Pillars of Faith,


More Detailed

Belief in Allah (God)

The core of Islamic deen (way of life) is to believe in Allah (God). It is to say that there is none worthy of worship except Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and He (SWT) is the only Creator and Sustainer of everything. Allah (SWT) is Omniscient, Merciful and Forgiving. Allah (SWT) is unique in His Names and Attributes. Allah (SWT) is not comparable to anything and nor is He (SWT) within His creation. Allah (SWT) does not beget nor was He (SWT) ever begotten. Allah (SWT) is the only One, Who gives life and causes death. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):

"There is no true god worthy of worship but He, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. [2:163]

Not an apostle did We send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me."[21:25]

"Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him."[112:1-4] 

"The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He hath made for you pairs of yourselves, and of the cattle also pairs, whereby He multiplieth you. Naught is as His likeness; and He is the Hearer, the Seer."[42:11]

"Thou causest the night to pass into the day, and Thou causest the day to pass into the night. And Thou bringest forth the living from the dead, and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living. And Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou choosest, without stint."[3:27]

Muslims testify and practice this belief by clinging to the phrase, "La illaha illa Allah (there is no God (worthy of worship) except Allah)". Tawhid is an Arabic word, which is used to describe belief in Allah (SWT) and it is unique in its kind. In addition, bearing witness to this phrase is one of the two steps by which a person embraces the beautiful deen of Allah (SWT), Islam. Islam is not about lips' services; therefore, clinging to this phrase or belief is the next step and core of Islamic life.

The subjects, finding God and His existence, are part of later discussion and insha'Allah (by the will of Allah (SWT)) will be explained in more details. However, for the benefits of the readers, we should make a note of few things. Believing in higher Being has been norm of the society and throughout the history of mankind the majority has always believed in God. This is not a logical approach to prove the existence of God; nonetheless, it does give some indication about the reality and our sole purpose of existence. Our sole purpose of life cannot be simply living and having fun or continuously reproducing ourselves to bring changes in our future species. First, evolution does not explain everything and it is a dependent process; therefore, it does not rule out God. Second, evolutionists have no answer to the question: what we will evolve to. Third, let's take us an example of students studying in an institution. Can students do whatever please them? Why do they have to follow an organized system and guidelines? Why can't they simply play around and enjoy themselves? Again, this is just a brief introduction to detailed topics, which will be covered later on, insha'Allah. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):

"We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, merely in (idle) sport: We created them not except for just ends: but most of them do not understand." [44:38-39]

"Say those without knowledge: 'Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?' So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts)."[2:118] 

"Were they created of nothing, or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, they have no firm belief." [52:35-36]

"I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me." [51-56]

Belief in Angels

Belief in the angels is one of the six articles of faith. A person's faith cannot be complete unless they believe in angels and other pillars or articles of faith/belief. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "The Messenger [Muhammad] believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and [so do] the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers" [2:285].

Angels' Nature
In the west, common folks have depicted angels as a small children with wings or illusions or beautiful females with wings. Even the Arab pagans, at the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), called angles the daughters of Allah despite the fact they hated female off springs and they used to bury them alive. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "Or has He (Allah) taken, out of that which He created, daughters, and honored you with sons ? And, when one of them receives tidings of that which He sets up as a likeness to Allah Most Gracious (i.e. of a girl) his face becomes dark and gloomy and fill of grief....And they consider the angels, who are worshippers of Allah, to be females. Did they witness their creation ? Their testimony shall be recorded, and they will be asked." [43:16-19]

In Islam, Muslims believe that angels are the special creation of Allah (SWT). Angels are a part of the world of the ghayb (Unseen) which we cannot comprehend. Unlike humans, who were created from clay, angels have been created from Nur (light): 'Aishah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Angels were created from light, jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you (in the Qur’an and Sunnah)" (Sahih Muslim). Angels are not divine, neither they control any part of the universe and nor they are worthy of worship. Angels do not have free choice or desires and they always follow the commands of Allah and can never disobey Him. Therefore, unlike Christianity, there is no concept of fallen angels in Islam. Shaytan (Satan) was one of the jins, who were created from fire. Angels do not eat or drink either. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Those who are before him are not scornful of worshipping Him, nor do they tire or get bored. They glorify Him night and Day: they do not halt." (Qur’an 21:19-20)

"Then he (Prophet Ibrahim (AS)) turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf, and placed it before them. He (SWT) said, 'Will you not eat?' (When they did not eat), he conceived a fear of them. They said: 'Fear not,' and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge." [51:26-28]

Prophets (AS) can see angels in their natural form. Imam Al-Bukhari (RA) recorded that 'Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) saw the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) (AS) twice in his natural form. However, other people cannot see them unless they appear in a physical form. Allah (SWT) has given them the ability to change their form. We can find few examples of this from the Qur'an and the hadith. Angel Jibreel (AS) appeared in human form before Maryam (Marry) (AS), the mother of Prophet Isa (AS), to inform her that she would miraculously give birth to Isa (AS). Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): Then we sent to her our Spirit (angel Jibreel) and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects" [19:17]. Angels also appeared in human form before Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to give him glad tidings of a son and later they went to see Prophet Lut (AS) to destroy his people, who were sinning. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "And verily, there came our Messengers to Ibrahim with glad tidings" [11:69]. Lastly, Jibreel (AS) used to come to the Prophet (SAW) in different forms: sometimes he would appear in the form of Dihyah al-Kalbi, a Sahabi who was very handsome, and sometimes in the form of a Bedouin. The Sahabah (RA) saw him in his human form, as is reported from 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (RA) in the two Sahihs: "One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah , there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of travel were to be seen on him, and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the Prophet . Resting his knees against his and placing his hands on his thighs, he said: 'O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.'. . ."(Sahih Muslim).

Angels are described to have wings. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings - two, or three, or four (pairs) adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things." [35:1] . However, we should not try to guess the nature of their wings because there is no Islamic text, which describes it. In addition, there is no basis in Islam for the other corrupt notions about them.

Number of Angels
There are millions of angels but only Allah (SWT) knows exact number. The Prophet said, described the Much-Frequented House (al-Bayt al-Ma'moor) in the seventh heaven: "Then I was taken up to the Much-Frequented House: every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, another [group] coming after them." (Sahih Al-Bukhaari). 'Abdullaah said: "The Messenger of Allah said: 'Hell will be brought forth that day by means of seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be pulled by seventy thousand angels.'" (Sahih Muslim).

Names of some Angels and their tasks
The main purpose of angels is to Glorify and Praise Allah (SWT), however, there are several different angels all with a different tasks.

Jibrail - is the leader of the angels and he was the angel who was responsible for bringing the revelation of Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and to all other Prophets (Peace be upon them). Some Quranic verses referring to Jibrail (interpretation of the meaning):

"And it is surely the revelation of the Lord of the worlds. The trusted Spirit has brought it down to your heart, in order that you might be one of the warner’s, in clear Arabic speech." [26:192-195]

"And we gave Isa, son of Maryam, clear proofs, and supported him with Ruh-al-Qudus (holy spirit i.e. Jibreel)." [2:253]

Izra'il - known as the "Angel of Death" and is responsible for removing our souls and responsible for the end of our life. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "Say: The Angel of Death, who is set over you, will take your souls, then you shall be brought to your lord" [32:11]. There are other angels who accompany Izra'il who torture the wrongdoers (interpretation of the meaning): "If only you could see, when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieve, the angels are beating their faces and their backs." [8:50]

Munkar and Nakeer - They are the two angels in charge of questioning people in their graves about their faith.

Isra'fil - is the angel who will blow the trumpet at the end of time and the beginning of the Day of Judgment.

Mika'il - is responsible for raining.

Recorder Angels - Each person is appointed two Angels known as the "Recorder Angels". They are responsible for writing every single action we carry out, each word we utter and how we behave. The Angel on the right side records all of our good deeds and the Angel on our right records our bad deeds. Allah refers to them as "scribes" in the Holy Quran (interpretation of the meaning):

"And indeed, there are over you scribes, generous and recording. They know what you do." [82:10-12] 

"He utters not any word except that there is with him an observer, ready." [50:18]

Other Angels - Ridwan and Malik watche over Heaven and Hell. Ridwan is the keeper of heaven and Malik is the keeper of Hell. Hell has nineteen angels who watch over it. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "Over it (Hell) are nineteen (angels)" [74:30]. There are angels who will welcome the believers into heaven and greet them with peace (interpretation of the meaning): "And angels shall enter unto them from every gate saying: "Asalaam alaykum" (peace be upon you for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home." [13:23-24]

Belief in Scriptures

Belief in the scriptures or books of Allah (SWT) is another one of the six articles of faith. Muslims are obliged to believe in all the scriptures which were originally revealed by Allah (SWT). We learn from the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "...believe in what has been sent down to you (Muhammad) and what has been sent down before you..." [2:4]. Muslims believe Allah (SWT) has sent several scriptures and books down to different Prophets (Peace be upon them) to guide and show us the right path as Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "And we sent never a prophet before you except that we revealed to him, saying, 'there is no God but I, so worship Me'" [21:25]. As we briefly explained in the article, Belief in Allah (God), that our purpose of existence cannot be nothing or meaningless. A Muslim believes the following books have been revealed to Prophets (May the peace and blessings be upon them all):

Tawrah - known as the Torah revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses) (Peace be upon him).

Zabur - also known as the Psalms revealed to Prophet Dawud (David) (peace be upon him).

Injil - known as the Gospel of Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him).

