Understanding Islam: Why should women stand behind men when offering Salat (Prayer) together?

Many a non-Muslim are always on the lookout to find some flaws in Islam to mock the Muslims. The Hijab is one main concern of non-Muslims for they think that it is tantamount to suppression of Muslim rights. We have written much on the philosophy and wisdom behind Hijab of women, and so have many others. But those who want to mock Islam are unmoved no matter how many arguments are proffered in support of Hijab.

Now here is another object: Why should women stand behind men when offering Salat (Prayer) together?

Yesterday, I shared the above photograph showing how a Muslim family offer prayer in ranks. It shows the women of the house standing in the last row behind men. This photo was immediately picked up and one of the commentators, obviously a non-Muslim, remarked: "Mother and daughter pray in the back cause they're not as intelligent as men according to your prophet, lol."

I in my counter remarks tried to explain the wisdom behind this, which is purely hinges to protect and respect he modesty of women. Yet the above said commentator continues to come up with her own arguments, though I asked her to read more about it before making her comments. But to no avail.

Since the aim of my blog is to present to the world Islam in as easy words and explanation as possible with a view to removing any doubts that non-Muslims may have to better understand Islam, I thought to explain the reason why. But before I do that, I must point out out right from outset that the rationale or the wisdom behind women standing behind men can only be understood by those non-Muslims who value the modesty, dignity and honour. Since in most of the countries, women are only considered as sex symbols, which is evident from the advertisement which show women in revealing outfit to attract men, accepting my viewpoint will be a bit difficult for both men and women, for they enjoy the hidden lust in public display of women.

Now coming to the issue at hand: we all understand that women have been so made that men cannot resist watching her because of her body shape and contours. So, if a woman stands in front of a man or even by his side, there is more than a possibility that her presence so close will be notice by man, and since the purpose of prayer is complete devotion to Allah, any distraction in the prayer due to presence of man may take his attention away from prayer. Even if a husband is standing close to his wife or behind her, her love for her may be distracting too.

The most logical reason why a woman is required to stand behind the man and not beside him when offering congregation prayer has got to do with the nature that Allah Subhanah has bestowed upon the man. It is in the inherent nature of the man that he is easily and immediately physically attracted to the woman. Thus, when one is in audience with the Lord of the Worlds when one is in prayer, there is a chance that his sight or glance might fall on the woman, and thus his natural attraction and thought towards the opposite sex might distract his attention, and that would affect his humility and sincerity required when in prayer. The Deen of Islam, being perfect and in absolute accordance with nature has taken care of even the smallest of issues; and guided its followers that when a man and a woman pray in congregation alone, the woman must stand behind the man and not beside him. [1]

Thus, it is not fair to read his tradition from a presentist standpoint and look at the configuration of the prayer in terms of female subordination to men. It’s not about male superiority or female inferiority. That women stand behind men does not suggest that they are secondary in the sight of God. God’s sight encompasses all. Furthermore, Islam is a religion whose overriding characteristic is modesty. The prayer is very physical. Some men might be able to ignore a woman standing beside them or in front of them. Others might not be so successful. If men weren’t moved by the female body, then the billion-dollar advertising industry that objectifies and commodifies women would not exist. [2]

Now you may like to watch a very informative video in which eminent Muslim scholar Dr Shabir Ally explains the issue at hand:

I hope this explanation amply answers the questions by the non-Muslims and they would try to find wisdom in women praying behind men, if objectively viewed with an open and unbiased mindset. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Islam for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: Facebook | Resource References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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What has been related about Sleeping Past the Salat Time (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Salat / prayer is one of the most important pillars of Islam and at many a place in the Qur'an believers have been asked to be punctual in offering their obligatory salat. However, there may be times when a man, tired of his hard days' work, may sleep over the salat time and would feel remorse for having skipped the salat.

But for such lapses, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has said that such lapses should not be taken as negligence and whenever one gets up, he should make it up for the missed salat.

