Taraweeh prayer.

Question: 




Does the Tarawih Prayer substitute for two rak`ahs of 

sunnah following the `Isha' Prayer? 

If it does not, when should the two rak`ahs of sunnah be 

performed? 

What is the time of the Tarawih Prayer?




In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.



The true opinion states that the Tarawih Prayer is not valid before the `Isha' Prayer. There is no disagreement among the jurists that the Tarawih Prayer is valid after the `Isha' Prayer; however, it is better that Muslims pray the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' before the Tarawih Prayer. Muslims should not neglect the sunnah Prayer after `Isha', as it is sunnah mu`akkadah (confirmed Sunnah) and the Tarawih Prayer does not substitute for it.

If the people of a certain mosque are not used to giving time for the people to pray these two rak`ahs, they should be kindly advised to follow the Sunnah. If they refuse, there is no need for dissension. The sunnah Prayer can be performed after the Tarawih Prayer, or one can perform the first two rak`ahs of the Tarawih Prayer with the intention to perform the sunnah Prayer of `Isha', and then complete the Tarawih Prayer.

Muslims should observe the two rak`ahs of sunnah after `Isha', as Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), narrated that she heard him say, "If any Muslim servant (of Allah) prays for the sake of Allah twelve rak`ahs (sunnah prayers) every day, over and above the obligatory ones, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise, or a house will be built for him in Paradise" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "I have not abandoned observing them after (hearing it from the Messenger of Allah)."

It is stated in the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia of Fiqh that the majority of the jurists assert that the Tarawih Prayer is sunnah mu`akkadah and it should be performed after the `Isha' Prayer. The Tarawih Prayer is considered a sunnah Prayer, as it is performed after the obligatory Prayer. Its time starts after performing the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' and ends shortly before Fajr, to leave time to pray the Witr Prayer. It is preferable not to delay it, if one will miss the prayer in congregation.

Moreover, the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia mentioned the madhhabs of the scholars as follows:
The majority of the scholars hold the opinion that the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer until the Fajr [Prayer], before performing the Witr Prayer, as the Prophet's Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to pray it during this time. If a Muslim prays it after the Maghrib Prayer and before the `Isha' Prayer, the majority of jurists and many Hanafis hold the opinion that it does not replace the Tarawih Prayer and the Malikis say that it is a nafl (supererogatory) Prayer. However, some Hanafis say that it is valid, as all the night—before and after `Isha'—until Fajr is a time for the Tarawih Prayer. The Hanbalis say that it is invalid because it is performed after an obligatory Prayer, i.e., the `Isha'; hence, it is invalid before the `Isha' Prayer, just as is the sunnah Prayer following `Isha'. Also, they say that the Tarawih Prayer is performed after the two rak`ahs of sunnah Prayer after the `Isha'. Al-Majd, one of the Hanbali jurists, says, "As it is disliked to delay the Sunnah prayer of the `Isha' to be performed after the chosen time of the `Isha', it is more suitable to perform the Tarawih prayer following the Sunnah of the `Isha'."

If one performed it (i.e. the Tarawih) after the `Isha' Prayer and the Witr Prayer, many of the Hanafis hold the opinion that it is sufficient. Some of the Hanafis and Shafi`is say that it is preferable to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the third or the half of the night. The Hanafis differ concerning performing it after the half of the night: Some say that it is disliked, as it succeeds the `Isha' Prayer, just like the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'; and the right opinion that it is not disliked, as it is the Night Prayer that is preferable to be performed late at night. The Hanbalis say that it is preferable to perform Tarawih in the early part of the night, as people used to do so during the time of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). When Ahmad was asked to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the last part of the night, he answered, "The sunnah of the Muslims is dearer to me."

It was mentioned in Al-Insaf fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali:
According to the right opinion of the madhhab and the chosen opinion of the majority of the scholars, the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer and its sunnah Prayer. As reported and asserted by Harb in Al-`Umdah, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said that it is performed after the `Isha' and before the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'.

Also, it was stated in Kashshaf Al-Qina` fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali, "If he prayed the Tarawih Prayer after the `Isha' Prayer and before its sunnah, it is absolutely valid; however, it is better to be performed after the sunnah Prayer."


Allah Almighty knows best.

Pillars of islam

The Pillars of Islam
The five pillars are probably the most well known Islamic concepts, and are also the foundation of a Muslim’s life.  They are the testimony of faith, prayer, fasting during the month of Ramadan, giving in charity and performing Hajj.

