1. Leaving the salaah altogether. This is indeed kufr (disbelief) and the evidence is found
within the Qur’aan the authentic sunnah and the consensus of the ummah. Allah ta’aala
states: If they repent and establish the salaah and give the zakaah, they are you
brothers in faith (deen). [Al-Qur’aan 9:11] And Allah ta’aala says: What landed you in
As-Saqar (Hell)? They said: We were not of those who made salaah (almusalleen)…[
Al-Qur’aan 76:42-43] and so on. As far as the sunnah: The hadeeth of
Jaabir that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Between a man and shirk
(what protects him from shirk) is the abandonment of salaah. [Muslim] It is narrated
by Abu Dawood, An-Nisaa’i, Ibn Maajah, and At-Tirmidhi on the authority of Buraidah Ibn
Al-Husaib from the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) who said: The covenant
between us and them (i.e. the Prophet – and/or his successors -and those who
claim to be Muslims) is the salaah so whosoever abandons it has disbelieved. [
Ahmad and others and it is saheeh] As far as consensus (al-ijmaa’): Abdullah Ibn
Shaqeeq (radiallahu ‘anhu) stated: The Companions of Muhammad (radiallahu ‘anhum)
did not view the abandonment of any other deed as kufr other than (abandoning) salaah.
[At-Tirmidhi and others with an authentic chain]
2. Delaying the salaah from its appointed time. This is a violation according to the word of
Allah ta’aala: Verily the salaah has been appointed for the believers at specific times
(mawqoot). [Al-Qur’aan 4:103] Al-Mawqoot indicates a specific appointed time and the
postponement of sallah beyond the obligatory time (fardh) is a major sin and Allah is the
one upon Whom we depend. On the authority of Anas who said: I heard the Messenger
of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: This is the salaat of the hypocrite
(munaafiq); when he sits observing the sun until it is between the horns of
Shaitaan, then he stands to perform four (rak’ah) remembering Allah little. [Muslim]
If this is the salaah of the hypocrite then what of the salaah of someone who postpones
the prayer until the complete period of the salaat has passed without any excuse?
3. Abandonment of the congregational prayer in the masjid by able men either regularly or
on occasion. The commandment has been given to perform the salaah in congregation in
the masaajid. Congregational (al-jamaa’ah) salaah is a duty except for those who have a
valid excuse according to the sharia’h. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) said: Whoever hears the call (al-adhaan) and thereafter does not answer it
(i.e. attend the congregational salaah) there is no salaah for him except for a valid
excuse. [Reported by Ibn Maajah and others with a strong chain (isnaad) and Al-Haafith
Ibn Hajar said “Its chain is according to the conditions of Muslim”]. Allah ta’aala also says:
And bow down with those who bow down. {Al-Qur’aan 2:43] In a hadeeth in Al-
Bukhaari and Muslim (mutafaqun ‘alaih): …I would then leave (after tbe salaah has
begun) and go to those men who do not attend the salaah and burn their houses
down over them.
4. Lack of tranquility (at-tama’neenah) within the salaat. This is generally done out of
ignorance and it is an open sin because tranquility is a pillar (rukn) of the salaah without
which the salaah is incorrect. The hadeeth about the man who performed his salaah
badly is a clear evidence for this. The meaning of tama’neenah (tranquility) is that the one
praying is tranquil in the rukoo’ (bending), standing (‘itidaal), prostration (sujood), and
sitting between the two prostrations (juloos), and he should get in position where every
bone settles into place, he should not hasten between portions of the prayer until he has
attained tranquility in it and gives each its due time. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) said to the one who was rushing through his salaah without observing the proper
tranquility: Go back and make salaah because you have not made the salaah. And in
the hadeeth of Rifaa’ah on the story of the one who prayed badly it goes on: Then he
makes takbeer and bows and puts his hands on his knees until each joint is settled
and relaxed. Then he says ‘sami’allahu liman hamida’ (Allah hears the one who
praises Him) then stands up straight until each bone is in its place.
5. Lack of proper reverence and humility (khushoo’) in the salaat and excess movement
therein. The place of khushoo’ is in the heart and it is evident in the tranquility of the limbs
and humility before Allah. Allah has indeed praised His slave by His statement: Those
who offer their salaah with all solemnity and full submissiveness. [Al-Qur’aan 23:2]
As well [He has praised] the prophets by his statement: Verily they used to hasten on
to do good deeds and they used to call upon Us with hope and fear, and used to
humble themselves before Us. [Al-Qur’aan 21:90] It is incumbent. The limbs of the
slave in prayer should be still and his heart should be solemn until he may be rewarded
for his salaah. It is narrated on the authority of ‘Ammaar Ibn Yaasir (radiallahu ‘anhu) he
said: I heard the messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: Verily a man
leaves after completing his prayer and nothing has been written for him except a tenth of
his salaah, a ninth, an eighth, a sixth, a fifth, a fourth, a third, or half of it. [Abu Dawood,
An-Nisaa’i, and others and it is an authentic hadeeth] The reason for the shortcoming in
its reward is the lack of khushoo’ in the heart of the one who prays or in the limbs.
6. Intentionally preceding the imaam in the movements of the prayer or not following his
movements. This nullifies the salaah or rak’ah for whoever bows before his imaam ruins
his own rak’ah unless he follows it later with another bowing. Such is likewise with the
rest of the arkaan (pillars) of the salaah. It is obligatory for the praying person to follow the
imaam completely without preceding him or lagging behind him in any rukn (pillar) or
more. Abu Dawood and others transmit with an authentic chain from Abu Hurairah that
the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily the imaam is to be
completely followed, so if he makes takbeer then you make takbeer and don’t make
takbeer until he does so, and if he bows then bow and don’t bow until he does so…
Its origin is in the two saheehs and Al-Bukhaari has another like it narrated by Anas. The
one who forgets or the one who is ignorant is excused.
7. Standing to complete a missed rak’ah before the imaam has completely finished making
the second tasleem (i.e closing the prayer by saying ‘As-salaamu ‘alaikum wa
rahmatullahi to the right and left). It is reported in Saheeh Muslim that the Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Do not precede me in the rukoo’ (bowing) not in
the sujood (prostration) nor in going out of the prayer (al-insiraaf). The scholars have said
that the meaning of al-insiraaf is at-tasleem and it is named such because the praying
person may leave afterwards and he leaves only after the second tasleem. The one who
precedes the imaam should stay in his place until the imaam has completed his salaah,
then he should stand and complete whatever he missed, and Allah knows best.
8. Making the intention for prayer aloud. This is a bid’ah (innovation), and we have
previously mention the prohibition against bid’ah. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) never made the intention for salaah aloud. Ibn Al-Qayyim, rahimahullah, stated in
“Zaad Al-Ma’aad” or in “Al-Hudaa An-Nabawiyy”: “When the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) would stand for salaah he said: ‘Allahu Akbar’ and said nothing else before it nor
did he pronounce his intention aloud. Nor did he say: ‘I will pray for Allah salaah such and
such while facing the Qiblah four raka’aat as imaam or follower’. Nor did he say: ‘Fulfilling
it on time, not making it up, nor the time of fardh’ all ten of which are bid’ah for which no
one has reported that he did with an authentic chain, nor even a weak one, nor musnad,
nor mursal, nor a single word. Indeed not one narration of the sahaabah or the best of the
following generation (taabi’een), nor the four imaams.”
