Sahih Bukhari : Book 21: Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)

by AbdurRahman.orgSeptember 2, 2014October 5, 2016

Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 21:

Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 221:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

When the Prophet got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer, he used to say:

Allahumma lakal-hamd. Anta qaiyimus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, Laka mulkus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard. Walakalhamd, anta-l-haq wa wa’duka-l-haq, wa liqa’uka Haq, wa qualuka Haq, wal-jannatu Haq wan-naru Haq wannabiyuna Haq. Wa Muhammadun, sallal-lahu’alaihi wasallam, Haq, was-sa’atu Haq. Allahumma aslamtu Laka wabika amantu, wa ‘Alaika tawakkaltu, wa ilaika anabtu wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu faghfir li ma qaddamtu wama akh-khartu wama as-rartu wama’a lantu, anta-l-muqaddim wa anta-l-mu akh-khir, la ilaha illa anta (or la ilaha ghairuka).

(O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth And Paradise is true And Hell is true And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true; And Muhammad is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allah ! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, And with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) And I take You as a judge (to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you . Sufyan said that ‘Abdul Karim Abu Umaiya added to the above, ‘Wala haula Wala quwata illa billah’ (There is neither might nor power except with Allah).

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 222:

Narrated Salim’s father:

In the life-time of the Prophet whosoever saw a dream would narrate it to Allah’s Apostle. I had a wish of seeing a dream to narrate it to Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) I was a grown up boy and used to sleep in the Mosque in the life-time of the Prophet. I saw in the dream that two angels caught hold of me and took me to the Fire which was built all round like a built well and had two poles in it and the people in it were known to me. I started saying, “I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire.” Then I met another angel who told me not to be afraid. I narrated the dream to Hafsa who told it to Allah’s Apostle. The Prophet said, “Abdullah is a good man. I wish he prayed Tahajjud.” After that ‘Abdullah (i.e. Salim’s father) used to sleep but a little at night.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 223:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to offer eleven Rakat and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Quran) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 224:

Narrated Jundab:

The Prophet became sick and did not get up (for Tahajjud prayer) for a night or two.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 225:

Narrated Jundab bin ‘Abdullah :

Gabriel did not come to the Prophet (for some time) and so one of the Quraish women said, “His Satan has deserted him.” So came the Divine Revelation: “By the forenoon And by the night When it is still! Your Lord (O Muhammad) has neither Forsaken you Nor hated you.” (93.1-3)

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 226:

Narrated Um Salama:

One night the Prophet got up and said, “Subhan Allah! How many afflictions Allah has revealed tonight and how many treasures have been sent down (disclosed). Go and wake the sleeping lady occupants of these dwellings up (for prayers), perhaps a well-dressed in this world may be naked in the Hereafter.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 227:

Narrated ‘Ali bin Abi Talib

One night Allah’s Apostle came to me and Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet and asked, “Won’t you pray (at night)?” I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Our souls are in the hands of Allah and if He wants us to get up He will make us get up.” When I said that, he left us without saying anything and I heard that he was hitting his thigh and saying, “But man is more quarrelsome than anything.” (18.54)

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 228:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to give up a good deed, although he loved to do it, for fear that people might act on it and it might be made compulsory for them. The Prophet never prayed the Duha prayer, but I offer it.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 229:

Narrated ‘Aisha, the mother of the faithful believers:

One night Allah’s Apostle offered the prayer in the Mosque and the people followed him. The next night he also offered the prayer and too many people gathered. On the third and the fourth nights more people gathered, but Allah’s Apostle did not come out to them. In the morning he said, “I saw what you were doing and nothing but the fear that it (i.e. the prayer) might be enjoined on you, stopped me from coming to you.” And that happened in the month of Ramadan.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 230:

Narrated Al-Mughira:

The Prophet used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, “should I not be a thankful slave.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 231:

Narrated Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As:

Allah’s Apostle told me, “The most beloved prayer to Allah is that of David and the most beloved fasts to Allah are those of David. He used to sleep for half of the night and then pray for one third of the night and again sleep for its sixth part and used to fast on alternate days.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 232:

Narrated Masruq:

I asked ‘Aisha which deed was most loved by the Prophet. She said, “A deed done continuously.” I further asked, “When did he used to get up (in the night for the prayer).” She said, “He used to get up on hearing the crowing of a cock.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 233:

Narrated Al-Ashath:

He (the Prophet (p.b.u.h) ) used to get up for the prayer on hearing the crowing of a cock.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 234:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

In my house he (Prophet (p.b.u.h) ) never passed the last hours of the night but sleeping.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 235:

Narrated Qatada:

Anas bin Malik said, “The Prophet (p.b.u.h) and Zaid bin Thabit took their Suhur together. When they finished it, the Prophet stood for the (Fajr) prayer and offered it.” We asked Anas, “What was the interval between their finishing the Suhur and the starting of the morning prayer?” Anas replied, “It was equal to the time taken by a person in reciting fifty verses of the Quran.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 236:

Narrated Abu-Wa il:

‘Abdullah said, “One night I offered the Tahajjud prayer with the Prophet and he kept on standing till an ill-thought came to me.” We said, “What was the ill-thought?” He said, “It was to sit down and leave the Prophet (standing).”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 237:

Narrated Hudhaifa :

Whenever the Prophet got up for Tahajjud prayer he used to clean his mouth (and teeth) with Siwak.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 238:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar :

A man said, “O Allah’s Apostle! How is the prayer of the night?” He said, “Two Rakat followed by two Rakat and so on, and when you apprehend the approaching dawn, offer one Raka as Witr.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 239:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The prayer of the Prophet used to be of thirteen Rakat, i.e. of the night prayer.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 240:

Narrated Masruq:

I asked Aisha about the night prayer of Allah’s Apostle and she said, “It was seven, nine or eleven Rakat besides the two Rakat of the Fajr prayer (i.e. Sunna). “

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 241:

Narrated ‘Aisha,

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to offer thirteen Rakat of the night prayer and that included the Witr and two Rakat (Sunna) of the Fajr prayer.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 242:

Narrated Anas bin Malik

Sometimes Allah’s Apostle would not fast (for so many days) that we thought that he would not fast that month and he sometimes used to fast (for so many days) that we thought he would not leave fasting through-out that month and (as regards his prayer and sleep at night), if you wanted to see him praying at night, you could see him praying and if you wanted to see him sleeping, you could see him sleeping.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 243:

Narrated Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle said, “Satan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, ‘The night is long, so stay asleep.’ When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 244:

Narrated Samura bin Jundab:

The Prophet said in his narration of a dream that he saw, “He whose head was being crushed with a stone was one who learnt the Quran but never acted on it, and slept ignoring the compulsory prayers.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 245:

Narrated ‘Abdullah :

A person was mentioned before the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and he was told that he had kept on sleeping till morning and had not got up for the prayer. The Prophet said, “Satan urinated in his ears.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 246:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, “Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 247:

Narrated Al-Aswad:

I asked ‘Aisha “How is the night prayer of the Prophet?” She replied, “He used to sleep early at night, and get up in its last part to pray, and then return to his bed. When the Muadh-dhin pronounced the Adhan, he would get up. If he was in need of a bath he would take it; otherwise he would perform ablution and then go out (for the prayer).”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 248:

Narrated Abu Salma bin ‘Abdur Rahman:

I asked ‘Aisha, “How is the prayer of Allah’s Apostle during the month of Ramadan.” She said, “Allah’s Apostle never exceeded eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in other months; he used to offer four Rakat– do not ask me about their beauty and length, then four Rakat, do not ask me about their beauty and length, and then three Rakat.” Aisha further said, “I said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Do you sleep before offering the Witr prayer?’ He replied, ‘O ‘Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart remains awake’!”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 249:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

I did not see the Prophet reciting (the Quran) in the night prayer while sitting except when he became old; when he used to recite while sitting, and when thirty or forty verses remained from the Sura, he would get up and recite them and then bow.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 250:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

At the time of the Fajr prayer the Prophet asked Bilal, “Tell me of the best deed you did after embracing Islam, for I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal replied, “I did not do anything worth mentioning except that whenever I performed ablution during the day or night, I prayed after that ablution as much as was written for me.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 251r:

Narrated Anas bin Malik

Once the Prophet (p.b.u.h) entered the Mosque and saw a rope hanging in between its two pillars. He said, “What is this rope?” The people said, “This rope is for Zainab who, when she feels tired, holds it (to keep standing for the prayer.)” The Prophet said, “Don’t use it. Remove the rope. You should pray as long as you feel active, and when you get tired, sit down.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 251n:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

A woman from the tribe of Bani Asad was sitting with me and Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) came to my house and said, “Who is this?” I said, “(She is) So and so. She does not sleep at night because she is engaged in prayer.” The Prophet said disapprovingly: Do (good) deeds which is within your capacity as Allah never gets tired of giving rewards till you get tired of doing good deeds.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 252:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As:

Allah’s Apostle said to me, “O ‘Abdullah! Do not be like so and so who used to pray at night and then stopped the night prayer.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 253:

Narrated ‘Ubada bin As-Samit:

The Prophet “Whoever gets up at night and says: — ‘La ilaha il-lallah Wahdahu la Sharika lahu Lahu-l-mulk, waLahu-l-hamd wahuwa ‘ala kullishai’in Qadir. Alhamdu lil-lahi wa subhanal-lahi wa la-ilaha il-lal-lah wa-l-lahu akbar wa la hawla Wala Quwata il-la-bil-lah.’ (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. He is the Only One and has no partners . For Him is the Kingdom and all the praises are due for Him. He is Omnipotent. All the praises are for Allah. All the glories are for Allah. And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, And Allah is Great And there is neither Might nor Power Except with Allah). And then says: — Allahumma, Ighfir li(O Allah! Forgive me). Or invokes (Allah), he will be responded to and if he performs ablution (and prays), his prayer will be accepted.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 254:

Narrated Abu Huraira

That once Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, “Your brother, i.e. ‘Abdullah bin Rawaha does not say obscene (referring to his verses): Amongst us is Allah’s Apostle, who recites His Book when it dawns. He showed us the guidance, after we were blind. We believe that whatever he says will come true. And he spends his nights in such a way as his sides do not touch his bed. While the pagans were deeply asleep.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 255:

Narrated Nafi:

Ibn ‘Umar said, “In the life-time of the Prophet I dreamt that a piece of silk cloth was in my hand and it flew with me to whichever part of Paradise I wanted. I also saw as if two persons (i.e. angels) came to me and wanted to take me to Hell. Then an angel met us and told me not to be afraid. He then told them to leave me. Hafsa narrated one of my dreams to the Prophet and the Prophet said, “Abdullah is a good man. Would that he offer the night prayer (Tahajjud)!” So after that day ‘Abdullah (bin ‘Umar) started offering Tahajjud. The companions of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to tell him their dreams that (Laila-tul-Qadr) was on the 27th of the month of Ramadan. The Prophet said, “I see that your dreams agree on the last ten nights of Ramadan and so whoever is in search of it should seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 256:

Narrated ‘Aisha;

Allah’s Apostle offered the ‘Isha’ prayer (and then got up at the Tahajjud time) and offered eight Rakat and then offered two Rakat while sitting. He then offered two Rakat in between the Adhan and Iqama (of the Fajr prayer) and he never missed them.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 257:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet used to lie down on his right side, after offering two Rakat (Sunna) of the Fajr prayer.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 258:

Narrated ‘Aisha :

After offering the Sunna of the Fajr prayer, the Prophet used to talk to me, if I happen to be awake; otherwise he would lie down till the Iqama call was proclaimed (for the Fajr prayer).

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 259:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

After offering the two Rakat (Sunna) the Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to talk to me, if I happen to be awake; otherwise he would lie down.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 260:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet was never more regular and particular in offering any Nawafil than the two Rakat (Sunna) of the Fajr prayer.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 261:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to offer thirteen Rakat in the night prayer and on hearing the Adhan for the morning prayer, he used to offer two light Rakat.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 262:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to make the two Rakat before the Fajr prayer so light that I would wonder whether he recited Al-Fatiha (or not).

