Allah Almighty made the Holy Ka’bah as Qibla to fulfil the Holy Prophet’s Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam desire

[Surah al Baqarah 2:144] We observe you turning your face, several times towards heaven (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him); so We will definitely make you turn (for prayer) towards a qiblah which pleases you; therefore now turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah); and O Muslims, wherever you may be, turn your faces (for prayer) towards it only; and those who have received the Book surely know that this is the truth from their Lord; and Allah is not unaware of their deeds. (Allah seeks to please the Holy Prophet – peace and blessings be upon him.) – Kanzul Iman English

Tafsir Noor-ul-Irfan english

1. It was the desire of the Holy Prophet Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam that the Holy Ka’bah becomes the new Qibla of the Muslims. Once, while in Salaah the Holy Prophet Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam looked skywards instead of towards the earth eagerly awaiting the revelation for the changing of the Qibla. At this stage he was given the glimpse of the forthcoming change. This verse suggests that the change of Qibla was the expressed wish of the Holy Prophet Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam If Allah Almighty can make the Holy Ka’bah as Qibla to fulfil the Holy Prophet’s Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam desire it is certain that

TURBAN(AMAMAH)

Wearing a turban belongs to the tradition of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), especially during the Salaah. The prayer that is performed wearing a turban carries more reward. The Shimlah of the turban should hang at the back between the two shoulders. The size of the Shimlah varies from person to person, but it should not be too long to be pressed under the buttocks while sitting.  Some people do not hang Shimlah. This is against the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Amamah should be tied up in standing position and should be untied in the same manner. A cap can be worn under the Amamah. The Glorious Prophet of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The very distinction between the pagans and us is that they tie only turban while we tie turban over a cap.”

According to “Mirqat”, the commentary on “Mishkat”, the Glorious Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used to wear Amamah of two sizes one small Amamah of seven arm-lengths, the other big Amamah of twelve arm-lengths.

Some people use bed sheets and prayer-mats, which contain inscriptions or couplets or the pictures of Mecca and Madina. The usage of such things is unlawful. The dining cloth and pillow covers containing inscriptions should also be avoided.

WHO IS EXEMPTED FROM FASTING

In the following conditions, not to keep fasts is permitted, but one will have to keep them after Ramadaan month:
1. If one is on a journey, and if that journey is at least 92 Kilometers (57.5 miles) long.
2. Pregnant and breast-feeding women when she is concerned about the health of herself or the baby.
3. If a person is sick and he is concerned that the disease will get worst or will take longer time to cure or a healthy person, if he is sure to get sick.
4. Ladies having child birth and menstruation period. (Bahare Shari�at, part 5)
5. A person is so old who is not capable of fasting nor he can hope of repeating the missed fasting then he should pay “Fidya” a fixed amount per day. That is to feed a poor twice for each fasting or give Sadaqa equivalent to Sadaqa Fitr. (Bahare Shari�at, part 5)

SUPPLICATIONS:

1. Du�a for Fasting: Allahumma asumu ghadal laka faghfirli ma qadamtu wama akhartu. Or Wabi saumi ghadin nawatu min Shahri Ramadaan.

2. Du�a when breaking Fast: Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alaika tawakkaltu wa alaa rizqika aftartu fataqabal minni ma qaddamtu wama akhartu.

3. Supplication for Taraweeh: Sub Hana Zil Mulki Wal Malakoot. Sub Hana Zil Eizzati Wal Azmati Wal Haibati Wal Qudrati Wal Kibreeyai Wal Jabaroot. Sub Hanal Malikil Hayyillazi La Yanamu Wala Yamoot Subbuhun Quddusun Rabbuna Wa Rabbul Malaaikati War�rooh. Allahumma Ajirna Minannari Ya Mujeeru Ya Mujeeru Ya Mujeer.