The Prophet Mohammed said, “Islam is founded on five pillars: to testify that ‘there is no deity except God, and Mohammed is the messenger of God;’ to establish the ritual prayers; to give charity (to the needy); to perform the pilgrimage to the House (of worship in Mecca); and to fast during the month of Ramadan.”

1) Shahadah

The first pillar of Islam is the testimony of faith, which proclaims that “there is no deity except God, and Mohammed is the messenger of God.”

The shahadah is repeated frequently throughout a Muslim’s life and contains the core principle of Islam: that there is only one God, He has no partners, and should be obeyed through the example of the Prophet Mohammed.

2) Prayers

The Prophet Mohammed once said, “If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any dirt left on him?” The people said, “No dirt would remain on him whatsoever.” Mohammed then said, “That is like the five daily prayers: God wipes away the sins by them.”

As the second pillar of Islam, prayer is an integral factor of every Muslim’s daily life and is the bare minimum amount of time a Muslim stands before God alone. Praying five times throughout different periods of the day serves as a constant reminder of God’s presence and inherently encourages a Muslim to do that which is good and avoid wrong. Constant prayer throughout the day also provides set opportunities to ask for forgiveness and guidance..
This direct conversation with the Creator allows people to wind down and focus on what matters the most: their relationship with God.

Performed at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and night, the scheduled prayers are done in the same manner and generally take a few minutes depending on the individual. They consist of reading a few verses from the Quran and reciting various supplications to God.

3) Fasting

Fasting in Islam is unlike fasting in any other spiritual path, because it means that Muslims cannot eat, drink, or have sexual relations with their spouse between sunrise and sunset. Fasting is a practice that was done and encouraged by the Prophet Mohammed several different days throughout the year, such as on Mondays and Thursday,, but was only made mandatory for Muslims throughout Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Fasting during Ramadan is only obligatory on those who are able and healthy. For those who are sick, pregnant or nursing, on a journey, or who are elderly and need to take medication, fasting is either made optional or can be made up when one has the ability to fast again. Children generally begin to fast from puberty, although some parents may encourage their children to start earlier as practice.

God states in the Quran: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may achieve greater awareness (of God)” (Quran 2:183).

Fasting is not only scientifically proven to be beneficial to one’s physical well-being, but also allows a person to focus on his or her self-discipline and remember the struggles of those who are less fortunate. Above all, it’s a constant reminder of God’s presence and helps in increasing a person’s connection and level of spirituality with God.

4) Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, is an obligation upon all Muslims once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.  The period of Hajj begins in the first ten days of the last month of the Islamic calendar and has been a tradition in Islam since the time that Abraham built the Kaaba <click here for a picture> with his son, Prophet Ishmael, who was the brother of the prophet Isaac.

Presently, Hajj is performed yearly by over two million people from various nations, ethnicities, social classes, and economic statuses. Throughout the acts of Hajj, pilgrims pray for God’s forgiveness and the betterment of themselves, their families, and their respective communities.

The end of Hajj is marked by Eid ul-Adha, known as the Celebration of the Sacrifice, where Muslims all over the world sacrifice a sheep or a goat commemorating Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his own son (though after Abraham proved his devotion to God, he was not required to actually sacrifice his son). The meat is separated into thirds, where one third is distributed to the needy, one third is for friends and neighbors, and one-third is for family. Eid ul-Adha also happens to be the second celebration in Islam and is a time where families are encouraged to be merry and give gifts to one another.

5) Zakat

Zakat is an annual payment made by Muslims from 2.5% of their fluid assets which is then distributed to the poor as needed throughout their area.

Not only is charity an honorable and respectable deed, but it’s also a deed which is absolutely necessary for the betterment of mankind. God repeatedly places great emphasis in the Quran on taking care of the needy and connecting it with praying, the second pillar of Islam, by saying, “<insert ayat on zakat here>”.
Muslims pay zakat by the end of Ramadan only when they are able to provide for themselves and if they are not in need of financial assistance.

Zakat is a system which is built into Islam to ensure the well being of those who are unable to financially support themselves. At its best and highest level, it can eliminate poverty in society and maintain dignity and respect for all.
Giving to the poor in communities, charitable foundations, and other places where financial support is needed is encouraged throughout a Muslims life, even outside of zakat. In the Quran, God says, “Those who spend of their wealth (in charity) by night and by day, and in secret and in public have their reward with their Lord; on them there shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Quran 2:274)
No amount given in charity is considered insignificant, but even so, charity is not restricted to just a monetary amount. Voluntary labor, love, and words of encouragement are all considered charitably act, and the Prophet famoulsy said that “even a smile is a form of charity.”