9. Not reciting Al-Faatihah in the salaah; The recitation of Al-Faatihah is a pillar (rukn) and
the salaah of whoever does not recite it is void. This is according to the Prophet’s
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: Whoever makes a salaah wherein Al-Faatihah is
not recited then it is khidaaj (miscarried) - and he repeated it three times –
incomplete. [Muslim from Abu Hurairah] Also reported in the two saheehs is the hadeeth
from ‘Ubaadah Ibn Saamit (radiallahu ‘anhu) marfoo’an (attributable to the Prophet,
sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): The salaah is null for whoever has not recited the
Opening of the Book. In another wording from ‘Ubaadah: Could it be that you recite
behind your imaam? We said: Yes. He said: Don’t do so except with the Opening of
the Book (Al-Faatihah) for the salaah is null of whoever does not recite it. [Ahmed,
Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibbaan. This is evidence of its obligation for the follower.
Recitation of the follower is absolute or in the aloud prayers as opposed to what is long
known. Whether the recitation of Al-Faatihah is absolute or just in the prayers recited
aloud is an old difference of opinion among the scholars. Is it waajib or dropped? The
majority of scholars (al-jumhoor) say it is dropped however doing so is more clear from
possible error and more precaution for deen. Most of those who have the opinion of it
being dropped say that it is nevertheless desirable to recite it.
10. Recitation of the Qur’aan in rukoo’ (bowing position) or during sujood (prostration). This is
prohibited based on a narration from ibn Abbaas (radiallahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: I have been prevented from reciting the Qur’aan
while bowing or in prostration… [Muslim] Ali (radiallahu ‘anu) narrates he said: The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam prevented me from reciting the
Qur’aan while bowing or prostrating. [Muslim and others]
11. Raising the eyes to the sky during salaat or looking to the right and left without due
cause. As far as raising the eyes, it is forbidden and bears the threat of punishment. It is
narrated by Jabir Ibn Samurah (radiallahu ‘anhu) who said: The Messenger of allah
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Let the people stop raising their eyes to the sky in the
salaah or let their sight not return to them. [Muslim]
12. As far as looking around unnecessarily, it is a deficiency in the salaah of the worshipper
as long as he has not turned his entire body in another direction [i.e. away from the
Qiblah]. If however the entire body is turned then the salaah is invalidated. It is narrated
by ‘Aisha (radiallahu ‘anhaa) who said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi
wa sallam) about looking around in the salaah. He said: It is misappropriation pilfered
by Shaitaan from the salaah of the worshipper. [Al-Bukhaari]. At-Tirmidhi also
collected an authentic hadeeth: Be warned of turning or looking around in the salaah
because it is destruction. And there are other ahadeeth on looking around in the
salaah.
13. Sitting on one’s haunches (Al-Iq’aa) during the salaah and prostrating with the elbows (Al-
Iftiraash) on the ground. Al-Iqaa’ is forbidden as related by Abu Hurairah (radiallahu
‘anhu) who said: My dear friend forbade me three things: He forbade me from pecking
like a rooster [just touching the head in prostration – trans], sitting on the
haunches like a dog, and looking around like a fox. Transmitted by Ahmed and others
and its isnaad (chain) has by graded hasan (good) by Al-Mundhiri and Al-Haithami.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) forbade a man from spreading his
arms on the ground like a beast of prey. Summarizing a hadeeth collected by Muslim
from ‘Aisha (radiallahu ‘anhaa) as well as by At-Tirmidhi, Ahmed and others from Jaabir
(radiallahu ‘anhu) marfoo’an (attributable to the Prophet): If any of you prostrates
(sajdah) then keep straight and not spread his arms like the sitting of a dog.
14. Wearing a thin (see-through) garment that does not sufficiently cover the ‘auwrah (private
area). This is an invalidator of the salaah because covering one’s ‘auwrah is a condition
for a sound salaah. The man’s ‘aurah is - according to what is most authentic – from the
navel to the knee. Likewise he must cover his shoulders or one of them1 in accordance
with the statement of Allah: O children of Aadam wear you adornments to every
masjid. [Al-‘Araaf 31] It is sufficient to wear a single garment to cover the ‘auwrah
according to what is narrated from ‘Umar Ibn Salamah (radiallahu ‘anhu): He saw the
Messenger of allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam praying in a single garment (thowub) in
the house of Umm Salamah, he had cast both ends over himself. [Al-Bukhaari and
Muslim]
Ibn Qudaamah (rahimahullah) stated: It is obligatory to cover sufficiently to hide the color
of the skin, for if it is thin enough that the color of the skin may be seen from behind to the
extent that the whiteness or redness of the skin is percieved thane salaah in it is not
allowed in that covering has not been achieved.
15. A woman not covering her head with the khimaar in salaah and not covering her feet. The
‘aurah of the swoman in the sallah is her entire body with the exception of her face. Nor is
there any harm if she covers her face due to the passing by of men or the like. It is
obligatory for her to wear a khimaar which is a head covering that also covers the bosom.
This according to his (slallahu ‘aliahi wa sallam) statement: Allah does not accept the
salaah of the menstruating female unless she is wearing a khimaar. [Collected by
Ahmed and the collectors of the six most authentic books except An-Nisaa’i and it has be
authenticated by Ibn Khuzaimah and others. It is also obligatory that she cover the tops of
her feet in compliance with the hadeeth “The entire woman is ‘auwrah” Collected by At-
Tirmidhee with an authentic isnaad. Along this same meaning is what is transmitted by
Malik and abu Dawood and others from Muhammad Ibn Said Inb Qunfudh from his
mother who asked Umm Salamah (radiallahu ‘anhaa), the wife of the Prophet (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam), about what garment a woman should pray in. She answered: She
1 The evidence for covering the shoulders is found in an authentic hadeeth in the collection of Abu
Dawood, however we were unable to determine why the shaykh exempts one shoulder.
should pray in a khimaar and a full, loose-fitting chemise that conceals the tops of
her feet. Also with this meaning is the hadeeth of Umm Salamah: Lower it by an arms
length.
16. Walking in front of the praying person whether they be the imaam or praying alone and
stepping over the people during the Jumua’h khutbah. It is a sin upon the person who
passes in front of someone who is praying. If the one praying has no sutrah then it shold
be estimated to be at the place of prostration so the passerby should can pass beyond
that point. As narrated in the collections of al-Bukhari and Muslim by Abu Juhaim Ibn
Haarith (radiallahu ‘anhu), who said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
said: If the one who passes in front of the praying person knew how serious a sin it
was for him to do so it would have been better for him to wait for forty than walk in
front of him. [Forty may refer to forty days, months or years, and Allah knows best –
Trans.]
The one who pushes between the people during the Jumua’h khutbah harms people
through his being late for the salaah according to the statement of Al-Mustafah (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam): Sit for you have caused harm and come late. [Ahmed and others.
Cutting between the people is forbidden. One who enters the masjid should sit where
there is space unless he sees a genuinely open area where he should then go to it and
sit.
17. Not saying the takbeeratul-ihraam (opening takbeer) when entering upon the
congregation while the imaam is in rukoo’. This is a major mistake in that the takbeeratulihraam
is a pillar (rukn) of the salaah that must be done by the one praying when standing
for the salaah and then afterwards join the imam in the bowing position (rukoo’). To make
the takbeer (al-ihraam) and then another takbeer before giong into rukoo’ is more
complete and thorough. Abu Hurairah (radiallahu ‘anhu) narrated: The Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) would make takbeer when he stood for the sallah
and would then make takbeer upon bowing.