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 263:

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah :

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara (Istikhara means to ask Allah to guide one to the right sort of action concerning any job or a deed), in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Quran. He said, “If anyone of you thinks of doing any job he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer): — ‘Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as’alaka min fadlika al-‘azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta’lamu Wala a’lamu, Wa anta ‘allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta’lam anna hadha-l-amra Khairun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati amri (or ‘ajili amri wa’ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati amri (or fi’ajili amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu kana Thumma ardini bihi.’ (O Allah! I ask guidance from Your knowledge, And Power from Your Might and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter–(or said: If it is better for my present and later needs)–Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it, and if You know that this job is harmful to me In my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter–(or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs)–Then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, And make me satisfied with it). The Prophet added that then the person should name (mention) his need.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 264:

Narrated Abu Qatada bin Rabi Al-Ansari;

The Prophet said, “If anyone of you enters a Mosque, he should not sit until he has offered a two-Rakat prayer.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 265:

Narrated Anas bin Malik

Allah’s Apostle led us and offered a two Rakat prayer and then went away.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 266:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar Abu,

I offered with Allah’s Apostle a two Rakat prayer before the Zuhr prayer and two Rakat after the Zuhr prayer, two Rakat after Jumua, Maghrib and ‘Isha’ prayers.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 267:

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah :

While delivering a sermon, Allah’s Apostle said, “If anyone of you comes while the Imam is delivering the sermon or has come out for it, he should offer a two Rakat prayer.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 268:

Narrated Mujahid:

Somebody came to the house of Ibn ‘Umar and told him that Allah’s Apostles had entered the Ka’ba. Ibn ‘Umar said, “I went in front of the Ka’ba and found that Allah’s Apostle had come out of the Ka’ba and I saw Bilal standing by the side of the gate of the Ka’ba. I said, ‘O Bilal! Has Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) prayed inside the Ka’ba?’ Bilal replied in the affirmative. I said, ‘Where (did he pray)?’ He replied, ‘(He prayed) Between these two pillars and then he came out and offered a two Rakat prayer in front of the Ka’ba.’ ” Abu ‘Abdullah said: Abu Huraira said, “The Prophet (p.b.u.h) advised me to offer two Rakat of Duha prayer (prayer to be offered after sunrise and before midday). ” Itban (bin Malik) said, “Allah’s Apostle

(p.b.u.h) and Abu Bakr, came to me after sunrise and we aligned behind the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and offered two Rakat.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 269:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

I offered with the Prophet two Rakat before the Zuhr and two Rakat after the Zuhr prayer; two Rakat after Maghrib, Isha’ and the Jumua prayers. Those of the Maghrib and ‘Isha’ were offered in his house. My sister Hafsa told me that the Prophet used to offer two light Rakat after dawn and it was the time when I never went to the Prophet.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 270:

Narrated ‘Amr:

I heard Abu Ash-sha’tha’ Jabir saying, “I heard Ibn Abbas saying, ‘I offered with Allah’s Apostle eight Rakat (of Zuhr and ‘Asr prayers) together and seven Rakat (the Maghrib and the ‘Isha’ prayers) together.’ ” I said, “O Abu Ash-shatha! I think he must have prayed the Zuhr late and the ‘Asr early; the ‘Isha early and the Maghrib late.” Abu Ash-sha’tha’ said, “I also think so.” (See Hadith No. 518 Vol. 1).

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 271:

Narrated Muwarriq:

I asked Ibn ‘Umar “Do you offer the Duha prayer?” He replied in the negative. I further asked, “Did ‘Umar use to pray it?” He (Ibn ‘Umar) replied in the negative. I again asked, “Did Abu Bakr use to pray it?” He replied in the negative. I again asked, “Did the Prophet use to pray it?” Ibn ‘Umar replied, “I don’t think he did.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 272:

Narrated ‘Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila:

Only Um Hani narrated to me that she had seen the Prophet offering the Duha prayer. She said, “On the day of the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet entered my house, took a bath and offered eight Rakat (of Duha prayers. I had never seen the Prophet offering such a light prayer but he performed bowing and prostrations perfectly .

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 273:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

I never saw the Prophet offering the Duha prayer but I always offer it.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 274:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

My friend (the Prophet) advised me to do three things and I shall not leave them till I die, these are: To fast three days every month, to offer the Duha prayer, and to offer Witr before sleeping.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 275t:

Narrated Anas bin Sirin:

I heard Anas bin Malik al-Ansari saying, “An Ansari man, who was very fat, said to the Prophet, ‘I am unable to present myself for the prayer with you.’ He prepared a meal for the Prophet and invited him to his house. He washed one side of a mat with water and the Prophet offered two Rakat on it.” So and so, the son of so and so, the son of Al-Jarud asked Anas, “Did the Prophet use to offer the Duha prayer?” Anas replied, “I never saw him praying (the Duha prayer) except on that day.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 275:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

I remember ten Rakat of Nawafil from the Prophet, two Rakat before the Zuhr prayer and two after it; two Rakat after Maghrib prayer in his house, and two Rakat after ‘Isha’ prayer in his

house, and two Rakat before the Fajr prayer and at that time nobody would enter the house of the Prophet Hafsa told me that the Prophet used to offer two Rakat after the call maker had made the Adhan and the day had dawned.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 276:

Narrated Aisha:

The Prophet never missed four Rakat before the Zuhr prayer and two Rakat before the Fajr prayer.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 277:

Narrated ‘Abdullah Al-Muzni:

The Prophet said, “Pray before the Maghrib (compulsory) prayer.” He (said it thrice) and in the third time, he said, “Whoever wants to offer it can do so.” He said so because he did not like the people to take it as a tradition.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 278:

Narrated Marthad bin ‘Abdullah Al-Yazani:

I went to ‘Uqba bin ‘Amir Al-Juhani and said, “Is it not surprising that Abi Tamim offers two Rakat before the Maghrib prayer?” ‘Uqba said, “We used to do so in the life-time of Allah’s Apostle.” I asked him, “What prevents you from offering it now?” He replied, “Business.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 279:

Narrated Mahmud bin Ar-rabi’ Al-Ansari,

that he remembered Allah’s Apostle and he also remembered a mouthful of water which he had thrown on his face, after taking it from a well that was in their house. Mahmud said that he had heard Itban bin Malik, who was present with Allah’s Apostle in the battle of Badr saying, “I used to lead my people at Bani Salim in the prayer and there was a valley between me and those people. Whenever it rained it used to be difficult for me to cross it to go to their mosque. So I went to Allah’s Apostle and said, ‘I have weak eye-sight and the valley between me and my people flows during the rainy season and it becomes difficult for me to cross it; I wish you would come to my house and pray at a place so that I could take that place as a praying place.’ Allah’s Apostle said, ‘I will do so.’ So Allah’s Apostle and Abu Bakr came to my house in the (next) morning after the sun had risen high. Allah’s Apostle asked my permission to let him in and I admitted him. He did not sit before saying, ‘Where do you want us to offer the prayer in your house?’ I pointed to the place where I wanted him to pray. So Allah’s Apostle stood up for the prayer and started the prayer with Takbir and we aligned in rows behind him; and he offered two Rakat, and finished them with Taslim, and we also performed Taslim with him. I detained him for a meal called “Khazir” which I had prepared for him.–(“Khazir” is a special type of dish prepared from barley flour and meat soup)–

When the neighbors got the news that Allah’s Apostle was in my house, they poured it till there were a great number of men in the house. One of them said, ‘What is wrong with Malik, for I do not see him?’ One of them replied, ‘He is a hypocrite and does not love Allah and His Apostle.’ On that Allah’s Apostle said, ‘Don’t say this. Haven’t you seen that he said, ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah for Allah’s sake only.’ The man replied, ‘Allah and His Apostle know better; but by Allah, we never saw him but helping and talking with the hypocrites.’ Allah’s Apostle replied, ‘No doubt, whoever says. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and by that he wants the pleasures of Allah, then Allah will save him from Hell.” Mahmud added, “I told the above narration to some people, one of whom was Ab-u Aiyub, the companion of Allah’s Apostle in the battle in which he (Ab-u Aiyub) died and Yazid bin Mu’aw7ya was their leader in Roman Territory. Abu Aiyub denounced the narration and said, ‘I doubt that Allah’s Apostle ever said what you have said.’ I felt that too much, and I vowed to Allah that if I remained alive in that holy battle, I would (go to Medina and) ask Itban bin Malik if he was still living in the mosque of his people. So when he returned, I assumed Ihram for Hajj or ‘Umra and then I proceeded on till I reached Medina. I went to Bani Salim and Itban bin Malik, who was by then an old blind man, was leading his people in the prayer. When he finished the prayer, I greeted him and introduced myself to him and then asked him about that narration. He told that narration again in the same manner as he had narrated it the first time.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 280:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar,

Allah’s Apostle said, “Offer some of your prayers in your houses and do not make them graves.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 281:

Narrated Quza’a:

I heard Abu Said saying four words. He said, “I heard the Prophet (saying the following narrative).” He had participated in twelve holy battles with the Prophet.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Apostle , and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem).”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 282:

Narrated Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle said, “One prayer in my Mosque is better than one thousand prayers in any other mosque excepting Al-Masjid-AI-Haram.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 283:

Narrated Nafi’:

Ibn ‘Umar never offered the Duha prayer except on two occasions:

(1) Whenever he reached Mecca; and he always used to reach Mecca in the forenoon. He would perform Tawaf round the Ka’ba and then offer two Rakat at the rear of Maqam Ibrahim.

(2) Whenever he visited Quba, for he used to visit it every Saturday. When he entered the Mosque, he disliked to leave it without offering a prayer. Ibn ‘Umar narrated that Allah’s Apostle used to visit the Mosque of Quba (sometime) walking and (sometime) riding. And he (i.e. Ibn ‘Umar) used to say, “I do only what my companions used to do and I don’t forbid anybody to pray at any time during the day or night except that one should not intend to pray at sunrise or sunset.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 284:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Dinar:

Ibn ‘Umar said, “The Prophet used to go to the Mosque of Quba every Saturday (sometimes) walking and (sometimes) riding.” ‘Abdullah (Ibn ‘Umar) used to do the same.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 285:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

The Prophet used to go to the Mosque of Quba (sometimes) walking and sometimes riding. Added Nafi (in another narration), “He then would offer two Rakat (in the Mosque of Quba).”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 286:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Mazini:

Allah’s Apostle said, “Between my house and the pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise.”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 287:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “Between my house and my pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 288:

Narrated Qaza’a Maula:

(freed slave of) Ziyad: I heard Abu Said Al-khudri narrating four things from the Prophet and I appreciated them very much. He said, conveying the words of the Prophet.

(1) “A woman should not go on a two day journey except with her husband or a Dhi-Mahram.

(2) No fasting is permissible on two days: ‘Id-ul-Fitr and ‘Id-ul-Adha.

(3) No prayer after two prayers, i.e. after the Fajr prayer till the sunrises and after the ‘Asr prayer till the sun sets.

(4) Do not prepare yourself for a journey except to three Mosques, i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Aqsa (Jerusalem) and my Mosque.”

Sahih Bukhari : Book 14: Fear Prayer

by AbdurRahman.orgSeptember 2, 2014July 10, 2016

Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 14:

Fear Prayer

Volume 2, Book 14, Number 64:

Narrated Shu’aib:

I asked Az-Zuhri, “Did the Prophet ever offer the Fear Prayer?” Az-Zuhri said, “I was told by Salim that ‘Abdullah bin Umar I had said, ‘I took part in a holy battle with Allah’s Apostle I in Najd. We faced the enemy and arranged ourselves in rows. Then Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) stood up to lead the prayer and one party stood to pray with him while the other faced the enemy. Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) and the former party bowed and performed two prostrations. Then that party left and took the place of those who had not prayed. Allah’s Apostle prayed one Raka (with the latter) and performed two prostrations and finished his prayer with Taslim. Then everyone of them bowed once and performed two prostrations individually.’ “

Volume 2, Book 14, Number 65:

Narrated Nafi’:

Ibn Umar said something similar to Mujahid’s saying: Whenever (Muslims and non-Muslims) stand face to face in battle, the Muslims can pray while standing. Ibn Umar added, “The Prophet said, ‘If the number of the enemy is greater than the Muslims, they can pray while standing or riding (individually).’ “

Volume 2, Book 14, Number 66:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

Once the Prophet (p.b.u.h) led the fear prayer and the people stood behind him. He said Takbir (Allahu-Akbar) and the people said the same. He bowed and some of them bowed. Then he prostrated and they also prostrated. Then he stood for the second Raka and those who had prayed the first Raka left and guarded their brothers. The second party joined him and performed bowing and prostration with him. All the people were in prayer but they were guarding one another during the prayer.

