How to Perform Salaat, the Islamic Ritual Prayer [Archive]

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SkyAboveYou

08-10-2004, 12:16 AM

Before Salaat

1. Body, clothes and place of prayer must be clean.
2. Perform wudu (ritual ablution) if needed.
3. Women are required to cover their hair.
4. Face the Qibla, the direction of Mecca.
5. Stand erect, head down, hands at sides, feet evenly spaced.
6. Recite Iqama (private call to prayer):
6a. Here are some sample audiofiles of the Athan (call to prayer) Quicktime (http://www.muslim-canada.org/prayer_qt.mov), they are very similar to Iqama: Real Audio (http://www.muslim-canada.org/adthan.rm) MP3 (http://www.muslim-canada.org/athan_mp3.mp3)

Allaahu Akbar (4x)
Ashhadu alla ilaaha illa-llah(2x)
Ash Hadu anna Muhamadar rasuulullah (2x)
Hayya' alas Salaah (2x)
Hayya' ala Falaah (2x)
[Fajr only] A-Salaatu Khayrun Mina-Naum (2x)
Qad qaamitis Salaah (2x) [Iqama only - not recited in Athan]
Allaahu Akbar (2x)
Laa ilaaha illa-Lah God is great. (x4)

I bear witness that there none worthy of worship except God. (x2)
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. (x2)
Come to prayer. (x2)
Come to felicity. (x2)
[Fajr only] Prayer is better than sleep. (x2)
[Iqama only] Our prayers are now ready. Our prayers are now ready. (x2)
God is great. (x2)
There is none worthy of worship except God.

He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to say: All actions are by intention, and every man shall have what he intended.59

7. Express intent to perform Salaat (niyyat) [its enough to make niyyah in your heart]:
i.e. I intend to offer fajr(morning) prayer

SkyAboveYou

08-10-2004, 12:32 AM

Begin Salaat

1. Niyyat: Stand with respect and attention; put the world behind you.
Bring hands to ears, palms forward, thumbs behind earlobes and say (The entire prayer must be recited in Arabic, but for your information we give the English translation next to the Arabic transliteration) :

Prophet Muhammadd (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would commence the prayer by saying:

Allahu Akbar

Allah is the Greatest.

He ordered "the man who prayed badly" to do likewise as has been mentioned, and he said to him: Verily, the prayer of a person is not complete until he has made an ablution which has included the necessary parts of the body and has then said: 'Allaahu Akbar'.61

He would also used to say: The key to the prayer is purification, it is entered by takbeer and exited by tasleem.62

Also, "he used to raise his voice for the takbeer such that those behind him could hear."63 But, "when he fell ill Abu Bakr used to raise his voice to convey the takbeer of the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) to the people."64

He would also say: When the Imaam says: Allaahu Akbar, then say: Allaahu Akbar.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m1b.gifhttp://www.muslim-canada.org/m1.gif

He would raise his hands sometimes with the takbeer, sometimes after the takbeer, and sometimes before it.

"He would raise them with fingers apart [not spaced out, nor together]",69 and "he would put them level with his shoulders"70, although occasionally, "he would raise them until they were level with [the tops of] his ears."

2. Qiyam: Place right hand over left, men below navel, women at chest level;

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m2.gif

"He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to place his right arm on his left arm"72, and he used to say: We, the company of prophets, have been commanded to hasten the breaking of the fast, to delay the meal before the fast, and to place our right arms on our left arms during prayer.73

Also "he passed by a man who was praying and had placed his left arm on his right, so he pulled them apart and placed the right on the left."74

"He used to place the right arm on the back of his left palm, wrist and forearm"75, "and he commanded his companions to do likewise"76, and (sometimes) "he would grasp his left arm with his right."77
"He used to place them on his chest."78

Also "he used to forbid putting one's hand on the waist during prayer [and he put his hand on his waist (to demonstrate)]"79. And this is the "silb" which he used to forbid.80

Look at the Place of Prostration and Humility

look at the ground in front of you:

"He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to incline his head during prayer and fix his sight towards the ground"81- "while he was in the Ka'bah, his sight did not leave the place of his prostration until he came out from it"82; and he said, It is not fitting that there should be anything in the House which disturbs the person praying.83

"He used to forbid looking up at the sky"84, and he emphasised this prohibition so much that he said: People must refrain from looking up at the sky in prayer, or their sight will not return to them (and in one narration: or their sight will be plucked away).85 In another hadeeth: So when you pray, do not look here and there, for Allaah sets His Face for the face of his slave in his prayer as long as he does not look away 86, and he also said about looking here and there, "it is a snatching away which the devil steals from the slave during prayer." 87

He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) also said: Allaah does not cease to turn to a slave in his prayer as long as he is not looking around; when he turns his face away, Allaah turns away from him ; he "forbade three things: pecking like a hen, squatting (iq'aa'), like a dog and looking around like a fox"; he also used to say, Pray a farewell prayer as if you see Him, but if you do not see Him, surely He sees you90; and, Any person who, when an obligatory prayer is due, excels in its ablution, humility and bowings, will have it as a remission for his previous minor sins as long as he does not commit a major sin, and this (opportunity) is for all times.91

Once he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), prayed in a khameesah and (during the prayer) he looked at its marks. So when he finished, he said: Take this khameesah of mine to Abu Jahm and bring me his anbijaaniyyah, for it has diverted my attention from the prayer (in one narration: for I have looked at its marks during the prayer and it almost put me to trial). Also "'Aaishah had a cloth with pictures spread towards a sahwah95, towards which the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) prayed and then said: Take it away from me [for its pictures did not cease to thwart me in my prayer].96

He would also say: Prayer is not valid when the food has been served, nor when it is time to relieve oneself of the two filths.97

Opening Supplications

Recite Opening Supplication:

Next, he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would commence his recitation with many kinds of supplications in which he would praise Allaah the Exalted, and glorify and extol Him. He in fact ordered "the man who prayed badly" to do so, saying to him: No person's prayer is complete unless he says takbeer, praises Allaah the Mighty and Sublime and extols Him, recites of the Qur'aan what is easy for him ...

