Mukhtasar al-Akhdari

THE TREATISE
OF
SHEIKH SIDI ABD RAHMAAN

AL AKHDHARI
ON THE JURISPRUDENCE OF ACTS OF WORSHIP ACCORDING TO THE SCHOOL
OF IMAM MALIK BIN ANAS (May Allah be pleased with them both)

TRANSLATED
(With clarifying footnotes)

BY

IBRAHIM SAIDY

IMAM – DARU SALAAM ISLAMIC CENTRE
(MASJID ATTAWWAABIN)
OSLO – NORWAY

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL
May Allah exalt the mention of our Master Muhammad, his kinsfolk and Companions
and grant them peace.

Praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds and exaltation and granting of peace be upon our
Master Muhammad, the Seal of Prophets and Leader of Messengers.

*CHAPTER 1: PRIMARY OBLIGATIONS*
* The first obligation upon an adult is the correction of his Faith; then acquiring knowledge of
that which is incumbent for the proper performance of his personal duties such as: the rules
governing Salaat (ritual Prayer), Taharah (ritual purification) and Sawm (fasting).

It is also obligatory on him to keep strictly within the limits set by Allah; executing His
commands and avoiding His prohibitions. He should also complete his repentance to Allah,
the Exalted before Allah’s wrath overcomes him.

The conditions of repentance however, are: deep remorse for past wrongdoings, and the
resolve never to return to sin for the rest of ones life with an immediate abstinence from
disobedience if one is still involved in such actions. It is not right for him to delay the process
of repentance and not to say “I will repent whenever Allah guides me”. Such statements are
only signs of misery, self debasement and lack of spiritual insight.

It is also obligatory on the adult to safeguard his tongue from indecent and abusive speech,
swearing by divorce 1 , abusing, humiliating, insulting or frightening a fellow Muslim without
any legitimate (Shar’i) reason.

It is obligatory on him to avert his eyes from looking at things forbidden just as it is not right
for him to look at a Muslim with the intent to harm him unless this person is a deviant in
which case they should be shunned.

It is as well obligatory on him to safeguard all his limbs against all evil acts to the best of his
ability. He should also love for the sake of Allah alone, abhor for His sake and be pleased or
annoyed for His sake. He should likewise enjoin the good and decent while forbidding the bad
and indecent.

*THINGS PROHIBITED*
It is forbidden for him to lie, backbite, maliciously gossip, and be proud and arrogant. It is
likewise forbidden for him to show off for the sake of appearance and reputation, be envious
and hateful or brag about his favours on others. Also forbidden are: scornfulness and mockery
as well as caricaturing and ridiculing others.

1
This refers to a certain bad habit some people have of saying for example: ”If I do not do such and such a thing
I would divorce my wife.”

2

Adultery and fornication are also forbidden; so is looking lustfully at a woman not one’s wife
or to take pleasure in her speech. It is also forbidden to consume peoples’ wealth without their
consent or to make ones living through corrupt legal practices or the abuse of religion.
Likewise forbidden is to delay Salaat thereby missing the prescribed time.

It is not permissible for him to keep the company of a deviant (faasiq) or to sit with him
without necessity nor should he seek the pleasure of created beings at the expense of incurring
the displeasure of the Creator.

Allah, the Exalted, has said:
“…Allah and His Messenger are most worthy of being pleased if indeed they are
Believers”. (Qur’an: Soorah 9: Verse 62)

The Messenger, (May Allah grant him peace), also said:
“No created being has the right to be obeyed at the expense of disobedience to the Creator”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

It is not permissible for him to undertake any deed except after he knows Allah’s ruling
concerning that matter. He should as a matter of duty ask the learned and follow the examples
of those who follow the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah exalt his mention and
grant him peace). Such are people who lead others unto the way of obedience to Allah and
warn against following Satan. He should not be content to choose for himself what the
morally bankrupt have chosen whose lives have been lost in acts not of obedience to Allah,
the Exalted. How great their despair and how long their wailings on the Day of Judgement.

We pray to Allah to enable us to follow the Traditions of our Prophet, Intercessor, and Master
Muhammad (May Allah exalt his mention and grant him peace).*

*CHAPTER 2: RITUAL PURIFICATION*
PURIFICATION IS OF TWO TYPES: minor purification and major purification. Neither of
them can be properly done except by means of water which must be both pure and purifying.
That means all its basic elements of colour, taste and smell have not been altered by means of
an agent usually foreign to it such as oil, fat, yeast of all types; likewise foam, soap, dirt and
the like.

There is however, no harm with sand, mud, salt earth, fur or the like.

*SECTION 2.1: REMOVING IMPURITIES*
If an impurity touches a place, the affected section(s) must be washed. If it becomes difficult
to determine the spot(s) then wash the entire garment. If however, one simply suspects being
touched by impurity then it is enough to sprinkle water on the clothing. If one doubts the
purity of a thing that touches him no sprinkling is necessary.

3

He, who remembers an impurity while in Salaat, must immediately interrupt his Salaat unless
he fears missing the prescribed time. He, who forgetfully does Salaat with an impurity and
remembers only after Salaam, must repeat the Salaat as long as it is still within time.

*SECTION 2.2: ACTS OF WUDHU 2 (MINOR
PURIFICATION)*
THE OBLIGATORY ACTS OF WUDHU ARE SEVEN: the intention, washing the face,
washing the hands up to the elbows, wiping over the head (with wet hands), washing the feet
up to the ankles, scrubbing (while washing) and doing it fast.

