Act of Worship: How We Perform Salat?

Assalaamu'alaikum wa rahmatullah!

I believe that there are many books and materials talking about this particular matter. I just want to revise again what I have in my head regarding this subject matter. When we keep our own notes, we tend to remember more rather than just reading. Salat is one among those basic things in acts of worship and core matter in pillar of Islam. If our salat is not perfect and we do it without understanding, we will face the problem regarding our daily life. This temporary life is the bridge for us to the hereafter.

First of all, what does salat mean? Salat means the act where we seek connection with the God. It is a formal prayer for us where we prostrate to Him with several rules. This word comes from the semitic root word which is صل sil. From this word only, we could derive many other words related to soul and connection between souls and the God such as صلاة salat, صلوات salawat, صلاة الرحيم silaaturraheem and etc.

In our national language, we simply say sembahyang when refering to salat. It literally means respecting the heaven. Hyang refers to anything up the heaven and our forefathers who came by to South East Asia since 10th C as missionaries had used local words used by natives when teaching the path to people around as to make it easy for everyone to grasp the essence of teachings. Northern Muslim Indians may say namas which means bowing to the God and it was derived from Sanskrit root word. When we perform salat, we are communicating with the God through these categories of acts...

Categories of the Acts in Salaat

There are 3 categories of the acts in salaat:

1. قلبِ qalbi which means heart and mental related to intention.

2. قولِ qawli which means oral related to recitation

3. فعلِ fi'liy means acts performed in salat.

These three categories can be seen in the pillars of salat which consists of 13 articles. There are also conditions which obligate a person to perform salat and also the condition for a validate salat. We could check it ourselves after we slowly learn about these, don't worry.

Pre-Salat Acts

First of all before we perform any salat, we have to perform ritual washing which is called as wudhu'. As for me, I am following the method of Hanbali angle of sunnah. Not much different to Syafi'ie jurisprudence. I would like to inform that, most Wahhabis whom most people in Malaysia always associate with those from Hejaz are following Hanbali method of jurisprudence. There is no such thing of madzhab Wahhabi and I also despise those 'Wahhabis' who simply accuse this and that as innovation because they are not masters of Quran, hadiths and sunnah while just depending on their syeikhs. I would talk about how to perform wudhu' maybe later if I am free and I could find my notes that I jot down. Those from Syafi'ie angle of sunnah please perform it according to the imam which you have your naqal (riding for practices) on him.

Pillars of Salat   

Basically, pillars of salat altogether consists of 13 articles in it. They are:

Beginning the salat

Standing straight

For those who are able to stand straight since leaning or not standing upright in salat will invalidate the salat. For those who can't because of illness, they may perform it in postures that they are comfortable with.

Intention

In Arabic it is called as النية an-niyyah. Usually we will recite the intention such as: "I perform this obligatory salat (the name of salat) (how many units) only for Allah the Most Highest." We also mentally recite it in our heart because heart is the place where sincerity comes. Niyyah is to make sure that we are aware that we are performing the salat.   

Takbeeratul Ihram

It is spelled like this تكبيرة الأحرام in Arabic. What does it mean? It literally means saluting to magnify the God. It is done simultaneously with intention. Raising our hands up to the level of shoulders. Our fingers slightly apart and touching earlobes. When doing this, we say الله أكبر Allahuakbar which means, the God is the Almighty.

Reciting the al-Fatihah

In every unit of salat, we need to begin with al-Fatihah. The first verse of al-Fatihah is بسم الله basmallah which means "in the Name of the God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful." In obligatory salat, we must also recite another surah for first two units. But in superoregatory salat, al-Fatihah is sufficient. If a person could not yet memorize the Arabic version, just recite them in his or her mother tongue. But make sure to learn the Arabic verses for recitation time by time. Al-Fatihah is a supplication and it ends with amin.

In Every Units of Salat   

Ruku' and Tama'ninah

ركوع ruku' means bowing like we see the Japanese always do when greeting others. We bow after the recitation of surah al-Fatihah and another surah. What is طمأنينة tama'ninah? Tama'ninah is not my girlfriend, lol. Tama'ninah means tranquility or stopping for a second after we perform such an act like ruku' or others. While performing ruku' we will recite three times, سبحان ربِّىَ العظيم وبحمده subhaana rabbiyal 'azeemi wa bi-hamdihi which means glory be to the God the Most Greatest.

I'tidal and Tama'ninah

After we perform ruku', we will perform إعتدال i'tidal. I'tidal is standing again after bowing. While we raise up to stand again, we would raise up also our hands to the level of shoulders and saying سمعَ اللهُ لِمَن حمدَه samee'allahu li-man hamidah. It means, the God is listening to those who praise Him. Say ربنا و لكَ الحمد rabbanaa wa la-ka-l hamd which means our Lord, for You praises and say الله أكبر Allahuakbar before perform the sujud or prostration.

