ummtaalib

11: Sujud: The Greatest Pillar of Salah You will now proceed on to say Allāhu Akbar and fall into prostration. Sujūd is the secret of ṣalāh and its greatest pillar. Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) stated that all the actions before this great deed were just preludes to it. Every preparation you make before ṣalāh is for this meeting point with Allah (ʿazza wa jall). Sujūd is the closest you can be to Allah (ʿazza wa jall), despite your weaknesses and many sins. Sujūd is a unique and special meeting point with Allah (ʿazza wa jall). When you are in sajdah, peeping at someone or something becomes very difficult. When in sajdah, you lower your entire body, your face and ultimately your heart. You submit to Him, glorify Him and pour out your heart to Him. There is no greater manifestation of your servitude to Him than this great act. Furthermore, Allah (ʿazza wa jall) has dignified sujūd by making its effect manifest on the face, the most noble part of the human body. Allah (ʿazza wa jall) says, “…Their distinguishing feature – as a result of prostration – is on their faces” (48:29). According to some scholars, this āyah signifies the brightness and radiance of their faces on the Day of Judgement. Others says it refers to khushūʿ, humility and outstanding character as a result of their sujūd. On the Day of Judgement, the Prophet ﷺ will recognise his ummah from their shining faces. Their faces will be radiant as a result of their sujūd in this world. The more sujūd you perform in this world, the more radiant your face will be in the hereafter and the quicker you will be identified by the Prophet ﷺ. Allah (ʿazza wa jall) has made the Hell-fire ḥarām for the face which prostrates itself to Him. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Hell-fire will consume all of the son of Ādam except the mark of prostration. Allah has forbidden the Fire to consume the mark of prostration” (Ibn Mājah). The 7 Objectives of Sujūd 1. Humility and showing your absolute need In sujūd you are rubbing your face (the noblest part of your body) onto the ground, and thereby completely humbling yourself to Allah. Therefore, show Allah (ʿazza wa jall) your absolute need for Him. Go to Him completely and broken. Think of how weak and helpless you are. Ensure there is no barrier between the ground and your face. The Prophet ﷺ purposely rubbed his blessed face in the mud, demonstrating the extent to which he humbled himself in front of Allah (ʿazza wa jall). Prostrating on the earth acts as a reminder of your humble origins and the place of your ultimate return: the grave. People walk and trample on the earth, yet this is the same substance you have been created from. As you lower your face,lower your ego and place it onto the ground. Purify yourself from pride and humble yourself to the Most Magnificent. Let each part of your body humble itself for Allah (ʿazza wa jall) and show its servitude (ʿubudiyyah) to Him. Not only should your face be lowered and humbled, but so should your hands, knees and feet. Lift your stomach from your thighs and your arms from the sides of your body. Ensure your arms are not spread out on the floor. Let each part of your body physically demonstrate its servitude to its Master and do not let them be dependent on each other. Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) explained that in sajdah, the lower body ends up at a higher level than the upper body, and this emphasises the submission of the slave. In this broken and lowly state, the slave glorifies and magnifies Allah (ʿazza wa jall). The secret of the prostration is the prostration of the heart. Thus, it is vital that just as your body performs sajdah, your heart should also perform sajdah. One of the predecessors was asked, “Can the heart prostrate too?” He replied, “By Allah, of course! A prostration from which he does not raise his head, until he meets Allah.” Reflect The need, desperation and humility you feel in sujūd and in front of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) should extend beyond your ṣalāh. You will only have internalised servitude (your ultimate purpose in life) when you think entirely of yourself as nothing, and desperately turn to Him for everything. Not only will you rely solely on Him, but you will also strive to please Him and abstain from disobeying Him. Similarly, this humility should prevent you from looking down on others and remove every trace of pride from your heart. 2. Closeness Savour the sweetness of being close to Allah al-Qarīb (The Ever-Near) in sujūd. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The closest a slave is to his Lord is when he is prostrating” (Muslim). Allah (ʿazza wa jall) instructed His beloved ﷺ, “…Prostrate and draw near (to Allah)” (96:19). The longer your sajdah, the greater your chance of enjoying Allah’s close intimacy. In this world, we seek closeness with those whom we love since we derive peace and tranquillity in their company. With Allah (ʿazza wa jall), there is even more peace and tranquillity if we sincerely seek His closeness. To truly feel the sweetness of ṣalāh, you have to feel the sweetness of sujūd. 3. Duʿā’ Sujūd is one of the best times to make duʿā’. Pour your heart out to Allah (ʿazza wa jall) in this time, and cry out of fear of Him. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “As for sujūd, go to great lengths in making duʿā’ in it, as it is likely that your duʿā’ shall be answered” (Muslim) Make duʿā’ for everything, be it minor or major. (See our publication ‘I Am Near’ for a detailed guide on how to make duʿā’). Be selfless and make duʿā’ for your family, friends and the ummah. Be like Abu al-Dardā’ (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) who said, “Indeed I make duʿā’ for thirty of my brothers whilst I am in sujūd, with their names and their fathers’ names.” Have conviction that Allah (ʿazza wa jall) will accept your duʿā’. Sufyān b. ʿUyaynah (raḥimahullāh) said, “Whatever (evil) you know about yourself should not prevent you from making duʿā’, because Allah accepted the duʿā’ of the worst of Allah’s creation. Iblīs – may he be cursed – said, ‘My Lord, give me respite until the Day when they are resurrected.’ (Allah) said, ‘You are of those given respite.’” Reflect Five times a day I will knock at the door of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) and go to Him with my problems, worries and needs. The longer I spend in conversation with Him, the more at ease my heart feels. I feel lighter and I feel calmness enveloping me. I also remember my loved ones and I make duʿā’ for all those suffering in the ummah. 4. Sins being forgiven Visualise your sins being perched on top of your shoulders as you are in sujūd. The greater your khushūʿ, the more you will cry. The more sincere you are in your crying, the faster your sins will fall off your shoulders, like leaves off a tree. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “When the slave stands to pray, all of his sins are brought and placed on his head and shoulders. Whenever he bows or prostrates, they fall off him” (Ṭabarānī). The greater your sins, the lengthier you should stay in sujūd. By the will of Allah (ʿazza wa jall), your tears will wash away the dirt accumulated on your heart due to your sins. Maʿdān b. Ṭalḥah (raḥimahullāh) said, “I met Thawbān (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu), the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. So, I asked him, ‘Inform me of a deed through which Allah will grant me good and admit me into Paradise.’ He remained silent for quite a while. He then turned to me and said, ‘Hold on to sujūd, for indeed I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: There is no slave who performs a sajdah except that Allah raises him a level through it, and wipes away a sin from him through it’” (Tirmidhī). 5. Be with the Prophet ﷺ in the highest heaven Rabīʿah b. Kaʿb (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) would spend the night in the service of the Prophet ﷺ and bring him water for his purification and wuḍū’. Once, the Prophet ﷺ said to him, “Ask!” Rabīʿah said, “I ask you for your company in Paradise.” When the Prophet ﷺ asked him if he would like anything else, he replied, “Only that.” The Prophet ﷺ then told him, “Then help me to achieve this for you through abundant sujūd” (Muslim). Perform additional voluntary prayers and prostrations, and have the intention of being raised to the highest heaven so that you can be in the company of the Prophet ﷺ. 6. Feel happy about overcoming your enemy Feel happy that you have overcome your greatest enemy, Shayṭan who detests that you fall into prostration to your Lord. Visualise him crying in the corner of your room, saying, “Woe to me! The son of Ādam was commanded to prostrate, and he prostrated so for him is Paradise. I was commanded to prostrate, and I refused so for me is Hell-fire” (Muslim). 7. Feel a sense of self-honour Feel honoured that you only bow your head to Allah (ʿazza wa jall) and to none of His creation. You are only relying on Him and it is Him (ʿazza wa jall) Alone that you ask for help. Be like Imām Aḥmad (raḥimahullāh) who said, “O Allah, as you have protected my face from prostrating to other than You, then protect it from asking anyone other than You.” The Adhkar of Sujud It was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ to lengthen his sujūd. He said, “When one of you prays, he should complete his rukūʿ and he should not peck in his ṣujūd, for the example of this is like the hungry person who consumes one or two dates. What use will they be for him?” (Ṭabarānī). He ﷺ also said, “The ṣalāh of a person will not suffice unless he straightens his back in rukūʿ and sujūd” (Abū Dāwūd). One way of lengthening your sujūd is by memorising and supplicating (especially in your nafl prayers) with the following sunnah adhkār: 1. x3 سُبْحَانَ رَبِّـيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ How Perfect is my Lord, the Most High. When you are in sujūd, you are at your lowest having placed your face on the ground. Therefore, it is most apt that you proclaim His greatness, along with affirming His (ʿazza wa jall) perfection above anything which does not befit His (ʿazza wa jall) greatness and grandeur. 2. سُبُّوْحٌ قُدُّوْسٌ، رَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوْحِ The Supremely Perfect, The Most Pure, The Lord of the Angels and the Spirit (Jibrīl). 3. سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّنَا وبِحَمْدِكَ ، اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ How Perfect are You, Allah our Lord, and for You is all praise. O Allah, forgive me. 4. سُبْحَانَكَ وَبِحَمْدِكَ ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ You are free from imperfection, and all praise is to You. There is no god worthy of worship except You. 5. اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ سَجَدْتُ ، وَبِكَ اٰمَنْتُ ، وَلَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ ، سَجَدَ وَجْهِيْ لِلَّذِيْ خَلَقَهُ وَصَوَّرَهُ وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وَبَصَرَهُ ، تَبَارَكَ اللّٰهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِيْنَ O Allah, for You Alone I have prostrated, in You Alone I have believed, and to You Alone I have submitted. My face has prostrated to the One who created and fashioned it, and who formed its hearing and sight. Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators. Whilst reading this duʿā’, feel a sense of shame and shyness from the One who granted you all of the aforementioned blessings; and yet you still disobey Him. Imagine you were blind and Allah (ʿazza wa jall) had not bestowed you with the gift of sight. Imagine you were deaf and you could not hear your loved ones or the recitation of the Qur’ān. 6. سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْجَبَرُوْتِ ، وَالْمَلَكُوْتِ ، وَالْكِبْرِيَاءِ ، وَالْعَظَمَةِ How perfect is the Owner of might, dominion, grandeur and greatness. 7. اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ ذَنْبِيْ كُلَّهُ ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ ، وَعَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ O Allah, forgive for me all of my sins: the minor and major, the first and the last, the public and the private. 8. اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنّيْ أَعُوْذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ ، وَبِمُعَافَاتِكَ مِنْ عُقُوْبَتِكَ ، وَبِكَ مِنْكَ ، لَا أُحْصِيْ ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ ، أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِكَ O Allah, indeed, I seek protection in Your pleasure from Your anger, and in Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and in You from Your [aforementioned anger and punishment]. I cannot enumerate Your praise. You are as You have praised Yourself. ʿĀ’ishah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhā) said, “One night, I noticed that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was missing. I found him (in the Masjid), in prostration with his feet upright; he was saying [the above]” (Nasā’ī). The optimum time for duʿā’ Whilst in sujūd, you can make any duʿās you wish to; you are not limited to the above duʿās. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The closest a slave is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of duʿā’” (Muslim). Therefore, you should make as much duʿā’ as you can in your sajdah, especially in your voluntary prayers. It is best to supplicate with the duʿās from the Qur’ān and Sunnah. (For a list of these supplications, along with the translation, see our publication ‘I Am Near’).