18. Not following the imaam (by getting in the same position) when coming late and the
imaam is sitting or in sujood (prostrating). It is most preferred and most sure for the one
who enters the masjid that he join the imaam in whatever position he may be in, whether
he be in sajdah or otherwise. It is reported by abu Dawood and others with a saheeh
isnaad that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: If you come to the
salaah and we are making sujood then you also make sujood. For a worshipper to
delay making sajdah is to have in effect prevented himself from an act of worship which
Allah loves. Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Mua’dh ibn Jabal (radiallahu ‘anhumaa) both stated: The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: If one of you comes to the salaah
and the imaam is in a position then do what the imaam is doing. This is collected by
At-Tirmidhi with a weak isnaad however it is in agreement with the preceeding hadeeth. It
is also strengthened by a narration collected by Abu Dawood from Mua’dh (radiallahu
‘anhu): I never saw him (the imaam) in a position except I was also upon it. The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily Mua’dh has performed an
act that is good for you too, so do likewise.
19. Busying oneself with matters that take one away from the salaah. This is evidence of
preference of the wordly life over that of the Hereafter, following vain desires and being
too busy to obey Allah. This is indeed ruination and of evil consequence to whoever does
it. Allah ta’aala says: O you who believe, let not yuor wealth or your children divert
you from the remembrance of Allah for whyosoever does that will be among the
losers. [Al-Munafiqoon 9] And He says in praise of the believers: Men who are not
diverted by business or trade from the remembrance of Allah and performance of
salaah. [An-Noor 37] Preoccupation with any act over the salaah or that leads to being
negligant or lazy toward it such as staying up too lateand the like, is not permissible. This
is because anything that leads to what is haraam is itself haraam, and Allah is the One
who guides to the right path.
20. Playing with one’s clothing or watch or the like. This is an act that negates khushoo’. The
evidence for khushoo’ has been presented previously in point 5 [see August Issue – Ed.].
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) forbade rubbing pebbles during the
salaah due to its negative effect on khushoo’ when he said: If any of you performs the
prayer let him not rub pebbles for mercy is turned towards him. [Ahmed and the six
collections of hadeeth with an authentic isnaad] A person might increase playing around
to the point of excessive movement that is outside of the salaah and thereby nullify it.
21. Closing the eyes for no reason. This is a objectionable act (makrooh) as Ibn Al-Qayyim
(rahimahullah) mentioned: “Closing the eyes was not from the guidance of the Rasool
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam).” He also said: “The scholars of fiqh have differed on its
detestability. Imam Ahmed and others deemed it detestable and they said that it was of
the habits of the Jews. However a group of them ruled it allowable without any
detestablility and they said that it may indeed be a closer means of achieving khushoo’
which is the spirit of the salaah, its heart and its aim.”
“Most correct is that if keeping the eyes open has no detrimental effect upon khushoo’
then it is preferable to do it. If decorations, adornments or the like are around the
worshipper or between him and the qiblah to the point of distraction, then there is
absolutely no objection to closing the eyes. Indeed the statement that to do so is
desirable (mustahabb) in this case is closer to the spirit of the law and its aims than the
statement that it is objectionable. And Allah knows best.”
22. Eating or drinking or laughing in the salaah thus nullifying it. As far as eating and drinking
there is consensus with regards to the fardh. Ibn Al-Mundhir stated: "The scholars (Ahlul-
‘Ilm) are in consensus agreement that the one praying is forbidden from eating and
drinking. There is also consensus among them that to do so intentionally necessitates
repetition of the salaah." Ibn Al-Mundhir also transmits that there is consensus that the
salaah is nullified by laughing.
23. Raising the voice in recitation to the point of distracting those around. It is recommended
(mustahabb) that one hears himself, not to the point that it interrupts anyone who is
reciting the Qur’aan or making salaah. Al-Bukhaari and Muslim both transmit from
‘Umraan Ibn Husain (radiallahu ‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) prayed Dhuhr and there was a man behind him reciting ‘sabbihisma rabbikal-
‘alaa’ , so when he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) finished he said: Who among you was
reciting or who was the reciter? The man said, "Me." So he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
said: I thought that some of you were disputing with me in it. The scholars state: The
meaning of his words is a disapproval of the act. Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) stated:
Whoever is reciting the Qur’aan and the people are praying additional prayer then it is not
correct for him to recite aloud thus disturbing them because the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi
wa sallam) left some of his companions while they were praying As-Sahr (before dawn)
and he said: O people, each of you is seeking salvation from his Rabb therefore do not
overpower one another with your recitation.
24. Crowding in on those who are praying. This is a type of forbidden inflicting of harm. It is
upon the praying person to pray in a place where the space ends unless he sees an
opening sufficient for him to pass and then there is no harm. However, to cause harm,
especially on Yaum Al-Jumu’ah (Friday), is generally forbidden. The Prophet (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam) said about those who cut the prayer line: Sit, for you have harmed and
come late.
25. Not making the lines straight. Allah has ordered the proper performance of salaah saying
"And establish (aqeemu) the salaah". The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) has
likewise stated: Straighten your lines for verily straightening of the lines is a part of correct
performance of salaah (iqaamis-salaah). Al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Anas. Also Al-
Bukhaari narrates from An-Nu’maan Ibn Basheer (radiallahu ‘anhu): Straighten your lines
or Allah will cause opposition between your hearts. The order to straighten the lines and
taking care to do so is mentioned in a number of hadeeth. (It should also be mention that
this includes not leaving any gaps in the lines as is all too commonly neglected – Ed.)
26. Raising the feet from the ground in sujood. This is against what is commanded as it is
confirmed in the two saheehs from Ibn Abbaas (radiallahu ‘anhu): The Prophet (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam) was ordered to prostrate upon seven limbs and not to tuck up the hair
or the clothes: the forehead (including the nose), the (palms of the) two hands, the knees
and the two feet. So the one praying is commanded to pray with the two feet touching the
ground and the complete form of this is to have the toes pointing toward the Qiblah. Part
of each foot should touch the ground and if one raises either of them his sajdah
(prostration) is incorrect if he continues to do so throughout the prostration.
27. Putting the right hand upon the left and raising them to the neck. This is in contradiction to
the sunnah because the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to put his right hand
over his left upon his chest. This is in a hadeeth of Hasan from several weak
transmissions in themselves but that in conjunction strengthen themselves. The sunnah is
also to place the hands on the middle of the chest or upon the heart because the heart is
in the chest as Allah ta’aala states: It is the hearts within the breasts that are blind.
Raising the hands (making takbeer) when going into sujood or when rising out of it. It is
an error to lift the hands to the neck and this opposes the sunnah. What is attributed to Ali
(radiallahu ‘anhu) in the explanation of the verse: So therefore pray to your Rabb and
sacrifice (wanhar – in which the verb is construed as referring to the neck [an-nahr] –Ed.)
is weak and does not constitute a proof. (Also incorrect is the incorrect practice of holding
one’s hands upon or below the navel as there is no substantiated proof from the
authenticated sunnah for this practice – Ed)
28. Raising the hands at the time of sujood or when rising out of sujood. This is in opposition
to the well-known sunnah that has been transmitted by most of the companions who
narrated about raising the hands. The student of (sharee'ah) knowledge should stick with
the well-known sunnah unless in privacy though he may believe a deed to be more
correct from the sunnah that nonetheless contradicts the practice of the generality of the
scholars. The imaam of the people should do what is known, for what is commonly and
well-known to be the sunnah upon which the majority of the scholars' practice, is sufficient
and satisfactory. (The wisdom here is that for a student to insist upon public practice of
that which is not regarded by the scholars generally as the sunnah may lead to harm and
confusion which would amount to forsaking a fardh, i.e. the prevention of harm, for the
sake of a establishing a sunnah - and one which is not totally agreed upon at that - and
would thus fall into error. The scholars do not generally unite upon any practice without
evidence, although the qualified student may disagree a given ruling or conclusion based
upon his understanding of the texts and after sincere and thorough study and reaching a
state of being personally satisfied with its outcome. – Ed.)