Qur'an - the last and final revelation, which was revealed to the last and final Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Suhuf (scrolls) of Ibrahim (AS) - which are known as the scriptures of Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

Muslims believe that apart from the Qur'an all the other books and scriptures have been altered in some way shape or form so therefore no longer contain the full truth, as it is distorted by humans. However, Muslims believe the Qur'an has remained unchanged and can never be distorted or altered, so the Qur'an contains the complete truth. Allah (SWT) challenges those people who claim the Qur'an is a false book. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Say: 'If all mankind and the jinn would come together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce it’s like even though they exerted all and their strength in aiding one another.'" [17:88]

"Or do they say that he has invented it? Say (to them), 'Bring ten invented surah’s like it, and call (for help) on whomever you can besides Allah, if you are truthful." [11:13]

"And if you all are in doubt about what I have revealed to My servant, bring a single surah like it, and call your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful." [2:23]

It has been 1437 years since the Qur'an was revealed but NO ONE has accomplished the ultimate challenge of Allah (SWT). The Qur’an is divided into 114 chapters known as "Surah’s". 86 of these Surah’s were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Makah and the remaining 28 Surah’s were revealed to the Prophet (SAW) in Medina.

wallahu a'lam (and Allah knows best)

Belief in the Prophets

Belief in the Prophets (Peace be upon them) of Allah (SWT) is one of the required pillars of faith. Muslims are obliged to believe in all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) because they all preached the same message and their respect is mandatory upon every Muslim. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning):"Say (O Muslims): 'We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismaa’eel (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya‘qoob (Jacob), and to Al-Asbaat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya‘qoob (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Moosa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)'" [2:136].

Purpose of Prophet Hood
Allah (SWT) chose Prophets (Peace be upon them) from among the humans; therefore, they are not divine. Their sole purpose was to convey the true message, not to convert people into religion. He (SWT) sent them to each nation, and commanded them to call them to worship Allah (SWT) alone and to explain the ways which would bring happiness in this world and in the Hereafter, and to bring glad tidings of Paradise to those who believed and the warning of Hell to those who disbelieved (interpretation of the meaning): "And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): 'Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taaghoot (all false deities, i.e. do not worship Taaghoot besides Allah).' Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified" [16:36].

Characteristics of the Prophets
Prophets (Peace be upon them) were chosen by Allah (SWT) to be an example to their nations. He (SWT) taught the Prophets (Peace be upon them), guided them and honored them with the His true message. He protected them from falling into sin and supported them with miracles clear message as guidance for mankind. Hence, they are the most perfect of humanity both physically and in their attitude, the best of them in knowledge, the most truthful in speech, the most exemplary in the life they lived and infallible in regard to delivering the true message of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning):

"He said: 'O my people! see ye whether I have a Clear (Sign) from my Lord, and He hath given me sustenance (pure and) good as from Himself? I wish not, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do. I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from Allah. In Him I trust, and unto Him I look.'" [11:88]

"And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We revealed to them the doing of good deeds, performing Salah (Iqaamat-as-Salah), and the giving of Zakat and of Us (Alone) they were the worshippers." [ 21:73]

"We sent aforetime our apostles with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice; and We sent down Iron, in which is (material for) mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His apostles: For Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might (and able to enforce His Will)." [57:25]

Because the Prophets and Messengers reached such a high status of obedience and good character, Allah (SWT) has commanded us to take them as an example. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "They are those whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance" [6:90]. Allah (SWT) preferred some of the Prophets and Messengers over others as Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): Those apostles We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honor) [2:253]. The best of them are the "Messengers of strong will" who are Nooh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Moosa (Moses), ‘Eesa (Jesus) and Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon them all).

Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
The best of the Messengers of strong will is Muhammad (SAW). All of the characteristics of the Prophets and Messengers were combined in our Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and Allah (SWT) honored him by instilling in him the noblest characteristics. Therefore Allah stated that his example is to be followed in all situations: "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much" [33:21]. As it has been mentioned before, for each Prophet was sent only to his own people, until Allah (SWT) sent Muhammad (SAW) to all of mankind. He is the last and the best of the Prophets and Messengers, as Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things" [33:40].

"And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not" [34:28]

Number of Prophets
Allah (SWT) sent many Prophets and Messengers and only He (SWT) knows the exact number. There is no authentic Islamic text that proves otherwise. Twenty five of the Prophets (Peace be upon them) were named in the Qur’an. They are: Aadam, Idrees, Nooh, Hood, Salih, Ibrahim, Loot, Isma’eel, Ishaq, Ya’qoob, Yoosuf, Shu’ayb, Ayyoob, Dhu’l-Kifl, Moosa, Haaroon, Dawood, Sulayman, Ilyas, al-Yasa’, Yoonus, Zakariyya, Yahya, ‘Eesa and Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon them all).

wallahu a'lam (and Allah knows best)

Belief in Life after Death

Belief in the Hereafter is one of the six pillars of Islamic belief required of a Muslim in order to complete his faith. The Prophet (SAW) informed us about events of the Ghayb (those beyond human perception) which will occur after death. This fundamental belief is only completed when one has firm faith in his heart in all those matters about which the Prophet (SAW) informed us. Materialists refuse to believe in anything which they do not feel.  Our answer to this attitude is that our inability to sense the existence of certain things does not justify our denial of the very existence of those things.  Certitude through news from an authentic person is as good as the certitude by seeing and feeling.  Since the honesty of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in conveying the Divine Message revealed to him has been established for us, we-believers- firmly believe in everything he (SAW) told about the unseen, including the Hereafter. Belief in the hereafter entails the following:

Belief in Events of the Grave
Muslims believe in the trial of the grave. The Arabic word for trial is 'Fitnah', which linguistically means to place gold in fire in order to remove its impurities; this word was thus later used in the sense of testing and trying. The Quranic evidence concerning this issue is in the following verse in which Almighty Allah describes the punishment of the people of Fir ‘awn (Pharaoh); He (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "The Fire: they are exposed to it morning and evening. And the Day the Hour appears [it will be said]: 'Make the people of Pharaoh enter the severest punishment'" [40:46]. Also, the Prophet (SAW) said: “The grave is either a garden from the Gardens of Paradise, or a pit from the pits of Hell" [At-Tirmithi].

Events of the Day of Judgment
After the duration of this earth is over, Allah will command Israafeel [the Angel in charge of blowing the Trumpet] to blow it. At the first blowing, all the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth will fall unconscious, except those for whom Allah Wills otherwise. Then, the earth will be flattened and the mountains will be made into floating sand dunes. In short, everything will occur that Allah has informed us about in His book, especially in chapters 81 and 82 of the Noble Quran.

Then Allah will command the skies to pour rain. This rain will resemble the sperm of men. People will then be resurrected from their graves. This process will start from their vertebral column. The entire body of a person decays after his death except the lower end of the vertebral column. This process of resurrection will continue until they are transformed back into their original shape and bodies. Allah will then command Israafeel to blow the Trumpet for the second time, upon which people will rise from their graves alive. The disbelievers and the hypocrites will then be regretful and will say (interpretation of the meaning): "…Woe to us! Who has raised us up from our sleeping place?" [36:52] Whereas the believers will say (interpretation of the meaning): "…This is what the Most Merciful had promised, and the Messengers spoke the truth" [36:52]. Then angels will drive all of them naked, uncircumcised, and barefooted to the place of Hashr (Gathering).

The first one to be dressed on that Day will be Prophet Ibraaheem (SAW). At the place of Gathering, the sun will descend close to the heads of people, and their sweat will engulf them.  It will be up to the ankles of some of them, up to the knees of others, up to the chests of others, and up to the necks of others. The level of their sweat will be in accordance with their deeds.

Some people on that Day will be sheltered by the shade of the Throne of Allah. When the conditions become unbearable for people, and the despair increases greatly, people will ask Allah to allow His messengers and prophets to intercede on their behalf and save them from their distress. Every messenger and prophet will direct the people to the prophet who came after him, until they come to our Prophet Muhammad (SAW).  He will respond by saying that he is the appropriate person for it. He will intercede for them, which will result in the beginning of Judgment.

The Balances
The balances will then be erected, and the deeds will be weighed. These balances will be real and will have pans and needles. Allah, the Exalted and Glorified, will give the deeds of the creatures a material existence that will have weight. The good deeds will be placed in one pan and the evil deeds in the other, as Allah informs us in the Quran by Saying (interpretation of the meaning): "And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We to take account" [21:47].

The Records
This will be followed by the disclosure of the record of deeds. He who will receive his record in his right hand will have an easy reckoning.  He will return to his family in happiness. However, he who will receive his record from behind and in his left hand will seek death on that Day, as he will be thrust into the Hellfire. He will be full of regrets on that Day and will wish that he were not handed his record or that he had not known about it. Allah Says (interpretation of the meaning): "Then as for him who is given his record in his right hand. He will be judged with an easy account. And return to his people in happiness. But as for he who is given his record behind his back. He will cry out for destruction. And [enter to] burn in a Blaze" [84:7-12].

All the events that are bound to occur after death and on the Last Day, like reward and punishment, Paradise and Hell, the Reckoning and other events are mentioned in detail in the Divine revelations and in narrations from the prophets. They are also available in the knowledge which the Prophet (SAW) has left us as his inheritance; whoever wishes to seek it will find it.

Belief in Qadr (Divine Decree)

Belief in Qadr (Divine Decree) is the sixth Islamic article of faith, which means that Allah (SWT) has decreed everything that happens in the universe according to His prior knowledge. The issue of Qadar comes from the unity in the matter of the Lordship of Allah (SWT) (Tawhid ar-Rububiyah), which means to believe that all creation, sovereignty and planning belong to Allah (SWT). When Allah (SWT) created everything He (SWT) determined when each thing would come into existence and when it would perish. He (SWT) also determined everything's qualities and their nature. Therefore, nothing happens or exists without His permission and outside of His will. To understand this better, it is the will of Allah (SWT) that He (SWT) decided to create us, humans, and everything around us and permitted us to make free choices. In other words, when we plan to do something, it is the will of Allah (SWT) that He (SWT) gave us the freedom of making free choices and wisdom but we are the ones who are deciding what we should do or choose. This is the reason why we are held accountable for our actions. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned" [2:286]. In Islam, people are not held accountable for things which were out of their control i.e. forgetfulness and forced to do.

Four Components of Qadr
Al-'Ilm (Knowledge) - The belief that Allah (SWT) knows all things, in general and in detail, from eternity to eternity, whether that has to do with His actions or the actions of His slaves. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "Truly, nothing is hidden from God, in the earth or in the heavens" [3:5].