10: Standing up from Ruku: A Pillar of Praise After rukūʿ, stand up straight and raise your hands saying: سَمِعَ اللّٰهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ May Allah respond to the one who praises Him. Take your time in this posture as it is a unique posture that precedes and prepares you for the greatest pillar of ṣalāh: sujūd. Stand up calmly and give this posture its due. The Prophet ﷺ used to lengthen this posture, just as he would lengthen his rukūʿ and sujūd. This pillar of ṣalāh is a special pillar in which you praise the Lord of Majesty and Honour. Therefore, once you are peacefully standing, say one of the following: 1. اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ O Allah, our Lord, to You Alone belongs all praise. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “When the Imām says: سَمِعَ اللّٰهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ say: اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ, for indeed whoever coincides in saying this with the angels, his past sins will be forgiven” (Bukhārī). 2. رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ، حَمْدًا كَثِيْرًا طَيِّبًا مُّبَارَكًا فِيْهِ Our Lord, to You Alone belongs all praise; abundant, pure and blessed praise. Rifāʿah b. Rāfiʿ(raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) narrated, “One day we were praying behind the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. When he raised his head from rukūʿ, he ﷺ said ُ سَمِعَ اللّٰهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ A man behind him ﷺ said [the above]. When he ﷺ finished, he asked, ‘Who uttered those words?’ The man replied, ‘Me.’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘I saw some thirty-something angels racing to write it first’” (Bukhārī). 3. لِرَبِّيَ الْحَمْدُ ، لِرَبِّيَ الْحَمْدُ For my Lord alone is all praise. For my Lord alone is all praise. (Abū Dāwūd) 4. رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ مِلْءَ السَّمٰـوٰتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمِلْءَ مَا شِئْتَ مِنْ شَىْءٍ بَعْدُ ، أَهْلَ الثَّنَاءِ وَالْمَجْدِ ، أَحَقُّ مَا قَالَ الْعَبْدُ – وَكُلُّنَا لَكَ عَبْدٌ – اَللّٰهُمَّ لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْطَيْتَ ، وَلَا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ ، وَلَا يَنْفَعُ ذَا الْجَدِّ مِنْكَ الْجَدُّ O Allah, for You Alone is all praise; praise which fills the heavens and the earth, and which fills whatever You wish after that. You are most worthy of praise and glory. The greatest truth the slave can utter is – and we are all Your slaves – O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold; and the wealth of the wealthy does not avail him from You (Muslim). In this dhikr, you are praising Allah (ʿazza wa jall) to a level beyond your imagination! لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْطَيْتَ ، وَلَا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ [O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold]: This is reminiscent of the Prophet’s advice to his cousin ʿAbdullāh b. ʿAbbās (radiy Allāhu ʿanhumā), who narrated, “One day I was behind the Messenger of Allah ﷺ (on a camel) and he said to me, ‘Son, I will teach you some words: Be mindful of Allah and He will be mindful of you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. When you ask, then ask Allah. When you seek help, then seek help from Allah. Know that if the nation gathered together to benefit you with something, they would only benefit you with something that Allah has already written for you. If they gathered together to harm you with something, they would only harm you with something that Allah had already written against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried’ (Tirmidhī). الْجَدُّ: Jadd means good fortune and includes: wealth, power, and fame. None of these can protect you from the punishment of Allah (ʿazza wa jall). Reflect I am content with all that Allah (ʿazza wa jall) has decreed for me. I am not anxious or envious. I do not hold grudges in my heart towards someone who may have more than me. Rather my daily ṣalāh – and this reminder in particular – fills my heart with contentment and peace. 5. اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ مِلْءَ السَّمٰـوٰتِ وَمِلْءَ الْأَرْضِ وَمِلْءَ مَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَمِلْءَ مَا شِئْتَ مِنْ شَيْءٍ بَعْدُ O Allah, Our Lord, for You Alone is all praise; praise which fills the heavens, which fills the earth, which fills whatever is in between them, and which fills whatever You wish after that (Muslim). 6. اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ مِلْءَ السَّمَاءِ وَمِلْءَ الْأَرْضِ، وَمِلْءَ مَا شِئْتَ مِنْ شَيْءٍ بَعْدُ، اَللّٰهُمَّ طَهِّرْنِيْ بِالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ وَالْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ طَهِّرْنِيْ مِنَ الذُّنُوْبِ وَالْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْوَسَخِ O Allah, for You Alone is all Praise which fills the heavens and the earth, and which fills whatever You wish after that. O Allah, purify me with snow, hail and cold water. O Allah, purify me from sins and mistakes as white cloth is purified of dirt (Muslim). Reflect This pillar of the ṣalāh is characterised by the praising and thanking of Allah. Praise Him (ʿazza wa jall) for allowing you to bow down to Him (ʿazza wa jall) and to express your humility to Him, especially as there are so many people who do not share this privilege. Thank Him for all His (ʿazza wa jall) blessings upon you.