Daily Islamic Prayer (Solah)

Throughout the day, Muslims must perform the Solah, or formal prayers. That means 5 regimented times a day, followers must face Mecca (Kaabah) and pray to Allah. You should perform each daily prayer according to strict guidelines. The Solah is considered one of the important aspects of Islamic worship.


Pray is some action and words began with Takbeeratul Ihram ended by giving salaam. In solah have 13 steps Obligatory acts of prayer. There are five (5) prayers which must be performed by the Muslims and are called “obligatory” prayers. It is a great sin to neglect performing any of these obligatory prayers. Among the merits of performing the obligatory prayers is that one’s small sins, which may be committed between prayers, are forgiven. The Prophet , may Allah raise his rank, said:

which means: “Whoever makes a complete wudu', his sins will depart his body, until they leave from under his nails” (Muslim).

How to Perform the Solah (e.g: Dhuhr (Noon) Prayer)

The Dhuhr Prayer is four rak^ahs

1.         Facing the Qiblah: It is obligatory to stand directing your chest to the honorable Qiblah. The Qiblah is the Ka ^ bah in Makkah.

2.         Intention: It is obligatory to intend in your heart performing the obligatory Dhuhr prayer. Do that while saying  الله اكبر  Allahu akbar (God is great).

An example is to say in your heart “I intend to pray the obligatory Dhuhr prayer”.

3.         The Opening Takbir: It is obligatory to say Allahu akbar at least as loud as you can hear yourself, while raising your hands next to your ears. Raising your hands is a recommended part (figure-1-).

Figure-1-	Figure-2-

4.           Standing: It is obligatory to stand in the obligatory prayer when able. It is recommended to hold the wrist of the left hand with the right hand, placing both above the navel (figure-2a-2b).

5.         Reciting the Fatihah: It is obligatory to recite the Fatihah (the first chapter of the Qur’an) at least as loud as you can hear yourself. It is an obligation to recite the Fatihah properly, that is, to pronounce all the letters correctly. Learn the recitation of the Fatihah from a qualified teacher (see Appendix 3).

Figure-2a-	Figure-2b-

Whoever cannot recite the Fatihah correctly must recite other parts of the Qur’an, the number of letters of which should be at least equal to that of the Fajihah (156 letters). If one knows one or more qyahs of the Fatihah, one may repeat them as many times as would render minimally the same number of letters in the Fatihah. If one cannot recite any ayah of the Fatihah, one recites other ayahs of the Qur'an the letters of which add up to at least the same number of letters of the Fatihah. If one cannot recite any part of the Qur’an, one must recite certain words of dhikr, such as

 

subhanallah, al-hamdulillah, la ilaha illallah, and Allahu akbar (I declare that Allah is clear of all imperfections, praise and thanks to Allah, no one is God but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest) as many times as would render minimally the same number of letters in the Fatihah (Ibn Hibban an-Nawawiyy):

 

For example, reciting Allahu akbar twenty times is sufficient. In the unusual case of someone being unable to recite the Fatihah, other parts of the Qur’an, or dhikr statements one stands as long as reciting the Fatihah with moderate speed takes.

It is recommended to say ءامين Amin (0 Allah, fulfill my request) after finishing the Fatihah, and to recite at least one verse from another chapter of the Qur’an in the first and second rak ah (see Appendix 5).

It is also recommended before reciting the Fajihah in the first cycle to say the Tawajjuh supplication and then the isti adhah (asking for Allah’s protection from the cursed devil) (see Appendix 2).

6.         The Ruku^” (Bowing): It is obligatory to bend at the waist until your palms can reach your knees (figure-3-) and stay still in this position for at least the time it takes to sayسبحان الله subhanallah.


It is recommended upon bending to raise your hands next to your ears and say Allahu akbar. Also it is recommended while in ruku^, to say three times:  سُبحانَ رَبِّيَ العظيمsubhana Rabbiyal- ^Adhim (Praise be to my Great Lord).

Figure -3a-	Figure -3b-

7.         The I^ tidal (Straightening up): It is obligatory to straighten your back and stay still in this position for at least the time it takes to say subhanallah (figure-4-). It is recommended while raising your trunk to raise your hands next to your ears and to say  سَمعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ  sami^ allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears who praises Him). While your back is straight up it is recommended to say رَبّنَا لَكَ الحَمدُ Rabbana lakal-hamd (0 our Lord, to You the praise is due).