28. Hastiness of some imaams in the salaah and lack of tranquility within it, thus not allowing
time for the followers to be tranquil in their salaah or time to recite Al-Faatihah, especially
in the last rak’ah. The imam is responsible for making the quality of the salaah good
because he is being followed. It is therefore his duty to take care of following the Sunnah,
and tranquility is a pillar (rukn) that the imam is more obliged to take care of due to his
being followed. Likewise, the recitation of Al-Faatihah is a rukn that the followers in the
salaah must be given enough time to fulfill. We have already presented the evidence for
the obligation of maintaining tranquility (tama’neenah) and reciting Al-Faatihah.
29. Not taking care to make sujood upon the seven ‘limbs’ (i.e. the forehead along with the
nose, the palms of both hands, both knees, and the toes of both feet). Abbaas Ibn Abul-
Muttalib (radiallahu ‘anhu) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: If the slave prostrates, then seven body parts should prostrate
with him: His face, hands, two knees, and his two feet. Related by Muslim, also attributed
to Al-Majd in “Al-Muntaqaa”, Al-Muzzee and related by others.
Ibn Abbaas (radiallahu ‘anhumaa) narrated: The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
said: I have been ordered to prostrate upon seven “bones” (i.e. body parts): Upon the
forehead –and he pointed to his nose – both hands, both knees and both feet.
There are some people who do not prostrate upon both the forehead and the nose or who
raise their feet or who do not touch the palms of their hands on the ground, all of which is
in opposition to what is commanded.
30. Not caring to learn the rules of salaah. This is other than what any Muslim should do. No
doubt salaah is the greatest of the Islamic pillars requiring bodily action. Allah commands
its performance - “Aqimis-Salaah” (Perform the salaah) - in more than seventy ayaat. It is
not possible to perform it without having knowledge of its fundamentals or knowing how
the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) did the salaah. There is no room for ignorance of
the rules of salaah, knowing its prerequisites or its essential parts, obligations, the rules
for following or making up for errors and the like. It is fardh to know these matters and the
absence of knowledge of these matters is a cause of a Muslim being unaware of what
nullifies or spoils his salaah, and Allah is the Guide and Provider of Success.
31 – 34. Carelessness in reciting Al-Faatihah and with proper pronunciation such as saying
al-‘Aalimeen instead of al-‘Aalameen, ahdinaa instead of ihdinaa, an’amtu instead of an’amta,
and so on. All of these and similar errors are the type of linguistic errors that must be avoided
and no one who leads the salaat should commit them. Some may contain impossible
meanings such as when one pronounces the “t” (taa’) in “an’amta” as “da” (daad) and thus
the salaat would be spoiled.
35. Cracking the knuckles in salaah. This is from the detested actions in the salaah and is
thus forbidden. As far as cracking the knuckles in general, Ibn Abi Shaibah narrates in a
statement with good isnaad, from Shu’bah Mawlaa ibn Abbaas as stating: I prayed next to Ibn
Abbaas and I cracked my knuckles so when I finished my salaah he said, “May you lose your
mother! You crack your knuckles while you are in salaah?” Forbiddance of cracking the
knuckles is transmitted in a marfoo’ hadeeth from Ali in the collection of Ibn Maajah, however,
it is weak (da’eef)and not sufficient in an of itself (ghairu munjabir).
36. Intertwining the fingers (at-tashbeek) during and before the salaah. This is also among the
detestable matters. Ka’ab Ibn ‘Ujrah (radiallahu ‘anhu) narrates: I heard the Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: If one of you makes wudhoo then goes to
the masjid for salaah, let him not clasp his hands together for indeed he is in the
salaah. Ahmed, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi. With some difference regarding its chain, Ad-
Daarimi, Al-Haakim and others transmit from Abu Hurairah in a marfoo’ hadeeth: “If one of
you makes wudhoo in his house then comes to the masjid, he is in salaah until he
returns. Therefore do not do not do like this – and he clasped his fingers together.”
There are other mutually supporting hadeeths on this matter of tashbeek.
37. Putting forward someone to lead the salaah as imaam when it is not his place to do so
and there are others more deserving present. This contradicts the intended purpose of having
an imaam (al-imaamah), which is to be an example to follow (al-iqditaa’). It is necessary that
the imaam have understanding of the deen and is able to correctly recite the Qur’aan
according to the satatement of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): The imaam of a
people should be the one who best recites the Qur’aan…) Transmitted by Muslim from Abu
Mas’ood Al-Ansaari (radiallahu ‘anhu). The scholars have ruled that one should not be put
forward as imaam whose recitation is not good, or who openly displays sinfulness, or who has
an undignified appearance, or who is an innovator, or who is corrupt or like them. If however,
such people are put forward, the salaah of the followers is correct.
38. Improper recitation of the Qur’aan. This is an open deficiency and the right of the Qur’aan
is that it be read correctly without aberration and that the Muslim strives to improve and excel
in its recitation. Allah ta'alaa states: Recite the Qur’aan with tarteel [correct measured tone]
and When we teach you the Qur’aan, follow its recitation. Meaning, recitation as is proper
according to the Arabic language, with clarity and free from distortion. On this same line is the
superiority of the one who purifies his intention as is narrated by ‘Kaisha (radiallahu ‘anhaa)
who said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “The one who is
proficient with the Qur’aan will be with the scribes (angels) honorable and obedient. While the
one who recites the Qur’aan haltingly and finds difficulty (while striving to recite it properly)
gets a double reward.” [matafaqun ‘alaih]
39. Some men praying behind women in the Haram (The Grand Masjid) of Makkah. Doing so
there or elsewhere is a detestable action in the salaah. It is from the sunnah that the rows of
the women are behind those of the men. The salaah of a man behind a women may be a
cause of him losing all khushoo’ and a disturbance in the salaat through his looking (at the
woman) or otherwise. A man should therefore never line up for salaah behind a woman. This
is not detestable if due to necessity such as not missing the ‘Eid salaah, or Salaatul-Jumu’ah,
or the congregational salaah and other similar situations (i.e. that make it impossible to join
the front rows with the men – Trans.). A group of scholars have stated: “The Haram of
Makkah is an exception.” Shaykh Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz (may Allah preserve him) is of this
opinion.
40. Women coming to the masjid beautified or made-up and perfumed. This is one of the
open and witnessed evils that become apparent during Ramadhan and outside it. The woman
is coming out to worship her Master, not to show off the beauty of her clothing! Perhaps men
may see her and she would then be sinful and she would suffer a loss of reward for her deed.
The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) stated: “Let not any woman who is scented
attend the ‘Ishaa with us.” [Muslim] Imam Ahmed transmits along with Abu Dawood with an
authentic chain from Abu Hurairah (radiallahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) said: “Do not forbid the bondwomen of Allah from the houses of Allah, and let
them go out tafilaat.” The meaning of the word “tafilaat” is: Not beautified with adornments or perfumed.
