Islam:

A Scientific View of God's Message to Humanity

12

Performing Islamic Prayers

By Hassan Ali El-Najjar

Updated on the 19th of Dhul Hijja, 1441 - 9th of August, 2020

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إقَامُ الصَّلاةِ

تأليف حسن علي النجار

تمت مراجعة هذا الفصل في االتاسع عشر من ذي الحجة 1441 - التاسع من اغسطس \ آب 2020

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أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

I seek refuge with Allah from the Stoned Shaytan (Satan)

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

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Introduction

A Muslim is required to perform five prayers every day, following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (pbbuh), who received the command for this 'Ibada (way of worship) when he met with Allah (God), praise to Him, above the seventh heaven. Then, the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), peace to him, taught him how to perform these prayers, including both the recitations and the movements. [1]

Before Muslims stand for prayer, they make wudhou' (washing), which includes physical acts but with clear meanings. Five times a day, washing a person's hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, ears, hair, and feet, aims at cleanliness. This is the goal of the wudhou' requirement. Allah, praise to Him, has required these physical acts, not as meaningless rituals, but to lead to a deeper meaning, cleanliness. He wants humans to be clean and healthy. [2]

The five Islamic prayers (at dawn, noon, mid-after-noon, sunset, and dusk), are all physical acts of standing, bowing, kneeling, prostrating, and sitting down on the ground. These prayer movements are performed in a certain way taught to Muslims by the Messenger of Allah, Muhammed, pbbuh, as narrated by his Companions, in ‘Hadiths collected by Islamic scholars and transmitted from one generation to another. [3]

These movements, performed properly five times a day, constitute a physical daily exercise activity, contributing to the welfare and well-being of the human body. Standing moves the blood circulation to various parts of the body, particularly after sleeping, sitting, or relaxation for a long period of time. Bowing down (rukou’), for example, benefits the back muscles and the backbone, which are stretched to relieve them from the pressure formed as a result of sitting or standing, for long hours every day. Prostration (sujood) provides the brain with bigger quantities of blood, with more oxygen and nutrients, than otherwise. It also relieves the brain from the electromagnetic waves, which we get from the air and from the electric and electronic devices we use throughout the day. Finally, sitting down allows thigh and leg muscles, ligaments, and tendons to be stretched, thus becoming more flexible and healthier. [4]

At the same time, each one of the prayer movements also involves spiritual aspects, represented by contemplation and thinking about the meaning of the verses of the Holy Quran and the words of praise to Allah, which are recited in each prayer movement. These acts of contemplation and thinking have tremendous benefits in terms of creating and maintaining internal mental peace for the worshipper. More important is that, the five prayers keep the worshippers in a continuous contact with their Creator, which influences their behavior positively, strengthens the human self, and contributes to its well-being.  

Daily Prayer Times

The five prayers are performed at specific times, as mentioned by the Prophet, pbbuh, and in accordance with the continuous daily changes in the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. As a result, there is no disagreement about that the Fajr (dawn) prayer should be performed before the sunrise, and the Maghrib prayer after the sunset. The Dhuhr (noon) prayer should be performed after zawal, which is about nine minutes after the sun reaching the middle of the sky. This is the time when a person starts to see his/her shade. Noon is also measured as the mid-point between the sunrise and the sunset. The ‘Asr (mid-afternoon) prayer starts when the shade of an object becomes twice as its size. [5]

While there is an agreement about the prayer times for the noon, mid-afternoon, and sunset prayer times, there has been a disagreement about the start of the dawn (Fajr) and night (‘Isha) prayer times. The disagreement has led to the emergence of different methods of calculation about the start of these two prayers in various regions of the world. This disagreement can be demonstrated by comparing the two calendars of Um Al-Qura and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) concerning the dawn and night prayers, using data from the first day of the first months of 2019. [6]  

The dawn (Fajr) prayer time starts 17-20 minutes according to Um Al-Qura calendar, compared to the ISNA calendar. Thus, it is possible for people, who follow Um Al-Qura calendar, to pray the dawn prayer before the right time. Concerning the ‘Isha (night) prayer time, it is 19-25 minutes later according to Um Al-Qura than according to ISNA.

