Let’s pray like the Prophet
Since 2012-11-20
I recommend you all, as well as myself, with fearing Allah Almighty. And here I present to you advice about some supererogatory acts have been neglected by some people in their prayers, and I remind you with the Hadeeth of the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) in which he said: “Pray as you saw me pray” [Reported by Bukhari]
Let’s pray like the Prophet(prayers and peace of Allah be upon him)
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds The most Gracious, the most Merciful, the Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense. The most Glory and Exaltation to Him; He is the Creator of all creatures, He is the Lord and Owner of everything, and in His hands is the sovereignty of everything. He protects (all), while against Whom there is no protector. No vision can grasp Him, but He grasps all vision. He is Al-Latîf (the Most Subtle and Courteous), Well-Acquainted with all things. I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, and I bear witness that our master Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, grant prayers and peace and blessings upon him and his wives, the mothers of the believers, and his family who are good and chaste. O Allah, be pleased with his companions who followed the righteous path and be pleased with whoever followed them righteously till the Day of Recompense.
"O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always, and die not except in a state of Islam as Muslims (with complete submission to Allah)" [Al-Imran 3: 102.]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ} آل عمران:102
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ittaqoo Allaha haqqa tuqatihi wala tamootunna illa waantum muslimoona
"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife Hawwa (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allah through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you" [An-Nisa 4: 1].
{يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءَلُونَ بِهِ وَالْأَرْحَامَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا} سورة النساء: 1
Transliteartion: Ya ayyuha alnnasu ittaqoo rabbakumu allathee khalaqakum min nafsin wahidatin wakhalaqa minha zawjaha wabaththa minhuma rijalan katheeran wanisaan waittaqoo Allaha allathee tasaaloona bihi waalarhama inna Allaha kana AAalaykum raqeeban
"O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and will be admitted to Paradise)" [Al-Ahzab 33: 70-71]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا (70) يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا} سورة الأحزاب: 70-71
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ittaqoo Allaha waqooloo qawlan sadeedan (70) Yuslih lakum aAAmalakum wayaghfir lakum thunoobakum waman yutiAAi Allaha warasoolahu faqad faza fawzan AAatheeman
I recommend you all, as well as myself, with fearing Allah Almighty. And here I present to you advice about some supererogatory acts have been neglected by some people in their prayers, and I remind you with the Hadeeth of the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) in which he said: “Pray as you saw me pray” [Reported by Bukhari]
«صلوا كما رأيتموني اصلى» رواه البخاري
I preferred to be restricted to some evidences lest there might be lengthiness. However; I mentioned many evidences about straightening the rows, because I saw this issue is being neglected by many brothers, whether they are imams or followers. Away from this issue (straightening the rows), I tried to be restricted to some evidences. And I invoke Allah the Exalted and Glorious to facilitate to me and you applying the Sunnah of prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), and I ask Him to make us among those who are submissive in the prayers, and I ask Him to set our wives and children in the right path, and I ask Him to forgive the sins of our parents and those we owe favors to them among the Muslims who are monotheists.
And I do not forget mentioning some references relate to this topic. The most important of these references is the Book of Allah the Exalted and Glorious, then Sefatu Salatu An-Naby by Sheikh Ibn Bazz, Riyadh As-Salihin by Imam An-Nawawy, Al-Moghney by Ibn Qudamah the scholar, Zad Al-Ma’ad by Imam Ibn Al-Qayim, Sefatu Salat An-Naby by Sheikh Nasir Al-Albani, Sefatu As-Salah by Sheikh Ibn Jabrin, Fath Al-Bary Li Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari by Ibn Hajar the memorizer, As-Salah Wa Hukm Tarikha by Imam Ibn Al-Qayim, Al-Manheyyiat Ash-Shareiah Fi Sefat As-Salah by Al-Kamaly, Al-Bida Wal-Muhdethat Wa Mala Asl Lah by Hammoud Ibn Abdullah Al-Mattar, Malik's Muwatta, and many others.