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within the Qur’aan the authentic sunnah and the consensus of the ummah. Allah ta’aala
states: If they repent and establish the salaah and give the zakaah, they are you
brothers in faith (deen). [Al-Qur’aan 9:11] And Allah ta’aala says: What landed you in
As-Saqar (Hell)? They said: We were not of those who made salaah (almusalleen)…[
Al-Qur’aan 76:42-43] and so on. As far as the sunnah: The hadeeth of
Jaabir that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Between a man and shirk
(what protects him from shirk) is the abandonment of salaah. [Muslim] It is narrated
by Abu Dawood, An-Nisaa’i, Ibn Maajah, and At-Tirmidhi on the authority of Buraidah Ibn
Al-Husaib from the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) who said: The covenant
between us and them (i.e. the Prophet – and/or his successors -and those who
claim to be Muslims) is the salaah so whosoever abandons it has disbelieved. [
Ahmad and others and it is saheeh] As far as consensus (al-ijmaa’): Abdullah Ibn
Shaqeeq (radiallahu ‘anhu) stated: The Companions of Muhammad (radiallahu ‘anhum)
did not view the abandonment of any other deed as kufr other than (abandoning) salaah.
[At-Tirmidhi and others with an authentic chain]
2. Delaying the salaah from its appointed time. This is a violation according to the word of
Allah ta’aala: Verily the salaah has been appointed for the believers at specific times
(mawqoot). [Al-Qur’aan 4:103] Al-Mawqoot indicates a specific appointed time and the
postponement of sallah beyond the obligatory time (fardh) is a major sin and Allah is the
one upon Whom we depend. On the authority of Anas who said: I heard the Messenger
of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: This is the salaat of the hypocrite
(munaafiq); when he sits observing the sun until it is between the horns of
Shaitaan, then he stands to perform four (rak’ah) remembering Allah little. [Muslim]
If this is the salaah of the hypocrite then what of the salaah of someone who postpones
the prayer until the complete period of the salaat has passed without any excuse?
3. Abandonment of the congregational prayer in the masjid by able men either regularly or
on occasion. The commandment has been given to perform the salaah in congregation in
the masaajid. Congregational (al-jamaa’ah) salaah is a duty except for those who have a
valid excuse according to the sharia’h. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) said: Whoever hears the call (al-adhaan) and thereafter does not answer it
(i.e. attend the congregational salaah) there is no salaah for him except for a valid
excuse. [Reported by Ibn Maajah and others with a strong chain (isnaad) and Al-Haafith
Ibn Hajar said “Its chain is according to the conditions of Muslim”]. Allah ta’aala also says:
And bow down with those who bow down. {Al-Qur’aan 2:43] In a hadeeth in Al-
Bukhaari and Muslim (mutafaqun ‘alaih): …I would then leave (after tbe salaah has
begun) and go to those men who do not attend the salaah and burn their houses
down over them.
4. Lack of tranquility (at-tama’neenah) within the salaat. This is generally done out of
ignorance and it is an open sin because tranquility is a pillar (rukn) of the salaah without
which the salaah is incorrect. The hadeeth about the man who performed his salaah
badly is a clear evidence for this. The meaning of tama’neenah (tranquility) is that the one
praying is tranquil in the rukoo’ (bending), standing (‘itidaal), prostration (sujood), and
sitting between the two prostrations (juloos), and he should get in position where every
bone settles into place, he should not hasten between portions of the prayer until he has
attained tranquility in it and gives each its due time. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) said to the one who was rushing through his salaah without observing the proper
tranquility: Go back and make salaah because you have not made the salaah. And in
the hadeeth of Rifaa’ah on the story of the one who prayed badly it goes on: Then he
makes takbeer and bows and puts his hands on his knees until each joint is settled
and relaxed. Then he says ‘sami’allahu liman hamida’ (Allah hears the one who
praises Him) then stands up straight until each bone is in its place.
5. Lack of proper reverence and humility (khushoo’) in the salaat and excess movement
therein. The place of khushoo’ is in the heart and it is evident in the tranquility of the limbs
and humility before Allah. Allah has indeed praised His slave by His statement: Those
who offer their salaah with all solemnity and full submissiveness. [Al-Qur’aan 23:2]
As well [He has praised] the prophets by his statement: Verily they used to hasten on
to do good deeds and they used to call upon Us with hope and fear, and used to
humble themselves before Us. [Al-Qur’aan 21:90] It is incumbent. The limbs of the
slave in prayer should be still and his heart should be solemn until he may be rewarded
for his salaah. It is narrated on the authority of ‘Ammaar Ibn Yaasir (radiallahu ‘anhu) he
said: I heard the messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: Verily a man
leaves after completing his prayer and nothing has been written for him except a tenth of
his salaah, a ninth, an eighth, a sixth, a fifth, a fourth, a third, or half of it. [Abu Dawood,
An-Nisaa’i, and others and it is an authentic hadeeth] The reason for the shortcoming in
its reward is the lack of khushoo’ in the heart of the one who prays or in the limbs.
6. Intentionally preceding the imaam in the movements of the prayer or not following his
movements. This nullifies the salaah or rak’ah for whoever bows before his imaam ruins
his own rak’ah unless he follows it later with another bowing. Such is likewise with the
rest of the arkaan (pillars) of the salaah. It is obligatory for the praying person to follow the
imaam completely without preceding him or lagging behind him in any rukn (pillar) or
more. Abu Dawood and others transmit with an authentic chain from Abu Hurairah that
the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily the imaam is to be
completely followed, so if he makes takbeer then you make takbeer and don’t make
takbeer until he does so, and if he bows then bow and don’t bow until he does so…
Its origin is in the two saheehs and Al-Bukhaari has another like it narrated by Anas. The
one who forgets or the one who is ignorant is excused.
7. Standing to complete a missed rak’ah before the imaam has completely finished making
the second tasleem (i.e closing the prayer by saying ‘As-salaamu ‘alaikum wa
rahmatullahi to the right and left). It is reported in Saheeh Muslim that the Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Do not precede me in the rukoo’ (bowing) not in
the sujood (prostration) nor in going out of the prayer (al-insiraaf). The scholars have said
that the meaning of al-insiraaf is at-tasleem and it is named such because the praying
person may leave afterwards and he leaves only after the second tasleem. The one who
precedes the imaam should stay in his place until the imaam has completed his salaah,
then he should stand and complete whatever he missed, and Allah knows best.
8. Making the intention for prayer aloud. This is a bid’ah (innovation), and we have
previously mention the prohibition against bid’ah. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) never made the intention for salaah aloud. Ibn Al-Qayyim, rahimahullah, stated in
“Zaad Al-Ma’aad” or in “Al-Hudaa An-Nabawiyy”: “When the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) would stand for salaah he said: ‘Allahu Akbar’ and said nothing else before it nor
did he pronounce his intention aloud. Nor did he say: ‘I will pray for Allah salaah such and
such while facing the Qiblah four raka’aat as imaam or follower’. Nor did he say: ‘Fulfilling
it on time, not making it up, nor the time of fardh’ all ten of which are bid’ah for which no
one has reported that he did with an authentic chain, nor even a weak one, nor musnad,
nor mursal, nor a single word. Indeed not one narration of the sahaabah or the best of the
following generation (taabi’een), nor the four imaams.”
