Shah Azhari writes:
‘The path of life is very difficult. There are roadblocks at every step with many issues, difficulties, setbacks and disappointments. In spite of all this, the order is given to recognise the Lord and be merciful to His creations. We have been locked in a box and placed at the bottom of the ocean and then are ordered to get out safely and not get wet. However, in order to comfort and console humans, to keep their faltering feet steady, to lift the burden of worries and issues from their shoulders, the merciful Lord gave him a wife from his own species to accompany him on this journey. As well as being of the same species, he placed pure and firm love and mercy in their hearts for one another to bring them even closer together. This relationship is not only for when they are healthy, young and times are good. Rather this relationship will not break when misfortune strikes or times are hard. As the clouds of sadness grow darker and more menacing, this loves becomes brighter and stringer. When times are bad, their closeness and affection becomes even stronger. Additionally, they are created in such a manner that they are both incomplete without each other. The achievement of their desires, dreams, wishes and happiness is dependent on them being with one another.
Just think! If the light of love did not illuminate this dangerous road (of life) and if (a married couple’s) love and mercy did not help and support one another then how difficult and frightening would this journey of life be? May thousands of our lives be sacrificed on that merciful Creator who created woman from man and then joined them in such a way through love and mercy that even thinking about being away from them is distressing.’ (Zia-ul-Qur’an, Vol 3, Page 568)
Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’an:
“It is He Who created you from a single soul, and from him made its mate for him to gain comfort with her…” (Surah Aa’raaf Verse 189)
He also states: “And Allah created you from clay, then a drop of liquid, then made you as couples…” (Surah Faatir Verse 11)
“The Maker of the heavens and the earth; He has created pairs for you from yourselves and pairs from the animals…” (Surah Shu’raa Verse 11)
Additionally, the Lord of the world’s states:
“And it is We who created you in pairs.” (Surah Nabaa Verse 8)
It is clear from the verses mentioned above that this relationship is a supreme creation of Allah Ta’ala. The Almighty does not desire that anyone should live alone and be without a partner which he why He did not allow the Father of mankind Hazrat Adam à to be alone. The next thing he created was Hazrat Hawwa Ǻ . When mankind stepped onto this earth he was not alone, he had a partner and when mankind steps into Paradise he will also have a partner, just as Allah Ta’ala has stated:
“Indeed this day the dwellers of Paradise are in comfort, with blissful hearts. They and their wives are in shades, reclining on thrones.” (Surah Yasin Verses 55-56)
Allah Ta’ala has not only created pairs for humans but He has created pairs for all creations. Just as He has stated:
“And We created all things in pairs, so that you may ponder.” (Surah Thaariyaat Verse 49)
In relation to the above verse, Sadrul Afaadil, Hazrat Syed Allama Na’eemuddin Muradabaadi  states: ‘For example heaven and earth, sun and moon, night and day, dry and wet, hot and cold, humans and jinn, light and darkness, infidelity and faith, good fortune and misfortune, truth and falsehood and males and females. Everything was created in pairs so that humans would ponder and realise that all these were created the Almighty One who has no similarity, no partner, no pair, no parallel and He is the only one worthy of worship.’ (Khaza-inul Irfan)
Jama’at is when Muslims gather to make Salah in which one is the Imam
who leads and the rest are muqtadee who follow him; there is great
reward for Jama’at.
1) Sayeduna Anas (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates
that the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Whoever
reads Salah with Jama’at for forty days with the first takbeer* two
salvations will be written for him: one from hell and one from
hypocrisy.”
2) Sayyedina Abdullah bin Umar (Radi Allahu anhu)
narrates that the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,
“Salah with Jama’at is twenty-seven times greater than salah prayed
alone.”
3) Imam Muhammad Gazali (Rahmatullahi Alaih) says, “Salah
was so important to our salafus saliheen [pious predecessors] that if
they missed the first takbeer they would mourn for three days and if
anyone missed Jama’at then they would mourn for seven days.”
(Mukashifatil Quloob)
4) Sayeduna Maymoon bin Mahraan
(Rahmatullahi Alaih) came to the Masjid. He was told that the jam’aat
has finished. Upon hearing this, he sadly said, “The fazilat
(auspiciousness) of this [Jama’at] is better than ruling over Iraq .”
