Lailatul Qadr Prayer - All About Lailatul Qadar (The Night of Power)

What is Lailatul Qadar?

Laylat al-Qadr as the Night of Destiny, Night of Power, Night of Value, the Night of Decree, or Night of Measures, is in Islamic belief the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). It is one of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Muslims believe that on this night, God blesses everyone, forgives all sins, grants all prayers, and angels come down to earth.

Sunnah of the Night:

Muslims often offer extra prayers on this day, particularly the night prayer. They awake, pray, and hope Allah will give them anything they may desire on this night. Mostly, they perform tilawat (reading the Quran).

Those who can afford to devote their time in the remembrance of Allah stay in the mosque for the final ten days of Ramadan. This worship is called I'tikaf. They observe a fast during the day and occupy themselves with the remembrance of Allah, performing voluntary prayers and studying the Quran, day and night, apart from the obligatory prayers which they perform with the congregation. Food and other necessities of life are provided for them during their stay in the mosque. Devoting time to remember Allah, Muslims also hope to receive divine favors and blessings connected with Lailat ul-Qadr.

Qur'an says:

    We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
    And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
    The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
    Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:
    Peace!...This until the rise of dawn!
    �Sura 97 (Al-Qadr), ?y?t 1-5

 �We sent it (Quran) down on a blessed Night. Verily,We are ever warning. Therein ( in that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Quran or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger) (As) a Mercy from your Lord.� (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

The whole month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual training wherein believers devote much of their time to fasting, praying, reciting the Quran, remembering Allah, and giving charity. However because of the revealed importance of this night, Muslims strive [give more effort] harder in the last ten days of Ramadan since the Laylat al-Qadr could be one of the odd-numbered days in these last ten (the first, third, fifth, seventh or ninth). Normally, some Muslims from each community perform i'tik?f in the mosque: they remain in the mosque for the last ten days of the month for prayers and recitation. Women also observe i'tikaf. They remain in prayer and meditation mostly, although they are allowed to do the minimum domestic work to run the family .When Muhammed (P.B.U.H) observed i'tikaf in a tent, he saw a few tents around his. His wives joined him by pitching tents .

Hadith on The Night of Power:

�Allah�s Messenger (P.B.U.H) used to practice Itikaaf in the last ten nights and say: �Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan.� (Bukhari, Muslim)

�Allah�s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said: �Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.� (Bukhari, Muslim)

�Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven.� (Bukhari)

It is prescribed to supplicate a great in Lailatul Qadr. It is reported from Aisha (R.A):

�O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?� He said: �Say: Allaahumma innaka �affuwwun tuhibbul �afwa fa�fu �annee.� (O Allah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).� (at-Tirmidhi)

Hadith About Itikaf - Itikaf during the Month of Ramadan in Islam

 

Aitikaf in Islam

Itikaf is an Islamic practice consisting of a period of retreat in a mosque for a certain number of days in accordance with the believer's own wish. It is most common during the month of Ramadan, especially the last ten days.

Hadith on Itikaf 

 

 

Taraweeh Prayer in the Holy Month of Ramadan - How to Perform Tarawih?

What is Taraweeh?

 

Taraweeh refers to extra prayers performed by Muslims at night in the Islamic month of Ramadan. Contrary to popular belief, they are not compulsory. However, many Muslims pray these prayers in the night during Ramadan.

How to Perform Taraweeh Prayer: 

The time for Taraweeh prayer is between Isha and Fajr. Generally during Ramadan the taraweeh prayer is prayed after the Isha prayer in the Masjids in congregation.

The Taraweeh prayer is prayed two rakahs at a time and the prayer is a loud prayed rather than a quite prayer.

So you pray 2 rakahs and then another 2 rakahs and then another 2 rakahs and then another 2 rakahs and then finally 3 rakahs of witr prayer.

If you have memorised the whole Quran then after reciting Surah Fathiha in the first rakah of the first Taraweeh Prayer you should start reciting the beginning of the secound Surah of the Quran called Surah Baqarah. You can recite how much you want depending on your stamina. Then in the secound rakah, after you have recited Surah Fathiha, you should resume your recitation of the Quran from were you ended in the previous rakah. So in each rakah you start your Quranic recitation from were ended in the previous rakah. After the end of the 8 rakahs of Taraweeh you should make a note of were you finished of your recitation of the Quran in case you forget. So the next day you begin your recitation from were you finished your recitation the previous day. By the end of Ramadan you will probably have recited the whole of the Quran.

Most Masjids have Imams  who have  memorised the whole Quran. They will recite it in the taraweeh prayers and by the end of Ramadan the congregation will have listened to the recitation of the whole Quran.

