Solat-ul-Israaq & Solat-ul-Dhuha

In the Shafi'i School of Jurisprudence, it is recommended to pray Solat-ul-Dhuha i.e. it is Sunnat. The Solat minimally consists of two raka'ats, is optimally eight raka'ats, and maximally twelve raka'ats. One finishes each pair of raka'ats with Salams. The time for Solat-ul-Dhuha is after the sun is well up, and it ends at Zawaal - just before Zuhr Solat. The preferable time for its performance is after a quarter of the day has passed i.e. circa 9~10am in the morning.


Solat-ul-Ishraaq In Hadith

The virtues of Solat-ul-Ishraaq is plenty. Some are listed below:

The following Hadith Qudsi (Divine Hadith) reports Rasulullah SAW saying - that Allah Ta'ala says:

"O son of Adam, perform Four Raka'ats of Solat (Ishraaq) in the early part of the day. I shall help you in accomplishing all your responsibilities during the rest of the day." (Mishkaat)

In another narration from Imam Tirmidhi RA, Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:

"He who performs Subuh Solat with Jama'ah and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Zikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs Two Raka'ats Nawafil Solat (i.e. Solat-ul-Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one (accepted) Hajj and one (accepted) Umrah." (Riwayat Tirmidhi)


How To Perform Solat-ul-Ishraaq

From the above Ahadith, we learn that the number of Raka'ats to be performed for Solat-ul-Ishraaq (sometimes also called "Dhuha Awaal") are 2 or 4 Raka'ats, and the Mustahab (recommended Sunnah) method of performing it is to remain seated in our place of Solat after Subuh and engage in Zikr, until sunrise. Then, approximately, 10-15 minutes after sunrise - we perform 2 or 4 Raka'ats. Obviously, if a person gets occupied in some worldly activity after Subuh Solat, and after sunrise he/she offers Ishraaq Solat, this will also be permissible although the reward will not be as superior as the Mustahab way.


Solat-ul-Dhuha In Hadith

The virtues of Solat-ul-Dhuha are also many. Some are listed below:

In one Hadith, Nabi Muhammad SAW is reported to have said:

"That person who performs Two Raka'ats of Dhuha Solat - he will not be counted from among the neglectful ones; and the one who performs Four Raka'ats of Dhuha - he will be recorded to be among the worshippers; and the one that reads Six Raka'ats - it will suffice for him on behalf of any optional act for that day; and the one that performs Eight Raka'ats - Allah will count him to be from among the obedient ones; and the one who performs 12 Raka'ats - Allah will build for him a house in Jannah." (Riwayat Al-Tabrani)

Saiyidna Anas bin Malik RA reports that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Whoever performs Twelve Raka'ats of Solat-ul-Dhuha, Allah Ta'ala will build for him a palace of gold in Jannah." (Mishkaat)

It is reported that A'ishah RA used to perform Eight Rakaats of Solat-ul-Dhuha.

A'ishah RA said that even if her parents arose from the grave, she would not leave Solat-ul-Dhuha to go and meet them. (Ibid)

Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:

"Whoever offers Two Raka'ats of Solat-ul-Dhuha, all his/her sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea." (Ibid)


Solat-ul-Ishraaq & Solat-ul-Dhuha In Hadith

In one long Hadith, Saiyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib RA is reported to have said:

"In the morning when the sun rises to the height of that the same as it is at the time of Asr, the Prophet (SAW) used to perform Two Raka'ats (i.e. Solat-ul-Ishraaq). When the sun rose in the east to the height where it is in the west at the time of Zuhr Solat, he (SAW) performed Four Rakaats ( i.e. Solat-ul-Dhuha)." (Shamaa'il Tirmidhi: Hadith No.271)


The Explanation Of Solat-ul-Ishraaq & Solat-ul-Dhuha According To The Fuqaha, The Muhadditheen and the Ulama of Tassawuf

According to the Fuqaha (Jurists) and Muhadditheen (Scholars of Hadith), the time for Solat-ul-Dhuha is from the morning after sunrise passes (i.e. approx. 15 minutes) till Zawaal time. But according to Scholars of Tasawwuf /Sufis - within that same period, there is actually two separate Solats - one being Solat-ul-Ishraaq and the other being Solat-ul-Dhuha. These scholars substantiate their view from the abovementioned Hadith of Saiyidina Ali RA and other narrations. (Khasaa-il-Nabawi).