THE SUNNAH ACTS ARE: washing the hands up to the wrists at the beginning, rinsing the
mouth, inhaling water into the nostrils and exhaling, returning the wiping of the head, wiping
over the ears and renewing water to do so and doing the Obligatory acts in the prescribed
order.

Whoever forgets to wash an Obligatory part of his limbs and remembers before long should
then wash it and rewash all the parts that follow it. It however he remembers only after a long
time, he should then wash it alone and repeat all Salaats he made before. If however, the part
forgotten is Sunnah, it should be washed alone with no repetition of Salaat.

He who leaves a spot unwashed should wash only that area upon remembrance with intention
(of Wudhu) and any Salaat done before that should be repeated. He who remembers having
left out the rinsing of his mouth or the inhaling of water after already starting with the face
should not go back to the forgotten parts until he finishes his ablution.*

ITS VIRTUOUS ACTS ARE: reciting the “Basmalah” 3 , tooth brushing 4 , washing the face
and hands more than once, beginning from the forehead when wiping over the head, doing the
Sunnah acts in the right order (see above), economising the use of water on the limbs, starting
with the right before the left. It is obligatory to wet in between the fingers while it is
recommended to do the same with the toes. It is also obligatory to wet ones beard during
ablution when it is lightly grown, not when it is thick. In ritual bath however, even thick beard
must be thoroughly wet.

*SECTION 2.3: THINGS THAT VITIATE WUDHU*
Ablution (Wudhu) is nullified by either ritual impurities or causes thereof.
The impurities are: urine, faeces, breaking wind, emitting prostatic fluid and genital
discharges.
The causes are: deep sleep, unconsciousness, intoxication, insanity, kissing, touching the
opposite sex if pleasure is either intended or derived, touching the penis with the inside of the
palm or the fingers.

2
This is the Arabic for Ablution.
3
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Rahim.
4
It is best with the traditional chewing stick before each Wudhu.

4

Whoever has doubts about impurity must renew his Wudhu unless it is a whispering coming
from Shaytan in which case he need not do anything. The whole penis must be washed in case
of the secretion of prostatic fluid but not the testicles. Prostatic fluid is the liquid secreted
when aroused through fantasizing, lustful looks or the like.

*SECTION 2.4: THINGS PROHIBITED BY LACK OF
WUDHU*
It is not permissible for one without Wudhu to perform Salaat, Tawaaf, 5 touch a copy of the
Mighty Qur’an or even its cover whether with his hands or even with a stick or the like;
except a part of it for one learning form it. A board on which the Qur’an is written should
likewise not be touched without Wudhu except by one learning from it or a teacher tutoring
him.

The same rules apply to a child touching the Qur’an as an adult except that the sin incurred
thereof shall be on the adult who gave him access to it.

Whoever performs Salaat without Wudhu, intentionally, is a disbeliever; we seek refuge in
Allah.

*SECTION 2.5: GHUSL (MAJOR PURIFICATION)*
Ghusl (ritual bath) is obligatory on account of three things: janaaba, 6 menstruation and
postnatal bleeding.

JANABA IS CAUSED BY TWO THINGS:
1. The release of semen with normal pleasure while asleep or awake by intercourse or
any other means.
2. The other arises immediately the glans of the male organ penetrates the female
genitalia.

Whoever sees himself having intercourse in a dream but does not release any semen has
nothing to worry about. Whoever finds dry sperm on his garment and cannot remember when
it got there should perform Ghusl and repeat all Salaat he has done since the last time he slept.

*SECTION 2.6: ACTS OF GHUSL*
THE OBLIGATORY ACTS OF GHUSL ARE: the intention when beginning, doing it fast,
scrubbing and washing the whole body.

THE SUNNAH ACTS ARE: washing the hands up to the wrists as in Wudhu, rinsing the
mouth, inhaling water into the nostrils and exhaling, washing the inner parts of the ear; as to
the lower lobes of the ears it is obligatory to wash them back and front.

5
Circumambulation of the Ka’aba.
6
Major impurity.

5

THE VIRTUOUS ACTS ARE: beginning with washing the impurity 7 , then the private part,
making your intention at this point, then washing the parts of Wudhu once each, then the
upper parts of the body and washing the head three times; doing the right sections of the body
before the left, using as little water as possible.

Whoever forgets a spot or limb during his Ghusl must hasten to do so as soon as he
remembers even if that takes a month. He should then repeat all the Salaats done before. If he
delays the washing after such remembrance then the Ghusl itself becomes void. If however,
the part(s) forgotten are among those washed in Wudhu, then the Wudhu washing(s) would
suffice.

*SECTION 2.7: THINGS PROHIBITED BY JANABA*
One in a state of janaba is not permitted to enter the Masjid or recite the Qur’an except an
Aayat or the like for seeking protection or the like.
It is likewise not permissible for one who is inhibited from using cold water to have
intercourse with his spouse unless he makes ample arrangements (for hot water). If he has wet
dreams however, there is no blame on him (for not washing).

*SECTION 2.8: TAYAMMUM (DRY ABLUTION)*
Tayammum is done by a traveller not on a mission of disobedience to Allah and the sick
person for Fard (obligatory) as well as Naafilah (voluntary) Salaats. The healthy resident
may also do Tayammum for a Fard Salaat if he fears missing the prescribed time. The healthy
resident cannot however, do Tayammum for a Naafilah, Jumu’ah 8 or Janaza 9 Salaats unless
if none but him can perform the Janaaza.

