What is sajdah al-sahw and in what conditions is it performed? Explain the virtues of prayer in congregation. To what should we pay attention at mosques? Explain the parts of a mosque. How does a person following an imam perform prayer in congregation? For whom is the jumu’ah prayer fardh? How many rakahs is the jumu’ah prayer? To whom are the Eid prayers wajib? What are the differences of the Eid prayer compared to other prayers? Explain the takbir al-tashreeq. Explain what the duties are during Eid. Explain the virtues of the tarawih prayer. How is the tarawih prayer performed? How is prayer performed whilst sitting or by gestures? Who is referred as a “traveler”, and how do they perform prayer? What do “ada” and “qada” mean, and how to perform missed prayers? What is sajdah al-tilawah and how is it performed? For whom can the janazah prayer be performed? How to state the niyyah stated for janazah prayer, how to perform janazah prayer?
Topics:
- The sajdah al-sahw
- The virtues of prayer in congregation
- The etiquettes in mosque and the congregation, how prayer is performed in congregation
- Jumu’ah and jumu’ah prayer, how jumu’ah prayer is performed
- Eid prayers
- Takbir al-tashreeq
- The tarawih prayer
- Performing prayer whilst sitting or by gestures
- The prayer of the traveler
- The qada of the past prayers
- The sajdah al-tilawah
- The janazah prayer
THE SAJDAH AL-SAHW
Conditions that require the sajdah al-sahw:
Within prayer:
1) Performing one of the fardhs late due to forgetting,
2) Performing one of the wajibs late due to forgetting or not performing it at all due to forgetting.
It is wajib to perform the sajdah al-sahw at the end of prayer to make up for any omissions. If one of the fardhs is forgotten or not performed deliberately, the prayer is invalidated and the it cannot be completed with the sajdah al-sahw. Therefore, the prayer must be re-performed. Sajdah al-sahw is not required if one of the wajibs are deliberately abandoned, the prayer must be re-performed.
When and how the sajdah al-sahw is performed?
If one of the fardhs or wajibs of prayer is performed late due to forgetfulness or if one of the wajibs are abandoned then, after reciting only Al-Taḥiyyāt at the final sitting and saying the salãm to the right:
Go down to sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”. Pronounce “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times. Later, sit by saying “Allãhu akbar” and then go down to the second sajdah by saying “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times after saying “Allãhu akbar”. Then, say “Allãhu akbar” again prior to sitting.
At this sitting, recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyãt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina. Then, perform the salãm to the right and then to the left. This is called the sajdah al-sahw.
THE VIRTUES OF PRAYER IN CONGREGATION
Islam has attached great importance upon performing prayer in congregation. Muslims praying in congregation get closer to each other. Those who are not knowledgable, benefit from the others, adopt good habits and morality, and abandon bad habits in time.
Mutual love appear amongst the Muslims praying in congregation, and feelings of brotherhood and solidarity are strengthened. The Muslims praying in congregation, like the angels in the presence of Allah, earn more reward than those who perform prayer alone.
Our Prophet gives glad tidings on this topic by stating:
“The reward for performing prayer in congregation is twenty seven times more than the prayer performed alone.”
“A person who performs isha prayer in congregation is like someone who performs prayer until the middle of the night. A person who performs the fajr prayer in congregation is like someone who performs prayer the whole night.”
“If a person cleans oneself nicely at home and goes to a masjid to perform one of Allah’s fardhs, one of the steps taken wipes away the sins and the other increase their rank.”[56]
Fardh prayers can be performed alone. However, it is a muakkadah sunnah to perform prayer in congregation. The unworldly reward of performing prayer at the mosque is great; it also plays a significant role in providing the solidarity of the community.
The sunnah and nafilah prayers cannot be performed with a congregation. However tarawih prayer can be performed either alone or in congregation even though it is sunnah. Witr, which is wajib is only performed in congregation in the month of Ramadan. Jumu’ah and Eid prayers are performed in congregation, as they cannot be performed alone.
THE ETIQUETTES IN MOSQUE AND THE CONGREGATION
Mosques are the places where Muslims worship to Allah. Mosques, the most dignified places on earth, are called “Allah’s house”. The beleivers going to the mosques to worship are the visitors and guests of Allah. Just as homeowners provide offerings to guests, Allah the Almighty is going to give mu’mins that go to mosques a great reward.
Our Prophet has commanded the following on this topic: “A person who performs a good wudu at home and goes to the mosque is the visitor of Allah. Allah is going to give offerings to those who visit.” [57]
It is a duty for every Muslim to show respect to mosques. These duties in brief are the following:
1) To enter the mosque with wudu, clean and proper clothes.
