Prayer

As-Salmu `alaykum. I would like to ask some questions about wudu'. Is it correct that one’s wudu' is invalidated by looking at a woman who is not wearing hijab or by laughing?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. In Prayer, when you prostrate, should you place your hands on the ground first or knees first? Can you bring me evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah and also the relative strengths and weaknesses of each argument? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. I study in a small private school and I have difficulties in finding a space where I can pray. Am I allowed to pray while sitting on a chair?

I am a non-Muslim who is interested in studying Islam. What is acceptable practice regarding prayer? I usually attend the Friday mid-day prayer at a local mosque. Typically, I go early and read the Qur'an, then listen to the talk by the imam, then leave when the group prayer begins since I do not know the prayers. I can read them but do not know the prayer rituals. How should I be involved or should I not?

In the past, I missed three consecutive Friday Prayers because of my work. I am afraid when I read a hadith that says that Allah will put the seal of hypocrisy on those who have done such a thing. Can you tell me whether this hadith is weak or false and what is the truth?

Dear Sheikh, As-Salaam `Alaykum Wa Rahamtu Allah Wa Barakatuh. May you have blessed Ramadan! In Ramadan, I used to pray Taraweeh while reading from the Mushaf; is it okay? Moreover, can I pray the five daily prayers while reading from the Mushaf? Jazakum Allah khayran

As-Salamu `alaykum. I have a three-year-old daughter that sometimes passes in front of me when I pray or drops her toys (dolls) in front of me and sits to play. Does this invalidate the Prayer? I try not to disturb her, as sometimes she imitates me and the thought that she is learning to pray makes me extremely happy.And another question, is Prayer invalidated if my wife passes parallel to me (not right in front) while I am praying?

Dear respected sheikhs, as-salamu `alaykum. While being treated medically I find it difficult to offer the Prayer as in normal cases. How should I offer the Prayer while I’m sick? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I have heard about a Prophetic hadith that speaks of stealing from one’s salah (ritual prayer). What is the hadith, and what does it mean?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I'd like to know your comment concern ing the argument raised by the Ismaelite sect about the number of obligatory prayers enjoined on Muslims. They claim that these prayers are only three based on the verse they quote from surat Hud: 114. Please, could you kindly respond to this claim in academic terms? I need more information on the quoted verse though I've tried to read and understand it.As far as I know, during the Prophet’s Night Journey to the heavens five obligatory prayers were ordained on Muslims who are supposed to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in performing them. Jazakum Allah khayran.

I have adopted Islam recently, and I am still learning the daily prayers. Now, I want to know if there are other prayers that should be performed along with the five obligatory ones that have to be performed daily. Any help you can give would be very much appreciated. Also, I would like to say that you have the most informative site I have ever seen on Islam. Thank you.

Can we walk and talk in front of a person praying?

Scholars of Islam, as-Salamu `alaykum. What is the Shari`ah ruling regarding pray ing individually behind the row in a congregational Prayer?

As-Salamu `Alaykum. I am pregnant and I find it hard to pray Fajr standing these days. I do mostly wake up, perform ablution, and then I find it difficult to perform prayer while standing. I can’t stand, kneel down and pray. So, I lie in bed and I perform prayer (but not in a standing position). Will I be punished for this? Can one perform prayer while sitting, if one is not able to stand. Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

What are the benefits of salah?wassalaam

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I am told in my wo rkplace by someone who, as a pure Hanafite, is not allowed to pray behind an imam who has no beard. Can you tell me if this view is correct? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Assalamoalaikoum,my question is regarding salaat,i would like to know if the prayers of a man who gets all kinds of distractions,bad thoughts of Allah and the prophet Muhammad (saw) durind salaat is accepted.is it justifiable for that person to not pray as he fears he is making a great sin rather than getting hasanah as he is getting bad images etc of Allah,and has to constantly fight these thoughts d uring salaat.what is the solution

Salaam Alikum Dear Scholar,I would like to inquire about salat.  During Hajj men and women pray side by side, why then can I not pray beside my husband in our home?  Can you tell me the surah or hadith referencing that I cannot pray beside my husband.thank you for your consideration.

Someone told me that Witr is the last prayer of the day. We are notallowed to offer any Nafil after the Witr prayer, not even Tahajjud. Is it correct?Can we perform Tahajjud or any other Nafil prayer after Witr, if have already offered Witr immediately after Isha prayer?