THE OBLIGATORY ACTS OF TAYAMMUM ARE: the intention, pure earth, wiping over
the face, and the hands up to the wrists, striking the soil the first time, doing it fast, doing it
within the prescribed time of Salaat and immediately before the actual Salaat.

By pure earth is meant: sand, sun-dried bricks, stone, snow, mud, and the like.

Tayammum is not permissible on whitewashed (or painted) walls, mats, wood, grass and the
like. An allowance is made for a sick person to do it on a stone or sun-dried brick wall if there
is no one to fetch him something else.

THE SUNNAH ACTS ARE: striking the earth ones again with the hands, wiping over the
forearm: between the wrists and elbows and following the order thus prescribed.

THE VIRTUOUS ACTS ARE: reciting the “Basmalah”, doing the right before the left, doing
the back of the forearm before the inner part and its front before its end.

7
In practice, that is the area between the navel and the knees.
8
This is the Friday Congregational Salaat.
9
This is the Funeral Salaat.

6

THINGS THAT VITIATE TAYAMMUM

The same things that invalidate Wudhu also invalidate Tayammum. You cannot perform two
Fard (obligatory) Salaats with one Tayammum. However, if one does Tayammum for a Fard
Salaat it becomes permissible for him thereafter to perform any amount of Naafilah Salaats
with it. He could also touch The Quran, do Tawaaf and recite The Quran if he had intended
any of these and did it immediately after the Salaat and before the end of the prescribed time.
All of the things mentioned above except Fard Salaat could also be done with the Tayammum
for a Naafilah Salaat. Whoever prays Isha with Tayammum can arise immediately thereafter
and perform the Shaf’i and Witr Salaat without delay. Whoever has the need to perform
Tayammum while in a state of Janaaba must include this in his intention.*

*SECTION 2.9: MENSTRUATION*
Women are grouped into three categories as far as menstruation is concerned:
1. First time beginners.
2. Regularly menstruating women.
3. Pregnant women.

The maximum length of menstruation for a first time beginner is 15 days. For the regularly
menstruating woman it is her normal period. If however, the blood continues to come she
adds three days at a time for as long as it does not exceed 15 days. For the pregnant woman
the maximum is fifteen days when she is over three months pregnant. After six months of
pregnancy it becomes twenty days. If the bleeding stops at intervals she puts the days together
until she completes her normal period. 10

It is not permissible for a menstruating woman to perform Salaat, fast, do Tawaaf, touch the
Qur’an or enter the Masjid. She must however, make up for the fasting but not the Salaat. Her
recitation of the Qur’an is permissible. Her husband however, is not allowed to touch her
private parts or anything between her navel and her knees until she has had Ghusl.

*SECTION 2.10: LOCHIA (POSTNATAL BLEEDING)*
Postnatal bleeding is the same as menstruation as far as the things it prohibits are concerned.
Its maximum duration is sixty days. If however, the bleeding happens to stop even on the day
of delivery she should perform Ghusl and observe her Salaats. In case the bleeding starts
again and fifteen days or more have passed then the second is menstrual blood. If it is less
than fifteen days then it must be counted with the first until the lochia is completed.

*CHAPTER 3: SALAAT (RITUAL PRAYER)*

10
The rules regarding irregular periods vary greatly from one jurist to another. However, the minimum period of
purity between periods is fifteen days.

7

*SECTION 3.1: TIMES OF SALAAT* 11
The Prime Time for Zhohr (The Afternoon Salaat) is from the time the sun begins to decline
from its meridian to the time when the shadow of everything reaches its full length.
The Prime Time for Asr (The Late Afternoon Salaat) is from the time the shadow reaches its
full length to the time the sun turns yellow.
The Extended Time for both Salaats lasts up to sunset.

The Prime Time for Maghrib (The Evening Salaat) is calculated by the time it actually takes
to perform it after its preconditions have been fulfilled.
The Prime Time for Isha (The Night Salaat) is from the disappearance of the twilight glow up
to the end of the first third of the night.
The Extended Time for both Salaats lasts until the rise of dawn.

The Prime Time for Subh (The Morning or (Fajr = Dawn) Salaat) is from dawn until the first
brightening. Its Extended Time is lasts until sunrise.

Making up for missed Salaat in all cases happens when these times have elapsed. Whoever
delays Salaat until its time passes (both Prime & Extended), would incur a grave sin except
for one who did so forgetfully or was asleep. 12

*TIMES NAAFILAH SALAAT IS FORBIDDEN*
No Naafilah Salaat is permitted after the Subh Salaat until after the sun has risen high. It is
also not done after the Asr Salaat till the time of Maghrib and after the rise of dawn except
Wird Salaat 13 (regular litanies) for one who oversleeps.
Naafilah Salaat is also not done when the Imam of the Jumu’ah Salaat sits on the Mimbar 14
(pulpit) and after the Jumu’ah Salaat itself until one leaves the Masjid.

*SECTION 3.2: PRECONDITIONS OF SALAAT*
The preconditions of Salaat are: purification of the body, clothing and place (of worship)
from both minor and major impurities 15 . Also preconditional are to cover the private parts,
facing the Qibla (direction of the Ka’aba), refraining from talking and unnecessary motion.