Now, generous brothers and sisters, let’s go and be ready for reading these Sunnan (i.e. supererogatory acts) while having support from Allah the Exalted and Glorious; indeed there is no might or power except with Allah the Most High, the Most Great.
1- Raising the hands: when reciting Takbir (Allahu Akbar), the person who performs prayer should raise his hands stretched (without making spaces between the fingers) making their palms face the Kiblah apposing the shoulders. It is narrated that Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) when he stood up for prayer, used to raise his hands apposite to the shoulders and then recited Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and when he was about to bow he again did like it and when he raised himself from the Ruku' (bowing posture) he again did like it, but he did not do it at the time of rising between the two prostrations” [Agreed upon].
«عن بن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال: رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا افتتح الصلاة رفع يديه حتى يحاذي منكبيه وقبل أن يركع وإذا رفع من الركوع ولا يرفعهما بين السجدتين.» متفق عليه
Raising the hands could appose the ears according to what is mentioned in Sahih Muslim (this is quoted by Ibn Al-Qayim in the book of prayer), and this means that raising the hands could appose the shoulders or the tips of the ears. The person should not touch his ears when raising the hands (as some people do), and the fingers should be stretched. Sheikh Al-Albani (may Allah Almighty have mercy on him) said in his book Sefatu Salat An-Naby: “And he used to raise them with stretched fingers without making spaces between them or getting them connected with each other” and he ascribed that to the Hadeeth of Abu Dawud. Raising the hands in this way should be at the first Takbir and when you are about to bow and when you rise from bowing posture and at the time of standing up after the first Tashahud.
2- Having Sutra: Scholars (may Allah Almighty mercy them) disagreed about whether having Sutra in prayer is obligatory or recommended. First we will mention some Ahadeeth about this issue, then whoever wants good should apply the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him). It is narrated on the authority of 'Awn Ibn Abi Juhaifa that he said: “I heard my father say that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) led them in prayer at Al-Batha' (a place that falls in the outskirts of Makkah) with a 'Anaza (A stick planted) in front of him (as a Sutra)” [Reported by Al-Bukhari].
«عن عون بن أبي جحيفة قال سمتعت أبي: أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى بهم بالبطحاء وبين يديه عنزة» رواه البخاري
And it is mentioned in a Hadeeth reported by Ibn Khuzaymah in his Sahih that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to say: “Do not pray unless there is a Sutra in front of you, and do not allow any one to pass between your hands; and if he insisted, you should fight him (push him) because a devil accompanying him.” [Reported by Albani with good chain of transmission]
«لا تصل إلا إلى سترة، ولا تدع أحدا يمر بين يديك، فإن أبى فلتقاتله؛ فإن معه القرين» رواه الألباني بإسناد جيد
Sheikh Al-Albani (may Allah Almighty have mercy on him and us too) says: “And he once prayed facing a tree” and sometimes he prayed facing the bed while Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) is inclined on it under her velvet blanket (and he mentioned that the first Hadeeth is reported by An-Niasa’i while the second is reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
On the other hand, some scholars see that having Sutra is recommended, not obligatory; because of what is mentioned in the Hadeeth of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) in which he says: “Once I came riding a she-ass when I had just attained the age of puberty. The Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) was offering the prayer at Mina with no wall in front of him” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]; ‘with no wall in front of him’ means without having Sutra. However, even if it was not obligatory, having it still has great reward, because it is observation to Sunnah.