During working hours can I perform my Prayer just sitting on a chair?

Assalamo Alykum Dear Scholar:how late I can do my Asr Salah before the start time of the magrib

Assalamu Aleykum, my question is about coming late to prayer in congegragation and joining it. Could you please give few opinions about what a person has to recite if it misses the first, second third or fourt rakah'. I usually follow the Hanafi madhhab.Also one simeple question, is it ok to say Allahume rabbena wa lekel hamd insted of just rabbena wa lekel hamd , when coming back from ruku Jazak allah Khair

Scholars of Islam, as-Salamu `alaykum. Can I pray behind an Imam who does not stick to the Sunnah? Is Prayer behind him valid?

dear scholar,assalaamualaykum wr wb, is it allowed to recite aloud when praying alone in one's own house,,, farz prayers or otherwise kindly clarify,jazakALLAHUMMA khair...wassalam

Scholars of Islam, As-Salaam `Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. I’d like to know where to place my hands while standing in Prayer, for I see people hold different positions in this regard. Jazakum Allah Khayran.

As-Salamu `Alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Dear scholars, I would like to ask a simple question, which I have tried to find the answer to from a long time. Is there any scientific proofs that Prayer is good for one?Note: I need a solid source if you could please as I am going to use it for da`wah (calling others to Islam) purposes.

I performed Hajj two years ago but I could not pray inside the Ka`bah. Is it necessary for the validity of my Hajj to pray inside the Ka`bah?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Can I offer Prayers (salah) inside the Ka`bah?

Dear Sheikh, As-Salaam `Alakum wa Rahmatuallah wa Barakatuh. Is there any evidence that woman's manner of performing the Prayer is somehow different from that of man?

Scholars of Islam, as-Salamu `alykum. I read in one of the Islamic books that Imam an-Nawawi said that one can read the Qur'an from the mus-haf (copy of the Qur’an) while praying. Is this true?My situation is that I only memorize about 10 surahs of the Qur’an. When I perform tahajjud (night vigil), I want to recite as many and different surahs as possible. Therefore, can I read from the mus-haf?

What should I do if I cannot perform the two rak`ahs of Prayer behind maqam Ibrahim in Hajj or `Umrah? Should I wait till the crowd of pilgrims decreases and then perform them at any spot in the mosque? Also, can I perform this Prayer outside the mosque?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Hope and pray you are in the best of health and iman and enjoying the blessed month of Ramadan. My Question is: After every four rak`ahs of Tarawih prayers, a du`a' is read by the congregation. I think this is mostly prevalent amongst Indian/Pakistani communities. What is the significance of this prayer and is it from a reliable source? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. I would like to know what a person should do upon entering the mosque for Friday prayer while the khutbah (sermon) is being delivered. Should he offer the two-unit prayer (rak`ahs) of greeting the mosque or just sit down and listen to the khutbah? Thanks.

Dear scholars, I have missed prayer for a long time. Do you think I have to make up for it? Please enlighten me in this regard!

As-salamu `alaykum. Is a person who has a mental illness (manic depression) obliged to perform the five daily Prayers regularly or is the obligation relaxed in his case because of mental health factors?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it an act of Sunnah to say “As-salatu khayrun min an-nawm (prayer is better than sleep) in the morning Adhan?

As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to make up for missed prayers after `Asr Prayer?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I will be traveling and the flight will be for 17 hours. I will board the plane at the time of Zhuhr Prayer. Since I will be crossing over different time zones and the flight is very long, I am confused about exactly when I am supposed to pray. Do I simply go by the time of where I am leaving from? Or do I leave a certain amount of time between each combined/shortened prayer? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. If a person sneezes while praying, should he say “al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)”? And if he hears a donkey braying, should he say “a`udhu billahi min Ash-Shaytan ir-Rajim (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan)”? Jazakum Allah khayran.

There are many issues that plague me. I would like to know the best course of action. I am a Muslim that has missed 3 Jum`ah Prayers consecutively. I am also neglecting my Salah, and I am married and have a family. I would like to know what course of action I should take in order to be suitable for Jihad?

Scholars emphasize repeatedly that it is the duty of Muslims to make a lot of supplications for their oppressed brothers and sisters who are suffering from the wars and injustices against Muslims all over the world. So what is the significance of du`a’, and what are its benefits and values?