Kitab (Writing) - The belief that Allah (SWT) has written everything, which will happen until the day of judgment due to His knowledge, in al-Lawh al-Mahfooz (Book of Decrees, preserved in heaven). Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "Know you not that Allaah knows all that is in the heaven and on the earth? Verily, it is (all) in the Book (al-Lawh al-Mahfooz). Verily, that is easy for Allaah" [22:70].

Mash'eeah (Will) - The beliefe that nothing happens or does not happen without the will of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning):"He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills" [3:5] and "and Allah does what He wills" [14:27] and "And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses" [28:68]

Al-Khalq (Creation) - The belief that Allah (SWT) created everything. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): "He has created everything, and has measured it exactly according to its due measurements" [25:2] and "Allaah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian) over all things" [39:62].

Do we have free will?
Again, the belief in qadr as it has been described above does not contradict the idea of free will. We can do what we want to do and reject what we do not want to do. However, we should have the correct understanding regarding the usage of the words "free will". Will must be understood in the context that if you wish something to happen, it happens and without any external force or a thing interfering. For example, the will of Allah (SWT); He says "be and it is". On the contrary, we humans do not have such abilities. Our choices are always influenced by many things and many times things not always work the way we want. Therefore, it is only logical to conclude that we only have the freedom of making free choices and we do not have free will. However, we could not have had such ability without the will of Allah (SWT). Thus, our freedom of making choices is exercised within the absolute will of Allah (SWT), which has determined and permitted humans to make free choices of their own and it is the manifestation of Allah’s (SWT) absolute Will. Some atheists and philosophers argue that if Allah (SWT) knows exactly what will happen, right down to every choice, then it constrains one's freedom of making choices. However, their conclusions are hasty and this problem can be solved with a simple analogy. For example, if a teacher knows that one of his students is going to fail the final exam, due to his performance during whole year/term, it does not mean that teacher is forcing the student to fail or making him fail. Having knowledge about something does not mean that you are forcing it onto the other person or constraining him.

Can we do what we want to do?
"It should be noted that some of our circumstances are forced on us, and and we have no choice in it, such as the day when a person is born, the color of his skin and eyes, and when he will die. All of these are matters over which people have no control; rather they happen to them by force. Given that these are matters in which people have no choice, they do not have anything to do with Paradise or Hell, torment or blessing. But some actions are the subject of choice, such as whether to believe or disbelieve, or worldly matters such as choosing what to eat or drink, and where to live.

There is nothing of that nature which is entirely outside the will and decree of Allah. The heart of the matter is that Allah possesses the attributes of knowledge, power and will. Based on that, if people who do deeds want to do them, whether they are sins or acts of obedience, then Allah inevitably knows that, indeed He knew that in eternity past, before He even created the universe. Then after He knew it, He wrote it with Him, then when they wanted to do it, He willed that they should do so. If He did not will that, then they would not do it. He is All-Powerful, and He is the Creator of people’s deeds because He is the Creator of the human beings who do them. So all the deeds of mankind are written with Allah, because Allah has prior knowledge of them. This does not mean that Allah compels people to do what they do, rather they have freedom of choice with regard to their deeds."

Pillars of Faith


Belief in God

Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, Who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him alone. He is the true God, and every other deity is false. He has the most magnificent names and sublime perfect attributes. No one shares His divinity, nor His attributes. In the Qur'an, God describes Himself (interpretation of the meaning): "Say, 'He is God, the One. God, to Whom the creatures turn for their needs. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him'" [112:1-4]. No one has the right to be invoked, supplicated, prayed to, or shown any act of worship, but God alone. God alone is the Almighty, the Creator, the Sovereign, and the Sustainer of everything in the whole universe. He manages all affairs. He stands in need of none of His creatures, and all His creatures depend on Him for all that they need. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, and the All-Knowing. In a perfect manner, His knowledge encompasses all things, the open and the secret, and the public and the private. He knows what has happened, what will happen, and how it will happen. No affair occurs in the whole world except by His will. Whatever He wills is, and whatever He does not will is not and will never be. His will is above the will of all the creatures. He has power over all things, and He is able to do everything. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and the Most Beneficent.

In one of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), we are told that God is more merciful to His creatures than a mother to her child. [Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2754, and Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, #5999] God is far removed from injustice and tyranny. He is All-Wise in all of His actions and decrees. If someone wants something from God, he or she can ask God directly without asking anyone else to intercede with God for him or her. God is not Jesus, and Jesus is not God. [It was reported by the Associated Press, London, on June 25, 1984, that a majority of the Anglican bishops surveyed by a television program said, “Christians are not obliged to believe that Jesus Christ was God.” The poll was of 31 of England’s 39 bishops. The report further stated that 19 of the 31 bishops said it was sufficient to regard Jesus as “God’s supreme agent.” The poll was conducted by London Weekend Television’s weekly religious program, “Credo.”]

Even Jesus himself rejected this. God has said in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "Indeed, they have disbelieved who have said, 'God is the Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary.' The Messiah said, 'Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord. Whoever associates partners in worship with God, then God has forbidden Paradise for him, and his home is the Fire (Hell). For the wrongdoers, [The wrongdoers include the polytheists] there will be no helpers'" [5:72]. God is not a trinity. God has said in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "Indeed, they disbelieve who say, 'God is the third of three (in a trinity),' when there is no god but one God. If they desist not from what they say, truly, a painful punishment will befall the disbelievers among them. Would they not rather repent to God and ask His forgiveness? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a messenger ... [5:73-75].

Islam rejects that God rested on the seventh day of the creation, that He wrestled with one of His angels, that He is an envious plotter against mankind, or that He is incarnate in any human being. Islam also rejects the attribution of any human form to God. All of these are considered blasphemous. God is the Exalted. He is far removed from every imperfection. He never becomes weary. He does not become drowsy nor does he sleep. The Arabic word Allah means God (the one and only true God who created the whole universe). This word Allah is a name for God, which is used by Arabic speakers, both Arab Muslims and Arab Christians. This word cannot be used to designate anything other than the one true God. The Arabic word Allah occurs in the Qur'an more than 2150 times. In Aramaic, a language related closely to Arabic and the language that Jesus habitually spoke, [NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible, Douglas, p. 42.], God is also referred to as Allaah.

Belief in the Angels

Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels worship God alone, obey Him, and act only by His command. Among the angels is Gabriel, who brought down the Qur'aan to Muhammad.

Belief in God's Revealed Books

Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Among these books is the Qur'an, which God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). God has guaranteed the Qur'an's protection from any corruption or distortion. God has said (interpretation of the meaning): "Indeed, We have sent down the Qur'an, and surely We will guard it (from corruption)" [15:9].

Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of God

Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of God, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them). But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, as God has said (interpretation of the meaning): "Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the prophets ... [33:40]. Muslims believe that all the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine qualities of God.

Belief in the Day of Judgment

Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment (the Day of Resurrection) when all people will be resurrected for God's judgment according to their beliefs and deeds.

Belief in Al-Qadar

Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that God has given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and that they are responsible for their choices. The belief in Divine Predestination includes belief in four things:

1. God knows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen.

2. God has recorded all that has happened and all that will happen.

3. Whatever God wills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen.

4. God is the Creator of everything.

wallahu a'lam (and Allah knows best)

Hadith (BUKHARI)Book 12,


The Hadith : Shahi Bukhari.
 Book 12. Characteristics Of Prayer.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 699.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik Al-Ansari : Allah's Apostle rode a horse and fell down and the right side of his body was
 injured. On that day he prayed one of the prayers sitting and we also prayed behind him sitting. When the Prophet
 finished the prayer with Taslim, he said, "The Imam is to be followed and if he prays standing then pray standing,
 and bow when he bows, and raise your heads when he raises his head; prostrate when he prostrates; and if he
 says 'Sami'a-l-lahu Liman hamida', you should say, 'Rabbana wa-laka-l hamd.'"


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 700.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : Allah's Apostle fell from a horse and got injured so he led the prayer sitting and we also
 prayed sitting. When he completed the prayer he said, "The Imam is to be followed; if he says Takbir then say
 Takbir, bow if he bows; raise your heads when he raises his head, when he says, 'Sami' a-l-lahu Liman hamida say,
 'Rabbana laka-l-hamd', and prostrate when he prostrates."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 701.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : The Prophet said, "The Imam is to be followed. Say the Takbir when he says it; bow if he
 bows; if he says 'Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida', say, ' Rabbana wa-laka-l-hamd', prostrate if he prostrates and pray
 sitting altogether if he prays sitting."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 702.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Salim bin 'Abdullah : My father said, "Allah's Apostle used to raise both his hands up to the level of his
 shoulders when opening the prayer; and on saying the Takbir for bowing. And on raising his head from bowing he
 used to do the same and then say "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida, Rabbana walaka-l-hamd." And he did not do that
 (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 703.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : I saw that whenever Allah's Apostle stood for the prayer, he used to raise both his
 hands up to the shoulders, and used to do the same on saying the Takbir for bowing and on raising his head from it
 and used to say, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida". But he did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 704.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Qilaba : I saw Malik bin Huwairith saying Takbir and raising both his hands (on starting the prayers
 and raising his hands on bowing and also on raising his head after bowing. Malik bin Huwairith said, "Allah's Apostle
 did the same."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 705.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : I saw Allah's Apostle opening the prayer with the Takbir and raising his hands to
 the level of his shoulders at the time of saying the Takbir, and on saying the Takbir for bowing he did the same; and
 when he said, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida ", he did the same and then said, "Rabbana wa laka-l-hamd." But he did
 not do the same on prostrating and on lifting the head from it."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 706.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Nafi' : Whenever Ibn 'Umar started the prayer with Takbir, he used to raise his hands: whenever he
 bowed, he used to raise his hands (before bowing) and also used to raise his hands on saying, "Sami a-l-lahu
 Liman hamida", and he used to do the same on rising from the second Rak'a (for the 3rd Rak'a). Ibn 'Umar said:
 "The Prophet used to do the same."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 707.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Sahl bin Sa'd : The people were ordered to place the right hand on the left forearm in the prayer. Abu
 Hazim said, "I knew that the order was from the Prophet."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 708.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "You see me facing the Qibla; but, by Allah, nothing is hidden from
 me regarding your bowing and submissiveness and I see you from behind my back."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 709.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : The Prophet said, "Perform the bowing and the prostrations properly. By Allah, I see
 you from behind me (or from behind my back) when you bow or prostrate."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 710.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : The Prophet, Abu Bakr and 'Umar used to start the prayer with "Al-hamdu lil-lahi
 Rabbil-'ala-min (All praises are for Allah the Lord of the Worlds)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 711.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle used to keep silent between the Takbir and the recitation of Qur'an and
 that interval of silence used to be a short one. I said to the Prophet "May my parents be sacrificed for you! What do
 you say in the pause between Takbir and recitation?" The Prophet said, "I say, 'Allahumma, ba'id baini wa baina
 khatayaya kama ba'adta baina-l-mashriqi wa-l-maghrib. Allahumma, naqqim min khatayaya kama
 yunaqqa-ththawbu-l-abyadu mina-ddanas. Allahumma, ighsil khatayaya bil-ma'i wa-th-thalji wal-barad (O Allah! Set
 me apart from my sins (faults) as the East and West are set apart from each other and clean me from sins as a
 white garment is cleaned of dirt (after thorough washing). O Allah! Wash off my sins with water, snow and hail.)"