11
Each individual Salaat has its time divided into two: Ikhtiyaari (Prime or Preferred) and Dharoori (Extended or
Allocated). These two times together constitute what the Qur’anic Aayat 103 in Surah An-Nisaa denotes:
“…establish Regular Salaat: For such Salaats are enjoined on believers at stated times.”
12
Delaying Salaat is also permissible for one who is sick or on a journey: the latter is governed by special rules.
13
This is for one who has a well established routine of performing a set of Rak’aat (units of Salaat) every night.
The permission however, is valid only if there is enough time for the Subh Salaat before sunrise and one can still
make the Jamaa’at at the Masjid.
14
This is superseded by the following genuine Hadith: “Jaabir reported that Sulaik Ghatafaani came on Friday
(for Salaat) while the Messenger of Allah (May Allah grant him peace) was sitting on the pulpit. Sulaik also sat
down without observing Salaat. The Messenger of Allah (May Allah grant him peace) said: 'Have you observed
two Rak’aat?' He said: 'No'. He (the Holy Prophet) said: 'Arise and observe them'.” (Sahih Muslim: Book 004,
No.1902)
15
Minor impurities are those that necessitate only Wudhu while major impurities are those that necessitate
Ghusl.

8

The private parts of a man are what lie between the navel and the knees. For the woman all
her body is considered private except her face and hands.

It is abhorrent to do Salaat in drawers (pants) except if something is worn over them.
Whoever has an impurity on his clothing and cannot find another nor does he find water to
wash it or another to wear while the impure one is washed and fears missing the time; he
should do Salaat with the impurity. Delaying Salaat because of an impurity is not permitted
and whoever does so would disobey his Lord. Whoever does not find enough clothing to
cover their private parts should do Salaat naked.

Whoever mistakes the Qibla should repeat his Salaat only if it is still within time. Every such
repetition of Salaat within time is considered a virtuous act. Repetition of Salaat within time
does not however, include missed or Naafilah Salaat.

*SECTION 3.3: ACTS OF SALAAT*
THE OBLIGATORY ACTS OF SALAAT ARE: The intention for the specific Salaat, the
Takbir-at-ul-Ihraam 16 and standing while doing so, reciting Surah-al-Faatiha and standing
while doing so, the Ruku’ (bowing) and standing up straight thereafter, the Sujood
(prostration) on the forehead and arising therefrom; doing every act with due serenity and
tranquillity as well as doing these obligatory acts in the right sequence. The Salaam and
staying in the sitting position while uttering it are also both obligatory.

The condition for the validity of the intention however, is done simultaneously with the
Takbir-at-ul-Ihraam.*

THE SUNNAH ACTS OF SALAAT ARE: The Iqaama 17 , the Soorah recited after Al-
Faatiha and standing while doing so, reciting silently in that which should be silent and
audibly in that which should be audible. It is also a Sunnah act to say Sami’al-Laahu liman
Hamidahu 18 .
All Takbirs 19 except the first one are Sunnah; so are the two Tashahhuds 20 and sitting down
to do so as well as beginning with the recitation of Faatiha before the Soorah. The second and
third pronouncements of Salaam 21 by one doing Salaat behind an Imam are Sunnah as well as
saying the obligatory Salaam aloud.

16
This is the first utterance of Allahu Akbar at the commencement of Salaat.
17
This is the second call to Salaat followed immediately by the Takbir-at-ul-Ihraam. It is a Sunnah act for men
and a meritorious act for women.
18
'Allah hears those who thank Him': said when arising from the Ruku’ posture.
19
Utterances of 'Allahu Akbar'(Allah is Greatest).
20
“Attahiyyaatu liLaahi, Azzaakiyaatu liLaahi, Attayyibaatu was-Salawaatu liLaahi. Assalaamu Alaika
Ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa Rahmatul Laahi wa Barakaatuhu. Assalaamu Alainaa wa Alaa Ibaadil-Laahis-
Saalihina. Ash-hadu an laa Ilaaha illal-Laahu Wahdahu laa Sharika lahu wa Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan
Abduhu wa Rasooluhu.” This is recited after every two Rak’aat, (always before Salaam).
21
This is the case in which the obligatory Salaam is pronounced towards the Qibla and the other two which are
Sunnah are said while turning towards the right then left. However, the most common form is to pronounce two
Salaams beginning by saying the first one towards the Qibla and finishing it while turning right and doing the
same again while turning left.

9

Sunnah acts also include invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah 22 (May Allah exalt his
mention and grant him peace) and making Sujood on the nose, the palms of the hands, the
knees and the tips of the toes. The Sutra 23 (barrier) for one not doing Salaat behind an Imam
is also Sunnah. The Sutra should at least be of the thickness of a spear and the length of a
forearm, pure, stationary and not distracting.*

THE VIRTUOUS ACTS OF SALAAT ARE: Raising the hands to the level of the ears in
Takbir-at-ul-Ihraam, saying Rabbanaa wa Lakal Hamd 24 by one following an Imam or doing
Salaat alone, saying Aameen 25 after the recitation of Al-Faatiha if one is alone or behind an
Imam. The Imam himself says it only in Salaat with silent recitation. 26
Virtuous acts also include glorification of Allah in Ruku’ 27 and supplication in Sujood 28 as
well as lengthening the recitation in Subh and Zhohr (the latter being a bit shorter), shortening
it in Asr and Maghrib and making it medium in Isha. The Soorah in the first Rak’at should be
before the one in the second (i.e. according to their order in the Qur’an); it, the first, should
also be longer than the second. The known form 29 for Ruku’, Sujood and sitting as well as
reciting the Du’aa-ul-Qunoot 30 silently are all virtuous acts. The Qunoot is recited in Subh
after the Soorah and before Ruku’ although it is also permissible after Ruku’. Additional
supplications after the second Tashahhud, making it longer than the first and turning towards
the right while pronouncing the Salaam as well as moving (or pointing straight with) the
index finger during Tashahhud are all virtuous acts.

