Religion and Ethics

Introductory Activity 3

• Islam prescribes an obligatory charity, known as Zakat, based on two and a half percent of one’s income and wealth. In addition to this prescribed charity, Muslims are encouraged to give as much as they can in voluntary charity throughout the year. Give the importance of giving Zakat?

Introduction

Zakat literally means “to purify, to grow, to increase.” It has been used in the Quran to mean all of these things. It can also be considered a form of Sadaqah (charity), given to the poor. Zakat is levied on specific assets only, identified by Islamic Law (Shariah) as assets having the potential for growth. Levied at the rate of 2.5% or 1/40 each year, (calculated according to the lunar calendar) on the market value of the Zakat-able assets after deducting there from specified liabilities. The compulso-ry transfer of ownership of a portion of the property of the giver, calculated at the rate of 2.5% as previously mentioned, to a poor and needy Muslim who qualifies to receive Zakat according to the Islamic law (Shariah). Zakat is calculated according to the lunar year.

3.1. Zakaat as Islamic way for poverty reduction, source and rates of Zakat

Learning Activity: 3.1

Discuss how can Zakat be a good way of ending poverty? And a way to development

Islam looks upon poverty, as a dangerous social problem which puts man under trial dissuading him from his religion and compromising his dignity and character. It is a potential threat to the peace and stability of society. The objectives of Islamic law in preserving faith, human soul, progeny, property and mind would not be fulfilled in the state of poverty. These objectives require the provision of basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and marriage so that people may not be pushed to cross the limits of religion and morality.

In Islam, Zakat is the third after the declaration of faith in Allah and His Messenger and after the five daily prayers. Islam introduces Zakat as a response to social concerns towards the poor and the determination to address poverty. One of the objectives of Zakat distribution is to provide an adequate and suitable standard of living and to help Muslims remain above the level of poverty. It is meant to assist recipients to achieve a better quality of life and in turn become a contributor for the wellbeing of others. When someone gives Zakat, he or she has to ensure that the recipients are one of those who are eligible to receive Zakat. There are eight recipients of Zakat. Allah defines in Surat Tawbah: “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveller – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Q.9:60).

The verse of Surat Tawbah quoted above lists the poor and the needy as the first Zakah recipients, reflecting the fact that the first objective of Zakah is to eliminate poverty and destitution from society. The primacy of this purpose of Zakah is highlighted by the fact that in some Hadiths it is the only purpose mentioned 1, such as the Hadith narrated by Mu’adh, when the Prophet sent him to Yemen: “Inform them that Allah has prescribed on them a Sadaqah, to be taken from the rich among them and rendered to the poor among them.”Finally, when the 2.5% zakat upon our wealth becomes an obligation on us, it is then no longer ours; it belongs to someone else. If we do not give away that portion of our wealth, remember that portion is the right of someone else and hence you are usurping another’s right and displeasing the Almighty.

Application Activity 3.1

• Discuss in group, how Zakat is a potential threat to the peace and stability of society.

• Who are recipients of Zakah as mentioned in verse: 9 (Surat Tawbat). Why?

3.2. Punishment for failure to pay Zakat.

Learning Activity: 3.2

• Is Zakat voluntary or mandatory? Explain.

• What do you think are benefits of zakat

Those who are careless about paying Zakat should be advised and reminded of how important it is, and should be told of the texts which warn against being stingy in paying it. Allah said : “And let not those who covetously withhold of that which Allah has bestowed on them of His Bounty (wealth) think that it is good for them (and so they do not pay the obligatory Zakat). Nay, it will be worse for them; the things which they covetously with held, shall be tied to their necks like a collar on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is Well- Acquainted with all that you do”. (Q.3:180).

And Allah said: “And those who hoard up gold and silver (the money, the Zakat of which has not been paid) and spend them not in the way of Allah, announce unto them a painful torment. On the Day when that (money, gold and silver, the Zakat of which has not been paid) will be heated in the fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them ‘This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard”.(Q.9:34-35).

The Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever Allah makes wealthy and he does not pay the Zakat due on his wealth, then (on the Day of Resurrection) his wealth will be made in the likeness of a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and proclaim, “I am your wealth, I am your treasure”, The Prophet then recited the Qur’anic Verse “And let not those who are stingy with that which Allah has bestowed on them of His bounty think that it is good for them. Nay, it will be worse for them until the end. It’s pretty clear that not paying Zakat is no joke. Severe punishments are prescribed for the one who does not pay Zakat, in the grave as well as on the Day of Judgment.

Application Activity 3.2

• Predict punishments that would be on those who are careless about paying Zakat.

3.3 Importance of Zakat and the rewards to observe it

Learning Activity: 3.3

• Discuss the reasons behind the prescription of Zakat.

It should be noted that Allah does not prescribe anything that is not for the best reasons and does not achieve the best interests. Allah is the All-Knowing, who encompasses all things by His knowledge, and He is the All-Wise who does not prescribe anything except for a reason. With regard to the reason behind the prescription of Zakaat, the scholars have mentioned many reasons for it, including the following:

To complete and perfect a person’s Islam,

1. It gladdens the heart. If a person gives something, especially wealth, he feels a sense of joy.

2. It joins a person to the ranks of the true believers.

3. It makes the Muslim society like a single family, in which those who have the means show compassion to those who do not have the means, and the rich to those who are in hardship.

4. It prevents financial crimes such as robbery and stealing and the like, because the poor will get enough to meet their needs, and they will excuse the rich because they are giving them some of their wealth,

5. Salvation from the heat of the Day of Resurrection.

6. It leads a man to learn about the laws of Allah, because he can never pay his Zakaat until he has learned the rulings on Zakat,

7. It purifies wealth, so that the wealth will grow literally and metaphorically.

8. It is a means of bringing down blessings. In the Hadith it says: “No people ever with hold the Zakat of their wealth but rain is withheld from the sky.”

9. It expiates for sins. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire.”

Application Activity: 3.3

• Was is it necessary to prescribe the payment of Zakat.

3.4. The concept of Zakat-ul Fitri.

Learning Activity: 3.4

• Explain the Zakat -ul Fitr and how to distribute it.

Zakat ul-Fitr is often referred to as (Sadaqat ul-Fitr). Zakat ul-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadhan.Zakat ul-Fitr is a duty which is obligatory on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he / she has the means to do so. The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the following statement whereby Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) made Zakat ul-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one handful quantity of dried dates or one handful quantity of barely beaker of dates, barley, raisins, cheese, grain of wheat. Some scholars say any topic of food that is common in a particular region can be given for Zakat-ul fitr. The head of the household must pay the re-quired amount for the other members.

Significance.

The significant role played by Zakat in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Zakat ul-Fitr. However, in the case of Zakat ul-Fitri, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Zakat ul-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

The main purpose of Zakat ul-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakat ul-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (‘Eid ul-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims. Ibn Abbas reported, “The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) made Zakat ul-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadhan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Prayer will have it accepted as Zakat, while he who gives it after the Salat has given a usual Sadaqat”.

Hence, the goal of Zakat ul-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islam does not neglect man’s material need, part of the goal of Zakat ul-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

Conditions

Zakat ul-Fitr is only obligatory for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and cannot make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains ob-ligatory until the beginning of Eid-il-Fitri prayers. However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the companions of the Prophet used to pay Sadaqat ul-Fitr a couple days before the ‘Eid’ day.

Rate

The amount of Zakat is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is a quantity of 2.5kg of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family.

Application Activity 3.4

• How is the rate of Zakat calculated? What are its beneficiaries?

3.5. Voluntary and compulsory charity (Sadaqat).

Learning Activity: 3.5

• What are charitable activities do you perform at school? Are they neces-sary? Why?

With regard to the Islamic definition: Zakat means worshipping Allah by giving that which He has enjoined of different kinds of Zakat to those who are entitled to them, according to the guidelines prescribed in Islamic law (Shariah). Sadaqat means worshipping Allah by voluntary charity without that being made obligatory in Islamic law. The word Sadaqat is sometimes used to refer to obligatory Zakat. Regarding to the difference between Zakat and Sadaqat, it is as follows:

1. Zakat is enjoined in Islam on specific things, which are: Money, gold, silver, crops, fruits, trade goods and livestock, i.e., camels, cattle and sheep. With regard to Sadaqat, it is not obligatory on any kind of Wealth; rather it is what a person can give, without any specific limits or guidelines.