This may become harder on people, who follow Um Al-Qura calendar, as they need to stay awake for a longer period of time, to perform the ‘Isha (night) prayer, particularly during summer, when nights become shorter. Due to these consequences, some scholars, like Ibn ‘Uthaymin, criticized the Um Al-Qura calendar, which warrants a review of its calculation methods. [7]  

Number of Prayer Units (Rak’as):

The Islamic prayers are composed of specific body movements accompanying recitations from the Holy Quran and words of praise to Allah (God). Every prayer is composed of a specific number of units (Rak’as), each of which includes standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting on the floor. Each of these movements is a unique physical activity, different from what people do in their daily activities. The physical benefit of these movements is attained when they are performed regularly, on daily basis.

The Islamic prayers include a number of required units (Rak'as), a minimum, as well as a number of recommended units, except for 'Asr prayer, which is limited to the required units only. While there are 17 required units in the daily prayers, the additional recommended units are 17 but can be more, according to a person’s capabilities and circumstances. The distribution of prayer units is as follows: [8]  

1. Al-Fajr (The Dawn) Prayer: 2 required Rak'as (units) and 2 recommended Rak'as (units), before.

2. Al-Dhuhr (The Noon) Prayer: 4 required Rak'as (units) and 4 recommended Rak'as (units), 2 before & 2 after.

3. Al-'Asr (The Afternoon) Prayer: 4 required Rak'as (units) and 2 recommended Rak’as (units), before.

4. Al-Maghrib (The Sunset) Prayer: 3 required Rak'as (units) and 4 recommended Rak'as (units), 2 before & 2 after.

5. Al-'Isha (Late Night, Dusk) Prayer: 4 required Rak'as (units) and 5 recommended Rak'as (units), 2 before, 2 after, and witr (one or three units), to conclude the day prayers. [9]  

Al-Fajr (Dawn) Prayer, as an Example About Performing Prayer

Performing prayers can be divided into the following eleven main steps, which show how the dawn (Fajr) prayer can be performed. The Fajr prayer is used here as an example because it is composed of two required Rak’as. Thus, it is the shortest prayer.

1. Cleanliness before prayers

A Muslim has to be clean, by taking showers regularly, as well as after sexual intercourse. Cleanliness is also performed before every prayer in the form of Wudu' (washing the external body organs with water). This includes washing and cleaning hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head hair, ears inside and back, and feet. Thus, the Creator, praise to Him, wants people to be healthy by cleaning themselves of dust, sweat, and microbes, five times a day (There are many illustrative videos of how to make Wudu' in the internet).

If water is not available at all (which is a unique case), a Muslim performs Tayamum, which is an emulation of the Wudu' movements. Wudu’ or Tayamum enable humans to be elevated to a higher spiritual rank, in preparation for addressing his/her creator and standing before him in the best possible condition. [10]  

2. Facing Al-Qibla (Al-Ka'ba)

When Muslims pray, they must face Al-Qibla, which is Al-Ka'ba (The cubic-shaped House of Allah in Makkah). This is an implementation of God’s command, contained in verse 2: 150, as follows:

وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنتُمْ فَوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُ (البقرة ، 2: 150).

From wherever you emerge, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you are, face towards it (Al-Baqara, 2: 150).

Worshippers should stand on a clean floor. For that purpose, they use a clean, small rug, if they are away from the masjid (mosque). Healthy people must stand for prayers. However, the sick can pray in whatever position suiting them, such as sitting or on their sides. 

It is essential for Muslims to make an effort, to find the exact direction of Al-Qibla, which can easily be found by using smart phones. Many websites also provide the Qibla direction for cities around the world, using a regular compass of 360 degrees. For example, it is 52 degrees north east, for Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

In addition, a Qibla compass of 40 zones can do this when the magnetic needle is made to point to a specific number referring to the location of performing prayers. Then, the arrow refers to the Qibla.