If you are praying at home but have not memorised the whole Quran, then you recite what you have memorised of the Quran in the 8 rakahs and then pray 3 witr.

Sahih Hadith About Taraweeh Prayer:

 Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 4.769

Narrated by Abu Salama bin Abdur Rahman

That he asked 'Aisha "How was the prayer of Allah's Apostle in the month of Ramadan?" She replied, "He used not to pray more than eleven Rakat whether in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to offer four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length, and then four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length. Afterwards he would offer three Rakat. I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you go to bed before offering the Witr prayer?' He said, 'My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.' "

Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 1.698

Narrated byZaid bin Thabit

Allah's Apostle made a small room in the month of Ramadan (Sa'id said, "I think that Zaid bin Thabit said that it was made of a mat") and he prayed there for a few nights, and so some of his companions prayed behind him. When he came to know about it, he kept on sitting. In the morning, he went out to them and said, "I have seen and understood what you did. You should pray in your houses, for the best prayer of a person is that which he prays in his house except the compulsory prayers."

Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 8.134

Narrated byZaid bin Thabit

Allah's Apostle made a small room (with a palm leaf mat). Allah's Apostle came out (of his house) and prayed in it. Some men came and joined him in his prayer. Then again the next night they came for the prayer, but Allah's Apostle delayed and did not come out to them. So they raised their voices and knocked the door with small stones (to draw his attention). He came out to them in a state of anger, saying, "You are still insisting (on your deed, i.e. Tarawih prayer in the mosque) that I thought that this prayer (Tarawih) might become obligatory on you. So you people, offer this prayer at your homes, for the best prayer of a person is the one which he offers at home, except the compulsory (congregational) prayer."

Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 3.229

Narrated byUrsa

That he was informed by 'Aisha, "Allah's Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah's Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, "Amma ba'du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on." So, Allah's Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually)."

Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 3.227

Narrated byAbu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e

Ramadan and Fasting Prayers - Masnoon Duas for Ramadan

Dua:

Dua is an act of supplication.

The prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said "Dua is the very essence of worship," while one of God's commands expressed through the Quran is for them to call out to Him:

    And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer):
    �Quran, sura 40 (Ghafir), ayah 60

Dua for Iftari

 

Dua for Ashray

 

Dua for the Night of Power

Dua - Islamic Duas Every Muslim Must Memorize and Recite Daily

Importance of Dua in Islam:

 

Dua is an act of supplication. The term is derived from an Arabic word meaning to 'call out' or to 'summon', and Muslims regard this as a profound act of worship. The Islamic prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said "Dua is the very essence of worship," while one of God's commands expressed through the Quran is for them to call out to Him:

    And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer):
    �Quran, sura 40 (Ghafir), ayah 60

Salat Holy Du'a:

The salat is the obligatory prayer recited five times a day. Salat is read in the Arabic language. Ayat & Hadith About Namaz and Dua's in Urdu

When In Anger:

In the stressful and highly competitive life of today, the one issue that almost every one of us faces pertaining to our conduct is anger. Everyone of us undergoes anger at one point or another during the day. The anger of ours leads to clouding our judgment and the consequent decisions we make end up hurting someone or making a decision that is a total loss. Therefore, for everyone in general and Muslims in particular, it is imperative to avoid anger, and one of the best way of doing so can be by reciting Dua. Pertaining to Dua for avoiding and controlling anger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told of the Dua in one of His hadith in the following way:

�If a person reads (this) when he is angry, then his anger shall go away.

�������� ������� ���� ������������ �����������

Transliteration � �A�oozu Bil�laahi Minash Shaitaanir Rajeem�
Translation- �I seek refuge in Al�laah from Shaitaan the cursed� [Tirmizi Shareef Vol.2 Pg.183].

  Before And After Meal:

Another important and regular activity done in daily routine is taking of meal. The provision of meals during the day is one of the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty and for such blessing a Muslim ought to be thankful to Allah the Merciful. When it comes to Dua pertaining to meals, there is a Dua that a Muslim must recite before the meal and a Dua which must be recited after the meal. The Duas to recite in this regard are as follows:

Dua before the meal is:

������ ����� ����������� �����������

Transliteration � �Bismil laahir Rahmaanir Raheem�
Translation � �Al�laah�s Name we begin with, The Compassionate, Most Merciful.�

When finished with eating, a Muslim must recite the following Dua:

�� �������� ���� �������� ����������� ���������� ����������� ���� ���������������

Transliteration � �Alhumdu lil laahil Lazee At�amana Wa Saqaana Wa Ja�alana Minal Muslimeen�.
Translation � �All Praise is due to Al�laah, who has blessed us with food and drink and made us from amongst the Believers (Muslims)�. [Abu Dawood Pg.573]

 Entering And Exiting Masjid:

Another regular activity that Muslims perform on daily basis is going to Masjid for prayers five times a day. Islam has put great stress on five times a day prayers in general and saying the prayers in the mosque in particular. Therefore, a practicing Muslim enters and exits a mosques five times a day where he submits to Allah Almighty and indulges in His prayer. Therefore, it is imperative that a Muslim knows and understands the importance of being in the mosque and recites particular Duas on respective actions.