(Mukashifatul Quloob)
5) Sayeduna Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu anhu)
narrates that the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,
“If the people knew what was in the [calling of] Azaan and [being a part
of] the first saf [row of Jama’at] then they would not get it without
drawing names. So they would draw names [i.e., they would compete for
the honor of these two acts]. (Bukhari) Thoughts and Points
6)
Jama’at is compulsory for every sane and mature man who has the ability
to pray salah. It is very important for the people living in the
vicinity of the Masjid to attend the Jama’at.
7) To move closer
to a Masjid or Madrasa with the intention of getting Jama’at is a very
commendable action. May Allah give us the taufeeq to keep our Masjids
and Madarsas filled. In fact, keep this in mind when moving or buying a
house.
8) If you live so far that you can not drive or walk to
the Masjid or Madrasa comfortably then make time to come for Jama’at at
least once or twice a day or week or more [based on distance and means
of travel] to at least earn the reward of coming for and praying with
Jama’at.
10) One should not think ‘I can’t make it for Jama’at, I
am too busy with school or work and family, this is from Shaitan. If
you make the intention and effort, Allah-willing, the hardships will go
away.
11) Stand in the saf (rows) shoulder to shoulder so that there is no space left in between.
12) To wait for Salah has been called “Salah,” so be punctual for the Salah.
When beginning salaat, men raise both
hands. The tips of thumbs must touch the earlobes. Palms must be turned
towards the Qibla. Saying of Allahu Akbar (Takbir) begins as the hands
leave the ears and finish as they are folded under the navel.
NOTE:
Women raise their both hands as high as their shoulders and say the
takbir of beginning. Then they put their hands on their chest.
Watch video of Namaz Steps ( Namaz ka Tarika)
There are seven conditions for a salaat to be corrected.
NIYYAT (intention) is made while saying the takbir at the beggining. It is permissible to make niyyat before that, too.
(I)
To make niyyat for salaat means to intend in the heart to perform a
particular Salaat - Its name, time, qibla, to wish to follow the imam
(when performing salaat in jama'at) etc. Such as saying, "I pray two
rakat (or as many required for that time) Fard (if its Fard or say
Sunnat if its Sunnat or say Wajib if its Wajib or Say Nafil if its
Nafil) of Fajr (or whichever Salaat it is) for Allah Ta'ala and facing
towards the Ka'aba."
(ii) Knowledge only, that is, knowing what is to be done will not be niyyat.
(iii) The niyyat made after the takbir of beginning is not correct and that salaat is not acceptable.
(iv)
When making niyyat for prayers that are fard or wajib, it is necessary
to know which fard or wajib they are. For example, it is necessary to
know the name of the fard and to say for instance, "To perform today's
early afternoon prayer (Zuhr)," or, the time's fard." When performing
the salaat of Eid or witr, it is necessary to think of its being wajib
and its name.
(v) It is good (mustahab) but not necessary to make niyyat for the number of rak'ats (cycles).
(vi) When performing a sunnat the niyyat "To perform salaat will suffice."
(vii)
When beginning to worship, saying orally only is not called niyyat.
Worships done without niyyat are not acceptable in all four Madhhabs
(Hanfi, Shaafi, Maliki and Hambali). Thus niyyat is done from the heart.
TAHRIMA
means to say "Allahu Akbar"
When
beginning salaat it is Fard to say Tahrima. No other word to replace it
is acceptable. If the takbir is said too long, like AAllah (with AA
instead of one A) in the beginning or Akbaar (with aa instead of one a)
at the end, salaat will not be accepted. If 'Takbir' is said before the
Imam, salaat will not have started.
QIYAMmeans to stand.
(I) When standing, the two feet must be four finger's width apart from each other.
(ii)
In Fards,Wajibs and in the sunnat of Fajr salaat Qiyam is Fard. It
means a person who is healthy but performs the above mentioned salaat
while sitting, is not acceptable, He must perform all of the mentioned
Salaats with qiyam for his salaat to be accepted.
(iii) He who is
too ill to stand should perform salaat sitting, and if too ill to sit
he should lie down on his back and performs it with his head (by
moving,nodding his head,etc,). A pillow must be put under his head so
that his face will be towards the qibla instead of towards the sky. He
bends his knees, so that he will not stretch his legs towards the qibla.
(iii) As qirat is wajib to recite Surah
Fatiha and to also recite a sura or three ayats in every rak'at of
sunnats and of witr prayer and in the first two rak'ats of the fard.