Dear scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. I have a question that I need you to clarify. Please, tell me how I can correct the Imam in Prayer if he commits a mistake. Jazakum Allah Khayran

As-Salamu `Alaykum. I have a question related to requirements for a prayer space. At some universities, they are not able to offer students a Musalla (prayer room) only for Muslims, but instead want to provide an interfaith prayer room, which means other religious groups could use it during the day.What requirements should we have for such an arrangement? I was thinking that the place should be clean, with no alcohol at any time, no images, and no religious symbols (crosses, crucifixes, stars, etc). Are these correct requirements, or are there others?Also, is it okay if they have a cross that would be covered by a curtain when we pray? Inshaa'Allah, your response will benefit many students at many universities. May Allah reward you!

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I prayed Fajr, Zuhr and `Asr without having had a bath for janabah (impurity) because I forgot. After having a bath at Maghrib time I repeated these prayers before praying Maghrib. Then my husband told me that it is essential to have the correct intention before having a bath, so I had a bath and prayed `Isha’ and I did not repeat the rest of the prayers. Are my prayers from Fajr to Maghrib valid? What should I do? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. If something happens to the imam, can he ask someone else from the congregation to lead the rest of the Prayer?

As-Salamu `alaykum. My question revolves around the use of pagers and cell phones in a mosque, especially during Friday Prayer. Some of our brothers keep them on and receive paging and calls in the mosque. Sometimes, even the imam interrupts his khutbah (sermon) to answer a call from work. I would really appreciate your fatwa regarding the issue.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it acceptable for the Muslims to be led in prayer by someone who commits some breaches of Shari`ah? Jazakum Allah khayran.

It is known that the sutrah for the member of the congregation is the sutrah of his imam. But if the imam finishes the Prayer, does this sutrah remain for those who joined the prayer late, or do they have to have a new one?

What is the reason for shortening the Prayers—is it difficulties encountered or travel itself?

As-Salamu `alaykum. How should I perform sujud as-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness), when needed in Prayer? Give me a detailed explanation, please. Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

Respected Scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. I would like to ask you a question which has been on my mind for very long. I was outside and the time for Prayer came, but the place had no mosque or place to pray. I didn’t have a compass at the time due to forgetfulness. I can tell the direction of the sun but on that day the sky was not clear and I couldn’t see the sun. So I prayed in a car park facing a pillar as the sutrah. Is my Prayer valid? Should I repeat it? Please provide me with an answer.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Can a person who sits during Prayer due to a physical problem lead the salah (Prayer)? If that is not permissible, could you please let me know of hadith or Qur’an to back this up! Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is the Fajr time only between the onset of dawn and before sunrise, or do we have to pray it while it is totally dark? I sometimes wake up late (before sunrise), but it has become clear outside. Am I making a mistake? Also, is Maghrib time from sunset to `Isha'? Or is it from sunset until it gets completely dark?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Can we use the mosques as hospitals? What about treating women, non-Muslims, najasa (impurity) like blood, people dying in the mosque? Is it obligatory to use the mosque for this at this time if there is no other place availa ble or suitable? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars , as-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatuh.how many times should a Mu slim perform Hajj? Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Can you tell me if one must say a niyyah (intention) for Witr Prayer either in `Isha’ or Tahajjud Prayer? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Muslim scholar, As-Salamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Baraktuh. A person is praying, but he is committing all sorts of sins such as theft, lying, etc. One day when we were discussing this issue, some of us were inclined to say it is better for this person to start praying only after he has left such sins. Is this a sound opinion?

As-Salamu `alaykum. Please let me know if the Qur'an instructs us to offer prayer five times a day, and where? A cousin of mine says that the Qur'an instructs us to offer prayers only three times a day.

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Are we allowed to perform Friday prayers anywhere like our Mosque at the university campus?

Dear respected Sheikh, We Muslims living in France face the problem of the short nights and the short difference between the times of `Isha’ and Fajr. Sometimes, there are only three hours or even less between them. Besides, the conditions of life and work here are hard. Consequently, such a short time between day and night causes us great suffering in determining the times of the Prayers. What do we do about this problem?

As-Salamu `Alaykum. Is it permissible for a woman, while observing hijab, to perform prayer in a public place such as a garden?

Scholars of Islam, as-Salamu `alaykum. If I join the Jama`ah (Congregational Prayer) in Ruku` (Bowing), will it be regarded as one Rak`ah (Prayer Unit) or should I repeat that Rak`ah in order to recite Surat Al-Fatihah?