2. Zakat is subject to the conditions that one full year has passed since acquiring the wealth, and that the wealth meets the minimum threshold (Nisaab) and it is a specific portion of wealth. Sadaqat is not subject to any conditions, and it may be given at any time, in any amount.

3. Allah has enjoined that Zakat be given to certain types of people, and it is not permissible to give it to anyone else. They are the people mentioned in the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (extremely poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect zakat; and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for a traveller who is cut off from everything ; a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise” [Q.9:60]. With regard to Sadaqat, it may be given to those mentioned in the verse on Zakat and to others.

4. Whoever dies and owes Zakat, his heirs must pay it from his wealth, and that takes precedence over the will (Wasiyat) and inheritance. As for (Sadaqat), there are no such obligations with regard to it.

5. The one who withholds (Zakat) is to be punished,

6. Zakat is not permissible to give it to one’s ascendants or descendants. Ascendants include one’s mother, father, grandfathers and grandmothers; descendents include one’s children and their children. Sadaqat may be given to one’s ascendants and descendants.

Application Activities: 3.5

• With Examples, contrast Zakaat and Sadaqat.

3.6. Rules on some voluntary swalaat (a’nawafil)

Learning Activity: 3.6

• Have you participated Muslim festival? If yes how are they celebrated and what are its importance?

Eid-Ul-Fitr Prayer.

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the month of fasting. On this day, Muslim rejoices for having been given the strength to fulfil their obligation of fasting. The Eid prayers are considered obligatory in Islamic Jurisprudence. The Messenger of Allah (saws) exhorted all the believers, men, women, and children to attend the Eid prayers. It is obligatory on every believer to pay the ‘Zakat-ul-Fitr’ before the Eid prayer commences. It is Sunah to eat an odd number of dates before one goes to the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. It is a preferred practice to perform the purification ritual bath (Ghusl), wear one’s best or new attire, use the brush (Miswak) to cleanse one’s teeth, and if one has perfume (For men), one should apply it before attending the Eid prayer.

It is preferred to offer one’s Eid prayers an open area with the believers; if one is prevented by rain or has a genuine reason, there is absolutely no harm if the believer offers the Eid prayers in the mosque. It is also a preferred practice for the believers to verbally declare the ‘takbirat’ aloud (Glorifications of the Lord) by saying Allahu akbaru allahu akbaru ......until the Imam starts the prayer.

The Eid prayer consists of two parts (Rakats): during which it is a Sunah for the ‘Imam’ leading the prayer to declare the ‘Takbir’ (Allahu Akbar) seven times after the opening ‘Takbir’ and before the recitation of the (Surat ul-Fatihat) in the first (Rakat). During the second Rakat, the ‘Takbir’ is to be declared five times before the recitation of the Surat Al-Fatihah. One should raise one’s hands above their shoulders during each pronouncement of the ‘Takbir’. After completion of the prayers, the ‘Imam’ leading the prayers should face the believers and declare a short (Khutba) or sermon praising and glorifying the Lord and exhorting the believers towards the good. After the sermon, the believers are at liberty to celebrate Eid with their family, friends, loved ones and their believing brethren.

Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of the month of Dhul-Haj which is the 12thmonth of Islamic calendar; it is celebrated to commemorate the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ishmael (peace be on both of them). Allah accepted the devotion and obedience of both of them and directed that a lamb be sacrificed instead of Prophet Ishmael, peace be upon him. Muslims, who gather in Makah for Hajj, offer their sacrifices on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim, (peace and Allah’s blessings be upon him). This act of sacrificing animals is also done by Muslims all over the world.