Volume 2, Book 14, Number 67:

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah:

On the day of the Khandaq Umar came, cursing the disbelievers of Quraish and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! I have not offered the ‘Asr prayer and the sun has set.” The Prophet replied, “By Allah! I too, have not offered the prayer yet. “The Prophet then went to Buthan, performed ablution and performed the ‘Asr prayer after the sun had set and then offered the Maghrib prayer after it.”

Volume 2, Book 14, Number 68:

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h) offered the Fajr prayer when it was still dark, then he rode and said, ‘Allah Akbar! Khaibar is ruined. When we approach near to a nation, the most unfortunate is the morning of those who have been warned.” The people came out into the streets saying, “Muhammad and his army.” Allah’s Apostle vanquished them by force and their warriors were killed; the children and women were taken as captives. Safiya was taken by Dihya Al-Kalbi and later she belonged to Allah’s Apostle go who married her and her Mahr was her manumission.

[ Index Page]

When does the last third of the night begin and end? – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

by AbdurRahman.orgJune 3, 2014January 23, 2015

Outset and end of the last third of night [1]

Q: It is reported in the Hadith that Allah descends every night to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night [2]. When does the last third of the night begin and end?

A: There are Mutawatir Hadiths (a Hadith reported by a significant number of narrators throughout the chain of narration, whose agreement upon a lie is impossible) from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that prove that Allah descends. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night when the last third of the night begins when He says, ‘Who calls Me to answer him? Who asks Me to give him? Who asks Me for forgiveness to forgive him? [3]

Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) unanimously agreed that Allah descends in a manner that befits Him and that He is not like His creation at all in any of His Attributes, as He states, Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): “He is Allâh, (the) One. “Allâh-us-Samad (السيد الذي يصمد إليه في الحاجات) [Allâh the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks)]. “He begets not, nor was He begotten. “And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112

He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says, There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

According to Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah, we must accept the Ayahs and Hadiths that speak of the Attributes of Allah as they are without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta`til (denial of Allah’s Attributes), Takyif (descriptive designation of Allah’s Attributes), or Tamthil (likening Allah’s Attributes to those of His Creation). At the same time, we must believe in them and believe that what is mentioned in these texts is true without likening Allah to His creation or discussing the nature of His Attributes. Rather, their view concerning His Attributes is like their view concerning His Dhat (Essence). Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah affirm the Essence of Allah without Takyif, or Tamthil, and thus, we must also affirm His Attributes without Takyif or Tamthil.

The descent of Allah occurs in every country in a manner that befits Allah, because the descent of Allah is not like the descent of any of His creation. He is described as descending in the last part of the night in all parts of the world in a manner that befits His Majesty, Exalted be He.No one can know how He descends just as no one can know how His Essence is, except Him.

He states, There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.Surah Al-Shura, 42: 11. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: So put not forward similitudes for Allâh (as there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles anything). Truly! Allâh knows and you know not.Surah Al-Nahl, 16: 74

The time of the first and last third of the night differs according to the season; if the night is nine hours long, then the time of descent begins at the onset of the seventh hour and continues until dawn. If the night is twelve hours long, then the last third begins at the beginning of the ninth hour until the break of dawn and so on, depending on how long or short the night is in each place. May Allah grant us success.

Footnotes:

[1] This was published in Al-Da`wah magazine, issue no. 1138, on 2/9/1408 A.H.

[2] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on supplications, no. 6321; Muslim, Sahih, Book on travelers* Salah and Salah shortening, no. 758; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 446; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1315; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on performing Prayer and its Sunan, no. 1366; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 433; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on call to Prayer, no. 496; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1484.’

[3] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on Friday, no. 1145; Muslim, Sahih, Book on travelers* Salah and Salah shortening, no. 758; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on supplications, no. 3498; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1315; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on performing Prayer and its Sunan, no. 1366; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 265; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on call to Prayer, no. 496; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1479.

Posted from: http://alifta.com/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=426&PageNo=1&BookID=14

—

The first question of Fatwa no. 19886

Q 1: is the hour that precedes the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer considered as part of the last third of the night?

A: The hour that precedes the second Fajr (true dawn), which consists of 60 minutes, is part of the last third of the night and is considered to be the last hour of the last third of the night. This is because the night begins from the sunset and lasts until the emergence of the second Fajr. It is authentically reported that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) descends to the worldly heaven in the last third of the night. It was related by Al-Bukhari in his “Sahih (Book of Authentic Hadith)”, vol. 2, p. 47, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Our Lord, Blessed and Exalted is He, descends every night to the heaven of the world, when only the last third of the night remains and says, “Who will supplicate Me that I may respond to him; who will ask Me that I may give him; who will beg My forgiveness that I may forgive him?” Every Muslim and Muslimah is free to benefit from the blessed times and the times when supplications are answered, to supply themselves with good righteous deeds and supplicate for whatever they like from the matters of the Din (religion) or the Duniya (this world).

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta – http://www.alifta.net

The Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer – Compiled and Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya

by AbdurRahman.orgApril 5, 2014January 23, 2015

The Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer
Compiled[1] and Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya

Contents:

1 – Giving Attention to the Two Rakat Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer
2 – Shortening the Sunnah of the Fajr Prayer
3 – What the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- would Recite in the Two Rakah for the Sunnah of the Fajr Prayer
4 – Recommendation to Pray the Two Rakah at Home
5 – Lying down on the Right Hand side after the Two Rakah Sunnah of the Fajr
The Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to talk after the two Rakah Sunnah for Fajr
6 – The Dislike of Praying the Optional Prayer once Fajr Time has come in, other than the Two Rakah Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer
7 – The Dislike for the Worshipper to begin Praying Two Rakah Sunnah for the Fajr After the Muadhin began the Iqama for the prayer.
8 – Praying two Rakah Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer after the Obligatory Prayer if You Cannot Pray Before it

1 – Giving Attention to the Two Rakat Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer[2]

a) From Ayesha –Radi Allaahu anha– who said:

‘The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- was not more concerned and did not pay attention to any of the optional prayers like he did for the two Rakat of Sunnah for the Fajr prayer.’[3]

b) From Ayesha from the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- who said:

‘Two Rakat for Sunnah of Fajr prayer are better than the Dunyaa and everything that is in it.’[4]

c) From Ayesha –Radi Allaahu anha– who said from the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- that he said about the two Rakat when the Fajr prayer time comes in:

‘They are more beloved to me than the Dunyaa and everything that is in it.’[5]

2 – Shortening the Sunnah of the Fajr Prayer

a) From Ayesha –Radi Allaahu anha– who said that the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to pray thirteen Rakah during the night, then he would pray two short Rakah once he had heard the call for the morning prayer.’[6]

And in the narration of Abu Dawood:

‘The Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- would pray two Rakah between the Adhan of Fajr and the Iqamah.’

b) From Ayesha who said:

The Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to pray two shortened Rakah which were before the morning (Fajr) prayer, he would shorten them so much that I would say: Did he recite Soorah Fatiha?’[7]

Abu Tayeeb Atheema-a-Baadi said:

‘It is established from these Ahadeeth that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to pray them when the Mu’adhin had become silent after the Adhan, and when the time of Fajr had come in and Fajr had lit up. He -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to pray them lightly. As for the wisdom of them being a light prayer, then al-Qurtubi said in al-Mufhim: ‘so that the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- could go to the morning prayer early at its beginning time.’

Some of the scholars said: ‘So that the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- could begin the prayer for the day with two light prayers, just as he would do for the night prayer.’ Therefore, praying them lightly is the Sunnah, and that is the clear truth.’

‘Shawkaani said in ‘Nail Awtaar’:

‘The Hadeeth indicates to the legislation of praying it lightly (i.e. not lengthening it). This was the opinion of the majority of the scholars, the Hanafeeyah opposed them and said that it is recommended to lengthen the recitation. This opposes the clear evidence.’

3 – What the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- would Recite in the Two Rakah for the Sunnah of the Fajr Prayer

a) From Ibn Umar that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to recite in the two Rakat for Fajr, and two Rakat after Maghrib prayer: <<Say to these O Al-Kafiroon >>[8] & <<Say: He is Allaah, (the) One.>>[9]

b) From Ayesha who said: ‘the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to pray four Rakat before Dhuhr, and two Rakat before Fajr and would not leave them, and she said: and he would say:

‘Two blessed Soorahs which are read in the two Rakat before Fajr: << Say to these O Al-Kafiroon >>[10] & <<Say: He is Allaah, (the) One.>>’[11]

c) From Ibn Umar – Radi Allaahu anhu – that the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘<<Say: He is Allaah, (the) One.>> is equivalent to a third of the Qur’aan, and <<Say to these O Al-Kafiroon >> is equivalent to a fourth of the Qur’aan, and he would read both of them in the two Rakat of Fajr . . .’[12]

d) From the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah – Radi Allaahu anhu – that the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- read:

<< Say to these O Al-Kafiroon >>[13] & <<Say: He is Allaah, (the) One.>>[14]

in the two Rakah of the Fajr prayer.’ (i.e. the Sunnah of Fajr).[15]

e) From Abul-Gayth from Abu Hurairah that he heard the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- recite in the two Rakah of Fajr:

<<Say: We believe in Allaah and in what has been sent down to us, >> [3:84] in the first Rakah, and in the other Rakah with this Ayaah:

<<Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. La ilaha ill-Allaah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah). >> [3:53]

or:

<<Verily, We have sent you with the truth (Islaam), a bringer of glad tidings (for those who believe in what you brought, that they will enter Paradise) and a warner (for those who disbelieve in what you brought, they will enter the Hell-fire). And you will not be asked about the dwellers of the blazing Fire.>> [2: 119][16]

Atheem-a-Baadi said:

‘What is established from these Ahadeeth is that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- sometimes would recite << Say to these O Al-Kafiroon >> in the first Rakah, and <<Say: He is Allaah, (the) One.>> in the second Rakah.

And sometimes he would read in the first of the two Rakah:

<< Say: We believe in Allaah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibraheem, Isma’eel, Ishaaq, Ya’qoob, and to Al-Asbaat [the twelve sons of Ya’qoob], and that which has been given to Moosa and ‘Iesa, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islaam). >> [2:136]

and in the second of the two Rakah:

<< Then when ‘Iesa came to know of their disbelief, he said: ‘Who will be my helpers in Allaah’s Cause?’ Al-Hawarioon (the disciples) said: ‘We are the helpers of Allaah; we believe in Allaah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allaah).’

Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh – none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh). >> [3:52-53].

And sometimes recite in the first of the two Rakah:

<<Say: We believe in Allaah and in what has been sent down to us, >> [2:136]

and in the second of the two Rakah:

<< Say: ‘O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allaah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah. Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’>> [3:64].

And sometimes he would recite in the first of the two Rakah:

<<Say: ‘We believe in Allaah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibraheem, Isma’eel, Ishaaq, Ya’qoob and Al-Asbaat [the twelve sons of Ya’qoob] and what was given to Moosa, ‘Iesa and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allaah) we have submitted (in Islaam).’>> [3:83]

and in the second Rakah:

<<Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. La ilaha ill-Allaah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah). >> [3:53]

or with this Ayaah:

<<Verily, We have sent you with the truth (Islaam), a bringer of glad tidings (for those who believe in what you brought, that they will enter Paradise) and a warner (for those who disbelieve in what you brought, they will enter the Hell-fire). And you will not be asked about the dwellers of the blazing Fire.>> [2:119].’