The Timing For Ishraaq / Dhuha

As mentioned above, the Mustahab (preferred) time of performing Solat-ul-Dhuha is after one-quarter of the day has passed. This is deduced from the Hadith from Imam Muslim. From many Ahadith, we understand that Solat-ul-Dhuha should be performed after the sun has risen quite high. Nevertheless, because the Fuqaha and Muhadditheen are of the opinion that the commencement of the time of Solat-ul-Dhuha is the same as that of Ishraaq ( i.e. immediately after sunrise), the Ulama have stated that - if due to lack of time, one performs Solat-ul-Ishraaq and Solat-ul-Dhuhaa together at one time, that too will be correct.

Istikharah - A Brief Introduction

It is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an:

"Seek Allah's help with patience and Solat and truly it is indeed hard except for the humble minded." (Surah Al-Baqarah: Ayat 45)

Huzaifah RA says that whenever Rasulullah SAW happened to face any difficulties, he would at once resort to Solat.

For any important matter which arises, Allah SWT has given this Ummah the mechanism of Istikharah as a way to arrive at solution. In this day and age, Istikharah is commonly observed for choosing a partner in marriage, although the truth is - it can be performed before starting any intended work - be it journey, business etc.

Istikharah is an appeal to Allah to give guidance of the better between two choices, when an individual is hesitant and cannot make up his/her decision of choosing either of the two. This decision can also be that between a "yes" and a "no" to a certain decision.

The purpose behind Istikharah has been widely mistaken by people. It is to seek help and guidance from Allah SWT in the achievement of any intended work. It is not for the purpose of acquiring information or a report.

It is merely a supplication to enable one to make the right decision. Through Istikharah a servant requests a beneficial outcome from Allah SWT, and should the intended be harmful, the servant requests that Allah will create such causes that will prevent him from carrying out his intention.

The person doing Istikharah could have a dream which is glad tidings for him/her, but it is not necessary to have a dream or spiritual inspiration, or even an inclination in the heart towards any of the two alternatives. One should choose one of the alternatives and act upon it considering it appropriate. To believe that it is necessary to have a dream or spiritual inspiration or feeling in the heart is incorrect because there is no evidence in the Shari'ah to support this claim. Thus, Istikharah is a means to acquire the beneficial and not to seek information.

After Istikhaaah the intended will be easy to accomplish which will be for the welfare of the world and the Hereafter, although it might seem less beneficial or even harmful at first sight. From this we know that to ask someone to perform Istikharah for oneself is incorrect unless we ask them to supplicate for us.

Contradictory to common belief, it is not essential to perform Istikharah before retiring to bed and thereafter refrain from communicating with anyone, since this too has not been fixed in the Hadith.

The Prophet SAW's Weeping The Whole Night

The Prophet Muhammad SAW once kept weeping the whole night through, repeating again and again the following verse:

"If Thou punish them, they art Thy slaves; and if Thou forgive them, Thou only art The Mighty, The Wise." (Surah 5: Ayat 118)

This quality of weeping in Solat is practiced by those close to Allah SWT.

It is narrated about the grand Mujtahid of fiqh - Imam Abu Hanifah RA that he also once wept the whole night, reciting the following verse of the Qur'an in Tahajjud:

"But avaunt ye, 0, ye guilty, this day." (Surah 36: Ayat 58)

This verse means that on the Day of Judgement, the guilty will be asked to separate themselves from the good, and will not be allowed to mix with them, just as they were doing in the worldly life.

It is only common sense that any slave of Allah who have their hearts inculcated with the fear of Allah would weep in anxiety about this, as who knows as to which class they belong to on the Day of Judgement?

What To Do At The Approach Of A Storm

Nadhr bin Abdullah RA relates:

"One day while Anas (RA) was alive, it became very dark during the day time. I went to him and said, 'Did you ever see much a thing in the Prophet's (SAW) time?' He replied, 'I seek refuge in Allah! In those days if the breeze grew a little stronger than normal, we would hasten towards the masjid, fearing the approach of the Last Day'."

Abu Darda RA narrates:

"Whenever there was a storm, the Prophet (SAW) would get perturbed and would go to the masjid."

Nowadays, who thinks of going to the masjid, even at the time of the worst of calamities?

Leave aside the common people, even those who regard themselves as good and practising Muslims do not practise this Sunnah. What a deterioration!