All Muslims, men, women, and children, join in the congregational two parts (Rakat) prayer held in the open outside a village or town, if possible, on Eid-ul-Adha occasion. Early in the morning, on an Eid day, after taking a bath, Muslims, young and old, put on their best clothes. Children specially, wear new garments. Perfume is used by men as it was the practice of the Holy Prophet (peace and Allah’s blessings be upon him), to wear perfumed attires on such occasion. Special dishes are prepared on Eid days in Muslim homes. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, it is reported that the messenger of God (Peace and Allah’s blessings be upon him) preferred not to eat anything until he slaughtered his own animal for sacrifice. With the meat of that sacrifice he would have the first meal of the day, but to eat before that is not forbidden.

As was the practice of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Muslims generally go to the Eid through one route and return by another route. The time for Eid Prayer is before noon. Like Friday Prayer, Eid Prayer is always offered in congregation. No Call (Azan) or (Iqama) is called for Eid Prayers. The Eid prayer consists of two-parts (Rakats) and is performed in the way above mentioned for the Eid-il Fitri prayers.

It is better to hasten to offer the sacrifice after the Eid il Ad’ha prayer, as the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to do, then the first thing he would eat on the day of Eid would be meat from his sacrifice.

Prayer for rain (Al-Istisqa-u Prayer).

Definition of the prayer for rain

Al-Istisqa’u means seeking rain from Allah the Almighty during drought and times of low rainfall.

The proof of the permissibility of prayer for rain

Prayer to seek rain is an emphatic Sunat. This was performed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as reported in the Hadith of Abdullah bun Zaid: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) went to the praying ground to seek rain. He faced the direction of Kaaba (Qiblah), turned his cloak inside out, and prayed two parts (Raka’at).”

The time to observe prayer for rain

Salatul-Istisqa is permissible when there is a drought and sparse rainfall, or the level of water in the streams and well is low, or due to the river drying up etc. It is recommended (to observe the Salat) after the sun rises and has ascended up to the length of a spear; which is about 20 mins after sunrise, it is observed on the praying ground and not inside the mosque, in accordance with the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) manner, except when it necessitates doing it in the mosque.

Description of Prayer for rain

It should be prayed as a two-part (Raka’at) Salat with neither the Azan nor Iqamah. Recitations in both rakats are said aloud. The person observing this Salat says the Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) seven times in the first Rak’ah after the initiating Takbeer. In the second Rak’ah, he says five Takbeers apart from the one he says while standing up from the prostration.

He raises his hands with each (Takbeer), praises Allah and extols Him. He also seeks blessings upon the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) between each (Takbeer). After the prayer, the Imam delivers a single sermon (Khutbat) in which he seeks a great deal of forgiveness and recites Al-Qur’an over and over. Thereafter he supplicates, saying many of the authentic supplications of the Prophet peace be upon him, with insistence, showing humility, helplessness and demonstrating how powerless he is in front of Allah the Almighty, raising his hands up even higher (than he does in ordinary supplications).

Rain is a bounty from Allah alone:

It is important for every Muslim to believe that, truly, rainfall is due to the bounty of Allah and His Blessings on His servants.

The Solar Eclipse (Al-Kusoof ) Prayer.

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “It is He who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out for it stages that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. Allah did not create this but in truth. He explains the signs in detail for people who have knowledge.” [Q.10:5]. He, also, says “And from among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate yourselves not to the sun” nor to the moon, but prostrate yourselves to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him” (Q. 41:37). Prayer of Eclipse is a prophetic practice.

The evidence for this is reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) where He says: ‘Eclipses are signs from Allah by means of which Allah makes His servants afraid. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And we sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction)” (Q. 17:39).

When the sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he went out rushing nervously to the mosque, dragging his cloak behind him, and led the people in prayer.He told them that the eclipse was one of the signs of Allah, with which Allah makes His servants afraid, and that it may be the cause of punishment coming upon the people. He commanded them to do that which could prevent the punishment, so he commanded them to pray when an eclipse happens, and to make supplications. Seek His forgiveness, give charity, free slaves and do other righteous deeds so that the punishment would go away and not befall the people. So the eclipse is a reminder to people, making them afraid so that they will turn back to Allah and pay attention to Him.

During the ignorance period, people used to believe that eclipses happened to mark the birth or death of a great person, but the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) declared this belief to be false and explained the divine wisdom behind the occurrence of eclipses as mentioned above.