He would say any one of the following supplications: -

1-

Allahuma baa'id banee wa bayna khataayaaya kamaa baa'adta baynal mashriqi walmaghribi, Allaahumma naqqinee min khataayaaya kamaa yunaqqath-thawbul-'abyadhu minad-danasi, Allahum-maghsilnee min khataayaaya, bith-thalji walmaa'i walbarad.

O Allaah! Separate me (far) from my sins as you have separated (far) the East and West. O Allaah! Cleanse me of my sins as white cloth is cleansed from dirt. O Allaah! Wash me of my sins with water, ice and snow.
He used to say this in obligatory prayers

2-

Wajjahtu wajhiya lillathee fataras-samaawaati wal'ardha haneefan wa maa 'anaa minal-mushrikeen, 'inna salaatee, wa nusukee, wa mahyaaya, wa mamaatee lillahi Rabbil-'aalameen, laa shareeka lahu wa bithaalika 'umirtu wa 'anaa awal al-muslimeen. Allaahumma 'Antal-Maliku laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta. 'Anta Rabbee wa 'anaa 'abdukra, dhalamtu nafsee wa'taraftu bithanbee faghfir lee thunoobee jamee'an 'innahu laa yaghfiruth-thunooba 'illaa 'Anta. Wahdinee li'ahsanil-'akhlaaqi laa yahdee li'ahsanihaa 'illaa 'Anta, wasrif 'annee sayyia'ahaa, laa yasrifu 'annee sayyi'ahaa 'illa 'Anta, labbayka wa sa'dayka, walkhayru kulluhu biyadayka, washsharru laysa 'ilayka, 'anaa bika wa 'ilayka, tabaarakta wa ta'aalayta, 'astaghfiruka wa 'atoobu 'ilayka.

I have set my face towards the Originator of the heavens and the earth sincerely [in Islam] and I am not among the Mushrikeen. Indeed my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds: no partner has He. With this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims (those who submit to Him).100 O Allaah! You are the King, none has the right to br worshipped but You, [You are the Most Perfect & all Praise is for You] You are my Lord and I am Your slave101. I have wronged myself, and have acknowledged my sins, so forgive all my sins, for no-one forgives sins except You. Guide me to the best of characters, to which no- one can guide except You, and save me from the worst of characters, from which no-one can save except You. I am here and happy to serve you102. All good is in your Hands, and evil is not from You.103 [The guided one is he who is guided by you.] I exist by your will and belong to You. [There is no escape or shelter from You except to You.] You are blessed and exalted. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You. He used to say this in obligatory and voluntary prayers.

3-

Similair to the above without:

'Antaa Rabbee wa 'anaa abduka

You are my Lord and I am Your slave

to the end, with the following addition:

Allaahumma 'Antal-Maliku laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta. Subhaanaka wa bihamdika

O Allaah! You are the King, there is no (true) deity except You, glorified be You and praised

4-

Similair to no 2 until

wa 'anaa awal al muslimeen

and I am the first of the Muslims

, adding:

Allahuma 'ihdinee li'ahsan ilakhlaaqi wa ahsanil a'maal la yahdy li'ahsaniha 'illa anta wa qiny sayi'il akhlaaqi wal a'maali la yaqi sayi'aha illa ant.

O Allaah, guide me to the best of characters and the best of actions, no one to which can guide except You, and save me from the evil characters and actions, from which no one except You can save (others) except You

5-

Subhaanaka Allaahumaa wa bihamdika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta'aala jadduka, wa laa 'ilaaha ghayruka.

You are Glorified, O Allaah, and Praised; Your Name is Blessed; Your Majestyis Exalted, and none has the right to worshipped but You.

He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) also said, Indeed, the words most loved by Allaah are when His slave says: You are glorified, O Allaah

6-

Similar to the above, adding in prayer at night:

La 'illaha illa Allah

There is no true god except Allaah , three times, and

Allahu Akbaru Kabeeraa

Allaah is the Greatest, Very Great,
, three times

7-

Allahu 'Akbar Kabeera, walhamdu lillaahi katheera, wa Subhaanallaahi bukratan wa 'aseela.

Allaah is the Greatest, very great. Praise be to Allaah, again and again. Glorified is Allaah morning and evening - one of the Companions commenced with this, to which the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: Wonderful for it (the supplication) is that the doors of the heavens were opened for it

8-

Al Hamdulilahi hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubarakan feeh

Praise be to Allaah, many, pure, blessed praises. Another man commenced with this, to which he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: I saw twelve angels competing as to which of them would take it up

9-

Allaahumma lakal-hamdu 'Anta noorus-samaawaati wal'ardhi wa man feehinna, wa lakal-hamdu 'Anta qayyimus-samaawaati wal'ardhi wa man feehinna, [wa lakal-hamdu 'Anta Rabbus-samaawaati wal'ardhi wa man feehinna] wa lakal-hamdu laka mulkus-samaawaati wal'ardhi wa man feehinna] [wa lakal-hamdu 'Anta Malikus-samaawaatti wal'ardhi] [wa lakal-hamdu] ['Antal-haqq, wa wa'dukal-haqq, wa qawlukal-haqq wa liqqa'ukal-haqq, waljannatu haqq, wannaaru haqq, wannabiyyoona haqq, wa Muhammadun (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) 'aslamtu, wa 'alayka tawakkaltu, wa bika 'aamantu, wa 'ilayka 'anabtu, wa bika khaasamtu, wa 'ilayka haakamtu. Faghfir lee maa qaddamtu, wa maa 'akhkhartu, wa maa 'asrartu, wa maa 'a'lantu] ['Antal-Muqaddimu, wa 'Antal=Mu'akhkhiru laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta] ['Anta 'ilaahee laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta].