The Virtues of Tahajjud 103

ALLAH'S MERCY AT THE TIME OF TAHAJJUD

Rasulullah SAW said:

"At night there is such a moment in which a Muslim supplicates Allah Ta'ala for the good of this world or the Hereafter, Allah Ta'ala will grant him his request, and this moment appears every night." (Muslim)

The above Hadith bears the good fortune of acceptance of ones du'as at night. However, mention is not made of the specific moment of acceptance. Some Ulama are of the opinion that this period is not known like that of Lailatul Qadr and the special moment of acceptance on Jumu'a (Friday), while others opine that it is at midnight. (Mazahir)

In another Hadith, Rasulullah SAW said:

"The closest Allah Ta'ala gets to his servant is in the last portion of the night. If you possess the ability to be from among those who remember Allah, then become one of them." (Tirmidhi)

As for "the closeness of Allah" above, this refers to Allah's pleasure and mercy showered upon his servants who sacrifice their sleep and strive in His worship. (Mazahir)

Rasulullah SAW said:

"When one third of the night remains our Rabb, Most High, Most Exalted, descends to the first sky and announces, "Who is there to beseech Me that I may answer his prayer and who is there to seek forgiveness that I may forgive him. Then He spreads out His hands (of kindness and mercy) and proclaims, "Who will grant a loan to the One who is neither a destitute or an oppressor." (Muslim)

Explaining the above narration, Allah Ta'ala is free from bodily form and shape. He is Omnipresent and He is not confined to space. The grand scholars - Hafiz Ibn Hajar RA and Imam Malik RA have stated that "Allah Ta'ala descending to the first sky" signifies His special Mercy through which He accepts du'as and forgives sins. (Lam'aat)

As for the loan mentioned in the Hadith, this refers to bodily and financial devotions offered to Allah Ta'ala with the hope of attaining reward. (Mazahir)


THE CORRECT TIME FOR TAHAJJUD

The time of Tahajjud extends from the time of Isha' Solat until Subuh Sadiq (true dawn). Ahadith related from Aishah RA state that Nabi Muhammad SAW sometimes performed Tahajjud in the early portion of the night and on occasions when half the night had passed. However, towards the latter part of his life he frequently performed it in the last portion of the night. As the night progresses, Allah Ta'ala's Mercy and Blessings increase. Hence, the last portion of the night is most preferred.


DU'A TO ASSIST ONE IN AWAKENING FOR TAHAJJUD

A person remarked to Abdullah ibn Abbas RA: "I always intend awakening in the last portion of the night to perform Solat but sleep overpowers me."

Abdullah ibn Abbas RA replied:

"Before sleeping recite from "QUL LAW KAANAL BAHRU MIDADAL..." to the end of Surah Al-Kahf. Allah Ta'ala will waken you at whatever time you intend rising."


NUMBER OF RAKAATS IN TAHAJJUD

The number of rakaats performed by Nabi Muhammad SAW varied according to the prevailing circumstances. Although on certain occasions sufficient time was available, Nabi SAW would perform less rakaats when reciting lengthy Qiraat (i.e. when longer surahs were recited, less rakaats were performed).

Deducing from the various narrations - four to twelve rakaats in units of two or four have been recommended. However if two rakaats are performed in the prescribed time it will of course still be regarded as Tahajjud.


OCCASIONS WHEN ONE IS UNABLE TO AWAKEN FOR TAHAJJUD

Aishah RA relates:

"If for some reason Rasulullah (SAW) was unable to perform Tahajjud, he would perform twelve rakaats during the day (at the time of Dhuha - before midday)."

To continue the discussion of the above hadith, Saiyidina Umar RA relates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Whoever was unable to complete his devotions at night should complete it in the morning before noon. It will be regarded as though he had completed it at night." (Muslim)

Nevertheless, one should not overlook it because of the time passing by, otherwise the nafs will become accustomed to omitting it.

The Virtues Of Tahajjud 102

AHADITH ON TAHAJJUD

Abdullah bin Salaam RA relates:

"When Nabi SAW entered Madinah (during the Hijrah), people flocked to him, I also went to scrutinise him. When I saw his face, I observed that it was not the face of an imposter. The very first words I heard him say was, "O Mankind, disseminate Salaam, feed others, strengthen kinship, and establish Solah while the rest of mankind is asleep." (Mishkaat)

It is well known that before embracing Islam, Abdullah bin Salaam RA was a learned Rabbi of the Jews. He studied the description of the Last Nabi enumerated in the scriptures of the Bani Israel. Thus, when he saw Nabi SAW, he immediately recognised him as the Nabi of Allah (SAW).

