• The first ones to arrive for Friday congregation get maximum reward, which is reduced with each arrival.
• The angels stop recording of arrivals as soon as formal Arabic Khutba commences.
• When the Imam rises to deliver the formal Khutba in Arabic, it is not permissible to recite, to make Dhikr, to perform Salaat or to talk. It is Wajib to listen attentively to the Khutba.
• If, after commencing with the four Raka’ats to Sunnatul Muaq Qad’ah, the Imam starts with the Khutba, one should complete the Salaat.
• The Khutbas are recited before the Fardh Salaat. These Khutbas are Fardh. The Sermons in the local dialect are not Fardh.

Qad’ah Salaat (Missed Salaat)

Qad’ah with regard to Salaat, means to fulfil or perform a Salaat after expiry of the time of that Salaat.

If a Fardh Salaat has not been performed and its time has expired, it is obligatory to make Qad’ah of that Salaat without any delay. To delay in performing the Qad’ah Salaat is also a sin.

It should be remembered that the Shariah (Law of Allah) never waives the obligation of the Fardh Salaat. No amount of repentance can secure exemption from Salaat, which have not been performed in the past. Even a lifetime of Fardh Salaat not performed must be fulfilled by means of Qad’ah.

Questions Pertaining to Qad’ah

• It is not necessary to wait for any particular time to perform Qad’ah Salaat. For example, if Zuhr Salaat was missed, it is not necessary to wait for another Zuhr time in order to make Qad’ah of the missed Zuhr Salaat. Several Qad’ah Salaat can be performed all at once. However, one should not perform Qad’ah during Makruh times.
• It is not permissible for him to perform an Adaa Salaat before performing the Five Qad’ah Salaat for which he is liable. However, if the time remaining for the Adaa Salaat is so little that if he engages in fulfilling the Qad’ah Salaat his Adaa Salaat will also become Qad’ah, then in such a case he should perform his Adaa Salaat, and thereafter engage in the performance of the Qad’ah.
• If one is liable for six or more Fardh Salaat, i.e. six or more Salaat were not performed in their due times, then one’s Adaa Salaat may be performed before performing the Qad’ah Salaat.
• When the number of Qad’ah Salaat exceeds five, then the observance of Tarteeb is not Wajib or necessary. In this case one may perform Qad’ah of the Salaat in any order.
• Witr Salaat is an obligatory Salaat, hence, if it is missed its Qad’ah must be performed. If one missed the Ishaa Salaat: Qad’ah of both the Fardh and Witr will have to be performed before engaging in the performance of Fajar Salaat.
• Only Qad’ah of Fardh and Witr Salaat is made. Besides the two Raka’ats Sunnat of Fajap, Qad’ah of Sunnat and Nafil Salaat is not necessary. If the Qad’ah of Fajar is being performed before Zawal (mid-day) then Qad’ah of the Fardh, as well as the Sunnat, should be performed: However, if the Qad’ah of Fajar Salaat is being made after Zawal, only the Qad’ah of the Fardh should be made.
• If so little of Fajar time remains that only two Raka’ats could be performed in that time, then in such a case only the Fardh of Fajar should be performed, and about twenty minutes after sunrise, Qad’ah of the two Fajar Sunnats should be performed.
• If one is liable for several Qad’ah Salaat one should stipulate in the Intention when making the Qad’ah which Qad’ah Salaat is being made. For example, if Fajar, Zuhr and Asr Salaat have been missed, then when making Qad’ah it should be intended:

If it is not stipulated in the Intention which Qad’ah is being performed, the Qad’ah will not be valid.

• If one did not perform Salaat for a number of years, then too, Qad’ah of all the missed Salaat must be performed. If it cannot be remembered how many years or months, Salaat were not performed, one should continue making Qad’ah Salaat (making Qad’ah of Fajar, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Ishaa - Fardh and Witr) until one is fully satisfied that all the Qad’ah Salaat have been discharged.