2) To enter the mosque with the right foot first and recite salawat to our Prophet.
3) To exit the mosque with the left foot.
4) Not to step on the carpet or rugs with dirty feet or socks.
5) Not to sit in the mosque stretching out one’s legs without an excuse, not to yell, scream or make a noise and avoid disrespectful actions like talking about worldly things.
6) Not to discomfort the congregation by eating onions or garlic, burping or actions that will disgust the people nearby.
7) To listen attentively and respect when the Qur’an is being recited at the mosque or a sermon is being delivered. People who arrive late at the mosque should sit anywhere that is available and not disturb the people by trying to get to the front row.
Let us get to know mosques:
Mosques are indispensible parts of the Islamic community and symbols of an Islamic nation. Turks have placed great importance on building mosques throughout history. They raised genius architects whose standards cannot be reachable even today, and built unique and unprecedented masterpieces all around the world.
Mosque: A place where Muslims worship together is called a mosque.
Masjid: In some Muslim countries, small mosques are called masjids. Sometimes, big mosques such as Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi, are called masjids as well.
Usually, only daily prayers are performed at masjids, not jumu’ah or Eid prayers.
The parts of a mosque:
Mihrab: A niche, in front of a mosque, directed towards qiblah (the direction of Mecca). It is a place where the imam leads the prayer.
Minbar: The high steps where the imam delivers the khutbah during jumu’ah and Eid prayers.
Kursi: A high seat place where sermons are delivered at mosques.
Minaret: A high structure like towers adjacent to the mosques for calling the adhan.
Sharafa: A protruding place built circumferentially around the minarets from where the adhan is recited. You get up there through stairs in the minaret. Minarets mainly have a sharafa. There are also minarets that have more than one sharafa.
Alem: A crescent moon hood on the tops of minarets.
HOW PRAYER IS PERFORMED IN CONGREGATION?
The status of those who follow the imam in the first rakah of prayer:
A person who will follow the imam in prayer as part of the congregation must make niyyah for the prayer about to be performed and to follow the imam. Let us see as an example how the fardh of the zhuhr prayer will be performed:
1) Make the niyyah as follows: “I intend to perform the fardh of today’s zhuhr prayer for the consent of Allah, following the imam.”
In all prayers performed in congregation following an imam, one must add the sentence “Following the imam” at the end of the niyyah.
2) When the imam makes the takbir, the congregation immediately follows by also making the takbir, clasps their hands and silently recites “Subhanaka” and remains quite. The congregation does not recite anything else standing in any other rakah except to say “Amin” when the imam completes the Fatiha.
3) The congregation during ruku says “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times. The imam stands up saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and then the congregation says “Rabbana lakal hamd”.
“Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times for each sajdah.
4) On the sittings, both the congregation and the imam recite the duas “Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik, Rabbana atina and Rabbana’ghfirli” and then says the salãm.
A person praying as part of a congregation following the imam must not move earlier than the imam and must follow the commands of the imam when making the takbir, during ruku, when rising from ruku, when performing the sajdah, when rising from the sajdah and when saying the salãm.
A person is deemed to have completed the number of rakahs that the congregation completed if he joins in the prayer prior to the imam rising from the ruku of that particular rakah.
The situation of those who follow the imam in the second rakah:
A person who has not been able to catch the ruku of the first rakah must make niyyah, take the takbir and follow the imam from whence they arrived and continue the prayer with the imam. At the final sitting, they recite “Al-taḥiyyāt” and wait for the imam to perform the salãm. When the imam says the salãm to the right hand side, they rise to their feet saying “Allãhu akbar”, then recite Subhanaka, Audhu-Basmala, Fatiha and a surah to perform the rakah that was missed on their own. Later, they sit after performing the ruku and sajdah, and recite Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and the Rabbana atina. Then the prayer is completed after saying the salãm firstly to the right and then the left.
The situation of those who follow the imam in the third rakah:
If you follow the imam by catching the third rakah of a prayer with four rakahs, at the final sitting, you recite Al-Taḥiyyāt and wait for the imam to say the salãm. When the imam says the salãm to the right hand side, you rise to your feet by saying Allãhu akbar and complete the two rakahs that were missed as follows:
Recite Subhanaka, Audhu-Basmala and Fatiha and then a surah, perform the ruku and sajdah, and then stand again saying Allãhu akbar. Perform the ruku and sajdah again after saying the Basmala and reciting Fatiha and a surah. Then recite at the final sitting the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and the Rabbana atina and then complete your prayer saying the salãm firstly to the right and then the left.