This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi  (Book # 2 The Book on Salat (Prayer) كتاب الصلاة / Chapter # 16 What Has Been Related About Sleeping Past the Salat باب مَا جَاءَ فِي النَّوْمِ عَنِ الصَّلاَةِ ) as Hadith number # 177:

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ ثَابِتٍ الْبُنَانِيِّ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ رَبَاحٍ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ، قَالَ ذَكَرُوا لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَوْمَهُمْ عَنِ الصَّلاَةِ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ فِي النَّوْمِ تَفْرِيطٌ إِنَّمَا التَّفْرِيطُ فِي الْيَقَظَةِ فَإِذَا نَسِيَ أَحَدُكُمْ صَلاَةً أَوْ نَامَ عَنْهَا فَلْيُصَلِّهَا إِذَا ذَكَرَهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ وَأَبِي مَرْيَمَ وَعِمْرَانَ بْنِ حُصَيْنٍ وَجُبَيْرِ بْنِ مُطْعِمٍ وَأَبِي جُحَيْفَةَ وَأَبِي سَعِيدٍ وَعَمْرِو بْنِ أُمَيَّةَ الضَّمْرِيِّ وَذِي مِخْبَرٍ وَيُقَالُ ذِي مِخْمَرٍ وَهُوَ ابْنُ أَخِي النَّجَاشِيِّ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَحَدِيثُ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ وَقَدِ اخْتَلَفَ أَهْلُ الْعِلْمِ فِي الرَّجُلِ يَنَامُ عَنِ الصَّلاَةِ أَوْ يَنْسَاهَا فَيَسْتَيْقِظُ أَوْ يَذْكُرُ وَهُوَ فِي غَيْرِ وَقْتِ صَلاَةٍ عِنْدَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ أَوْ عِنْدَ غُرُوبِهَا ‏.‏ فَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ يُصَلِّيهَا إِذَا اسْتَيْقَظَ أَوْ ذَكَرَ وَإِنْ كَانَ عِنْدَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ أَوْ عِنْدَ غُرُوبِهَا ‏.‏ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ أَحْمَدَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَالشَّافِعِيِّ وَمَالِكٍ ‏.‏ وَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ لاَ يُصَلِّي حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ أَوْ تَغْرُبَ ‏.‏

Abu Qatadah narrated:

"They asked the Prophet about when they sIept past the Salat. He said: 'There is no negligence in sleep, negligence is only while one is awake. So, when one of you forgets a Salat, or sleeps through it, then let him pray it when he remembers it.'"

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Between a slave of Allah and disbelief is abandoning the Salat (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Prayer (As Salat) is the second pillar of Islam, the first being Shahada to enter the fold of Islam. There are countless verses in Qur'an which caution the Muslims to guard their Obligatory prayers five times a day. The As Salat takes so much of importance that even during travel and war, one is not absolved of this obligation.  

One of the many verses from Qur'an on importance of Salat (and charity) is the 31st verse of Surah 14. Ibraheem (Abrham) as under:

قُلْ لِّـعِبَادِىَ الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا يُقِيۡمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَيُنۡفِقُوۡا مِمَّا رَزَقۡنٰهُمۡ سِرًّا وَّعَلَانِيَةً مِّنۡ قَبۡلِ اَنۡ يَّاۡتِىَ يَوۡمٌ لَّا بَيۡعٌ فِيۡهِ وَلَا خِلٰلٌ‏ 

(14:31) (O Prophet), tell those of My servants who believe that they should establish Prayer and spend out of what We have provided them with, both secretly and openly, before there arrives the Day when there will be no bargaining, nor any mutual befriending.

Note: for more information on As Salat, please refer to our reference pages:

• How to offer Salat / Prayers (Q&A)
• Selected verses from Qur'an on As Salat

Likewise, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had always stressed on his companions to establish and guard their prayers, lest their faith becomes questionable for offering Salat is obligatory and there is no exception to it, except if someone is not adult or is lunatic. 

Today we share a Hadith as mentioned in Jami` at-Tirmidhi as Hadith: 2620

حَدَّثَنَا هَنَّادٌ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ بَيْنَ الْعَبْدِ وَبَيْنَ الْكُفْرِ تَرْكُ الصَّلاَةِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ وَأَبُو الزُّبَيْرِ اسْمُهُ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمِ بْنِ تَدْرُسَ ‏.‏

Narrated Jabir: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Between a slave of Allah and disbelief is abandoning the Salat."

In another it is mentioned that Abdullah asked the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." (Sahih al-Bukhari 527)

Since As Salat is an obligation and mandatory act of worship, it can never be abandoned or avoided. That is why it is said that the difference between faith in Allah and disbelief is the abandonment of As Salat. It has become a routine for many to leave this mandatory worship on one pretext or the other and cause cracks in their faith. Let us make a concerted effort to guard our mandatory prayers and be not the ones whose faith becomes to waver.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.  