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9: Ruku: A Pillar of Glorification Once you have completed your recitation, go down into rukūʿ, saying ‘Allāhu Akbar’ (Allah is Greater than…!). Reflect on the meaning of this great phrase when you say it. Lower your head in awe of the Lord of the worlds. Straighten your back, let every joint in your body relax, and glorify Him by uttering: x3 سُبْحَانَ رَبِّـيَ الْعَظِيْمِ How perfect is my Lord, the Magnificent! The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “As for the rukūʿ, then magnify the Lord in it” (Muslim). Rukūʿ is one of the most significant pillars of ṣalāh. Its position is one of the most intense symbols of servitude, submission and humility. In rukūʿ, not only do you glorify Allah (ʿazza wa jall) but you also simultaneously humble: the heart, the tongue and the limbs. Feel your self-importance diminishing, whilst the awe and glory of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) expand in your heart. The more your heart glorifies Allah (ʿazza wa jall), the fear and awe of His creation will slowly vanish from your heart. Everything other than Allah (ʿazza wa jall) will begin to appear small and insignificant. Do not rush this position. Take your time, prolong your rukūʿ whenever possible and inshā’Allah you will feel the sweetness and joy in this position. The secret of rukūʿ The adhkār (remembrances) of rukūʿ are the secret of this pillar. Make every effort to memorise them. They will help you in internalising the greatness and grandeur of Allah (ʿazza wa jall). The Prophet ﷺ would lengthen his rukūʿ to the same duration as his qiyām in his voluntary prayers, repeating the following adhkār with humility, devotion and reflection: 1. سُبْحَانَ رَبِّـيَ الْعَظِيْمِ How perfect is my Lord, the Magnificent! In stating the word ‘subḥān’, you are declaring the perfection of Allah and negating all deficiencies. This is followed by the word ‘rabbī’ (my Lord). Note the use of the pronoun ‘my’. Saying ‘my’ should stir a sense of closeness, bonding and love. Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is my Lord, the One who created me, nurtures me, feeds me, clothes me, heals me and manages all of my affairs. Next, you describe Him (ʿazza wa jall) as ‘al-ʿAẓīm’: the Magnificent, the Great. سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ means to glorify Allah (ʿazza wa jall) above any imperfection or deficiency i.e Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is free from all defects. Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is the Most Glorified who has no partner or rival, who possesses every aspect of perfection, and whose actions are pure and free from evil. 2. سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْجَبَرُوْتِ والْمَلَكُوْتِ والْكِبْرِيَاءِ والْعَظَمَةِ How perfect is the Owner of might, dominion, grandeur and greatness! (Abu Dawūd). الْجَبَرُوْتِ [might]: the origin of this word is jabr. This refers to: a) The power and might of Allah (ʿazza wa jall), through which He compels His creation according to His will, and through which He will seize the worldly jabābirah (tyrants). b) Allah (ʿazza wa jall) mending and restoring the condition of those who are ‘broken’, weak and oppressed. c) The sublimeness of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) which cannot be comprehended by the limited human mind. الْمَلَكُوْتِ [dominion]: Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is the King, whose dominion is everything that surrounds us; that which we can see and cannot see. Of the latter are the Kursī, the Throne of Allah, Paradise and the Hell-fire. الْكِبْرِيَاءِ [grandeur]: This quality is only praiseworthy for Allah (ʿazza wa jall), and is not one that human beings should have. Only He is entirely Perfect in every sense. الْعَظَمَةِ [greatness]: There is nothing greater, more vast and more powerful than Allah. Our limited minds cannot perceive His greatness. 3. اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ رَكَعْتُ ، وَبِكَ اٰمَنْتُ ، وَلَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ ، خَشَعَ لَكَ سَمْعِيْ ، وَبَصَرِيْ ، وَمُخِّيْ ، وَعَظْمِيْ ، وَعَصَبِيْ O Allah, for You Alone I have bowed in prayer, in You Alone I have believed, and to You Alone I have submitted. My hearing, sight, mind, bones and nerves are humble to You (Muslim). In this duʿā’, you are affirming your devotion and submission to Allah (ʿazza wa jall), the Almighty. سَمْعِيْ [My hearing]: My hearing has humbled to You, thereby, ensuring I will not listen to anything that displeases you. I will not listen to evil speech, backbiting or music. بَصَرِيْ [My sight]: My sight has humbled to You. I will, therefore, not look at anything unlawful. These two senses have been singled out in this duʿā’ because they are responsible for most of our distractions. The humbling of both these senses and ensuring they submit to Allah (ʿazza wa jall) will result in an automatic decrease in the whispers of Shayṭān. The impact of this will then appear on the rest of the body. Reflect Ask yourself: Have I really submitted? Am I watching ḥarām content? Am I engaging in ribā? Am I being good to my neighbours? Am I observing ḥijāb as per the commands of Allah , or am I being swayed by society’s false interpretation of it? 4. سُبُّوْحٌ، قُدُّوْسٌ، رَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوْحِ The Supremely Perfect, The Most Pure, The Lord of the Angels and the Spirit [Jibrīl] (Muslim). قُدُّوْسٌ [The Most Pure]: Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is Pure from all defects and evil. He is Pure in His (ʿazza wa jall) Essence and in all of His actions. He is Free from what our imaginations perceive about Him; He transcends what we think of as ‘perfection’. He is Free from oppression, partner or child. There is no one like Him. He b purifies the hearts of His believing slaves, and is glorified by them and the angels. 5. سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّنَا وَبِحَمْدِكَ، اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ How perfect are You, O Allah, our Lord, and all praise is for You. O Allah, forgive me (Muslim). This duʿā’ affirms the positive attributes of Allah (ʿazza wa jall), and negates all negative attributes. The praise also precedes the request for forgiveness, making it likelier to be accepted. The Prophet ﷺ would supplicate regularly with this duʿā’. ʿĀ’ishah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhā) reported, “I did not see the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performing any prayer since (Sūrah al-Naṣr) was revealed, except that he supplicated or said in it [the above supplication]” (Muslim). This is because Sūrah al-Naṣr contains the direct commandment of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) to His beloved ﷺ: “Then extol the perfection and praise of your Lord, and seek forgiveness from Him. Surely He is Ever Relenting” (110:3). The above command was revealed to him at the end of his life to prepare him to meet his Lord. Thus, he ﷺ was instructed to occupy himself in glorifying, praising and seeking forgiveness from Him. 6. سُبْحَانَكَ وَبِحَمْدِكَ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ How Perfect are You, and all praise is for You. There is no god worthy of worship except You (Muslim). Reflect Ask yourself, how is my submission to Allah (ʿazza wa jall)? Do I submit to Him (ʿazza wa jall) equally both in private and in public? Is my submission to Allah (ʿazza wa jall) the same when I am serious and when I am joking around? Do I take jokes too far by lying, just to make others laugh? Do I submit in times of anger like I do when I am calm? Or do I dispose of the beautiful conduct which my faith in Allah (ʿazza wa jall) requires from me, and hurt those around me? Reflect A temporary submission Do I submit to Allah inwardly and outwardly in Ramaḍān, but then forget Him (ʿazza wa jall) throughout the rest of the year? Do I return to Allah (ʿazza wa jall) and beg His (ʿazza wa jall) forgiveness when I become ill or am undergoing difficulty, and then forget about Him (ʿazza wa jall) once my health has improved or the difficulty has passed? Do I cry and does my heart soften when a loved one passes away, but quickly become distracted again by the glamour and glitz of this life? Do I wear ḥijāb when I visit the house of Allah, but then remove it after leaving?