A person who catches the prayer and follows the imam in the third rakah completes that rakah together with the imam in prayers with three rakahs such as maghrib and witr. Recite Al-Taḥiyyāt and wait for the imam to say salãm. When the imam says salãm to the right, rise by up saying Allãhu akbar without saying the salãm. Then, recite Subhanaka, Audhu-Basmala, Fatiha and a surah, and then bow down for the ruku and then sit after the sajdah. Here, only Al-Taḥiyyāt is recited before rising saying Allãhu akbar. After Basmala and reciting the Fatiha and a surah, perform the ruku and sajdah and then sit down.
Prayer is then completed by reciting Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and the Rabbana atina, and then saying salãm firstly to the right and then the left.
The situation of those who follow the imam in the fourth rakah in four rakah prayers:
Once again, the fourth rakah is performed with the imam. Then wait after reciting Al-Taḥiyyāt at the final sitting. When the imam says salãm to the right, rise up by saying Allãhu akbar, recite Subhanaka, Audhu-Basmala, Fatiha and a surah. Then sit after performing the ruku and the sajdah. Here, only Al-Taḥiyyāt is recited before rising by saying Allãhu akbar. Then, whilst standing, say the Basmala, recite Fatiha and a surah and rise up again after performing the ruku and sajdah without sitting down. Then, recite only the Basmala and Fatiha, and then sit down after performing the ruku and sajdah. Prayer is then completed by reciting Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina, and then saying the salãm firstly to the right and then the left.
A person who follows the imam in the fourth rakah after the imam rises from the ruku, rises up by saying Allãhu akbar when the imam says salãm to the right. Then he completes all the rakahs on his own from start to finish.
JUMU’AH (FRIDAY) AND JUMU’AH PRAYER
The jumu’ah days are holy for Muslims. Therefore, Muslims should meet this day with the happiness and go to the mosque after washing, cleaning and wearing nice clothes. Our Prophet (saw) commands:
“If anyone performs wudu properly, then comes to the jumu’ah prayer, listens to the khutbah attentively and keeps silent, his sins between that jumu’ah and the following jumu’ah will be forgiven, with the addition of three more days.” [58]
Jumu’ah prayer is ten rakahs, which consists of four rakahs for the first sunnah, two fardh, and four for the last sunnah. Jumu’ah prayer is performed at the time of zhuhr and it replaces that day’s zhuhr prayer. The fardh of jumu’ah prayer is performed with the congregation. It is not performed alone.
FOR WHOM IS JUMU’AH PRAYER A FARDH?
Six conditions must be met for the jumu’ah prayer to be fardh for a person, asides from being a Muslim and reaching the age of wisdom and puberty.
The conditions of the jumu’ah prayer to be fardh:
1) To be a male (it is not fardh for females),
2) To be independent and free,
3) To be muqeem (to be a resident, not a visitor),
4) To be healthy,
5) Not to be blind,
6) To have healthy legs.
Jumu’ah prayer is not fardh for those who do not meet one of these conditions. However, if a person in this situation goes to the mosque and performs jumu’ah then, this will count towards his zhuhr prayer of that day.
There are six conditions for the validity of jumu’ah prayer.
THE CONDITIONS FOR THE VALIDITY OF JUMU’AH PRAYER:
1) To perform jumu’ah at the time of zhuhr prayer,
2) For there to be a khutbah before prayer,
3) The place of prayer for jumu’ah must be open to everyone,
4) There must be at least three male people in the congregation in aside from the imam,
5) The person who leads the prayer must be assigned or authorized by the government,
6) The place where jumu’ah is performed must be a city or have the features of a city.
HOW JUMU’AH PRAYER IS PERFORMED
Four rakahs of the first sunnah are performed after the adhan for the zhuhr prayer is called on jumu’ah. The niyyah for this is as follows: “I intend to perform the first sunnah of today’s jumu’ah prayer for the consent of Allah.”
The way the first sunnah of the jumu’ah prayer is performed is the same as the sunnah of the zhuhr prayer. After the sunnah is performed, another adhan is called inside the mosque and the imam gives a khutbah on the minbar. The iqama is called out after the khutbah is completed. The two-fardh rakahs of the jumu’ah prayer is performed with the congregation. The congregation behind the imam states the niyyah as follows: “I intend to perform the fardh of today’s jumu’ah prayer for the consent of Allah and I am following the imam.”