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 |

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Misconceptions about form / timings of Salat / Saum / Moon sighting Answered

The form of religious rituals are sometimes differed due to personal interpretation of  Qur'anic verses, Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These differences and opinions are mostly in countries of Indian subcontinent, that is India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, than in Arabic speaking countries. Since the scholars of these countries gave out different opinions, there often arise differences in performance and the form of Salat / Namaz / Prayer, moon sighting and duration of the Saum (Fasting) during month of Ramadan and observing Hajj rituals etc. Such differences are often confusing for the reverts/those from other religions who have embraced Islam. Even these differences create lot of negative feelings among Muslims of some countries.

Here it should be remembered that more than the form of Salat/Prayer, the intention matters most. That is to say that one offers prayers as an Obligation imposed on the believers by Allah. Thus one should be more particular and concerned about standing in front of his Creator in humility rather than concentrating more on the form in which he prays. Therefore we must know what are the obligatory part of the Salat (which are agreed upon by all scholars of Islam, based on Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) and non obligatory forms. It is generally the non obligatory forms on which there are differences of opinions by various schools of thought which do not necessarily impinge upon health of one's prayer.

Likewise there are differences of opinion on moon sighting. Since we in Islam follow the Calander based on lunar phases, it creates ripples in country, specially mention above, since instead of a central moon sighting authority the moon sighting is generally taken over by local bodies. Such decentralization then results in in the commencement of Saum (fasting), Eids and even start of other Islamic months. If like all other Muslim countries, scientific calculations methods are adopted, the differences can be averted.

Herein under, we share today a very informative discussion on all matter  regarding Salat, Saum, and moo sighting are very eloquently and logically answered by Professor Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, a Pakistani Muslim theologian, Quran scholar, Islamic modernist, exegete and educationist, on the subject. The video is in Urdu, but has English subtitles for those who cannot understand Urdu:

If the English captions are not automatically turned on, please put the caption on as under:

Press the wheel shaped icon (as shown by red arrow). When the menu opens, put ON the captions as shown by blue arrow. Thereafter, again press the wheel like icon to switch off the menu.

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is our duty to convey only to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible to make you accept it forcibly, And if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, You will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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What qualities does Salat/Prayer induce in a believer

Salat or prayer or namaz is one of the most important pillar of Deen of Islam. It has been made obligatory to each adult Muslim man and woman five times a day. Believers around the world leave their cozy beds in cold weathers before the sunset, perform wudu with cold water and then offer the pre-dawn prayer (Fajr). Thereafter four more prayers follow during the day till late at night. Some believers even get up from their sleep to perform the voluntary prayer of Tahajjud at night.

However, unless a believer understand the true philosophy behind offering these obligatory prayers, one cannot really feel a change in him and be a true servant of Allah, the Omnipotent and the Creator of the entire universe. From outer purification (wudu) to inner purification, man learns to acknowledge the greatness of Allah by proclaiming "Allah hu Akbar" while commencing his prayer and prostrating to show his humility and modesty towards his Creator. He ends his prayer by offering goodwill to the entire mankind by saying Assalam o Alaikam wa Rahmat Ullah e Wabrakatu hu.

So you see just in a few minutes how much a believer has achieved provided he really puts his heart and soul in his prayer / salat / namaz. I am sharing a very informative video today in the series of our posts on Scholars' Viewpoint to enlighten the hearts of the believers and encourage them to accrue maximum benefits from their salat so that those few minutes of salat are not wasted away.

Now please listen to eminent Muslim scholar Maulana Waheed ud Din dwelling on the virtues of Salat/Namaz/Prayer that leave indomitable effects on a believer:

May Allah help us to listen to scholars and modern research that everyday brings about hidden meanings in Qur'an hitherto fore not known before. Ameen

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook
Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

How to offer Salah / Daily Prayers

Salah / Prayer is obligatory on all adult Muslim men and women. At many a places in the Qur'an, it has been commanded by Allah to observe Salah at the five appointed times starting from before the sunrise till late at night. In the series of our posts on how to offer salah / prayer, today we share the detailed procedure of offering the salah / prayer.

Before starting with the procedure, let us familiarize ourselves with various postures adopted during the salah:

From left to right: (1) Qiyaam, (2) رکـــــــوع Ruku  (3) سجـــــــدہ Sajdah (4) Jalsa

The rakat / cycles of prayers consist of 2, 3 and 4 cycles/rakats. The procedure given below is that for two cycled prayers, that is Fajr prayer. For 3 and 4 cycled prayers, the procedures will be explained subsequently in the same post.