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 712.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Asma' bint Abi Bakr : The Prophet once offered the eclipse prayer. He stood for a long time and then
 did a prolonged bowing. He stood up straight again and kept on standing for a long time, then bowed a long bowing
 and then stood up straight and then prostrated a prolonged prostration and then lifted his head and prostrated a
 prolonged prostration. And then he stood up for a long time and then did a prolonged bowing and then stood up
 straight again and kept on standing for a long time. Then he bowed a long bowing and then stood up straight and
 then prostrated a prolonged prostration and then lifted his head and went for a prolonged prostration. On
 completion o the prayer, he said, "Paradise became s near to me that if I had dared, I would have plucked one of its
 bunches for you and Hell became so near to me that said, 'O my Lord will I be among those people?' Then
 suddenly I saw a woman and a cat was lacerating her with it claws. On inquiring, it was said that the woman had
 imprisoned the cat till it died of starvation and she neither fed it no freed it so that it could feed itself."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 713.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Ma'mar : We asked Khabbab whether Allah's Apostle used to recite (the Qur'an) in the Zuhr and
 the 'Asr prayers. He replied in the affirmative. We said, "How did you come to know about it?" He said, "By the
 movement of his beard."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 714.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Al-Bara : (And Al-Bara was not a liar) Whenever we offered prayer with the Prophet and he raised his
 head from the bowing, we used to remain standing till we saw him prostrating.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 715.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas : Once solar eclipse occurred during the lifetime of Allah's Apostle. He offered the
 eclipse prayer. His companions asked, "O Allah's Apostle! We saw you trying to take something while standing at
 your place and then we saw you retreating." The Prophet said, "I was shown Paradise and wanted to have a bunch
 of fruit from it. Had I taken it, you would have eaten from it as long as the world remains."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 716.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : The Prophet led us in prayer and then went up to the pulpit and beckoned with both
 hands towards the Qibla of the mosque and then said, "When I started leading you in prayer, I saw the display of
 Paradise and Hell on the wall of the mosque (facing the Qibla). I never saw good and bad as I have seen today." He
 repeated the last statement thrice.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 717.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : The Prophet said, "What is wrong with those people who look towards the sky during
 the prayer?" His talk grew stern while delivering this speech and he said, "They should stop (looking towards the
 sky during the prayer); otherwise their eye-sight would be taken away."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 718.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : I asked Allah's Apostle about looking hither and thither in prayer. He replied, "It is a way of
 stealing by which Satan takes away (a portion) from the prayer of a person."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 719.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : Once the Prophet prayed on a Khamisa with marks on it and said, "The marks on it diverted my
 attention, take this Khamisa to Abu Jahm and bring an Inbijaniya (from him.)"


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 720.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Umar : The Prophet saw expectoration in the direction of the Qibla of the mosque while he was
 leading the prayer, and scratched it off. After finishing the prayer, he said, "Whenever any of you is in prayer he
 should know that Allah is in front of him. So none should spit in front of him in the prayer."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 721.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas : While the Muslims were offering the Fajr prayer, Allah's Apostle suddenly appeared before them
 by living the curtain of the dwelling place of 'Aisha, looked towards the Muslims who were standing in rows. He
 smiled with pleasure. Abu Bakr started retreating to join the row on the assumption that the Prophet wanted to come
 out for the prayer. The Muslims intended to leave the prayer (and were on the verge of being put to trial), but the
 Prophet beckoned them to complete their prayer and then he let the curtain fall. He died in the last hours of that
 day.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 722.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Jabir bin Samura : The People of Kufa complained against Sa'd to 'Umar and the latter dismissed him
 and appointed 'Ammar as their chief. They lodged many complaints against Sa'd and even they alleged that he did
 not pray properly. 'Umar sent for him and said, "O Aba Ishaq! These people claim that you do not pray properly."
 Abu Ishaq said, "By Allah, I used to pray with them a prayer similar to that of Allah's Apostle and I never reduced
 anything of it. I used to prolong the first two Rakat of 'Isha prayer and shorten the last two Rakat." 'Umar said, "O
 Aba Ishaq, this was what I thought about you." And then he sent one or more persons with him to Kufa so as to ask
 the people about him. So they went there and did not leave any mosque without asking about him. All the people
 praised him till they came to the mosque of the tribe of Bani 'Abs; one of the men called Usama bin Qatada with a
 surname of Aba Sa'da stood up and said, "As you have put us under an oath; I am bound to tell you that Sa'd never
 went himself with the army and never distributed (the war booty) equally and never did justice in legal verdicts." (On
 hearing it) Sa'd said, "I pray to Allah for three things: O Allah! If this slave of yours is a liar and got up for showing
 off, give him a long life, increase his poverty and put him to trials." (And so it happened). Later on when that person
 was asked how he was, he used to reply that he was an old man in trial as the result of Sad's curse. 'Abdul Malik,
 the sub narrator, said that he had seen him afterwards and his eyebrows were over-hanging his eyes owing to old
 age and he used to tease and assault the small girls in the way.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 723.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Ubada bin As-Samit : Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer
 is invalid."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 724.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle entered the mosque and a person followed him. The man prayed and went
 to the Prophet and greeted him. The Prophet returned the greeting and said to him, "Go back and pray, for you
 have not prayed." The man went back prayed in the same way as before, returned and greeted the Prophet who
 said, "Go back and pray, for you have not prayed." This happened thrice. The man said, "By Him Who sent you with
 the Truth, I cannot offer the prayer in a better way than this. Please, teach me how to pray." The Prophet said,
 "When you stand for Prayer say Takbir and then recite from the Holy Qur'an (of what you know by heart) and then
 bow till you feel at ease. Then raise your head and stand up straight, then prostrate till you feel at ease during your
 prostration, then sit with calmness till you feel at ease (do not hurry) and do the same in all your prayers."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 725.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Jabir bin Samura : Sa'd said, "I used to pray with them a prayer similar to that of Allah's Apostle (the
 prayer of Zuhr and 'Asr) reducing nothing from them. I used to prolong the first two Rakat and shorten the last two
 Rak'at." 'Umar said to Sa'd "This was what we thought about you."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 726.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada : My father said, "The Prophet in Zuhr prayers used to recite Al-Fatiha along
 with two other Suras in the first two Rakat: a long one in the first Rak'a and a shorter (Sura) in the second, and at
 times the verses were audible. In the 'Asr prayer the Prophet used to recite Al-Fatiha and two more Suras in the
 first two Rakat and used to prolong the first Rak'a. And he used to prolong the first Rak'a of the Fajr prayer and
 shorten the second.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 727.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Ma'mar : I asked Khabbab whether the Prophet used to recite the Qur'an in the Zuhr and the 'Asr
 prayers. He replied in the affirmative. We said, "How did you come to know that?" He said, "From the movement of
 his beard."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 728.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Ma'mar : I asked Khabbab bin Al-Art whether the Prophet used to recite the Qur'an in the Zuhr and
 the 'Asr prayers. He replied in the affirmative. I said, "How did you come to know that?" He replied, "From the
 movement of his beard."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 729.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada : My father said, "The Prophet used to recite Al-Fatiha along with another
 Sura in the first two Rakat of the Zuhr and the 'Asr prayers and at times a t verse or so was audible to us."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 730.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : (My mother) Umu-l-Fadl heard me reciting "Wal Mursalati 'Urfan" (77) and said, "O my son!
 By Allah, your recitation made me remember that it was the last Sura I heard from Allah's Apostle. He recited it in
 the Maghrib prayer."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 731.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Marwan bin Al-Hakam : Zaid bin Thabit said to me, "Why do you recite very short Suras in the Maghrib
 prayer while I heard the Prophet reciting the longer of the two long Suras?"