(iv)
In the fard (prayers of salaat that are obligatory), it is wajib to say
the Fatiha and the other sura at the two first rak'ats. Additionally,
it is wajib to say Surah Fatiha before the sura. Furthermore, it is
wajib to say the fatiha once in every rak'at. If one of these five
wajibs is forgotten, it is necessary to make sajda-e-sahw.
(v) In
the third and the fourth rak'ats of the fard, it is sunnat for the Imam
as well as for a person who performs salaat individually to say the
Fatiha. [Ibni Abidin shami, p 343].
(vi) A settled (resident)
person who follows a traveling one stands up when the imam makes the
salam after the second rak'at,and performs two more rak'ats,but he does
not make the qirat. That is, he does not say the Fatiha or the other
sura. He does not say any prayer as if he were praying salaat behind the
imam.
(vii) In every prayer of salaat except Friday prayer and
Eid prayer, it is sunnat for the imam that the sura he says in the first
rak'at (after the Fatiha) be twice as long as the one he says in the
second rak'at.
(viii) It is makruh to say a sura in the second
rak'at three ayats longer than the sura said in the first rak'at.It is
always wajib to read the suras or ayats from the Qur'an.
(xi) A
person who is too ill to stand, or feels dizzy or has a headache or
toothache or pain in some other part of his body or can not control wind
or bleeding when he stands should perform salaat sitting.
QIRAT:
Means to read (recite) by mouth gently. Reading gently means to read
only as loud as can hear yourself. (I) The recitation is called Jahri,
that is, loud if its heard by people who stand on each side of the
recitor. (ii) It is fard to say an ayat (verse) of the Quran while in
Qiyam (standing) in every Rakat and it must be in the order as they are
written in the Quran. For example one cannot recite Surah Naas in first
rakaat and Surah Ikhlas in second.
RUKU: After
the sura you bend for Ruku whilst saying takbir. (I) In ruku men open
their fingers and put them on their knees. They keep their back and head
leveled in ruku. Also the arms and legs must be straight and then you
say, "Subhana Rabbiyel Azeem" at least thrice. (ii) If the imam raises
his head before you have said it three times you must raise your head
too. You must not wait to complete the recitation thrice. In Ruku women
do not open their fingers, they do not keep their head and back level,
nor their arms and legs straight.
It is sunnat, for the imam as
well as a person who is performing salaat alone, to say 'Sami Allahu
liman hamidah' while straightening up from Ruku. The Jama'at does not
say it. Right after saying it (if praying alone) or upon hearing the
imam recite it (if with jama'at), you must say 'Rab'bana lakal hamd',
and stand upright. Then, saying takbir (Allahu Akbar) start to kneel
down for the Sajdah. First place the right knee and then the left knee,
followed by the right and then left hand on the floor. Finally, the nose
and the forehead bones are placed put on ground.
SAJDAH
(prostration)
(i)
In Sajdah, fingers must be closed (no gap in between fingers), pointing
towards the qibla in line with the ears, and the head must be between
hands. It is fard to put the forehead on something clean, such a clean
stone, clean ground, clean wood or clean cloth and it is wajib to put
the nose down too. It is not permissible to put only the nose on the
ground without a good excuse. It is makruh to put only the forehead on
the ground. Thr nose should be pressured enough so that the bone of nose
feel the ground, its very important to keep in account when perfoming
salat on a soft carpet.
(ii) In sajda, you say, 'Subhana Rabbiyal A'la' at least thrice.
(iii)
It is fard to put two feet or at least one finger of any foot on the
ground. If both the feet are not placed on ground, salaat will be
annulled and not be accepted.
(iv) It is sunnat to bend the toes
and turn them towards the qibla. (v) Men must keep their arms and thighs
away from their abdomen.
(vi) Sajda must be done on the ground
on condition that you will press on them until you feel their hardness,
that is until your forehead cannot move downward any more. Same applies
for the nose. Special precaution is required on this issue when
peroforming salat on a carpet.
(vii) It is written in 'Halabi':
"When going into sajda it is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to pull up the skirts of
your loose long robe or your trousers, and it is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to
fold them before beginning salaat. It is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to perform
salaat with folded sleeves, cuffs or skirt." Special attention is needed
on this issue for the people of India and Pakistan who wear Shalwar and
Kurta. If pulled or folded one must repeat the Salat.