Preliminaries

Before standing up for the prayers, please ensure:

• It is the time for the salah / prayer being offered.
• You are standing at a place which is clean and devoid of any litter
• You are wearing clean clothes. It must be ensured that the clothes you wear should at a minimum, covers your awrah. The awrah for men is to cover everything from and including the navel to the knees. Women must cover everything except the hands, feet and face.
• If you are feeling call of nature, then attend to it first as it will distract your prayer while you are inn it.
• You have performed ablution. In case you are at a place where there is no water available, then carryout Tayammum. 
• In case you have had sexual relations with your spouse or have ejaculated involuntary or voluntary, then you must have performed ghusl / complete bath before standing for prayers.
•  If you are unable to stand due to illness or infirmity, you can pray sitting down on a chair or even sitting on the floor. Even in case of extreme illness, you can offer prayers while lying on the bed and making gestures for positions like ruku or sajdah.
• One must stand facing towards Kabah for prayers. While in a masjid, the direction is clearly directed, for places where no such landmarks are visible or during travel, one may take help from many free apps which will help in determining the direction of Qiblah, that is Kabah in Saudi Arabia.

Cycle 1 / Rakat One

1) Stand up facing Kabah. It is called Qayam. The space between feet should be about four to five fingers apart, do not stand wide spread like most people do these days. Your feet should be parallel to each other and be pointing towards direction of the the Kabah. It should also be ensured that while standing, one must not look right or left, but instead his/her gaze should be fixed at the place of his head during sajdah/prostration.

2) Now make a intention, called Niyat in Arabic, by saying in your heart "I pray two rakah (or as many required for that time) Fard (if its Fard or say Sunnah if its Sunnah or say Wajib if its Wajib or Say Nafil if its Nafil) for Allah Tala Face towards Kabah". If praying behind Imam add "Behind this Imam". 

3) Now Raise both of your hands above your shoulders with palms facing outwards. (some suggest to touch your ear lobes while doing so with your thumbs) Then say "الله أكبر Allah Ho Akbar", called Takbeer-e-Tehrima

Qayam

4) Now drop your hands and place the hands on navel right hand on top of left hand. Thumb and Pinky (smallest finger) should be wrapped around the wrist of left hand's wrist. It should be like you are locking or grabbing the left hand wrist. Rest of the three fingers of right hand should be strait in line to each other.

5) Now Read the following (called ثـنــــاء sanah), 

سُبْحَانَکَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِکَ، وَتَبَارَکَ اسْمُکَ وَتَعَالٰی جَدُّکَ، وَلَا اِلٰهَ غَيْرُکَ.

"Subhana Kalla Humma Wa Bee Hamdika Wata Baara Kasmooka Wa Ta'ala Jaddoo Ka Wa La ilaha Ghairuka" 

6) This should be followed by, called تعـــــــوذ Taudh:

أَعُوْذُ بِاﷲِ مِنَ الشَّيْطٰنِ الرَّجِيْمِ.

"Aaoo Zo Billahee Minash Shaitaunir Rajeem" 

7) Then read following (called تســـــمیہ Tasmiah), 

بِسْمِ اﷲِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ.

"Bismillah Hir Rahmaanir Raheem" 

Thereafter recite Surah Fatiha, the very first chapter of the Qur'an:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ  إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ  اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ  صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ  عَلَيْهِمْ  غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا الضَّالِّينَ

"Alhamdo Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen Ar Rahmaanir Raheem Maaliki Yaomid Deen iyya Kana Budoo Wa iyya kanastaeen ihdinas Siratual Mustaqeem Siratual Lazeena An Amtaa Alaihim Ghairil Maghdoobe Alaihim Walad Dualleen" 

8) Then say, " أمين Ameen". 

9) Now while still standing, read any small Surah from the Qur'an or at least three ayat.  Here we are sharing Surah 103 Al Asr  for your guidance:

وَ الۡعَصۡرِ - اِنَّ الۡاِنۡسَانَ لَفِیۡ خُسۡرٍ ۙ - اِلَّا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا وَ عَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَ تَوَاصَوۡا بِالۡحَقِّ ۬ۙ وَ تَوَاصَوۡا بِالصَّبۡرِ

" Wal A'sre Innal Insaana Lafi Khusr illal Lazeena Aamanoo Wa A'milos Sualihaati Wa Tawa Sao Bil Haqqi Wa Tawa Sao Bis Sabr " 

12) Then Say "الله أكبر Allah Ho Akbar" and bow down half standing (its called Ruku رکـــــــوع ), hold your knees with your hands. The fingers should be separated with gaps in them. The back should be horizontally straight as shown in the figure below:

13) Recite, "سُبْحَانَ رَبِّیَ الْعَظِيْمِ Subhaana Rabbi yal Azeem" At least three times. Three, five and seven times are Sunnat (Sunnat means what Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him liked to do). 