O Allaah, to You belongs all Praise. You are the Light115 of the heavens and the earth and all those in them; to You belongs all Praise. You are the Maintainer of the heavens and the earth and all those in them; [to You belongs all Praise. You are the King of the heavens and the earth and all those in them] to You belongs all Praise. You are the Haqq; Your promise is haqq; Your saying is haqq; meeting You is haqq; Paradise is haqq; the Fire is haqq; the Hour is haqq; the Prophets are haqq; Muhammad is haqq. O Allaah! to You I have submitted; in You I have placed my trust; in You I have believed; to You I have turned; for Your sake I have fought; to You I have referred for judgement; [You are our Lord and to You is the end of all journeys: so forgive me my earlier and later sins, what I have concealed and what I have showed] [and whatever else You know about more than I.] You are the Bringer- Forward and You are the Delayer; [You are my deity;] and none has the right to worshipped but You. [and there is no might nor power except with You].

He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to say this in prayer at night, as he did the following supplications:

10-

Allaahumma Rabba Jibraa'eela, wa Mikaa'eela, wa 'Israafeela faatiras-samawaati wal'ardh, 'Aalimal-ghaybi washshahaadati, 'Anta tahkumu bayna 'ibaadika feemaa kaanoo feehi yakhtalifoon Ihdinee limakh-tulifa feehi minal-haqqi bi 'ithnika 'innaka tahdee man tashaa'u 'ilaa siraatim-mustaqeem

O Allaah, Lord of Jibraa'eel, Meekaa'eel and Israafeel, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of all that is hidden and open! It is You that will judge between Your servants in those matters about which they used to differ. Guide me by Your Grace to the Truth concerning that about which they differed, for indeed You guide whomsoever You wish to a path that is straight

11-

He would say takbeer, tahmeed, tasbeeh, tahleel and istighfaar ten times each, and then say,

Allaahum-maghfir lee, wahdinee, warzuqnee [wa'aafinee]

O Allaah! forgive me and guide me and give me sustenance and [overlook my sins] ten times, and then say:

Allaahummu ini a'oothu bika min al 'dhiqi yawmal hisaab]

O Allaah! I seek refuge with You from the distress of the Day of Account ten times

12-

He would say takbeer, tahmeed, tasbeeh, tahleel and istighfaar ten times each, and then say,

Allaahu Akbar [three times] thil-jabaarooti, walmalakooti walkibriyaa'i, wal'adhamati

"Allaah is the Greatest [three times], Possessor of Kingdom, Power, Magnificence and Might."

SkyAboveYou

08-10-2004, 12:35 AM

3. Recitation:

Next, he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would seek refuge with Allaah the Exalted, saying:

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m2.gif

A'oothu billahi min al shaytanir-rajeem min hamzihi wa nafkhihi wa nafthih

I seek refuge with Allaah from the Evil One, the Rejected, from his madness, his arrogance, and his poetry.

Sometimes he would add to this, saying:

A'oothu billahi-il samee'il aleem min al shaytanir-rajeem

I seek refuge with Allaah, the all-Hearing, the all-Knowing, from the Evil One ...

Then he would recite,

Bismillahir-Rahmanir Raheem

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy but not loudly

Fatiha Recitation:

Next, he would recite Soorah al-Faatihah and divide his recitation, reciting one verse at a time. . MP3 (http://www.muslim-canada.org/Fatiha_mp3.mp3) RealAudio (http://www.muslim-canada.org/Surah1.rm)

He would say:

Bismillaah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem

In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.

[Here he would pause, and then say:]

Al hamdu lillaahi rabbil 'alameen

Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds.

[Then he would pause, and then say:]

Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem

The Compassionate, the Merciful.

[Then he would pause, and then say:]

Maaliki Yawmid-Deen

Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.

[Then he would pause, and then say:]

'Iyyaaka na'budu wa 'iyyaaka nasta'een

You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.

[Then he would pause, and then say:]

Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem

Guide us on the straight path,

[Then he would pause, and then say:]

Siraatal-ladheena 'an'amta 'alayhim Ghayril maghdoobi' alayhim wa lada-daaalleen

the path of those who have received your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.

Sometimes, he would recite,

Maliki Yawmid-Deen

(King of the Day of Judgment) instead of

instead of

Maaliki Yawmid-Deen

(Master of the Day of Judgment)

When he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) finished reciting al- Faatihah, he would say:

http://www.qss.org/images/salah/241.gif

("aameen") loudly, prolonging his voice

He also used to order the congregation to say aameen: When the imaam says,

Ghayril maghdoobi' alayhim wa lada-daaalleen

"Not of those who receive (Your) anger, nor of those who go astray", then say "aameen" [for the angels say "aameen" and the imaam says aameen"] (in another narration: when the imaam says "aameen" say "aameen"), so he whose aameen coincides with the aameen of the angels (in another narration: when one of you says "aameen" in prayer and the angels in the sky say "aameen", and they coincide), his past sins are forgiven. In another hadeeth: ... then say aameen; Allaah will answer you.