Salaat ul Musaafir (Traveller)

A Musaafir (traveller) in the terminology of the Shariah is one who undertakes a journey of forty-eight miles (80km) with the express intention of travelling. The Shariah bestows certain concessions on the Musaafir, and with regard to Salaat. These concessions are:

• Instead of Four Raka’ats Fardh he offers only two Raka’ats.
• He may not perform all the Sunnat Salaat if he so desires.
• A Musaafir performs two Raka’ats Fardh Salaat instead of four Raka’ats. The reduction of two Raka’ats from a Four-Raka’at Fardh Salaat is compulsory. It is, therefore, not permissible for him to perform four Raka’ats Fardh Salaat.
• As regards Maghrib Salaat, three Fardh Raka'ats must be performed by the traveller.

Salaat ul Mareedh (Sick)

As long as one enjoys sufficient health or strength, the Salaat shall be performed standing. However, if due to illness the Namazi finds that he is not able to stand and perform Salaat then he must sit and perform it. If he is unable to even sit and perform his Salaat, he may lie down and discharge the obligation of Salaat.

• The way of making Ruku whilst performing Salaat in the sitting position, is to bow the head to almost reaching the knees.
• If the Namazi, due to illness, is unable to make Ruku and Sajda he should make the Ruku and Sajda by means of signs of the head, viz., bending the head for Ruku and lowering it a bit more for Sajda.
• If the illness is so serious that one does not have sufficient strength to even sit, and perform Salaat, one may in such a case lie down and perform it. Pillows should be placed under the head or back enabling the head to be raised. The legs should be outstretched towards the Qiblah, but if possible, the legs should be drawn up. Salaat should then be performed in this position making Ruku and Sajda by the indications of the head.
• If the illness is such that it is not possible to perform Salaat by even signs of the head, then in this case Salaat cannot be performed. Should the condition of the sick person remain in this state for more than twenty-four hours, the obligation of Salaat is waived. Even after recovering, no Qad’ah is to be performed for missing any Salaat under such extreme conditions of illness.
• Unconsciousness for more than twenty-four hours is a factor, which waives the obligation of Salaat. In this case, even after regaining consciousness, no Qad’ah is to be offered for the Salaat missed in the state of unconsciousness. If, however, the state of unconsciousness lasted less than twenty-four hours, Qad’ah of the missed Salaat will have to be made upon regaining consciousness.
• While performing Salaat, if the Namazi becomes sick and cannot continue the Salaat in standing position, he may sit down and complete the Salaat or he may even lie down, if unable to sit.

Tahyatul Wudu (Salutation for Ablution)

Tahyatul Wudu consists of two Raka’ats and is performed after the Wudu has been made. The Hadith has stated much significance of this Salaat. However, one should be careful that this Salaat is not performed at a Makrooh time, as no Salaat is permissible in the Makrooh (un-desirable time) timings.

Tahyatul Masjid (Salutation for Mosque)

Tahyatul Mosque is the Salaat, which is performed to honour Allah upon entering His House, viz., the Mosque. Tahyatul Masjid consists of two Raka’ats, which is usually performed upon entering the Mosque and before sitting down. The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ordered that two Raka’ats Salaat be performed upon entering the Mosque and before sitting down. This Salaat is thus Sunnat.

• This Salaat should not be performed at a Makrooh time.

If one enters the Mosque and it happens to be a Makrooh time then recite only the following (4 times):

Allah is great. Allah is great. There is no one worthy of worship besides Allah and Allah is Greatest and all praises is for Allah.

After having recited this, recite Durood.

Intention for this Salaat is to intend the performance of Tahyatul Masjid. As has been mentioned before, Intention is the intention of the heart.

• Tahyatul Masjid is not restricted to two Raka’ats. One may perform four Raka’ats as well.
• If one enters the Mosque and the Juma Khutba has commenced or is about to commence, then one must not perform Tahyatul Masjid.
• If one enters the Mosque and the Fardh Jama’at is in progress, then one should not perform Tahyatul Masjid; the Fardh Salaat in which one will join in will take the place of Tahyatul Masjid as well. One will obtain the Reward of Tahyatul Masjid in this case even if Intention was not made.
• If, after entering the Mosque, one sat down and there after performed Tahyatul Masjid, the Tahyatul Masjid will be valid although it is best to perform it before sitting.
• If one visits the Mosque several times during the day, it will suffice if one performs Tahyatul Masjid once only.