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 732.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Jubair bin Mut'im : My father said, "I heard Allah's Apostle reciting "At-Tur" (52) in the Maghrib prayer."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 733.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Rafi : I offered the 'Isha prayer behind Abu Huraira and he recited, "Idha-s-Sama'u-n-Shaqqat" (84)
 and prostrated. On my inquiring, he said, "I prostrated behind Abu-l-Qasim (the Prophet) (when he recited that
 Sura) and I will go on doing it till I meet him."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 734.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Al-Bara : The Prophet was on a journey and recited in one of the first two Rakat of the 'Isha prayer
 "Wat-tini waz-zaituni." (95)


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 735.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Rafi' : Once I prayed the 'Isha prayer with Abu Huraira and he recited, "Idha-s-Sama' u-nShaqqat"
 (84) and prostrated. I said, "What is that?" He said, "I prostrated behind Abu-l-Qasim, (the Prophet) (when he
 recited that Sura) and I will go on doing it till I meet him."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 736.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Al-Bara : I heard the Prophet reciting wat-tini wazzaituni" (95) in the 'Isha prayer, and I never heard a
 sweeter voice or a better way of recitation than that of the Prophet.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 737.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Jabir bin Samura : 'Umar said to Sa'd, "The people complained against you in everything, even in
 prayer." Sa'd replied, "Really I used to prolong the first two Rakat and shorten the last two and I will never shorten
 the prayer in which I follow Allah's Apostle." 'Umar said, "You are telling the truth and that is what I think a tout you."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 738.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Saiyar bin Salama : My father and I went to Abu Barza-al-Aslami to ask him about the stated times for
 the prayers. He replied, "The Prophet used to offer the Zuhr prayer when the sun just declined from its highest
 position at noon; the 'Asr at a time when if a man went to the farthest place in Medina (after praying) he would find
 the sun still hot (bright). (The sub narrator said: I have forgotten what Abu Barza said about the Maghrib prayer).
 The Prophet never found any harm in delaying the 'Isha prayer to the first third of the night and he never liked to
 sleep before it and to talk after it. He used to offer the morning prayer at a time when after finishing it one could
 recognize the person sitting beside him and used to recite between 60 to 100 verses in one or both the Rakat."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 739.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : The Qur'an is recited in every prayer and in those prayers in which Allah's Apostle recited
 aloud for us, we recite aloud in the same prayers for you; and the prayers in which the Prophet recited quietly, we
 recite quietly. If you recite "Al-Fatiha" only it is sufficient but if you recite something else in addition, it is better.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 740.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : The Prophet set out with the intention of going to Suq 'Ukaz (market of 'Ukaz) along with
 some of his companions. At the same time, a barrier was put between the devils and the news of heaven. Fire
 commenced to be thrown at them. The Devils went to their people, who asked them, "What is wrong with you?"
 They said, "A barrier has been placed between us and the news of heaven. And fire has been thrown at us." They
 said, "The thing which has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven must be something which has
 happened recently. Go eastward and westward and see what has put a barrier between you and the news of
 heaven." Those who went towards Tuhama came across the Prophet at a place called Nakhla and it was on the way
 to Suq 'Ukaz and the Prophet was offering the Fajr prayer with his companions. When they heard the Qur'an they
 listened to it and said, "By Allah, this is the thing which has put a barrier between us and the news of heaven." They
 went to their people and said, "O our people; verily we have heard a wonderful recital (Qur'an) which shows the true
 path; we believed in it and would not ascribe partners to our Lord." Allah revealed the following verses to his
 Prophet (Sura 'Jinn') (72): "Say: It has been revealed to me." And what was revealed to him was the conversation of
 the Jinns.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 741.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : The Prophet recited aloud in the prayers in which he was ordered to do so and quietly in
 the prayers in which he was ordered to do so. "And your Lord is not forgetful." "Verily there was a good example for
 you in the ways of the Prophet."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 742.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Wa'il : A man came to Ibn Mas'ud and said, "I recited the Mufassal (Suras) at night in one Rak'a."
 Ibn Mas'ud said, "This recitation is (too quick) like the recitation of poetry. I know the identical Suras which the
 Prophet used to recite in pairs." Ibn Mas'ud then mentioned 20 Mufassal Suras including two Suras from the family
 of (i.e. those verses which begin with) AL, HA, MIM (which the Prophet used to recite) in each Rak'a.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 743.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada : My father said, "The Prophet uses to recite Al-Fatiha followed by another
 Sura in the first two Rakat of the prayer and used to recite only Al-Fatiha in the last two Rakat of the Zuhr prayer.
 Sometimes a verse or so was audible and he used to prolong the first Rak'a more than the second and used to do
 the same in the 'Asr and Fajr prayers."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 744.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Ma'mar : We said to Khabbab "Did Allah's Apostle used to recite in Zuhr and 'Asr prayers?" He
 replied in the affirmative. We said, "How did you come to know about it?" He said, "By the movement of his beard."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 745.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada : My father said, "The Prophet used to recite Al-Fatiha along with another
 Sura in the first two Rakat of the Zuhr and 'Asr prayers. A verse or so was audible at times and he used to prolong
 the first Rak'a."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 746.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada : My father said, "The Prophet used to prolong the first Rak'a of the Zuhr
 prayer and shorten the second one and used to do the same in the Fajr prayer."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 747.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : The Prophet said, "Say Amin" when the Imam says it and if the Amin of any one of you
 coincides with that of the angels then all his past sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab said, "Allah's Apostle used to Say
 "Amin."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 748.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "If any one of you says, "Amin" and the angels in the heavens say
 "Amin" and the former coincides with the latter, all his past sins will be forgiven."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 749.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "Say Amen' when the Imam says "Ghair-il-maghdubi 'alaihim
 wala-ddal-lin; not the path of those who earn Your Anger (such as Jews) nor of those who go astray (such as
 Christians); all the past sins of the person whose saying (of Amin) coincides with that of the angels, will be forgiven.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 750.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Bakra : I reached the Prophet in the mosque while he was bowing in prayer and I too bowed before
 joining the row mentioned it to the Prophet and he said to me, "May Allah increase your love for the good. But do
 not repeat it again (bowing in that way)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 751.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Imran bin Husain : I offered the prayer with 'Ali in Basra and he made us remember the prayer which we
 used to pray with Allah's Apostle. 'Ali said Takbir on each rising and bowing.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 752.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Salama : When Abu Huraira led us in prayer he used to say Takbir on each bowing and rising. On
 the completion of the prayer he used to say, "My prayer is more similar to the prayer of Allah's Apostle than that of
 anyone of you."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 753.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Mutarrif bin 'Abdullah : 'Imran bin Husain and I offered the prayer behind Ali bin Abi Talib. When 'Ali
 prostrated, he said the Takbir, when he raised his head, he said the Takbir and when he got up for the third Rak'a
 he said the Takbir. On completion of the prayer Imran took my hand and said, "This (i.e. 'Ali) made me remember
 the prayer of Muhammad" Or he said, "He led us in a prayer like that of Muhammad."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 754.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Ikrima : I saw a person praying at Muqam-lbrahim (the place of Abraham by the Ka'ba) and he was
 saying Takbir on every bowing, rising, standing and sitting. I asked Ibn 'Abbas (about this prayer). He admonished
 me saying: "Isn't that the prayer of the Prophet?"


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 755.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Ikrima : I prayed behind a Sheikh at Mecca and he said twenty two Takbirs (during the prayer). I told Ibn
 'Abbas that he (i.e. that Sheikh) was foolish. Ibn 'Abbas admonished me and said, "This is the tradition of
 Abu-l-Qasim." And narrated Abu Huraira: Whenever Allah's Apostle stood for the prayer, he said Takbir on starting
 the prayer and then on bowing. On rising from bowing he said, "Sami' a-l-lahu liman hamida," and then while
 standing straight he used to say, "Rabbana laka-l hamd" (Al-Laith said, "(The Prophet said), 'Walaka-l-hamd'." He
 used to say Takbir on prostrating and on raising his head from prostration; again he would Say Takbir on
 prostrating and raising his head. He would then do the same in the whole of the prayer till it was completed. On
 rising from the second Rak'a (after sitting for At-Tahiyyat), he used to say Takbir.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 756.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Mus'ab bin Sa'd : I offered prayer beside my father and approximated both my hands and placed them
 in between the knees. My father told me not to do so and said, "We used to do the same but we were forbidden (by
 the Prophet) to do it and were ordered to place the hands on the knees."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 757.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Zaid binWahb : Hudhaifa saw a person who was not performing the bowing and prostrations perfectly.
 He said to him, "You have not prayed and if you should die you would die on a religion other than that of
 Muhammad."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 758.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Al-Bara : The bowing, the prostration the sitting in between the two prostrations and the standing after
 the bowing of the Prophet but not Qiyam (standing in the prayer) and Qu'ud (sitting in the prayer) used to be
 approximately equal (in duration).


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 759.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Once the Prophet entered the mosque, a man came in, offered the prayer and greeted
 the Prophet. The Prophet returned his greeting and said to him, "Go back and pray again for you have not prayed."
 The man offered the prayer again, came back and greeted the Prophet. He said to him thrice, "Go back and pray
 again for you have not prayed." The man said, "By Him Who has sent you with the truth! I do not know a better way
 of praying. Kindly teach Me how to pray." He said, "When you stand for the prayer, say Takbir and then recite from
 the Qur'an what you know and then bow with calmness till you feel at ease, then rise from bowing till you stand
 straight. Afterwards prostrate calmly till you feel at ease and then raise (your head) and sit with Calmness till you
 feel at ease and then prostrate with calmness till you feel at ease in prostration and do the same in the whole of
 your prayer."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 760.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : The Prophet used to say in his bowing and prostrations, "Subhanaka-Allahumma Rabbana
 wa-bihamdika Allahumma-ighfirli.' (I honour Allah from all what (unsuitable things) is ascribed to Him. O Allah Our
 Lord! And all the praises are for You. O Allah! Forgive me)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 761.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : When the Prophet said, "Sami' a-l-lahu Liman hamida," (Allah heard those who sent
 praises to Him), he would say, "Rabbana wa-laka-l-hamd." On bowing and raising his head from it the Prophet used
 to say Takbir. He also used to say Takbir on rising after the two prostrations. (See Hadith No. 656).