14) Then slowly start to stand up saying, "سَمِعَ اﷲُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ Samee Allahoo Layman Hamidah - " رَبَّنَا لَکَ الْحَمْدُ Rabbana Lakal Hamd" Start to say Samee when leaving Rookh (bowing poster) and end with Hameedah when you are standing fully straight. Wait a little.

15) Now say, "الله أكبر Allah Ho Akbar"

16) Now go to Sajdah (placing face on ground) in a manner that the palms of the hands first touch the floor followed by your knees. In sajdah all the fingers of feet should be twisted so that the round soft part of the fingers is touching the ground. Hand fingers should be close to face and facing Kabah in strait line. Put enough pressure on nose so that the bone of nose should feel the hardness of earth (do not hurt your self but should be firm) Arms should be away from body like a bird opens the wings.

 

(Photo)

Sajdah: In sajdah, your forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes of your feet should be in contact with the floor

Sajdah points touching the floor (Photo)

17) Now read, "سُبْحَانَ رَبِّیَ الْأَعْلَی Subhaana Rabbiyal Aala" at least three times. Three, five and seven times are Sunnah. 

18) Now rise from the sajdah saying "الله أكبر Allah Ho Akbar" and sit down on your left foot (It's called Jalsa) the right foot should be sticking out and all of the foot fingers should be twisted. The soft part of the foot fingers should touch the ground. Sit for the amount of time you could say Subhan Allah at least three times.

Jalsa (pause between first and second sajdah)

19) Now go down again saying "الله أكبر Allah Ho Akbar" for the second sajdah, reciting "سُبْحَانَ رَبِّیَ الْأَعْلَی Subhaana Rabbiyal Aala" at least three times.

Second sajdah

Cycle 2 / Rakat Two

20) After completing second sajdah get up and go back to Qayam (standing up) Saying "الله أكبر Allah Ho Akbar" Then read , "Bismillahir Rahamaanir Raheem" 

Qiyam

21) Now again read Surah Fatiha, 

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ  إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ  اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ  صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ  عَلَيْهِمْ  غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا الضَّالِّينَ

"Alhamdo Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen Ar Rahmaanir Raheem Maaliki Yaomid Deen iyya Kana Budo Wa iyyaka Nastaeen ihdinas Sirataul Mustaqeem Siratual Lazeena An Amtaa Alaihim Ghairil Maghdoobe Alaihim Walad Dualeen" 

22) Then say, " أمين Ameen" 

23) Then read, "Bismillahir Rahamaanir Raheem" 

24) Then read any surah from Quran or at least three Ayahs. We are writing you another small one. Surah 108 Al Kawthar, 

اِنَّاۤ اَعۡطَیۡنٰکَ الۡکَوۡثَرَ ؕ - فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّکَ وَ انۡحَرۡ - اِنَّ شَانِئَکَ ہُوَ الۡاَبۡتَرُ 

"Innaa Aataina Kal Kauser Fasalli Li Rabbi Ka Vanhar Inna Shaaniaka Hooal Abtar".

Now repeat steps from 12 to 18.

25) Now after second Sajdah do not go back to Qayam (standing up) but keep sitting as in Jalsa. From now on this stage is called Qaidah and read:

التَّحِيَّاتُ ِﷲِ وَالصَّلَوٰتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْکَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِیُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اﷲِ وَبَرَکَاتُهُ، اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَی عِبَادِ اﷲِ الصّٰلِحِيْنَ. أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَّا اِلٰهَ إِلَّا اﷲُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ.

"Atthayyato Lillahe Wassalawato Wat Tayyebato Assalamu Alaika Ayyohan Nabiyo Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatoh Assalamu Alaina Wa Ala ibadillahis Sualaiheen Ashadu An La ilaah illal Laho Wa Ashadu Anna Mohammadan Abdohoo Wa Rasooluhoo"

Note: When you reach at Ashadu An La raise your index finger of your right hand upward facing about 45 degrees by closing the fist, and drop it back and spread the hand to its original position at illal Laho as shown under:

26) Now read this Durood Sharif, 

اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰی آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، کَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَی إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلَی آلِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ، إِنَّکَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ.

اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِکْ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰی آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، کَمَا بَارَکْتَ عَلَی إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلَی آلِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ، إِنَّکَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ.