Salaat Ishraaq

Salaat Ishraaq is performed about fifteen minutes after qunrise. Regarding this Salaat, the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

"He who performs Fajar Salaat with jama’at and remains seated in the same place engaged in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs two Raka’ats Nafil Salaat, will obtain the Reward of one Hajj and one Umrah".

Although the best way to perform Ishraaq is as described in the above-mentioned Hadith, nevertheless, the Ishraaq Salaat will also be discharged if one did not remain in continuous Ibaadat after Fajar Salaat. Where the Ishraaq is performed after having engaged in some other activity, the Reward, however, will be less.

Salaat ul Dhuha (Chaasht)

The Hadith (sayings of the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace) explains great significance of Salaat ul Dhuha. The time for this Salaat commences after one-third of the day has passed. Its time remains until Zawal. Salaat ul Dhuha consists of up to twelve Raka’ats. One may perform two, four, six, eight, ten or twelve Raka’ats.

AyeshaR.A (wife of the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to perform eight Raka’ats Salaat ul Dhuha. She said that even if her parents arose from the grave, she would not leave Salaat ul Dhuha to go and meet them. From this emphasis the importance of this Salaat is evident.

Salaat ul Awaabeen

The Nafil Salaat performed after Maghrib Salaat is called "Salaat ul Awaabeen". The minimum number of Raka’ats of this Salaat is six Raka’ats and the maximum number is twenty Raka’ats. It is better to perform it in two Raka’at units. The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that whoever performs six Raka’ats after Maghrib will have his/her sins forgiven even if such sins are as much as the foam on the ocean.

Salaat ul Tahajjud

Of all the Nafil Salaats, the greatest in rank is the "Salaat ul Tahajjud". The Hadith speak much about the great significance of this Salaat. The time of Tahajjud is greatly efficacious for the acceptance of Dua. This Salaat is commended in the Holy Qur'an.

Salaat ul Tahajjud is performed in the latter part of the night. After having gone to bed one should rise late in the night and engage in this wonderful Dhikr, which has always been the practice of the great and pious people. The minimum number of Raka’ats in Tahajjud is four and the maximum is twelve Raka’ats. This Salaat can also be performed in two Raka’at or four Raka’at units. The Intention for this Salaat is simply to intend that one is performing Tahajjud.

If one lacks the courage to get up late in the night then one should at least make an effort to perform four Raka’ats with the Intention of Tahajjud after the two Sunnatul Muaq Qad’ah of Ishaa. Although the Reward will not be same as Tahajjud being performed in its proper time.

The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that Tahajjud Salaat is a medium (i.e. a very great and efficacious medium) of gaining nearness to Allah. At the same time it is expiation for sins while it strengthens one’s will power in the fight against the lowly nafs. Every Muslim should, therefore, make the greatest of effort, combat the laxity of the nafs and compel it to submit to the performance of this Salaat. Tahajjud is the time when the servant is closest to Allah.

There are no specific Surahs to be recited in this Salaat. Any Surah may be recited in any Raka’at. The practice of fixing Surah Ikhlas for the Tahajjud Salaat is contrary to the Sunnah and should not be adhered to.

Salaat ul Tauba

Salaat ul Tauba consists of two Raka’ats, which should be performed after one has committed a sin. After performing these two Raka’ats one should raise one’s hands sincerely and humbly in Dua and repent abundantly.

Salaat ul Hajaat

This Salaat is performed when one is in need or in difficulty. The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that whoever is in need of something should make a perfect Wudu (i.e. observing all the rules of Ablution) and perform two Raka’ats Salaat. After the Salaat recite the praises of Allah and recite Durood. One may recite any amount and any formula of praises - Tahmeed and Tasbeeh - as well as any amount of Durood. Thereafter make a fervent Dua for the fulfilment of the need. This Salaat is called "Salaat ul Hajaat".

