Lesson 26

CONDITIONS OF SALAAT

1. Acceptance of Islamic Faith -disbelievers are not required to perform Salaat until they believe in Allah (SWT) and bear witness that there is no God but Allah and bear witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His Messenger.

2. An-Niyyah -In Arabic, it means intention by heart to perform the particular prayer.

3. Cleanliness -This includes cleanliness of the body, the worn cloth and the place where the prayer is performed.

4. Purification -this refers to the performance of Wudhu (or Ghusl as the case maybe) prior to undertaking the prayer.

5. Clothes and concealing of the ‘Awrah -For man, it is essential that he be covered at least from navel to the knees all around, while in the case of a woman, her body should be totally covered except for the face and hands up to the wrists. But if there are men around, she should cover her body totally including the face and wrists.

6. Facing the “Qiblah” -A person who prays, must face towards the direction of the sacred mosque in Makkah. If a person is in a strange place, and is not in a position to find out the right direction of Qiblah, he/ she can make the best guess of the Qiblah and perform the prayer.

7. Timing -prayers are to be observed at the prescribed times.

Lesson 27NECESSARY DUTIES OF SALAAT (WAAJIBAATU-SALAAT) AND HOW TO RECITE “TASHAHHUD”

In addition to the proceeding 14 pillars of prayer, there are also certain necessary duties, which need to be fulfilled in the course of the salaat. They are as follows:

1. All Takbeers except Takbeerat ul-Ihram.

2. Saying ” SUBHANAA RABBIYAL ATHEEM”, (once) in Rukuu position.

3. Saying “SAMI ALLAHU LIMAN HAMIDAH”( once) while resuming standing position from the Rukuu, whether the person is an “Imam” -leading the prayer or is praying alone.

4. Saying “RABBANA WALAKAL HAMD” (once) after resuming the standing position from the Rukuu. This is required from the Imam, from the congregation and also when the person is praying alone.

5. Saying “SUBHANA RABBIYAL A’LAA” (once) when in Sujuud (Prostration) position.

6. Saying “RABB IGHFIR LEE” in the sitting lull between the two prostrations of every unit of the prayer.

7. Taking a sitting position on the recitation of the first Tashahhud at the end of first two rakaats (units) of Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers.

8. Reciting the Al-Tashahhud (words of witness) after the end of first two rakaats of Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers.

The above 8 acts constitute the necessary duties of the prayer and if one of them is missed unintentionally, then the person is required to correct the mistake by performing two prostrations of forgetfulness at the end of the prayer. However, if any of these duties is left out deliberately, then the whole prayer is nullified and shall require a repetition. HOW TO RECITE “TASHAHHUD”

“Al-tahiyatu lillahi wasalawaatu watayyibaatu, Assalaamu alayka ayyuha-n-nabiyyu wa rah-mat-ullahi wa barakaatuhu. Assalaamu alayna wa ‘alaa ibadi-l-laahi-s-saalihiyn. Ash-hadu al-laa-ilaaha ill-allahu wa ashahadu anna Muhammadan abdoho wa rasooluhu. Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta ala Ibrahima wa aali Ibrahim. Innaka Hameedon Majid. Wa baarik ala Muhammad wa ala aali Muhammad kama baarakta ala Ibrahima was ala aali Ibrahima. Innaka Hameedon Majid.”

THIS MEANS: “Greetings, prayers and the good things of life belong to Allah. Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be on you, O Prophet. May peace be upon us and on the devout slaves of Allah. I testify that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his family as You blessed Ibrahim and his family. You are the Most Praised, the Most Glorious.”