LAYLATUL QADR � THE NIGHT OF POWER

The month of Ramadan enjoys a intrinsic superiority over all other months of the year. It has a night better than thousand months according to the Qur’an: “Undoubtedly, we sent it down in the blessed and valuable night. And what you know, what the blessed night is? The blessed and valuable night is better than a thousand months. Therein descend angels and Jibrail (the Spirit) by the command of their Lord for every affair. That is all peace till the rising of the dawn.” (Surah Qadr)

About the reason of revelation of this verse, it has been narrated by our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that one day he talked to his Companions about a person of a past nation and informed them that he spent a thousand months praying the whole night and doing Jihad all day. So his companions felt very sorry that due to their short life they cannot get that status. Then Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala revealed this verse (Surah) and informed Muslims that though you have not been given long lives yet by praying on the Night of Power you can get the rewards more than a person praying one thousand months.

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) also described several times the significant values of this night: Sayyiduna Anas bin Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that this month (Ramadaan) has approached to you, a night of this month is better than thousand months. One who failed to get the blessings of this is failed to get any blessings. And no one is failed but he who is truly disappointed. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala promissed forgiveness to the praying persons in this blessed night: Abu Huraira (radi Allahu anhu) reported that our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that one who prays in this night with Imaan and with the intention of getting blessings will be forgiven. Anas bin Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) reported that our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that at the Night of Power, Jibrael (alaihis salaam) came down with a group of angels and prayed for mercy for the bondsman who is engaged in the worship of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala sitting or standing.

How to find out Laylatul Qadr:

It is narrated by Sayyiduna Aisha (radi Allahu anha) that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Seek the Night of Power in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan”. This Hadith shows that the Night of Power falls on one of the odd nights of last ten days that is 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29 th night. But we have some other indications from the companions of the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and Muhaddhiseen, that this should be the night of 27th of Ramadaan.Due to this it seems a general consensus among the Islamic Scholars towards the 27th night. However, it is better to keep vigil during all odd nights of last ten days to get the blessings of this precious night. The Du�a to be read during this night is “Allahumma innaka afuwuh tuhibbul afwa fa�fu anni”. This Du�as was taught to Sayyiduna Ayesha Siddiqa (radi Allahu anha) by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) himself.

HOW SHOULD A MUSLIM OBSERVE EID-UL-FITR

Eid-ul-Fitr refers to the festival after completion of fasting in the Month of Ramadaan. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on the 1st of Shawaal, which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is a manner of showing appreciation and gratitude to Almighty Allah for all that He has bestowed upon us.

Muslims are very glad to receive the Eid following a month of fasting to perform a sacred duty prescribed upon them. In this month, Muslims entered a state of purity and spiritual worship to seek the mercy and forgiveness of Almighty Allah.

People had during the month of Ramadaan exercised an unusual level of restraint and self-control to defy temptations and achieve victory over shaitaan. The spirit of social unity, sympathy, love and true affections prevailed throughout the entire month of Ramadaan. Muslims helped the poor in distress, showed love to the unfortunate, stayed up at night for prayers and fasted during the day. They hope that all the spiritual strength which they gained through prayer, contemplation and fasting will assist them to lead a good life and enter Jannah. Where do we go from here? What should now be our objective in life?

The benefits from this one month of fasting, should also be apparent in the other eleven months of the year. In other words, Muslims should show kindness, modesty, patience in times of difficulties and gratefulness when gaining the blessings of Almighty Allah. Not only should we show all these good qualities, but we should also abstain from all evils, such as jealousy, hatred, etc. Those Muslims who exercise self-control and patience are the pious ones that gain Allah’s favour. We should try our best to build good relations with fellow Muslims. We should show gratitude, pity and love. In doing so, the Muslim world would be an embodiment of virtue and good morals, and stand out as an example to people of other faiths. It is a necessity in the trouble-filled world that we live in, for people to exercise self-restraint, patience and a deep sense of human understanding in order to alleviate the human misery that we see today and bring about the greatly needed peace that we desire. Last but not least, we should try to rejuvenate the enthusiasm to serve humanity.

Now that the month of Ramadaan is over we should understand that while our spiritual well-being is constantly under threat, a return to a life of greater devotion and prayer is the only foundation which the human race can build on for the future. In Islam lies total salvation, despite the state of Muslims today, to those wishing to take advantage of it as a remedy for the ills of the world.