9. Not reciting Al-Faatihah in the salaah; The recitation of Al-Faatihah is a pillar (rukn) and
the salaah of whoever does not recite it is void. This is according to the Prophet’s
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: Whoever makes a salaah wherein Al-Faatihah is
not recited then it is khidaaj (miscarried) - and he repeated it three times –
incomplete. [Muslim from Abu Hurairah] Also reported in the two saheehs is the hadeeth
from ‘Ubaadah Ibn Saamit (radiallahu ‘anhu) marfoo’an (attributable to the Prophet,
sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): The salaah is null for whoever has not recited the
Opening of the Book. In another wording from ‘Ubaadah: Could it be that you recite
behind your imaam? We said: Yes. He said: Don’t do so except with the Opening of
the Book (Al-Faatihah) for the salaah is null of whoever does not recite it. [Ahmed,
Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibbaan. This is evidence of its obligation for the follower.
Recitation of the follower is absolute or in the aloud prayers as opposed to what is long
known. Whether the recitation of Al-Faatihah is absolute or just in the prayers recited
aloud is an old difference of opinion among the scholars. Is it waajib or dropped? The
majority of scholars (al-jumhoor) say it is dropped however doing so is more clear from
possible error and more precaution for deen. Most of those who have the opinion of it
being dropped say that it is nevertheless desirable to recite it.
10. Recitation of the Qur’aan in rukoo’ (bowing position) or during sujood (prostration). This is
prohibited based on a narration from ibn Abbaas (radiallahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: I have been prevented from reciting the Qur’aan
while bowing or in prostration… [Muslim] Ali (radiallahu ‘anu) narrates he said: The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam prevented me from reciting the
Qur’aan while bowing or prostrating. [Muslim and others]
11. Raising the eyes to the sky during salaat or looking to the right and left without due
cause. As far as raising the eyes, it is forbidden and bears the threat of punishment. It is
narrated by Jabir Ibn Samurah (radiallahu ‘anhu) who said: The Messenger of allah
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Let the people stop raising their eyes to the sky in the
salaah or let their sight not return to them. [Muslim]
12. As far as looking around unnecessarily, it is a deficiency in the salaah of the worshipper
as long as he has not turned his entire body in another direction [i.e. away from the
Qiblah]. If however the entire body is turned then the salaah is invalidated. It is narrated
by ‘Aisha (radiallahu ‘anhaa) who said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi
wa sallam) about looking around in the salaah. He said: It is misappropriation pilfered
by Shaitaan from the salaah of the worshipper. [Al-Bukhaari]. At-Tirmidhi also
collected an authentic hadeeth: Be warned of turning or looking around in the salaah
because it is destruction. And there are other ahadeeth on looking around in the
salaah.
13. Sitting on one’s haunches (Al-Iq’aa) during the salaah and prostrating with the elbows (Al-
Iftiraash) on the ground. Al-Iqaa’ is forbidden as related by Abu Hurairah (radiallahu
‘anhu) who said: My dear friend forbade me three things: He forbade me from pecking
like a rooster [just touching the head in prostration – trans], sitting on the
haunches like a dog, and looking around like a fox. Transmitted by Ahmed and others
and its isnaad (chain) has by graded hasan (good) by Al-Mundhiri and Al-Haithami.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) forbade a man from spreading his
arms on the ground like a beast of prey. Summarizing a hadeeth collected by Muslim
from ‘Aisha (radiallahu ‘anhaa) as well as by At-Tirmidhi, Ahmed and others from Jaabir
(radiallahu ‘anhu) marfoo’an (attributable to the Prophet): If any of you prostrates
(sajdah) then keep straight and not spread his arms like the sitting of a dog.
14. Wearing a thin (see-through) garment that does not sufficiently cover the ‘auwrah (private
area). This is an invalidator of the salaah because covering one’s ‘auwrah is a condition
for a sound salaah. The man’s ‘aurah is - according to what is most authentic – from the
navel to the knee. Likewise he must cover his shoulders or one of them1 in accordance
with the statement of Allah: O children of Aadam wear you adornments to every
masjid. [Al-‘Araaf 31] It is sufficient to wear a single garment to cover the ‘auwrah
according to what is narrated from ‘Umar Ibn Salamah (radiallahu ‘anhu): He saw the
Messenger of allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam praying in a single garment (thowub) in
the house of Umm Salamah, he had cast both ends over himself. [Al-Bukhaari and
Muslim]
Ibn Qudaamah (rahimahullah) stated: It is obligatory to cover sufficiently to hide the color
of the skin, for if it is thin enough that the color of the skin may be seen from behind to the
extent that the whiteness or redness of the skin is percieved thane salaah in it is not
allowed in that covering has not been achieved.
15. A woman not covering her head with the khimaar in salaah and not covering her feet. The
‘aurah of the swoman in the sallah is her entire body with the exception of her face. Nor is
there any harm if she covers her face due to the passing by of men or the like. It is
obligatory for her to wear a khimaar which is a head covering that also covers the bosom.
This according to his (slallahu ‘aliahi wa sallam) statement: Allah does not accept the
salaah of the menstruating female unless she is wearing a khimaar. [Collected by
Ahmed and the collectors of the six most authentic books except An-Nisaa’i and it has be
authenticated by Ibn Khuzaimah and others. It is also obligatory that she cover the tops of
her feet in compliance with the hadeeth “The entire woman is ‘auwrah” Collected by At-
Tirmidhee with an authentic isnaad. Along this same meaning is what is transmitted by
Malik and abu Dawood and others from Muhammad Ibn Said Inb Qunfudh from his
mother who asked Umm Salamah (radiallahu ‘anhaa), the wife of the Prophet (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam), about what garment a woman should pray in. She answered: She
1 The evidence for covering the shoulders is found in an authentic hadeeth in the collection of Abu
Dawood, however we were unable to determine why the shaykh exempts one shoulder.
should pray in a khimaar and a full, loose-fitting chemise that conceals the tops of
her feet. Also with this meaning is the hadeeth of Umm Salamah: Lower it by an arms
length.
16. Walking in front of the praying person whether they be the imaam or praying alone and
stepping over the people during the Jumua’h khutbah. It is a sin upon the person who
passes in front of someone who is praying. If the one praying has no sutrah then it shold
be estimated to be at the place of prostration so the passerby should can pass beyond
that point. As narrated in the collections of al-Bukhari and Muslim by Abu Juhaim Ibn
Haarith (radiallahu ‘anhu), who said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
said: If the one who passes in front of the praying person knew how serious a sin it
was for him to do so it would have been better for him to wait for forty than walk in
front of him. [Forty may refer to forty days, months or years, and Allah knows best –
Trans.]
The one who pushes between the people during the Jumua’h khutbah harms people
through his being late for the salaah according to the statement of Al-Mustafah (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam): Sit for you have caused harm and come late. [Ahmed and others.
Cutting between the people is forbidden. One who enters the masjid should sit where
there is space unless he sees a genuinely open area where he should then go to it and
sit.
17. Not saying the takbeeratul-ihraam (opening takbeer) when entering upon the
congregation while the imaam is in rukoo’. This is a major mistake in that the takbeeratulihraam
is a pillar (rukn) of the salaah that must be done by the one praying when standing
for the salaah and then afterwards join the imam in the bowing position (rukoo’). To make
the takbeer (al-ihraam) and then another takbeer before giong into rukoo’ is more
complete and thorough. Abu Hurairah (radiallahu ‘anhu) narrated: The Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) would make takbeer when he stood for the sallah
and would then make takbeer upon bowing.