4 – Recommendation to Pray the Two Rakah at Home

Abu Tayeeb al-Atheem-a-Baadi said:

‘It is better to pray the two Rakah at home, because the optional pray at home is of a more complete status and has more reward than praying it in the Masjid. This is affirmed from the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- from his actions and his statements.

As for his actions, is that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to pray them a lot of the time in his home, as has been mentioned in narrations from Ibn Umar, Ibn Abbas, Ayesha and others from the Companions. Actually it has not been affirmed that he performed them in the Masjid.

As for his saying in the Hadeeth of Ibn Umar, as collected by Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Nisa’ee and Ibn Majah that the Prophet-sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘Perform some of your prayer in your homes, and do not take them as graves.’

The Hadeeth of Jabir collected by Muslim, and Muhammad bin Nasr from Jabir –Radi Allaahu anhu– that he said, the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘If one of you has completed the prayer in his Masjid, then he should make a portion of his prayer for the house, since indeed Allaah will place goodness in his home from his prayer.’

Imam Nawawi said in the explanation of Muslim:

‘Indeed one is encouraged to pray optional prayer in the home due to it being more hidden away, further away from showing off, more protective from being cancelled out and that the home can get blessings, and that mercy can descend in the home, and the Angels, and that the Shaytaan runs away.’

5 – Lying down on the Right Hand side after the Two Rakah Sunnah of the Fajr

Abu Tayeeb al-Atheem-a-Baadi said:

‘It is the Sunnah to lie down on the right side after the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer, whether he performed Tahhajjud (the night prayer) or not, and this is the truth, and this has been narrated from the hadeeth of four people from the Companions of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam, Ayesha, Abu Hurairah, Ibn Abbas and Abdullaah bin ‘Amr.

The Hadeeth of Ayesha, collected by Bukhari that she said:

‘The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to lie down on his right side after praying two Rakats [Sunnah] of Fajr.’

Also, in Muslim from Ayesha the wife of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- who said:

‘The Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to pray after finishing the Isha prayer, which the people call ‘al-‘Uttmah’ he would pray eleven Rakah till the Fajr prayer, he would give the Salaam between every two Rakah, and pray one Rakah Witr. And when the Muhaddin would finish from the call to the Fajr prayer, and it would be clear to the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-that it is Fajr time and the Muhaddin would come to the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam, then he would pray a light two Rakah, then lie down on his right side, until the Muadhin would come to him -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- to make the call that prayer is established.’[17]

Laying down after the Sunnah prayer for Fajr is not done in the masjid

Shaykh Albaani commented on the Hadeeth of Aeysha –Radi Allaahu anha:

‘…then lie down on his right side, until the Muadhin would come to him -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam.’

Shaykh Albaani said:

‘This is a clear proof of the permissibility of laying down between the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer and the obligatory prayer, however, it is not known that anyone from the Companions did so in the Masjid, but rather some of them disliked and criticised this. Therefore, it should be limited to what the Prophet did in his house as is his – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam –Sunnah.’[18]

The Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to say or talk after the two Rakah Sunnah for Fajr

It has been collected by Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawood from Ayesha who said:

‘The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to, once he had prayed the two Rakah of the Sunnah for the Fajr, he would talk to me if I were awake, otherwise he would lie down.’

Nawawi said in ‘al-Minhaaj Sharh Muslim bin al-Hajjaaj’:

‘In this narration is the proof that it is permissible to talk after the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer. This is our Madhab, and the Madhab of Malik and the majority of the scholars.’

Al-Qadi said:

‘The Koofeeyoon disliked it, and it is narrated from Ibn Mas’ood and some of the Salaf that this time between two Rakah of the Sunnah for the Fajr and the Fajr prayer is for seeking forgiveness. However, what is correct is that it is permissible due to the action of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam. As for it being regarded as the recommended time for seeking forgiveness then that does not prevent the allowance to speak.’

Al-Qastallani said in ‘Irshaad as-Saari’:

‘In this Hadeeth, is that there is no problem with permissible speech after the two Rakah Sunnah for the Fajr. Ibn al-Arabi said: ‘There is no mention or narration of an excellence of remaining silent at the time, rather that is after the obligatory Morning Prayer until sunrise.’

6 – The Dislike of Praying the Optional Prayer once Fajr Time has come in, other than the Two Rakah Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer

Abu Taeeb al-Atheem-a-Baadi said:

‘It is disliked to pray the optional prayer after Fajr time has come in, because the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- did not pray more than the two Rakah of the Sunnah even though he had great concern over the prayer. Yet there is a prohibition from the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- against this.

Muslim and Nisa’ee narrated from Hafsah who said:

‘If the Fajr time came in, the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- would not pray except for two light Rakahs.’

7 – The Dislike for the Worshipper to begin Praying Two Rakah Sunnah for the Fajr After the Muadhin began the Iqama for the prayer.

Abu Taeeb al-Atheem-a-Baadi said:

‘Know that it is disliked to perform the two Rakah of Sunnah for the Fajr after the Muadhin has begun the Iqama for the prayer, this is whther the worshipper is amongst the rows, or not in the row, whether he knows that he will catch the Rakah with the Imam or not. This is what has been narrated from the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah, Abdullaah bin Malik bin Buhaynah, Abdullaah bin Surjiss, Ibn Umar, Jabir, Ibn Abbas, Anas bin Muhammad, Zayed bin Thabit, Abu Musa and ‘Aeysha –Radi Allaahu anhum.

a) As for the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah, collected by Muslim that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘If the prayer is established then there is no prayer except for the obligatory one.’

b) Bukhari collected from Abdullaah bin Malik bin Buhaynah who said: The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- passed by a man, and the prayer had just been established [the Iqama was called] while that man was praying two Rakah, after the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- finished, the people gathered around him, so the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘Is the morning prayer four Rakahs? Is the morning prayer four Rakahs?’

Abu Taeeb al-Atheem-a-Baadi discusses the general times that prayer is prohibited: ‘Five types, the prohibition to pray after Fajr and Asr, at the time of sunrise, at sunset, and when the sun has reached its highest point, and every one of these types has exceptions. So we say: from the specific times out of the general times is the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah which was collected by Bukhari in the ‘Chapter: Whoever catches one Rakah from the Asr prayer before sunset.

Bukhari narrates from Yahya from Salmah from Abu Hurairah who said: The Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘If one of you catches a Sajdah from the Asr prayer before the sunsets, then he should complete his prayer. If one of you catches a Sajdah from the morning prayer before the sunrises then he should complete his prayer.’

An-Nawawi said:

‘This is a clear evidence that whoever caught and prayed a Rakah of the morning or Asr prayer, and then the prayer time finished before he gave Salam then his prayer is not null and void, rather he should complete it, and his prayer is correct. There is a consensus about this point regarding the Asr prayer, as for the morning prayer, then Malik, Shaafi’ee, Ahmad and all the scholars accept it except Abu Hanifah -Rahimullaah, since he says that the morning prayer is void due to sunrise, because the time where Salat is prohibited has entered, and this is in contrast to sunset, but the Hadeeth is an evidence against him.’

Abu Taeeb al-Atheem-a-Baadi also mentions:

‘From those specific matters for the general prohibition is the Ahadeeth of Anas, Abu Hurairah and Abu Qatadah. As for the Hadeeth of Anas, then that has been collected by the six Imams [Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Nisa’ee and Ibn Majah] and Darmi from Anas from the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- who said:

‘Whoever forgets a prayer then he should pray it when he remembers, there is no expiation for the missed prayer except to pray it. << and perform the Salat for My remembrance>> [Taha: 14]’

8 – Praying two Rakah Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer after the Obligatory Prayer if You Cannot Pray Before it

Shaykh Muhammad Bazmool said:

‘Whoever misses the two Rakah [Sunnah] of the Fajr prayer

It is legislated for the person who misses the two Rakah of Fajr, that he can then pray them directly after the obligatory prayer or after the sun has risen, and what is better is to pray them after the sun has risen.

From Abu Hurairah –Radi Allaahu anhu– who said the Messenger of Allaah said:

‘Whoever did not pray the two Rakah [Sunnah] of Fajr; then he should pray them after the sun has risen.’[19]

I [Bazmool] say: ‘The apparent meaning of the Hadeeth indicates that the Sunnah of Salat al-Fajr is obligatory to be prayed after the sun has risen if you had missed this Sunnah prayer, however, this verdict is shifted to a recommended act due to the proof from the following Hadeeth:

From Qays bin Qahd –Radi Allaahu anhu– that he prayed the Morning Prayer along with the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam, but he had not prayed the two Rakah for the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer. So when the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- gave the Salam from the prayer, Qays gave the Salam with him and then after that he stood and prayed two Rakah of the Sunnah for the Fajr, while the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- was watching him, and he -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-did not criticize him for it.’ [20]

The Hadeeth shows the permissibility of making up the Sunnah prayer of al-Fajr after the obligatory prayer for the person who had not prayed it before the obligatory prayer.’[21]

All Praise belongs to Allaah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow his guidance.

[1] The majority of this article has been compiled from the book: ‘A’laam Ahl-ul-‘Asr BiHaakaam Rakatay al-Fajr’ by Abu Tayyib Muhammad Shams al-Haqq al-Atheem-a-Baadi

[2] The Importance of the Sunnah of Fajr Prayer

Siddiq Hasan Khan said:

‘Some of the Mushayikh said: ‘The Sunnah of Fajr is starting of actions, and the Witr is ending of actions, this shows the certainty of having concern for these two prayers. This is the reason why it has been legislated to read Soorah Ikhlaas, and Soorah Kafiroon, due to them comprising of Tawheed al-Ilm (knowledge) and al-Amaal (action), and Tawheed al-Ma’rifah (acquainting) and al-Irada (want), and Tawheed al-Itiqaad (belief) and al-Qasd (Intent).’

[Taleeqat ar-Raddeeyah ‘ala Rowddat an-Nadeeya by Siddiq Hasan Khan 1/p.316]

[3] [Bukhari & Abu Dawood]

[4] [Muslim, Tirmidhi & Nisa’ee]

[5] [Muslim]

[6] [Bukhari, Malik in al-Muwatta & Abu Dawood]

[7] [Bukhari, Muslim, Malik, Abu Dawood & Nisa’ee]

[8] Soorah Kafiroon

[9] Collected by Tabarani in ‘al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer’ from Ibn Umar & Albaani declared it to be Saheeh, in Silsilah Saheeehah No.3328

[10] Soorah Kafiroon

[11] Collected by Ibn Khuzaimah from Ayesha & Albaani declared its Isnad to be Jayyid in Silsilah Saheeehah No.636

[12] Collected by Abu Ya’ala with a Hasan Isnaad, Tabaraani in ‘al-Kabeer’ & Albaani declared it to be Saheeh Lighayrihi in ‘Saheeh Targheeb wa Tarheeb’ no.583 by Albaani

[13] Soorah Kafiroon

[14] Soorah Ikhlaas

[15] [Collected by Muslim, Abu Dawood, Nisa’ee and Ibn Majah]

[16] [Collected by Abu Dawood & Albaani regarded it as Hasan no.1260]

[17] [Muslim, Ahmad & Bayhaqi]

[18] From: ‘Salat ul Taraweeh’ p.90 by Muhammad Nasir ud-Deen al-Albaani]

[19] ‘Hadeeth Saheeh, collected by Tirmidhi in ‘Kitab as-Salah’, Chapter: what is mentioned regarding praying them after sunrise, and authenticated by al-Haakim, Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban in ‘al-Ihsaan’ and it is authenticated by the researcher of that book, and al-Albaani authenticated it in ‘Saheeh Sunnan at-Tirmidhi’, and also in Silsilah Saheeehah No.2361

[20] Hadeeth Hasan Li Ghayri hi, collected by Tirmidhi in ‘Kitab as-Salah’, Chapter: what is mentioned about he person who misses the two Rakah before Fajr then he should pray them after the obligatory Fajr prayer.

Also collected by Abu Dawood in ‘Kitab as-Salah’ Chapter: whoever misses the prayer so that he has to make it up. Authenticated by al-Haakim, Ibn Khuzaimah and Ibn Hibban. It was authenticated by al-Allamma Ahmad Shakir in his checking of ‘Sunnan Tirmidhi’ and al-Albaani in ‘Saheeh Sunnan Tirmidhi’.