«عن عبد الله بن عباس قال: أقبلت راكباً على حمار أتان وأنا يومئذ قد ناهزت الاحتلام ورسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يصلي بمنى إلى غير جدار» رواه البخاري
3- Straightening the rows: This is a very important issue neglected by some people in their prayer; it is neglected by the majority including the imams and followers. Some imams (may Allah guide them and us too) stand in front of the rows, after the call of standing for prayer (Iqama), and do not talk about straightening the rows. Others say ‘straight the rows’ while facing Kiblah and giving their backs to the followers. Actually, all of that is contrary to what is narrated about the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him); `Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The call of standing for prayer is pronounced; so, the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) approached us with his face then said: ‘Straighten your rows as I can see you from behind my back’” [Reported by Al-Bukhari, and a Hadeeth similar to it is reported by Muslim].
«عن أنس بن مالك قال أقيمت الصلاة فأقبل علينا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يوجهه فقال: أقيموا صفوفكم وتراصوا فإني أراكم من وراء ظهري». رواه البخاري
Moreover; An-Nu’man Ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him and his father too) said that he heard the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “Straighten your rows, or Allah would create dissension amongst you” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
«عن النعمان بن بشير قال: قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لتسون صفوفكم أو ليخالفن الله بين وجوهكم» رواه البخاري
And in a narration “The Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to straighten our rows, as if he were straightening arrows, until he saw that we had learnt it from him. One day he came out, stood up (for prayer) and was about to say ‘Allahu Akbar’ when he saw a man, whose chest was bulging out from the row, so he said: ‘Servants of Allah, you must straighten your rows or Allah would create dissension amongst you’” [Reported by Muslim]
«كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يسوي صفوفنا حتى كأنما يسوي بها القداح حتى رأى أنا قد عقلنا عنه ثم خرج يوما فقام حتى كاد يكبر فرأى رجلاً بادياً صدره من الصف فقال عباد الله لتسون صفوفكم أو ليخالفن الله بين وجوهكم». رواه مسلم
And it is narrated that Al-Baraa` Ibn ‘Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) said “The Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to check the row from one side to another rubbing our chests and shoulders and say: ‘Do not disaccord otherwise your hearts would be disaccorded’, and he used to say that Allah and His angels pray upon the first rows” [Reported by Abu Dawud with good chain of transmission].
«عن البراء بن عازب قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يتخلل الصف من ناحية إلى ناحية يمسح صدورنا ومناكبنا ويقول لا تختلفوا فتختلف قولبكم وكان يقول إن الله وملائكته يصلون على الصفوف الأول» رواه أبو داود
And it is narrated on the authority of Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him them that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Straighten the rows and adjoin your shoulders and fill the gapes and be lenient in the hands of your brothers and do not leave a gape for Satan; whoever ties a row Allah will tie him, and whoever unties a row Allah will untie him” [reported by Abu Dawud with authentic chain of transmission].
.
«أقيموا الصفوف وحاذوا بين المناكب وسدوا الخلل ولينوا بأيدي إخوانكم ولا تذروا فرجات للشيطان ومن وصل صفا وصله الله ومن قطع صفا قطعه الله» رواه أبو داود بسند صحيح
Jabir Ibn Samura (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger Of Allah came to us and said: ‘Why don't you draw yourselves up in rows as angels do in the presence of their Lord?’ We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, How do the angels draw themselves up in rows in the presence of their Lord?’ He (the Prophet) said: ‘They complete the first rows and keep close together in the row’” [Reported by Muslim].
«خرج علينا فقال "ألا تصفون كما تصف الملائكة عند ربها؟" فقلنا: يا رسول الله! وكيف تصف الملائكة عند ربها؟ قال "يتمون الصفوف الأول. ويتراصون في الصف"» رواه مسلم
Indeed, this is a great responsibility upon the Imam and the followers. Therefore; look, my brother (may Allah guard you), how the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to care for straightening the rows, and how the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to care for straightening their rows. It is reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari (may Allah Almighty have mercy on him) that `Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “And we used to adjoin our shoulders and foot.” Therefore, Muslims should straighten their rows when performing prayers and the Imam should look at the rows before starting prayer. These mentioned Ahadeeth, about straightening the rows, are mentioned in Riyadh As-Salihin Min Hadeeth Sayed Al-Mursalin by Imam An-Nawawy (may Allah almighty have mercy on him). Also, Omar and ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) used to care most for straightening the rows and they appointed men for this purpose; they did not start the prayer before the coming of these men and declaring that the rows became straight. Moreover, Ali used to say ‘o so-and-so, come forward; o so-and-so, go back’ (reported by Malik and At-Tirmidhy). Hence, Muslims should be lenient with each other during straightening the rows for prayer and not to grumble.