*THINGS DISLIKED IN SALAAT*
It is disliked to look about in Salaat, close ones eyes or begin recitation with the Basmalah
and Isti’aazha (i.e. saying: A’oozhu – bil – Laahi minas Shaytanir Rajeem) in Fard Salaat 31 .
Both are however, allowed in Naafilah. It is also disliked to stand on one leg in Salaat except

22
“Allaahumma Salli alaa Sayyidinaa Muhammadin wa alaa Aali Sayyidinaa Muhammadin kamaa Sallaita
alaa Sayyidinaa Ibraahima wa alaa Sayyidinaa Ibraahima wa Baarik alaa Sayyidinaa Muhammadin wa alaa
Sayyidinaa Muhammadin kamaa Baarakta alaa Sayyidinaa Ibraahima wa alaa Aali Sayyidinaa Ibraahima fil
Aalamina Innaka Hamidun Majiid.” This is recited after the second Tashhahud before Salaam.
23
This is an object a person doing Salaat alone places before him/her to allow others pass in front of him/her
without hindrance.
24
'Our Lord; and praise be to You.' This is said when arising from Ruku’ in response to “Sami’al-Laahu liman
Hamidahu.”
25
This means: 'Oh Lord! Answer our prayers'.
26
Opinions differ on this point. According to other jurists the Imam says it as well even in audible recitation.
27
Saying:"Subhaana Rabbi-al-Adheem wa Bi Hamdihi" (three times) meaning: 'Glory be to my Lord, the

Greatest and His is all Praise.'
28
Saying:"Subhaana Rabbi-al-A’alaa wa Bi Hamdihi” (three times) meaning: 'Glory be to my Lord, the Most
High and His is all Praise ' plus any Du’aas that you know especially from the Prophet (s.a.w).
29
That is the established postures: placements of the limbs such as the hands on the knees and bending the back
straight without lifting the head or bending it too far downwards in Ruku’.
30
"Allaahumma inna nasta’eenuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu’uminu bika wa natawakkalu Alaika wa
Nakhna’u Laka wa nakhla’u wa natruku man yakfuruka. Allaahumma Iyyaaka na’abud wa Laka nusallii wa
nasjud wa Ilaika nas’aa wa nahfid. Narrjoo Rahmataka wa nakhaafu Azhaabaka-l-Jidda. Inna Azhaabaka
bil kaafireena mulhiq.”
31
This is also another matter of contention even among jurists within the Maliki School itself. Supporters of this
opinion however, find evidence in the fact that a number of the Sahaba having done Salaat a lot times behind the
Prophet (s.a.w.), Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a.) have reported that none of them were ever heard beginning 'Fard
Salaat' with the 'Basmalah' or 'Isti’aazha'. Reciting them silently however, is all right if not recommended.

10

if one has been standing for a very long time. Also disliked is to keep the feet tight together or
to put a coin or any other thing in ones mouth. Likewise anything that can cause distraction in
ones pocket, sleeves or on the back. Similarly, engaging ones mind with thought about
worldly affairs and everything that may divert ones attention from humbleness before Allah in
Salaat.

*SECTION 3.4: SALAAT IS A LIGHT*
Salaat has immense Divine light which illuminates on the hearts of those who perform Salaat
and none attain to it except those are aware and humble themselves before Allah. If you
therefore, come to perform Salaat empty your heart of all things worldly and engage yourself
with awareness of you Lord for Whose Countenance you pray. Keep in mind that Salaat is in
fact a matter of awe and humility before Allah, The Exalted in standing still, bowing,
prostrating, exhibiting unequalled respect and esteem for Him by means of Takbir (see note
18), Tasbih (glorification) and Zhikr (constant remembrance and adoration). Guard therefore,
your Salaat. It is the greatest form of worship. Do not allow Shaytan to play with your heart
and distract you from your Salaat thereby obliterating your heart and depriving you from
enjoying the Divine Lights of Salaat. Be constantly mindful; humbling yourself in Salaat for
that way it protects from all shameful and blameworthy deeds. Seek help through Allah for
He is the best to seek help from.

*SECTION 3.5: MANNERS OF PERFORMING SALAAT*

There are seven different manners of performing Fard Salaat. Four of these are done by way
of obligation and the other three by way of recommendation.

Those done by way of obligation are: standing without support, then standing with support,
then sitting without support, then sitting with support.

Performing Salaat in one of these manners and in the given order is a matter of obligation. If
one is able to do it in the one manner but chooses instead to do it in a subordinate manner then
their Salaat is void.

The three that are by way of recommendation are: that the disabled should perform Salaat
in one of these three manners: lying on his right side or on his left side or on his back. He is
free to choose whichever of them is most convenient for him.

The support which invalidates the Salaat of the one who is able to dispense with it is such that
he would fall if it fell. If he will not fall by the falling of the support then it becomes
reprehensible.

As to the Naafilah Salaat it is permissible for the one able to stand to perform it sitting but he
will only have half the reward of the one standing. It is likewise permissible to enter the
Salaat in a sitting position and stand up afterwards or to enter it standing and to sit down
afterwards unless one had the specific intention of performing it standing then he should
refrain from sitting down afterwards.