Glory to be Thee my Allah, and Praise to Thee my Allah, and there is no god same Allah and Allah is great. There is no strength or power except from Allah, the High, the Majestic.

(La-illaha Illah Anta’ Subhan-ka Ini-kuntum Min-al Zaleemin)

O Allah! There is none worthy of worship besides you. You are pure. Definitely I oppressed my soul by sinning.

(Allah-humma Ina-ka Afwo-an Tuhib-ul Afwo’a Fa-afwo Annee)

O Allah! You are the most forgiving, You love forgiving, thus forgive me

Salaat ul Tasbeeh

The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to his uncle, Abbas Bin Abdul Muttalib:

"O Abbas! O my uncle! Should I present to you a gift? Should I bestow something to you? Should I inform you of something greatly beneficial? Should I show you such an act which, if you render it, Allah will forgive all your sins - old and new, those committed in error and those committed deliberately, sins committed publicly or privately? That act is to perform four Raka’ats (Salaat Tasbeeh).

After this, the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) taught him the way of performing this Salaat, he said:

"If possible, perform this Salaat daily; if you are unable then perform it once a week! If you are unable then perform it once a month; if you are unable, then perform it once a year and if you are unable to do even this, then perform it at least once in your whole lifetime."

This Salaat consists of four Raka’ats. It is called "Salaat ul Tasbeeh" because the following Tasbeeh is recited repeatedly in this Salaat:

Glory to be Thee my Allah, and Praise to Thee my Allah, and there is no god same Allah and Allah is great. There is no strength or power except from Allah, the High, the Majestic.

The above Tasbeeh is recited three hundred times in Salaat ul Tasbeeh.

There are two ways in which this Salaat may be performed.

• In the first method the Tasbeeh will be recited 10 times before Tashah-hud in the second and fourth Raka’at.

• Intention for this Salaat is to merely make the intention that one is performing Salaat Tasbeeh.
• There is no specific Surah to be recited in Salaat ul Tasbeeh.
• In counting the number of Tasbeehs recited, the tongue should not be employed. If the counting is done verbally the Salaat will be nullified. The Tasbeeh should be counted by pressing the fingers in the position in which they are. After the Tasbeeh has been recited once, one finger should be lightly pressed. In this way, the number will be remembered.
• If the Tasbeehs of a particular occasion in this Salaat are omitted in error, then recite the missed Tasbeehs in the next Ruku or part of the Salaat. For example if the Tasbeehs before Surah Fatiha were omitted, recite these after the Qiraa’at if the Tasbeehs between the two Sajda (Jalsah) were omitted, then recite these in the second Sajda: if the Tasbeehs of Qauma were omitted, recite these in Sajda. However, do not recite omitted Tasbeehs in Qauma, Jalsah and after the second Sajda in the first and third Raka’at. Hence, if you forgot to recite the Tasbeehs in Ruku then do not recite these in Qauma. In Qauma recite only the Tasbeehs of Qauma. The Tasbeehs missed out in Ruku should be recited in the first Sajda.
• If for some reason Sajda-us-Sahw became necessary and if some Tasbeehs were omitted at some stage, and not as yet fulfilled, then recite the omitted Tasbeehs in the Sajda-us-Sahw. However, remember that Sajda-us-Sahw has not Tasbeehs of its own; hence do not recite additional Tasbeehs when making Sajda-us-Sahw. The number of Tasbeehs for the four Raka’ats of Salaat ul Tasbeeh is 300. Therefore, it is possible to recite only such Tasbeehs in Sajda-us-Sahw, as were missed out earlier and not fulfilled.