4- As for "Ameen": The word that is said by the followers after the imam ends reciting Al-Fatiha by saying ‘Wala Ad-Daaleen’; I think that it is neglected by some people. I transmit to you, generous reader, what is mentioned in the book of Sefatu Salat An-Naby by Sheikh Nasir Ad-Din Al-Albani (may Allah Almighty have mercy on him) about saying ‘Ameen’; he says: “Then the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to say, after reciting Surat Al-Fatiha, ‘Ameen’ with loud and strengthened voice. Moreover, he used to order the followers to say ‘Ameen’ and says: “When the Imam says ‘Ghair Al-Maghdoub Alaihem Wala Ad-Daaleen’, you should say ‘Ameen’; because the angels say ‘Ameen’ and the Imam says ‘Ameen.’” And in another narration: “If someone among you said ‘Ameen’ in the prayer and the angels in the sky said ‘Ameen’, his previous sins would be forgiven, if the saying of one of them coincided with the saying of the other.” And in another Hadeeth: “Say ‘Ameen’ to be answered by Allah.” And he used to say: “Jews did not envy you for some thing as much as they envied you for saying As-Salam (i.e. the words of ending the prayer) and saying ‘Ameen’ after the Imam.” Therefore; the imams, who do not say ‘Ameen’ and think that it should be said by the followers only, should fear Allah Almighty and say ‘Ameen’ after reciting Surat Al-Fatiha and utter it loudly as long as they recite the Holy Qur’an loudly in the prayer. Moreover, the followers should repeat ‘Ameen’ in a loud voice after the imam.
5- Not to prolong the last prostration: It is noticeable that some people, including imams, make the last prostration longer than the previous prostrations in the same prayer; actually, this is contrary to the Sunnah. The Sunnah that is authentically transmitted from the Master of Adam’s children (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) is that the first Rak’ah should be longer than the second one. Abu Qatada narrated “The prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) led us in prayer and recited in the first two Rak’as of the noon and afternoon prayers Surat Al-Fatiha and two (other) Surahs. And he would sometimes recite loud enough for us the verses. He would prolong the first Rak’ah more than the second. And he acted similarly in the Morning Prayer” [Agreed upon].
«كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يقرأ في الركعتين الأوليين من صلاة الظهر ، بفاتحة الكتاب وسورتين ، يطول في الأولى ، ويقصر في الثانية ، ويسمع الآية أحيانا ، وكان يقرأ في العصر بفاتحة الكتاب وسورتين ، وكان يطول في الأولى ، وكان يطول في الركعة الأولى من صلاة الصبح ، ويقصر في الثانية . » متفق عليه
The author of Al-Moghny quoted from Imam Ahmad (may Allah Almighty have mercy on them both) ‘when the imam makes the second Rak’ah longer than the first, it should be said to him; ‘seek knowledge.’” This means that he should be ordered to learn the Sunnah and apply it.
Hence, we deduce from the Hadeeth of Abu Qatada that the Sunnah is to make the first Rak’ah longer than the second and to make the followers hear some of the verses that are recited by the imam in Dhuhr (noon) prayer, from time to time; not always.
6- Not to lengthen ‘Allahu Akbar’ when you are about to sit for Tashahud: Some imams lengthen ‘Allahu Akbar’ when they are about to sit for Tashahud; whether it is the first or last Tashahud. They seem as if they are alarming the followers for its being the sitting of Tashahud. Actually, this is neither included in the Sunnah nor is it transmitted by one of the great scholars. This is according to my knowledge, and Allah Almighty knows best.