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The only fear which I have over my Ummah (in regard to their hearts being affected) is the weakness of conviction.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #416) From this hadeeth, we learn that one of the main fears which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had for his Ummah was the fear of the Imaan and conviction of the Muslims becoming weak. In reality, it is a person’s belief and conviction that motivates and urges him into action. Every person understands the danger of a loaded gun, and hence if a loaded gun is held to one’s head (Allah Ta‘ala forbid!), a person will immediately cooperate with the one holding the gun. The reason is that there is a firm conviction and deep belief that a bullet to the brain will result in instant death. When it comes to the world around us, then we are able to openly observe the chain reaction of cause and effect. We see car accidents resulting in fatalities and natural disasters ending in calamity. Hence, the conviction of these causes and effects is deeply rooted in people’s hearts. As far as the Hereafter is concerned, then Jannah and Jahannam, the siraat (bridge) which crosses over Jahannam and leads to Jannah, and the weighing of the deeds – all these relate to the unseen. The rewards for our righteous deeds and punishments for our actions will only be seen after we leave this world. Thus, as time passes, if an effort is not made on one’s Imaan, then these realities of the Hereafter gradually recede to the back of one’s mind, where they appear to be a distant dream. On account of remaining in the blessed company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were blessed with true Imaan and conviction. Thus, Sayyiduna Haarith bin Maalik Ansaari (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that he once passed by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “How are you this morning, O Haarith?” Sayyiduna Haarith (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I commenced the morning as a true believer.” Hearing this answer, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “Look at (i.e. consider) what you are saying, for every statement has a reality (i.e. a proof)! So, what is the reality (proof) of that (your statement)?” Sayyiduna Haarith (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “This morning, I have turned away from the Dunya (material world), thus I spent my entire night awake (in worship) and remained thirsty throughout the day (fasting). It is as though I can see the throne of Allah Ta‘ala being brought out for the reckoning, and it is as though I can see the inhabitants of Jannah visiting one another in Jannah, and it is as though I can see the inmates of Jahannam howling to one another (in anguish and distress).” When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) heard this answer, he said, “(You are) a slave (of Allah Ta‘ala) whose heart contains the Noor of Imaan. Since you have acquired the recognition (of Allah Ta‘ala), remain steadfast (upon your Imaan and Deen).” (Musannaf Ibni Abi Shaibah #31064 and Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #190) Such was the Imaan and conviction of Sayyiduna Haarith (radhiyallahu anhu) that it was though he could see Jannah and Jahannam before him – and this prompted him to spend his night standing in Ibadah and his day fasting for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala. Today, there is no lack of knowledge and information. There is an abundance of Deeni websites, inspirational lectures, educational literature, informative posts and Ulama to whom people can refer. Yet, despite this, Deen and the Sunnah is still seen to be on the decline. Muslim women know that adopting purdah and dressing with modesty is compulsory, and Muslim men know that they must perform their Salaah in the masjid – yet we find that very few people hold onto these actions. The reason is that our Imaan and conviction has become weak. The solution is to make an effort on our Imaan. Daily, we must conduct ta’leem at home. When reading the incidents of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), our hearts will be moved and our Imaan will receive a boost. Likewise, we should daily speak about the greatness of Allah Ta‘ala, try to recite the first Kalimah 100 times, as well as take out a few minutes before going to bed to ponder over Jannah, Jahannam, the grave and the other realities that face us after death. Insha-Allah, through adopting this simple procedure, our Imaan and conviction will remain strong. May Allah Ta‘ala bless us with true Imaan and conviction, aameen. uswatulmuslimah.co.za

Jerusalem refugee camps of Shuafat and Anata under siege for the 4th day after killing of an Israeli soldier Saturday’s shooting at the checkpoint at the Palestinian refugee camp of Shuafat in occupied East Jerusalem came after Israeli forces killed four Palestinian teenagers in the last 24 hours amid near-daily Israeli raids in Palestinian territories. More than 114 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since the beginning of the year in the occupied West Bank in the deadliest violence in seven years. The United Nations on Saturday warned that “mounting violence” in the occupied Palestinian territory was “fuelling a climate of fear, hatred and anger”. Israeli police said the alleged gunman was driven to the checkpoint by an accomplice. He got out of the car, opened fire and ran into the camp as the driver sped away. Full details at Al-Jazeera

Palestine is the intersection of all oppression “Palestine is the intersection of all oppression”, a statement that needs to be discussed in detail to understand why the fight for Palestinian liberation provides such a unique opportunity to defeat ALL TYPES OF OPPRESSION in one place, practiced by one single entity against a defenseless people..The fight for Palestinian liberation and freedom should be at the core of every struggle and the point of origin, from which oppression, in all its forms, can be challenged and defeated worldwide. More slides here

Doownload Surah Faatihah here

8: Al-Fatihah – The Greatest Surah Have you ever wondered why Allah chose this specific sūrah from all the other sūrahs in the Qur’ān? Why are we required to read Sūrah al-Fātihah at least 17 times a day? Why is it repeated in every single rakʿah? What’s so amazing about this sūrah? Al-Fātiḥah means ‘the Opening’ as it opens the Qur’ān. It is the entrance for the Qur’ān and your ṣalāh; and your entry for attaining closeness to your Lord. Ṣūrah al-Fātiḥah is also known as the Mother of the Qur’ān, the Seven Oft-Repeated āyāt and the Cure. It is the greatest sūrah in the Qur’ān and the key to the entire Qur’ān. It is also both an introduction and a summary of the whole Qur’ān. Al-Ḥasan (raḥimahullāh) said, “Allah sent down 104 books from the heavens and He condensed these books into four books: the Torah, the Zabūr, the Injīl and the Qur’ān. Then He condensed the content of the first three books into the Qur’ān. He then condensed the content of the Qur’ān into the Mufaṣṣal (Sūrahs 50-114). He then condensed the content of the Mufaṣṣal into Sūrah al-Fātiḥah.” Others added that that the content of Sūrah al-Fātiḥah can be condensed into the āyah: “You Alone we worship, and You Alone we ask for help.” The 3 Key Themes Sūrah al-Fātiḥah was revealed in Makkah. In keeping with the other Makkan sūrahs it focuses on the three fundamental principles: 1. Establishing the Oneness of Allah (ʿazza wa jall). 2. Establishing Prophethood. 3. Belief in the Hereafter. Ṣūrah al-Fātiḥah: A Special Conversation A distinctive quality that makes Ṣūrah al-Fātiḥāh extremely special is that it forms a unique conversation between you and Allah (ʿazza wa jall). Allah (ʿazza wa jall) responds to you after every āyah that you read in it. Memorise the following ḥadīth, as it will transform your ṣalāh. You say: Allah replies: اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ My slave has praised Me الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ My slave has extolled Me مٰلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ My slave has glorified Me (or My slave has entrusted his affairs to Me. إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِيْنُ This is between Me and My slave and My slave shall have what he asked for. اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيْمَ ، صِرَاطَ الَّذِيْنَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوْبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّآلِّيْنَ This is for My slave and My slave shall have what he asked for. At the end of reading each āyah, pause like the Prophet ﷺ would when reciting al-Fātiḥah. Take a moment to reflect on Allah’s reply to you. Reflect On reading ‘My slave’ in the above hadith, what feeling does this invoke in you? Think back to when you would visit your parents or grandparents, and they would affectionately say, ‘My child/son/daughter has come.’ How did this phrase make you feel? Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is above all examples. He is the Most Powerful and the Lord of the worlds. Despite being an unworthy sinful slave of His, He still addresses you here as, ‘My slave.’ Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) said, “How extreme is the joy and happiness of the slave when his Lord says ‘My slave’ three times. By Allah, if the hearts were not clouded by the smoke of the desires and lusts, they would erupt from joy and delight when their Lord, Creator and God says, ‘My slave has praised Me, My slave has extolled me, My slave has glorified Me.’” Sūrah al-Fātiḥah: The Best Duʿā’ Each time you recite Sūrah al-Fātiḥah, do you remember that it is a duʿā’? Allah (ʿazza wa jall) taught us this perfect duʿā’ because of His endless Mercy. As humans, we continuously make mistakes and commit sins, and are in constant need of guidance. We need this guidance more than food and drink. By guiding us, Allah (ʿazza wa jall) helps us to obey Him and to stop sinning. Thus, no evil will befall us in this world nor the hereafter. For this reason, this sūrah is one of the most comprehensive duʿās. The sūrah is also a lesson and a reminder on how to make duʿā’. Firstly, you ask Allah (ʿazza wa jall) through His Perfect Names, and, secondly, you express your servitude and need for Him. Sūrah al-Fātiḥah also reminds you of the importance of repetition and persistence when making duʿā’, as you make this duʿā’ at least 17 times every day. Sūrah al-Fātiḥah reminds me… of who Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is to affirm the Oneness of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) and to strengthen my īmān in Him of the endless mercy & love of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) of my end and my ultimate destiny to not only contemplate deeply over Paradise and the love of Allah (ʿazza wa jall), but also to think about the Hell-fire and the fear of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) to praise Allah (ʿazza wa jall) with His Beautiful and Perfect Names of the importance of gratitude of my purpose in life, while also answering my questions of ‘Where did I come from?’ and ‘Where am I going?’ of the most important relationship in my life: the slave-Master relationship to ask, trust, humble myself and worship Him Alone of who I should and should not aspire to be like of the importance of following the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ and of loving him not to become complacent and to always ask Allah (ʿazza wa jall) for guidance and firmness. Āmīn Remember to seal Sūrah al-Fātiḥah with Āmīn. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “When the imām says Āmīn, then say Āmīn; for indeed the one whose Āmīn coincides with the Āmīn of the angels will have his previous sins forgiven” (Bukhārī). Āmīn means, “O Allah, accept my duʿā.” ʿAlī (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) said, “Āmīn is the seal of the Lord of the worlds. It is with it that His slaves seal their duʿā’.