As-Salamu `alaykum! I am a young Muslim. One of my friends showed me a hadith stating that reciting surat Al-Fatihah is compulsory in all prayers even if one is lead in prayer by another person (i.e., Imam). Whereas, I have read a hadith stating that behind an Imam, one should keep quiet and listen to his recitation and that there is no need for him to recite it himself. Would you please make the issue clearer? Thank you very much.

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. Recently, I attended a Friday khutbah where the Imam delivered the khutbah with only one part (i.e., he did not sit between the two khutbahs. Is this correct?

As-Salamu `alaykum. How can I perform my prayer while still at work if my boss does not give me a break to perform Zuhr and `Asr? Should I hide myself and offer prayer?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I was in a gathering a few days ago. I was disturbed to see people divided on the issue of when to break the fast. I saw one group breaking with the adhan over the Radio (Ramadan program), while I saw another group still waiting with dates in their hands for the adhan to finish. What is the sound Islamic ruling on this issue? Jazakum Allah khayran.

ASSALAMU ALAIKUM, My question is that i was fasting and an accident happened while i was sleeping ,i had a wet dream  is my fast still valid or not    thanks

Is it permissible to dye your hair during the month of Rahmadan?

What is the Islamic ruling concerning crossing in front of a person who is praying? Sometimes, it becomes very difficult to go out of the Masjid, because one has to pass in front of someone. Please explain.

Does one catch up with al-Jama`h, in five daily prayers, by joining one Rak`ah or just by joining the congregation before Al-tasleem? The Same inquiry for Salat Al-Juma`ah or Friday Prayer).

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Why do Muslims pray towards Makkah? Didn’t Allah command us not to worship idols? Hasn’t the Ka`bah become a thing of worship, an idol? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I am student at a high school in Canada, and in my school we have weekly Jumu`ah Prayers. I believe we're performing the khutbah (sermon) incorrectly. We start off by the imam (fellow student) entering the room, saying “As-salam `alaykum”, followed by a member of the congregation saying the Adhan. The imam then reaches the center platform and recites a khutbah he found online. These are usually from websites with khutbahs written in English. My question to you is whether these written khutbahs are complete? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salam `alaykum! Dear scholars, as we witness nowadays many Imams delivering Friday khutbahs (sermons) without taking steps or making efforts to make that sermons penetrate people’s hearts and have impact on their lives. Friday sermons are no longer aspiring to many, thanks to the poor styles adopted by many Imams in giving khutbah, as if they don’t care whether people are listening or not. Please, give advice on this issue?

What do we do when we know that someone who is leading salah is in the habit of watching pornographic movies and looking at nude women, etc? Are we allowed to pray behind such a person who commits such grave sins?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. My wife is pregnant, praise be to Allah. Can she pray sitting down until she gives birth, or only if she feels dizzy or pain or morning sickness? Please answer me back as soon as possible. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it allowed for a person to pray obligatory Prayer behind a man who is praying Nafl or supererogatory Prayer?

Dear Sheikh, As-Salamu `alaykum. I am told that Jumu`ah Prayer (Friday congregationa l Prayer) is not obligatory upon women. But, if I pray Jumu`ah in a mosque, am I also required to pray Zuhr after that? Some people told me that since Zuhr is obligatory and Jumu`ah is not obligatory upon women, I have to pray Zuhr also. Jazakum Allah khyran.

Dear scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. At work when the time of prayer comes, I pray in my office. I have a Muslim secretary and she wishes to join me in prayer. I have been telling her to pray by herself and that we cannot pray in jama`ah (congregation). Am I correct, because I heard that it’s not allowed to pray in jama`ah with one non-mahram woman only?

What should someone do if he thinks that his Prayer (salah) was not accepted by Allah? For example, he thinks that he could have done it better. Can he repeat it or would that lead to nothing?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I recently spent some time with a Muslim family in which the husband was a convert to Islam. I was surprised to find that he hasn’t missed a single Prayer (Salah) in 5 years, ma sha’ Allah. However, he told me that he doesn’t do the prayers in Arabic, instead, completely in English. Is this allowed? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it allowed to combine Prayers during rain?

Dear scholars, can Muslims offer their Prayers (salah) in graveyards?