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 762.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "When the Imam says, "Sami' a-l-lahu Liman hamida," you should
 say, "Allahumma Rabbana laka-l-hamd." And if the saying of any one of you coincides with that of the angels, all his
 past sins will be forgiven."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 763.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas : The Qunut used to be recited in the Maghrib and the Fajr prayers.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 764.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Rifa'a bin Rafi AzZuraqi : One day we were praying behind the Prophet. When he raised his head from
 bowing, he said, "Sami'a-l-lahu Liman hamida." A man behind him said, "Rabbana walaka-l hamd hamdan Kathiran
 taiyiban mubarakan fihi" (O our Lord! All the praises are for You, many good and blessed praises). When the
 Prophet completed the prayer, he asked, "Who has said these words?" The man replied, "I." The Prophet said, "I
 saw over thirty angels competing to write it first." Prophet rose (from bowing) and stood straight till all the vertebrae
 of his spinal column came to a natural position.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 765.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Thabit : Anas used to demonstrate to us the prayer of the Prophet and while demonstrating, he used to
 raise his head from bowing and stand so long that we would say that he had forgotten (the prostration).


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 766.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Al-Bara' : The bowing, the prostrations, the period of standing after bowing and the interval between the
 two prostrations of the Prophet used to be equal in duration.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 767.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Aiyub : Abu Qilaba said, "Malik bin Huwairith used to demonstrate to us the prayer of the Prophet at
 times other than that of the compulsory prayers. So (once) he stood up for prayer and performed a perfect Qiyam
 (standing and reciting from the Holy Qur'an) and then bowed and performed bowing perfectly; then he raised his
 head and stood straight for a while." Abu Qilaba added, "Malik bin Huwairith in that demonstration prayed like this
 Sheikh of ours, Abu Yazid." Abu, Yazid used to sit (for a while) on raising his head from the second prostration
 before getting up.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 768.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Bakr bin 'Abdur Rahman Ibn Harith bin Hisham and Abu Salama bin 'Abdur Rahman : Abu Huraira
 used to say Takbir in all the prayers, compulsory and optional in the month of Ramadan or other months. He used
 to say Takbir on standing for prayer and on bowing; then he would say, "Salmi'a-l-lahu Liman hamida," and before
 prostrating he would say "Rabbana walaka-l-hamd." Then he would say Takbir on prostrating and on raising his
 head from the prostration, then another Takbir on prostrating (for the second time), and on raising his head from
 the prostration. He also would say the Takbir on standing from the second Rak'a. He used to do the same in every
 Rak'a till he completed the prayer. On completion of the prayer, he would say, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is!
 No doubt my prayer is closer to that of Allah's Apostle than yours, and this was His prayer till he left this world." And
 Abu Huraira said, "When Allah's Apostle raised his head from (bowing) he used to say "Sami' a-l-lahu Liman
 hamida, Rabbana walakal-hamd." He Would invoke Allah for some people by naming them: "O Allah! Save Al-Walid
 bin Al-Walid and Salama bin Hisham and 'Aiyash bin Abi Rabi'a and the weak and the helpless people among the
 faithful believers O Allah! Be hard on the tribe of Mudar and let them suffer from famine years like that of the time of
 Joseph." In those days the Eastern section of the tribe of Mudar was against the Prophet.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 769.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : Allah's Apostle fell from a horse and the right side of his body was injured. We went to
 enquire about his health meanwhile it was time for the prayer and he led the prayer sitting and we also prayed while
 sitting. On completion of the prayer he said, "The Imam is to be followed; say Takbir when he says it; bow when he
 bows; rise when he rises and when he says "Sami'a-l-lahu Liman hamida," say, "Rabbana walaka-lhamd", and
 prostrate if he prostrates." Sufyan narrated the same from Ma'mar. Ibn Juraij said that his (the Prophet's) right leg
 had been injured.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 770.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?"
 He replied, "Do you have any doubt in seeing the full moon on a clear (not cloudy) night?" They replied, "No, O
 Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Do you have any doubt in seeing the sun when there are no clouds?" They replied in the
 negative. He said, "You will see Allah (your Lord) in the same way. On the Day of Resurrection, people will be
 gathered and He will order the people to follow what they used to worship. So some of them will follow the sun, some
 will follow the moon, and some will follow other deities; and only this nation (Muslims) will be left with its hypocrites.
 Allah will come to them and say, 'I am Your Lord.' They will say, 'We shall stay in this place till our Lord comes to us
 and when our Lord will come, we will recognize Him. Then Allah will come to them again and say, 'I am your Lord.'
 They will say, 'You are our Lord.' Allah will call them, and As-Sirat (a bridge) will be laid across Hell and I
 (Muhammad) shall be the first amongst the Apostles to cross it with my followers. Nobody except the Apostles will
 then be able to speak and they will be saying then, 'O Allah! Save us. O Allah Save us.'

There will be hooks like the thorns of Sa'dan in Hell. Have you seen the thorns of Sa'dan?" The people said, "Yes."
 He said, "These hooks will be like the thorns of Sa'dan but nobody except Allah knows their greatness in size and
 these will entangle the people according to their deeds; some of them will fall and stay in Hell forever; others will
 receive punishment (torn into small pieces) and will get out of Hell, till when Allah intends mercy on whomever He
 likes amongst the people of Hell, He will order the angels to take out of Hell those who worshipped none but Him
 alone. The angels will take them out by recognizing them from the traces of prostrations, for Allah has forbidden the
 (Hell) fire to eat away those traces. So they will come out of the Fire, it will eat away from the whole of the human
 body except the marks of the prostrations. At that time they will come out of the Fire as mere skeletons. The Water
 of Life will be poured on them and as a result they will grow like the seeds growing on the bank of flowing water.
 Then when Allah had finished from the Judgments amongst his creations, one man will be left between Hell and
 Paradise and he will be the last man from the people of Hell to enter paradise. He will be facing Hell, and will say, 'O
 Allah! Turn my face from the fire as its wind has dried me and its steam has burnt me.' Allah will ask him, "Will you
 ask for anything more in case this favour is granted to you?' He will say, "No by Your (Honour) Power!" And he will
 give to his Lord (Allah) what he will of the pledges and the covenants. Allah will then turn his face from the Fire.
 When he will face Paradise and will see its charm, he will remain quiet as long as Allah will. He then will say, 'O my
 Lord! Let me go to the gate of Paradise.' Allah will ask him, 'Didn't you give pledges and make covenants (to the
 effect) that you would not ask for anything more than what you requested at first?' He will say, 'O my Lord! Do not
 make me the most wretched, amongst Your creatures.' Allah will say, 'If this request is granted, will you then ask for
 anything else?' He will say, 'No! By Your Power! I shall not ask for anything else.' Then he will give to his Lord what
 He will of the pledges and the covenants. Allah will then let him go to the gate of Paradise. On reaching then and
 seeing its life, charm, and pleasure, he will remain quiet as long as Allah wills and then will say, 'O my Lord ! Let me
 enter Paradise.' Allah will say, May Allah be merciful unto you, O son of Adam! How treacherous you are! Haven't
 you made covenants and given pledges that you will not ask for anything more that what you have been given?' He
 will say, 'O my Lord! Do not make me the most wretched amongst Your creatures.' So Allah will laugh and allow him
 to enter Paradise and will ask him to request as much as he likes. He will do so till all his desires have been fulfilled.
 Then Allah will say, 'Request more of such and such things.' Allah will remind him and when all his desires and
 wishes; have been fulfilled, Allah will say "All this is granted to you and a similar amount besides." Abu Said
 Al-Khudri, said to Abu Huraira, 'Allah's Apostle said, "Allah said, 'That is for you and ten times more like it.' "Abu
 Huraira said, "I do not remember from Allah's Apostle except (his saying), 'All this is granted to you and a similar
 amount besides." Abu Sahd said, "I heard him saying, 'That is for you and ten times more the like of it."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 771.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Malik bin Buhaina : Whenever the Prophet used to offer prayer he used to keep arms
 away (from the body) so that the whiteness of his armpits was visible.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 772.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Wail : Hudhaifa said, "I saw a person not performing his bowing and prostrations perfectly. When
 he completed the prayer, I told him that he had not prayed." I think that Hudhaifa added (i.e. said to the man), "Had
 you died, you would have died on a tradition other than that of the Prophet Muhammad."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 773.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : The Prophet was ordered (by Allah) to prostrate on seven parts and not to tuck up the
 clothes or hair (while praying). Those parts are: the forehead (along with the tip of nose), both hands, both knees,
 and (toes of) both feet.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 774.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : The Prophet said, "We have been ordered to prostrates on seven bones and not to tuck up
 the clothes or hair."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 775.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Al-Bara' bin 'Azib : (And he was not a liar) We used to pray behind the Prophet and when he said,
 "Sami' a-l-lahu Liman hamida", none of us would bend his back (to go for prostration) till the Prophet had placed
 his, forehead on the ground.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 776.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : The Prophet said, "I have been ordered to prostrate on seven bones i.e. on the forehead
 along with the tip of the nose and the Prophet pointed towards his nose, both hands, both knees and the toes of
 both feet and not to gather the clothes or the hair."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 777.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Salama : Once I went to Abu- Sa'id Al-Khudri and asked him, "Won't you come with us to the
 date-palm trees to have a talk?" So Abu Said went out and I asked him, "Tell me what you heard from the Prophet
 about the Night of Qadr." Abu Said replied, "Once Allah's Apostle performed I'tikaf (seclusion) on the first ten days
 of the month of Ramadan and we did the same with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night you are looking
 for is ahead of you.' So the Prophet performed the I'tikaf in the middle (second) ten days of the month of Ramadan
 and we too performed I'tikaf with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night which you are looking for is ahead of
 you.' In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan the Prophet delivered a sermon saying, 'Whoever has performed I'tikaf
 with me should continue it. I have been shown the Night of "Qadr", but have forgotten its date, but it is in the odd
 nights of the last ten nights. I saw in my dream that I was prostrating in mud and water.' In those days the roof of the
 mosque was made of branches of date-palm trees. At that time the sky was clear and no cloud was visible, but
 suddenly a cloud came and it rained. The Prophet led us in the prayer and I saw the traces of mud on the forehead
 and on the nose of Allah's Apostle. So it was the confirmation of that dream."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 778.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Sahl bin Sa'd : The people used to pray with the Prophet tying their Izars around their necks because of
 their small sizes and the women were directed that they should not raise their heads from the prostrations till the
 men had sat straight.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 779.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : The Prophet was ordered to prostrate on seven bony parts and not to tuck up his clothes
 or hair.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 780.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : The Prophet said, "I have been ordered to prostrate on seven (bones) and not to tuck up
 the hair or garment."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 781.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : The Prophet used to say frequently in his bowing and prostrations "Subhanaka-Allahumma
 Rabbana Wabihamdika, Allahumma Ighfir-li" (I honour Allah from all what (unsuitable things) is ascribed to Him, O
 Allah! Our Lord! All praises are for You. O Allah! Forgive me). In this way he was acting on what was explained to
 him in the Holy Qur'an.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 782.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Qilaba : Once Malik bin Huwairith said to his friends, "Shall I show you how Allah's Apostle used to
 offer his prayers?" And it was not the time for any of the compulsory congregational prayers. So he stood up (for
 the prayer) bowed and said the Takbir, then he raised his head and remained standing for a while and then
 prostrated and raised his head for a while (sat up for a while). He prayed like our Sheikh 'Amr Ibn Salama. (Aiyub
 said, "The latter used to do a thing which I did not see the people doing i.e. he used to sit between the third and the
 fourth Rak'a). IMalik bin Huwairith said, "We came to the Prophet (after embracing Islam) and stayed with him. He
 said to us, 'When you go back to your families, pray such and such a prayer at such and such a time, pray such
 and such a prayer at such and such a time, and when there is the time for the prayer then only of you should
 pronounce the Adhan for the prayer and the oldest of you should lead the prayer."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 783.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Al-Bara' : The time taken by the Prophet in prostrations, bowing, and the sitting interval between the two
 prostrations was about the same.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 784.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Thabit : Anas said, "I will leave no stone unturned in making you offer the prayer as I have seen the
 Prophet making us offer it." Anas used to do a thing which I have not seen you doing. He used to stand after the
 bowing for such a long time that one would think that he had forgotten (the prostrations) and he used to sit
 in-between the prostrations so long that one would think that he had forgotten the second prostration.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 785.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : The Prophet said, "Be straight in the prostrations and none of you should put his
 forearms on the ground (in the prostration) like a dog."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 786.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Malik bin Huwairith Al-Laithi : I saw the Prophet praying and in the odd Rakat, he used to sit for a
 moment before getting up.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 787.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Aiyub : Abu Qilaba said, "Malik bin Huwairith came to us and led us in the prayer in this mosque of ours
 and said, 'I lead you in prayer but I do not want to offer the prayer but just to show you how Allah's Apostle
 performed his prayers." I asked Abu Qilaba, "How was the prayer of Malik bin Huwairith?" He replied, "Like the
 prayer of this Sheikh of ours i.e. 'Amr bin Salima." That Sheikh used to pronounce the Takbir perfectly and when he
 raised his head from the second prostration he would sit for a while and then support himself on the ground and get
 up.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 788.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Said bin Al-Harith : Abu Said led us in the prayer and said the Takbir aloud on arising from the
 prostration, and on prostrating, on rising again, and on getting up from the second Rak'a. Abu Said said, "I saw the
 Prophet doing the same."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 789.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Mutarrif : 'Imran and I prayed behind 'Ali bin Abi Talib and he said Takbir on prostrating, on rising and
 on getting up after the two Rakat (i.e. after the second Rak'a). When the prayer was finished, 'Imran took me by the
 hand and said, "He ('Ali) has prayed the prayer of Muhammad" (or said, "He made us remember the prayer of
 Muhammad)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 790.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin 'Abdullah : I saw 'Abdullah bin 'Umar crossing his legs while sitting in the prayer and I, a
 mere youngster in those days, did the same. Ibn 'Umar forbade me to do so, and said, "The proper way is to keep
 the right foot propped up and bend the left in the prayer." I said questioningly, "But you are doing so (crossing the
 legs)." He said, "My feet cannot bear my weight."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 791.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Muhammad bin 'Amr bin 'Ata' : I was sitting with some of the companions of Allah's Apostle and we were
 discussing about the way of praying of the Prophet. Abu Humaid As-Saidi said, "I remember the prayer of Allah's
 Apostle better than any one of you. I saw him raising both his hands up to the level of the shoulders on saying the
 Takbir; and on bowing he placed his hands on both knees and bent his back straight, then he stood up straight
 from bowing till all the vertebrate took their normal positions. In prostrations, he placed both his hands on the
 ground with the forearms away from the ground and away from his body, and his toes were facing the Qibla. On
 sitting In the second Rak'a he sat on his left foot and propped up the right one; and in the last Rak'a he pushed his
 left foot forward and kept the other foot propped up and sat over the buttocks."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 792.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Buhaina : (he was from the tribe of Uzd Shan'u'a and was the ally of the tribe of
 'Abdul-Manaf and was one of the companions of the Prophet): Once the Prophet led us in the Zuhr prayer and
 stood up after the second Rak'a and did not sit down. The people stood up with him. When the prayer was about to
 end and the people were waiting for him to say the Taslim, he said Takbir while sitting and prostrated twice before
 saying the Taslim and then he said the Taslim."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 793.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Malik bin Buhaina : Once Allah's Apostle led us in the Zuhr prayer and got up (after the
 prostrations of the second Rak'a) although he should have sat (for the Tashah-hud). So at the end of the prayer,
 he prostrated twice while sitting (prostrations of Sahu).