11

*SECTION 3.6: MAKING UP FOR MISSED SALAAT*
All missed (Fard) Salaat must be made up for. It is not permissible to be negligent in this
matter. Whoever makes Salaat for five consecutive days is not negligent. Salaat must be
repaid in the same manner it was missed: if it was missed while resident it should be repaid as
such and if it was on a journey 32 it should be repaid as such and it makes no difference
whether at the time of repayment one is resident or on a journey. Maintaining the right order
between two concurrent Salaats 33 as well as between a few missed ones and a current one is
obligatory if one so remembers. By a few it is meant four Salaats or less.

Whoever has missed four Salaats or less should make up for them before the current one even
if that would make him miss the time of the current one also. Making up for Salaat is
permissible at all times. He who has (Fard) Salaat(s) to make up for does not do Naafilah nor
does he do Dhuhaa, (the forenoon Salaat) or Ramadhaan night Salaats (Taraawih). No other
Salaats would be permissible for him except Asshaf’o and Al-Witr 34 , the Sunnah of Fajr, the
two Eid Salaats, the eclipse Salaat and the special Salaat for rain during severe droughts.

It is permissible for those are making up for missed Salaat(s) to observe them together if their
missed Salaats are the same and whoever forgets the number of Salaats they have missed
should make up for a number that would be enough to remove any doubts.

*SECTION 3.7: ON THE PROSTRATION OF
FORGETFULNESS*

The (Sujood) 35 of forgetfulness in Salaat is a Sunnah act. For acts of Salaat omitted two
Sujoods (Sajdatain) are made before Salaam after the completion of the two Tashahhuds.
Another Tashahhud is then recited and Salaam made again. For additions two Sujoods are
made after Salaam. The Tashahhud should then be repeated and Salaam made.

Whoever both adds and omits acts in Salaat should perform Sujood before Salaam. Whoever
forgets Sujood before Salaam till he utters the Salaam can still make it if it was recent. If
however, it took a long time or he had already left the Masjid then the Sujood would become
nullified and with it the entire Salaat. That is if the act(s) involved constituted three Sunnahs
or more. Otherwise, the Salaat would still be valid. Whoever, on the other hand, forgets the
Sujood before Salaam should make it immediately even if it had taken a whole year.

Whoever omits an obligatory (Fard) act however, cannot mend it with Sujood. For omissions
relating to virtuous acts (Fadhaa’il) no Sujood is required.
32
This refers to the shortening of Salaat while travelling. When on a journey of at least 70km in distance one is
normally allowed to shorten four Rak’aat Salaats to two, etc.
33
This is as in the case of Zhohr and Asr which share the same Extended Time. See times of Salaat above.
34
These are the three Rak’aat of emphatic Sunnah one offers after Isha or as a closing for all Salaats of the day
and night before Fajr.
35
“Sujood” is the act of prostration. “Sajda” is one Sujood and two Sujoods are “Sajdatain”.

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Sujood before Salaam is not done except for the omission of two Sunnah acts or more. As to
omitting a single Sunnah act there is no Sujood for it except in the case of silent and audible
recitations in Salaat. Whoever, recites silently in place of audible recitation should do Sujood
before Salaam and whoever recites audibly in place of silent recitation should do Sujood after
Salaam.

Whoever talks forgetfully in Salaat should do Sujood after Salaam. Whoever pronounces the
Salaam forgetfully after only two Rak’aat should do Sujood after Salaam. Whoever adds a
Rak’at or two Rak’aat in Salaat should do Sujood after Salaam. If however, one doubles the
number of Rak’aat then his Salaat is nullified.

Whoever is unsure as to the completion of his Salaat should do the acts he is unsure about.
Doubts concerning omissions should be resolved accordingly. Whoever is thus unsure about
doing a Rak’at or a Sajda (prostration) should do so immediately and then perform the Sujood
after Salaam. If the doubt is about the pronouncement of Salaam then it should be pronounced
if the time was recent without any Sujoods. If however, a long time has passed then the Salaat
itself becomes invalid.

The habitually doubtful, should put aside his doubts and not redo any acts he is unsure of. He
should however, always do the Sujood after Salaam regardless of whether his doubt is about
an addition or an omission.

Whoever recites the Du’aa–ul–Qunoot 36 aloud does not need to perform any Sujoods
although it is abhorrent to do so deliberately. Similarly there are no Sujoods on one who adds
a Soorah (after Fatiha) in the last two Rak’aat (of a four Rak’aat Salaat).

If one hears the name of Muhammad, (May Allah exalt his mention and grant him peace)
mentioned while in Salaat and says the blessing on him, he has nothing on him whether that
was done forgetfully or intentionally, standing or sitting.

Whoever recites two Soorahs or more in a single Rak’at or jumps from one Soorah to another
or goes to Ruku’ before completing the Soorah there is nothing on him in all of that. Whoever
makes a gesture with his hands or head while in Salaat also has nothing on him.

Whoever repeats the Faatiha forgetfully should perform the Sujood after Salaam. If however
this was done deliberately then the Salaat most probably is invalid. If one remembers the
Soorah only after bending for Ruku’, he should not return to recite it. Whoever remembers
silent or audible recitation before bending for Ruku’ should repeat the whole recitation. If it
concerned only the Soorah, he should repeat it without Sujoods. If however, it involved the
Faatiha then he repeats it and performs the Sujood after Salaam. If however, he missed all
that because he is already in Ruku’ he should perform Sujood before Salaam for omitting
audible recitation or after Salaam for silent recitation. This concerns both Fatiha and the
Soorah.