Dua before entering the mosque is:

���������� �������� �� �������� ����������

Transliteration � �Allaahum-maf-Tahlee Abwaaba Rahmatika�.
Translation � �O Allaah, open the doors of Your Mercy for me.� [Sahi'h Muslim]

After prayer when a person exits Masjid, the following Dua should be recited:

���������� ������ ���������� ����� ��������

Transliteration � �Allaahum-ma In-nee As`aluka Min Fadhlika�.
Translation � �O Allaah, I seek of You Your Grace.� [Sahi'h Muslim]

 When Sneezing:

 

After a sneeze is also a blessing of Allah Almighty and a Muslim ought to say thanks for it. Moreover, besides the person who sneezes, the other person who witnesses the sneeze must also respond to the Dua made by the sneezer. The person who sneezes must recite the following Dua:

 ��������� �������

Transliteration � �Alhamdulillah�!
Translation � �Thanks and all praise be to Allah�

The person who listens to the sneeze and witnesses the other person reciting the Dua after sneezing, should say the following:

 ���������� �������

Transliteration � �Yar Hamoo kall Lah�.
Translation � �May Allah have mercy on you.� [Bukhari ,Mishkaat Shareef Pg.405]

 Entering And Leaving Home:

Home is the base of a person from which a person exits to search and earn the blessings of Allah Almighty and it is a place where after the long day a person returns and shares those blessings with the family members. Therefore, it is imperative that a Muslim realizes the importance of leaving the home and then entering it.

�The Noble Prophet (Salla Allahu ta�ala �alayhi wa Sallam) said, whoso ever recites this dua before leaving his home, all his difficulties will go away and he shall be protected from the mischief of his enemies and shaitaan will stay away from him:

������ ����� ����������� ����� ����� ����� ������ ����� ������� ������ ������� �

Transliteration � �Bismil laahi Tawak�kaltu Alal laahi Wa Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quw�wata il�la bil�laah�
Translation � �Al�laah�s Name we begin with, I place my (full) trust in Al�laah and there is no Might and Power except with Al�laah.� [Tirmizi Shareef Vol.2 Pg.180]

When entering home, a Muslim must recite the following Dua:

������� ����� ��������ǡ ��������� ����� ���������ǡ ������� �������� �����������

Transliteration � �Bismillaahi walajnaa, wa bismillaahi kharajnaa, wa �alaaRabblnaa tawakkalnaa�
Translation - �In the Name of Allah we enter, in the Name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we depend [then say As-Salaamu 'Alaykum to those present].� [Abu Dau'd]

When Feeling Stressed:

Due to all the competition and hard struggle during the day, it is quite natural that people become stressed. It is this stress that sometimes takes the shape of anger while in other times it causes depression, both of which are not favorable, hence it is imperative that a Muslim keeps control when under stress of pressure.  Pertaining to facing any discomfort or being unhappy about something, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite the following Dua:

��� ������ ������ ����� ����������� ����������� ��� ������ ������ ����� ����� ��������� ����������

��� ������ ������ ����� ����� ������������� ����������� ������� ��������� ����������� �

Transliteration � �Laa ilaaha il�lal laahul Haleemul Hakeemu � Laa ilaaha il�lal laahu Rab�bul Arshil Azeem � Laa ilaaha il�lal laahu Rab�bus Samawaati wal Ardi wa Rab�bul Arshil Kareem�.
Translation � �There is none worthy of worship except Al�laah, The Fore-bearing, The All Wise. There is none worthy of worship except Al�laah, The Lord of the Exalted Throne. There is none worthy of worship except Al�laah, The Lord of the Skies and The Lord of the Earth and the Lord of the distinguished Throne�. [Tirmidhi Vol.2 Pg. 181]

While Traveling:

Traveling is also an activity, which people undertake on daily basis. No matter how small a distance is or whatever means of traveling is to be adopted, there is always a concern of safety with traveling. Therefore, it is imperative that a person asks for the protection and safety of Allah Almighty.