The four rakahs of the final sunnah is performed after the fardh. This is performed identically to the first sunnah of the jumu’ah prayer. The niyyah is: “I intend to perform the final sunnah of today’s Jumu’ah prayer for the consent of Allah.”
This way, the jumu’ah prayer is completed.
After this, those who want perform the four rakahs of the Zhuhr Akhir (final zhuhr) and two rakahs of the sunnah of the waqt.
The niyyah for the final zhuhr prayer is as follows: “I intend to perform for the consent of Allah the final zhuhr prayer that I could reach and have not yet performed.” The final zhuhr prayer can be performed like the four rakahs fardh of zhuhr prayer or it is better and can be performed like the sunnahs where a surah is recited after the Fatiha for each of the four rakahs.
The niyyah for the two rakahs of the sunnah of the time is stated as follows: “I intend to perform the sunnah of time for the consent of Allah.” This prayer is also performed like the sunnah of fajr prayer.
EID PRAYERS
Eid means the day of happiness. The Eid prayers performed with the congregation is a great indicator of the unity and solidarity amongst Muslims. Eid is an important day that brings Muslims closer to each other, removes any anger and displeasure and strengthens the ties of brotherhood. The days of Eid are the days of the feast for the faithful servants of Allah.
Muslims have two religious Eid celebrations every year:
1) Eid al-Fitr
2) Eid al-Adha
It is wajib to perform the Eid prayers for the people, to whom jumu’ah prayer is fardh. The Eid prayer is two rakahs and is performed in congregation. There is no reciting of the adhan or the iqama during Eid prayers. The Eid khutbah is sunnah and it is delivered after the prayer, whereas the jumu’ah khutbah is fardh and is delivered before the prayer.
The Eid prayers are different from other prayers where an additional six takbirs are performed with three in the first rakah and three in the second rakah. These are called zawaid takbirs.
HOW TO PERFORM EID PRAYERS
Eid al-Fitr prayer:
The First Rakah:
1) In a straight line, the congregation takes their place behind the imam and states their niyyah: “I intend to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer for the consent of Allah following the imam.”
2) When the imam raises his hands calling out Allãhu akbar, the congregation also states Allãhu akbar raising their hands following the imam and then clasps their hands together below the navel.
3) Both the imam and the congregation silently recite Subhanaka. Then, three takbirs are performed. The takbirs are performed as follows:
The first takbir: The imam calls out Allãhu akbar in a loud voice and the congregation follows by stating it silently (just like the iftitah takbir) raising their hands and then relaxing them by their sides. There is a short pause here.
The second takbir: “Allãhu akbar” is called out loud for the second time with the hands raised and then relaxed by the sides. There is a short pause just as with the first takbir.
The third takbir: Then, Allãhu akbar is called again; the hands are raised and then clasped together without relaxing them by your side.
4) After this, the imam silently recites Audhu-Basmala, and then recites Fatiha and a surah out loud (the congregation listens silently to the imam without reciting anything).
5) After performing the ruku and sajdah, the hands are clasped after standing up.
The Second Rakah:
1) The imam silently says the “Basmala” and then recites the Fatihah and a surah out loudly. When the surah is completed, the imam calls out the takbir three times in a loud voice and the congregation follows silently (just as in the first rakah). After the third takbir, without clasping the hands the ruku is performed with the fourth takbir. Then, sit after the sajdahs.
2) While sitting, both the imam and the congregation recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina. The prayer is completed after the salãm firstly to the right and then the left. Upon the prayer, khutbah is delivered.
Eid al-Adha prayer:
1) The niyyah is stated: “I intend to perform the Eid al-Adha prayer for the consent of Allah following the imam.”
2) The imam makes the iftitah takbir by calling out Allãhu akbar with the congregation behind also saying Allãhu akbar when raising their hands and then clasps them together below the navel.
After the niyyah, the prayer is performed identically to the Eid al-Fitr prayer and the khutbah is delivered when the prayer is completed.
TAKBIR AL TASHREEQ
The takbir al-tashreeq is recited after daily fardh prayers following the fajr prayer on the eve of Eid al-Adha until the asr prayer on the fourth day of Eid as follows:
“Allãhu akbar, Allãhu akbar, La ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar, Allãhu akbar wa lillahil hamd.”
It is wajib to perform these takbirs – which are called Takbir al-Tashreeq.
This takbir is wajib for the whole congregation, the one praying in congregation and praying alone, the traveler, the resident, the man and the woman.
If the qada (missed) prayers during the days of tashreeq are performed during this period, the takbir al-tashreeq must be performed then. If the qada is performed after the days of tashreeq has ended then, the takbirs are not performed.