Seeking guidance (Istikhara) Prayer

The Istikhara prayer is a very simple prayer of seeking guidance to choose between two lawful options. One prays two Rakats at any time that is not disliked, after which one recites the supplication of Istikhara. It is best to recite it before sleeping, though in no way necessary. Like other supplications, it is recommended that one face the Qibla. It is recommended to open the supplications of Istikhara, with praise of Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and to close it in this manner, too. It is disliked to ‘hasten’ in seeking the answer to one’s Istikhara, like other supplications, because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying, “I prayed, but no an-swer came.”

The supplication of Istikharat prayer is translated as follows:

“O Allah, verily I seek the best (of either choice) from you, by your knowledge, and I seek ability from you, by your power, and I ask you from your immense bounty. For indeed you have power, and I am powerless; you have knowledge and I know not; you are the Knower of the unseen realms. O Allah, if You know that this matter ( State your project) is good for me with regard to my religion, my livelihood and the end of my affair then decree it for me, facilitate it for me, and grant me blessing in it. And if you know that this matter is not good for me with regard to my religion, my livelihood and the end of my affair then turn it away from me and me from it; and decree for me better than it, wherever it may be, and make me content with it.”

Looking for signs

One should suspend one’s own judgement or inclination about the particular matter, and wait for Allah to show one a sign or to make things happen in a way that indicates what to do. When one is not clear about the result of the Istikhara, the scholars mention that it is recommend to repeat it, up to 7 times if necessary (usually done on separate occasions). It is not necessary that you get a dream or even a “feeling.” Rather, the Istikhara is a prayer that Allah guides you towards that which is best for you. If you do the prayer of guidance (Istikhara) with the proper manners, the most important of which is to truly consign the matter to Allah and suspend your own inclinations, then Allah will make events unfold in the direction that is the best for your worldly and next-worldly affairs.

The funeral prayer (Janazah Salah)

The Funeral prayer of a deceased Muslim is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah). If someone is buried without it being performed, then the whole community is held responsible but as long as some gather and perform it, the obligation is removed from the whole community.

It is prophetic practice, praiseworthy and extremely virtuous to participate in the Funeral prayer and burial of a Muslim. All participants in the Funeral prayer must be in a state of ablution, it is permissible to perform dry ablution (Tayammum) if one does not have time to do ablution. There is no Azan or Iqama for Funeral prayers. It consists of four (4) Takbir. Imam should stand: Opposite the head of the dead male and Opposite the middle of the dead female. The funeral prayer is to be done as follows: You say the first Takbeer (Allahu akbar), then you seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan (Shaytan) saying Awudhu Billahi Mina shaytwani Rajim, then you say Bismillah ir- Rahmaan ir- Raheem and recite al-Fatihah. Then you say second Takbeer and say blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as one does at the end of the prayer by saying Allahuma swalli ala Muhammad...up to the end.

Then you say a third Takbeer and make a du’aa for the deceased. The best is to say: Allaahumma ighfir lahu warhamhu wa‘aafihi wa a’fu ‘anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi’ madkhalahu, waghsilhu bi’l-maa’ wathalji wal-barad, wa naqqihi min al-khatwaaya kama yunaqqa’ a-thawbul-abyad min al-danas. Allaahumma abdilhu daaran khayran min daarihi wa ahlan khayra min ahlihi. Allaahumma adkhilhu al-jannah wa a’idhhu min ‘adhaab il-qabri, wa min ‘adhaab il-naar.

This duaa is translated as follows: ‘O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, keep him safe and sound and forgive him, honour the place where he settles and make his entrance wide; wash him with water and snow and hail, and cleanse him of sin as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. O Allaah, give him a house better than his house and a family better than his family. O Allaah, admit him to Paradise and protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of Hell-fire; make his grave spacious and fill it with light. O Allaah, do not deprive us of the reward and do not cause us to go astray after this) .” Then you say a fourth Takbeer and pause for a little while, then you say one (Tasleem) to the right, saying (Assalaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmat-Allah).