As-Salamu `alaykum. Last week at an Interfaith meeting at our mosque, a Christian prayed in the line with the Muslim brothers at `Isha’. He had no wudu’, and it was a Muslim brother who had told him to 'watch and follow' him. A number of the brothers were upset. No one seemed to know how this situation should be viewed, or handled. Since it may arise in the future, we need to know what to do. There were those who condemned - not the Christian, but the Muslim brother who is NOT ignorant about Islam. Then there were those who were gentle. What should we do if similar situations arise in the future?

I want to perform `Umrah or Hajj, but the circumstances of my work hinder me from doing so. Some people told me that if I perform Fajr Prayer in a congregation and keep reciting the Qur'an until sunrise and then offer two rak`ahs of Duha Prayer, it would be written in my record that I performed `Umrah. Is this right?

As-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to recite the qunut in the five daily Prayers?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it correct to pronounce the Adhan and Iqamah when one does not have ablution?

As-Salamu `alaykum. I have heard that it is bid`ah to make an audible intention when one is about to enter prayer (i.e., one says for example, I am going to pray four rak`ahs fard etc.); is that is true? I have heard that the intention should be made in the heart and not aloud. Could you please furnish me with a comprehensive Fatwa in this regard? Your early response will be very much appreciated!

As-Salamu `alaykum. I would like to know in what situation are we allowed to pray with our shoes on and also I would like to know if we are allowed to enter the Mosque to pray with our shoes on. Jazakum Allah Khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. Can one put a sutrah in front of him in obligatory prayers? There is a hadith that says that the sutrah in front of the Imam acts as a sutrah for the people behind him.

As-Salamu `alakum. What is the role of the Friday sermon (khutbah) in Islam? Can you give supporting evidence to your answer from the life of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him? May Allah reward you?

As-Salaam `Alaykum. Is there any evidence from the sayings of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he used to say collective Du`a or supplications after each obligatory prayer. In our community we have different opinions regarding the issue. Basically, our Arab brothers are saying that Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not say the Du`a collectively, therefore, we should not do it, while others say that he has done it. I would really appreciate if you could clarify this matter.

I am a new Muslim. I have been a Christian the majority of my life. My main question is about prayer. When I am about in town, doing business, and there is no nearby masjid, what should I do when my phone goes off and says it’s time for prayer? Should I pray at Star Bucks, the library, the grocery store parking lot, parks, wherever? I also want to know where I am not allowed to pray. I was told that the whole world is a masjid; however, someone said to me don’t pray here or there.

Recently, we heard about some Muslim women in the United States claiming that it is permissible for them to lead a public, mixed-gender Friday Prayer. What is Islam’s stance on this? Please give me a detailed answer urgently. Muslims here in the USA are perplexed and do not know what to do.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. If I am praying and someone knocks at the door and there is no one else in the house, what should I do? If I stop praying, am I sinning? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. Why must Muslims pray using the Arabic language? I need a fatwa on this. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Salamou 3alaykoumI used in my early age to pray one per 6 month and to avoid my family questions by saying that I'm praying.Two years ago God blessed me and I start to take care of  my relegion.Gradually I tried to repent from my neglectful attitud and to make my prayer I have not been successful from the beginning.Recently I start to find pleasure from a moment to another doing my prayer reading the Coran... but now after the Athan of Isha : sometimes I tend to lie on my bed to relax  before praying so I sleep and I miss both Isha and Fajr. pMy Question is about the 'Had' of neglecting prayer: can I be sure That Allah will accept my repentance without it, is this any difference between this one and the others (Hodoud) I think that I have know  about this Had before (but just I didn't care about it)?Jazakoum Allah khairan for the Aanswer.

I am a Muslim woman married to a Catholic man. We want to have children, but I want them to be Muslims and my husband wants them to be baptized in his religion as Catholics. We want to find out if they can be Muslim (fasting, praying etc...) as well as be baptized in the Catholic religion. Can you help me to find the right way to go about this situation?

According to Islamic traditions, a Muslim becomes sinless after performing the Hajj. Is it okay, then, to pray for one's death right after performing Hajj, since it would be a good time to die?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I was just wondering if you are allowed to perform a Prayer before its allotted time if you know that you will miss the allowed Prayer time, (d ue to a class at that time). Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it true that if we make any kind of movements three times during prayers, then our salah becomes invalid? Also, if we look at anything other than the place of sujud (prostration), does our Prayer become invalid?