Whoever laughs in Salaat whether forgetfully or deliberately his Salaat becomes invalid; and
none laughs in his Salaat except one who is negligent and playful. As to the Believer
whenever he stands for Salaat, he would turn with his heart away from all else except Allah,
the Exalted. He leaves the world and all that it contains so that he is present with his heart and

36
See note 29 above.

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mind in the Majesty of Allah and His Greatness. His heart trembles and his soul is filled with
terror in awe of Allah, the Exalted and Mighty. This is the Salaat of the pious.

There is nothing wrong in smiling; while the crying in Salaat of the humbly submissive (to
Allah) is forgiven and one who pauses for a while to listen to a speaker has done no harm.

Whoever arises before sitting after two Rak’aat and remembers before his hands and knees
have left the ground he should return to the sitting position and no Sujoods would be
necessary. If however, he has already left the ground he should proceed without returning to
the sitting position and then does the Sujood before Salaam. However, if he still returns to
sitting after leaving the ground either forgetfully or intentionally his Salaat would be valid but
he should do the Sujood after Salaam.

Whoever blows 37 in his Salaat forgetfully should do the Sujood after Salaam. If however, this
is done deliberately his Salaat becomes invalid. Whosoever sneezes in Salaat needs not busy
himself with saying “Al Hamdu Lillah” (praise be to Allah) nor does he respond to one who
blesses him or bless one who sneezes. If however, he should choose to praise Allah there shall
be no blame on him. Whoever yawns in Salaat should cover his mouth and must not release
any discharges except into his clothing while avoiding the articulation of any intelligible
sounds.

Whoever has doubts about ritual impurity 38 or something impure 39 , and reflects a little in his
Salaat and then feels certain that he is clean, there shall be nothing on him.

Whoever looks about forgetfully in Salaat there shall be nothing on him. If however, this is
done deliberately then it becomes a reprehensible act. If as much as turns away from the
direction of the Qibla then he has broken his Salaat. Whoever does Salaat while wearing silk
or gold or steals in Salaat or looks at something forbidden he has disobeyed (his Lord)
although his Salaat is valid.

Whoever commits an error of recitation with a word not of the Qur’an he must do Sujood after
Salaam. If however, the mistaken word is of the Qur’an then there is no Sujood on him unless
he alters the phrase or spoils the meaning, then he does the Sujood after Salaam.

Whoever dozes off in Salaat owes no Sujoods. If however, he sleeps heavily then he must
repeat both the Salaat and Wudhu.

The groaning of the sick is forgiven and clearing ones throat out of necessity is excused while
doing so in order to convey a message is improper although it does not invalidate Salaat. If
one in Salaat responds to a caller by saying “Subhaanallah” (glory be to Allah) it is disliked,
yet his Salaat remains valid.

Whoever stops in recitation and no one prompts him, should leave that Aayat and read the one
after it. If he is unable to do so then he should proceed to Ruku’ and not look at a copy of the
Qur’an before him unless it be in the Faatiha in which case it must be completed either be
using a copy of the Qur’an or something else. If he omits an Aayat of the Faatiha, he does the

37
This is expelling breath loudly.
38
An impurity like urine, mucus or foul air from oneself.
39
An impure foreign agent touching his body or clothing.

14

Sujood before Salaam. If however, more than an Aayat is omitted, then the Salaat becomes
invalid.
Whoever prompts an Imam other than the one behind whom he is worshipping has invalidated
his Salaat. One does not in fact prompt his Imam unless he waits to be prompted or alters the
meaning.

If ones mind wonders a little into worldly affairs his reward lessens but his Salaat is not
invalidated.

Whoever pushes away someone about to pass in front of him or makes Sujood on the side of
his forehead or on a roll or two rolls of his turban there is nothing on him. There is likewise,
no harm for involuntary vomiting or belching in Salaat.

The forgetfulness of the follower in Salaat is borne by the Imam except it be a case of
omitting a Fard (obligatory) act.

If one following an Imam in Salaat forgets or dozes off or is pressed for time to make the
Ruku’ in other than the first Rak’at and he hopes to catch up with the Imam before the latter
arises from the second Sajda, he should go to Ruku’ and then join the Imam. If however, he
has no such hope of catching up with the Imam, he skips the Ruku’ and follows his Imam and
then makes up an extra Rak’at to replace this one after the Imam’s Salaam.

If on the other hand, he forgets the Sujood or is pressed for time or dozes off until the Imam
stands up for the next Rak’at, he should go to Sujood even if he desires to catch up with the
Imam before the latter goes to Ruku’. Otherwise, he skips it and follows the Imam and makes
up for this later with an additional Rak’at. When he has made up with the additional Rak’at,
no Sujoods would be required of him unless he has doubts concerning the Ruku’ or Sujood.

Whoever is approached by a scorpion or snake (while in Salaat) and he kills it, there is
nothing on him unless his action takes a long time or he turns away from the Qibla (in the
process) in which case he breaks his Salaat.

Whoever is unsure whether he is in the Witr or the last Rak’at of Asshaf’o, should make it the
last Rak’at of Asshaf’o and then do the Sujood after Salaam then the Witr. Whoever talks
between Asshaf’o and Al-Witr forgetfully has nothing on him. If however, he does so
deliberately it is abhorrent but there is still nothing on him.