Also in the above narration, we learn that our beloved Prophet SAW has urged us to practise three deeds; the first of which is to disseminate Salaam i.e. to increasingly make Salaam.

In one Hadith, Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:

"You will not enter Jannah unless your Imaan is perfected, and your Imaan will not be perfected unless you are compassionate to each other. Should I not direct you to a deed that will create love among you? Be vigilant in disseminating Salaam." (Riwayat Muslim)

After that, the second deed which we have been urged to carry out is feeding others.

The noble companion, Ubaid bin Umair RA relates:

"On the Day of Judgement people will rise in a state of hunger, thirst and total nakedness; however he who fed others for the sake of Allah will be granted food to his fill, and he who gave water to someone for the pleasure of Allah will have his thirst fully quenched, and the one who clothed others will receive a dress from Allah Ta'ala. " (Ihya)

The third act which we have been exhorted to carry out is strengthening kinsmanship. This is among those deeds the fruits of which one will reap in this world as well as in the Hereafter.

Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:

"Whoever wishes to have his livelihood expanded and his life prolonged should treat his relatives with kindness." (Bukhari & Muslim)

The fourth deed which is mentioned in the above most Hadith is:

"performing Solah while the rest of mankind is asleep."

In the Qur'an, Allah Ta'ala says:

"And the servants of The Most Gracious (Allah) are those... who spend the night in adoration of their Lord, prostrating and standing (in Qiyaam)." (Surah 25: Ayat 64)

In another Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad SAW is reported to have advised:

"Be vigilant in standing up (in prayer) at night for it was the practise of the pious before you. It is a means of gaining proximity to Allah Ta'ala, an expiation for transgressions, and a barrier from sins." (Riwayat Tirmidhi)

In this hadith, Nabi SAW emphasised the importance of Tahajjud, its virtues and spiritual benefits. The term - "the pious before you" - refers to the Ambiyaa AS before Rasulullah SAW and their faithful followers. It is obvious that - "gaining proximity to Allah Ta'ala" - is the objective of man's existence. This is only possible by total servitude to Allah Ta'ala.

In relation to this, Allah Ta'ala, addressing Nabi SAW says in the Qur'an:

"Prostrate and gain closeness to Allah Ta'ala. (Surah 96: Ayat 19)

In a Hadith Qudsi (divine related hadith), Rasulullah SAW informs that Allah Ta'ala says:

"If my servant comes closer to me by one span, I go towards him a cubit’s length; if he comes to me a cubit’s length, I go towards him an arm’s length; and if he walks towards me, I run unto him." (Bukhari & Muslim)

The above Hadith Qudsi implies that if man increases his devotion to Allah, then Allah will increase His Mercy and Kindness proportionately far greater. The terms - "getting closer" and "running" - signify immediate increase in Allah's Blessings and Mercy.

The subject of the above-most Hadith has also been narrated in other Ahadith with slight variations. In one Hadith mentioning the virtues and benefits of Tahajjud, the above three virtues are mentioned together with it being a cure for jealousy. Another hadith, together with the same three virtues mentioned, mention about Tahajjud being a cure for physical ailments.

Another Hadith narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Solah at night guards one from sin, cools the wrath of Allah and is protection from the heat of the Day of Judgement."

In another Hadith, Nabi SAW said:

"There are three groups of people with whom Allah Ta'ala smiles. They are - a person who stands in Solah at night; a community when they stand in the saf (rows for Solah); and a nation when they prepare the arrays on the battlefield." (Sharhus Sunnah)

In the above narration, the term - "Allah Ta'ala smiles" - denotes the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala. Certainly Allah's pleasure is the greatest reward and bliss one can ever attain in this world and the Hereafter.

In the Qur'an, Allah Ta'ala says:

"And the pleasure of Allah is the greatest bliss." (Surah 9: Ayat 72)

It is related in one Hadith, that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Allah Ta'ala will call the people of Jannah (Paradise); they will reply, "Labbaik (we are in your service)". Allah Ta'ala will ask them, "Are you pleased?"; they will reply, "Why should we not be pleased when You have granted us the best of blessings". Allah Ta'ala will then ask them, "Should I grant you a blessing that would surpass all others?" The people of Jannah will entreat, "What can be a greater blessing than those we have already received?". At that time Allah Ta'ala will reply, "I confer My everlasting pleasure upon you, and I will never be displeased with you after this." (Fawaidh Uthmani)

In another Hadith, Nabi SAW is reported to have said:

"When a person, on a cold night, leaves his wife and his bed to perform wudhu (ablution) and Solah (Tahajjud); on seeing this Allah Ta'ala inquires from the Angels, "What has inspired My servant to do this?" They reply, "Our Lord, it is because of Your special Benevolence and the exceptional hope they have (in Your Mercy). To this Allah Ta'ala will say, "I call you to witness that whatever hopes they have in Me, I have fulfilled them; and I have granted them safety from all (their) fears."