7- Prostration: A Muslim must know that prostration should be on seven bones; forehead with the nose, hands, feet, and the tip of the toes of the feet. It is narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) said that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones; the forehead,” and then pointed with his hand towards his nose, hands, feet, and the tip of the toes of the feet...” [Agreed upon].
«أمرت أن أسجد على سبعة أعظم ، على الجبهة - وأشار بيده على أنفه - واليدين ، والركبتين ، وأطراف القدمين» متفق عليه
Therefore; A Muslim should be sure that he prostrates correctly and has his fingers stretched toward the kiblah. Also, he should be sure that he erects his feet and make his toes toward the kiblah. Moreover; he should care, during prostration, for making his upper arms away from his sides, his abdomen away from his thighs, his thighs away from his legs, and not to stretch his arms on the ground like a dog.
8- The Sunnah when sitting for Tashahud: If the sitting for Tashahud is the first in the prayer that has two Tashahuds or the one that is in the prayer that has only one Tashahud, then the Sunnah is to practice Iftrash. Iftrash is to stretch the left leg and sit on it and erect the right foot. It is narrated on the authority of the mother of the believers, ‘Aisha daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her them) “That the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to spread his left leg and erect the right one” [Reported by Muslim]
«أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يفرش رجله اليسرى وينصب رجله اليمنى» رواه مسلم
Also; it is Sunnah, during Tashahud, to put the left palm on the left thigh and the right hand on the right thigh and to adjoin the thumb with the middle finger in shape of circle and point with the index finger. Also, he could hold his three fingers; the little finger, ring finger and middle finger and put the thumb on them and point with the one that is between the thumb and the middle finger (i.e. the index finger). All of these postures are transmitted about the best human being, our prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him). As for sitting in the second Tashahud; it is Sunnah to practice Tawarruk. Tawarruk is to erect the right foot and put the sole of the left foot under the right thigh and put the buttocks on the ground. As for the right and left hands; they should be as we explained previously in the first Tashahud.
9- Sitting between the two prostrations: It should be done with Iftrash, as we mentioned above.
10- Seeking refuge with Allah: Some scholars see that it is obligatory to seek refuge with Allah from four things, after the second Tashahud. It is mentioned in Sefatu Salat An-Naby by Sheikh Nasir Ad-Din Al-Albani (may Allah Almighty have mercy on him): “And the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to say: ‘When one of you ends the last Tashahud, he should seek refuge with Allah from four; (he should say: O Allah I seek refuge with you) from the torture of hellfire and from the torture of the grave and from the affliction of life and death and from the (evil of the) affliction of the antichrist (Then, he could ask for himself whatever he likes).’ [Reported by Muslim]
«إذا تشهد أحدكم فليستعذ بالله من أربع. يقول: اللهم! إني أعوذ بك من عذاب جهنم. ومن عذاب القبر. ومن فتنة المحيا والممات. ومن شر فتنة المسيح الدجال» رواه مسلم
The Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to say this invocation in his Tashahud and teach it to the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) as he teaches them the chapters of the Holy Qur’an.” Even if some scholars saw that it is not obligatory; it is enough that it is application to Sunnah of the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him). Then the person who prays could ask whatever he likes from the good of this life and hereafter too.
11- Sunnan (i.e. supererogatory acts) after prayer: It is Sunnah to say after prayer “I beg forgiveness from Allah (three times), O Allah, You are Peace, and peace comes from you; Blessed are You, O Possessor of Glory and Honor. O Allah, grant me help for remembering You and thanking You and worshipping You well.” Then say “Subhan Allah” and “Alhamdu Lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” thirty three times for each (ninety nine times all), as it is mentioned in the Sunnah, and complete the one hundred by saying “La Ilaha Illa Allah, Wahdahu la Sharik Lah, Lahu Al-Mulk Walahu Al-hamd Wahuwa Ala Kul Shay’ Qadiir”, or say “Subhan Allah” and “Alhamdu Lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” ten times for each, or say any of the other words of legitimate remembrance. The point is that some people be busy, after ending the prayer, with saying to whoever at their right or left “may Allah grant you with a prayer at the sacred Masjid” or “may Allah accept your prayer” and forget the legitimate required remembrance and do the forbidden new creations in religion instead.