�������� �������� ������������ ����� �� ��� ������ ���� ������������ �� ������ ����� �������� ����������������

Transliteration -�Subhaanal lazee Sakh�khara Lana Haaza Wa Maa Kun�na Lahu Muqrineen. Wa In�na ilaa Rab�bina La Munqaliboon�.
Translation -  �Glory be to Al�laah who has given us control over this (mode of transport) and without his Grace we would not have been able to control it and undoubtedly we are to return towards our Lord.� [Tirmizi, Abu Dawood]

 Dua Before Sleeping:

����� ���� ���� �����

�Allahumma bismika amuutu wa ahyaa�.

O Allah (SWT)! With your name I die and I live.

Dua After Wakind Up:

��������� ���� ������� ���������� ������ ��� ���������� ���������� ����������

�Alhamdulillaahillazi ahyaanaa ba�da maa amaata-naa wa ilaihinnushuur�.

All praise to Allah (SWT), Who revived us to life after givening us death, and to him we shall have to return.

 Dua When Entering the Toilet:

������ ����� ���������� ������� �������� ���� ���� ������� �� �����������

In the name of Allah, O Allah, I seek your protection from male and female devils.
(Bukhari)

Dua When Leaving the Toilet:

����������� ���������� �������� �������� �������� ������� �������� �� ����������

O Allah. I seek your forgiveness. All praises are due to Allah who has taken away from me the discomfort and granted me comfort.

Quranic verses about Prayer in English - Images

Important Verses on Salah from the Holy Qur�an

[2:3-5] Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;(3) � And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter (4). They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper (5).

[2:43] And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).

[2:45] Nay, seek (Allah�s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,-

[2:143] �Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (From the Faith). Indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.�

[2:144] �We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens: now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.�

[2:149] �From whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from the Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.�

[2:150] �So from whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; and wheresoever ye are, Turn your face thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may complete My favours on you, and ye May (consent to) be guided;�

[2:153] O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

 Salat or Namaz is the most important and a complete system of worship in Islam. Namaz - The important Pillar of Islam

You can also Find Top Hadees about Namaz in Urdu - Hadees -e-Nabvi (S.A.W)  

Ayat & Hadith About Namaz and Dua's in Urdu  

 

 

Rafa Yadain in Namaz - Hadees in English and Urdu

�Raf�ul�yadain� simply means to raise the hands during prayer. Rafa Yadain Urdu   
The Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] used to do this. Raf�ul-yadain is a pillar of Salaah and leaving it makes the Salaah invalid. Rafa Yadain na karne walon k Liye

Hadith in English

Ibn Jurayj narrated from Zuhri who narrated from Saalim who narrated from Abdullah bin Umar [Radi allah hu anhu] that ibn Umar [Radi allah hu anhu] said:

I saw that Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] offering Salaah; he raised his hands up to his shoulders, at the beginning of Salaah and also before and after the ruku�, but not between the two prostrations.

[Muslim & Bukhari, Chapter Raf�ul-yadain]

Hadees in Urdu

Fasting in Islam - Fasting Meaning and Rules

What is Fasting?

Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or a specific time.

Fasting in Islam 

Fasting is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which is probably the most notable time for fasting among Muslims.

In Islam, fasting for a month is an obligatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, from fajr (dawn), until maghrib (sunset). Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking (including water), and engaging in sexual activity. They are also encouraged to temper negative emotions such as anger and addiction.

Fating in Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of Islamic worship. By fasting, whether during Ramadan or other times, a Muslim draws closer to God by abandoning bodily pleasures, such as food and drink. This makes the sincerity of their faith and their devotion to God (Allah) all the more evident.

The Qur'an states that fasting was prescribed for those before them (i.e., the Jews and Christians) and that by fasting a Muslim gains taqwa, which can be described in one word as 'God consciousness' or 'God wariness'. Fasting is believed to help promote chastity and humility and prevent sin, the outburst of uncontrolled lusts and desires and far-fetched hopes. To Muslims, fasting acts as a shield with which the Muslim protects him/herself from jahannam (hell).

Muslims believe that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. Fasting also includes abstaining from any falsehood in speech and action, abstaining from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing, fighting, and having lustful thoughts. Therefore, fasting strengthens control of impulses and helps develop good behavior. During the sacred month of Ramadan, believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of body and soul harmonizes the inner and outer spheres of an individual. Muslims aim to improve their body by reducing food intake and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Overindulgence in food is discouraged and eating only enough to silence the pain of hunger is encouraged.

