Question I have a few more questions on prayers, which I would be grateful if you can clarify. What is the status of non-fardh1 prayers i.e. prayers other than e.g. the 3 compulsory rak`ahs of Maghrib. Some people say these are optional and yet other people say that one is committing a sin by not offering […]
Prayer Timings in the Qur’an
Question Are there timings of all the five prayers in the Qur’an? Answer Though the Qur’an gives a passing reference to the timings of the prayers, these timings are based primarily on the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). For instance, the Qur’an says: Establish prayers at the timings of the sun’s decline till the darkness […]
Qadha Prayers & the Allowance of Combining Prayers
Question Can you please clarify the concept of ‘Qadha’ (i.e. missed) prayers? If I cannot pray at work due to lack of suitable location, can I make up the prayers in the evening? Additionally please explain exactly when I can and cannot combine prayers and which prayers can be combined. I seem to remember an ayat […]
Istikharah & Marriage
Question I have known a girl for the past couple of years and now I want to marry her. When I told my father about it he said that his decision will depend on Istikhara. He asked a person to do Istikhara for him and that person after doing the Istikhara told my father that […]
How to Offer Witr Prayers?
Question Somebody mentioned that the Prophet (SAW) used to offer 2 sunnats and 1 witr. And if we offer 3 witr, we shouldn’t sit down after the 2nd Rak`ah to say Atta Heeyat. Please tell me what is the correct process. Answer The word “witr“, in the Arabic language means “odd” (as in “odd number”, […]
Regarding Congregational Prayers
Question The Sunnah of the Prophet says to pray together all five times? I read a hadith where the Prophet indicated that saying prayer individually was not bad. Is this true? I feel as though if prayer becomes a recorded thing, then the essence behind the actual sala’h is lost. It becomes a ritual rather than a […]
Ablution While Sick
Question If one suffers from some sort of disease (like discharge of gas etc.) and because of this recurring problem the person has difficulty in maintaining his wudhu even during the prayer, can he offer prayers or continue his prayers without a new ablution? Answer In my opinion, if someone suffers from the stated problem, […]
The Allowance in Washing Feet during Ablution
Question After reaching office one offers his remaining prayers till evening with ablution (but without washing feet) because he is wearing socks. Is this ok? Answer The Prophet (pbuh) has allowed the Muslims to do masah on their feet, in place of washing them, during ablution, if they are wearing socks and if they had […]
Does a Bath Suffice for Ablution?
Question If one takes a bath in the morning and offers his prayer (Fajr) without further ablution. Is this ok? Answer The constitution of Al-Maaidah 5: 6 – the verse which gives the directive regarding ablution before Sala’h – shows, in my opinion, that after taking a bath one does not need to do ablution […]
Difference Between Hadith and Sunnah
Question Brother, please realize that Hadith that were collected by the most honorable of men, such as Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, are named Sahih for that reason. They are true, and the Sunni Muslims take them to be accurate reporting of the words of the Prophet (may peace be upon him). The science of […]