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 794.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Shaqlq bin Salama : 'Abdullah said, "Whenever we prayed behind the Prophet we used to recite (in
 sitting) 'Peace be on Gabriel, Michael, peace be on so and so. Once Allah's Apostle looked back at us and said,
 'Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace), and if anyone of you prays then he should say, At-Tahiyatu lil-lahi wassalawatu
 wat-taiyibatu. AsSalamu 'alalika aiyuha-n-Nabiyu wa rahmatu-l-lahi wa barakatuhu. As-Salam alaina wa ala
 ibadil-lah is-salihin. (All the compliments, prayers and good things are due to Allah: peace be on you, O Prophet
 and Allah's mercy and blessings be on you. Peace be on us an on the true pious slaves of Allah). (If you say that, it
 will be for all the slaves in the heaven and the earth). Ash-hadu an la-ilaha illa-l-lahu wa ash-hadu anna
 Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasuluhu. (I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I also testify
 that Muhammad is His slave and His Apostle)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 795.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : (The wife of the Prophet) Allah's Apostle used to invoke Allah in the prayer saying "Allahumma
 inni a'udhu bika min adhabil-qabri, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-masihid-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-mahya wa
 fitnatil-mamati. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-ma thami wal-maghrami. (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the
 punishment of the grave and from the afflictions of Masiah Ad-Dajjal and from the afflictions of life and death. O
 Allah, I seek refuge with You from the sins and from being in debt)." Somebody said to him, "Why do you so
 frequently seek refuge with Allah from being in debt?" The Prophet replied, "A person in debt tells lies whenever he
 speaks, and breaks promises whenever he makes (them)." 'Aisha also narrated: I heard Allah's Apostle in his
 prayer seeking refuge with Allah from the afflictions of Ad-dajjal.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 796.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Bakr As-Siddiq : I asked Allah's Apostle to teach me an invocation so that I may invoke Allah with it
 in my prayer. He told me to say, "Allahumma inni zalumtu nafsi zulman kathiran, Wala yaghfirudhdhunuba illa anta
 faghfirli maghfiratan min 'Indika, war-hamni innaka antal-ghafururrahim (O Allah! I have done great injustice to
 myself and none except You forgives sins, so please forgive me and be Merciful to me as You are the Forgiver, the
 Merciful)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 797.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah : When we prayed with the Prophet we used to say, "Peace be on Allah from His slaves and
 peace be on so and so." The Prophet said, "Don't say As-Salam be on Allah, for He Himself is As-Salam, but say,
 'At-tahiyatu lil-lahi was-salawatu wat-taiyibatu. As-salamu 'Alaika aiyuhan-Nabiyu warahmatu-l-lahi wa barakatuhu.
 As-salamu 'alaina wa 'ala ibadillahis-salihin. (If you say this then it will be for all the slaves in heaven or between
 heaven and earth). Ashhadu an la-ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'Abduhu wa Rasuluhu.' Then
 select the invocation you like best and recite it." (See Hadith No. 794, 795 & 796).


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 798.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Said Al-Khudri : I saw Allah's Apostle prostrating in mud and water and saw the mark of mud on his
 forehead.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 799.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Um Salama : Whenever Allah's Apostle finished his prayers with Taslim, the women would get up and he
 would stay on for a while in his place before getting up. Ibn Shihab said, "I think (and Allah knows better), that the
 purpose of his stay was that the women might leave before the men who had finished their prayer. "