Our duties during Eid:
Some of our duties during Eid are: to wake up early on the morning of Eid, to take a shower, to clean our teeth, to wear our best clothes and to go to the mosque having applied the best fragrances, to greet people met with a smiling face, to make the poor happy by helping them, to congratulate religious sisters and brothers for the Eid, to visit the elderly, to give charity on behalf of the deceased relatives, to visit the grave sites whilst reciting the Qur’an and to make dua, to leave quarrels, to make peace between those resentful and to make children happy with presents.
TARAWIH PRAYER
The tarawih prayer consists of twenty rakahs. This is sunnah muakkadah for both men and women. It is performed during the month of Ramadan. The tarawih prayer is also sunnah for those who cannot fast due to an illness or because they are a traveler. It is sunnah for the tarawih prayer to be performed at mosques in the congregation. It can also be performed by oneself or with a congregation at home. However, it is more virtuous to perform this prayer at a mosque.
Our Prophet (saw) stated the following:
“Those who spend Ramadan nights with ibadah (observe the tarawih prayers) believing in the virtues and seeking his reward from Allah, will be forgiven from his past sins.” [59]
How to perform the tarawih prayer:
The tarawih prayer is performed after the isha prayer. It is not lawful to perform this before isha. The witr prayer is performed after tarawih during the month of Ramadan but it can also be performed before.
The tarawih prayer is twenty rakahs and is performed by saying salãm at the end of two rakahs or at the end of four rakahs. In both situations, the prayer is continued until twenty rakahs are completed.
How to perform the tarawih prayer in congregation by giving salãm after every two rakahs:
The tarawih prayer is performed after the fardh and final sunnah of the isha prayer is completed.
The imam that will lead prayer states: “I intend to perform the tarawih prayer for the consent of Allah and I will lead as an imam for anybody following my lead.” The imam then makes the iftitah takbir and clasps their hands together.
The congregation following the imam state the niyyah as: “I intend to perform the tarawih prayer for the consent of Allah following the imam.” and then makes the takbir stating Allãhu akbar after the imam’s takbir and then ties their hands.
After this, the imam and the congregation silently recite Subhanaka. After Subhanaka, (the congregation do not recite anything else whilst standing) the imam silently states the Audhu-Basmala, recites aloud Surah al-Fatiha and another surah. Then, together with the congregation, the ruku and sajdahs are performed before rising for the second rakah.
Here, the imam again silently says the Basmala before reciting Surah al-Fatiha and another surah. Then, performing the ruku and sajdahs are performed together with the congregation before sitting.
While sitting, the imam and the congregation recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina, and then say salãm. By this way, two rakahs are completed.
Then, performing continues as parts of two rakahs as described above. The twenty rakahs are completed by continuing to complete ten of these two rakahs. After this, the three rakahs of the witr prayer are performed.
How to perform the tarawih prayer alone by saying salãm after every two rakahs:
The niyyah is stated: “I intend to perform the tarawih prayer for the consent of Allah.” The prayer is performed identically to the two rakahs of the sunnah of the fajr prayer.
Two rakahs are performed until twenty rakahs are completed. Then, the witr prayer is performed after completing the tarawih prayer.
How to perform the tarawih prayer in congregation by saying salãm after every four rakahs:
The imam leading the prayer and the congregation states the niyyah and makes the iftitah takbir by clasping their hands as described above. The imam and the congregation silently recite Subhanaka (the congregation does not recite anything else), the imam silently says Audhu-Basmala, recites aloud Surah al-Fatiha and another surah. Then, the ruku and sajdahs are performed before rising for the second rakah.
Here, the imam silently states the Basmala, recites Surah al-Fatiha and another surah, performs the ruku and sajdahs and sits. During this sitting at the end of the second rakah, the imam and the congregation recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and then rise for the third rakah.
At the start of the third rakah, both the imam and the congregation silently recite Subhanaka. Later, the imam silently says the Audhu-Basmala, recites aloud Surah al-Fatiha and another surah. Later, ruku and sajdahs are performed before rising for the fourth rakah.
The imam silently says the Basmala, recites Surah al-Fatiha aloud and another surah, and then sits after performing ruku and sajdahs.
While sitting, the imam and the congregation recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina and then say salãm. As such, the first four rakahs of the tarawih prayer are completed.
After this, they rise and continue to perform four rakahs as described above. The twenty rakahs are completed by performing four rakahs five times.
Then, the witr prayer is performed in congregation.