TO ENCOURAGE ONE'S HOUSEHOLD TO PERFORM TAHAJJUD

It is narrated in one hadith that Rasulullah SAW said:

"(The Prophet) Dawud (AS) had set aside a time at night in which he would awaken his household. He would say, 'O people of my household, awaken and perform Salaah; for certainly this is the time in which Allah Ta'ala accepts Du'as (supplications) except the Duas of a sorcerer and a bandit." (Ahmad & Mishkaat)

The grand companion, Abu Hurairah RA relates that Nabi Muhammad SAW said:

"Allah Ta'ala has mercy on a person who stands up at night to perform Tahajjud and also awaken his wife. If she does not wake up, he sprinkles water on her face. And Allah Ta'ala has mercy on a woman who stands up for Tahajjud and also awakens her husband. If he does not wake up, she sprinkles water on his face." (Abu Dawud and Mishkaat)

It should be noted here that "sprinkling water" could be taken in its literal sense. Also, Muslim scholars have explained that it may also refer to any method of kindness that one may adopt when awakening another (i.e. between husband, wife and family). (Mirqaat)

The hadith also indicates that good conduct is to be adopted between spouses and other associates and secondly one should encourage others to do good.

Allah Ta'ala says:

"And assist each other in piety and self abstinence."

Abu Sa'eed RA and Abu Hurairah RA relate that Nabi Muhammad SAW said:

"When a man awakens his family and they perform Tahajjud, they will be considered among the 'Zakireen' and the 'Zakiraat'." (Abu Dawud & Ibn Majah)

Family here refers to one's spouse, children and close family members. Zakireen and Zakiraat are those men and women who remember Allah Ta'ala in all conditions.

The Virtues Of Tahajjud 101

VERSES OF THE QUR'AN REGARDING TAHAJJUD


Allah SWT says in the Qur'an, while addressing Nabi Muhammad SAW:

"O you wrapped in a cloth, Stand (in prayer) by night except a portion, half of it or a little less, or a little more, and recite the Qur'an in measured tones. Soon shall we send down to you a weighty message. Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing the soul, and most effective in speech (of praises and prayer)." (Surah 73: Ayats 1~6)

In early Islam, prior to the five times daily Solat becoming Fardh (obligatory), Tahajjud was made Fardh on Nabi Muhammad SAW and the Ummah. Nabi SAW and the Sahabah RA were so vigilant in executing this duty that they would remain awake most of the night to perform Tahajjud.

It has been marrated that Nabi SAW's feet would swell, and this is because of excessive standing in Tahajjud.

Allah Ta'ala then revealed the Ayat:

"Now recite as much as is easy of the Qur'an." (Surah 73: Ayat 20)

The above revealed verse of the Qur'an abrogated the compulsion of Tahajjud on the Ummah. Notwithstanding the abrogation, most of the Sahabah RA remained steadfast on it for the rest of their lives.

The following verses illustrate two benefits of Tahajjud:

"Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing the soul..."


The grand schoalr among the Sahabah RA - Abdullah bin Abbas RA said:

"At the time of Tahajjud, there appears to be a great affinity between the heart and the ears."

This is a time of peace and tranquillity in which the ears respond quicker and the heart is more alert and receptive to ones devotions. They react spontaneously to whatever is uttered by the tongue. Furthermore, the benefit of keeping the lowly desires in check and restraining it against evil and vice is also found in Tahajjud.

The verse continues:

"...and most effective in speech."

The presence of the heart is conducive to a more meaningful and sincere recitation of the Qur'an and submission. This is what a person may obtain during Tahajjud.

In another ayat of the Qur'an, Allah SWT says:

"As for the Righteous, they will be in the Gardens and fountains [of Jannah], with joy the rewards which their Lord gives them, before this [in the world] they were virtuous. They slept but little at night, and they prayed for forgiveness in the hours of early dawn." [Surah 51: Ayat 15~18)

These ayat above describe the qualities of the sincere believers and their everlasting rewards in the Hereafter. Abdullah bin Abbas RA has stated that this verse conveys glad tidings to all those who spend a portion of the night, however short it may be, in the worship of Allah Ta'ala.

