The twelfth month of the Islamic calendar is called Dhul Hijjah. It is the month that contains one of the greatest pillars of Islam – Hajj or the major pilgrimage. It also contains one of only two Islamic reoccurring festivals, Eid ul Adha. These two special occasions, the Hajj and Eid ul Adha, are inextricably … Read more
The importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated. It is the first pillar of Islam that the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, mentioned after mentioning the Testimony of Faith, by which one becomes a Muslim. It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all peoples. … Read more
Islam commands men to perform congregational prayers and encourages them to do so in the mosque, which provides a social forum for Muslims. Congregational prayers help increase and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, unity and togetherness between them. In fact, Islam promises greater rewards for those who join the congregational prayers, as the prophet ﷺ … Read more
Allah ﷻ has enjoined upon Muslims five prayers throughout the day and night and has specified the following times for them: The Dawn Prayer (Salaat-ul-Fajr): It consists of two units (rak‛aat, singular: rak‛ah); it begins at daybreak, the time of day when light first appears, and lasts until sunrise. The Afternoon Prayer (Salaat-udh-Dhuhr): It consists … Read more
1. Removing physical impurity and ritual impurity 2. Covering the intimate parts of the body (‛awrah) The ‛awrah must be covered with clothing that is neither skin-tight, nor skimpy, nor see-through. The ‛awrah during the prayer is of three types: For an adult woman: All her body is considered ‛awrah except for the face … Read more
The Prayer The Arabic word salaat (commonly translated prayer) literally means supplication. It is the connection a Muslim establishes with his Lord and Creator and comprises the loftiest manifestations of total submissiveness to Allah, turning to Him and seeking His assistance and support. When a Muslim stands in prayer before his Lord, invokes and remembers … Read more
Al-hamdu lillaahi rabbil-‛aalameen “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.” (1:2): I extol Allah with all His attributes, acts and apparent and hidden blessings, with due love and reverence. Rabb (translated here ‘Lord’) refers to Almighty Allah, the Creator, Owner, Provider and Disposer of all affairs. The ‘worlds’ refers to anything apart … Read more
The intention (niyyah) is one of the conditions of the prayer, without which the prayer will not be valid. The intention is the object for which the prayer is offered. Before offering the prayer, one must have in mind the intention to offer the specified prayer, as being the sunset prayer or the late evening … Read more
Habeeba Husain Because the masjid, the house of worship for Muslims, is such a sacred space, there are etiquettes one must follow when visiting, whether they are going as a Muslim to pray or even just as a visitor. What should I wear at the masjid? One should be dressed modestly, as if ready to … Read more