On the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims throughout the world perform the traditional Eid Salaah, which is Waajib upon all Muslims. It is not permissible to miss the Eid prayer without any valid reason. With the exception of performing the Eid Prayer, there are also various actions which are desirable on the day of Eid. These are:

1. to trim the hair and nails,
2. to perform the Ghusl (Ceremonial Bath),
3. to use the Miswaak (special toothbrush),
4. to wear (if affordable) or good clean clothing, to wear a ring (for men – a silver ring with one stone), and to use Ittar (Perfume),
5. to perform the Fajr Salaah (morning prayer) in the nearest Mosque of your area,
6. to leave early to perform the Eid Salaah,
7. to give the Sadqa-e-Fitr (Eid-ul-Fitr Charity) before the Eid Salaah,
8. to go by foot (if possible) for the Eid Salaah, and return home in another route,
9. to eat a few dates (preferably an odd number) or something sweet before going for Eid Salaah, and
10. to show happiness and gratification, to give charity in abundance, to walk modestly towards the Eid gathering, and to
11. wish and congratulate one another after the Eid Prayer.

As much as Eid is a time of rejoicing, it is also a time of giving and sharing with those less fortunate than yourself. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) would always be the first to congratulate the poor and the orphans. We should also try to be as kind as possible on this day to our fellow Muslims. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated, “Smiling in the face of your brother is Charity.”

DEATH AND JANAZAH

When a Muslim is in the last stages of his or her life, those present should read Surah Yaseen, Surah Ra’ad and the Kalimah Shahaadah in order to ease the pangs of death for the person. We must also urge, and not force, the person to read the Kalimah. When the person has passed away, the family members should immediately organize Ghusal and Burial affairs. (Ask your Imam/teacher to explain or demonstrate to you how the Ghusal of a Mayyit is performed).

Salaatul Janazah

Salaatul Janazah is actually a Du’a that is made on behalf of the dead person. Salaatul Janazah is Fard upon all Muslims who have knowledge of the Janazah or funeral. While the Imaam reads out the Takbeer aloud, we should repeat them silently.

Fard of Salaatul Janazah

There are 2 Fards in Salaatul Janazah:
1. To stand and perform Salaah (Qiyaam).
2. To read all the 4 Takbeers.
Note: If one does not know what Du’as to read after each Takbeer, one can still join the Janazah Salaah and read the Takbeers softly.

The Manner of making Salaatul Janazah

1. The body of the Mayyit should be placed with its right side facing the Qiblah.
2. The Imaam should stand in line with the chest of the Mayyit when leading the Salaah. This also means that the head of the Mayyit will be to the right of the Imaam.
3. It is also Mustahab to make an odd number of Sufoof (Safs) or rows. However ,if there are a large number of people, then there is no need to follow this rule.
4. After the Safs are straight, everyone should make the Niyyah.
5. After the first Takbeer, everyone should read the Thana.
6. After the second Takbeer, you should read the Durood-e- Ebrahim which is: The same as read in Salaah.
7. After the third Takbeer,
A. FOR AN ADULT: (the prescribed Dua)
B. FOR A BOY: (the prescribed Dua)
C. FOR A GIRL: (the prescribed Dua)
8. After the fourth Takbeer, the Imaam will read the Salaam.
9. You should not raise your hands after each Takbeer but repeat the Takbeers silently.
10. After the Salaatul Janazah, it is recommended that you make a Du’a for the Mayyit.

Late-Comers for the Salaatul Janazah

It is permissable for a person to make Tayyamum if he fears that he will miss the Janazah Salaah. This rule only applies for Janazah and Eid Salaah. If a person is late and joins the congregation after the Imaam has already read a few Takbeers, then he should join the Imaam for the next Takbeer. After the Salaah, he can read the Takbeers he missed by merely saying “Allahu Akbar” softly for every Takbeer he missed. He is not permitted to read any Du’a after the Takbeers.