Ahnaf bin Qais RA said:

"I compared our actions to that of the people of Jannah and I discovered that they by far excelled us; our actions do not compare with theirs. They slept less at night and laboured more in their devotions to Allah. I then compared our actions to that of the people of Jahannam and I discovered that they refuted Allah, His Rasul (SAW) and Qiyamah. I realised that our actions are not of the standard of the people of Jannah, and (Alhamdulillah) not like that of the people of Jahannam. I therefore conclude that we are among those about whom Allah Ta'ala says, "Those who mixed a good act with another that was evil."

Abdur Rahmaan bin Zaid RA relates that once, a person from the Banu Tameem clan remarked to his father:

"O Abu Usamah, we do not find that quality within us about which Allah Ta'ala praised the righteous. i.e. they remain awake most of the night. Our condition is such that we remain awake for a very short time only to render our Ibadah."

His father (RA) replied:

"Glad tidings are for those who sleep when sleep overtakes them, but they fear Allah on awakening."

In another verse, Allah Ta'ala says:

"And spend a portion of the night with the Qur'an, as an additional prayer." (Surah 17: Ayat 79)

The above verse has exhorted us to perform Nawafil Solat (optional prayer) at night. Although it is virtuous to perform the Tahajjud Solat after rising up from one's sleep, one may perform it before retiring to bed.

The grand Tabi'in, Hassan Basri RA said:

"Any Nawafil Solat performed after Isha' is regarded as Tahajjud, although it is normally referred to as a Solat performed after one sleeps a portion of the night."

In another ayat of the Holy Qur'an, Allah Ta'ala says:

"(The believers are those) whose sides remain away from their beds, while they call on their Lord with fear and hope." (Surah 32: Ayat 16)

This ayat expounds the true quality of the sincere servants of Allah Ta'ala. They distance themselves from their beds in the darkness of night because of fear of attaining Allah's displeasure and His chastisement; while cherishing hope of His mercy and rewards.

The grand Ulama of the Sahabah RA - Mu'adh bin Jabal RA relates:

"Once I was on a journey with Nabi SAW. One morning, at the time of Fajr (dawn), I asked, "O Rasulullah (SAW) - Do show me such an action that will grant me admission into Jannah." Nabi SAW replied, "You have inquired about an extremely difficult affair, nevertheless it becomes easy for those whom Allah makes it easy. Worship Allah without ascribing any partners to Him, establish Solah, observe the fast in the month of Ramadhan, and perform Hajj of the Baitullah. Fasting is a shield, while charity extinguishes the fire of sin and so does a person's Solah in the darkness of the night. Thereafter Nabi SAW recited the above ayat."

Rasulullah SAW said:

"When Allah Ta'ala resurrects the entire mankind on the Day of Qiyamah, an announcer will announce, and his voice will be heard by the entire Creation:

"O you who have been resurrected, on this day you will come to know those who deserve honour and reverence, O you who have been resurrected, stand up, those among you who possess the quality of "their sides remained away from their beds".

A small group of people will stand up. Another narration states, "They will enter Jannah without reckoning. Thereafter the rest of mankind will be called for the reckoning."

Tarawih Is Twenty Rakaats

Until approximately two centuries ago there were no two answers to this question. Every person until this time unanimously agreed that Tarawih in the month of Ramashan is Twenty Rakaats.

At that time, a group calling itself the Ahlul Hadith emerged and began propagating the fallacy that Tarawih is only eight Rakaats. Hence not only do they deprive themselves from the rewards of the entire twenty Rakaats, they also mislead other simple-minded people who are unaware of the facts and deprive them as well. At the same time those of weak Imaan who find the twenty Rakaats difficult due to their laziness and lack of realisation of the tremendous rewards of Tarawih, have found a scapegoat in the baseless propaganda of the Ahlul Hadith and its followers.

The reality, however, is that Twenty Rakaats of Tarawih is Sunnatul Mu'akkadah i.e. a greatly stressed Sunnah.

In the time of Rasulullah SAW the Tarawih Salaat was performed individually and in small groups. Rasulullah SAW stressed its performance but did not perform it with the congregation since he feared that it may then become Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah.

In one narration, it is nevertheless mentioned that Rasulullah SAW performed Twenty Rakaats of Tarawih and the Witr in Ramadhan. (Musannad ibn Abi Shu'aiba and Bayhaqi).