A benefit: the Hadeeth shows the permissibility of praying the missed prayers at the time when prayer is prohibited.’

[21] [Taken from: ‘Bugheeyah al-Muttatowa’ fee Salat al-Muttatowa’ by Muhammad Bazmool p. 28-29]

The Way to Perform the Night Prayer : Shaykh al-Albanee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 29, 2014January 23, 2015

Author:Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Source:Qiyaam Ramadaan (pg. 28-30)
Translator:isma’eel alarcon (for al-manhaj.com)

I spoke in detail about this subject in my book Salaat at-Taraaweeh (pg. 101-115), so I felt that I should abridge that discussion here in order to make it easy for the reader and to remind him:

The First Manner: consists of thirteen rak’aat, which is commenced with two short rak’aat. According to the most correct opinion, these are the two rak’aat of Sunnah prayer offered after ‘Ishaa, or they are two specific rak’aat by which one begins the Night Prayer, as has been stated previously. Then one prays two very long rak’aat (after that). Then two more rak’aat are prayed, and then another two rak’aat are prayed. Then two more rak’aat are prayed and another set of two rak’aat are prayed. Then witr is made with one rak’ah.

The Second Manner: consists of thirteen rak’aat. There are eight rak’aat within them, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat. Then witr is made with five rak’aat and one does not sit nor make the tasleem except in the fifth rak’ah.

The Third Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat and then prays witr at the end with one rak’ah.

The Fourth Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays four rak’aat and makes one tasleem after the four. The he prays another four in a similar manner and ends it with three rak’aat (for witr).

Would the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) remain in the sitting position after every two rak’aat, when praying a unit of four rak’aat or a unit of three rak’aat? We do not find a clear answer for this, but remaining in the sitting position (for tashahhud) while doing a unit of three rak’aat is not legislated (in the Religion)!

The Fifth Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays eight rak’aat and does not sit in any of them except for the eighth rak’ah. While sitting (in the eighth rak’ah), he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and then stands up again without making the tasleem. Then he makes witr with one rak’ah and when finished, he makes the tasleem. This consists of nine rak’aat. Then he prays two rak’aat after that while in the sitting position.

The Sixth Manner: One prays nine rak’aat, in which he does not sit except after the sixth rak’ah. Then he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and then stands again without making the tasleem. Then he makes witr with three rak’aat and when finished, he makes the tasleem, etc. (the rest is the same as the previous manner)

These are the manners in which it is reported that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) performed the Night Prayer. It is possible to add other types of manners to it, by subtracting what one wishes from each set of rak’aat until he cuts it down to one rak’ah, acting on the previously mentioned hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam): “So whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with five rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with three rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with one rak’ah.”

So if one wants, he can pray these five rak’aat or three rak’aat with one sitting and one tasleem, as is stated in the Second Manner. And if he wants, he can make tasleem after every two rak’aat, as is stated in the Third Manner, and this is preferred.

As for praying the set of five rak’aat or three rak’aat by sitting after every two rak’aat and not making the tasleem, then we did not find any authentic report that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) used to do this. The asl (foundation) is that it is permissible, but since the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) forbade us from praying witr with three rak’aat indicating the reason for that by saying: “And do not liken it to the Maghrib prayer.” [1] So then anyone that prays the witr in three rak’aat must not liken it to the Maghrib prayer. This can be done in two ways:

1. Making the tasleem between the even and odd number rak’ah (i.e. between the second and the third rak’ah). This is what is more strong and preferred.

2. One does not sit between the even and odd number (i.e. he prays three rak’aat straight with one tasleem), and Allaah knows best.

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by At-Tahaawee, Ad-Daraqutnee and others. See At-Taraaweeh (pg. 99 & 110)

The Description of The Eid prayer, Number of Rakats and The Eid Takbirs : Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 29, 2014July 4, 2016

See Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him), p. 398; Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 8/300-316).

The Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs. ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, on the tongue of your Prophet, and the one who fabricates lies is doomed.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956

In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six or seven more takbeers, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 639.

Then he should recite al-Faatihah, and recite Soorat Qaf in the first rak’ah. In the second rak’ah he should stand up saying takbeer, and when he has stood up completely he should say takbeer five times, and recite Soorat al-Faatihah then Soorat al-Qamr. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite these two soorahs during the two Eids. Or if he wishes he can recite Soorat al-A’la in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah in the second, because it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite al-A’la and al-Ghaashiyah in the Eid prayer.

The imam should revive the Sunnah be reciting these soorahs so that the Muslims will become familiar with the Sunnah.

After the prayer, the imam should address the people. Part of the khutbah should be addressed specifically to the women, telling them of the things that they should do and warning them against the things that they should avoid, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do.

[Video] How to Perform Funeral/Janazah Salah : Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 21, 2014January 23, 2015

The sheikh rahimahu Allah explains in details how to perform salatu-janazah (funeral prayer). This includes the du’a and the takbeer and for whom it is.

Salat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a solar eclipse) and Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse)

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 21, 2014January 23, 2015

The fifth question of Fatwa no. 9527
Q 5: How many Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer) are there in Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse)? And what is to be recited in them?

A: Salat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a solar eclipse) and Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse) are each comprised of two Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer). Recitation in both Salahs (Prayers) is performed out loud. In each Rak‘ah, there are two Ruku‘s (bowing), the second of which is always shorter than the first, and there are also two recitations. After the Takbirat-ul-Ihram (saying: “Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]” upon starting Prayer), Surah Al-Fatihah and a long Surah are recited. After the first Ruku‘, Surah Al-Fatihah and a long Surah are recited, which is shorter than the preceding recitation. There are two Sujuds (Prostrations) in each Rak‘ah. This is the most authentic report mentioned regarding this Salah.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Deputy Chairman Chairman
`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
Source : alifta.net

How should Salat-ul-Kusuf be done? Fatwas of Ibn Baz – alifta.net

Q: How should Salat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a solar eclipse) and Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse) be performed? Is there any difference between them? What is your opinion on the reports published by the papers about the timings of a solar or lunar eclipse?

A: There are authentic Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) showed how Salat-ul-Kusuf can be performed. He (peace be upon him) ordered that people should be called to it by announcing as-salatu jami’ah “‘Gather for Salah”.

The most authentic reports concerning this Salah show that it consists of two Rak’ahs and that in each Rak’ah one should make two recitations and perform two Ruku’ (bowings) and two Sujud (prostrations). The person should make lengthy recitation, Ruku’ and Sujud. The first recital and Ruku’ should be longer than the second ones. Similarly, the recitation in the second Rak`ah should be shorter than the second recital in the first Rak`ah. The person should make Ruku’ in the second Rak`ah for a shorter time than the two Ruku’ in the first one. During the second Rak`ah, the person should make a second recital and Ruku’ for a shorter time than the first in the same Rak`ah.

As for the two Sujud, it is a Sunnah (recommended) to be lengthy providing that this does not cause any difficulty to the Ma’mums because this was the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) way.

Upon completing Salah, the Imam, if he is knowledgeable, is allowed to give a sermon and tell people that the solar and lunar eclipse are two signs of Allah (Exalted be He) by which He frightens His servants. The Muslims, upon seeing it, are prescribed to offer Salah, remember Allah (Exalted be He), make Du`a’ and Takbir, give in charity and emancipate a believing slave until the end of the eclipse. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, <<Verily the sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah by which He frightens His servants and they do not eclipse on account of the death or birth of anybody>>. So when you see either of them, observe Prayer, and supplicate Allah (may He be Exalted) till it is cleared from you. Another narration reads, <<So whenever you see them, haste to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask Him for forgiveness.>> It is narrated in some Hadith that the person should give in charity and emancipate slaves.

The astronomical reports about the timing of the eclipse must not be taken as the basis for offering Salat-ul-Kusuf. Some people of knowledge, including Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and his knowledgeable disciple Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah be merciful with both of them, supported this view saying that the astronomers may sometimes be wrong and then these reports are not reliable and people should not offer Salat-ul-Kusuf depending on them. Rather, they have to offer the Salah upon seeing the eclipse when it is happening.

The publications of the astronomers’ reports about the timing of eclipse should be banned by the Ministry of Information lest some people should be deceived by them. These publications may make people feel less fear upon seeing the eclipse. Allah (Exalted be He) has made them to be frightening and hence, people remember, fear, invoke Allah, and treat their slaves well. May Allah grant us success!

Source : Browse by Volume Number > Volume 13 > Completion of the Book of Salah (Prayer) > Salat-ul-Kusuf > the manner of Salat Al-Kusuf

Eclipse Prayer can be done individually or in congregation

Question: Do we have to pray Salaatul Khusoof (eclipse prayer) even if we do not witness it? And are there any specific ad’iyah (pl. duâaa) that we have to say in the day or during the eclipse?

Answer: The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: “The sun and the moon are two signs from the signs of Allaah. They do not eclipse for the death of anyone neither their life (i.e. birth). Allaah uses these to strike fear into His slaves. So when you see them offer the prayer and supplicate until the eclipse passes away.”[1] If someone establishes that an eclipse is present then he should pray the Eclipse Prayer (Salaatul Khusoof), whether he has to pray it individually or in congregation and similarly whether it is a man or a woman. It is performed as described in the Shareeâah (Legislation).

Answered by: Abdullaah Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Ghudayyaan
Title of Lecture: The Four Principles by Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
Date of the Lecture: May 6, 2006
[1] Reported by An-Nisaaee 3/152, Shaikh Al-Albaanee رحمه الله says Saheeh in Sunan An-Nisaaâee (#1502).

Related Links:

Performing Salat-ul-Khusuf at times forbidden for supererogatory Salah – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb
Repeating Salat-ul-Kusuf if it has not passed – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb
Catching a Rak`ah of Salat-ul-Kusuf – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb

Istikharah : Prayer For Seeking Guidance – Permanent Committee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 18, 2014April 16, 2015

When is the proper time for Du`a’ Al-Istikharah (supplication for guidance); before or after Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer)?

A: Du`a’ Al-Istikharah should be said after Taslim.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=2603&PageNo=1&BookID=7

Q14: When performing Du`a’ Al-Istikharah (supplication for guidance) in regard to an action or a need, is it conditional to have memorized the Du`a reported from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or is it possible to read it from a book after finishing Salah (Prayer)? After performing the Du`a’, how can it be known or felt that Allah (may He be Praised and Exalted) is guiding the supplicant to do or to abandon something? Please, advise.

A: Whether you memorize the Du`a’ Al-Istikharah or read it from a book, it is accepted as the matter is flexible. What you should do is to strive to prepare your heart and attain Khushu` (the heart being attuned to the act of worship), and be sincere in the Du`a’. Afterwards, it is permissible to consult reliable and experienced people. When you feel that your heart feels at ease with one of the two possibilities, this is the sign that this is what Allah has chosen for you.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Q: Our Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us Salat-ul-Istikharah (Prayer for guidance); I hope that Your Eminence would point out to us the conditions concerning anyone who performs Istikharah in behalf of another person, if this is permissible.

A: It is prescribed for every person to perform Salat-ul-Istikharah for themselves, and it is not permissible on part of a certain person to perform it in behalf of another.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=11384&PageNo=1&BookID=7

Q 1: If one performs Salat-ul-Istikharah (prayer for guidance) before proceeding with an important matter such as marriage, applying for a job, etc. then begins to comply with the direction of such Salah (Prayer), can one be afflicted by evil or any calamity after that? If so, what must be done in this case?

A: Performing Salat-ul-Istikharah is enjoined for matters wherein a person is unclear. The aim of Salat-ul-Istikharah is to leave one’s affairs to Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) and ask Him to choose what is best for one’s faith and worldly matters. However, if a person performs Salat-ul-Istikharah after which there is a negative result; it must be understood that this is for achieving a wisdom that Allah wills and that in the negative result there is real goodness.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=11385&PageNo=1&BookID=7

Q: First, is it permissible to intend to pray Salat-ul-Istikharah (prayer for guidance) after starting to pray the Sunnah Ratibah (supererogatory Prayer performed on a regular basis) or Nafila (supererogatory) Salah such as Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit-Prayer to greet the mosque)? Or Should my intention be specifically for offering Salat-ul-Istikharah only?