For example, number 34 refers to the southern US states of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, while number 33 refers to the eastern US states of Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and D.C. several other eastern states in the US are referred to as number 33 (for more information (See the map: http://daltonislamiccenter.org/Files/Finding Al-Ka'aba Direction When Praying). A third method is using the Sundial shadow, as explained and illustrated in the same source.

3. Adhan (The first call for prayer)

Adhan is an announcement about the start time for a prayer. It is a calling for a group prayer in a Mosque. Therefore, it is done by one person, as mentioned in a ‘Hadith narrated by Malik Bin Al-‘Huwairith, mAbpwh, who said that the Prophet, pbbuh, said: “Go back to your community, reside among your people, teach them, and command them. When the time comes for a prayer, one of you should make the announcement (Adhan), and the eldest among you should lead the prayer."

The Prophet, pbbuh, approved of the Adhan and Iqama words after hearing them from one of his Companions, Abdullah Bin Zayd Bin Abd Rabbuh, mAbpwh. He him that he was told these words by a man wearing green clothes, in a dream, to be used as a call for prayers, instead of the bell (which is used by Christians). Companion ‘Omar Bin Al-Khattab, mAbpwh, told the Prophet that he also saw that dream. Then, the Prophet asked that Companion Bilal Bin Raba’h, mAbpwh, call the Adhan, as he had the most beautiful voice among his Companions. Here’s the Adhan: [11]  

الأذان

الله أكبرُ اللهُ أكبر ، الله أكبرُ اللهُ أكبر

أشهدُ ألآ إلهَ إلا الله ، أشهدُ ألا إلهَ إلا الله

أشهدُ أنَّ محمداً رسولُ الله ، أشهدُ أن محمداً رسولُ الله

حيِّ على الصلاة ، حيِّ على الصلاة

حيِّ على الفلاح ، حيِّ على الفلاح

اللهُ أكبرُ اللهُ أكبر

لا إلهَ إلا الله

 Adhan  (First calling for group prayer in a mosque):

Allahu akbar (God is Greater): 4 times.

Ash hadu alla ilaha illa Allah (I bear witness that there is no other god but Allah): Twice

Ash hadu anna Muhammedan rasoul ullah  (I bear witness that Muhammed is the Messenger of God): Twice

Hayie ‘alas salah (Come to prayer): Twice

Hayie ‘alal fala'h (Come to prosperity): Twice

Allahu akbar (God is Greater): Twice.

La ilaha illa Allah (There is no other god but Allah): Once 

4. Iqama (Announcing the start of prayer: The second call for prayer):

Iqama is the second announcement for prayer, which is called directly before the start of a required prayer, whether performed in a group or individually. It includes the same sentences used in the Adhan but without repetition, and adding “Qad Qamat Isala, Qad Qamat Isala” (It’s time to stand for prayer), as follows: [12]  

الله أكبرُ اللهُ أكبر ، أشهدُ ألآ إلهَ إلا الله ، أشهدُ أنَّ محمداً رسولُ الله

حَيِّ عَلَى الصلاة ، حَيِّ عَلَى الفلاح ، قد قامت الصلاةُ ، قد قامت الصىلاة

اللهُ أكبرُ اللهُ أكبر ، لا إلهَ إلا الله

Iqama (Calling for the immediate start of prayer)

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar (God is Greater): Twice.

Ash hadu alla ilaha illa Allah (I bear witness that there is no other god but Allah): Once.