How to perform the tarawih prayer alone by saying salãm after every four rakahs:
The niyyah is stated: “I intend to perform the tarawih prayer for the consent of Allah.” and the prayer is performed identically to the sunnah of the asr prayer. The difference between the two is just the niyyah. The twenty rakahs are completed by performing four rakahs. Following this, the witr prayer is performed.
PERFORMING PRAYER WHILST SITTING OR BY GESTURES
There is no hardship in Islam. Worship and prayer are designated in Islam in accordance with a person’s strength and power. For example, a person who cannot pray on feet can do it by sitting. The ruku is performed by bending forward. After straightening from the ruku, the sajdah is performed and the prayer is completed like this.
If the sajdah cannot be performed by placing the forehead on the ground due to a lack of ability then they perform prayer with a gesture of their head. This is called “prayer by gestures” as the ruku and sajdah are performed by gesture leaning the head forward. A person in this condition leans their head forward a little during ruku and then a little further during the sajdah. It will not be a valid prayer if the head leaning forward for the sajdah is not further than the ruku.
If a sick person is not in a position to sit, they can perform prayer by lying down as they can and make gestures with the head. A person who does not have the ability to perform prayer with gestures of the head leaves the prayer for a later time.
THE PRAYER OF THE Traveler
A person who leaves their village or town to a place of 18 hours (with an average speed on foot) away (approximately 90 kilometers) is called a guest (traveler).
Just as a person who travels from their village or town of residence is a traveler until they reach their destination, they are still considered a guest if they decide to stay for less than 15 days. They are no longer deemed guests if they decide to stay at the place that they traveled to for more than 15 days.
Our religion provides easiness to the traveler:
A traveler performs the four rakahs of the fardh prayers as two rakahs. The two-fardh rakahs of the fajr prayer, the three rakahs of the fardh of the maghrib prayer and the witr prayer are performed in its entirety.
A traveler who follows an imam who is not a traveler performs four rakahs together. If a guest acts as the imam for followers that are not travelers, the imam says the salãm at the end of the two rakahs. The congregation that are not travelers, continue to perform prayer by themselves by completing the four rakahs. A traveler performs the qada of four-rakah prayers missed during travels as two rakahs after the travel has been completed. A traveler who wears socks together with their wudu performs the masah over the socks for three days and three nights.
A traveler can either fast during the month of Ramadan or can fast when they return home. It is better for a traveler to fast if there is no difficulty. A traveler does not have to perform jumu’ah or Eid prayers. However, if they do perform it, it is accepted. If they cannot perform the jumu’ah prayer then, they can perform the zhuhr prayer.
This is the ease provided to guests by our religion by taking the circumstances of the traveler into account.
THE QADA OF THE MISSED PRAYERS
To perform a prayer within the appointed time is called “Ada.” To perform after its appointed time period is called “Qada.” It is a great sin to leave prayer until after the time period knowingly and without an excuse. The missed prayer can be fulfilled by performing qada. However, we must ask for forgiveness from Allah the Almighty as it has been left for later.
Qada can be performed for all of the five daily fardh prayers and the witr prayer. Qada cannot be performed for the sunnah prayers. A person not performed the fajr prayer within its appointed time can perform qada for the sunnah and the fardh until the midmorning. There is no appointed time to perform qada prayers. It can be performed during the day or night. It cannot be performed at the three makruh times which are when the sun is rising, when it is at its highest point and when it is setting.
If a person is not sure which days and which prayer they wish to perform a past qada prayer then, they should state their niyyah as follows: “I intend to perform the fardh of the first fajr prayer left as qada for the consent of Allah.” For other prayers, state the niyyah for the first zhuhr left, the first asr, the first maghrib, the first isha and the first witr prayer. Alternatively, you can state niyyah for the last fajr prayer left as qada, the last zhuhr, the last asr, the last maghrib, the last isha or the last witr prayer.
THE Sajdah AL-TILAWAH
The sajdah al-tilawah is to show our respect to Allah. There are fourteen sajdah ayahs in the holy Qur’an. It is wajib for someone who recites or hears this to perform a sajdah.
It is required that the sajdah al-tilawah be performed during prayer if a sajdah ayah is recited during prayer. If after the sajdah ayah, you will continue to recite the Qur’an, you should perform the sajdah al-tilawah immediately and then continue to recite the Qur’an after standing up.
If the Qur’an recitation is not going to be continued after the sajdah ayah then, one, two or at the most three ayahs are recited before the ruku and sajdah are performed. A separate sajdah al-tilawah is not required.