(viii) It
is Makruh to perform salaat with a bare head because of laziness or
without realizing the importance of performing salaat with a covered
head. For, not to cover one's head means to disobey the ayat: "Take your
ornamented clothes and cover yourself for salaat!"
(xi) It is sunnat to wrap a turban (Imama)
around the head whether in white or black color as Rasulullah Salallahu
Alaihi Wasallam used these colours or any other color.
(x) Allama
Ibne Abidin Shami Rehmatullahi Ta'ala Alaih said, "Direction towards
qibla is fard for salaat. That is, salaat is performed by turning
towards the direction of the Ka'aba. Salaat is performed for Allah.
Sajda is done for Allah Ta'ala only, not for the Ka'aba. One who makes
sajdah for the Ka'aba becomes a disbeliever."
QAI'DA-I-AKHIRA:
Means
sitting in the last rak'at. it is fard to sit as long as it takes to
say the Athiyyat, "Atthayyato Lillahe Wassalawato Wat Tayyebato Assalamu
Alaika Ayyohan Nabiyo Wa Rehmatullahe Wa Barakatoh Assalamu Alaina Wa
Ala Ibadillahis Sualaiheen Ashadu An La ilaah illal Laho Wa Ashadu Anna
Mohammadan Abdohoo Wa Rasooloohoo" When sitting, men put their left foot
flat on the ground with it toes pointing towards the right. They sit on
this foot. The right foot should be upright, with the toes touching the
ground and bent and pointing towards the qibla.
NOTE 1: Women
sit by Tawarruk. That is, they sit with their buttocks on the ground.
Their thighs should be close to each other. Their feet should jut out
from the right.
NOTE 2: When you reach at Ashadu An La raise your
index finger of your right hand upward facing about 45 degrees by
closing the fist, and drop it back and spread the hand to its original
position at illal Laho.
KHUROOJ BI SUN'EEHI:
To
signify the completion of prayer by word or action. It means to finish
out prayer by saying or doing something. Salaat is completed by saying,
"Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rehmatullah" First by moving head towards right and
saying it, then towards left and saying it. PRAYER AFTER THE SALAAT:
(i) It is mustahab (good) for the imam to turn right or left or towards the jama'at.
(ii)
It is stated in a hadith, 'If a person says, "Astaghfirullah
Al'azim-il-llazi La ilaha illa Huw-al-hayy-ul-qayyuma Wa Atubu ilayh",
after every prayer of salaat, all his sins will be forgiven.
(iii)
Imam and the followers raise their hands as high as their chest and
pray (Dua) for themselves and for all muslims. A hadith declares,
'Prayers (Dua) sent after the five daily fard will be accepted.'
(Tirmidhi). But the prayers (Dua) must be done with a vigilant heart.
Not with fingers turned towards the qibla, arms not opened apart in the
right-left direction, arms too close to each other, too far forward etc.
(iv)
While saying Dua, the fact is that it is mustahab (good) to say salaat
and salaam upon RasoolAllah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam),
(v) After making your Prayers (Dua), it is sunnat to rub the hands gently on the face. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN PERFORMING SALAAT:
(i)
When beginning to perform salaat, a woman raises both hands up to the
level of her shoulders. While standing she puts her right hand on the
left hand. However, she does not grasp her left wrist the fingers of her
right hand. She puts her hands on her breast. While making ruku, her
hands are placed on the knees, but do not grasp them. She keeps her
fingers close together. She does not keep her legs straight, nor her
back level. While making sajda, she lowers herself, bringing her arms to
her side while she keeps her abdomen placed over her thighs. She sits
on the buttocks, her legs inclined towards right.
(ii) A woman cannot be imam for men. If they follow a man as imam, they should be in last line of the jama'at.
(iii)
While performing salaat in jama'at, if a woman stands besides or in
front of a man, the man salaat will be Fasid (nullified). PAINFUL TORMENT AT THE TIME OF DEATH, IN GRAVE, ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT AND IN HELL.
A
hadith shareef, quoted in the book 'Qurratul'uyun,' declares, "If a
person does not perform salaat though he has no good excuse, Allah
ta'ala will give him fifteen kinds of punishment. Six of them will come
in the world, three will come at the time of death, three will come in
the grave, and three will come when rising from the grave. The six
plagues in the world are:
1-Person who does not perform salaat will not have barakat {blessings} in his life.
2-He will not have the beauty afforded to those who are loved by Allah ta'ala.