Salaat ul Istikhaarah

"Istikhaarah" means to seek goodness. Here it means the way of seeking advice and goodness from Allah. Salaat ul Istikhaarah consists of two Raka’ats. When one intends to embark on any project, e.g. trade, journey, marriage, etc. then one should seek the advice of Allah, and make Dua for protection and goodness. According to the Hadith of our Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) it is only an unfortunate person who fails to seek the aid, advice and goodness of Allah when intending to embark upon something. The Hadith has exhorted much the observance of Salaat ul Istikhaarah. Insha’Allah, you will not regret if you make this Salaat and only thereafter decide whether to proceed with the intended project or cancel it.

Salaat ul Istikhaarah consists of two Raka’ats. This Salaat is performed at night just before going to bed. Once the Salaat has been performed, go to bed immediately. Do not indulge in any activity after Salaat ul Istikhaarah. Recite any Surah in these Raka’ats. It is performed as any other Nafil Salaat. After the Salaat make a fervent Dua, with much concentration. The Dua, which should be recited after this Salaat, is as follows:

O Allah! Behold I ask You the good through Your Knowledge, and ability through Your Power, and beg (Your favour) our of Your infinite Bounty. For surely You have Power: I have none. You know all; I know not. You are the Great Knower of all things unseen.

O Allah! If in Your Knowledge this matter be good for my faith, for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me therein.

But if in Your Knowledge this matter be bad for my faith, for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away therefrom, and ordain for me the good wherever it be, and cause me to be pleased therewith.

Salaat ul Istisqaa (Salaat for rain to end draught)

Two Raka’ats will be performed in Jama’at. Salaat ul Istisqaa has neither Azan nor Iqaamat. The Imam will recite the Qiraa’at audibly (jahr). The Imam will thereafter recite two Khutbas as on the Day of Eid. After the Khutbas the Imam will stand and face the Qiblah. He will raise his hands and petition Allah for rain. All those present should also make Dua for rain.

This procedure of Salaat should be repeated for three consecutive days. Salaat ul Istisqaa should not be performed for more than three days.

• If after having performed Salaat ul Istisqaa on the first day, it rains, then too, complete the three days.
• It is best (Mustahab) to fast on these three days.
• Drought is the effect of sin committed in abundance. It is a form of Allah’s punishment. Hence, during a drought, everyone should resort to istighfaar and Tauba in abundance and discharge whatever rights are unfulfilled or usurped, be such rights in regard to Allah, e.g. Salaat not performed, Zakat not paid, or be these rights in respect to people, e.g. debt deliberately not paid, wealth of others usurped or taken in a Haraam way etc.
• It is Sunnat for the Imam to invert his outer sheet which he wears i.e. he should turn the inside out. This is to be done while making the Dua for the rain after the two Khutbas have been recited.

Salaat ul Taraaweeh

Taraaweeh is the special Salaat, which the Shariah has ordained for the month of Ramadan. Taraaweeh Salaat consists of twenty Raka’ats and its performance is Sunnatul Muaq Qad’ah. It has to be performed each night during the month of Ramadan. Deliberate omission of Taraaweeh Salaat is sinful.

Traditionally the whole of Holy Qur’an is recited by Hafiz of Holy Qur’an.

Taraaweeh Salaat commences on the first night of Ramadan and ends on the last night of Ramadan.

The most preferable method is to perform Taraaweeh in units of two Raka’ats. Taraaweeh Salaat is performed in Jama’at for males after the Ishaa Fardh and Sunnatul Muaq Qad’ah, but before the Witr Salaat (with females in segregated sections or behind the male congregation).

Intention of "Taraaweeh" or just "Sunnat" should be made, e.g. say:

"I am performing two Raka’ats Taraaweeh (or Sunnat) behind this Imam."

There is no specific intention formula to recite. The intention may be made by uttering it verbally or merely making the intention in the heart.

After every four Raka’ats there will follow a pause which should preferably last as long as it would take to perform four Raka’ats Salaat. However, it is permissible to shorten the pause. During this interval, which is known as "Taraweehah", everyone should engage in some form of Dhikr, e.g. Dhikr, Tasbeeh, Istighfaar, Durood, etc. The Dhikr during the Taraweehah (the pause after every four Raka’ats) is to be made individually and silently. The Shariah has not ordered any specific and collective form of Dhikr for the Taraweehah (pause).