18. Not following the imaam (by getting in the same position) when coming late and the
imaam is sitting or in sujood (prostrating). It is most preferred and most sure for the one
who enters the masjid that he join the imaam in whatever position he may be in, whether
he be in sajdah or otherwise. It is reported by abu Dawood and others with a saheeh
isnaad that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: If you come to the
salaah and we are making sujood then you also make sujood. For a worshipper to
delay making sajdah is to have in effect prevented himself from an act of worship which
Allah loves. Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Mua’dh ibn Jabal (radiallahu ‘anhumaa) both stated: The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: If one of you comes to the salaah
and the imaam is in a position then do what the imaam is doing. This is collected by
At-Tirmidhi with a weak isnaad however it is in agreement with the preceeding hadeeth. It
is also strengthened by a narration collected by Abu Dawood from Mua’dh (radiallahu
‘anhu): I never saw him (the imaam) in a position except I was also upon it. The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily Mua’dh has performed an
act that is good for you too, so do likewise.
19. Busying oneself with matters that take one away from the salaah. This is evidence of
preference of the wordly life over that of the Hereafter, following vain desires and being
too busy to obey Allah. This is indeed ruination and of evil consequence to whoever does
it. Allah ta’aala says: O you who believe, let not yuor wealth or your children divert
you from the remembrance of Allah for whyosoever does that will be among the
losers. [Al-Munafiqoon 9] And He says in praise of the believers: Men who are not
diverted by business or trade from the remembrance of Allah and performance of
salaah. [An-Noor 37] Preoccupation with any act over the salaah or that leads to being
negligant or lazy toward it such as staying up too lateand the like, is not permissible. This
is because anything that leads to what is haraam is itself haraam, and Allah is the One
who guides to the right path.
20. Playing with one’s clothing or watch or the like. This is an act that negates khushoo’. The
evidence for khushoo’ has been presented previously in point 5 [see August Issue – Ed.].
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) forbade rubbing pebbles during the
salaah due to its negative effect on khushoo’ when he said: If any of you performs the
prayer let him not rub pebbles for mercy is turned towards him. [Ahmed and the six
collections of hadeeth with an authentic isnaad] A person might increase playing around
to the point of excessive movement that is outside of the salaah and thereby nullify it.
21. Closing the eyes for no reason. This is a objectionable act (makrooh) as Ibn Al-Qayyim
(rahimahullah) mentioned: “Closing the eyes was not from the guidance of the Rasool
(sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam).” He also said: “The scholars of fiqh have differed on its
detestability. Imam Ahmed and others deemed it detestable and they said that it was of
the habits of the Jews. However a group of them ruled it allowable without any
detestablility and they said that it may indeed be a closer means of achieving khushoo’
which is the spirit of the salaah, its heart and its aim.”
“Most correct is that if keeping the eyes open has no detrimental effect upon khushoo’
then it is preferable to do it. If decorations, adornments or the like are around the
worshipper or between him and the qiblah to the point of distraction, then there is
absolutely no objection to closing the eyes. Indeed the statement that to do so is
desirable (mustahabb) in this case is closer to the spirit of the law and its aims than the
statement that it is objectionable. And Allah knows best.”
22. Eating or drinking or laughing in the salaah thus nullifying it. As far as eating and drinking
there is consensus with regards to the fardh. Ibn Al-Mundhir stated: "The scholars (Ahlul-
‘Ilm) are in consensus agreement that the one praying is forbidden from eating and
drinking. There is also consensus among them that to do so intentionally necessitates
repetition of the salaah." Ibn Al-Mundhir also transmits that there is consensus that the
salaah is nullified by laughing.
23. Raising the voice in recitation to the point of distracting those around. It is recommended
(mustahabb) that one hears himself, not to the point that it interrupts anyone who is
reciting the Qur’aan or making salaah. Al-Bukhaari and Muslim both transmit from
‘Umraan Ibn Husain (radiallahu ‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) prayed Dhuhr and there was a man behind him reciting ‘sabbihisma rabbikal-
‘alaa’ , so when he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) finished he said: Who among you was
reciting or who was the reciter? The man said, "Me." So he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
said: I thought that some of you were disputing with me in it. The scholars state: The
meaning of his words is a disapproval of the act. Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) stated:
Whoever is reciting the Qur’aan and the people are praying additional prayer then it is not
correct for him to recite aloud thus disturbing them because the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi
wa sallam) left some of his companions while they were praying As-Sahr (before dawn)
and he said: O people, each of you is seeking salvation from his Rabb therefore do not
overpower one another with your recitation.
24. Crowding in on those who are praying. This is a type of forbidden inflicting of harm. It is
upon the praying person to pray in a place where the space ends unless he sees an
opening sufficient for him to pass and then there is no harm. However, to cause harm,
especially on Yaum Al-Jumu’ah (Friday), is generally forbidden. The Prophet (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam) said about those who cut the prayer line: Sit, for you have harmed and
come late.
25. Not making the lines straight. Allah has ordered the proper performance of salaah saying
"And establish (aqeemu) the salaah". The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) has
likewise stated: Straighten your lines for verily straightening of the lines is a part of correct
performance of salaah (iqaamis-salaah). Al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Anas. Also Al-
Bukhaari narrates from An-Nu’maan Ibn Basheer (radiallahu ‘anhu): Straighten your lines
or Allah will cause opposition between your hearts. The order to straighten the lines and
taking care to do so is mentioned in a number of hadeeth. (It should also be mention that
this includes not leaving any gaps in the lines as is all too commonly neglected – Ed.)
26. Raising the feet from the ground in sujood. This is against what is commanded as it is
confirmed in the two saheehs from Ibn Abbaas (radiallahu ‘anhu): The Prophet (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam) was ordered to prostrate upon seven limbs and not to tuck up the hair
or the clothes: the forehead (including the nose), the (palms of the) two hands, the knees
and the two feet. So the one praying is commanded to pray with the two feet touching the
ground and the complete form of this is to have the toes pointing toward the Qiblah. Part
of each foot should touch the ground and if one raises either of them his sajdah
(prostration) is incorrect if he continues to do so throughout the prostration.
27. Putting the right hand upon the left and raising them to the neck. This is in contradiction to
the sunnah because the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to put his right hand
over his left upon his chest. This is in a hadeeth of Hasan from several weak
transmissions in themselves but that in conjunction strengthen themselves. The sunnah is
also to place the hands on the middle of the chest or upon the heart because the heart is
in the chest as Allah ta’aala states: It is the hearts within the breasts that are blind.
Raising the hands (making takbeer) when going into sujood or when rising out of it. It is
an error to lift the hands to the neck and this opposes the sunnah. What is attributed to Ali
(radiallahu ‘anhu) in the explanation of the verse: So therefore pray to your Rabb and
sacrifice (wanhar – in which the verb is construed as referring to the neck [an-nahr] –Ed.)
is weak and does not constitute a proof. (Also incorrect is the incorrect practice of holding
one’s hands upon or below the navel as there is no substantiated proof from the
authenticated sunnah for this practice – Ed)
28. Raising the hands at the time of sujood or when rising out of sujood. This is in opposition
to the well-known sunnah that has been transmitted by most of the companions who
narrated about raising the hands. The student of (sharee'ah) knowledge should stick with
the well-known sunnah unless in privacy though he may believe a deed to be more
correct from the sunnah that nonetheless contradicts the practice of the generality of the
scholars. The imaam of the people should do what is known, for what is commonly and
well-known to be the sunnah upon which the majority of the scholars' practice, is sufficient
and satisfactory. (The wisdom here is that for a student to insist upon public practice of
that which is not regarded by the scholars generally as the sunnah may lead to harm and
confusion which would amount to forsaking a fardh, i.e. the prevention of harm, for the
sake of a establishing a sunnah - and one which is not totally agreed upon at that - and
would thus fall into error. The scholars do not generally unite upon any practice without
evidence, although the qualified student may disagree a given ruling or conclusion based
upon his understanding of the texts and after sincere and thorough study and reaching a
state of being personally satisfied with its outcome. – Ed.)