Muslims believe they should be active, tending to all their commitments and never falling short of any duty. On a moral level, believers strive to attain the most virtuous characteristics and apply them to their daily situations. They try to show compassion, generosity and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve what they believe to be good moral character and habits^.
For some Muslims, fasting may inculcate a sense of fraternity and solidarity, as they believe they are feeling and experiencing what their needy and hungry brothers and sisters are feeling. Those who are already poor and hungry are often considered exempt from fasting, as their condition renders them effectively fasting all the time; however, they still must refrain from eating during the day if they can. Moreover, Ramadan is a month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together.

The Siyam (fast) is intended to teach Muslims patience and self-control, and to remind them of the less fortunate in the world. Faithful observance of the Siyam (fast) is believed to atone for personal faults and misdeeds, at least in part, and to help earn a place in paradise. It is also believed to be beneficial for personal conduct, that is, to help control impulses, passions and temper. The fast is also meant to provide time for meditation and to strengthen one's faith.

While fasting in the month of Ramadan is considered Fard (obligatory), Islam also prescribes certain days for non-obligatory, voluntary fasting, such as:

• The Day of Arafa (9th of Dhul Hijja) the pilgrims at Arafah should not fast this day
• The Day of Ashura, which is the tenth day of Muharram
• Six days in the month of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan)
• The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every lunar month
• Each Monday and Thursday of a week
• Every other day, also known as the fast of the prophet David

Fasting is forbidden on these days:

• Eid Fitr (1st Shawwal)
• Tashriq (11th, 12th, 13th Dhulhijjah) in accordance with Sunni Islam.
• Eid Al Adha (10th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Hijri (Islamic calendar).

Although fasting at Ramadan is fard (obligatory), exceptions are made for persons in particular circumstances:

• Prepubescent children; though some parents will encourage their children to fast earlier for shorter periods, so the children get used to fasting.
• Unconditional vomiting because the food leaves through an unintentional part of the gut.
• Serious illness; the days lost to illness will have to be made up after recovery.
• If one is traveling but one must make up any days missed upon arriving at one's destination.
• A woman during her menstrual period; although she must count the days she missed and make them up later.
• A woman till forty days after giving birth to child or miscarriage. But she must count the day she missed in Ramadan and they should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed to the poor or needy.
• A woman who is pregnant or breast feeding. But she must count the day she missed in Ramadan and they should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed to the poor or needy.

• An ill person or old person who is not physically able to fast. They should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed if they are financially capable.
• A mentally ill person.
• For elders who will not be able to fast, a lunch meal (or an equivalent amount of money) is to be donated to the poor or needy for each day of missed fasting.

Muslim Prayer - How a Muslim Prays to God - Worship in Islam

"How a Muslim prays to God"

 Islam lays great stress upon Divine worship. Indeed it is the purpose of man's creation. The object of worship is to strengthen man's relationship with Allah. 

Allah says in Holy Qur'an:

"Call on Me,  I will respond to you." (40:61) 

In Islam, it is a great sin to worship any other besides Allah. 

Islamic worship may be may be divided into two categories:

1: Formal worship such as Prayer Services, Pilgrimage to the House of Allah, Zak-at and Fasting. 

2: Informal worship such as remembrance of Allah, called "Zikr".

Islam prescribes five daily prayer, called 'Salat' at appointed times. They are as follows: 

  

 

1: Fajr Prayer....At Dawn

2: Zuhr Prayer....At Noon 

3: Asr Prayer....In the Afternoon

4: Maghrib Prayer....After Sunset

5: Isha Prayer....In the Evening

On Fridays there is a special Prayer called 'Salat-ul-Jumma', which is performed in the place of Zuhr Praye. In this Prayer the Imam delivers a sermon before the Prayer. Although a Muslim may say his Prayers anywhere.

Azan  

 Before each Prayer, Azan is called. The one who calls out the Azan is called a 'Muezzin'. He stands on a raised plate form or on a minaret, with his face towards the Kaaba and makes the announcement, the translation of  which is as follows:

"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest

I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship save Allah

I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship save Allah 

I bear witness that Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is the Messenger of Allah

I bear witness that Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is the Messenger of Allah

Come to Prayer, Come to Prayer

Come to success, Come to success

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest

There is none worthy of  worship save Allah"

Hearing this call a Muslim leaves his work and comes to the mosque. 

Fasting is another  form of worship. A Fast means abstention from drink and food from dawn to sunset for the pleasure of God.

Another form of worship is known as Zakat. It is a compulsory levy imposed on certain types of possessions and wealth The proceeds of Zakat are distributed among the poorer sections of the community.
  

Hajj, or the Pilgrimage to Mecca is another form of Islamic worship. It is obligatory upon all Muslims who can afford the journey to perform Hajj  once in their life-time. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from all parts of the world gather at Mecca to to perform this worship every year, during the prescribed days.