This practice of performing the Tarawih individually and in small groups continued in the time of Saiyidina Abu Bakr RA and the initial years of the Khilafah of Saiyidina Umar RA. Thereafter Saiyidina Umar RA appointed Ubayy ibn Ka'ab RA as the Imaam and gathered everybody in one Jama’ah behind him for the full Twenty Rakaats of Tarawih. At that time there were numerous Sahaabah RA present. All of them agreed on this decision of Saiyidina Umar RA. If this decision was contrary to Deen, the Sahabah RA would have never tolerated it. Their consensus on this manner is itself a Shar'ee proof of Twenty Rakaats being Sunnah.

A number of narrations mention the performance of Twenty Rakaats by the Sahabah RA. Therefore, we find that the Four Great Imams of Fiqh, despite a number of minor differences among them on the interpretation and application of various aspects, are unanimous that Tarawih is Twenty Rakaats. This is authentically recorded in their books.

The aspect of Tarawih is really as clear as daylight. Therefore, one will find that in the Haramayn of Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah up to this day, from the very time of Umar RA, Twenty Rakaats is performed in Jamaah. The Sahabah RA, the Tabi'in (those who came after the Sahabah RA, the Imams of Fiqh (jurisprudence) and the entire Ummah, with the exception of the so called Ahlul Hadith of recent times, has been unanimous on Twenty Rakaats.

In one Hadith Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:

"After me there will be much differences. Hence hold on to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of my rightly guided Khulafaa." (Riwayat Mishkaat)

Twenty Rakaats of Tarawih with Jamaah was the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Khulafaa. In this latter day difference, who should we follow?

The Sunnah of the Khulafaa of RasulullahSAW? ...or the way of those who contradict them?

Only idiocy will approve and adopt the latter.

Istikharah - Basic Guide

WHAT IS ISTIKHARAH?

Istikharah is to seek guidance from Allah when one is faced with a problem to which no solution is apparent. Whenever a person is faced with a difficult problem, or becomes hesitant in making a decision and his knowledge of the matter is insufficient to guide him then after seeking advice from trusted friends he should turn to Allah and beseech His grace. He should willingly and with an open heart and mind supplicate for divine guidance and ask for direction so that the problem is solved in his own best interest. The Du'a at such an occasion is called Istikharah.

Istikharah is in fact a very valuable teaching of Rasulullah SAW with which the Muslims have been favoured. This blessing could give solace to many for all times to come. It is related in the Hadith that Rasulullah SAW used to teach the Istikhaaah to the Sahabah RA like the Qur'an is taught to children.

In another Hadith it is stated that:

"He does not fail who makes Istikharah and he does not regret who makes Mashuarah (consultation)."

In the Masnun (desired way based on Sunnah) Istikharah - after one has carried out his responsibility as best as one can, one should hand over the entire matter and oneself to the limitless knowledge of Allah Ta'ala.

By resorting to Istikharah one is now retrieved of making a decision on ones own. Whenever counsel is sought from a respectable and experienced person, it is expected that he will give good advise and assist to the best of his ability. Similarly Istikharah is to seek counsel from the All-Knowing and Merciful Allah.

Once Istikharah is made then Allah Ta'ala will surely guide him to do what is best for him. Now there can be no perplexity. Only that will happen which Allah Ta'ala wills and which is good for ones own sake though one may not be able to see it immediately. It is not necessary that one must experience or see an evident change or vision.

Allah Ta'ala alone knows what is best for His servants. It is related in the Hadith that:

"Success and good tidings for the son of Adam (Insaan) is in performing Istikharah and his misfortune lies in not making Istikharah."


METHOD OF ISTIKHARAH

When making Istikharah begin with performing two Rakaats of Nafl (optional) Solat. Then with all sincerity recite the following Du'a. (Written below, not in Arabic):

Allaahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika
wa-astaqdiruka biqudratika
wa-as'aluka min fadhlika al-adheem.

Fa innaka taqdiru walaa aqdiru.

Wa ta'lamu walaa a'alamu wa anta allaamul ghuyoob.

Allaahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal-amr khayrun liy fiy deeniy
wa-ma'aashiy wa-aaqibat amriy
fa'qdruhliy wa-yassirh liy thumma baarik liy feehi
Wa in-kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal amr sharrun liy fiy deeniy
wa-ma'aashiy was-'aaqibat amriy.

Fa asrifh annee wa-srif 'anhu.