If a person who is not in the prayer congregation hears the sajdah ayah recited during prayer, they must also perform the sajdah. If a person who is performing prayer hears the sajdah ayah recited by another person, then, it is required that they perform the sajdah al-tilawah after the prayer has finished.
A person who recites the sajdah ayah must perform the sajdah al-tilawah during prayer, not after the prayer has finished. If an imam recites a sajdah ayah during prayer then, both he and the congregation that is following him must perform the sajdah al-tilawah. The sajdah al-tilawah is wajib for all people who are mukallaf (responsible) but it is not wajib for women during their menstruation and postpartum period.
How to perform the sajdah al-tilawah outside of the prayer:
First, turn towards the qiblah. Without raising your hands and with the niyyah of a sajdah al- tilawah, say Allãhu akbar before going down to sajdah. In the sajdah, pronounce Subhana rabbi al ala three times and then rise up by saying Allãhu akbar. It is mustahab to say “Gufranaka rabbana wa ilaykal masir” when standing up. The sajdah is only performed once and no salãm is required. The sajdah ayahs in the Holy Qur’an are in the following fourteen surahs:
1) Surah al-A’raf (Ayah 206) 8) Surah al-Naml (Ayah 25)
2) Surah al-Ra’d (Ayah 15) 9) Surah al-Sajdah (Ayah 15)
3) Surah al-Nahl (Ayah 48) 10) Surah Sad (Ayah 24)
4) Surah al-Isra (Ayah 107) 11) Surah Fussilat (Ayah 37)
5) Surah Maryam (Ayah 58) 12) Surah al-Najm (Ayah 62)
6) Surah al-Hajj (Ayah 18) 13) Surah al-Inshiqaq (Ayah 21)
7) Surah al-Furqan (Ayah 60) 14) Surah al-’Alaq (Ayah 19)
JANAZAH PRAYER
The janazah prayer is fardh al-kifayah. It is a dua for the deceased person. It is to ask for the forgiveness of the sins and faults of our religious brother or sister from Allah and to carry out our last duty.
Foe whom janazah prayer can be performed?
Six conditions to perform a janazah prayer for a deceased:
1) The deceased shall be a Muslim,
2) Shall be clean (For example, the body should be wrapped in a kafan (shroud) after being washed),
3) Shall be in front of the prayers,
4) The deceased person shall have their whole body, more than half of their body or half their body with their head exposed.
5) The person to perform the janazah prayer shall pray on his/her feet (if not disabled).
6) The body of a deceased person shall be placedon a table or alike.
If some Muslims perform this prayer, others are not required to do so, since the janazah prayer is fardh al-kifayah. A congregation is not required for janazah prayer. If just a man or a woman performs the janazah prayer, the fardh is fulfilled. The things that invalidate other prayers also invalidate janazah prayers. The janazah prayer can be performed at any time except in the three makruh times.
The rukns of the janazah prayer are four takbirs and qiyam. It is wajib to perform a salãm. There is no ruku or sajdah when performing a janazah prayer.
The sunnahs of the janazah prayer:
1) The imam leading the prayer should align himself towards the chest of the deceased.
2) To recite “Subhanaka” after the first takbir.
3) To recite “Allahumma Salli and Allahumma Barik” after the second takbir.
4) To recite a dua after the third takbir.
HOW TO PERFORM THE JANAZAH PRAYER
The body is placed on a musalla stone (high stone table) where the prayer will be performed after it is washed and wrapped. The janazah is placed in front of the prayers. The imam leading the prayer stands in line with the deceased’s chest. The prayers stand in lines behind the imam facing the qiblah. It is mustahab for the prayers to be divided into three lines.
When performing the niyyah, you must specify whether the deceased is a man, woman, boy or girl.
The imam leading the prayer makes the niyyah as follows: “I intend to perform for the consent of Allah the janazah prayer that is ready, and make dua for this male (if the deceased is a male).”
If it is a deceased woman: “To make dua for this woman”,
If it is a boy: “To make dua for this boy”,
If it is a girl: “To make dua for this girl” is stated.
The congregation behind the imam states the niyyah as: “I intend to perform for the consent of Allah the janazah prayer that is ready and make dua for this male (if the deceased is a male) following the imam.”
If the janazah is for a woman: “To make dua for this woman”,
If the janazah is for a boy: “To make dua for this boy”,
If the janazah is for a girl: “To make dua for this girl” is stated.
If a person of the congregation is unaware as to whether the deceased is a male or female, they make niyyah as follows: “I intend to perform for the consent of Allah this janazah prayer which the imam will lead, to make dua for the deceased following the imam.”