After the twenty Raka’ats Taraaweeh Salaat have been completed, a collective Dua will be made silently. After the Dua, the Witr Salaat will be made in Jama’at.

It is Sunnatul Muaq Qad’ah to complete the recitation of the whole Qur’an once during Taraaweeh of the whole month of Ramadan. If a Hafiz of Qur’an is not available, the Taraaweeh could be performed by reciting any Surah or verses of the Qur’an.

Questions Pertaining to Taraaweeh Salaat

• Although it is best to perform the Witr Salaat after Taraaweeh, it is permissible to perform it before Taraaweeh.
• It is Mustahab for the pause (Taraaweeh) after every four Raka’ats to be the duration of four Raka’ats Salaat.
• During the recitation of the Qur’an in the Taraaweeh, the Verse:

(Bis-Millah-Hir Rahmanir-Raheem)

In the Name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful

should be recited once aloud in the beginning of some Surah so that the Qur’an is properly completed. If this is not done, the recitation will not be complete, but will be one verse less.

• The Shariah does not require that the recitation of the Qur’an be completed on the 27th Night or any particular night. The Qur’an in Taraaweeh Salaat can be completed on any night.
• The custom of making collective Dua after every four Raka’ats Taraaweeh as well as the custom of reciting aloud in unison some forms of Tasbeeh and Dhikr after every two Raka’ats and/or four Raka’ats Taraaweeh are contrary to the Sunnah. Such innovatory practices should be shunned.
• If after having performed Taraaweeh Salaat it transpires that the Ishaa Fardh was not valid for some reason, e.g. Ishaa was inadvertently performed without Ablution, then both the Ishaa and the Taraaweeh will have to be repeated.
• If a group of people did not perform the Ishaa Fardh in Jama’at for some reason, but performed it individually, then Taraaweeh too must be performed individually. This group cannot on its own perform Taraaweeh in Jama’at. However, if they join a Taraaweeh Jama’at in which there are people who had made the Ishaa Fardh in Jama’at then their (i.e. those who did not perform Ishaa in Jama’at) Taraaweeh will be valid.
• If someone arrives in the Mosque after the Ishaa Fardh has been completed and Taraaweeh commenced, then he should first perform his Ishaa Fardh and then join the Jama’at in Taraaweeh. He should perform the Taraaweeh Raka’ats which he had missed, after the Witr. This person shall perform the Witr in Jama’at.
• If the Imam erroneously omitted Qad’ah (sitting) in the second Raka’at and proceeded into the third Raka’at, the muqtadees should call his attention by exclaiming "Subhan Allah!" However, if for some reason the Imam continues, he can and should return to the Qad’ah of the second Raka’at as long as he has not entered the Sajda of the third Raka’at. If before making the Sajda of the third Raka’at the Imam realises his error, he should return to the Qad’ah, make Sajda-us-Sahw as usual and complete the Salaat. But, if he completes the third Raka’at (the third Raka’at will be considered completed with the first Sajda) then he should add a fourth Raka’at as well, and make Sajda-us-Sahw and complete the Salaat. In this case, the four Raka’ats will be considered as only two Raka’ats for Taraaweeh purposes.
• It is not permissible to appoint a naa-baaligh (a child who has not attained puberty) to lead the Taraaweeh even if he happens to be Hafiz of the Qur’an. Salaat performed behind a minor is not valid.
• It is Makrooh Tehrimi (forbidden act) for women to perform Taraaweeh in Jama’at. They should perform it individually and at home: not in the Mosque.
• In some places Surah Ikhlas (Qulhuwallaah) is recited thrice in every Raka’at of Taraaweeh. This is contrary to the Sunnah. This method is Makrooh Tehrimi.
• A collective Dua (Dua by the whole Jama’at) will be made after the twenty Raka’ats Taraaweeh.
• Intention for the twenty Raka’ats Taraaweeh could be made only once in the beginning when commencing the Taraaweeh. It is not obligatory to renew the Intention after every two Raka’ats although it is best to do so (to renew the Intention).
• The time of Taraaweeh Salaat commences after Ishaa Fardh and lasts until the expiry of Ishaa times, viz. until just before Fajar.