MASBOOQ

1. If the Masbooq misses one Rakaah of any Salaah then he must not make Salaam with the Imaam but stand up just after the Imaam’s second Salaam. He should then read the Thana, Ta’ooz, Tasmiyah, Surah Fatiha and another Sura, and then complete the Salaah as normal.

2. If the Masbooq misses 2 Rakaah of Fajar, Zohar, Asar, or Isha Salaah, then he must stand up and read the Thana, Ta’ooz, Tasmiyah, Surah Fatiha and another Surah for the first Rakaah. He must then go into Sajdah and after the second Sajdah immediately come up for the second Rakaah. He must read Surah Fatiha followed by another Surah and then complete the Salaah as normal.

3. If the Masbooq misses 3 Rakaah of Zohar, Asar or Isha Salaah, then he must stand up and read Thana, Ta’ooz, Tasmiyah, Surah Fatiha and another Surah. He should then sit in Qoudah after the Sajdah and read Tashahhud. Then, he should stand up for his second Rakaah and read Surah Fatiha and another Surah. After completing the Sajdah, he should stand up for the third Rakaah and read only Surah Fatiha and complete the Salaah as normal.

4. If the Masbooq misses 2 Rakaah of Maghrib then he must stand up and read Thana, Ta’ooz, Tasmiya, Surah Fatiha another Surah and after the 2 Sajdah, he should sit and complete the Tashahhud. He should then rise for the second Rakaah, read Surah Fatiha followed by another Surah and then complete the Salaah as normal.

QADA SALAAH

1. Qada Salaah is Salaah that is made after the appointed time of that Salaah has passed.
2. It is a great sin to intentionally delay reading Salaah from its actual time.
3. Qada Salaah should be made as soon as possible.
4. There is no Qada for the Sunnah or Nafil Salaah.
5. If a person misses his Salaah during a journey, then his Qada will also become a Qasr Salaah if he is making the Qada of Zohar, Asar or Isha Salaah.
6. Qada has to be made for all Waajib and Fard Salaah.
7. Females, who have missed their Salaah due to Haiz and Nifaas, may not perform the Qada of their missed Salaah.
8. If a person has missed many Salaah, then he or she may perform the Qada of these Salaah according to the order he or she has chosen. One should also mention before ones Salaah what Qada he or she is about to read.
9. If the Qada of that day’s Fajar Salaah is read before Zawaal, then it is better for the person to also read the Sunnah of the Fajar.

SAJDAH TILAAWAH

1. There are certain Ayah (Verses) of the Holy Quran, for which it becomes Waajib upon a person to make Sajdah. This rule applies for both the reader and the listener. However, if there is no one listening, then it is only Waajib upon the reader.
2. When reading any Sajdah Tilaawah verse, one should read the Takbeer, “Allahu Akbar”, and go into Sajdah. Only one Sajdah is made and the Takbeer is read in the Sajdah.
3. It is Makrooh to delay making the Sajdah Tilaawah.
4. Most of the Holy Qurans have the word “Sajdah” written in the margin. This enables the reader to identify the Ayaat-e-Sajdah.
5. It is also Makrooh to skip a Sajdah verse. In fact, there is much more Thawaab in reading it.
6. If a person is sitting and reads many Sajdah Ayaah, then the person is required to make only one Sajdah and not for each verse.
7. The fourteen verses (14) of the Holy Quran by which it becomes Waajib for one to make Sajdah Tilaawah are:

a. Surah Araaf: verse 206
b. Surah Raad : verse 15
c. Surah Nahl : verse 50
d. Surah Bani Israeel : verse 109
e. Surah Mariam : verse 58
f. Surah Hajj : verse 18
g. Surah Furqaan : verse 60
h. Surah Naml : verse 26
i. Surah Sajdah : verse 15
j. Surah Saad : verse 25
k. Surah Haa Meem : verse 38
l. Surah Najm : verse 62
m. Surah Inshiqaaq : verse 21
n. Surah Alaq : verse 19