The sunrise prayer (Salat Al-Duha)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever prays the sunrise prayer then waits patiently until he offers the dawn prayer in congregation, there shall be for him the reward of a pilgrim for both the major and minor pilgrimages, complete and not missing anything.”

Its name: The sunrise prayer is called Salat al-Duha or Salat al-Ishraq.

Time for Salat al-Duha: The time of Duha prayer is from the time when the sun has risen to a certain height, until just before the time for Zuhr prayer. The minimum for Duha is two rakaats, and the maximum number is 8 rakaats. The best practice is to pray two rakaats by two, saying the salaam after each two rakats.

Witri Prayer

Witri prayer is one of the greatest acts of worship that draw one closer to Allah which the Muslim should observe regularly and not neglect it.

Its timing: It starts when a person has prayed ‘Isha-i’ prayer, even if it is joined to Maghrib at the time of Maghrib, and lasts until dawn begins, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has prescribed for you a prayer (by which He may increase your reward), which is Witri; Allaah has enjoined it for you during the time between ‘Isha-i’ prayer until dawn begins.” According to the Prophetic practice, if a person thinks he will be able to get up at the end of the night, it is better to delay Witri Prayer, because prayer at the end of the night is better and is witnessed (by the angels). But whoever fears that he will not get up at the end of the night should pray Witri before he goes to sleep.

The number of Rakaa: The minimum number of Rakats for Witri is one rakaat, but Witri may also be three or five or seven or nine rakaats. If a person prays three rakaats of Witri this may be done in two ways, both of which are prescribed in Islamic teachings, one way is to say the (tasleem) after two rakaats, then stand for praying the third on its own then you say the final Salam to end the prayer. Another way is to pray three rakaats by performing all three rakaats one rakaat after another, with one Tashahud and Salam at the end of the third rakaat.

In the first Rakat one should recite (Surat ul fatiha) and then (Surat ul-A’la). In the second one should recite Surat ul fatiha and then (Surat al-Kaafirun), and in the third rakaat recites Surat-ul Alfatiha and then (Surat al-Ikhlaas).

Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajud is voluntary prayer that is performed in the night; it is also called qiyamu layil”.Night prayers is found in a lot of proof explanation about Tahajud prayer as Allah said in Holy Qur’an: “And as for the night keep awake a part of it as an additional prayer for you to a Station of Praise and Glory.”In the other verse, Allah describes good people activity as follows: “They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night, and in the hours of early dawn, they were found praying for Forgiveness.”

In a tradition, Abu Hurayirah said,” The Prophet Muhammad was asked, “which one of the best prayer after obligatory prayer? Our prophet answered, ‘midnight prayer’. Asking again, “which one the best fasting after Ramadan fasting? He answered, “Fasting during Muharram month.”

Tahajud prayer usually is done by alone or together, tahajud prayer is not limited in number of rakaats, but at least two rakaats is to be observed. It is good that every 2 rakaats ended with salam, as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) explained that: “Night prayer is two-two.” If someone wakes up for night prayer, it is recommended that he wakes his family up to pray together. Tahajud may be performed in the early part of the night, the middle part of the night or the later part of the night, but after the obligatory isha’ prayer. However, it is best to delay this Tahajjud Prayer to the last third portion of the night. The Prophet (peace be upon him) says: “Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: “Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him’’?

A Muslim should be in the habit of keeping early hours, and waking up early. There may be exceptions to that on condition that they should not hamper one’s activity to worship at night. So, it is clear that the prayer offered at night is so valuable that it comes second only after the obligatory prayers. It is also the best time for Duaa to be accepted by Allah the Almighty.

Application Activity: 3.6

• Discuss voluntary prayers and their importance in personal prayer and community worship.

• Differentiate the concept of compulsory and voluntary acts in worship ac-tivities.

• Write down the benefits of putting trust in Allah.

3.6 End Unit Assessment 3

Unit assessment 3.

1. Define the term “Zakat”.

2. Differentiate between Zakat and Sadaqat.

3. Write down some punishments prescribed for someone who ignores Zakat.

4. Describe how Swalatul Istisqaa, swalatul janazat and Swalatul Kusoof are prayed.

5. Differentiate between Eidul Fitri and Eidul Aduha.