Second, is it permissible to raise the hands while performing Du`a’ (supplication)?

Third, is it permissible for me to offer Salat-ul-Istikharah for more than one matter?

Fourth, is it permissible for me to perform Du`a’-ul-Istikharah (supplication for guidance) regarding the time of offering `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), such as saying: “O’ Allah, if You know that there is goodness in my going to perform `Umrah on that night, and then state a certain time”; or is Istikharah itself not related to acts of obedience and their time of performance?

Fifth, is it true concerning what people say that if a person offers Du`a’-ul-Istikharah, they will see in a dream or feel inner relief or abhorrence towards the matter for which they made Istikharah; then act according to what they feel assured about. What is the benefit in knowing that all goodness is in acting according to what results from Istikharah?

I ask Allah with His Most-High Names and Most Beautiful Attributes to bless you and admit you to Jannah (Paradise) with the Prophets, the Siddiqûn (followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them, like Abu Bakr As-Siddîq may Allah be pleased with him), the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions were!

A: First, Salat-ul-Istikharah (prayer for guidance) should be independent, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone of you intends to do something, they should offer a two-Rak‘ah prayer other than the compulsory prayers…

Second, It is permissible for you while offering Du`a’-ul-Istikharah to raise the hands, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do so on passionately offering Du`a’ (supplication).

Third, It is permissible for one to offer a single Istikharah for more than one matter.

Fourth, As far as `Umrah is concerned, you should perform Istikharah concerning the time of performing it, not whether to perform it or not.

Fifth, There is no validity to what is said that Istikharah is related to having a particular vision; rather, one should act upon the matter which one’s heart is receptive to, and vice versa. This is the correct manner to either go ahead with a certain matter or not.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=11386&PageNo=1&BookID=7

Fatawa : Duha Prayer – Permanent Committee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 18, 2014January 24, 2015

Fatawa – Duha Prayer

Source : alifta.net Permanent Committee Fatwas

Ruling on Salat-ul-Duha and the number of its Rak`ahs

Q 9: Is it permissible to offer Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise) in four or six Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) with one Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer)?

A: salat-ul-Duha is an act of Sunnah (reported from the Prophet) and its minimum is two Rak`ahs and it has no maximum limit. However, it is preferable not to exceed eight Rak`ahs and to say Taslim after each pair of Rak`ahs. Furthermore, they should not be combined with one Taslim at the end, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The (optional) Salah (Prayer) by night and day should consist of pairs of Rak`ahs.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Salah of Al-Awwabin

Q 2: is there a Salah (Prayer) called the Salah of the penitent, and when is it offered?

A: This was reported regarding Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise). Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated, The Salah of those who are penitent is offered when your Fisal (weaned camels) feel the heat of the sun. Related by Muslim.

This means at the time when the young camels’ hoofs are burnt by the sun.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Waiting in the Masjid until the sun rises and then offering Salat-ul-Duha

Q2: A man sits in the mosque reading the Qur’an after praying Al-Fajr Salah (Dawn Prayer) until sunrise, then he prays two Rak`ahs. However, some people denied his deed and said: It is impermissible, because it is the tradition of the worshippers of the Sun. Please, advise! Mat Allah reward you!

Answer2: Whoever sits in the mosque reading the Qur’an and reciting the formulas of Adhkar (invocations and Remembrances said at certain times on a regular basis) after praying Al-Fajr Salah (Dawn Prayer) until sunrise is clear and the time when Salah is forbidden is over and prays two Rak`ahs or what he could, he indeed does a good and great deed. His act agrees with the Sunnah and is rewarded, God willing. In support of this, it is reported on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik: ()may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two units of prayer has the reward like that of Hajj and `Umrah.'” rt No : 6,Page No:147)

The Messenger of Allah (May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him) said: ‘Completely, completely, completely’ Recorded by Al-Tirmidhy who said: It is Hadith Hasan Gharib (a good Hadith that is strange to come from this chain of narration) from Sahl Ibn Mu`adh from his father (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him) said: “If anyone sits in his place of prayer when he finishes the dawn prayer till he prays the two Rak’ahs of the forenoon, saying nothing but what is good, his sins will be forgiven even if they are more than the foam of the sea”. Recorded by Al-Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud. According to another narration: His would be Paradise The same narration is recorded by Al-Bayhaqy but he added in the end of the report: “Hellfire will never touch his skin.” The report has many supporting tarditions that back its authority and is also strengthened with the report of Jabir Ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) that The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to sit crossed legged after the Fajr (dawn) Prayer in the same place in which he had prayed till the sunrise is complete. Recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Collection of Hadith, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, and Al-Nasa`y. The denial expressed by some people aginst his man is baseless denial and only ignorant people may deny this act.( Part No : 6,Page No:148)

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his Family, and Companions!

The best time for offering Salat-ul-Duha

Q 1: It is narrated in a Hadith from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: Whoever prays the congregational Salah ‘Prayer’ of Fajr ‘Dawn’, then sits ‘in the Masjid [mosque]’ doing Dhikr ‘Remembrance of Allah’ until sunrise, then prays two Rak`ahs ‘units of prayer’, receives a complete reward of Hajj and `Umrah ‘lesser pilgrimage’. My question here is whether these two Rak`ahs are considered a part of Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise) which is to be performed in eight Rak`ahs, or are they another independent Nafilah (supererogatory) Prayer?

A: The two Rak`ahs which are mentioned in this Hadith are considered a part of Salat-ul-Duha though they have special merit due to being linked to sitting in the Masjid until sunrise. on the other hand, the best time for offering Salat-ul-Duha is when it becomes very hot in the forenoon.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Should someone who offers Salah then returns home and offers Salat-ul-Duha there take the reward of a person who sits in the Masjid?

Q: I usually offer Fajr (Dawn) Prayer in the Masjid (mosque) and after that I go ( Part No : 6,Page No:149)home and engage myself in reciting the Qur’an until the shade of sun is as the length of two spears. Then I perform ten Rak`ahs with the intention of Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise). This is my habit everyday, Praise be to Allah. But one of my colleagues, may Allah reward him, brought my attention to the following: The meaning of the Hadith which reads: He used to sit in his praying place until the sun had risen Therefore, I ask Your Eminence: Shall I have the reward in this condition or should I sit in the Masjid? Could you kindly advise? May Allah reward you! As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)

A: Your recitation of the Qur’an and offering Salat-ul-Dhuha after the time of prohibition are good but what was reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) is that he used to sit in the Masjid after Fajr (Dawn) Prayer. Imam Muslim related in his Sahih on the authority of Jabir ibn Hamzah (may Allah be pleased with him) that: Whenever the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) observed the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer, he used to set at the place of worship till the sun had risen enough. This action is considered as extension to Salah because of what was authentically reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger (peace be upon him) said: The angels ask for blessings on each one of you as long as he is in the place where he has prayed and has not discharged anything. They say: O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him. ( Part No : 6,Page No:150)

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Whether someone who leaves the Masjid after the Fajr Prayer to perform Wudu’ again then returns to it should take the reward of a person sitting in the Masjid

Q 2: If a person stays in the Masjid (mosque) to remember Allah after performing Fajr (Dawn) Prayer, then enters the state of minor impurity and goes to perform ablution, does his leaving the Masjid deprive him of the reward of doing Hajj and `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) if he returns to the Masjid then offers Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise) as mentioned in the Hadith?

A: If the person who sits in the Masjid after offering Fajr Prayer to make remembrance of Allah till sunrise enters the state of minor ritual impurity, then leaves the Masjid to perform ablution, returns soon to the Masjid without staying long outside the Masjid, then offers two Rak`ahs after sunrise, his leaving the Masjid does not deprive him of the great reward of offering this act of worship, that is, making perfect Hajj and `Umrah and entering Paradise, Allah Willing. The Hadith that indicates this is reported by Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: Whoever offers Fajr (Dawn) Prayer in congregation then sits for the remembrance of Allah till sunrise, then offers two Rak`ahs (units of Prayer), will have the reward of making perfect Hajj and `Umrah)

he added that Allah’s Messenger repeated the word ‘perfect’ thrice. Related by Al-Tirmidhy in (Al-Jame`) and he said, ‘This is a Hadith Hasan Gharib (a good Hadith that is strange to come from this chain of narration)’. Al-Tabarany related a similar narration with a good Isnad (chain of narrators)

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Salat-ul-Duha for the traveler

Q 2: Is it permissible for me to offer Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise) even if I traveled to one of the Arab countries and stayed there for a while?

A: It is Mustahab (desirable) to offer salat-ul-Duha, whether you are a traveler or not, at least two Rak`ahs. It is to be offered from after the sun rises, until it reaches the middle of the sky.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Whether a traveler is obligated to offer Salat-ul-Duha

Q 4: is it permissible for a traveler not to perform Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise) like other Nawafil (supererogatory prayers), or should it be performed while on a journey? Should one recite the Qur’an in Salat-ul-Duha audibly or inaudibly? How many Rak`ahs should be offered, and what is the best time for performing it?

A: Salat-ul-Duha is a recommended not obligatory Salah, and it is not a Sunnah Ratibah (supererogatory Prayer performed on a regular basis). It is recommended in many authentic Hadiths reported from the Prophet( Part No : 6,Page No:152)

(peace be upon him), but it was not established that he (peace be upon him) offered it on a continuous basis. It was authentically reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) offered four Rak`ahs in the Duha prayer and might add to them whatever Allah willed. Narrated by Muslim on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). The word “offered” does not indicate that the Prophet continuously performed Salat-ul-Duha based on what she (may Allah be pleased with her) said when she was asked if the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to observe Duha (Salat-ul-Duha) prayer. She said, “No, only when he came back from travel. Related by Muslim. The linguistic meaning of the word “offered” does not indicate constancy. However, this does not contradict her (may Allah be pleased with her) saying: I have never seen the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) offering the supererogatory Duha prayer, but I offer it. Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. In fact, she (may Allah be pleased with her) negated seeing Allah’s Messenger offering Duha, and performed Duha on the basis of what she knew of the reward of Duha and the act of the Prophet (peace be upon him). As a result, the wordings narrated on her authority are consistent. As for the number of Rak`ahs of Duha Prayer, it is from two to eight Rak`ahs. Also, it is not preferable to recite the Qur’an audibly while offering Duha. Concerning the time for offering Duha, there is a Hadith narrated by Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) that ( Part No : 6,Page No:153)

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: The Salah (prayer) of those who are penitent is offered when the weaned camels feel the heat of the sun. Related by Muslim. The Hadith means the time when the hoofs of young camels are harmed by the scorching heat caused by the intense rays of the sun on the sand. It is reported in the Two Sahihs (Al-Bukhari and Muslim’s Books of Authentic Hadith) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) to observe the two Rak`ahs of Duha. As for the virtue of Duha Prayer, it is narrated in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised Abu Ad-Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with him) to offer it, as well as Muslim’s narration on the authority of Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Each morning, there is a charity due from every bone in the body of every one of you. Each utterance of Allah’s glorification (i.e. Subhana Allah) is an act of charity, every utterance of praise (i.e. Al-hamdu-lillah) is an act of charity, every utterance of affirmation of His Oneness (i.e. La Ilaha Illa Allah) is an act of charity, every utterance of affirmation of His Greatness (i.e. Allahu Akbar) is an act of charity, and enjoining right and forbidding evil is an act of charity. It suffices for all of this to offer two Rak`ahs of Duha.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Salah of Al-Awwabin

Q 5: Is there a two-Rak‘ahs Salah (two-unit-Prayer) called the Salah of Al-Awwabin (Prayer of the Oft-Repentant) that is performed after the supererogatory Salah for the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer? Surahs Al-Fatihah and Al-Zalzalah are recited in each Rak‘ah (unit of Prayer) 15 times and those who perform it regularly are recorded among Al-Awwabin (the oft-repentant). May Allah grant you a long life!