He also used to say: The Jews do not envy you over anything as much as they envy you over the salutation and aameen [behind the imaam].

For the first two rakats at any time of prayer, recite an additional short selection from the Qur'an after al Fatiha (http://www.muslim-canada.org/ayats.html).

After completing his recitation, he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would pause for a moment21, then raise his hands22 in the way described earlier under the "Opening Takbeer", say takbeer, and make rukoo'.

4. Ruk'u: Hands drop to sides; bend from waist, palms on knees, back parallel to ground; look at feet.

He also ordered "the one who prayed badly" likewise, saying to him, Indeed, the prayer of one of you is not complete until he makes an excellent ablution as Allaah has commanded him to ... then he celebrates Allaah's greatness, praises and glorifies Him, then recites the Qur'aan as much as is easy for him from what Allaah has taught him and allowed him, then says takbeer and makes rukoo' [and places his hands on his knees] until his joints are at ease and relaxed

"He would put his hands firmly on his knees [as though he were grasping them]", and "would space his fingers out", ordering "the one who prayed badly" likewise, saying: When you make rukoo', place your palms on your knees, then space your fingers out, then remain (like that) until every limb takes its (proper) place.30

"He used to spread himself (i.e., not be in a compact position), and keep his elbows away from his sides."

"When he made rukoo', he would spread his back and make it level" , "such that if water were poured on it, it (the water) would stay there (i.e., not run off)." He also said to "the one who prayed badly", When you make rukoo', put your palms on your knees, spread your back (flat) and hold firm in your rukoo'.

"He would neither let his head droop nor raise it (i.e. higher than his back)" , but it would be in between

The Obligation of Being at Ease in Rukoo'

He used to be at ease in his rukoo', and ordered "the one who prayed badly" to be so, as has been mentioned in the first section on rukoo'.
He used to say, Complete the rukoo' and sujood, for by Him in whose Hand is my soul, I surely see you behind my back when you make rukoo' and sujood.38

"He saw a man praying not completing his rukoo' properly, and pecking in his sujood, so he said, Were this man to die in this state, he would die on a faith other than that of Muhammad, [pecking in his prayer as a crow pecks at blood; he who does not make rukoo' completely and pecks in his sujood is like the hungry person who eats one or two dates, which are of no use to him at all.

Abu Hurairah (radi Allaahu 'anhu) said, "My close friend (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) forbade me from pecking in my prayer like a cockerel, from looking around like a fox, and from squatting like a monkey."40

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) also used to say, The worst thief among men is the one who steals from his prayer. They said, "O Messenger of Allaah, how does he steal from his prayer?" He said, He does not complete its rukoo' and sujood.41

Once, "he was praying, when he glanced out of the corner of his eye at a man not settling his backbone in rukoo' and sujood. When he finished, he said, O assembly of Muslims! Verily, the prayer is not valid of the one who does not settle his spine in rukoo' and sujood."42

He said in another hadeeth, The prayer of a man does not count unless he straightens his back in rukoo' and sujood

(While bending) Allahu Akbar
(While bent) Subhanna rabbiyal 'Azeem (3x)

(While bending)God is great.

(While bent)Holy is my Lord, the Magnificent.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m3.gif

He would also say different types of remembrance of Allaah and supplication, any one of the following at a time:

1-

Subhanna Rabbiyal-'Adheem[three times]

"How Perfect is my Lord, the Supreme! three times

But sometimes, he would repeat it more than that. Once, in night prayer, he repeated it so much that his rukoo' became nearly as long as his standing before it, in which he had recited three of the Long Soorahs: Baqarah, Nisaa' and aal- 'Imraan. This prayer was full of supplication & seeking forgiveness, and the hadeeth has already been mentioned under "Recitation in Night Prayer."

3-

Subboohun, Quddoosun, Rabbul-mala'ikati warrooh

Perfect, Blessed, Lord of the Angels and the Spirit

4-

Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika Allaahum-maghfir lee

How Perfect You are O Allaah, and Praises are for You. O Allaah, forgive me.
He would say it often in his rukoo' and sujood, implementing (the order of) the Qur'aan

5-

Allaahumma laka raka'tu, wa bika 'aamantu, wa laka 'aslamtu khasa'a laka sam'ee, wa basaree, wa mukhkhee, wa 'adhmee, wa 'asabee, wa mastaqalla bihi qadamee

O Allaah! To You I have bowed; in You I have believed; to You I have submitted; [You are my Lord]; humbled for You are my hearing, my seeing, my marrow, my bone (in one narration: my bones), my sinews, [and whatever my feet carry (are humbled) for Allaah, Lord of the Worlds].

6-

Allaahumma laka raka'tu, wa bika 'aamantu, wa laka 'aslamtu wa 'alayka tawakaltu anta raby khasa'a sam'ee, wa basaree, wa damy, wa lahmy , wa 'adhmee, wa 'asabee lillahi rab-il alamin

O Allaah! to You I have bowed; in You I have believed; to You I have submitted; in You I have placed my trust; You are my Lord; my hearing, my seeing, my blood, my flesh, my bones, and my sinews are humbled for Allaah, Lord of the Worlds.

7-

Subhaana thil-jabarooti, walmalakooti walkibriyaa'i, wal'adhamati

How Perfect is He Who has all Power, Kingdom, Magnificence and Supremity.
which he used to say in night prayer

Lengthening the Rukoo'

"He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to make his rukoo', his standing after rukoo', his sujood, and his sitting in between the two sajdahs, nearly equal in length."