12- Walking in tranquility, not running, when hearing the Iqama pronounced: Also, it is Sunnah not to hurry for prayer by running; however, it is permissible to walk normal walking. If the Iqama has been pronounced for prayer, the Muslim should walk in tranquility and not to run. It is narrated that Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) say: ‘When the Iqama has been pronounced for prayer, do not go running to it, but go walking in tranquility and pray what you attended in time, and complete what you have missed’” [Agreed upon].
«إذا أقيمت الصلاة فلا تأتوها تسعون، وأتوها تمشون، عليكم السكينة، فما أدركتم فصلوا، وما فاتكم فأتموا.» متفق عليه
13- The supererogatory prayers: It is desirable to pray the supererogatory prayers at the house. It is narrated on the authority of Zaid Ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “O people, observe prayer (i.e. supererogatory prayers) in your houses, as the best prayer the one observed by a person is in his house except for the obligatory prayer” [Agreed upon].
«صلوا أيها الناس في بيوتكم، فإن أفضل الصلاة صلاة المرء في بيته إلا المكتوبة.» متفق عليه
And it is narrated on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “When any one of you observes prayer in the mosque he should reserve a part of his prayer for his house, for Allah would make the prayer as a means of betterment in his house” [Reported by Muslim].
«إذا قضى أحدكم الصلاة في مسجده، فليجعل لبيته نصيبا من صلاته. فإن الله جاعل في بيته من صلاته خيرا» رواه مسلم
Also, I recommend my Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Sunan Ar-Rawateb (i.e. the supererogatory prayers associated with obligatory prayers), which are twelve Rak’as in the day; four before Dhuhr (noon) prayer, two after it, two after Maghreb Prayer, two after ‘Isha` prayer and two before Fajr (dawn) prayer. It is narrated on the authority of the mother of the believers, Umm Habiba may Allah be pleased with her, that she said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) says: “If any Muslim prays for the sake of Allah twelve Rak’as (of Sunan) every day, other than obligatory ones, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise,” or “A house will be built for him in Paradise” [Reported by Muslim].
«عن أم حبيبة رضي الله عنها: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: "ما من عبد مسلم يصلي لله كل يوم ثنتي عشرة ركعة تطوعا، غير فريضة، إلا بني الله له بيتا في الجنة"» رواه مسلم
Also, it is Sunnah to observe two Rak’as after Maghreb Adhan (i.e. call for prayer), before prayer. It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Mughaffal (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Pray before Maghreb” and he said after the third time “For whoever likes” [Reported by Al-Bukhari].
«صلوا قبل صلاة المغرب. قال في الثالثة: لمن شاء.» رواه البخاري
14- Preferred Surahs (i.e. chapters from the Holy Qur’an): As for applying the Sunnah of the Master of Adam’s children, our prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), I recommend the imams and preachers to recite Surat Al-A’la and Surat Al-Ghashiyah or Surat Al-Jumu’ah and Surat Al-Munafiqun in Friday and Eid prayers.
And I recommend them to recite in the Fajr of Friday Surat As-Sajdah and Surat Al-Insan completely. It is not Sunnah to recite part of each of them; they should be completely recited or neglected completely. Also, reciting them should be neglected in sometimes lest it may be thought that reciting them is obligatory.
In Witr prayer, they should recite Surat Al-A’la and Surat Al-Kafirun and Surat Al-Ikhlas. Also; they should recite, in some times, Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas after reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas in the third Rak’ah. Actually; there are many evidences for that, but I am afraid of lengthening.