Q. A Hindu couple had been married. The Hindu wife accepted Islam. Can the revert Muslim woman who had been a Hindu wife marry a Muslim man immediately after accepting Islam or does she have to wait for a period before making Nikah? When can she make Nikah? (Question published as received) A. If a non-Muslim woman accepts Islam and her non-Muslim husband does not accept Islam, the woman will have to observe the Iddah period of three menstrual cycles for a menstruating woman or three Months for a non-menstruating woman or if she is pregnant, then until she gives birth before marrying a Muslim man. If her husband does not accept Islam before the termination of her Iddah period, her marriage with her non-Muslim husband will terminate and she is free to marry a Muslim man. (Shaami 3/191) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Mufti Moosa Salie (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

(An Essential Hospital Guide) Being admitted to hospital, particularly for those undergoing surgical procedures, can be a challenging experience. Muslim patients may erroneously assume that being in hospital absolves them from performing Salaah. This may be due to ignorance of the Islamic aspects of Purity and Salaah as well as the various relaxations that Islam affords to the patient. The attached booklet seeks to explain the most convenient manner in which the obligation of Salaah can be fulfilled and is written with the hospitalised patient in the mind. It is meant to be simple to understand yet comprehensive in its reach. The book covers the central concepts of Fiqh, pre-admission advice as well as specific health conditions and common surgical procedures. It provides general guidelines that are applicable to most patients on aspects that would enable them to be not only regular in their Salaah but comfortable in its practice. We make Du’aa that Allah Ta'ala accepts this contribution solely for His pleasure and uses it as a means to enable Muslim patients to uphold and fulfil the cardinal pillar of Salaah, Ameen. The e-book can be downloaded here. Shukran Was Salaam Mufti Moosa Salie Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) - Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians Purity-and-Salaah-for-Muslim-Patients-E-Book-FINAL.pdf

7: Reciting Qur’an Once you have recited you opening duʿā’, you will now recite Sūrah al-Fātiḥah, followed on by a sūrah or a selection of āyāt from the Qur’ān. A summary of how to recite the Qur’an in your salah: 1. Always recall that you are standing in front of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) and that you are conversing with Him. 2. Recite slowly and beautifully. 3. Reflect on the words you are reciting. Fill your heart with love, hope and fear according to the words you are reciting. 4. When you come across an āyah about mercy, stop and ask Allah for His mercy. When you come across an āyah about punishment, stop and ask Allah’s protection. When you come across an āyah where you can make a duʿā’, stop and ask Allah. 5. Whilst reciting, try to visualise and interact with what you are saying. 6. Alternate between what you recite. Read the more detailed article Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an for how you should recite in ṣalāh.

6: Istiʿadhah & Basmalah ollowing the completion of the opening duʿā’, you will proceed on to seeking the protection of Allah from Shayṭān. أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ I seek protection in Allah from the rejected Shayṭān. أَعُوْذُ: I take refuge, safeguard myself, take precaution, and I am careful. عَاذَ means to flee from that which you fear will harm you to that which will protect you from it. Istiʿādhah (seeking protection) is essentially an act of the heart. When seeking protection with Allah, you are: (1) throwing yourself in front of Him, displaying your need of Him, and (2) submitting and humbling yourself in front of Him. Istiʿādhah also acts as an acknowledgement of Allah’s ultimate power, and the human being’s weakness and inability to combat the unseen enemy, Shayṭān. Ṣalāh is Shayṭān’s battlefield. No other situation enrages and annoys Shayṭān more than ṣalāh. First, Shayṭān will try to make you miss your ṣalāh. If he fails, he will try to make you delay it as much as possible. Again, if he fails, he will try to dissuade you from your sunnah and nafl prayers. If he still fails to deter you, he will come to you in your ṣalāh and try to ruin it with his constant whispers. Be vigilant and constantly guard your ṣalāh, for Shayṭān is a thief who wants to ‘steal’ from your ṣalāh until you have nothing left in it. Shayṭān is an evil enemy. His invisibility makes him even more deadly. Because we cannot see him, we forget about him. In an increasingly material world, when we have a problem, we tend to look for physical causes. It would not be considered ‘intellectual’ or ‘scientific’ to blame Shayṭān and his cronies. Although he is not always the culprit, Shayṭan is constantly inflicting his evil on the children of Ādam. He comes and goes. He is described in the Qur’ān as ‘khannās’: the one who retreats and comes back. He always lurks about to inflict maximum damage wherever possible. Shayṭān will especially try his best to prevent you from reciting Qur’ān with reflection (tadabbur). This is because reflecting on the Qur’ān gives life to the heart, and is the secret of worldly and heavenly bliss. Shayṭān rages with envy. The angels prostrated to Ādam in obedience to Allah’s command, whilst he refused and was thrown out of Paradise. Up until today, he tries his utmost to prevent the sons of Ādam from prostrating. When you understand his envy and his tenacity in pursuing you, remember that you cannot defeat him by yourself: you need his and your Master, Allah (ʿazza wa jall), on your side. It is for this reason that Ibn Taymiyyah (raḥimahullāh) once told his student, Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh), “If a shepherd-dog attacks you, don’t bother fighting him back. Instead seek the help of the shepherd because he will push the dog away from you and will protect you from him.” Thus, the protection of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) – the All-Powerful (al-Qawiyy), the Guardian (al-Ḥafīẓ) – is our most effective weapon to defeat Shayṭān. You may also choose to recite the slightly longer form of the istiʿādhah: أَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ السَّمِيْعِ الْعَلِيْمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ ، مِنْ هَمْزِهِ وَنَفْخِهِ وَنَفْثِهِ I seek protection in Allah, the All-Hearing and All-Knowing from the rejected Shaytān; from his promptings (inciting madness), his blowing (of pride in the hearts) and his obscene poetry. (Aḥmad). Basmalah بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very Merciful. You start by asking for the help of Allah (ʿazza wa jall). Through this, you are expressing your servitude to Him. By uttering His Name, you are also asking Him to bless you in all that you do. بِسْمِ اللهِ: By stating ‘In the Name of Allah’ you are saying ‘I begin with every Name that belongs to Him.’ This includes all of His Most Beautiful and Perfect Names, and you are asking Him through all of His Names. By saying bismillāh, you are acknowledging His rubūbiyyah and ulūhiyyah (Oneness in His Lordship and sole right to being worshipped). اللهِ: The only One deserving of being singled out for worship due to His Perfect Godly Attributes. Many scholars have regarded this Name to be ‘the Greatest Name of Allah’. It is a comprehensive name which includes all of His Names. It can only be used for Him. الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ : (Article coming soon)

Installation of the "Smart shooter" This week the occupation installed a permanent automatic weapon, called the ‘Smart Shooter’. Which is able to shoot various types of munition at all times.This weapon is normally used in border areas, but now also in the densely populated city of Al Khalil (Hebron).Hundreds of Palestinians pass this area on a daily basis. For example to go to work, home and school. Eye On Palestine (@eye.on.palestine) • Instagram photos and videos