Ash hadu anna Muhammedan rasoul ullah (I bear witness that Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah): Once

‘Hayie ‘alas salah (Come to prayer): once

‘Hayie ‘alal fala'h (Come to prosperity): Once

Qad Qamates salah, qad qamates salah (The prayer has been stood for): Twice

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar (God is Greater): Twice

La ilaha illa Allah (There is no other god but Allah): Once

5. Intention and Takbeer

As a Muslim worshipper stands for prayer, he/she has the intention to perform it, that's why it is unnecessary to say that he/she intends to pray. However, followers of Imam Al-Shafi'ie pronounce the intention. Then, they lift their hands up to the levels of their ears, making the Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar), which is the start of prayers. Followers of other imams may neither pronounce the intention nor lift their hands up when they say the Takbeer. The Shafi’ie school of thought requires the prayer leader (imam) to say the Takbeer loudly but other worshippers should say it silently, whether they are praying in a group or individually. The Maliki school of thought allows saying it loudly for all, following what the Prophet, pbbuh, did it in all these different ways, to make it easy on people, by giving them options. [13]   

6. Recitation of Al-Fati’ha

While standing up, facing Al-Qibla, a worshipper places his/her right hand over the left hand, above the belly button, and below the chest, or even without that altogether, as this represents politeness with the Creator, praise to Him. He/she starts with “Isti’adha,” saying: “A’udhu billahi minash shaytanir rajim” (I seek refuge with Allah from the Stoned Shaytan (Satan).

There is no disagreement among the Islamic schools of thought about starting all chapters of the Holy Quran with the “Basmallah” (mentioning the name of Allah), though it’s not considered part of each chapter, except for Surat Al-Tawba (Chapter 9), which does not start with it. However, there is a disagreement about whether it is part of the first Chapter (Al-Fati’ha), or not.

Despite that disagreement, whether a worshipper is praying with a group or individually, he/she has to start with “Isti’adha” and the “Basmallah” before reciting Al-Fat’ha, in the first Rak’a, and the “Basmallah” only in other Rak’as. However, there is strong evidence of giving a prayer leader (imam) the option of saying them loudly in the Jahri (dawn, sunset, and night) prayers, as education for worshippers, following the practice of the Prophet’s Companions. [14]   

Then, a Muslim recites Al-Fati'ha (The Opening), in Arabic. This is the first Sura (Chapter) of the Holy Quran, which represents the sixth stage of performing prayers. It is recited in Arabic, like all parts of the prayer. 

الفاتحة

Al-Fati'ha

 The Opening (Chapter 1) of the Holy Quran

أعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

 بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ ﴿١﴾ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّـهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٢﴾ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ ﴿٣﴾ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ﴿٤﴾ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ﴿٥﴾ اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿٦﴾ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ ﴿٧﴾ (الفاتحة ، 1: 1-7).

A-oudhu billahi minash shaytanir rajeem

I seek refuge with Allah from the Stoned Shaytan (Satan)

Bissmilah   irra'hman   irra'heem

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful (1)

Al'hamdu   lilahi   rabbil   ‘alameen

Praise be to Allah , Lord of the Worlds (2)

Arra'hman   arra'heem

The Beneficent, the Merciful (3)

Maliki  yawm  iddeen

Owner of the Day of Judgment (4)

Iyaka  na’budu  wa  iyaka  nassta’een

You ( alone ) we worship, You (alone) we ask for help (5)

Ihdinas  siratal  musstaqeem

Guide us (to) the straight path (6)

Sirata ladheena  ana’mta  ‘alayhim

Gharil  maghdhoobi  ‘alayhim

Waladh  dhaleen

The path of those whom You have blessed, not (the path of) those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray (Al-Fati'ha, I: 1-7).

Ameen.

7. Reciting Some Verses of the Holy Quran, After Al-Fati'ha  

It is recommended that worshippers recite some verses of the Holy Quran after the recitation of Al-Fati’ha, in the first two Rak’as. This can be a recitation of a short Sura (Chapter), few verses of a Sura, or longer than that, according to a person’s circumstances and ability to memorize. The Prophet, pbbuh, used to lengthen such recitation in the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and to shorten it in the sunset (Maghrib) prayer (See Appendix 2, which includes the last three chapters of the Holy Quran, as examples of short suras).