Takbeer-e-Tashreek

• This Takbeer is known as Takbeer-e-Tashreek. It is Wajib to recite this Takbeer aloud once after every Fardh Salaat starting after the Fajar Salaat of the Day of Arafat (9th Zil-hajj) and ending after the Fardh Salaat of Asr on the 13th Zil-hajj.
• Women must recite this Takbeer silently, although its recitation is not Wajib for them.
• The reciting of this Takbeer aloud after every Fardh Salaat as mentioned is Wajib only if the Salaat is performed in Jama’at.
• It is not Wajib upon the Musaafir to recite this Takbeer.
• Those upon whom this Takbeer is not Wajib (viz. women and traveller) if they happen to be the Namazi of one upon whom the Takbeer is Wajib then its recitation will be compulsory upon them as well, but the women shall recite it silently.
• If the Imam forgets to recite the Takbeer the Namazi should immediately recite it and not wait for the Imam to commence.

The Eid Salaat

On the way to join the congregation, recite Takbeer Tashreek silently for Eid ul Fitr and recite loudly for Eid ul Dhuha.

Allah is great. Allah is great. There is no one worthy of worship besides Allah and Allah is Greatest and all praises is for Allah.

• The performance of two Raka’ats of Salaat on the occasions of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ud Dhuha is Wajib.
• The two Raka’ats Salaat of Eid is followed by two Khutbas which are Sunnat, but to listen to them is Wajib.

How to Perform the Eid Salaat?

Intention:

"I intend to perform two Raka’ats Eid ul Fitr (or Eid ud Dhuha) Salaat with six Wajib Takbeers behind this Imam."

• After Intention the Imam will proclaim "Allaho-Akbar". Reciting "Allaho-Akbar" silently the Namazi raises his hands to the ears and folds them as usual. Recite Sana in this position.
• After Sana, the Imam will proclaim "Allaho-Akbar" thrice, each time raising the hands to the ears and then releasing them along the sides. Reciting "Allaho-Akbar" silently each time, the Namazi follows the Imam and raises his hands with each Takbeer to the ears and then releases them on the sides.
• After the third Takbeer the hands are folded as is usual in Qiyaam, and the Imam will now commence the Qiraat - i.e. Surah Fatiha and some verses of the Qur’an.
• After Qiraat, the Raka’at will be completed as usual with Ruku and two Sajdas.
• In the second Raka’at after the Qiraat, the Imam will proclaim "Allaho-Akbar" and raise his hands to the ears and release them. The Imam will recite altogether three Takbeers after the Qiraat in the second Raka’at. When the Imam says "Allaho-Akbar" the fourth time, (in the second Raka’at) then do not raise the hands, but go immediately into Ruku. The rest of the Raka’at is completed as usual.

What to do When Joining the Eid Salaat After it has Already Begun?

• If one joins the Eid Salaat after the Imam has already recited the Eid Takbeers of the first Raka’at, then

1. If one has confidence that after reciting the Takbeers one will be able to unite with the Imam in Ruku, then make the Intention for the Salaat and recite the Takbeers in Qiyaam.
2. If one fears that by reciting the Takbeers in Qiyaam one will not be able to unite with the Imam in Ruku then immediately after Intention, join the Imam in Ruku and recite the Takbeers (silently) in Ruku instead of the normal Ruku Tasbeeh, but do not raise the hands (in Ruku) while reciting the Takbeers.

• If the Imam emerges from Ruku before you could complete the Takbeers, join him. The balance of the Takbeers are waived.
• If one has missed a complete Raka’at of the Eid Salaat, it should be fulfilled as follows:
• After the Imam makes the Salaams, rise and recite Qiraat. After the Qiraat recite the Takbeers and complete the Salaat as usual.

The Eid Gah

The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

"Whoever adheres to my Sunnah at the time of the corruption of my Ummah, will obtain the reward of a hundred martyrs."