Forbiddance of Reciting the Qur'aan in Rukoo'

"He used to forbid recitation of the Qur'aan in rukoo' and sujood." Further, he used to say, Verily, I have indeed been forbidden from reciting the Qur'aan in rukoo' or sujood. In the rukoo', therefore, glorify the Supremity of the Lord, Mighty and Sublime, in it; as for the sujood, exert yourselves in supplication in it, for it is most likely that you will be answered.

SkyAboveYou

08-10-2004, 12:44 AM

5. Straightening up from the Rukoo': Rise from bending to standing, arms at sides.

Next, "he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would straighten up his back out of rukoo', saying,

(While rising) Sami' allaahu liman hamidah

(While rising)Allah listens to him who praises Him.

He also ordered "the one who prayed badly" to do that, when he said to him: No person's prayer is complete until ... he has said takbeer ... then made rukoo' ... then has said "Allaah listens to the one who praises Him" until he is standing straight." When he raised his head, he would stand straight until every vertebra returned to its place.

Next, "he would say while standing:

Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd

(While Standing)Our Lord, [and] to You be all Praise. [/B]

He has commanded all worshippers, whether behind an imaam or not, to do the above on rising from rukoo', by saying Pray as you have seen me praying.

He also used to say, The imaam is there to be followed ... when he has said 'Allaah listens to the one who praises Him' then say, '[O Allaah!] Our Lord, and to You be all Praise'; Allaah will listen to you, for indeed, Allaah, Blessed and Exalted, has said via the tongue of His Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam): Allaah listens to the one who praises Him.'

He also gave a reason for this command in another hadeeth, saying: for he whose saying coincides with that of the angels will have his past sins forgiven.

He used to raise his hands when straightening up, in the ways described under the Opening Takbeer.

While standing, he would say, as previously-mentioned

1-

Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd

(While Standing)Our Lord, [and] to You be all Praise. [/B]

or

2-

Rabbanaa lakal hamd

(While Standing)Our Lord, to You be all Praise. [/B]

Sometimes, he would add at the beginning of either of these:

3-

Allahuma

(While Standing)O Allaah! [/B]

He used to order others to do this, saying, "When the imaam says: Allaah listens to the one who praises Him, then say: O Allaah! Our Lord, to You be all Praise, for he whose saying coincides with that of the angels will have his past sins forgiven."67

Sometimes, he would add either:

4-

Mil'as-samaawaati wa mil'al-'ardhi wa mil'aa maa shi'ta min shay'in ba'd

(While Standing)... Filling the heavens, filling the earth, and filling whatever else You wish [/B]

5-

Mil'as-samaawaati wa mil'al-'ardhi wa maa baynahuma wa mil'aa maa shi'ta min shay'in ba'd

(While Standing)... Filling the heavens, [filling] the earth, whatever is between them, and filling whatever else You wish[/B]

Sometimes, he would add even further:

6-

'Ahlath-thanaa'i walmajdi, laa maani'a limaa 'a'tayta, wa laa mu'tiya limaa mana'ta wa laa yanfa'u thal-jaddi minkal-jadd

(While Standing)Lord of Glory & Majesty! None can withhold what You grant, and none can grant what You withhold; nor can the possessions of an owner benefit him in front of You[/B]

Or, sometimes, the addition would be:

7-

Mil'as-samaawaati wa mil'al-'ardhi wa maa baynahumaa, wa mil'a maa shi'ta min shay'in ba'd. 'Ahlath-thanaa'i walmajdi, 'ahaqqu maa qaalal-'abdu, wa kullunaa laka 'abdun. Allaahumma laa maani'a limaa 'a'tayta wa laa mu'tiya limaa mana'ta wa laa yanfa'u thal jaddi minkal jadd.

(While Standing)Filling the heavens, filling the earth, and filling whatever else You wish. Lord of Glory and Majesty! - The truest thing a slave has said, and we are all slaves to You. [O Allaah!] None can withhold what You grant, [and none can grant what You withhold,] nor can the possessions of an owner benefit him in front of You[/B]

Sometimes, he would say the following during night prayer:

8-

liraby el hamd.

(While Standing)To my Lord be all Praise, to my Lord be all Praise, [/B]repeating it until his standing was about as long as his rukoo', which had been nearly as long as his first standing, in which he had recited soorah al-Baqarah

10-

Rabbana wa lakal-hamd hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubaarakan feeh [mubaarakan alayhi 'adad ma yuhebu rabbuna wa yardha.

A man praying behind him (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said this after he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) had raised his head from rukoo' and said: Allaah listens to the one who praises Him. When the Messenger of Allaah had finished his prayer, he said, Who was the one speaking just now? The man said, "It was I, O Messenger of Allaah." So the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, I saw over thirty angels hurrying to be the first one to write it down.74

(While Standing)Our Lord, and to You be all Praise, so much pure praise, inherently blessed, [externally blessed, as our Lord loves and is pleased with]. [/B]

(Standing straight, pause) Allahu Akbar

(Response from congregation)Our Lord, to You is due all praise.

(Standing straight, pause)God is great.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m4.gif

6. Sudjood: Prostrate—hands on knees, lower slowly to kneeling position;
touch forehead, nose and palms to ground (but not elbows);
bend toes so tops of feet face the Qibla.

Subhaana rabbiyal 'Alaa (3x)

(Pause) Allahu Akbar

God is Great.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/sajdah.gif

SkyAboveYou

08-10-2004, 12:50 AM

7. Qu'ud: Rise to sitting position, looking at lap. Men turn up heel of right foot,
right toes bent; women keep both feet, soles up, under body.