Wa aqdurh liyal khayr hayth kaana thumma a-rdhiniy bihee


Translation:

O Allah! Behold I ask You the good through Your Knowledge,
and ability through Your Power,
and beg (Your favour) out of Your infinite Bounty.

For surely You have Power; I have none.

You know all; I know not.

You are the Great Knower of all things.

O Allah! If in Your Knowledge this matter be good for my faith (Deen),
for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs,
then ordain it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me therein.

But if in Your Knowledge, this matter be bad for my faith (Deen) for my livelihood,
and for the consequences of my affairs,
then turn it away from me, and turn me away therefrom,
and ordain for me the good wherever it be,
and cause me to be pleased therewith.

While reciting this Du'a when one reaches HAADHAL AMR (THIS MATTER) at both places he should think of his problem.

Istikharah For A Lady In Menses

The performing of two rakaats of Nafl (optional) Solat with the intention of Istikharah (to seek guidance in maing decisions) is desirable.

However, this is not a pre-requisite for the validity of Istikharah.

For a lady in menses, postnatal bleeding, tt would suffice for her to just perform wudhu and recite the du'a of Istikharah on her prayer mat before sleeping without performing the Solat for Istikharah.

Solat Sunat - Some Virtues

Sunnat Muakad is an emphasised Sunnat which Rasulullah SAW performed punctually without leaving it out.

Umm Habibah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Whomsoever performs twelve Rakaats of Solat during the day and night, an abode in Jannah will be prepared for him; four Rakaats before Zuhr, two Rakaats after Zuhr, two Rakaats after Maghrib, two Rakaats after Isyak and two Rakaats before Fajr Solat."(Mishkat: Volume 1: Page 103).

Besides the above Hadith explaining the general virtue of performing the twelve rakaats of solat, there are other Ahadith explaining the virtues of some specific Sunnat Muakad Solats.

Abu Ayub Ansari RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Four rakaats before Zuhr with only one Salaam (i.e. with Salaam only after the fourth rakaat, not after two Rakaats also) is a means of opening the doors (of mercy) of the sky (Mishkat: Page 104).

* Please note: The Shafi'i school defines the Sunnat Muakad Solat before Zuhr is two rakaats only.

Umm Habibah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Whomsoever is punctual in performing the Four Rakaats Solat before Zuhr, Allah will make the fire of Hell Haraam upon him." (Ibid)

Huzaifah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Hasten with performing two Rakaats after Maghrib for they are lifted up with the Fardh Salaat." (Mishkat: Page 105)

Apart from the Sunnat Muakad Solat, occasionally Rasulullah SAW performed voluntary Nafl Salaats before Asr and Isyak, and mentioned great virtues for those Solats as well.

Ibn Umar RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"May Allah have mercy upon that person who performs four Rakaats before Asr Salaat."(Ibid)

Aishah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW used to be extremely steadfast on the two Sunnat Rakaats of Fajr Salaat. (Mishkat: Page 104)

Aishah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"The two Rakaats of Fajr Solat are better than the entire world and its contents." (Ibid)

Solat Awwabeen

Solat Awwaabeen refers to the Nafl (optional) Solat after Maghrib Solat.

The minimum is two rakaats and maximum is twenty rakaats. Six raka'ats is also a common number.

Among the virtues of Solat Awaabeen are:

1. All sins are forgiven even if it is as much as the foams of the ocean. (Riwayat Tabrani)

2. The reward of twelve years of worship written in the person's account. (Riwayat Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah)

The Importance of Witr Solat

The Witr solat is the most important solat after the five daily fardhu prayers. It is the highest ranking sunnat mu'akad solat and takes importance higher that the two raka'ats of sunnat before Subuh (Fajr), and the two after Maghrib too - both of which, are also very important.

We should not miss Witr solat. Infact, one of the requisites in the Hanafi school of taught is that the Witr solat is Wajib. (Please note: wajib and fardhu have different definitions in the Hanafi school of jurisprudence.)

Rasulullah SAW has reprimanded us via a hadith:

"Whomsoever does not perform Witr is not from among us."

Let us hereby place the importance of Witr in our lives.

In the Shafi'i school of taught, the minimum a person should do is one raka'at. The best is eleven raka'ats. However, the optimum minumum is three raka'ats i.e. two raka'ats with salam, then followed by one raka'at with salam. If a person has done Witr solat after Isyak, and when he wakes up for Tahajjud, he does not have to repeat his Witr again.