PM Truss considering relocation of British embassy to Jerusalem British Prime Minister Liz Truss has told her Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid that she is considering moving the British embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem, a move that would break Britain’s long-standing policy on Israel-Palestine. During the meeting on Wednesday in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Truss informed Lapid “about her review of the current location of the British Embassy in Israel,” according to a statement put out by the prime minister's office. During the Tory leadership contest, Truss, then foreign secretary, made similar comments in a letter to an influential lobby group, the Conservative Friends of Israel, saying she was inclined to relocate the embassy to the contested city of Jerusalem. "I understand the importance and sensitivity of the location of the British Embassy in Israel," Truss said at the time. In her letter, the foreign minister also promised to “cement” Britain’s ties with Israel by expediting a Free Trade Agreement being drafted by the government. Boosting bilateral cooperation In their meeting on Wednesday, Truss and Lapid discussed boosting bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of defence, cyber security, trade, and green technology. They also agreed to set up teams to negotiate the free-trade agreement as quickly as possible. Britain has long maintained its embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv, even after Israel declared Jerusalem as its capital, as part of a longstanding policy that the city's final status should be decided following negotiations. In 1967 Israel occupied and annexed the eastern part of the city of Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as the capital of a future state, in a move that has never been recognised by the international community. If the British Embassy is moved, Truss would be following in the footsteps of former US President Donald Trump who, in defiance of international law, moved the American embassy to Jerusalem in 2017, a move that formally recognised Israel's sovereignty over the city. Truss had also previously vowed a further crackdown on the international boycott movement, backing a bill to prevent public bodies, including local councils, from joining the BDS campaign to divest funds from Israel for its illegal activities in the occupied territories. Source

Yvonne Ridley The British media want us to believe that the awful scenes of violence on the suburban streets of Leicester were triggered by a cricket match between India and Pakistan in Dubai last month. That narrative pushed by lazy journalists is much easier than confronting the real issues at play in this East Midlands city, because that requires some digging around in the bloody history of colonial brutality and imperialism that many would rather we forget. The reality is that Muslim and Hindu youths in masks and balaclavas are a by-product of settler colonialism in both Kashmir and Palestine, which has spawned followers of two extremist ruling ideologies: Zionism and Hindutva. Britain's colonial past has come back to haunt it, and unless the government in Westminster gets to grips with historic injustices created during the days of the British Empire, the scene is set for more unrest in Middle England. Both Palestine and Kashmir represent key colonial struggles created and then abandoned by Britain more than 70 years ago. If the retreating United Kingdom thought that the people it left behind would sort out their own differences after the Union Flag was lowered for the last time, it was wrong. Britain left behind fertile ground in which the violent ideologies of Zionism and Hindutva have flourished. Zionism was launched in the 19th century to encourage the Jewish diaspora to respond to historic discrimination and anti-Semitic pogroms by creating a "Jewish state" in Palestine. Britain backed this move with the 1917 Balfour Declaration, the terms of which were incorporated in the League of Nations mandate granted to the UK to prepare Palestine for independence. While Britain provided a potential solution to the quest of Zionist Jews, its meddling created a major problem for the indigenous Palestinians in mandate Palestine. Between 1919 and 1936, the ruling British took land from thousands of Palestinians and distributed it among European Zionist settlers. Extreme force was used by the British against the local people; while their homes were demolished, around 5,000 Palestinians were jailed and 148 others were executed by the mandate authorities. Having lit the touch paper to an endless struggle, Britain then quit its mandate early in May 1948, by which time the nascent United Nations had proposed the 1947 Palestine Partition plan. Jerusalem was designated as a "separate body" of land with special status as international territory. When the British pulled out, the Zionists declared "independence" for the State of Israel, and seized West Jerusalem. The consequent ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians is known by the survivors and their descendants as the "Nakba" (Catastrophe). Meanwhile, in India, Britain oversaw the partition of the country into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority East and West Pakistan in 1947. The people in the princely state of Kashmir were promised a referendum to decide whether it would be part of India or Pakistan. That referendum never materialised, and the running sore of Indian occupation continues to this day. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir, which has a majority Muslim population. Pakistan views Kashmir as a natural extension of itself. Localised warfare continued throughout 1948 until the UN intervened and a ceasefire was called in January 1949. In July of that year, the ceasefire line was introduced as the Line of Control which split Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Pakistan was left with a territory that, although mostly Muslim, was sparsely populated and remote, as well as being severely underdeveloped economically. The largest Muslim group — which is estimated to include more than half of the population — falls within Indian-administered territory, with its exit routes via the Jhelum valley blocked and inaccessible. India continues to enforce a brutal occupation on its side of Kashmir using an extensive military presence and draconian laws. Their unjust and brutal occupations have drawn Tel Aviv and New Delhi to support each other and a right-wing bond has emerged between the two colonial-settler governments. Each enforces a brutal military occupation on the Palestinians and Kashmiris respectively, giving rise to numerous human rights abuses. The UN has been ineffectual and has watched as both powers continue to grab and occupy land; drive out the indigenous people; and erase their respective cultures. Some have called this slow genocide. As a result, both states with ultra-nationalistic ideologies have developed an increasingly cosy relationship with each other, especially since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in India. The arms trade flourishes between them, and they share intelligence data to "combat terrorism". Moreover, Indian police officers not only receive training at Israel's national police academy, but also use the same surveillance technology for civilian crowd control and spying with drones made in Britain by the Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit. Kashmir is now the most densely militarised zone in the world, with close to half a million Indian soldiers stationed there. The Gaza Strip in occupied Palestine has been called the most densely populated open-air prison in the world; it is monitored, bombed and shelled by Israel whenever it pleases the occupation state to do so. Israel builds illegal settlements on stolen Palestinian land and encourages Jewish settlers to live in "Judea and Samaria". Modi's India, meanwhile, revoked Kashmir's special status in August 2019 and introduced new rules allowing Indian citizens to buy up land and live in the territory. These moves are clearly intended to impose demographic change, just as it has been in the occupied Palestinian territories. To date, 400,000 Indians have been granted domicile status to live in Kashmir. The similarities are clear for all to see. The occupation of Palestine involves the imposition of a Jewish majority over Muslim and Christian Palestinians. In Indian-occupied Kashmir, those most affected by the demographic shift are Muslims. Islamophobia has been a uniting factor between far-right Hindus and far-right Zionists. The hashtag #IndiaStandsWithIsrael has trended on Twitter in recent years every time Israel has launched a military offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza. Such offensives usually draw international condemnation, but not from India's Modi and his BJP and Hindutva supporters. Social media reveals how these colonial states operate within a framework of anti-Muslim hate. Legitimate Palestinian resistance is described as "terrorism", while Indian Security Forces and the BJP government use the same language to demonise Kashmiris as "Pakistani Jihadis" or "Islamic terrorists". Both India and Israel justify their crackdowns and killings by invoking "anti-terrorism" and dehumanising their victims. International Palestine and Kashmir solidarity movements can be found on university and college campuses, with calls for justice and self-determination at the heart of their demands. However, there are also growing numbers of people supporting New Delhi and Tel Aviv, especially within the ranks of far-right white supremacists and Indian nationalists. Settler colonialism is making a determined comeback. The writing has been on the wall for India's Muslims ever since Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was returned to power with a sweeping victory in the General Election. Using his renewed mandate to pursue his right-wing agenda of economic development paired with Hindu nationalism and a hard line on national security, he appears to be deliberately targeting India's Muslim citizens. His right-wing populism weaponises Hindu nationalism (Hindutva), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteer paramilitary organisation has a presence across Indian society. Together, Hindutva and the RSS spawn anti-Muslim bigotry in a country once celebrated for its secularism and diversity of religions, ethnicities, languages and castes. Such bigotry is now manifesting itself on the streets of Britain, in Leicester, where Muslims and Hindus have lived side by side peacefully for years. On Saturday, a number of masked Hindu men, escorted and protected by police officers, marched recklessly along Green Lane Road in the East Midlands city during busy shopping hours. Their chants were threatening and intimidating, but why did the police allow this march to go ahead? Anyone showing the slightest dissent during Queen Elizabeth II's various funeral parades was arrested. And yet a number of clashes between Hindus and Muslims have taken place in Leicester over the past couple of weeks. Police action seems to have been limited compared with the response to anti-monarchy activists. Of those arrested, a number are known to have gone to Leicester from other cities in an apparent effort to sow discord between Hindus and Muslims. The involvement of pro-Modi Hindutva activists has been downplayed by the police and media. Arguably the strongest condemnation of Hindutva violence in Leicester has come from the Sikh Federation UK: "The authorities must recognise and treat this situation appropriately as far-right Hindu nationalists/BJP RSS extremism and radicals that are targeting minorities [and] disrupting communal harmony." The federation criticises "police cover-ups and glossing" over of the situation. Instead of trying to help calm the situation, though, the Indian government condemned violence against the "Indian community" in Leicester during Saturday's Hindutva march. "We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated against the Indian Community in Leicester and vandalisation of premises and symbols of [the] Hindu religion," said India's Ministry of External Affairs "We have strongly taken up this matter with the UK authorities and have sought immediate action against those involved in these attacks." Perhaps the ministry should watch this video to see who the aggressors were in Leicester. We need to look back to 1947 to understand the roots of the latest violence resulting from Britain's colonial past. The British made a deadly mess when they withdrew from India, and did so again when they pulled out of Palestine. It is time for the government in Westminster to address both examples of glaring injustice so that the people of Palestine and Kashmir can live in peace and security, and their supporters in Britain and elsewhere no longer feel the need to demonstrate on our streets. Zionism and Hindutva are two sides of the same racist coin; neither should be welcome in Britain. Middle east monitor