28. Hastiness of some imaams in the salaah and lack of tranquility within it, thus not allowing
time for the followers to be tranquil in their salaah or time to recite Al-Faatihah, especially
in the last rak’ah. The imam is responsible for making the quality of the salaah good
because he is being followed. It is therefore his duty to take care of following the Sunnah,
and tranquility is a pillar (rukn) that the imam is more obliged to take care of due to his
being followed. Likewise, the recitation of Al-Faatihah is a rukn that the followers in the
salaah must be given enough time to fulfill. We have already presented the evidence for
the obligation of maintaining tranquility (tama’neenah) and reciting Al-Faatihah.
29. Not taking care to make sujood upon the seven ‘limbs’ (i.e. the forehead along with the
nose, the palms of both hands, both knees, and the toes of both feet). Abbaas Ibn Abul-
Muttalib (radiallahu ‘anhu) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu
‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: If the slave prostrates, then seven body parts should prostrate
with him: His face, hands, two knees, and his two feet. Related by Muslim, also attributed
to Al-Majd in “Al-Muntaqaa”, Al-Muzzee and related by others.
Ibn Abbaas (radiallahu ‘anhumaa) narrated: The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
said: I have been ordered to prostrate upon seven “bones” (i.e. body parts): Upon the
forehead –and he pointed to his nose – both hands, both knees and both feet.
There are some people who do not prostrate upon both the forehead and the nose or who
raise their feet or who do not touch the palms of their hands on the ground, all of which is
in opposition to what is commanded.
30. Not caring to learn the rules of salaah. This is other than what any Muslim should do. No
doubt salaah is the greatest of the Islamic pillars requiring bodily action. Allah commands
its performance - “Aqimis-Salaah” (Perform the salaah) - in more than seventy ayaat. It is
not possible to perform it without having knowledge of its fundamentals or knowing how
the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) did the salaah. There is no room for ignorance of
the rules of salaah, knowing its prerequisites or its essential parts, obligations, the rules
for following or making up for errors and the like. It is fardh to know these matters and the
absence of knowledge of these matters is a cause of a Muslim being unaware of what
nullifies or spoils his salaah, and Allah is the Guide and Provider of Success.
31 – 34. Carelessness in reciting Al-Faatihah and with proper pronunciation such as saying
al-‘Aalimeen instead of al-‘Aalameen, ahdinaa instead of ihdinaa, an’amtu instead of an’amta,
and so on. All of these and similar errors are the type of linguistic errors that must be avoided
and no one who leads the salaat should commit them. Some may contain impossible
meanings such as when one pronounces the “t” (taa’) in “an’amta” as “da” (daad) and thus
the salaat would be spoiled.
35. Cracking the knuckles in salaah. This is from the detested actions in the salaah and is
thus forbidden. As far as cracking the knuckles in general, Ibn Abi Shaibah narrates in a
statement with good isnaad, from Shu’bah Mawlaa ibn Abbaas as stating: I prayed next to Ibn
Abbaas and I cracked my knuckles so when I finished my salaah he said, “May you lose your
mother! You crack your knuckles while you are in salaah?” Forbiddance of cracking the
knuckles is transmitted in a marfoo’ hadeeth from Ali in the collection of Ibn Maajah, however,
it is weak (da’eef)and not sufficient in an of itself (ghairu munjabir).
36. Intertwining the fingers (at-tashbeek) during and before the salaah. This is also among the
detestable matters. Ka’ab Ibn ‘Ujrah (radiallahu ‘anhu) narrates: I heard the Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: If one of you makes wudhoo then goes to
the masjid for salaah, let him not clasp his hands together for indeed he is in the
salaah. Ahmed, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi. With some difference regarding its chain, Ad-
Daarimi, Al-Haakim and others transmit from Abu Hurairah in a marfoo’ hadeeth: “If one of
you makes wudhoo in his house then comes to the masjid, he is in salaah until he
returns. Therefore do not do not do like this – and he clasped his fingers together.”
There are other mutually supporting hadeeths on this matter of tashbeek.
37. Putting forward someone to lead the salaah as imaam when it is not his place to do so
and there are others more deserving present. This contradicts the intended purpose of having
an imaam (al-imaamah), which is to be an example to follow (al-iqditaa’). It is necessary that
the imaam have understanding of the deen and is able to correctly recite the Qur’aan
according to the satatement of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): The imaam of a
people should be the one who best recites the Qur’aan…) Transmitted by Muslim from Abu
Mas’ood Al-Ansaari (radiallahu ‘anhu). The scholars have ruled that one should not be put
forward as imaam whose recitation is not good, or who openly displays sinfulness, or who has
an undignified appearance, or who is an innovator, or who is corrupt or like them. If however,
such people are put forward, the salaah of the followers is correct.
38. Improper recitation of the Qur’aan. This is an open deficiency and the right of the Qur’aan
is that it be read correctly without aberration and that the Muslim strives to improve and excel
in its recitation. Allah ta'alaa states: Recite the Qur’aan with tarteel [correct measured tone]
and When we teach you the Qur’aan, follow its recitation. Meaning, recitation as is proper
according to the Arabic language, with clarity and free from distortion. On this same line is the
superiority of the one who purifies his intention as is narrated by ‘Kaisha (radiallahu ‘anhaa)
who said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “The one who is
proficient with the Qur’aan will be with the scribes (angels) honorable and obedient. While the
one who recites the Qur’aan haltingly and finds difficulty (while striving to recite it properly)
gets a double reward.” [matafaqun ‘alaih]
39. Some men praying behind women in the Haram (The Grand Masjid) of Makkah. Doing so
there or elsewhere is a detestable action in the salaah. It is from the sunnah that the rows of
the women are behind those of the men. The salaah of a man behind a women may be a
cause of him losing all khushoo’ and a disturbance in the salaat through his looking (at the
woman) or otherwise. A man should therefore never line up for salaah behind a woman. This
is not detestable if due to necessity such as not missing the ‘Eid salaah, or Salaatul-Jumu’ah,
or the congregational salaah and other similar situations (i.e. that make it impossible to join
the front rows with the men – Trans.). A group of scholars have stated: “The Haram of
Makkah is an exception.” Shaykh Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz (may Allah preserve him) is of this
opinion.
40. Women coming to the masjid beautified or made-up and perfumed. This is one of the
open and witnessed evils that become apparent during Ramadhan and outside it. The woman
is coming out to worship her Master, not to show off the beauty of her clothing! Perhaps men
may see her and she would then be sinful and she would suffer a loss of reward for her deed.
The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) stated: “Let not any woman who is scented
attend the ‘Ishaa with us.” [Muslim] Imam Ahmed transmits along with Abu Dawood with an
authentic chain from Abu Hurairah (radiallahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) said: “Do not forbid the bondwomen of Allah from the houses of Allah, and let
them go out tafilaat.” The meaning of the word “tafilaat” is: Not beautified with adornments or perfumed.