"Allah Humma Salle Ala Mohammadiyon Wa Ala Ale Mohammadin Kama Sallaita Aala ibraheema Wa Ala Aalay ibraheema inna Ka Hameedum Majeed. Allah Humma Baarik Aala Mohammadiyon Wa Ala Ale Mohammadin Kama Barakta Ala ibraheema Wa Ala Ale ibraheema inna Ka Hameedum Majeed." 

27) Now read this dua, 

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِیْ مُقِيْمَ الصَّلٰوةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِیْ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ

 رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِیْ وَلِوَالِدَءَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يَوْمَ يَقُوْمُ الْحِسَابُ

"Rabijalni muqeemassalata wa min zuriyati, rabbana wataqabal dua, Rabbanagfirli walewalediyya wa lilmumineena yuma yaqoomal hisab.

28) Now turn your head towards right and say:

 " السلام عليكم ورحمة الله Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rehmatullah" 

(Photo)

Then turn your head towards left and read the same as above, " السلام عليكم ورحمة الله Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rehmatullah"

This completes a two-cycled prayer / Salah.

Procedure for salah / prayer with Four cycles

If a person is offering four Rakaat Payer, then he/she will stand-up after first Tashahud (after reciting ‘Attahiyyaat’ only, without supplicate for blessing upon the Prophet (S.A.W.) and supplication after Tashahud) in the Second Cycle. The person will Say “Allah-u-Akbar” while standing for the third Rakaat. Then he/she should complete his third and fourth Rakaat in the manner of the first and second one.

Procedure for salah / prayer with Three cycles

If a person is offering three or four Rakaat Payer, then he/she will stand-up after first Tashahud (after reciting ‘Attahiyyaat’ only, without supplicate for blessing upon the Prophet (S.A.W.) and supplication after Tashahud). The person will Say “Allah-u-Akbar” while standing for the third Rakaat. Then he/she should complete his third Rakaat and proceed to end the prayer as is done in the second cycle.

Note: For obligatory / fardh salah /prayer, the surah/ayats recited after surah Fateha will be omitted in the third and fourth rakat.

Errors and Omissions are regretted and if someone observes any errors or omissions, we may be notified for corrections.

You may refer to our reference page: As Salat / Prayers for any Q&A you may have with regard to prayers.

All photos/figures are courtesy Pixabay | More References| 1 | 2 |

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How to make an amend to a mistake in Prayer / Salat

Islam is a very practical, yet very simple religion. It allows mistakes to be amended very easily or repenting after a sin. The daily five prayers are a must and an obligation on ever able-bodied sane man and woman. However, many of us make mistakes for we are not very attentive while offering our prayers / salat. This mainly happens as many things preoccupy our mind throughout the day and these do not leave us even when we stand up to offer our prayers.

And this preoccupation often results in us skipping a part or an act during the prayer. And then we realize we have committed a mistake and mostly believers do not know how to make good that mistake.

I am sharing a very useful video today by Sheikh Assim which answers all questions about an omitted or skipped part of our prayer / salat. Please listen carefully to the video and be wise from this day on as how to make amends of mistakes committed during the prayers:

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is our duty to convey only to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Surah An Nisa: 4th Chapter of Quran (Overview)

Sürah An-Nisa' " ٱلنِّسَاء‎ " - The Women, is the fourth chapter of the Qur'an part of the Juz' 4-5 with 176 āyāt (verses) and 24 Ruku / sections. The title of the surah is mainly attributed to  numerous references to women throughout the chapter, including verses 4:34 and 4:127-130.

This Sürah closely connected chronologically with Sürah 3 Al i Imran  and the subject matter deals with social problems which Muslim community had to face immediately after Uhud.

The main object of this Sürah is to teach the Muslims the ways that unite a people and make them firm and strong. Introductions for the stability of family, which is the nucleus of community have been given. Then they have been urged to prepare themselves for defense. Side by side with these, they have been taught the importance of the propagation of Islam. Above all, the importance of the highest moral character in the scheme of consolidation of the Community has been impressed.

Though this Sürah mainly deals with the moral and social reforms, yet due attention has been paid to propagation of Islam. On the one hand, the superiority of the Islamic morality and culture has been established over that of the Jews, Christians and mushriks; on the other hand, their wrong religious conceptions, their wrong morality and their evil acts have been criticized to prepare the ground for inviting them to the way of the Truth.