The best recitation is “tarteel,” in response to God’s command in verse 73: 4, "ورتل القرآن ترتيلا" (recite the Quran in slow, measured rhythmic tones). This is achieved by joining letters and words, to slow the recitation for the purpose of allowing enough time to think about the meanings of the recited verses, while enjoying the Quran musical tone. [15]   

8. Rukou' (Bowing down)

After the recitation of Al-Fati’ha and some verses from the Holy Quran, a worshipper makes Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar). This is an indication of transition to the eighth stage of prayer: Rukou’ (bowing down), with hands over the knees and the back is parallel to the floor. Then, he/she makes Tasbee'h, saying:

سُبْحَانَ رَبيَّ العَظِيم (3 مرات على الأقل).

Sub'hana rabiyal adheem (Exalted is my Lord, the Most Great): 3 times, at least, while in Rukou’ (bowing).

9. Standing Upright for Praising Allah ('Hamd)

After bowing down (Rukou'), a Muslim worshipper moves to the ninth stage of prayer, in which an imam or an individual worshipper lifts his/her head, standing calmly and upright, as well as saying: 

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَن حَمِدَه

Sami'a Allahu liman 'hamidah (Allah listens to whoever praises Him): Once.

Then, all categories of worshippers (imam, a worshipper in a group, or an individual worshipper) say:

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ

“rabbana walakal ‘hamd” (Our Lord, to You is praise).

This was how the Prophet, pbbuh, practiced this stage of prayer, as we learn from ‘Hadiths narrated to us by his Companions. [17]   

10. Sujoud (Prostration)

After standing upright calmly, saying words of praise to Allah, a worshipper makes takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar), as an indication of the transition to the tenth stage of prayer, prostration (Sujoud), in which he/she goes all the way down to the floor, placing his/her face on the floor. The complete prostration requires eight body parts to touch the floor. These are the forehead, nose, the two hand palms, the two knees, and the tiptoes of the two feet. A minimum prostration is achieved by placing part of each body organ on the floor, as mentioned in a ‘Hadith narrated by Ibn (son of) ‘Abbas, mAbpw them.

Once in prostration on the floor, a Muslim worshipper makes the Sujoud Tasbee'h, saying:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِيَ الأعْلَى (3 مرات على الأقل)

Sub'hana rabiyal ‘ala (Exalted is my Lord, the Most High).

This is to be said three times, as mentioned in a ‘Hadith narrated by Companion ‘Uqba Bin Amir, mAbpwh. However, a worshipper has the option of saying more words of praise to Allah, as mentioned in a ‘Hadith narrated by the Mother of believers ‘Aisha, mAbpwh. [18]   

Then, a worshipper makes takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar), while lifting his/her head while sitting on the floor. Then, he/she makes takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) again, while going down to perform a second Sujoud.

By performing the two sujouds (prostrations), a worshipper completes one prayer unit (Rak'a). Then, he/she stands up to perform the second Rak'a, repeating the above ten steps.

11. Al-Tashahud

After performing the prostration (Sujoud) of the second prayer unit (Rak'a), a Muslim worshipper sits down on the floor, with his/her legs bent beneath him/her, reciting Al-Tashahud (The Proclamation and Bear Witnessing), at the end of which he/she makes greetings to both directions, starting with the right, then the left.

Al-Tashahud (pronounced At Tashahud) is recited fully when a worshipper is praying two Rak'as only, such as in the case of Al-Fajr (Dawn) prayer. However, in the rest of the required prayers, which include more than two Rak'as, Al-Tashahud is recited in two ways. After the first two Rak'a, a worshipper recites only the first part of Al-Tashahud but he/she recites it fully at the end of the last Rak'a (last prayer unit). Like all parts of the prayers, Al-Tashahud is recited in Arabic. Here it is in Arabic first, then transliterated and translated into English. [19]    

التَّشَهُدُ

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Al-Tashahud (pronounced as: atta shahud)

The Proclamation and Bear Witnessing

(To be recited while sitting in prayer)

الجُزْءُ الأولُ:

التَّحِياتُ المُبَارَكَاتُ ، وَالصَّلَوَاتُ الطَّيبَاتُ للهِ ، السَّلامُ عَلَيكً أيُهَا النبيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ ،

السُلامُ عَلَينَا وَعَلى عِبَادِ اللهِ الصَّالِحِينَ ، أشْهَدُ أنَّ لا إلهَ إلا الله ، وأشْهَدُ أنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ الله.