8.        The Sujiud (Prostration): It is obligatory to go down to the floor and prostrate by pressing your bare forehead, and putting your palms, knees, and pads of the toes on the floor. Both feet are kept vertical with the heels up and the toepads down touching the floor. Stay still in this position for at least the time it takes to say subhanallah (figure-5-).

Figure -4a-	Figure -4b-

It is recommended upon going down to the floor to raise your hands next to your ears and to say Allahu akbar.

Also it is recommended while in sujud to say three times  subhana Rabbiyal-'a la (Praise be to my Supreme Lord).

It is also recommended while in sujud to place your hands next to your shoulders, having your fingers together directed towards the Qiblah.

It is recommended for the male to keep his elbows away from his sides in his sujud and in his ruku ^, and to keep his abdomen lifted away from his thighs in his sujud (figure­5a-5b). However, the female keeps her elbows pulled in to her sides in her sujud and ruku and keeps her trunk close to her thighs in her sujud (figure-5c-).

Figure -5b-	Figure -5c-

9.                  The Sitting between the two Sujuds: It is obligatory to raise your trunk from prostration and sit, staying still in this position for at least the time it takes to say subhanallah (figure-6a-).

It is recommended to say Allahu akbar while coming to sitting.
Also, it is recommended while sitting to say:

Rabbighfir li warhamni wajburni warfa ^ ^ni warzuqni wahdini wa ^afini (0 my Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, fulfill my needs, raise me, provide for me, guide me, and protect me from sickness). It is also recommended to do the sitting with the left foot tucked under the buttocks while the right foot is kept vertical as in sujud (figure-6b-).

 

Figure -6a-	Figure -6b-

An alternate recommended way of sitting is to rest the buttocks on the heels of both feet which are kept as in sujud (figure-6c-)

It is recommended that the hands be placed on the thighs at the knees with the fingers extended and spread slightly towards the Qiblah.
 

10.       It is obligatory to perform a second sujud from your sitting position. This sujud is similar to the first sujud.

After the second sujud is fulfilled you have completed the first rak^ah (cycle) of the prayer.

Figure -6c-	Figure -7-

11.       It is obligatory to stand up for the second rak^ah . It is recommended while doing so to say Allahu akbar. Repeat steps 5 to 10. This ends your second rak^ah .

12.       It is recommended at this time to sit up from sujud, recite the Tashahhud (see Appendix 4), and say  Allahumma salli ^ala Muhammad (see Appendix 4) at least as loud as you can hear yourself.

It is recommended to sit with the feet as in step 9. An alternate way of sitting is to rest the buttocks on both crossed feet (figure-7-). It is also recommended to keep both hands on your thighs. The fingertips of your left hand should be spread towards your knee. In this sitting, the fingers of the right hand are lightly fisted except for the index finger which is extended slightly down (figure-8a-). The index finger is lifted slightly at saying إلاّ الله  illallah (in the Tashahhud) and is kept as such until the end of this sitting (figure-8b-).

 

Figure -8a-	Figure -8b-

 

13.       It is obligatory to stand up and do two more rak^ahs in the same way that you did from steps 5 to 11. It is recommended while rising for the third rak ^ah to raise your hands next to your ears and say Allahu akbar. However, raising the hands is not recommended while rising for the fourth rak^ah .

14.       Upon completion of the second sujud of the last rak^ah, it is obligatory to sit up, recite the Tashahhud, and say Allahumma salli ^ala Muhammad (see Appendix 4).

It is recommended to keep the hands as in step 12. However, after the index finger is lifted slightly at saying illallah it is kept as such until the end of the prayer.

For this sitting it is also recommended to pass the left foot past the right leg and place the buttocks on the floor, keeping the right foot as in sujuji (figure-9-).

 

Figure -9-

Afterwards, it is recommended to say (see Appendix 4). Then it is recommended to say a supplication such as:
 

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil- ‘akhirati hasanah, wa qina ^adhaban-nar, which means: “0 our Lord, grant us in this life and in the Hereafter good things, and protect us from the torture of the Hellfire”.

15.       The Ending Salam: It is obligatory to say   as­salamu ^alaykum at least as loud as you can hear yourself. It is recommended to say   as-salamu ^alaykum wa Rahmatullah first to one’s right and then to one’s left (figure-10-).

By saying this your Dhuhr prayer is ended.

Figure -10a-	Figure -10b-

Source: http://alsunna.org/Learn-How-to-Pray-Salat-with-Pictures.html