(Pause) Allahu Akbar

(Pause)God is great.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m6.gif

8. Sudjood: Prostrate again.

Subhaana rabbiyal 'Alaa (3x)

(Pause) Allahu Akbar

Glory to my Lord, the Most High. (3x)

(Pause)God is great.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/sajdah.gif

SkyAboveYou

08-10-2004, 01:01 AM

9. Qu'ud: Rise to sitting position;

pause

pause

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m6.gif

10. To proceed to the second and fourth rakats:

(While rising) Allahu Akbar

(While rising) God is great.

Return to standing position recite al-Fateha

SkyAboveYou

08-10-2004, 01:06 AM

Then recite the Fatiha, (if this is the second rakat of any time of prayer, recite another short portion of the Qur'an); continue the second or fourth rakat with Ruku....

11. To complete every second rakat and the last rakat:
Remain seated and recite At-Tashahhud :1

Allaahumma salli 'alaa Muhammadin wa 'alaa ali Muhammadin
Kamaa sallaita 'alaa Ibraaheema wa 'alaa ali Ibraaheema
Innaka hameedun Majeed
Alaahumma baarik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'alaa ali Muhammadin
Kamaa baarakta 'alaa Ibraaheema wa 'alaa ali Ibraaheema
Innaka hameedun Majeed

O Allah, bless our Muhammad and the people of Muhammad;
As you have blessed Abraham and the people of Abraham.
Surely you are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.
O Allah, be gracious unto Muhammad and the people of Muhammad;
As you were gracious unto Abraham and the people of Abraham.
Surely you are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m6.gif

To Complete the Prayer: Look over right shoulder (toward the angel recording your good deeds), then the left (toward the angel recording your wrongful deeds); say each time:

As Salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatulaah

Peace and blessings of God be upon you.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/mf8.gif

Say personal prayers with hands cupped and palms up at chest level.
Wipe face with palms.
If praying in a group, stand and greet each other individually,
saying: "May God receive our prayers."
__________

1 At-Tashahhud is a recreation of the conversation held between Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon him) during the night of the Heavenly Ascent (Miraj)

A.Alwosaibei

09-02-2005, 03:17 PM

Assalamu Alaikum Wa RahmatuLlah Wa Barakatuh,
Excuse me my brother/sister but I have found a mistake in Al-Athan you wrote.

It is not:
Ashhadu Allah ilaaha illa-Lah
But:
Ashhadu alla ilaaha illa-llah

I hope you correct it soon.

Jazak(i) Allahu Khair.

A Slave of Allah

10-02-2005, 12:35 PM

Praise be to Allah, the Almighty, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Universe, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, last of the Prophets, and upon all those who adhere to his example until the Day of Judgement.

Dear brother,
Its very fine that you have worked out for others to know the way of prayer.
Alahamdulillah really it is a must thing that everyone should know.

It would have been better if you could have even supplied proper hadeeth for each of them.

Dear brother I Love Everyone working for this for the sake of ALLAH.

I shall suugest everyone who wanna know about the Prophets Prayer a book very authentic and clear. Inshallah you will gain much.

BOOK :- The Prophet's Prayer
sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam from the beginning to the end as though you see it
by: Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani
Translated by: Usama ibn Suhaib Hasan

May Allah give reward to the scholars for what they have worked upon. And guide us to The Right Path.

SkyAboveYou

10-02-2005, 01:31 PM

wa Alaykum el Salam wa Rahmatullah wa barkatuh

Jazak Allahu Khayran brother Alwosaibei...Al Hamdulilah it has been corrected...Barak Allahu feekum

Brother Slave of Allah,

I agree with you the book 'The Prophet's Prayer
sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam from the beginning to the end as though you see it' is an excellent book mashaAllah..

and this is a link to it..http://www.qss.org/articles/salah/toc.html
InshaAllah all of us could benefit from this book to improve our salah inshaAllah..

This is also a link in our E-Books section..its very good..
How to Pray (In Power Point) (http://www.en.imanway.com/showthread.php?p=1859#post1859)

Barak Allahu Feekum

& May Allah accept from us our humble deeds..

wassalam

A Slave of Allah

10-02-2005, 07:16 PM

Praise be to Allah, the Almighty, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Universe, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, last of the Prophets, and upon all those who adhere to his example until the Day of Judgement.

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh.

Dear brother,
Alhamdulillah I am happy to see your reply.
I am in doubt !

Brother Never did I find any hadith mentioning different methods of prayer for a man and woman. Please let me know about this for which i would be thankful.
As the book referenced and PowerPoint Presentation is concerned it shows us to keep our hands on or just below chest holding one's left hand with right but in this post there is a little difference. And some other differences did I find. Brother let me know if any thing that you find about that.

May Allah help me and all of us to know Sunnah better and follow them.

A.Alwosaibei

14-02-2005, 02:53 PM

Salam Alaikum dear brother/sister,

In 1st Tashahhud ..
the translation of the first statement is "O Allah, bless Muhammed and the family(people) of Muhammed"

Jazak(i) Allah Khair

Milanista23

14-02-2005, 10:06 PM

Assalam Alaikom all,

Just for information, niyyah, is in the heart and should not be said by the mouth. Because the place of niyyah is the heart always. It is one of the common mistakes by some people to mention the niyyah by mouth, which can be seen in the mosques sometimes.

Milanista23

14-02-2005, 10:21 PM

5. Qauma: Rise from bending to standing, arms at sides.

(While rising) Sami' allaahu liman hamidah

(Response from congregation) Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd
(Standing straight, pause) Allahu Akbar

(While rising)Allah listens to him who praises Him.

(Response from congregation)Our Lord, to You is due all praise.

(Standing straight, pause)God is great.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m4.gif

6. Sudjood: Prostrate—hands on knees, lower slowly to kneeling position;
touch forehead, nose and palms to ground (but not elbows);
bend toes so tops of feet face the Qibla.

Subhaana rabbiyal 'Alaa (3x)

(Pause) Allahu Akbar

God is Great.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/sajdah.gif

I would like to comment here also:

While rising from bending to standing, after you stand, the sunnah is to raise your hands as you do in the Takbeerat Al-Ihram.

Secondly, after standing, the quote says "Allahu Akbar", but allahu akbar should be said only while going into sujood, i.e while going from Qiyam to Sujood.

Finally, after saying Subhana rabiyal-A'la three times or more in sujood, the quote says "pause" Allahu Akbar. But Allahu Akbar is to be said while going from Sujood to Juloos.

Milanista23

14-02-2005, 10:33 PM

[SIZE=2]As Salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatulaah

Peace and blessings of God be upon you.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/mf8.gif

[SIZE=2]Say personal prayers with hands cupped and palms up at chest level.

After the end of the prayer, the sunnah is to say the athkaars of after prayer, which can be found in many different athkaar books, including Fortification of Muslim (http://atlas.walagata.com/w/milanista23/hesnalmoslim.zip)

Nothing is mentioned in the sunnah of duaa after prayer, but of course people can pray "make duaa" whenever they want, including after prayer.

Wipe face with palms.
All the Hadeeths which mention wiping the face with palms after duaa are dha'eef. So, wiping face with palms after duaa is not sunnah.

If praying in a group, stand and greet each other individually,
saying: "May God receive our prayers."

This is not mentioned in any sunnah reference or athar, so some scholars consider it as "bid'a (Invention in the religion)", so it is better to avoid it because our example is the prophet Mohammad "peace be upon him" and we follow our example in every single thing, this is the sunnah.

Milanista23

14-02-2005, 10:40 PM

Brother Never did I find any hadith mentioning different methods of prayer for a man and woman. Please let me know about this for which i would be thankful.

There is no difference between the prayer of man or woman. Some mistakenly say that there are differences especially in sujood, but the truth is that there is no difference.

As the book referenced and PowerPoint Presentation is concerned it shows us to keep our hands on or just below chest holding one's left hand with right but in this post there is a little difference. And some other differences did I find. Brother let me know if any thing that you find about that.

Regarding holding hands, it should be on or little bit below the chest, but the post shows it quite on the stomach. It is possibily a slight mistake in the drawing.

Can you tell me what other differnces did you find?

Milanista23

14-02-2005, 10:49 PM

11. To complete every second rakat and the last rakat:
Remain seated and recite At-Tashahhud :1

Allaahumma salli 'alaa Muhammadin wa 'alaa ali Muhammadin
Kamaa sallaita 'alaa Ibraaheema wa 'alaa ali Ibraaheema
Innaka hameedun Majeed
Alaahumma baarik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'alaa ali Muhammadin
Kamaa baarakta 'alaa Ibraaheema wa 'alaa ali Ibraaheema
Innaka hameedun Majeed

O Allah, bless our Muhammad and the people of Muhammad;
As you have blessed Abraham and the people of Abraham.
Surely you are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.
O Allah, be gracious unto Muhammad and the people of Muhammad;
As you were gracious unto Abraham and the people of Abraham.
Surely you are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.

http://www.muslim-canada.org/m6.gif

Hmm, this is not tashahhud for sure, but this is "assalah Al-Ibrahimiyyah", but attashuhhud to be said before Assalah Al-Ibrahimiyyah.

Here is the text for attashahud:

Transliteration: Attahiyyatu lillahi wassalawatu wattayyibat, assalamu AAalayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu warahmatul-lahi wabarakatuh, assalamu AAalayna waAAala AAibadil-lahis-saliheen. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illal-lah, wa-ashhadu anna Muhammadan AAabduhu warasooluh.

Translation: ‘At-tahiyyat is for Allah. All acts of worship and good deeds are for Him. Peace and the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you O Prophet. Peace be upon us and all of Allah’s righteous servants. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’
At-tahiyyat: all words which indicate the glorification of Allah. His eternal existence, His perfection and His sovereignty.

Assalah Al-Ibrahimiyah to be said after attashahhud.

Milanista23

18-02-2005, 09:18 PM

Just to mention some of the mistakes in prayer which were already mentioned in this forum from this link (http://www.qss.org/articles/errors/errors.html#RTFToC26)

- Shaking hands with other praying people right after fardh prayer is over, saying, 'taqabbala-llah', or 'haraman'
This is a bid'ah which was never practiced by the Prophet's companions or their followers, may Allah be pleased with them.

- Raising hands for dua' soon as prayer is over.
This was not the practice of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam). The Sunnah is to start with dthikr soon after salah is over. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) said: When you recite, 'At-tahiyyat...', (just before tasleem), choose whichever du'a you like [An-Nasaee].
The best forms of du'a are those authentically related to the Prophet, (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam).. Insha' Allah, we will publish the authentic du'a masnoon, soon.

- Walking away right after tasleem, at the end of prayer, and neglecting dthikr.
Dthikr is reciting subhanal-Lah 33 times, alhamdu Lilah 33 times Allahu Akbar 33 times, reciting La ilaha illal-Laah 10 times reciting ayat al-Kursi [i.e. verse 255 of surah 2 al Baqarah], or other authentic dthikr.

- Neglecting raising the hands in the opening takbeer of salah and before and after rukoo', and upon standing up for the third rak'ah.
Abdullah bin Umar said, "I saw the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) raising his hands to the level of his shoulders, upon starting prayer, and before bending for rukoo' and when he stood up again [Ibid].
Raising hands with every takbeer, subsequent to the first takbeer in janazah, Eed or rain prayers is not recommended. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) used to put his hands on his chest (while standing in prayer) [Al Bukhari, Abu Dawood & others].