Prostration

Prostration or سجود sujud involves seven of body parts placed upon the floor where we prostrate. Those parts are: bare forehead including the point of nose, both palms, both knees, and base of toes for both feet. While prostrating, we say سبحان ربى الأعلى و بحمده subhaana-rabbiya-l a'alaa wa bihamdihi which means glory be to the Lord the Most Highest and praises only for Him. For each unit of salat, we have two prostrations. Between those prostrations, there is a sitting posture. We say, اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَاهْدِنِي، وَاجْبُرْنِي، وَعَافِنِي، وَارْزُقْنِي، وَارْفَعْنِي allahumm-aghfirli-wa-r-hamni-wa-hdini-wa-jburni-wa-'aafiniy-wa-rzuqniy-wa-r-fa'niy and it means our Lord please forgive us, and have mercy on me, and guide me, and support me, and protect me, and sustain me, and elevate me from evil. 

Concluding Salat

Sitting for Tashahod Akhir

Tashahod akhir must be done in sitting posture. It is the conclusion of every salat.

Tashahod Akhir

تشهد أخر tashahod akhir is the last testimony. We have several things that we say to conclude our salat. I just provide their meanings here as it is tedious to alternately write in Arabic. We would say: "the respect for the God, blessings and greeting and the goodness and peace may it be poured upon prophet Muhammad s.a.w." We then say, "the peace may it be poured upon us and to all of the servants of the God who are pious." Say: "I bear witness that there is no gods except the God, and I bear witness that Muhammad s.a.w is His servant and His messenger to us." 

Prayers for prophet Muhammad s.a.w and patriarch Abraham a.s

 

Then say the greeting and prayers for both prophets Muhammad s.a.w and patriarch Abraham a.s: "Our Lord please be in connection with our prophet Muhammad s.a.w and his family as you had been in connection with our patriarch Abraham a.s and his family. Our Lord, please bless our prophet Muhammad s.a.w and his family. As you had blessed our patriarch Abraham a.s and his family before. In the Universe and worlds, indeed only You are the One worth receiving praises and glory."

First Greeting 

We call this as duruud. Turn to the right side and say: "peace be upon you and mercy of the God and His blessings." Turning to the left and say the same to our brothers or sisters if in congregational salat service.

Tartib

Movements are done step by step. Other movements and recitations while performing these steps are prophetic traditions (make sure they are with valid evidence). 

For Muslim brothers and sisters of Shi'ite branch, please refer Ayatullah's and Imam Ja'afar guidelines regarding articles of salat and recitations. I wish that we could get benefit from our learning, making us closer to Allah day by day.

Sealed with prayers for peace, mercy, and love, amin!

Departing for Bangkok

Assalaamu'alaikum wa Rahmatullah!

We would be departing from Butterworth for Bangkok at 14:00 on the 25th of August 2011, Tuesday. Make sure to be at the train station an hour earlier because we have to get ready to board the train 20 minutes before departing time. For everyone's information, especially loners like me, we may choose first class or other two later classes when boarding the train for Bangkok.

The ticket costs me about RM112 because I choose the first class coach with a bed, and it is lower bed. Upper bed is a bit cheaper, which is about RM104. It would take us about a day to reach Bangkok and is expected to reach Hualamphong Station at 12:00, Wednesday. I am still not sure about the transportation to return home and also accommodation while being there because I never think any further what to do when I was so bored. It will just happen. I am still deciding whether I would hop on an express bus for Nakhorn Sri Thammarat and later for Songkhla. And then might be taking a van for the charge of RM30 right away from Hadyaai to USM in Penang.

I'm also still thinking on how to store my cash because I think that it's not good to bring a lot of cash along while traveling. Bitter experience in Kuala Lumpur at Central Market really gives me bad feeling with cash although those thieves didn't hurt me nor taking my money as I only had RM2 in my wallet while other bank notes being kept all over my clothes. I had already activated the overseas usage for CIMB but other cards are not activated yet. Maybe I need to go for Pulau Tikus Maybank to ask them or simply call the bank to get the detail whether they have branches in Thailand and providing overseas with charges or else. And then maybe I need to call for al-Rajhi for debit card and charges if I use it abroad. Regret that I never ask that before I made the card at Kajang branch last time.

I had also got some tips from those who had been to Bangkok and Southern Thailand provinces. Also checked the website about accommodation and transportation fares in Bangkok. It is a big city and never look down at the city although it is in a country less developed than Malaysia. Miss Montawadee from women's development center and Azren helped me a lot too with contacts and details about university and mosques in Bangkok. I highly appreciate their assistance, tips and advices in this matter.

What else? I have to change Riyal into Thai Bhat because it would be lower in rate if changed in Bangkok. Some people said better change it at the bank there or at the money changer at huge hotels. I love the pic of Baitullah printed at the Riyal note. Goodbye bank notes, I'll miss your picture (Kaaba). 