3-He will not be given reward for any good he does.
4-His supplications (duas) will not be accepted.
5-No one will like him.
6-Supplications that (other) Muslims invoke for him will do him no good. Kinds of torment he will suffer when dying are:
1-He will expire in an abhorrent, unsightly, repugnant manner.
2-He will die hungry.
3-No matter how much water he has, he will die with painful thirst. Kind of torment he will suffer in the grave are:
1-The grave will squeeze him. His bones will intertwine.
2-His grave will be filled with fire, which will scorch him day and night.
3-Allah
Ta'ala will send a huge snake to his grave. It is not like terrestrial
serpents. It will sting him at every prayer time each day. It will never
leave him alone any moment. Kinds of torment he will suffer after rising are:
1-Angels of torment will drag him to hell will never leave him alone.
2-Allah Ta'ala will meet him with wrath.
3-His
accounts will be settled in a very vehement manner, and he will be
flung into hell. (May Allah save us) On the other hand, we see that one
who performs salaat five times a day his sins are forgiven. As it is
stated in the hadith, RasoolAllah (salallahu alaihi wasallam) asked his
companions: "If there were a river in front of one's house and if he
washed himself in this river five times every day, would there be any
dirt left on him?" We (Jabir bin Abdullah and other sahaba present
there) said, "No, O Rasulallah." Allah's most beloved Prophet (salallahu
alaihi wasallam) said, "Likewise minor sins of those who perform the
five daily prayers are forgiven." Ibn Jawzi (may Allah be pleased with
him) wrote in his tafsir Elmugni: Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased
with him) said that, "When the time of a daily prayer of salaat comes,
Angels say, 'O the sons of Adam, stand up! Extinguish the fire prepared
to burn human beings by performing salaat.
Method of praying Qaza Salahs Quickly
If
someone has missed Salahs in their account. Either one time's or of
many years, they must pray their Qaza as soon as possible. Salah is a
Fard and not forgiven. On the day of judgement Salah will be the first
thing asked about.
For the people who have many years of missed
Salahs. There is a way to pray them quickly. Following instructions have
four exceptions and has all Fards and Wajibs for a complete Salat.
Please pray your Qaza as soon as possible. Even of you could pray one
days Qaza Salahs every day which are only 20 rakahs (3 wajib witr),
please do it. It only takes few mins to perform 20 rakahs according to
the following instructions.
1) In Ruku and
Sajdah instead of reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" and "Subhaana
Rabbiyal A'la" three times, say it only once. But make sure do not leave
Ruku posture untill the Meem (M) of Azeem has been said properly.
Similarly do not leave the posture of Sajdah until Ala has been said
completely. Just make sure to say these Tasbeehaat properly and do not
rush.
2) In third and four Rakah of Fard Salah
instead of reciting the whole Soorah Fatiha say "Subhan Allah" three
times and go to Ruku, . Make sure "Subhan Allah" has been recited three
times properly, do not rush. This exeption is only for Fard. In third
rakah of Witr it's a must to recite full Soorah Fatiha followed by at
least three ayahs of Quran or a soorah (as we usually do in first and
second rakah). 3) In last Qaidah (when we sit
for Attahyyat) before Salam, after Attahyyat instead of full Durood and
Dua just say, "Allah Humma Salle Ala Sayedena Mohammad Wa Aalihi", then
finish the Salat with Salam. Dua is not a must here.
4) In Witr, instead of full Dua-e-Qunoot just say "Rabbigh Fir Lee" one or three times.
(Fatawa Rizvia, Part 3, Page 622)
Salatul Tasbih - For forgiveness of All Sins
Benefits of Salat-Ul-Tasbih
Our
Beloved Prophet Mohammed (Sallallaho Alihiwa Sallam) said to his uncle
Sayyiduna Abbass (may Allah be pleased with him), "Oh uncle, Shall I not
give you? Shall I not grant you? Shall I not award you? Shall I not do
mercy on you? When you do 10 things Allah will forgive your sins: of the
future and of the past; new and old; those you have forgotten and those
you did knowingly; big and small; hidden and revealed."
