The Beautiful Islam: how to perform solah

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.

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