After the niyyah, the imam in a loud voice and the congregation following silently make the takbir by saying Allãhu akbar. Like all the other prayers, the hands are raised to the height of the ears and then held below the navel.
Both the imam and the congregation recite Subhanaka silently. Unlike the other prayers, “wa jalla thanauk” part of Subhanaka is also included.
After reciting Subhanaka without raising the hands, the imam makes the second takbir aloud saying Allãhu akbar and the congregation does so silently. Then, both the imam and the congregation silently recite Allahumma Salli and Allahumma Barik.
Then, without raising the hands Allãhu akbar is pronounced again taking the third takbir and the janazah dua is recited. Those who do not know the janazah dua can recite Qunut duas instead. Those who do not know the Qunut duas can recite the following ayah: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar.”
After this, the fourth takbir is made without raising the hands and then without saying anything, the head is turned to the right by saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” Then the head is turned to the left by saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”, and the janazah prayer is completed.
The dua recited after the third takbir during the janazah prayer:
This dua is recited for all janazahs:
Pronunciation: “Allahumma`ghfirli-hayyina wa mayyitina wa shahidina wa ghaibina wa dhakarina wa unthana wa saghirina wa kabirina.
Allahumma, man ahyaytahu minna fa-ahyihi ala`l-islam wa man tawaffaytahu minna fa-tawaffahu ala`l-iman.”
Meaning: O Allah! Forgive our living and our dead, those who are present and those who are absent, our young and our old, our males and our females.
O Allah! Create the generation that will come from us into the religion of Islam. Of us whose death has arrived, let them die in a state of faith.
After this dua, one of the following duas can be recited depending on the situation of the janazah as follows:
1) This dua is recited if the janazah is for a male:
Pronunciation: Ve khussa hadha` l-mayyita bir-rawhi wa`r-rahati wa`r-rahmati wa`l-maghfirati ve`r-ridwan. Allahumma in kana muhsinan fa-zid fi ihsanihi wa in kana musian fa-tajawaz anhu wa laqqihi`l-amna wa` l-bushra wa`l-karamata wa`z-zulfa bi-rahmatika ya arhama`r-rahimin.
Meaning: My Lord, grant this dead person an eternal and peaceful rest with clean air, endless mercy, the forgiveness of sins and a life in jannah.
Oh Allah, if this dead person is a person who acted well, then give him his reward in abundance; and if he acted wrongly, then abandon his punishment! Forgive his sins. Grant him security from the things he is worried, glad tidings, the honor of the Hereafter and allow him to reach a high rank.
Oh Allah, the most merciful of all.
2) This dua is recited if the janazah is for a female:
Pronunciation: Ve khussa hadihil` l-mayyitata bir-rawhi wa`r-rahati wa`l-maghfirati ve`r-ridwan… Allahumma in kanat muhsinatan fa-zid fi ihsaniha wa in kanat musiatan fa-tajawaz anha wa laqqihe`l-amna wa` l-bushra wa`l-karamata wa`z-zulfa bi-rahmatika ya arhama`r-rahimin.
Meaning: My Lord, grant this dead person an eternal and peaceful rest with clean air, endless mercy, the forgiveness of sins and a life in jannah.
Oh Allah, if this dead person is a person who acted well, then give her reward in abundance; and if she acted wrongly, then abandon her punishment! Forgive her sins. Grant her security from the things she is worried, glad tidings, the honor of the Hereafter and allow her to reach a high rank. Oh Allah, the most merciful of all.
3) This dua is recited if the janazah is for a boy:
Pronunciation: “Allahummaj’alhu lana faratan vaj’alhu lana ajran va zuhran vaj’alhu lana shafi’an ve mushaffa’a.”
Meaning: O Allah! May this child to be a welcomer waiting for us in jannah…
O Allah! May this child be an intercessor(shafa’ah) for us and make his intercession acceptable.
4) This dua is recited if the janazah is for a girl:
Pronunciation: “Allahummaj’alha lana faratan vaj’alha lana ajran va zuhran vaj’alha lana shafi’atan ve mushaffa’a.”
Meaning: Oh Allah! May this child to be a welcomer waiting for us in jannah…
Oh Allah! May this child be an intercessor for us and make her intercession acceptable.
Those who do not know the janazah duas can read this ayah with the niyyah of a dua:
Pronunciation: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar
Meaning: Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the hell fire.
Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, Basics of Islam, Seyfettin Yazıcı
What is Prayer (Salah)? The Importance of Prayer (Salah), Who is it Fardh For?
