Distinct Realities for the Divinely Prescribed Daily Prayers

[KIWI MUSLIM]

The Distinct Realities for the Divinely Prescribed Daily Prayers (As-Salat)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The seriousness of this article demands that we seek refuge in the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful Allah, from our avowed enemies - the Satan and his progenies.

2. Let us begin in the name of Allah - the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful. Nothing can exist without His Compassion and no Truth can manifest upon us without His infinite Mercy.

3. As-Salat (in Urdu Namaz), is a name for the divinely prescribed obligatory daily prayers that we Muslims are supposed to perform. These prayers are our direct link to Allah. There is no intercessor or mediator in these communications. Reciting of these daily prayers has been enumerated, since the advent of Islam, as one of the essential fundamental pillars of Islam.

4. Upon the diligent examination of the Revealed Verses of the Qur'an, for the establishment of the divinely prescribed daily prayers (Iqamat-as-Salat), one finds the following THREE prayers that are explicitly mentioned with their respective distinct timings of establishment.
وَأَقِمِ الصَّلاَةَ طَرَفَيِ النَّهَارِ وَزُلَفاً مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ

And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the
approaches of the night. Sura Hud (11), 114. Translation by Yusuf Ali
These THREE daily prayers are: Fajr prayer recited at dawn and Maghrib prayer at the sunset - the two ends of the day; and the third one is the 'Isha prayer recited at the early nightfall.

"Verily, Prayers are enjoined upon the Believers at times assigned in a written document"
Qur'an 4: 103 (4: 104 in some translations).

5. We are also prescribed the observance of fasting As-Saum during the DAY, from dawn to dusk. Our fasting begins just before the Fajr prayer and ends with the Maghrib prayer. We do not end our fasting with the Zohr prayer at Mid-day or the 'Asr prayer in the Late-afternoon. Hence, it would be erroneous to substitute the Maghrib prayer with the Zohr or the 'Asr.
Even from the social point of view the working DAY begins with sunrise and ends with sunset.
The plural Zulafun (translated as approaches) used in the phrase Zulafamminal-layl of the above verse, applies to the noun "night" and does not apply to the "prescribed prayers".

6. The verse quoted below Commands that we should recite or speak out our daily prayers, neither in a loud tone nor in the low tone but in the MIDDLE TONE. This is an explicit, unambiguous Command and that leaves NO ROOM for reciting any of our Daily Prayers SILENTLY. To do so, after knowing this explicit text, amounts to deliberate defiance or disobedience of the Allah's Command.

وَلاَ تَجْهَرْ بِصَلاَتِكَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً
And neither speak thy Prayer aloud nor speak it in a low tone but seek a middle course between. Sura Al-Israa (17) verse 110 Translation by Yusuf Ali

It is no coincidence that the early parts of ONLY THESE THREE DAILY PRAYERS viz., Fajr, Maghrib and 'Isha are recited in audible middle tone. Unlike these three prescribed prayers the other prayers, viz., the Zohr and 'Asr are recited by the Pesh Imams, SILENTLY.

Some time back I asked a learned Muslim friend, who often leads the prayers at private gatherings; Why he was not reciting the Zohr and 'Asr prayers in the audible tone like the Maghrib and 'Isha prayers? The response I got back was that we Sunni Muslims are supposed to follow the Sunnah (the legal way or ways) of the Prophet (s.a.s.) and the Prophet used to recite these two prayers silently. If that was the Reality for a Muslim, then the next question that needs to be addressed is; Can the Sunnat-ur-Rasool (Prophet's Law) take precedence over the Sunnat'ullah (Allah's Law)? Besides, how can a believer in Allah's Word reconcile the verse number 6: 50 that reads: "Say, [O' Muhammad]... I but follow what is revealed to me." And, the verse number 10: 64 that reveals: "No change can there be in the Words of Allah. This is indeed the supreme Felicity." If the Prophet did recite a recitation silently then it was a HAMD i.e., the silent GLORIFICATION, but not a SALAH. As for NOT following the Revealed Verses and instead following the ways of our forefathers, please read: "When they are told to follow the (revelation) that Allah has sent down they say: "Nay we shall follow the ways that we found our fathers (following)." What! even if it is Satan beckoning them to the Penalty of Fire! Qur'an 31: 21. If we were to follow the Qur'an and not the forefathers, then within the Qur'an that we have there are COMMANDS OF Allah for the ESTABLISHMENT of the THREE PRAYERS ONLY by their NAMES!!
7. Strictly guarding (observing timings) of the "middle prayer" is a Divine Command of Allah:
حَافِظُواْ عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ والصَّلاَةِ الْوُسْطَى وَقُومُواْ لِلّهِ قَانِتِينَ

Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers especially the middle prayer and stand
before Allah in a devout (frame of mind). Sura Al-Baqarah 2: 238. Translation by Yusuf Ali
There is no specific Revelation that distinctly defines the ESTABLISHMENT OF FIVE SALAT as prescribed for the THREE SALAT in verse 11: 114. Hence the "middle prayer" is the Maghrib. This fact is further established by the reason that the above Command demands that this "middle prayer" must be observed at the precise time. Even during the era of the prophet (when there were no clocks and watches), it was not difficult for the followers to observe the setting of the sunset and guard the timings. On the other hand to guard the precise timing for 'Asr was not that simple. This verse number 2: 238 also supports the earlier verse 11: 114.

Note: There are verses for reciting H'amd - Glorifying Allah "at the sun's decline and in the noonday" - e.g., 30:18, they too are incumbent upon Muslims. Also, there are verses that speak of remembering Allah at all times. We shall examine these verses little later.

8. Below are some noteworthy translations and commentaries for the verses 78/79 of Surah Al-Israa (17). The Arabic text is ONE but the translations appear to be significantly diversified.
أَقِمِ الصَّلاَةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَى غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُوداً وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَى أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَاماً مَّحْمُوداً

Translation by Mohammed M. Pickthall:
Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of
night, and (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of)
the Qur'an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for it, a largess for thee. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to a praised estate. Qur'an 17: 78-79.

Translation by M. H. Shakir:
Keep up prayer from the declining of the sun till the darkness of the night and the morning recitation: surely morning recitation is witnessed. And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; may be your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.

Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali:
Establish regular prayers at the sun's decline till the darkness of the night and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony. And pray in the small watches of the morning: (it would be) an additional prayer (or spiritual profit) for thee: soon will thy Lord raise thee to a station of Praise and Glory!
Commentary: Note number 2275 by Abdullah Yusuf Ali:
The Commentators understand here (is) the command for the five daily canonical prayers, viz.: the four from the declination of the sun from the zenith to the fullest darkness of the night, and the early morning prayer, Fajr, which is usually accompanied by a reading of the holy Qur'an. The four afternoon prayers are: Zuhr, immediately after the sun begins to decline in the afternoon; 'Asr, in the late afternoon; Magrib, immediately after sunset; and 'Isha, after the glow of sunset has disappeared and the full darkness of the night has set in. There is difference of opinion as to the meaning of particular words and phrases, but none as to the general effect of the passage.

Webmaster's Recent Note: The Arabic word Salat in the beginning of this Verse, after the imperative Command ESTABLISH, is in the SINGULAR form. The last alphabet " ta" is the closed one, used with the Singular form. Pickthall, Asad, Shakir & Arberry have used the Singular form.

Translation by M. Muhsin Khan and M. T. Al-Hillali:
Perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) from mid-day till the darkness of the night (i.e. the Zuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, and 'Isha' prayers), and recite the Qur'an in the early dawn (i.e. the morning - Fajr prayer). Verily, the recitation of the Qur'an in the early dawn is ever witnessed (attended by the angels in charge of mankind of the day and the night). And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salat (prayer) with it (i.e. recite the Qur'an in the prayer), as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer - Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad). It may be that your Lord will raise you to Muqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i.e., the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection).

Translation by Muhammad Asad:
BE CONSTANT in [thy] prayer from the time when the sun has passed its zenith till the darkness of night, and [be ever mindful of its] recitation at dawn: for, behold, the recitation [of prayer] at dawn is indeed witnessed [by all that is holy]. And rise from thy sleep and pray during part of the night [as well], as a free offering from thee, and thy Sustainer may well raise thee to a glorious station [in the life to come].

Commentary: Note number 95 by Muhammad Asad:
As is evidenced by the practice (sunnah) of the Prophet, this verse fully circumscribes the five daily prayers laid down in Islam as obligatory for every man and woman; at dawn (fajr), shortly after the sun passes its zenith (zuhr), in the middle of the afternoon ('asr), immediately after sunset (maghrib), and after the night as fully set in ('isha'). Although parts of the Qur'an should be recited in every prayer, the early morning prayer is metonymically singled out as the "recitation (qur'an) at dawn" because the Prophet, under divine inspiration, used to lengthen his recitation while praying at that time, thus stressing the special significance of this particular prayer.

Translation by Arthur J. Arberry (1905-1969). Arberry was a professor of Arabic and Head of the Near and Middle East Department at London University. I have included Arberry's translation at the very end, which happens to be a literal work by a non-Muslim scholar, for a comparative study.
Perform the prayer at the sinking of the sun to the darkening of the night and the recital of dawn; surely the recital at the dawn is witnessed. And as for the night, keep vigil a part of it, as a work of supererogation for thee; it may be that thy Lord will raise thee up to a laudable station.

After examining the extensively diversified translations we discover that some translators have attempted to present the literal translations faithfully, without any gloss. Others have either superimposed or substituted the literal translation with their personal beliefs. The words such as "from the zenith" or "passed its zenith" do not appear in revealed text itself. The verse 110 of the same Surah (17) has a COMMAND from Allah to Pray in MIDDLE TONE and not silently.
Nay, We have conveyed to them the Truth: but they indeed practice Falsehood! Qur'an 23: 90.

THINK... which were the Prayers recited by the Prophet in the Middle (audible) tones and why?
Were the ones recited TODAY SILENTLY, the SALAATS (Salawat) to be Established or HAMDS?

Upon further study one discovers that the sources for the personal opinions of the translators who write for THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIVE PRAYERS do not lead us to verses of the Qur'an.
Their source material happens to be the re-reported "Sayings of the Prophet" - better known as the Hadeeths - which were collected from the orally transmitted narrations and compiled centuries after the passing of the Prophet (s.a.s.). One such popular Hadeeth with graphic details, which is often quoted by the Imams is reproduced below. The text reproduced below is copied from the computer CD - ALIM. Compilation by Imam Bukhari, Volume 1, Narration 345, Narrator Abu Dhar, Classification; PRAYER: How Prayer was prescribed. The Arabic text of this Hadeeth appears in the published book - Volume One, Book Eight, The Book of As-Salat, Hadeeth number 349. Please read below the quoted text from Al-Bukhari and also read with an open mind the six notes at the end.
Text of Al-Bukhari's Hadeeth No. 345 (349):
Allah's Apostle said, "While I was at Mecca the roof of my house was opened and Gabriel descended, opened my chest, and washed it with Zam-zam water. Then he
brought a golden tray full of wisdom and faith and having poured its contents into my chest, he closed it. Then he took my hand and ascended with me to the
nearest heaven, when I reached the nearest heaven, Gabriel said to the gatekeeper of the heaven, 'Open (the gate).' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered: 'Gabriel.' He asked, 'Is there anyone with you?' Gabriel replied, 'Yes, Muhammad is with me.' He asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' So the gate was opened and we went over the nearest heaven and there we saw a man sitting with some people on his right and some on his left. When he looked towards his right, he laughed and when he looked toward his left he wept. Then he said, 'Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious son.' I asked Gabriel, 'Who is
he?' He replied, 'He is Adam and the people on his right and left are the souls of his offspring. Those on his right are the people of Paradise and those on his left are the people of Hell and when he looks towards his right he laughs and when he looks towards his left he weeps.'
My personal note:
The souls of all the dead will be raised on the 'Day of Resurrection'. Thereafter they all will appear before Allah (S.W.T.) for the Judgment. New bodies will be given to these souls, records of their deeds will be given by the angels in their hands. Thereafter, they will be sent to the Paradise or to Hell. That 'Day of Judgment' has not yet arrived. That seriously questions the authenticity of Hadhrat Adam's "laughing" and "weeping". Please continue reading the Hadeeth...
Then he (Gabriel) ascended with me till he reached the second heaven and he (Gabriel) said to its gatekeeper, 'Open (the gate).' The gatekeeper said to him the same as the gatekeeper of the first heaven had said and he opened the gate. Anas said: "Abu Dhar added that the Prophet met Adam, Idris, Moses, Jesus and Abraham, he (Abu Dhar) did not mention on which heaven they were but he mentioned that he (the Prophet) met Adam on the nearest heaven and Abraham on the sixth heaven. Anas said, "When Gabriel along with the Prophet passed by Idris, the latter said, 'Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious brother.' The Prophet asked, 'Who is he?' Gabriel replied, 'He is Idris.' The Prophet added, 'I passed by Moses and he said, "Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious brother.' "I asked Gabriel, "Who is he? "Gabriel replied, "He is Moses." Then I passed by Jesus and he said, "Welcome! O pious brother and pious Prophet." I asked, "Who is he?" Gabriel replied, "He is Jesus." Then I passed by Abraham and he said, "Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious son." I asked Gabriel, "Who is he?" Gabriel replied, "He is Abraham." The Prophet added, "Then Gabriel ascended with me to a place where I heard the creaking of the pens." Ibn Hazm and Anas bin Malik said: The Prophet said, "Then Allah enjoined fifty prayers on my followers. When I returned with this order of Allah, I passed by Moses who asked me, 'What has Allah enjoined on your followers?' I replied, 'He has enjoined fifty prayers on them.' Moses said, 'Go back to your Lord (and appeal for reduction) for your followers will not be able to bear it.' (So I went back to Allah and requested for reduction) and He reduced it to half. When I passed by Moses again and informed him about it, he said, 'Go back to your Lord as your followers will not be able to bear it.' So I returned to Allah and requested for further reduction and half of it was reduced. I again passed by Moses and he said to me: 'Return to your Lord, for your followers will not be able to bear it. So I returned to Allah and He said, 'These are five prayers and they are all (equal to) fifty (in reward) for My Word does not change.' I returned to Moses and he told me to go back once again. I replied, 'Now I feel shy of asking my Lord again.' Then Gabriel took me till we reached Sidrat-il-Muntaha (Lote tree of the utmost boundary) which was shrouded in colors, indescribable. Then I was admitted into Paradise where I found small (tents or) walls (made) of pearls and its earth was of musk."
My personal note:
1. The Qur'an reveals that the future is known to ALLAH ALONE (see 27:65, 72:26). Prophet Moses who did not know the future - alike Prophet Muhammad, could never claim he knew the future or he knew beyond what the Giver of the Command knew. The entire base of the conversation between the two Prophets is founded upon Moses foretelling: "your followers will not be able to bear it". That is being seriously questioned.

2. The Narration relates that Allah did originally Command 50 prayers, then reduced them to 25 prayers, then again reduced them to 12.5 prayers and finally reduced them to 5 prayers. However, within the same narrated text Allah Declares before the Prophet "My Word does not change". This Declaration questions authenticity of reduction story.

3. It is inconceivable that Prophet Muhammad a messenger and slave of Allah could even open his mouth before his Master - the Rabbul 'Alameen, except to say Labbaika wa sa'daika meaning; "I respond to your call and I am obedient to your orders." Repeated approaches and repeated demands for reduction by the Prophet are most unlikely.

4. فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَهُ يُؤْمِنُونَ Transliteration: Fabi-'ayyi Hadeethim-ba'-da-hou yu'-minoun. Translation: In what statement Hadeethi, after this [Qur'an], will they believe? Surah 77 : 50. Allah requires us to have full faith in His Revealed Hadeeth - Statement.

5. While going through the entire text of this critical narration we DO NOT FIND any speech by the Prophet addressing his followers on the subject or any command by the Prophet asking his followers that Five Daily Prayers were made obligatory upon them.

6. We do not find any speech by the Prophet informing the followers to recite the Three Prayers mentioned by name within the REVELATIONS to be recited in the middle tone and the additional two prayers received personally by him from Allah to be recited silently.

The Teaching of Christ Jesus overshadowed by the Letters of Paul (Saul).
The Words of Allah overshadowed by the Legend of Bargaining by Bukhari.
Establish Salaats at fixed hours that have been prescribed in a written document (Kitaaban Mawqot). Qur'an 4: 103.
Within the written document sent to the Believers, there are Three Salaats and other are Hamds.

The Realities for Various Prayers:

1. I have asked, for over a period of ten years or more, several Imams and Islamic Scholars as to how many Daily SALAATS (As Salaawat) are prescribed within the Qur'an. Almost all have identified only THREE SALAATS by their respective names. Recently, in response to the posting of the Part One of this article, the knowledgeable Muslim net surfers have also indicated the same number. Here are those THREE SALAATS with their names, to be established by Muslims:

A) Salat ul Fajr in verse 24: 58 صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِِ

B) Salat ul 'Isha in verse 24: 58 صَلَاةِ الْعِشَاء
c) Salat ul Wusta (literally the "middle prayer") in verse 2: 238 الصَّلَوَاتِ والصَّلاَةِ

2. No one has so far identified the FIVE DAILY SALAATS by their names, from the Qur'an.

3. The identifications of the Farj prayer recited at Dawn and 'Isha prayer recited in the early nightfall have not been questioned. The opinions do differ as to which is the "middle prayer".

Salat ul Wusta : Since Allah (S.W.T.) has identified only THREE Salaats, the "Middle Prayer" has to be in between the Fajr and 'Isha prayers. Is it the 'Asr prayer -recited in the late afternoon or the Maghrib prayer -recited at sunset? There is a serious problem with opting the 'Asr prayer as the prescribed Middle Prayer. The person who opts for 'Asr would be reciting TWO out of the 3 prescribed prayers in the "Middle Tone" and this prescribed 'Asr prayer "Silently". He (she included) cannot honestly justify that inconsistency in obeying Allah's command for reciting the prescribed prayers in the "Middle Tone". On the other hand, one who opts for the Maghrib will have the satisfaction of diligently obeying Allah's Command.

A couple of years ago, I asked a visiting Imam; Why are we reciting Zohr and 'Asr silently when the Allah Commands us to recite the Salaats in the "Middle Tone"? His response was that due to extra vigilant activities of the enemies of Islam, during the early advent of Islam, the Prophet used to recite the Day Time Salaats silently. The Prophet did not want the Kuffars (non-believers) to hear our Salaats and criticize them. When I conveyed that response to a friend of mine, he immediately drew my attention to the Friday NOON SALAAT (see details below), which has always been recited in the audible "Middle Tone". The call for the Friday Salaat (Adhan) inviting Believers was also announced from the top of the Prophet's Mosque. This historical fact indicates that the response given by the Imam does not hold the ground. The tradition of reciting the early part of a prescribed Salaat in the "Middle Tone" and the rest of it "Silently" has its roots in the books of Islamic jurisprudence (law) called FIQH - specifically Fiqh-us-Sunnah. And, the base of these rulings also go back to the re-narrated Hadeeths.

Salaati miny-yawmil Jumu'ati (Friday Noon Prayer):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِي لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ُ
O ye who believe! When the call is heard for the prayer of the day of congregation, haste unto remembrance of Allah and leave your trading. That is better for you if ye did but know. Surah Al-Jamu'ah (62): 9
Allah (S.W.T.) has used the same term "Salaat" for this Prayer. The same term He has chosen for the THREE prescribed Prayers. It is NO coincidence that this Jumuah Salaat is ALSO recited in the "Middle Tone". This fact supports the belief that the Divinely Prescribed Salaats are to be recited in an audible tone and other prayers, praises, du'as and glorifications "Silently".

Celebrating the Praises of Allah at various times:

O ye who believe! celebrate the praises of Allah and do this often; And glorify Him morning and evening. Qur'an 33: 41-42

So glory be to Allah when ye enter the night and when ye enter the morning-- Unto Him be praise in the heavens and the earth--and at the sun's decline and in the noonday. Qur'an 30: 17-18

Therefore (O Muhammad) bear with what they say: and hymn the praise of thy Lord before the rising and before the setting of the sun; And in the night time hymn His praise: And after the (prescribed) prostrations. Qur'an 50: 39-40

Remember the name of thy Lord at morn and evening. And worship Him (a portion) of the night. And glorify Him through the long hours of night. Qur'an 76: 25-26

And glorify Him in a part of the night, and also as the stars fade away. Qur'an 52: 49

Bring your Rabb to remembrance deep in your soul with humility and in reverence below your breath (without raising your voice), both in the mornings and in the evenings; and be not of those who are heedless. Qur'an 7: 205
The above verses do Command the Prophet and those who fear Allah and those who are not heedless to celebrate the Praises of their Rabb (Creator & Sustainer), to remember Allah and Glorify Him at the above mentioned times. Glorifying Allah at the sun's decline, in the noon-day and in the night time is also incumbent upon the Believers. We are reminded of the additional prayers that are being recited individually and silently, after the prescribed daily prayers. Remembering Allah silently (below the breath) - the Internal Meditation, is also upheld. I have not included every verse on this subject since some of them are repetitions of the Message.

Optional Prayers for the Spiritual Progress:

Surely your Rabb knows that you stand in prayers nearly two- thirds of the night, and sometimes one-half or one-third of it, so do others among your companions.
Qur'an 73: 20.
And pray in the small watches of the morning: (it would be) an additional prayer (or spiritual profit) for thee: soon will thy Lord raise thee to a station of Praise and Glory! Qur'an 17: 79.


These Additional and Optional Prayers are mostly recited individually in homes and silently.
Salat ul Kasuf (Prayer of the solar and lunar eclipse): This is very important...

In the month of Ramadan, on Wednesday October 27, 2004, I went to a Mosque in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to break my Fasting (Saum) and participate in the Maghrib Salaat. That evening happened to be the day of Total Lunar Eclipse in North America. The Imam recited a special Salat ul Kasuf (a very lengthy prayer of two extended Raka'ts) followed by Khutbah.
Since there is nothing in the Qur'an on this tradition of offering this Special Prayer of Eclipse, his entire sermon was based upon the recorded Hadeeths in circulation and Fiqh-us-Sunnah.

I have reproduced below some of these texts in circulation. Please read carefully and reflect.
A quote from the Book of Fiqh-us-Sunnah Volume 2, Number 34A.
"The scholars agree that the prayer of the eclipses is a sunnah mu'akkadah, a stressed one, which is to be performed by both men and women. It is best to pray it in congregation although the congregation is not a condition for it."

A quote from the Book of Fiqh-us-Sunnah Volume 2, Number 36A.
"If you see that [an eclipse] supplicate to Allah, extol His greatness, give charity and pray." They also record from Abu Musa that there was a solar eclipse and the Prophet said: "If you see something of this nature, rush to the remembrance of
Allah, supplicating Him and asking His forgiveness." Fiqh-us-Sunnah Vol. 2, No. 36A.

"Fiqh-us-Sunnah" means the Islamic Jurisprudence based upon the Prophetic Traditions, which in turn are based upon the prevalent "Sayings" - the Hadeeths.

Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadeeth Number 458, Narrator Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As:
There was an eclipse of the sun in the time of the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him). The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) stood up [here the narrator has described the details of the extended rak'ah] and he did similarly in the second rak'ah, he then puffed in the last prostration saying; Fie, Fie! He then said: My Lord, didst Thou not promise me that Thou wouldst not punish them so long as I will remain among them? Didst Thou not promise me that Thou will not punish them so long as they continue to beg pardon of Thee. The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) finished the prayer, and the sun was clear.

Compilation by Muslim, Hadeeth Number 445, Narrated by Bibi Aisha
So when you see them (solar or lunar eclipse), hasten to prayer. He (Prophet Muhammad) also said this: "Observe prayer until Allah dispels the anxiety (of this extraordinary phenomenon) from you".
Compilation by Al-Bukhari, Hadeeth Number 7-676,
Narrated by Abu Bakra Thaqeefi.
The solar eclipse occurred while we were sitting with the Prophet. He got up dragging his garment (on the ground) hurriedly till he reached the mosque. The
people turned (to the mosque) and he offered a two-Rak'at prayer whereupon the eclipse was over and he traced us and said, "The sun and the moon are
two signs among the signs of Allah, so if you see a thing like this (eclipse) then offer the prayer and invoke Allah till He remove that state."

Compilation by Al-Bukhari, Hadeeth Number 2-158,
Narrated by Abu Bakra Thaqeefi.
Allah's Apostle said: "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of
Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone but Allah frightens
His devotees with them."
Note: Please do not confuse this narrator with the prominent Caliph Abu-Bakr As-Siddiq (R.A.). Abu Bakra Thaqeefi and his companions were punished with lashes, according to the Qur'anic laws by the Caliph Umar bin-al-Khatab, for leveling the unsubstantiated charges of adultery against the Governor of Basra Mugheera. Abu Bakra admitted he could not establish the charges. His evidence was rejected by Calipha Umar. It is surprising that Bukhari has recorded seven or more other Hadeeths from Abu Bakra. Authenticity of Some of them is also doubted.
Realities of the Solar and Lunar Eclipses:

Today we know that whenever the Moon passes through some portion of Earth's Outer Shadow penumbra or the Inner Shadow umbra, we have the partial or the total eclipses.
The Moon has no light of its own. It shines due to the reflection of sunlight from its surface.
Since the motions of Sun, Moon and Earth are constant we know that there will be two lunar eclipses in the year 2005, visible from the North America, on April 24 and October 17, 2005.

Please read and reflect upon what we are told by Allah (S.W.T.) in the Qur'an:
It is He (Allah) Who created the Night and the Day and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along each in its rounded course. Qur'an 21: 33.

The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed (by Allah). Qur'an 55: 5.

Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day and He merges Day into Night; that He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law) each running its course for a term appointed: and that Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do?
Qur'an 31: 29.

It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon nor can the Night outstrip the Day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law). Qur'an 36: 40.

He has subjected the sun and the moon to His law, each one following a course for an appointed term. Is not He the All-Mighty, the All-Forgiving? Qur'an 39: 5.
Since the day of the creation of this Universe the Sun, the Moon and our Earth have been travelling in the courses pre-ordained by Allah the Creator and Sustainer. And, their movements are not in the least associated or influenced by our Deeds, Prayers or Charities.
To claim that phenomena of the Solar and Lunar Eclipses are the expressions of Allah's Wrath and Allah would not dispel these calamities until we pray and give donations is ascribing Falsehood in the name of Allah. It is also the Rejection of Allah's Truth based upon the QUR'AN. Can the 'Secondary Document of Islam' take precedence over the 'Primary Document'?
Can we give the Sunnat-ur-Rasool or the Fiqh, priority and precedence over the Sunnatullah?

Serious Note:
Come next Eclipse on April 24, 2005 and those who have never reflected upon the practices of their forefathers and have been reciting these Salat ul Kasuf (prayers of solar and lunar eclipses) behind their Imams since childhood will have no problem reciting these extra prayers.

TODAY, there are millions of Muslim Brothers and Sisters who have joined Islam and they do REFLECT. Allah says: "We explain (expound) the Signs in detail for people who reflect." 10: 24. Many of these reverted Muslims who do reflect upon the Islamic Rituals are sure to question; Why would Allah introduce this Prayer of Eclipses with His Deen - Islam, when it is an undisputable fact that these Eclipses are the COMPUTED EVENTS OF HIS CREATIONS???

THOSE WHO REFLECT MUST KNOW THE FACT THAT THIS PRAYER IS NOT INTRODUCED BY ALLAH... We are often reminded that Obeying Allah and Obeying the Rasool is the Command of Allah. Accepted, but in the same verse it says; "If you differ in anything" first refer to Allah and then to Rasool and then to those charged with authority (Imams). WHOM ARE YOU GOING TO OBEY?

In the end I earnestly request all to read the following verses carefully and REFLECT...
When it is said to them: "Follow what Allah hath revealed" they say: "Nay! we shall follow the ways of our fathers." What! even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance? Qur'an 2: 170

And when Our clear revelations are recited unto them they who look not for the meeting with Us say: Bring a Lecture other than this, or change it. Say (O Muhammad): It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I only follow that which is inspired in me. Lo! If I disobey my Lord I fear the retribution of an awful Day. Qur'an 10 : 15

"But whosoever turns away from My Message verily for him is a life narrowed down and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment." He will say: "O my Lord! why hast thou raised me up blind while I had sight (before)?" (Allah) will say: "Thus didst thou when Our Signs came unto thee disregard them: so wilt thou this day be disregarded." Qur'an 20: 124/125/126
Those who are bent on denying the truth and on barring (others) from the path of Allah -- all their (good) deeds will He let go to waste. Qur'an 47: 1-2-3.
Jazak Allah Khair for reading the article and contemplating upon the Revealed Texts.
May the Most Compassionate and Merciful Allah forgive me if I have erred.

Disclaimer: I am neither an Imam nor a Learned Scholar. I have expressed my personal views for your own judgment and verification. Remember: Allah's Guidance Is The Only Guidance.
I am open to suggestions...

Akbarally Meherally
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Brother's comment... (November 27, 2004)
dear brother in islam,

salamun `alaykum. greetings to one all. i trust you all enjoyed the just-concluded month of fasting are now ready to continue ... doing good works!

here are my brief comments on the paper, "The Distinct Realities for the Divinely Prescribed Daily Prayers (As-Salat)" by our learned brother and defensor fidei (defender of the faith), Akbarally Meherally. thank you for sharing this article with me.

i am in general agreement with the tenor of the paper and the reasonings of the author, since i myself have independently come to these conclusions many years ago.

it is abundantly clear that shaykh meherally has critically examined the issue of the Islam's canonical prayers, beginning with the sacred Qur'an, including multiple translations and associated commentaries, before moving down to the next level in the authoritative hierarchy, that is, the prophetic tradition.

however, there is hole in his analysis that needs to be addressed, and maybe, he is currently thinking how to fill that gap; what i am referring to here is the jumu`ah salah referred to in 62:9: "you who believe, when the call is heard for the prayer of the day of congregation, haste unto the remembrance of Allah and leave your trading. that is better for you if you did but know."

it could be prudently reasoned that this midday prayer is unique only to fridays--the day of congregation. but i have not seen any evidence that this is suggestion is authentic.

now, here are some additional observations:
it is clear that the noble Qur'an has explicitly mandated three ritual prayers;
there is no agreement among the scholars regarding the "middle prayer;" in fact, each of the five prayers is regarded by some as the middle prayer.
personally, i view salah al fajr as the middle prayer, on the basis that the lunar day begins the evening before;
the five prayers currently in force is not necessarily an aberrant arrangement, since Allah has told us: obey Me and obey the prophet (multiple times), and also, 'he who obeys the prophet obeys Me.'
again, Allah has given us in the noble Qur'an the mandatory procedures for wudu', and the prophet has (for good reasons) expanded those fard actions, with a few additional requirements, something which should not be considered unusual, since he has been duly instructed to teach us our rituals and religious ceremonies;
what is not quite transparent from the scriptural texts is the historic development of the ritual prayers; that is, how did Islam move from "three" authorized prayers to "five."
the author quote that long hadith from bukhari which purports to explain the "five" but, as he correctly pointed, that hadith is suspect and questionable;
as a consequence of this "rather long hadith report", it could be argued that the scholars have stretched 17:78-79 to incorporate four prayers: zuhr, `asr, maghrib, and `isha', as suggested by hilali and muhsin khan.
this is all for now ... until later, when i may have more to say. but, before i go, i do want to thank shaykh akbarally meherally for being one of those who truly think, ponder, and pay heed to Allah's words and His Hadith as narrated in the His sacred Book, al Qur'an al karim.

amin ya rabbul alamin


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saying "Ameen" after the Imam in the Salaat:

A Hadith by Al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Number 2, in CD ALIM; Vol. 1, Book of Adhan (10), Number 112. Narrated by Abu Hurairah. Please read the following text that's related to Salaat and reflect...