Settler plans during their holidays All eyes on Alquds What are the settlers' plans during their incursion to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in their claimed holidays from Sep 26 to Oct 17, 2022? Trumpet blowing Performing Talmudic rituals Storming Al-Aqsa is white priestly clothes Entering vegetarian sacrifices Incursions in large scales www.instagram.com/p/CiqhJfNhP9k/

5: Istiftah (Opening Duʿa’) Now that you are in your ṣalāh, you have entered the court of Allah (ʿazza wa jall). On meeting someone you love and revere, you greet them. Likewise, when meeting Allah (ʿazza wa jall), you will greet Him with words of respect and reverence. You may also choose to enter through the door of forgiveness (see duʿā #2), or you may combine both (see duʿā’ #6). You may read any of the following duʿās: .سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ ، وَتَعَالَىٰ جَدُّكَ ، وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ How Perfect are You O Allah, and all praise is Yours. Your Name is most blessed, Your majesty is exalted and there is no god worthy of worship except You (Muslim). سُبْحَانَ: Negates all negative attributes from Him. Thus, Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is Perfect; free from any weakness, defect and oppression. Allah (ʿazza wa jall) does not bear resemblance to any of His Creation. حَمْدِ: Affirms all of His positive attributes. Ḥamd is to describe the praised one with perfection, love and utmost respect. تَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ: Your Name is Perfect, Exalted, Holy and is the source of all good in the heavens and the earth. The Name of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is full of blessing and good. Uttering His Name before eating prevents Shayṭān from sharing your meal. Similarly, if you slaughter an animal without uttering the Name of Allah, it remains unlawful for you to eat. Thus, all matters which are not preceded by the Name of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) are deficient and defective. Reflect If the name of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) is full of blessing and good, then how blessed must the Named One be? جَدُّكَ: This refers to Allah’s majesty, greatness and grandeur. وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ: This is the kalimah (utterance) of tawḥīd (oneness), which all Messengers were sent with. It means there is none worthy of worship except for Allah (ʿazza wa jall). All of the above naturally guides us to this ultimate word of truth. After affirming and uttering Allah’s absolute unique perfection, it only makes sense that He is the Only One who should be worshipped. اَللّٰهُمَّ بَاعِدْ بَيْنِـيْ وَبَيْنَ خَطَايَاىَ كَمَا بَاعَدْتَ بَيْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ ، اَللّٰهُمَّ نَقِّنِيْ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْسِلْ خَطَايَاىَ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West. O Allah purify me from sins as a white cloth is purified from dirt. O Allah wash away my sins with water, hail and snow (Bukhārī). .اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ حَمْدًا كَثِيْرًا طَيِّبًا مُّبَارَكًا فِيْهِ All praise is for Allah; an abundant, sincere and blessed praise (Muslim). Anas (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) narrated that a man came panting and joined the row (of congregants in ṣalāh), and then uttered [the above]. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ finished his ṣalāh, he said, “…I saw twelve angels competing with each other to ascend with it.” (Muslim). .اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ كَبِيْرًا ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ كَثِيْرًا ، وَسُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ بُكْرَةً وَّأَصِيْلًا Allah is Greater, the Greatest: abundant praise is for Allah, and how Perfect is Allah, in the morning and the evening (Muslim). ʿAbdullāh b. ʿUmar (radiy Allāhu ʿanhumā) narrated, “Once we were praying with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when a man said [the above]. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ (after the ṣalāh) asked, “Who uttered those words?” The man replied, “It was me, O Messenger of Allah.” He ﷺ said, “I was amazed by them – the doors of heaven were opened for them.” Ibn ʿUmar (radiy Allāhu ʿanhumā) said, “I have not stopped saying these words since I heard this statement of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ ” (Muslim). .اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّ جَبْرَائِيْلَ وَمِيْكَائِيْلَ وَإِسْرَافِيْلَ ، فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ، عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ ، أَنْتَ تَحْكُمُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ فِيْمَا كَانُوْا فِيْهِ يَخْتَلِفُوْنَ ، اِهْدِنِيْ لِمَا اخْتُلِفَ فِيْهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِكَ ، إِنَّكَ تَهْدِيْ مَنْ تَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيْمٍ O Allah, Lord of Jabrā’īl, Mīkā’īl and Isrāfīl; Creator of the heavens and the earth; Knower of the unseen and seen, You will judge between Your servants in what they used to differ. Guide me in what is contentious to the truth, by Your Will. Certainly, You guide whomsoever You will to the straight path (Muslim). وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِيْ فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيْفًا وَّمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ ، إِنَّ صَلَاتِيْ وَنُسُكِيْ وَمَحْيَاىَ وَمَمَاتِيْ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ ، لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَبِذٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِيْنَ ، اَللّٰهُمَّ أَنْتَ الْمَلِكُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ ، ‏أَنْتَ رَبِّيْ وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ ، ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِيْ وَاعْتَرَفْتُ بِذَنْبِيْ فَاغْفِرْ لِيْ ذُنُوْبِيْ جَمِيْعًا ، إِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوْبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ ، وَاهْدِنِيْ لِأَحْسَنِ الْأَخْلَاقِ لَا يَهْدِيْ لِأَحْسَنِهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّيْ سَيِّئَهَا لَا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّيْ سَيِّئَهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ ، لَبَّيْكَ وَسَعْدَيْكَ ، وَالْخَيْرُ كُلُّهُ فِيْ يَدَيْكَ ، وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْكَ ، أَنَا بِكَ وَإِلَيْكَ ، تَبَارَكْتَ وَتَعَالَيْتَ ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوْبُ إِلَيْكَ I have turned my face towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, turned away from all that is false having surrendered to Allah, and I am not of the polytheists. My ṣalāh, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah, Lord of the worlds, who has no partners. I have been commanded of this, and I am of those who submit. O Allah, You are the King, there is no god worthy of being worshipped except You. You are my Lord and I am Your slave. I have wronged myself and I confess my sins. Forgive all of my sins, for no one forgives except You. Guide me to the best of character, for no one guides to the best of it except You; and turn the evil of it away from me, for no one turns it away except You. Here I am, seeking Your pleasure and at Your service. All good is in Your hands and no evil is attributed to You. My (existence, protection and success) is from You and I am returning to You. You are Most Blessed and You are Most Exalted. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You (Muslim). By saying this duʿā’, you remind yourself of what Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis-salām) said (see 6:79). You affirm the Oneness of Allah and disassociate yourself from shirk. The duʿā’ acts as a reminder of your purpose in life and that everything you do is for Him. You seek forgiveness and you ask Allah (ʿazza wa jall) to grant you beautiful character. You praise Him and show your desperate need of Him. اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ ، أَنْتَ نُوْرُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ ، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ ، وَوَعْدُكَ حَقٌّ ، وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ ، وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ ، وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ ، وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ ، وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ ، وَالنَّبِيُّوْنَ حَقٌّ ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ حَقٌّ ، اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ ، وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ O Allah, for You Alone is all praise; You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and whatever is therein. For You Alone is all praise; You are the Maintainer of the heavens and the earth and whatever is therein. And for You Alone is all praise; You are the Truth, Your promise is the truth, and Your speech is the truth. The meeting with You is the truth, Paradise is the truth, and Hell-Fire is the truth. The Final Hour is the truth, the Prophets are the truth and Muhammad ﷺ is the truth. O Allah, I surrender myself to You Alone, I put my trust in You Alone, and I believe in You Alone. I turn to You Alone, I complain of my opponents to You Alone and I refer judgement to You Alone (Bukhārī). The Messenger ﷺ would recite the above duʿā’ in his tahajjud ṣalāh. .سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ ، سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ Allah is free from imperfection, the Lord of all the worlds. Allah is free from imperfection, and all praise is due to Him (Nasā’ī). Rabīʿah b. al-Kaʿb (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) said, “I used to spend the night by the room of the Prophet ﷺ. I would hear him stand up at night (for prayer), and he would say سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ for a long time. Then he would say سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ for a long time.” .اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ x10, اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ x10, سُبْحَانَ اللهِ x10, لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ x10, أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ x10 .اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَاهْدِنِيْ وَارْزُقْنِيْ وَعَافِنِيْ ، أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنْ ضِيْقِ الْمَقَامِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ Allah is the Greatest (10x). All praise be to Allah (10x). Allah is free from imperfection (10x). There is no god worthy of worship but Allah (10x). I seek Allah’s forgiveness (10x). O Allah, forgive me, guide me, grant me sustenance and wellbeing. I seek Your protection from the anguish of standing on the Day of Judgement (Nasā’ī). ʿĀsim b. Ḥumayd (raḥimahullāh) said, “I asked ʿĀ’ishah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhā) about what the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to start his night prayer with. She said, “You have indeed asked me something which no one before you has asked me. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say [the above]” (Nasā’ī).