الجُزْءُ الثَانِي:

اللَهُمَّ صَلَّي عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ، وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ ، كَمَا صَلَّيتَ عَلَى إبْرَاهِيمَ ، وَعَلَى آلِ إبْرَاهِيم.

 وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ، وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إبْرَاهِيمَ ، وَعَلَى آلِ إبْرَاهِيم ،

 فٍي الْعَالَمِينَ ، إنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيد.

التسليم:

السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ ، السَّلامُ عَلَيكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُه.

Transliteration of Al-Tashahud:

Part I:

At ta'hiyatu, al mubarakatu, wassala watu at tayibatu, lilah

Assalamu 'alayka ayuha anabiyu wa ra'hmatul lahi wa barakatuh

Assalamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadil lahis sali'heen

Ash hadu alla ilaha illal lah

Wa ash hadu anna muhammadan rassoulul lah

***

Part II:

Allahumma salli 'ala muhammadin, wa 'ala aali muhammad

Kama salayta 'ala ibrahima, wa 'ala aali ibrahim

Wa barik 'ala muhammadin, wa 'ala aali muhammad

Kama barakta 'ala ibrahima, wa 'ala aali ibrahim

Fil 'aalamina

Innaka 'hameedun majeed

End Greetings:

Ending prayer with greetings to the right, then to the left saying:

Assalamu 'alaykum wa ra'hmatul lahi wabarakatuh

English translation:

Part I:

Blessed greetings and good prayers to Allah

Peace to you, O You Prophet, and mercy of Allah, and His blessings

Peace be upon us and upon the good worshippers of Allah

I bear witness that there is no other God but Allah (while raising the pointer finger of the right hand)

And I bear witness that Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah (while raising the pointer finger of the right hand)

Part II:

O Allah! Pray for Muhammed and for the family of Muhammed

As You prayed for Ibrahim and for the family of Ibrahim

And bless Muhammed and the family of Muhammed

As You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim

Amongst the worlds

You are the Praise-Worthy, You are the Glorious

End Greetings:

Then, the prayer is completed by saying the Islamic greetings to those on the right and to those on the left:

Peace of Allah be upon you, His mercy, and His blessings (to the right side)

Peace of Allah be upon you, His mercy, and His blessings (to the the left side)

End of Al-Fajr (Dawn) Prayer.

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Tasbee'h (Words of Praise to Allah, After Prayer)

There are several ‘Hadiths which recommend Tasbee'h (Saying words of Praise to Allah) after each prayer. Here is the most common practice, on the basis of a ‘Hadith narrated by Companion Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, as follows:

تَسْبِيحُ مَا بَعدَ الصَّلاةٍ:

سٌبْحَانَ الله ، الحَمْدُ لله ، اللهُ أكْبَر (33 مرة لكل منها)

Tasbee'h (words of praise to God, to be said after prayers):

Sub'hana Allah  (Praise to Allah): 33 times

Al'hamdu lilah    (Thanks to Allah): 33 times

Allahu akbar   (Allah is Greater): 33 times

Then, Tasbee’h is closed with one sentence, said once, as follows:

لا إله إلا الله ، وحده لا شريك له ، له الملك وله الحمد ، وهو على كل شيء قدير.

La ilaha illallah, wa’hdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul ‘hamdu, wahua ‘ala kulli shay-in qadeer.

There is no other god than (but) Allah, One Who has no partners, to Him is dominion and praise, and He is capable of (doing) everything.

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