Allah's Apostle said, "When the Imam says: 'Ghair-il-Maghdubi 'Alaihim Walad-Dallin
(i.e. not the path of those who earn Your Anger, nor the path of those who went astray,' (1.7)), then you must say, 'Ameen', for if one's utterance of 'Ameen' coincides
with that of the angels, then his past sins will be forgiven."

Glorious Qur'an: "...and who can forgive sins except Allah?" 3: 135


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following text added on December 8, 2004:

Upon examination of the prescribed rites of worship within the earlier nations (communities), we discover that Allah S.W.T. had prescribed to the followers of Moses THREE DAILY RITUAL (STANDING) PRAYERS. Jews from all over the world observe them facing the direction of Jerusalem. These prescribed prayers are called Amidah. The morning prayers are known as Shacharis, the late afternoon Mincha and the one observed before going to bed as Ma'ariv. The Fifth Book of Moses called Deuteronomy of the (Jewish Bible), records that Prophet Moses had commanded his followers to include their capsule credo - the brief confession of faith called "Shema Yisrael" , in their Three Daily Prayers. The text of Shema translates: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone." (Deuteronomy 6: 4). In the Book of Daniel (6: 10) it is recorded that Daniel used to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God.
We also know from the Bible that the earlier prophets used to "fall on their faces and prayed" like we do; e.g., Prophet Abraham (Geneses 17: 3); Prophet Job (Job 1: 20); Prophet Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16: 22); Prophet Jesus (Matthew 26: 39). Peace be upon all prophets.

In the next two verses of the Qur'an (22: 68 and 69) it was revealed to the Prophet (s.a.s.):
If they argue with you, say: "Allah knows best all that you do." Allah will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection concerning the matters in which you differ.
I wish to end this article with a crucial thought provoking DIVINE MESSAGE to MUSLIMS:
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِي لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُواً أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ {6} وَإِذَا تُتْلَى عَلَيْهِ آيَاتُنَا وَلَّى مُسْتَكْبِراً كَأَن لَّمْ يَسْمَعْهَا كَأَنَّ فِي أُذُنَيْهِ وَقْراً فَبَشِّرْهُ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ {7


Among the people there are some who purchase Ridiculous Hadeeths so that they may lead people away from the Way of Allah, without any knowledge (of its true source), and take the invitation to the Right Way as a mockery. For such people there will be a humiliating punishment. When Our revelations are recited to such a person, he turns his face away in arrogance as if he did not hear them or as if his ears are sealed: announce to him the news of a painful punishment.
Qur'an Surah Luqman (31): 6-7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Further notable verses of the Qur'an added on December 14, 2004:

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche, in which there is a lamp, the lamp is enclosed in crystal, the crystal is of a star like brilliance, it is lit with the olive oil from a blessed olive tree which is neither eastern nor western, its very oil would almost be luminous though no fire touched it - as though all the means of increasing Light upon light, Allah guides to His Light whom He pleases. Allah cites such parables to make His message clear to the people; and Allah has knowledge of everything. His Light is found in those houses which Allah has sanctioned to be built for the remembrance of His name; where His glory is extolled, in the mornings and in the evenings - by such people whom neither business nor business profit can divert from the remembrance of Allah, nor from establishing Salah and nor from paying Zakat, for they fear the Day of Judgement when hearts will be overturned and eyes will be petrified, who hope that Allah will reward them according to the best of their deeds and add for them even more out of His grace: for Allah gives without measure to whom He pleases.
Qur'an 24: 35-36-37-38
Little further in verse 41 it is revealed:

Do you not see that Allah is the One Who is praised by all those who are in the heavens and in the earth? The very birds praise Him as they wing their flight. Each one knows indeed how to pray unto Him and how to praise Him, and Allah has full knowledge of all their actions.

Note: Within the hi-lighted portions of verse 35 to 38, one notices that in the mornings and in the evenings is mentioned. There is no mention of "the afternoons" associated with the Mosques - houses which Allah has sanctioned to be built for the remembrance of His name.
The verse 41 identifies two objects - salatahou and tasbeehah - the Prayers and the Praises.

A serious Hadeeth from Bukhari on Zohr and 'Asr Prayers:



The above exceptional question and its typical answer is repeated by Bukhari in four other Hadeeths. These narrations raise three critical questions, besides others that one may think of...

1. Why did NOT Prophet (s.a.s) teach his Companions what to recite in Zuhr and 'Asr prayers?

2. Why the Companions did not ask the Prophet what they should recite in Zuhr &'Asr prayers?

3. Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari died in 260 A.H. Why did he find it necessary to repeatedly record these speculative dialogues on the Zuhr and the 'Asr Prayers, more than two centuries after the ADVENT OF ISLAM if the subject matter was NOT a controversial issue, during his time?

May Allah Guide Us All to His Unchanging Eternal Truth