Then he
(Sallallaho Alihiwassallam) explained the taught the way to pray
Salatul Tasbih and then said if you can pray this salah once a day, if
you can not pray once a day then every Friday, and even if this is not
possible then once a month and even if this is not possible then once a
year and even if this is not possible then at least once in a lifetime
(Abu Dawood & Tirimzi) How to perform Salatul Tasbih
This
salaat (namaz) is offered in four rakat at a time and can be read in
any part of the day and night besides Zawal and Sunrise and Sunset
makrooh times, keeping in mind the forbidden times for performing Salat
(namaaz). But is is preferred before Zuhr (Fatawa Alamgeeri)
The Tasbih to be read in Salaat-Ul-Tasbeeh:
" Subhaan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar "
Method:
Goal is to recite above Tasbih 300 times in Four Rakah with the following method. In the first rakaat, after reading Sana "Subhaana Kallahumma...", read the tasbih 15 times.
Now
recite "Aoozubillah...", "Bismillah...", Then read sura Fatiha and a
Surah or minimum of three small Ayayhs then read the tasbih 10 times
again.
Go to ruku saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar), after
reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" minimum of three times read the
tasbih 10 times in Ruku.
Saying "Samee Allahu Liman Hamidah Rabbana Lakal Hamdh" get up from ruku to qiyam position.
Now read the tasbih 10 times.
Go
to Sajdah saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting "Subhaana
Rabbiyal A'la" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in
Sajdah.
Now go after first Sajdah go to Jalsa (sitting position)
saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar). Sitting in Jalsa read tasbih 10 times.
Go
to sajda again saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting
"Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times
in Sajdah again.
Get up to begin 2nd rakat saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar).
Do
rakah #2 in same fashion, but before reading Bismillah "Bismillah...",
and Surah Fatiha, read the tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did
in first Rakat.
After second Sajdah of Second Rakat sit in Qaidah
Oola (first sitting) read Attahiyat, Durood and Dua then get up for 3rd
rakaat without saying Salam.
Begin third Rakat, just like the first Rakat, with Sana "Subhaana Kallahumma...", read the above tasbih 15 times.
Follow the rest as you did in first Rakat untill you sit for Qaidah Akihra (last sitting) after second sajdah of fourth Rakah.
In Qaidah Akihra Attahiyat, Durood, Dua finish Salah with Salam. Special notes for Salat-Ul-Tasbih:
1) Do not count loudly. It will break Salah
2) Do not count on fingers or by holding a Bead Tasbih in hand. It is Makruh.
3)
You may count by pressing the fingers as a reminder. For example if you
are in Ruku. You me press pinky of your right hand first for the first
count, then the finger next to it for second count, then the middle
finger for third count, following this method untill you reach the pinky
of left hand will give you an exact count of ten. Use the same method
in Qayam, Sajdah and Jalsa.
4) If missed a count then make it up
in the next posture. For example if forgot to recite Tasbih after Surah
in Qayam. Then you may recite Tasbish 20 times instead of 10 in Rukuh
after "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem". Missed Tasbih cannot be recited in
Qayam after ruku and Jalsa between Sajdah. If you missed the Tasbih in
Ruku then recite 20 in the first Sajdah instead of the Qayam after
rukuh. Similarly if missed the Tasbih in first Sajdah then do not make
it up in Jalsa. Instead recite missed tasbih in the second Sajdah. If
Tasbih has been missed in last sajdah of second or fourth Rakah then you
can recite the missed ones before Attahiyat in Qaidah.
5) If you
miss a wajib in Salah and have to do Sajdah Sahaw. You dont have to
recite Tasbih in Sajdah sahoo, since the 300 count has been estalished.
But if you had missed Tasbih in any of the postures and remeber it now.
Then you may recite the missed Tasbih in Sajdah Sahaw now.
6) It
is preferable to recite after Surah Fatiha Sura Takathuur in the first
raka’, Surah Wal A’sr in the second raka’, Surah Kaferoon (qul ya
aiyuhal Kafiroon) in the third and Surah Akhlas (Qul hu Allah-hu ahd) in
the fourth raka’. If one does not remember these surah they can recite
the ones they prefer.
May Allah accept this dua’ (supplication)
for the sake of the trustworthy PROPHET MOHAMMED (Allah’s Grace &
Peace be upon him)
1. Hazrat.Imam Jaffar us Sadiq (as) said, recite the following dua in Sajdah:
RUBBAY HUB LI MIL LADUNKA ZURR1YATAN TAYYABA, INNAKA SAMI UD DUA, RUBBAY LA TAZAR NI F ARDUN WA UNTA KHAIR UL WAR/SEEN.