One who joins Salaat late and makes less than a Rak’at with the Imam does not do the Sujood
of forgetfulness with him be that before or after Salaam. If he therefore, does the Sujood with
the Imam his Salaat becomes invalid. If on the other hand, he makes a full Rak’at or more
with the Imam, he does the Sujood before Salaam with him and delays the Sujood after
Salaam until he completes his Salaat and then makes it on his own. If he deliberately makes
the after Salaam Sujood with the Imam his Salaat becomes invalid. If he does so forgetfully
then he makes Sujood after Salaam.

If the one who joins Salaat late forgets after the Salaam of his Imam he is like one making
Salaat alone. If such a person owes the after Salaam Sujood on account of his Imam and the
before Salaam Sujood on his own account, the before Salaam Sujood would suffice him.

15

Whoever forgets the Ruku’ and remembers while in Sujood, he should return standing and it is
recommended that he repeats something of recitation and then goes to Ruku’ and finally does
the Sujood after Salaam.

Whoever forgets a Sajda and remembers after standing up, should return to the sitting position
and go to Sujood except if he had already sat down before standing in which case he should
not repeat the sitting. On the other hand, whoever, forgets two Sujoods should go back
directly to Sujood without sitting and in all these situations he does the Sujood after Salaam.

If however, he remembers the Sujood after he has raised his head for the following Rak’at, he
continues in his Salaat and does not return. He then cancels the Rak’at in which the mistake
occurred and adds another Rak’at in its place and then does the Sujood before Salaam. The
same applies if at all this happened in the first two Rak’aat and he remembered while already
in the third Rak’at and after Salaam: also if it was not in the first two or if it was in them and
he remembered before starting the third as the Soorah and the sitting have not been missed.

Whoever pronounces the Salaam while unsure about the completion of his Salaat his Salaat
becomes invalid.

Forgetfulness in missed Salaats being made up for is the same as forgetfulness in Salaat being
observed on time.

*FORGETFULNESS IN NAAFILAH*
Forgetfulness in Naafilah Salaat is like forgetfulness in Fard Salaat except in six issues:
Al Faatiha, the Soorah, silent and audible recitation, the addition of a Rak’at and
forgetting some of the pillars: obligatory acts if it takes a long time.

Whoever forgets the Faatiha in Naafilah and remembers after going to Ruku’, he continues
and repairs this with the Sujood before Salaam as opposed to the Fard Salaat where he will
have to nullify that Rak’at, add another Rak’at and go ahead, then his Sujood would be as we
mentioned in the case of one who omits the Sujood.

Whoever forgets the Soorah or audible or silent recitation in Naafilah and remembers after
Ruku’, he should continue and no Sujoods would be required of him as opposed to the Fard.

Whoever arises unto the third Rak’at in Naafilah and remembers before going to Ruku’, he
should return sitting and do the Sujood after Salaam. If however, he has already gone to
Ruku’, he continues and adds a fourth Rak’at and then does the Sujood before Salaam. This is
as opposed to the Fard where he should return sitting at whichever point he remembers and
then repairs it with the Sujood after Salaam.

Whoever forgets an obligatory element in Naafilah such as Ruku’ or Sujood and does not
remember until he has said the Salaam and a long time has passed, there would be no need for
him to repeat it. This is again as opposed to Fard Salaat in which case he would always have
to repeat it.

Whoever intentionally cuts short his Naafilah or leaves out a Rak’at or a Sajda deliberately
should always repeat it.

16

Whoever sighs in his Salaat has nothing on him unless he distinctly articulates a letter.

*FORGETFULNESS ON THE PART OF THE IMAM*
If the Imam makes an error of omission or addition the follower(s) calls his attention by
saying “Subhaanallah”, Glory be to Allah.

When your Imam arises after two Rak’aat (without sitting first) say Subhaanallah! If
however, he has already left the ground, follow him 40 . If he sits after the first or second
Rak’at, arise and do not sit with him 41 . If he makes only one Sajda and leaves the second, say
Subhaanallah and do not arise with him unless you fear he will go into Ruku’ in which case
you must follow him and do not after that sit with him neither in the second nor third Rak’aat.
When (he finally) makes Salaam, add another Rak’at in place of the Rak’at you cancelled
thereby completing your Salaat and do the Sujood before Salaam. If this happens in a
congregation then it is best that you put one of you forward to complete the Salaat with you.

If the Imam adds a third Sajda, say Subhaanallah and do not make the Sujood with him.

When the Imam arises unto a fifth Rak’at, he who is sure of its necessity should follow him;
likewise he who is in doubt. He who is certain it is an addition should remain sitting. If the
former sits and the latter arises then their Salaat becomes invalid.

If the Imam pronounces the Salaam before the completion of the Salaat, the one behind him
should say Subhaanallah. If he (the Imam) believes him, he completes his Salaat and does the
Sujood after Salaam. If however, he has doubts about the information, he asks two trusted
persons and it would be permissible for them to talk in this situation. If however, he is certain
the Salaat is complete he acts according to his certainty and leaves the two trusted ones unless
there be many people behind him in which case he leaves his certainty and refers to them.

*Completed By the Grace of Allah*

40
Remember in cases like this if he returns sitting then it is Sujood after Salaam. If he continues without sitting,
it is Sujood before Salaam.
41
Here also you say Subhaanallah to call his attention to the error.

17

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