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 800.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Itban bin Malik : We prayed with the Prophet and used to finish our prayer with the Taslim along with
 him.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 801.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Mahmud bin Ar-Rabi' : I remember Allah's Apostle and also the mouthful of water which he took from a
 bucket in our house and ejected (on me). I heard from Itban bin Malik Al-Ansari, who was one from Bani Salim,
 saying, "I used to lead my tribe of Bani Salim in prayer. Once I went to the Prophet and said to him, 'I have weak
 eye-sight and at times the rainwater flood intervenes between me and the mosque of my tribe and I wish that you
 would come to my house and pray at some place so that I could take that place as a place for praying (mosque). He
 said, "Allah willing, I shall do that." Next day Allah's Apostle along with Abu Bakr, came to my house after the sun
 had risen high and he asked permission to enter. I gave him permission, but he didn't sit till he said to me, "Where
 do you want me to pray in your house?" I pointed to a place in the house where I wanted him to pray. So he stood
 up for the prayer and we aligned behind him. He completed the prayer with Taslim and we did the same
 simultaneously."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 802.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Ma'bad : (The freed slave of Ibn 'Abbas) Ibn 'Abbas told me, "In the lifetime of the Prophet it was
 the custom to celebrate Allah's praises aloud after the compulsory congregational prayers." Ibn 'Abbas further said,
 "When I heard the Dhikr, I would learn that the compulsory congregational prayer had ended."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 803.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : I used to recognize the completion of the prayer of the Prophet by hearing Takbir.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 804.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Huraira : Some poor people came to the Prophet and said, "The wealthy people will get higher
 grades and will have permanent enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money by
 which they perform the Hajj, and 'Umra; fight and struggle in Allah's Cause and give in charity." The Prophet said,
 "Shall I not tell you a thing upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you?
 Nobody would overtake you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who
 would do the same. Say "Sub-han-al-lah", "Alhamdu-lillah" and "Allahu Akbar" thirty three times each after every
 (compulsory) prayer." We differed and some of us said that we should say, "Subhan-al-lah" thirty three times and
 "Alhamdu lillah" thirty three times and "Allahu Akbar" thirty four times. I went to the Prophet who said, "Say,
 "Subhan-al-lah" and "Alhamdu lillah" and "Allahu Akbar" all together for thirty three times."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 805.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Warrad : (The clerk of Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba) Once Al-Mughira dictated to me in a letter addressed to
 Mu'awiya that the Prophet used to say after every compulsory prayer, "La ilaha ilallah wahdahu la sharika lahu,
 lahul-mulku wa-lahul-hamdu, wahuwa ala kulli shai in qadir. Allahumma la mani 'a lima a'taita, wa la mu'tiya lima
 mana'ta, wa la yanfa'u dhal-jaddi minka-l-jadd. (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and He has no
 partner in Lordship or in worship or in the Names and the Qualities, and for Him is the Kingdom and all the praises
 are for Him and He is omnipotent. O Allah! Nobody can hold back what you give and nobody can give what You
 hold back. Hard (efforts by anyone for anything cannot benefit one against Your Will)." And Al-Hasan said, "Al-jadd'
 means prosperity."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 806.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Samura bin Jundab : The Prophet used to face us on completion of the prayer.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 807.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani : The Prophet led us in the Fajr prayer at Hudaibiya after a rainy night. On
 completion of the prayer, he faced the people and said, "Do you know what your Lord has said (revealed)?" The
 people replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He said, "Allah has said, 'In this morning some of my slaves
 remained as true believers and some became non-believers; whoever said that the rain was due to the Blessings
 and the Mercy of Allah had belief in Me and he disbelieves in the stars, and whoever said that it rained because of
 a particular star had no belief in Me but believes in that star.'"


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 808.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : Once the Prophet delayed the 'Isha prayer until midnight and then came to us. Having
 prayed he faced us and said, "The people had prayed and slept but you were in the prayer as long as you were
 waiting for it."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 809.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Um Salama : "The Prophet after finishing the prayer with Taslim used to stay at his place for a while."
 Ibn Shihab said, "I think (and Allah knows better), that he used to wait for the departure of the women who had
 prayed." Ibn Shihab wrote that he had heard it from Hind bint Al-Harith Al-Firasiya from Um Salama, the wife of the
 Prophet (Hind was from the companions of Um Salama) who said, "When the Prophet finished the prayer with
 Taslim, the women would depart and enter their houses before Allah's Apostle departed."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 810.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Uqba : I offered the 'Asr prayer behind the Prophet at Medina. When he had finished the prayer with
 Taslim, he got up hurriedly and went out by crossing the rows of the people to one of the dwellings of his wives. The
 people got scared at his speed. The Prophet came back and found the people surprised at his haste and said to
 them, "I remembered a piece of gold Lying in my house and I did not like it to divert my attention from Allah's
 worship, so I have ordered it to be distributed (in charity)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 811.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah : You should not give away a part of your prayer to Satan by thinking that it is necessary to
 depart (after finishing the prayer) from one's right side only; I have seen the Prophet often leave from the left side.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 812.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Umar : During the holy battle of Khaibar the Prophet said, "Whoever ate from this plant (i.e. garlic)
 should not enter our mosque."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 813.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Ata' : I heard Jabir bin 'Abdullah saying, "The Prophet said, 'Whoever eats (from) this plant (he meant
 garlic) should keep away from our mosque." I said, "What does he mean by that?" He replied, "I think he means only
 raw garlic."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 814.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Jabir bin 'Abdullah : The Prophet said, "Whoever eats garlic or onion should keep away from our
 mosque or should remain in his house." (Jabir bin 'Abdullah, in another narration said, "Once a big pot containing
 cooked vegetables was brought. On finding unpleasant smell coming from it, the Prophet asked, 'What is in it?' He
 was told all the names of the vegetables that were in it. The Prophet ordered that it should be brought near to some
 of his companions who were with him. When the Prophet saw it he disliked to eat it and said, 'Eat. (I don't eat) for I
 converse with those whom you don't converse with (i.e. the angels)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 815.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdul 'Aziz : A man asked Anas, "What did you hear from the Prophet about garlic?" He said, "The
 Prophet said, 'Whoever has eaten this plant should neither come near us nor pray with us."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 816.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Sulaiman Ash-Shaibam : I heard Ash-Sha'bi saying, "A person who was accompanying the Prophet
 passed by a grave that was separated from the other graves told me that the Prophet once led the people in the
 (funeral) prayer and the people had aligned behind him. I said, "O Aba 'Amr! Who told you about it?" He said, "Ibn
 Abbas."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 817.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Abu Said Al-Khudri : The Prophet said, "Ghusl (taking a bath) on Friday is compulsory for every Muslim
 reaching the age of puberty."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 818.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : One night I slept at the house of my aunt Maimuna and the Prophet slept (too). He got up
 (for prayer) in the last hours of the night and performed a light ablution from a hanging leather skin. ('Amr, the
 sub-narrator described that the ablution was very light). Then he stood up for prayer and I got up too and
 performed the ablution in the same way and joined him on his left side. He pulled me to the right and prayed as
 much as Allah will. Then he lay down and slept and I heard his breath sounds till the Mu'adh-dhin came to him to
 inform him about the (Fajr) prayer. He left with him for the prayer and prayed without repeating the ablution.
 (Sufyan the sub-narrator said: We said to 'Amr, "Some people say, 'The eyes of the Prophet sleep but his heart
 never sleeps.' " 'Amr said, "'Ubai bin 'Umar said, 'The dreams of the Prophets are Divine Inspirations. Then he
 recited, '(O my son), I have seen in dream that I was slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice).") (37.102)


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 819.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas bin Malik : My grandmother Mulaika invited Allah's Apostle for a meal which she had prepared
 specially for him. He ate some of it and said, "Get up. I shall lead you in the prayer." I brought a mat that had
 become black owing to excessive use and I sprinkled water on it. Allah's Apostle stood on it and prayed two Rakat;
 and the orphan was with me (in the first row), and the old lady stood behind us.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 820.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Abbas : Once I came riding a she-ass and I, then, had just attained the age of puberty. Allah's
 Apostle was leading the people in prayer at Mina facing no wall. I passed in front of the row and let loose the
 she-ass for grazing and joined the row and no one objected to my deed.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 821.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : Once Allah's Apostle delayed the 'Isha prayer till 'Umar informed him that the women and
 children had slept. Then Allah's Apostle came out and said: "None from amongst the dwellers of earth have prayed
 this prayer except you." In those days none but the people of Medina prayed.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 822.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis : A person asked Ibn Abbas, "Have you ever presented yourself at the ('Id)
 prayer with Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "Yes." And had it not been for my kinship (position) with the Prophet it
 would not have been possible for me to do so (for he was too young). The Prophet went to the mark near the house
 of Kathir bin As-Salt and delivered a sermon. He then went towards the women. He advised and reminded them and
 asked them to give alms. So the woman would bring her hand near her neck and take off her necklace and put it in
 the garment of Bilal. Then the Prophet and Bilal came to the house."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 823.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : Once Allah's Apostle delayed the 'Isha prayer till 'Umar informed him that the women and
 children had slept. The Prophet came out and said, "None except you from amongst the dwellers of earth is waiting
 for this prayer." In those days, there was no prayer except in Medina and they used to pray the 'Isha prayer
 between the disappearance of the twilight and the first third of the night.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 824.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Ibn 'Umar : The Prophet said, "If your women ask permission to go to the mosque at night, allow them."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 825.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Um Salama : (The wife of the Prophet) In the lifetime of Allah's Apostle the women used to get up when
 they finished their compulsory prayers with Taslim. The Prophet and the men would stay on at their places as long
 as Allah will. When the Prophet got up, the men would then get up.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 826.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : When Allah's Apostle finished the Fajr prayer, the women would leave covered in their sheets
 and were not recognized owing to the darkness.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 827.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada Al-Ansari : My father said, "Allah's Apostle said, "Whenever I stand for prayer,
 I want to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I would shorten it as I dislike to put its mother in trouble."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 828.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : Had Allah's Apostle known what the women were doing, he would have forbidden them from
 going to the mosque as the women of Bani Israel had been forbidden. Yahya bin Said (a sub-narrator) asked 'Amra
 (another sub-narrator), "Were the women of Bani Israel forbidden?" She replied "Yes."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 829.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Um Salama : Whenever Allah's Apostle completed the prayer with Taslim, the women used to get up
 immediately and Allah's Apostle would remain at his place for someone before getting up. (The sub-narrator
 (Az-Zuhri) said, "We think, and Allah knows better, that he did so, so that the women might leave before men could
 get in touch with them)."


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 830.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Anas : The Prophet prayed in the house of Um Sulaim; and I, along with an orphan stood behind him
 while Um Sulaim (stood) behind us.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 831.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By 'Aisha : Allah's Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer when it was still dark and the believing women used
 to return (after finishing their prayer) and nobody could recognize them owing to darkness, or they could not
 recognize one another.


Volumn 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 832.
 -----------------------------------------
 Narated By Salim bin 'Abdullah : My father said, "The Prophet said, 'If the wife of any one of you asks permission (to
 go to the mosque) do not forbid her."


Total Hadiths : 134.