15- The Merit of Siwak: There is great merit for using the Siwak, and there are many Ahadeeth about it; however one of these Ahadeeth is enough for the Muslim. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The Siwak is purifier to the mouth and satisfier to the Lord” [reported by Ahmed in his Musnad].
«السواك مطهرة للفم مرضاة للرب» رواه أحمد في مسنده
Actually; using Siwak is Sunnah for men and women, not for men only, as some Muslims think. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to take the Siwak from the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), after his using to it, then uses it before washing it. Therefore, Muslim men and women should observe using the Siwak because it is Sunnah and has great reward by the will of Allah Almighty. Moreover, using it is more emphasized at ablution and prayer and waking up from sleep and getting in the house and many other situations mentioned in the Sunnah.
16- Sitting in the masjid after Fajr prayer: There are many Ahadeeth about the excellence of sitting in the Masjid after Fajr prayer for remembering Allah Almighty till sunrise. Among these Ahadeeth is the Hadeeth that is narrated on the authority of Jabir Ibn Samura (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) “Used to sit in the place of his prayer, after Fajr, till sunrise” [Reported by Muslim].
«عن جابر بن سمرة: كان إذا صلى الفجر جلس في مصلاه حتى تطلع الشمس حسنا» رواه مسلم
Also, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation then sits for remembering Allah till the rise of the sun and then prays two Rak’as, he will have a reward equal to the reward of Hajj and ‘Umra.” He said that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “complete, complete, complete” (complete reward) [Reported by At-Tirmidhy and declared authentic by Al-Albani].
«عن أنس بن مالك: من صلى الفجر في جماعة ثم قعد يذكر الله حتى تطلع الشمس ثم صلى ركعتين كانت له كأجر حجة وعمرة . قال: قال رسول صلى الله عليه وسلم: تامة، تامة، تامة» رواه الترمذي وصححه الألباني
17- The recitation in the supererogatory prayer of Fajr: It is Sunnah to recite in the supererogatory prayer of Fajr Surat Al-Kafirun in the first Rak’ah and Surat Al-Ikhlas in the second Rak’ah. The same should be recited in the supererogatory prayer after Maghreb too.
Also, you could recite in the first rakah: "Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahîm (Abraham), Isma‘îl (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya‘qûb (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya‘qûb (Jacob), and that which has been given to Mûsa (Moses) and ‘Îsa (Jesus), 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 Islam)."" [Al-Baqarah 2: 136]
{قُولُوا آَمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ} سورة البقرة:136
Transliteration: Qooloo amanna biAllahi wama onzila ilayna wama onzila ila ibraheema waismaAAeela waishaqa wayaAAqooba waalasbati wama ootiya moosa waAAeesa wama ootiya alnnabiyyoona min rabbihim la nufarriqu bayna ahadin minhum wanahnu lahu muslimoona
and recite in the second rakah: "Say (O Muhammad prayers and peace of Allah be upon him): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims.""[Al-Imran 3: 64]. This is mentioned in two Ahadeeth reported by Muslim.
{قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَى كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَقُولُوا اشْهَدُوا بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ} سورة آل عمران:64
Transliteration: Qul ya ahla alkitabi taAAalaw ila kalimatin sawain baynana wabaynakum alla naAAbuda illa Allaha wala nushrika bihi shayan wala yattakhitha baAAduna baAAdan arbaban min dooni Allahi fain tawallaw faqooloo ishhadoo bianna muslimoona
Actually; there are other Sunnan (i.e. supererogatory acts), but I see that what I mentioned is enough. And I ask Allah almighty to make my advice useful and all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds (Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honor and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him! And peace be on the Messengers! And all the praises and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.) And there is no mighty or power except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
Compiled by the needy before his Lord Abu Ahmed Ali Ibn Ramadan Ibn Ali Ibn As-Sayed
- Category:
- Source: