Islam

Adhan and Iqamah

Author: Dr. Noman Islam

Most of the religions have adopted different practices (blow a horn, ringing bells, and kindle fire etc.) to call their followers towards worship. However, our religion has employed a beautiful way to call Muslims for Salah. The words of Adhan and Iqamah are said aloud by the Mu'adhdhin (one giving the call) to call for Salah, five times a day. The virtues of pronouncing Adhan and Iqamah have been mentioned in different sayings of Prophet (P.B.U.H). The Prophet said:

“The one who says Azaan for Sawaab is like that martyred who is drenched in blood and when he will die insects will not come on in his body.” [Tabrani]

In another saying, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:

“If people knew how much reward there was in Azaan then swords would be used amongst them [to say it]” (Ahmad)

The first call to prayer is Adhan, which is made at the time of each Salah. It announces that the prayer time has come, and Muslims should leave work and proceeds towards Mosque. The Mu'adhdhin recites the Adhan in a loud, melodious voice, pausing after each line. Each line is repeated for emphasis. The Adhan begins with confirmation of the supremacy of Allah:

Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest) Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest)

Then comes the shahadah (profession of faith), which consists of the profession of the Unity of Allah, the negation of shirk (polytheism), and the confirmation that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah:

Ash hadu an la ilaha illal lah (I bear witness that there is no God but Allah)

Ash hadu an la ilaha illal lah (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah)

Ash hadu an-na Mohammedar Rasulul-lah (I bear witness that Mohammed is the messenger of Allah)

And after that, comes the call to the prayer and to success:

Hayya 'allas Salah - (Come to Prayer) Hayya 'allas Salah - (Come to Prayer)

Hayya alal Falah - (Come to Success) Hayya alal Falah - (Come to your Success)

In the Fajr Adhan, following words are additionally recited:

As salatu Khayrum minan nawm- (Prayer is better than sleep)

As salatu Khayrum minan nawm - (Prayer is better than sleep)

Adhan ends with declaration of supremacy of Allah, negation of shirk and attestation of Prophet as the Messenger of Allah.

Allahu Akbar - (Allah is the greatest)

La ilaha illal lah' - (There is no God but Allah)

Five times a day, the Adhan is raised from mosques throughout the world. It is a Sunnah (optional duty) that brings its own reward from Allah.

Iqamah is the second call to Islamic Prayer. Iqamah means to stand up for the Salah (ritual Prayer). It is pronounced just before the Salah begins and said more quickly. The words are as follows:

Allah is Great; Allah is Great

I bear witness that nothing is worthy of worship except Allah

I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

Come to Prayer; Come to Prayer

Come to Success; Come to Success

Prayer has begun; Prayer has begun

Allah is Great; Allah is Great

There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah

According to one of the sayings of Prophet (narrated in Abu Daood & Tirmizi), the Duaa between Azaan and Iqamah is not rejected. Hence, Muslims should make as Duaa as much as people during this period.

Origin of Adhan and Iqamah

Author: Dr. Noman Islam

Different traditions have also adopted their own ways to call people for worship. Most of you have heard about Adhan and Iqamah called aloud before the Salah. These two practices prepare us for the Salah. Adhan is the call to offer salah regularly before every Salah, five times a day. Iqama is the second call that summons Muslims to line up for the beginning of the prayers. However, do you know how these practices originated?

In the early days of Islam, Muslims were small in number. They could only make Jama’ah without any call. However after the Hijrat (migration), a large number of people entered into the folds of Islam. Masjid Al-Nabawi was built to offer Salah regularly. By the second year of Hijrah, the number of Muslims had increased to a sizeable amount. To call for Salah, Muslims said aloud “The Salaah for jama’ah is ready”. Those who heard this call came to join the Salaah. Muslims felt the need a way to call people for Salah. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked his companions for their advice. Different suggestions were given. Some said to blow a horn to announce the time for the Salah, similar to Jews. Others said, the Muslims might ring bells as the christians do in their churches. A few proposed to adopt the pratcice of Fire Worshippers by kindling a fire to. Prophet Muhammad (SAW), however, wasn’t satisfied with any of these ideas.

One day, a companion, Abdullah Ibn Zaid came to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and narrated his last nigh dream. He said, “I have seen that a man wearing green garment taught me the words of the Adhan and advised me to call people to prayer with these words.” He then recited the words of the Adhan.

He further said, “The man in green garment told to say the following words when the congregation is ready”. He then recited the words of Iqamah

These words were beautiful and full of meaning. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) recognized that the dream was true and asked Zaid (R.A) to teach these words to Hazrat Bilal (R.A).

Bilal (R.A) stood up and called the Adhan. The voice of Bilal (R.A) resounded throughout the Madinah. People came running to Masjid Al-Nabawi. Another companion, Umar Ibn Khatib (R.A) also said the similar dream. He told the Prophet (P.B.U.H):

“O Messanger of Allah, an angel taught me the same words in my dream last night.” The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) accepted the Adhan as the official call to the Salaah.

Salah for Sick People

Author: Dr. Noman Islam

Islam is deen-e-fitrat. Our religion provides a natural solution to our problems. It prescribed a practical solution to all of our problems. For instance, there are complete guidelines for prayers (Salah, Fasting, and Pilgrimage etc.) of a person who is not well and doesn’t have the capacity to pray. In this article, we will see what recommendations our religion provides to offer Salah by sick people.

Salah is mandatory upon all Muslims. For anyone who is sick, there are rules that are relaxed due to the conditions of the sick person.

Purification:

It is mandatory for the Muslims to purify himself with water. Wudoo (ablution) must be observed to purify from the minor impurities (urine, feces, etc.). A person must perform Ghusl (complete bath or shower) to cleanse from the major impurities (menses, sexual intercourse, etc.). As Allah (SWT) says in Quran:

“O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands (including the arms) up to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water), and wash your feet up to [and including] the ankles…” [Qur'an 5:6]

A sick person who can’t purify with water can do Tayammum. It is purification by using clean sand or the surface soil of the earth. According to Quran:

“ But if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women, and you do not find any water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands (palms, up to the wrists only)…” [Qur'an 5:6].

The procedure for Tayammum is done by striking the pure earth or clean surface soil with both hands one time, wiping over the whole face, and then wiping the palms of the hands, each of them wiping the other.

A sick person should not to delay his prayer until after its proper time because of inability to perform Tahaarah (purification). Instead, he should purify himself to the extent that he is able, so that he may perform his prayer on time even if there were impurities on his body or his clothing or his place of prayer which he is not able to remove.

Offering Salah:

Allah (SWT) says in Quran:

“ So, keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey…” [Qur'an 64:16].

A sick person can offer Salah while sitting or lying on bed, depending upon his condition. This is based on the sayings of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H):

“Pray standing; but if you are unable (to do so), then pray sitting; and if you are unable (to pray sitting), then pray lying on your side” [Al-Bukhaaree].

An-Nasaa'ee reported the additional words: “And if you are unable, then lying on your back. Allaah does not burden anyone except according to his ability”.

A patient should, as far as possible, perform the prayer in the standing position. Even if a sick or disabled person can stand while the Takbir Tahrimah is pronounced, he should do so and then perform and complete the rest of the prayer in the sitting position. It is not proper to offer the prayer while sitting when one has the necessary strength to stand up for it.

Types of Salah for Sick person

Author: Dr. Noman Islam

Islam is the most practical amongst all the religions. Our religion has provided a concrete solution to every situation of life. If a person is sick and doesn’t have the capacity to offer prayers in normal way, our religion gives a solution to this problem. In this article, we will see how a person can offer Salah if he is sick.

Salah is the 2^nd pillars of Islam. It is the first and foremost practice ordained by Allah and shall also be the first thing to be questioned for on the Day of Judgment. According to one of the sayings of Prophet, whoever establishes Salah has established the Deen (of Allah) and whoever neglects Salah has destroyed the Deen.

It is obligatory for us to perform Salah on its fixed time. For a sick person, however, there are some relaxations provided. The Holy Prophet said:

“Pray standing; but if you are unable (to do so), then pray sitting; and if you are unable (to pray sitting), then pray lying on your side” [Al-Bukhaaree].

· An-Nasaa'ee further reported with the additional words:

“and if you are unable, then lying on your back. Allaah does not burden anyone except according to his ability”.

Following are the guidelines to perform Salah for sick person:

· If one is unable to stand, then he may pray sitting. It is better to sit the legs closed (crossed-legged) in the place of Qiyaam (standing) and Rukoo' (bowing)

· If one is unable to perform the prayer sitting, then he may pray lying on his side. The side should be facing the Qiblah(direction of Makkah). It is preferable to be lying on the right side

· If the sick person is unable to face the Qiblah, then he may pray in whatever direction he is facing

· If the person is so weak that he can’t pray on his side, then he can pray lying flat with his feet towards the Qiblah. It is preferable that he raise his head a little to direct it towards the Qiblah. If he is unable to point his feet toward the Qiblah, he can pray with his feet pointing in whatever direction

· It is mandatory for the sick person to make Rukoo'(bowing) and Sajdah(prostration) in his prayer. Following are the guidelines:

· If the sick person is unable to do Rukoo and Sajdah, then he should make a gesture for both of them by nodding his head lower for Sajdah then he does for Rukoo'

· If he is able to perform Rukoo' but not Sajdah, then he should make Rukoo' when it is time for Rukoo' and make a gesture for Sajdah

· Similarly, if he is able to make Sajdah and not Rukoo', then he should perform Sajdah when it is time for Sajdah and make a gesture for Rukoo'

· If he is unable to make a gesture by nodding his head for Rukoo' and Sajdah, then he should make a signal by closing his eyes a little for Rukoo' and closing them more for Sajdah

· If he is unable to gesture with the head nor signal by the eyes, then he should pray with his heart by making Takbeer (saying Allaahu Akbar), and reading of the Qur'an, and making intention for Rukoo'(bowing), Sajdah(prostration), Qiyaam(standing) and Qu'ood(sitting) by his heart, knowing that every person will have [his reward according to] what he intends

When to say Adhan and Iqamah

Author: Dr. Noman Islam

Salah is the 2^nd pillar of Islam. According to sayings of our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), Salah is the discriminating factor between a Muslim and Non-Muslim. Every adult Muslim is required to offer prayers five times a day at prescribed timings. The five Salahs are offered at dawn (Fajr), mid-day (Zuhr), before sunset (Aasr), after sunset (Maghrib), and the night (Isha).

Our religion has put extra emphasis on this religious right. It is recommended for us to offer prayers in congregation in the Mosque. Praying in congregation also leads to the concept of Unity and brotherhood among Muslims. For the proper observance of this commandment, it is necessary that Muslims are informed of the time of prayer by saying Adhan and Iqamah.

Adhan is the first call to prayer. It comprises statements pronouncing the supremacy of Allah (SWT), attesting to unity of Allah and prophet-hood of Muhammad (SAW), and calling people to Salah and Success. The words are said aloud by Muaazin, few minutes every prayer. This lets people know the prayer is going to start soon. When the Adhan is heard, people must stop working on their tasks and get prepared for prayer.

The call should be given out in a lofty or a prominent place in as loud a voice as possible. Muazin should stand facing the Holy Kaba with his both hands raised to the ears and calling out with a melodious and loud voice. After a sentence is recited, the rest who are listening shall answer (recite softly) exactly what the mu'azzin recited.

Adhan for the five daily Salah and Jummah, is Sunnat-e-Mu'akadah. If it is not given by anyone, then the people of the entire area are sinners individually. In Jummah prayers, the Aadhan is recited twice. In addition, Adhan is also the first thing that is being recited to the Muslim baby's ear as an Islamic custom.

The Iqama is called right before the Imam starts the Salat. The Muslim organizes themselves in Saffs (rows) before the Imam. Then Iqama is pronounced. It is the second call for payers. It also signals that the prayer is ready and has just begun. Everybody present should disengage his mind from the outside world and engage in the remembrance of Almighty. It is necessary in the congregational prayer, and it is pronounced in a soft but audible voice.

With the recitation of Iqamah, the prayer truly begins with the hands raised up to the ears.

Supplications after obligatory prayers

Author: Dr. Noman Islam

Aside from the daily prayers, Allah (SWT) has encouraged us (Muslims) to call upon for forgiveness, guidance, and strength throughout the day. We can make these personal supplications own words and in native language. There are however, recommended times and supplications from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Abu Umaamah (RA) enquired from Prophet (P.B.U.H),

"Which du'aa is most accepted by Almighty Allah?" Nabi (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) replied, "The du'aa made in the last part of the night and the du'aa made after the fardh salaahs." (Tirmidhi vol. 2 pg. 187)

Based on sayings of Prophet (P.B.U.H), Islamic scholars have prescribed following supplications to be read after obligatory prayers:

· Recite Istighfar i.e. prayer for forgiveness, thrice i.e.

“I seek forgiveness from Allāh”

· Then recite following Duaa:

“O Allāh, You are the Giver of Peace and peace comes from You alone. You are blessed, O Majestic and Benevolent”

· Then recite:

“There is no god but Allah alone without any partners. To Him belongs the dominion and the praise, and He has power over all things. There is no power or might but with Allah. There is no god but Allah. We worship only Him. To Him belongs blessings and virtue and beautiful praise. There is no god but Allah and to Him is due sincere religion, although the unbelievers may detest it. O Allah, there is nothing to withhold whomever You favor, and there is nothing to favor from whomever You withhold, and the greatness of the great is of no avail against You”

· Then recite Tasbeeh-e-Fatima as follows:

“Exalted is Allāh” (33 times)

“Praise be to Allāh” (33 times)

“Allāh is the Greatest” (33 times)

“There is no god but Allah alone without any partners. To Him belongs the dominion and the praise, and He has power of all things” (1 time)

· Then recite Ayat-ul-Kursi:

“Allah, there is no God except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great”

· Recite last three Surahs of Quran (Surah Ikhlas, Falaq and Naas):

“Say: He is Allah the One, Allah the Master. He was not born nor does He give birth, and there is nothing like him”

“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak, from the evil He has created, from the evil of the darkness when it settles, from the evil of magicians who blow on knots, and from the evil of the envier when he envies”

“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the people, the King of the people, the God of the people, from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers into the hearts of people from the jinn and the people”

· There is special prayer to be recited after Fajr and Maghrib prayers seven times:

“O Allah, save me from the Fire”

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