The main object of this Sürah is to teach the Muslims the ways that unite a people and make them firm and strong. Introductions for the stability of family, which is the nucleus of community have been given. Then they have been urged to prepare themselves for defense. Side by side with these, they have been taught the importance of the propagation of Islam. Above all, the importance of the highest moral character in the scheme of consolidation of the Community has been impressed.

In fact, this Sürah  comprises several discourses which were revealed on different occasions during the period ranging probably between the end of A.H. 3 and the end of A.H. 4 or the beginning of A.H. 5. Although it is difficult to determine the exact dates of their revelations, yet it is possible to assign to them a fairly correct period with the help of the Commandments and the events mentioned therein and the Traditions concerning them. A few instances are given below by way of illustration:

• We know that the instructions about the division of inheritance of the martyrs and for the safeguard of the rights of the orphans were sent down after the Battle of Uhd in which 70 Muslims were killed. Then naturally the question of the division of the inheritance of the martyrs and the safeguard of the rights of their orphans arose in many families at Al-Madinah. From this we conclude that vv. 1 -28 were revealed on that occasion.
• We learn from the Traditions that the Commandment about salat during war time was given on the occasion of Zat-ur-Riqa'a, an expedition which took place in A. H. 4. From this we conclude that the discourse containing v. 102 was revealed on that occasion.
• The last warning (v. 47) to the Jews was given before the Banu Nadir were exiled from Al-Madinah in Rabi'-ulAwwal, A. H. 4. From this it may safely be concluded that the discourse containing v. 47 must have been revealed some time before that date.
• The permission about tayammum (the performance of ablutions with pure dust, in case no water be available) was given during the Bani-al-Mustaliq expedition, which took place in A. H. 5.. Therefore the probable period of the revelation of the discourse containing v. 43 was A. H. 5.

In order to understand this surah, we must first understand the social and historical conditions prevalent at the time of its revelation. All the discourses in this Sürah deal with three main problems which confronted the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) at the time. 

• First of all, he was engaged in bringing about an all round development of the Islamic Community that had been formed at the time of his migration to Al-Madinah. For this purpose he was introducing new moral, cultural, social, economic and political ways in place of the old ones of the pre-Islamic period. 
• The second thing that occupied his attention and efforts was the bitter struggle that was going on with the mushrik Arabs, the Jewish clans and the hypocrites who were opposing tooth and nail his mission of reform. 
• Above all he had to propagate Islam in the face of the bitter opposition of these powers of evil with a view to capturing more and more minds and hearts.

Accordingly, detailed instructions have been given for the consolidation and strengthening of the Islamic Community in continuation of those given in Sürah 2 Al-Baqarah. 

• Principles for the smooth running of family life have been laid down and ways of settling family disputes have been taught. 
• Rules have been prescribed for marriage and rights of wife and husband have been apportioned fairly and equitably. 
• The status of women in the society has been determined, 
• Declaration of the rights of orphans has been made laws.
• Regulations have been laid down for the division of inheritance, and instructions have been given to reform economic affairs. 
• The foundation of the penal code has been laid down.
• Drinking has been prohibited, and instructions have been given for cleanliness and purity. 
• The Muslims have been taught the kind of relations good men should have with their Allah and fellow men. Instructions have been given for the maintenance of discipline in the Muslim Community.
• The moral and religious condition of the people of the Book has been reviewed to teach lessons to the Muslims and to forewarn them to refrain from following in their footsteps. 
• The conduct of the hypocrites has been criticized and the distinctive features of hypocrisy and true faith have been clearly marked off to enable the Muslims to distinguish between the two.

In order to cope with the aftermath of the Battle of Uhd, Inspiring discourses were sent down to urge the Muslims to face the enemy bravely, for the defeat in the Battle had so emboldened the mushrik Arab clans and the neighboring Jews and the hypocrites at home that they were threatening the Muslims on all sides. At this critical juncture, Allah filled the Muslims with courage and gave them such instructions as were needed during that period of war clouds. In order to counteract the fearful rumors that were being spread by the hypocrites and the Muslims of weak faith, they were asked to make a thorough inquiry into them and to inform the responsible people about them. 

Then they were experiencing some difficulties in offering their salat during the expeditions to some places where no water was available for performing their ablutions, etc. In such cases they were allowed to cleanse themselves with pure earth and to shorten the salat or to offer the "Salat of Fear", when they were faced with danger. 

Instructions were also given for the solution of the puzzling problem of those Muslims who were scattered among the unbelieving Arab clans and were often involved in war. They were asked to migrate to Al-Madinah, the abode of Islam.

This Sürah also deals with the case of Bani Nadir who were showing a hostile and menacing attitude, in spite of the peace treaties they had made with the Muslims. They were openly siding with the enemies of Islam and hatching plots against the Holy Prophet and the Muslim Community even at Al-Madinah itself. They were taken to task for their inimical behavior and given a final warning to change their attitude, and were at last exiled from Al-Madinah on account of their misconduct.

The problem of the hypocrites, who had become very troublesome at that time, was involving the Believers in difficulties. Therefore they were divided into different categories to enable the Muslims to deal with them appropriately.

Clear instructions were also given regarding the attitude they should adopt towards the non-belligerent clans. The most important thing needed at that time was to prepare the Muslims for the bitter struggle with the opponents of Islam. For this purpose greatest importance was attached to their character building, for it was obvious that the small Muslim Community could only come out successful, nay, survive, if the Muslims possessed high moral character. They were, therefore, enjoined to adopt the highest moral qualities and were severely criticized whenever any moral weakness was detected in them.

The Sürah has generally been divided into following Topics and their Interconnection:
Part I: 

• Just, fair and equitable laws and regulations for the smooth running of family life have been laid down for the husband and wife. Detailed instructions have been given for the division of inheritance and due regard has been paid to the rights of orphans. 1 - 35
• In order to inculcate the right spirit for the observance of rules and regulations, the Muslims have been enjoined to show generosity to all around them and to be free from meanness, selfishness, stinginess of mind, because this is essential for the consolidation of the Communities and helpful for the propagation of Islam. 36 - 42
• The ways of the purification of mind and body for the offering of Salat have been taught because it plays the most important part in every scheme of moral and social reform. 43

Part II:

• After moral preparation, instructions for defense have been given. First of all, the Muslims have been warned to be on their guard against the cunning machinations and vile practices of the local Jews who were hostile to the New Movement. This caution was necessary for removing some possible misunderstanding that might have arisen on account of the pre-Islamic alliance between the people of Al-Madinah and the Jews. 44 - 57

Part III:

• Then they have been enjoined to place their trusts and offices of trust in the custody of honest and qualified persons, and to do what is just and right, and to obey Allah and His Messenger and those among themselves entrusted with the conduct of their affairs and to turn to Allah and His Messenger for the settlement of their disputes. As such an attitude and behavior alone can ensure consolidation, they have been strongly warned that any deviation from this path will lead to their disintegration. 58 - 72

Part IV:

• After this pre-requisite, they have been exhorted to make preparation for defense and to fight bravely for the cause of Islam, without showing any kind of cowardice or weakness. They have also been warned to be on their guard against hypocrites. A line of demarcation has been drawn to distinguish the intentional shirkers from the helpless devotees. 73 - 100
• Here again instructions have been given for the offering of Salat during military campaigns and actual fighting. This is to impress the importance of Salat even at the time of fear and danger. 101 - 103

Part V:

• Before proceeding on to the next topic, the Muslims have been exhorted to persevere in their fight without showing any kind of weakness. 104.
• In order to make the Islamic Community firm and strong for defense, the Muslims have been enjoined to observe the highest standard of justice. The Muslims are required to deal out strict justice even in case of the enemy, with whom they might be involved in war. They should also settle disputes between husband and wife with justice. In order to ensure this, they should keep their beliefs and deeds absolutely free from every kind of impurity and should become the standard bearers of justice. 105 - 134

Part Vi:

• Resuming the theme of defense, the Muslims have been warned to be on their guard against their enemies. They have been admonished to take necessary precautions against the machinations of the hypocrites and the unbelievers and the people of the Book. As belief in Allah, and Revelation and Life-after-death is the only safeguard against every kind of enemy, they should sincerely believe in and follow His Messenger, Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him). 135 - 175
• Though verse 176 verse also deals with the family laws contained in verses 1 - 35, it has been added as a supplement at the end of this Surah because it was revealed long after An-Nisa was being recited as a complete Surah. 

You may now like to listen to Arabic recitation of Sürah An-Nisa' with English subtitles:

You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary / exegesis of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Juzʼ / Part backwards for chapters in 30th Juzʼ / Part are shorter and easier to understand). 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Reading the Holy Quran should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully.

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that:

• The plain translation has been taken from the Holy Quran officially published by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. [1]
• The exegesis of the chapters of the Holy Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi. [2]

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided by [2], additional input has been interjected from following sources: 

• Exegesis by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Sharif, revised by Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi  Usmani
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
• Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid

In addition the references of  other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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