40 years on Sabra and Shatila massacre: What happened in Lebanon in 1982? Israeli-backed Phalange militia killed between 2,000 and 3,500 Palestinian refugees and Lebanese civilians in two days. It was one of the most harrowing massacres committed in the Lebanese civil war, a conflict known for its brutality. Shatila, a Palestinian refugee camp, and the adjacent neighbourhood of Sabra are located southwest of Lebanon’s capital city Beirut. The refugees were victims of the 1948 Nakba, or “catastrophe” in Arabic, fleeing the violent ethnic cleansing of Palestine by Zionist militias as Israel was formed. But between September 16 and 18, 1982, the refugees, now living in Shatila and Sabra, along with Lebanese civilians, were attacked by a right-wing Lebanese militia, in coordination with the Israeli army. Between 2,000 and 3,500 people were killed. What happened? In June 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon during the country’s 15-year civil war (1975-1990), with the stated aim of destroying the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which had been based in Beirut and was launching attacks on Israel from southern Lebanon. The PLO withdrew from Lebanon by September 1, 1982. Assurances were provided by the United States and a multi-national force that the remaining Palestinian refugees and civilians would be protected. Two weeks later, the Israeli military besieged Sabra and Shatila and provided cover for their allies, a right-wing Lebanese militia called the Phalange, to carry out the mass killings. The killing continued for 43 hours, from 6pm on Thursday, 16 September, until 1pm on Saturday, 18 September. While accurate figures on the number of people killed are difficult to ascertain, estimates have put the death toll at between 2,000-3,500 civilians. Testimonies from the mass killing describe horrific acts of slaughter, mutilation, rape and mass graves. Images from the aftermath were aired on television worldwide and caused global outrage. What led to this? More than 100,000 Palestinians, mostly from the northern areas of historic Palestine, were expelled and fled to Lebanon during the 1948 Nakba. The PLO, an umbrella of Palestinian political parties created in 1964 with the aim of liberating Palestine through armed struggle, moved its base of operations to Beirut after it was pushed out of Jordan in 1970. In 1969, an Egyptian-brokered agreement between the PLO and the Lebanese army, the PLO’s Armed Struggle Command assumed control over the 16 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, enabling it to carry out operations on Israel from southern Lebanon. The Lebanese civil war broke out in 1975 mainly between the Lebanese Front (LF) – a coalition of right-wing Christian Maronite parties backed by Israel and the United States – and the Lebanese National Movement (LNM), a coalition of secular leftists, pan-Arab Sunni and Shia Muslims, and the PLO. Syria also invaded. Israeli forces, led by then-Defence Minister Ariel Sharon, invaded Lebanon in June 1982, laid siege to Beirut and heavily bombarded the city, where the PLO headquarters were located. The multinational force that arrived after the PLO’s withdrawal from Beirut on September 1 was supposed to stay for 30 days. However, they pulled out early, on September 10. On September 14, 1982, Bachir Gemayel, the Lebanese president-elect and leader of the Lebanese Forces, was assassinated in Beirut. The next morning, Israel invaded west Beirut and prevented anyone from exiting the refugee camps. Israeli forces then allowed the Phalange, who blamed the PLO for Gemayel’s death, to enter Sabra and Shatila and carry out the massacre. What followed? The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the massacre an “act of genocide”. The PLO moved its headquarters to Tunisia before the 1993 Oslo Accords were signed with Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) was created. The Sabra and Shatila massacre is remembered as one of the most traumatic events in Palestinian history and its memory is commemorated annually by Palestinians in Lebanon and in Palestine. The event continues to highlight the plight of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon today, who now number 479,000, according to the UN. About 45 percent of them live in the country’s 12 refugee camps, which suffer from overcrowding, poor housing conditions, unemployment, poverty and lack of access to basic services and legal aid. Palestinians in Lebanon are banned from working in as many as 39 professions, cannot own property, and face numerous other restrictions. Who was held accountable? Not one single Lebanese or Israeli fighter or official was punished for the crimes committed. An Israeli investigation said the Lebanese Forces militia was directly responsible for the massacre but also held Sharon “personally responsible for ignoring the danger of bloodshed and revenge” and recommended his resignation. Sharon resigned from his post on February 14, 1983, but was elected prime minister in 2001. In February 1983, the UN commission found that “Israeli authorities or forces were involved, directly or indirectly in the [Sabra and Shatila] massacres”. In 2002, a Belgian court dismissed a case filed by dozens of survivors of Sabra and Shatila against Sharon on the basis that he was not present in court, despite a 1993 law which allowed Belgium to try foreigners for war crimes committed abroad. Source: Al-Jazeera

4: Qiyam (Standing) Now that you have uttered the takbīr, remind yourself that you are standing in front of Allah. Lower your head Stand in front of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) the way a humble slave stands in front of his master. Remember whom you are standing before. Let your worldly qiyām (standing) remind you of the final qiyām, when you will stand on the Day of Judgement in front of the Compeller of the heavens and the earth. Lower your head and your gaze. Stop your eyes from wandering right or left. Do not glance at your surroundings. Keep your gaze fixed to the ground to help keep your focus. ʿĀ’ishah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhā) asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about when one looks here and there in ṣalāh. He ﷺ said, “It is snatching, which Shayṭān steals from the slave’s prayer” (Bukhārī). The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Allah will continue to turn towards the slave whilst he is in his prayer for as long as he does not look away. If he looks away, He will turn away” (Abū Dāwūd). Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) wrote, “The slave of Allah (ʿazza wa jall) stands in front of his Lord on two occasions: the first is when he stands in his ṣalāh and the second is when he will meet Him on the Day of Judgment. Whoever fulfils the rights of the first standing, the second standing will be made easy for him. And whoever belittles, neglects and does not fulfil the rights of the first standing (i.e. ṣalāh), the second standing will be made very difficult for him.” The positioning of the hands Why do you fold your hands and place them over each other? Imagine you walk into a palace and see two groups of people: one group have their hands on their hips, eyes roaming around everywhere, whilst the second group have their hands neatly clasped together and are respectfully looking down. Seeing this, you would easily identify those who are royalty and those who are the servants. Similarly, as you are a servant standing in front of Allah, placing one hand on the other respectfully symbolises your humility in front of Him. Placing one hand over the other also prevents fidgeting and is conducive to attaining khushūʿ.