- Mumbling the niyyah or intention, and uttering it in a low audible voice.
The heart is the place of intention. Mumbling words such as "I intend to pray such prayer or such number of rak'aat, or I intend to fast, or do such act of worship or another," just before starting prayer is a bid'ah which was practiced neither by the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) nor his companions, nor by their followers.
Uttering the above words of niyyah allows shaitaan to put irrelevant words in the mouth of the person who utters the niyyah. Do you remember at one time or another that once you stood up for dhuhr prayer and discovered yourself saying, "I intend to pray four rak'aat of Isha," or when you were standing for Asr prayer you made your intention to pray fajr instead? This confusion is from shaitan. Had you kept silent, shaitan would have no chance of confusing you.

SkyAboveYou

18-02-2005, 10:24 PM

wa alaykum el salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh brother..

InshaAllah the first posts will be edited on the light of the information provided in Shaikh Albani's book and the

barak Allahu fekum and fe the brothers who called the attention to this thread...InshaAllah i would try to work on them on these two days...

if there are still any more that need to be edited plz mention the # of the post that need be changed so inshaAllah it can be edited..

wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh

Milanista23

18-02-2005, 10:30 PM

Jazakumullahu Khairan for your efforts.

A Slave of Allah

05-03-2005, 03:52 PM

Assalaam wa alaikum wa rahamtullahi wa barakaatuhu,
Alhamdulillah - Dear brothers May Allah give us more knowledge about Islam.
Jazakumullahu Khairan for your efforts.
Dear brother "SkyAboveYou" May Allah make your effort a means of knowledge for many muslims and also means for showering of Rehmat of Allah upon you and ever muslim brother. And make everyone take the Sunnah of Prophet SAWS in every action.

harunrzk

04-09-2007, 12:27 AM

candle of hope

04-09-2007, 12:59 PM

Hello brother harun..

you can learn more about islam by visiting the threads we have..
i'll give you some links and inshaAllah it helps you to know more about islam..
http://www.imanway.com/en/showthread.php?t=1049

http://www.imanway.com/en/showthread.php?t=1230

http://www.imanway.com/en/showthread.php?t=1199

http://www.imanway.com/en/showthread.php?t=1059

you will find more topics here:

http://www.imanway.com/en/forumdisplay.php?f=52&order=desc

amrosary2001

04-09-2007, 04:14 PM

salam guys,I was introduced to this new community site and i found it cool,check it out

http://www.mecca.com

AL-FIRDAUS

05-12-2007, 06:50 AM

How To Attain Khushoo In Prayer

04-11-2007

The most important hurdle to overcome from the outset in attaining khushoo in Prayer is absentmindedness. It is this that destroys the quality of a Prayer, for Allah does not accept the Prayers of a wandering mind.

The ability to concentrate in Prayer may be improved by undertaking adequate psychological, mental and physical preparation before the Prayer and by utilizing certain techniques whilst performing the Prayer. Below are some examples:

1) Psychological and Mental Preparations

*Get into the habit of praying at the earliest hour. Do not procastinate.

*Pray as much of your fard Salat in jama'a or congregation as is possible. [al-Baqara 2:43]

*Avoid praying in a state in which you are mentally and physically fatigued. [al-Nisa 4:43]

* Keep your mind free of worldly worries and engagements.

*If you do not understand Arabic learn the meaning of what you recite in your Prayer.

*Remind yourself that engaging in Prayer offers you an opportunity to release yourself from the pressures and tensions of this world. Cherish the opportunity to remove the shackles and burdens of this world from your shoulders. [al-Baqara 2:45]

*Use your Prayer to remain focused on your mission in life - to bring your entire being to serve only Allah.

*Use your Prayer as a source of strength, inspiration and enthusiasm for your life and activities.

2) Physical Preparation

*Fulfill all your personal needs before you commence your Prayer, for example, thirst, hunger and calls of nature.

*Pray in a pure physical state. Perform your wudu with care and perfection. [al-maida 5:6]

*Adorn yourself with clean and respectable clothes for Allah has said: "O children of adam, wear your best clothes at every place of worship." [al-Araf 7:31]

3) Performing Your Prayer

*Assess your mental readiness for Prayer before its commencement, during the various postures with its attendant recitations, after each raka and ultimately at the end. Try to make improvements at each stage.

*Pray with humility both in your mental state and in your physical manner. Pray with hope and awe, asking Allah for His mercy and forgiveness.

*Remind yourself continually that you are talking to the most important 'Being' in your life - your Creator and Sustainer.

*Adopt a whispering technique in your recitation. This will increase your ability to remain focused on what you are saying. [al-Isra 17:110]

*As you recite the Quran, translate it into your own language so that your attention is held. As you concentrate upon the meaning and implications of the words, insya Allah, all thoughts of worldly ideas will disappear.

*Pray as if it is your last prayer.

Performing your Prayer in a satisfactory manner should lead to a radical change in the way you lead your daily life. Salat must be as the Quran states: "Surely, salat prevents indecency and evil." [al-Ankabut 29:45]. Your improved and more disciplined life will in turn help the quality of your Prayer to increase even more. The two should feed one another and continuosly reinforce each other.

Note that there is a punishment for a Prayer not performed satisfactorily. It will be a witness against you rather than a witness for you on the Day of Judgement. However, the reward for a Prayer well performed is immeasurable. The Prophet said: "If a man performs two rakas of Salat without the distraction of worldly thoughts, all his previous sins will be forgiven." [Bukhari]

from the book: In The Early Hours by Khurram Murad