A: salah of Al-Awwabin is Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise), which is performed (at the time of the day) when the sun’s heat becomes intense. It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The Salah of Al-Awwabin is when the feet of young camels are scalded (by the heat of sand).” It signifies the time when the sand heated by the sun becomes unbearably hot for the feet of young camels. As for offering Salah after the supererogatory Salah for the Maghrib Prayer in which Surahs Al-Fatihah and Al-Zalzalah are recited 15 times, we know of no basis for this.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and Companions!

Salah of Al-Awwabin

Q: We heard that after the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer, there is a two-Rak`ah (units of Prayer) Salah offered called “Salah of the penitent”. Is it a Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet)? How is it offered?

A: the Sunnah Ratibah (supererogatory Prayer performed on a regular basis) offered after the Maghrib Prayer is two Rak`ahs, and then a person may offer any number of Rak`ahs they like. As for the two-Rak`ah Salah called “Salah of the penitent”, it is groundless.

it rather refers to Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise) which is offered when it becomes too hot, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him), The Salah of the penitent is offered when your Fisal (weaned camels) feel the heat of the sun. Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Description of the Funeral Prayer : Shaykh ibn Baaz

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 16, 2014March 31, 2017

[In both The Sacred Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, janazah prayer is conducted after almost every congregational prayer. Learn this prayer before you leave for The Holy Land so that there will be greater depth to your participation in this prayer]

Q: What is the manner of performing Funeral Prayer?

A: The manner of performing Funeral Prayer is that the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) begins by pronouncing Takbirat-ul-Ihram (saying: “Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]”) and seeking refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan.

He then recites the Basmalah (saying, “Bismillah Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim [In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful]”) and Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Glorious Qur’an, Surah number I). It is desirable that he recites a short Surah after Al-Fatihah, such as Al-Ikhlas or Al-`Asr, or some Ayahs (Qur’anic verses). It was authentically related from the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) which indicates this.

Then, the Imam should pronounce the second Takbir (saying: “Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]”) and invoke Allah’s peace upon the Prophet(peace be upon him) in the same manner a person invokes Allah’s peace upon him in the final Tashahhud (a recitation in the sitting position in the second/ last unit of Prayer).

The Imam pronounces the third Takbir and supplicates to Allah for the deceased with the well-known supplications (of the Prophet), being attentive to mentioning the correct gender and plural pronouns for multiple funerals.

Finally, the Imam pronounces the fourth Takbir followed by a moment of silence and then recites Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) once to his right only.

As for the opening invocation, there is no harm in either saying it or not. Yet it is better to omit it in accordance with the statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him): Hasten the funeral proceedings…

Q: Would you please explain to us how should the Funeral Prayer be performed as reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), because many people do not know how it should be performed?

A: The manner of performing Funeral Prayer was demonstrated by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) as follows: It begins with pronouncing Takbirat-ul-Ihram and seeking refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan. Then, the Imam recites the Basmalah and Al-Fatihah followed by a short Surah or some Ayahs. Then, he pronounces Takbir and invokes Allah’s peace upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) as one does at the end of the Prayer. Then, he pronounces a third Takbir and supplicates to Allah for the deceased.

The best is to say:

O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those who are present among us and those who are absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allah, whoever You decree to live, let him live in Islam and whoever You cause to die, cause him to die withIman (Faith).

O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, keep him safe and sound and forgive him, honor the place where he settles and make his entrance wide; wash him with water, snow and hail, and cleanse him of sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt.

O Allah, give him a house better than his house and a family better than his family. O Allah, admit him to Paradise and protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of Hell-fire; make his grave spacious and fill it with light.

O Allah, do not deprive us of the reward and do not cause us to go astray after this.

All of this was recorded from the Prophet (peace be upon him). If you supplicate to Allah using other words, this is fine. For example, one may say,

“O Allah, if he was a doer of good, then increase his good deeds; and if he was a wrongdoer, then forgive his bad deeds. O Allah, forgive him and give him the strength to say the right thing.”

Then, after a fourth Takbir there is a short pause ending with one Taslim to the right. This was narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him).

It is an act of Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) that the Imam stands at the head of the body if the deceased is a male and by its middle if it is the body of a female as authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Hadith of Anas and Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with them both). As for the opinion held by some scholars that it is prescribed in the Sunnah that the Imam stands at the chest of the body if the deceased is a male, this is a weak opinion that has no basis as far as we know. When performing Funeral Prayer, the dead body should be positioned facing the direction of the Qiblah (Ka`bah-direction faced in Prayer), because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: It is the Qiblah (Ka`bah-direction faced in Prayer) of Muslims while living i.e. during Prayer and after death [in the grave]. May Allah grant us success.

Posted from: http://www.alifta.net/fatawa/fatawaDetails.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=2291&PageNo=1&BookID=14

Learn the dua’s ( taken from Hisn al Muslim, Darussalam Publishers)

For the deceased in the funeral prayer:

[Note: The following are for funeral of a male Muslim, change it accordingly for female Muslimah]

اللهُمِّ اغْفِرْ لِحَيِّنا وَمَيِّتِنا وَشاهِدِنا ، وَغائِبِنا ، وَصَغيرِنا وَكَبيرِنا ، وَذَكَرِنا وَأُنْثانا. اللهُمِّ مَنْ أَحْيَيْتَهُ مِنّا فَأَحْيِهِ عَلى الإِسْلام ،وَمَنْ تَوَفَّيْتَهُ مِنّا فَتَوَفَّهُ عَلى الإِيمان ، اللهُمِّ لا تَحْرِمْنا أَجْرَه ، وَلا تُضِلَّنا بَعْدَه

Allaahum-maghfir lihayyinaa, wa mayyitinaa, wa shaahidinaa, wa ghaa’ibinaa, wa sagheerinaa wa kabeerinaa, wa thakarinaa wa ‘unthaanaa. Allaahumma man ‘ahyaytahu minnaa fa’ahyihi ‘alal-‘Islaami, wa man tawaffaytahu minnaa fatawaffahu ‘alal-‘eemaani, Allaahumma laa tahrimnaa ‘ajrahu wa laa tudhillanaa ba’dahu.

O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those who are with us and those who are absent, our young and our old, our menfolk and our womenfolk. O Allah, whomever you give life from among us give him life in Islam, and whomever you take way from us take him away in Faith. O Allah, do not forbid us their reward and do not send us astray after them.

Ibn Majah 1/480, Ahmad 2/368. See also Al-Albani, Sahih Ibn Majah 1/251.

—

اللهُمِّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْه ، وَعافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْه ، وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَه ، وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَه ، وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْماءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدْ ، وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخطايا كَما نَقّيْتَ الثَّوْبُ الأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسْ ، وَأَبْدِلْهُ داراً خَيْراً مِنْ دارِه ، وَأَهْلاً خَيْراً مِنْ أَهْلِه ، وَزَوْجَاً خَيْراً مِنْ زَوْجِه ، وَأَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّة ، وَأَعِذْهُ مِنْ عَذابِ القَبْر وَعَذابِ النّار

Allaahum-maghfir lahu warhamhu, wa ‘aafihi, wa’fu ‘anhu, wa ‘akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi’ mudkhalahu, waghsilhu bilmaa’i waththalji walbaradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataayaa kamaa naqqaytath-thawbal-‘abyadha minad-danasi, wa ‘abdilhu daaran khayran min daarihi, wa ‘ahlan khayran min ‘ahlihi, wa zawjan khayran min zawjihi, wa ‘adkhilhul-jannata, wa. ‘a’ithhu min ‘athaabil-qabri[wa ‘athaabin-naar].

O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him and give him strength and pardon him. Be generous to him and cause his entrance to be wide and wash him with water and snow and hail. Cleanse him of his transgressions as white cloth is cleansed of stains. Give him an abode better than his home, and a family better than his family and a wife better than his wife. Take him into Paradise and protect him from the punishment of the grave [and from the punishment of Hell-fire].

Sheeh Muslim 2/663.

The funeral prayer for deceased child:

اللهُمَّ أَعِذْهُ مِن عَذَابِ القَبْرِ
اللهُـمِّ اجْعَلْـهُ فَرَطـاً وَذُخْـراً لِوالِـدَيهِ، وَشَفـيعاً مُجَـاباً، اللهُـمِّ ثَـقِّلْ بِهِ مَوازيـنَهُما، وَأَعْـظِمْ بِهِ أُجُـورَهُـما، وَأَلْـحِقْـهُ بِصَالِـحِ الـمؤْمِنـين، وَاجْعَلْـهُ في كَِفـَالَةِ إِبْـراهـيم، وَقِهِ بِرَحْمَـتِكَ عَذابَ الْجَـحِيمِ, وَأَبْـدِلْهُ داراً خَـيْراً مِنْ دارِه ، وَأَهْلاً خَـيْراً مِنْ أَهْلِـه, اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لإِسْلافِنَا, وَأَفْراطِنَا, وَمَنْ سَبَقَنَاَ بِالإِيمَان

Allaahumma ‘a’ith-hu min ‘athaabil-qabri. Allaahum-maj’alhufaratan wa thukhran liwaalidayhi, wa shafee’an mujaaban. Allaahumma thaqqil bihi mawaazeenahumaa wa ‘a’dhim bihi ‘ujoorahumaa, wa ‘alhiqhu bisaalihil-mu’mineena, waj’alhu fee kafaalati ‘Ibraaheema, wa qihi birahmatika ‘athaabal-jaheemi, wa ‘abdilhu daaran khayran min daarihi, wa ‘ahlan khayran min ‘ahlihi, Allaahum-maghfir li’aslaafinaa, wa ‘afraatinaa wa man sabaqanaa bil’eemaan.

O Allah, protect him from the torment of the grave. O Allah, make him a precursor, a forerunner and a treasure for his parents and an answered intercessor. O Allah, make him weigh heavily in their scales (of good) and magnify their reward. Make him join the righteous of the believers. Place him in the care of Ibrahim. Save him by Your mercy from the torment of Hell. Give him a home better than his home and a family better than his family. O Allah, forgive those who have gone (i.e. passed away) before us, our children lost (by death), and those who have preceded us in Faith.

Ibn Qudamah, Al-Mughni 3/416 and Ad-Duroosul-Muhimmah li-Aammatil-‘Ummah, pg. 15, by Shaikh ‘Abdul-‘Aziz bin Baz.

Nafil (Optional / Voluntary) Prayers are of Two Types – Dr. Saleh as-Saleh [Audio|En]

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 14, 2014March 24, 2015

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 4:29)

As-Sunan Ar-Raatibah (The Optional Prayers) – Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

by AbdurRahman.orgMarch 2, 2013July 23, 2015

As-Sunan Ar-Raatibah (The Optional Prayers)
Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee (hafidhahullaah)
http://followthesalaf.com
[Audio|English]

Class of Monday, November 26, 2012.

From the book Al-Mulakhas al-Fiqhi by Sheikh Saaleh al-Fawzaan.

In this class we continue in the chapter on as-salat (prayer) as-sunan ar-raatibah (the optional prayers prayed right before or right after the obligatory prayers).

These prayer are highly recommended, so much so that some of the scholars would not take the testimony of a person who does not pray them.

The sheikh describes the 10 raka’at in these sunan. Do you know when they are each to be prayed? Listen to find out…

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 55:49)

The Times When it is Not Permissible to Perform the Optional Prayers – Al-Mulakhas Al-Fiqhi – Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

by AbdurRahman.orgFebruary 9, 2013July 23, 2015

Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee (hafidhahullaah)
Audio Courtesy: http://followthesalaf.com
[Mp3|English]

From the book Al-Mulakhas al-Fiqhi (A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence) by Sheikh Saaleh al-Fawzaan. The book of Salaah. Class of Monday, December 24, 2012.

In this class we continue in the chapter on as-Salat (prayer) in the section of The Times When it is Not Permissible to Perform the Optional Prayers.