The above Hadith of the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as well as many others inform us of the great Reward and merit in reviving the Sunnah practices of Islam. It is obligatory upon Muslims to accord special attention to the restoration of forgotten and lost, practices of our Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). One such lost and forgotten practice of Islam is the performance of the Eid Salaat in the Eid Gah.

The Shariah commands that the Eid Salaat be performed in an open field near the outskirts of the town or city. The regular practiae of the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Companions and all the great learned men of Islam as well as of the Ummah down the corridor of the centuries of Islamic history was to perform Eid Salaat in a open field. In the books of Islam it is recorded:

Salaat ul Janaazah (The Funeral Salaat)

• The Funeral Salaat is in fact a Dua (Salaat and supplication) on behalf of the dead.
• The conditions of other Salaat are applicable to Funeral Salaat as well.
• The Mayyit (the dead) should be placed in front of those performing the Funeral Salaat. The Imam should stand in line with the breast of the Mayyit.
• Two things are Fardh in Salaat ul Janaazah, viz.

There is no Ruku, Sajda, etc. in Salaat ul Janaazah.

• Three things are Sunnat in Salaat ul Janaazah, viz.
  • Hamd - to recite the Praises of Allah.
  • Durood upon Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).
  • Dua for the Mayyit.
• Jama’at (congregation) is not a condition for the validity of Salaat ul Janaazah. Hence, if even one person - man or woman - performs it, the Fardh obligation is discharged. But, the need to perform this Salaat in Jama’at is of overriding importance since it is a Dua for the Mayyit.

How to Perform Salaat ul Janaazah?

The Mayyit should be placed in front with head on right and legs on left side the Imam standing in line with the Mayyit’s breast. It is Mustahab to form three rows behind the Imam. If there are only seven people - one of them being the Imam - three should stand in the first row, two in the second row and one in the third row.

The following Intention is then recited (or an intention is made in the mind):

I make Intention for performing four Takbeer Salaat-e-Janaazah for Allah, for Durood upon Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and for Dua for the Mayyit, behind Imam and facing the Qiblah.

Sana

Glory unto You, O Allah! All Praise unto You. Blessed is Your Name and Most High is Your Majesty shining with glory. There is none worthy of worship but You.

After Sana, recite again 'Allaho-Akbar' once, but do not raise the hands. After this Takbeer recite Durood-e-Ibrahim.

Durood-e-Ibrahim

Oh Allah! Shower Thy mercy on Muhammad and on his seeds as Thou hast sent Thy mercy on Ibrahim and his seeds. No doubt! Thou art Great and Praiseworthy! Oh Allah! Send Thy blessings on Muhammad and on his seeds as Thou hast blessed Ibrahim and his seeds. No doubt! Thou art Great and Praiseworthy.

After Durood-e-Ibrahim recite "Allaho-Akbar" again once (but do not raise the hands), and recite a Dua for the Mayyit. If the Mayyit is a baaligh (of age) male or female recite the following Dua:

Oh Allah, forgive our living and dead, present and absent, big and small, men and women. Oh Allah whoever among us, is kept alive, by Thee, be kept alive on the path of Islam and whomever Thou cause to die let them die as believers.

If the deceased is a Na-baaligh (under age) boy, recite:

Oh Allah, make this child a source of our salvation and the pain of his parting a source of reward and benefits for us. Make him a recommendation for us and the recommendation, which Thou hast accepted.

If a Na-baaligh girl; recite the same Dua as for a Na-baaligh boy but recite on all the three places "Aj-Alhu Lana"

(Sha-fi-atau Wa Mushaf-fa-ath)

Instead of

(Sha-fi-au Wa Mushaf-fa-a)

After the Dua, recite again once "Allaho-Akbar". Again do not raise the hands. After this fourth Takbeer make the Salaams as is done in other Salaats by looking at each shoulder and saying Assalamo-alaikum wa rahmatullah.

• The Imam recites the four Takbeers and the Salaams aloud and the Namazi silently.