2. Ahlul Bait (AS) said, and it is narrated in the Kitab us Saleheen, that to conceive a child, say 70
times SUBHAN ALLAH. After that say ASTAGHFIR ULLAH RUBBI W A AA TOBO ILAIH once,
and then say SUBHAN ALLAH nine times and again ASTAGHFIR ULLAH RABBI W A AA TOBO
ILAIH once. Do this Amal in the morning and in the evening everyday.
3. Write Sura-e-Alay Imran(3) with saffron and rose water and tie that to the woman.
4. Recite Sura-e-Fajr (89) eleven times and then perform the Intercourse according to Sharia.
5. A man or a woman Fast for Seven days and at the time of Iftar recite, 21 times AL BARI UL
MUSA WWIR on the water and than drink it.
6. Aaimma (AS) said: do ISTAGHFAR more often.
SOME DUAS TO CONCEIVE A MALE CHILD.
1. Authentic Ahadees reveal that, if a Pregnant Woman decides (do Niyyah) that she will name the child either Muhammad (pBUH) or Ali (AS). Then the child born will be a boy. Insha Allah.
2. Imam Jaffar us Sadiq (AS) said: at the time of performing the Intercourse, recite ALLA HUMMA
IN RAZZAQANI ZAKRUN SUMMAITAHU MUHAMMAD.
Ya Allah(SWT) if you give me a male child I will name him Muhammad (pBUH).
3. Hazrat Imam Ali un Naqi(AS) said: If Someone engraves the following dua on a Feeroza stone
and the wears that in a ring, Insha Allah they will have a male child.
RUBBAY LA TUZ RANI FAKDUN WA UNTA KHAIRUL WAR/SEEN.
SOME DUAS FOR THE SAFE AND EASY DELIVERY
1. Imam Jaffar us Sadiq (AS) said: for the safety of the mother and the child, write
Sura-e-Qadr(97) with Mushk and Saffion and ask mother to drink it.
2. Same Imam (AS) said: write Sura-e-AL Haaqqa (69) and keep it with the mother.
3. For the easy delivery, recite Sura-e-Qadr (97), at the time of delivery.
4. During the pregnancy, Mother should keep Sura-e- Waqia(56) with her.
5. Recite Sura-e- Inshiqaq(84) after Daily Prayers. Also at the time of delivery.
Remember, the first Madrassah, for a child is the Mother who should try their level best to raise a
pious child.
During pregnancy, your Aamal can make a big difference (good or bad) on the life of your child, so
be very careful with what you do during the pregnancy.
If you want a brave and strong child drink Milk.
If you want a well behaved and Good Looking (beautiful) child eat Watermelon.
If you want a child, with a great contentment, recite Sura-e-Wal Asr (103) while putting your
hand on your tummy.
Daily Routine During Pregnancy
Recite Sura-e-Tawheed (112), 50 times.
Recite Sura-e- Qadr (97), 50 times.
Recite Salawat, 140 times.
Do Istigraar, a lot.
Recite Sura-e-Ya Seen (36) on one Anar every day and eat it. Do this for FORTY DAYS. During
Seventh month, after Salat-e-Fajr, recite Sura-e-Anam(6) on one Almond and eat it. Do this for
FORTY DAYS.
After completing Seven months, recite following five Suras:
1. Sura-e-Hadeed (57)
2. Sura-e-Hashr (59)
3. Sura-e-Suff (61)
4. Sura-e-Juma (62), and
5. Sura-e-Taghabun(64)
Try to be in Wazoo at all times.
Do not look your self in the mirror at night.
Try your level best not to commit any Sin.
Try to perform Mustahib Aamal as much as possible.
Try not to be angry. (Don't worry be happy.)
Eat proper meals.
Eating vegetables (subzeeyan) and dairy products will help to develop beautiful skin of your
unborn child.
After Delivery
After delivery of the baby, as soon as possible, Say Azan in the Right Ear, and Aqama in the Left
Ear of the child.
You should name your child within FOUR MONTHS and TEN DAYS.
After delivery of the baby, the mother should eat Nine Dates (Khajoor).
“And if you fear that you will not be just towards orphan girls, marry the women whom you like - two at a time, or three or four; then if you fear that you cannot keep two women equally then marry only one or the bond women you own; this is closer to your not doing injustice.” (Surah Nisaa Verse 3)