Because we have learned the virtue of performing the optional prayers, so it is important to know the times in which they are prohibited. Do you know the 5 times? Do you know any of the exceptions to these? Listen to find out…

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 57:30)

Sunnah Prayers Explained – Shaykh Bin Baz (rahimahullaah) – [Must Read]

by AbdurRahman.orgAugust 18, 2012August 27, 2018

Question:

What are the Rawatib (Sunnah Prayers associated with Obligatory Prayers) which can be made up if the person misses them?

Shaykh Bin Baz:

The Rawatib which the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to preserve are twelve Rakats, these are the Rawatib; for the resident not the traveler. Twelve Rakats; four before Thur prayer with two tasleems, and two after Thur prayer; this is six. Two after Magrib prayer and two after Isha prayer; this is ten. And two before the morning (Fajr) prayer; this is twelve. The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to practice these consistently while present at his residence. And he, peace be upon him, said:

“Whoever preserves four Rakats before Thur and four after it, Allah will make him forbidden for the Fire.”

If the person prays four after Thur, thus adding two Rakat then this is better, but it is not Rawatib. The Rawatib is two Rakats. If he prays four after Thur prayer then this has in it virtue and a tremendous amount of good.

In a similar fashion before Asr prayer it is recommended for the person to pray four Rakats, but these are not Rawatib, rather they are recommended. This is based upon the statement of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:

“May Allah have mercy upon the person who prays four Rakats before Asr prayer”.

Likewise if he prays two Rakats before Magrib prayer and two Rakats before Isha prayer, between the Athan and the Iqamah, this is recommended; but these are not Rawatib. Rather it is recommended after the Athan to pray two Rakats, after the Athan for Maghrib and after the Athan for Isha the person prays two Rakats; two Rakats which are different than the two Rakats to greet the Masjid.

As for greeting the Masjid, if the person enters the Masjid even before the Athan then he greets the Masjid with two Rakats of prayer. And if he enters after the Athan, the Athan of Maghrib or after the Athan of Isha, then he greets the Masjid with two Rakats of prayer and this will suffice him from the two Rakats between the Athan and the Iqamah.

As for travel – then it is only prescribed to pray the Sunnah prayers of Fajr and the Witr prayer. During travel the person only prays the Witr and Tahajjud prayers during the night, and he prays the Sunnah prayers of Fajr. As for the Sunnah prayers of Thur, Maghrib, and Isha, then it is better to leave them during travel. But as it relates to the Sunnah prayers of Fajr, then the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to preserve then during travel and while he was a resident.

And if the person misses the Sunnah prayer for Fajr he prays them after the Fajr prayer or after the sun has risen. As for the other Rawatib, for Thur, Maghrib, and Isha, then they are not made up after the time has passed; if the time passed they are not made up. Therefore one would not make up the Sunnah prayers for Thur after Asr, nor the Sunnah prayers for Maghrib after Isha, nor the Sunnah prayers for Isha after Fajr. These prayers are not made up. As for the Sunnah prayer for Fajr then it is made up. If he prays it after the Fajr prayer then there is no problem with this. And if he prays it after the sun has risen and reached its height then this is better.

As for the Sunnah prayer of Duha and Tahajjud prayers at night then they are prescribed for the travel and the resident. Likewise is the Sunnah prayer after completing Wudu; after the person completes Wudu it is recommended (for him to pray) whether he is on a journey or a resident.

Likewise if a person enters a Masjid while upon a journey he also prays two Rakats of prayer, even if he is travelling. May Allah reward you with good.

Therefore we will summarize the answer once again, if you will allow me; the Sunnah prayers which are recommended to make up.

First the summary of the answer: The twelve Rawatib which are specific to the resident are: Four Rakats before Thur with two tasleems, two Rakats after Thur with one tasleem; two Rakats after Maghrib with one tasleem; two Rakats after Isha with one tasleem, and two Rakats before the morning prayer after the rising of the Fajr. These are the Rawatib that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to preserve.

As for those that are made up then it is only the Sunnah prayer for Fajr, if it is missed then it is made up after Fajr or after the rising of the sun. Likewise the Sunnah prayers that come before Thur can be made up after Thur. If the four Sunnah prayer that come before Thur are missed they are prayed after Thur, then he prays the two Rakats after Thur; thus praying six Rakats. The four that come before Thur, and the two Rawatib that come after Thur. May Allah reward you with good.

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee
http://mtws.posthaven.com/sunnah-prayers-explained-by-shaykh-bin-baz

Related Links:

Great Reward – Preserve These Eight Rak’ah and Stay Out Of Hell – By the Will of Allaah!
Great Reward – The superiority of the voluntary prayer in the house
Great Reward – Excellence of the Twelve Units of Voluntary Prayers

Praying the Sunnah Prayer at home or at the Masjid? | Shaykh al-Albani

by AbdurRahman.orgMarch 16, 2012October 15, 2014

Silsilat al Huda wan Noor Tape 9, Question 9

The voluntary prayer of a man (in a place) where no person can see him equal to twenty-five times his prayer where people can see him. [1]

The superiority of the prayer of a man in his house over his prayer (in a place) so that people can see him, is like the superiority of the obligatory prayer over the voluntary [2]

Reference:
[1] Musnad Aboo Ya’ala, Hadeeth 3821. Shaykh Al-Albanee graded this narration as authentic.
[2] Saheeh At-Targeeb Wa At-Tarheeb, The Book Of Desiring to Pray The Voluntary Prayers in the House, Hadeeth 438. Shaykh Al-Albanee graded this narration as Hasan.

Salat-ul-Tawbah (Prayer of Repentance) – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

by AbdurRahman.orgSeptember 13, 2010June 11, 2018

Q: When I was a young man, I committed some sins. Alhamdu lillah [All praise is due to Allah], for having guided me to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah). However, I still have doubts about whether Allah has accepted my Tawbah or not. Kindly enlighten me regarding Salat-ul-Tawbah (Prayer of Repentance). May Allah reward you with the best!

A: Alhamdu lillah, Tawbah wipes out all one’s past sins. Therefore, you should give up your doubts that Allah has turned your Tawbah away. Rather, you have to expect good from your Lord and have firm belief that He has accepted your heartfelt Tawbah. This is based on the Ayah (Qur’anic verse) in which Allah says:

وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful
(Surah Al-Nur, 24: 31)

In the above Ayah, Allah has made success contingent upon making Tawbah. Anyone who turns in Tawbah to Allah, will achieve success. Allah (Glorified be He) says:

وَإِنِّي لَغَفَّارٌ لِّمَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا ثُمَّ اهْتَدَىٰ

And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death). (Surah TaHa, 20: 82)

Allah is the Ever-Truthful Who never breaks His Promises.

Allah (Glorified be He) also says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ

O you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) (Surah Al-Tahrim, 66: 8)

In the above Ayah Allah’s Promise, as indicated by the words “It may be …”, should be understood to mean that He will surely fulfill His Promise.

Therefore, you have to expect good from Allah and assume that He has accepted your Tawbah provided that you are sincere and full of remorse for committing these past sins. You also have to be determined not to return to doing them again. You have to be aware of incitements of Satan. In one Hadith Qudsy (Revelation from Allah in the Prophet’s words) Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“I am near to the thought of My Servant as he thinks about Me.”

Therefore, you ought to have firm belief that Allah has accepted your Tawbah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

Let none of you die without expecting good from Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) (Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith)

As for Salat-ul-Tawbah, it was authentically reported on the authority of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Anyone who commits a sin, performs Wudu’ (ablution) properly, and then offers two Rak’ahs (units of Prayer) wherein he asks Allah to forgive his sins, Allah will accept his Tawbah. (Related by Ahmad)

May Allah grant us success!

Source : Ibn Baaz fatwas from alifta.com

Browse by volume number > Volume 11 > The Book of Salah (Prayer): Section Two > Supererogatory Salah > Salah (Prayer) of repentance

Salat-ul-Tasabih – A Strange Salah – Permanent Committee

by AbdurRahman.orgNovember 23, 2009January 24, 2015

Taken from : alifta.net

Q 2: There has been heated debate about salat-ul-Tasabih (supererogatory Prayer in which Allah is glorified 75 times in each unit of Prayer). I hope you will shed some light on this.

A: Salat-ul-Tasabih is not Mashru‘ (Islamically prescribed), as the Hadith that it is reported regarding it is not authentically narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him). It also differs from the prescribed Salahs in regard to its form, words and actions, which is evidence that it is not prescribed. Certainly, the Salahs authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) are perfectly sufficient to dispense with this strange Salah, which is incompatible with what is known of the Purified Shar‘ (Law).

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Members : Bakr Abu Zayd, `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh, Salih Al-Fawzan, `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan
Deputy Chairman : `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify
The Chairman : `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Al-Sunan al-Rawatib (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) – Imam Ibn Baaz

by AbdurRahman.orgAugust 22, 2009December 17, 2020

Every Muslim, whether be male or female, is recommended to pray 12 Rakaat of supererogatory prayers every day: four of these Rakaat (units of prayers) are before noon prayer, two after it, two after Maghrib prayer, two after Isha (night) prayer and two before the morning prayer ‑ These supererogatory prayers are called (Rawatib) which means: “Certain supererogatory exercises of optional prayers.” The Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be on him, preserved the performance of these optional prayers wherever he settled. During his travels, he used to practice the two optional Rakaat before the morning prayer and also the Witr prayer (after the Isha prayer).

There is no objection to perform these optional prayers in the mosque, but it is better to perform it at home, because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, said “The best of the prayers are those which are furfilled at one’s own home, with exception to obligatory prayers which should be performed in congregation at the mosque.”

Observance of fulfilling these optional prayers is a means for gaining admission to paradise. The Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be on him, said (which means): “Whoever prays optionally twelve Rakoat every one day and night, Allah will reward him by an established dwelling in the paradise. “

It is also advisable to the Muslim to pray four optional Rakaat before Asr prayer (afternoon prayer), two before Maghrib prayer (evening prayer), and two before Isha prayer (night prayer), because this manner was reported to be one of the traditions of the Prophet. Allah, the Almighty says: “Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar” (33:21).

Source for the above: Prophet Muhammad’s Manners of Performing Prayers – Shaik ibn Baaz

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 195
The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with the Obligatory Prayers

1097. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the Mother of the Believers reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak`ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah).”
[Muslim].

Commentary: Tatawwu` means to offer more Nawafil (optional prayers) on one’s own after performing the Faraid (obligatory prayers). Thus, this Hadith tells us the merits of optional prayers and holds promise of (Jannah) for those who make it a practice.

1098. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah of optional prayers before Zuhr and two after the Zuhr (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and two after the `Isha’ (night) prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: There are two kinds of Nawafil which are performed before or after the obligatory prayer. Firstly, the one which were performed by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) more frequently. According to the present Hadith, their total comes to ten Rak`ah while in other Ahadith their total is twelve or fourteen Rak`ah. They are called Sunnah Mu’akkadah or As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib That is, the Rak`ah which are proved from the saying and practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and which were performed by him usually. These are said to be Compulsory prayers. Secondly, such Nawafil which were not performed by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) regularly. These are called Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah and are said to be Optional prayers. In any case, Nawafil have great importance in creating a special link between the worshipper and Allah, and for this reason the believers do not neglect them. But their status in Shari`ah is of Nawafil the performing of which is rewarding and omission of which is not sinful. One thing that should be borne in mind in respect of As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib or Mu’akkadah is that it is better to perform them at home. This was the usual practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and this is what he ordained the Muslims.

1099.`Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is a Salat (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a Salat between every Adhan and Iqamah.” (While saying the same for the) third time (he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) added), “It is for him who desires (to perform it).”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: The two Adhan here means Adhan and Iqamah, as has been elucidated by Imam An-Nawawi. That is, offering of two Rak`ah between Adhan and Iqamah is Mustahabb (desirable). It comes in the category of Ghair Ratiba or Ghair Mu’akkadah Nawafil. These Nawafil can be performed after the Adhan of every Salat before the congregation stands for the obligatory Salat.

Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)

Fear Prayer

وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

وَإِنِّي لَغَفَّارٌ لِّمَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا ثُمَّ اهْتَدَىٰ

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen Chapter 195 The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with the Obligatory Prayers

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 195
The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with the Obligatory Prayers