The Riyal was given by my third sister who married her husband in South Thai as a present. It's not the present for me to company her for the koboi marriage due to that I still insist her to do it again in Malaysia, but as a present because I helped her with her assignments while she was very busy with her job back there in Riyadh.

The rest, would be in Lord's wisdom. I wish that I would have a safe journey, new experience, new knowledge about society, new contacts, developing amity among brethren in faith and humanity and learning about other country. Everything depends on Allah and His protection. I'm quite afraid too but I have to be a loner since I am a university student, away from parents and without any friend and companion. So, whatever that I have in my head must also be done without any discussion. I had also kept this in my mind so my focus would never change. 

I think that I'm growing familiar being a loner like this. I don't even care about friends any more since I had always believe that my dearly Friend is always with me, talking to me although my physical ears can't hear Him, my physical eyes can't see Him, nor my physical touch could feel Him. And He is protecting me wherever I am from evil. I will release my tense through this trip with His Protection and Mercy. Also wish that everything goes fine and we have updated view about this life... aminn!

Sealed with prayers for peace, love, and mercy for brothers and sisters in faith, amin!!!

Sunday Sightseeing 12th June Part IV

Assalaamu'alaikum wa Rahmatullah!

continuation...

Nagore Darga Syarif. I heard Tabligh kids said that this building is erected by the Barelvis to their teacher. These people are the opponents of the Deobandis and Tablighi Jama'at are an off-shoot of the Deobandi. The Barelvis are said to be those who prayed on the grave or venerating saints. I don't know how true is that, so many slanders around. But the practice of venerating saints is common in Indian sub-continent. It's also common in China.

When I heard some Middle Easterner Syeikhs talked in the videos about Tabligh Jama'at, they also said Tabligh Jama'at are the worshipers of their saint's tomb. Some who claimed themselves as salafis too commenting on people who chant dzikrs in majlis (ceremonies) as bida'ah (new invention). I read about tasawwuf or sufism, chanting dzikr after prayer services and everywhere I am but I never did those khurafat (superstitious) things like sitting on grave seeking inspiration or etc moreover after my repentance to Allah and now I'm seeking penance. I just hope to see Allah, I don't want anything anymore. Sometimes these people who condemn others are scary. They scare people away from Allah and His holy messengers.

We just chant dzikrs to please Allah, we also pray to Allah and never to His creatures. What is wrong and why those accusations always generalizing others? Is chanting dzikr remembering Allah after salaat and while we sit alone, stand alone, and everywhere we are, considered as bida'ah too? I read in Parah 16th of Quran that we must remember Allah morning and evening. Some of us are making the religion jumud (narrow) and leading to disunity. They are so ta'assub (extreme) toward their syeikhs' opinions. If something is wrong, then check the root. After that we could slowly and politely turn it down with Allah's help. Avoid condemning others but enlight the ignorance with manner. No need to be hostile unless if it is needed or when we are threatened. Spread His mercy and love to every creatures!  

The Ba-Junid store. We may get perfumes, 'oud, and other fragrances for majlis from the store. It is a Ba'alawi store. I would just get my myrhh and frankincense supplies from here next time. I suggest those who are interested in natural scents to get them here.

Already inside the bus at the main station. I took the bus from the jetty because I walked to find train ticket at the KTMB counter. I bought a train ticket to KL in the evening at three on 19th of June. 

It costs me about RM34. It is expensive but takes me longer time in the transport and I regret that. Next time I would just take express bus besides making sure to bring important stuffs like certificates and notes for research home. I hope my supervisor do not contact me but I would just make the review for research until next month.

This is how we finished half of our day today. I arrived at USM masjid near Sungai Dua around 14:00 and just performed Dzuhr prayer service in the mosque. Thank You Allah for the safe journey and I wish that it is not a waste of time. I just don't get the spirit if I stayed in the room, dear Lord. I pray that Allah make this walk and sightseeing as a jihad for myself, brothers, and sisters. Sealed with prayers for peace, mercy and love for brothers and sisters.

Internship in KL

Assalaamu'alaikum wa Rahmatullah!

Tomorrow am gonna sign few papers for internship and fieldwork at the Institute of Diplomatic and Foreign Relation (IDFR) and they would also appoint me for a supervisor. It's not really a must for this course but I learned from my previous experience during my first degree where I didn't take the fieldwork and I have no connection with the people in my previous field. 

I had also heard stories told by my friend, Azren and other girls whom were my classmates doing their intern in the National Translation Institute (ITNM) that we would just dream off to live easily in the field as we are no better compared to those in the organization with other knowledge and skills. Azren is also a senior of mine in this postgraduate studies I'm currently taking. 

Now I regret for sending my resume to the IDFR and they had replied me accepting my application to learn from their organization. Because I had also made an appointment at 8th of June at 15.00 with my research supervisor. I have to return to Penang. Didn't get to book flight ticket yet and got no gold in my account. I had made promise with Dr. Noraida and I don't like to break it. It would also affect my research and I can't stand any longer stranded in USM no more. I think I may also need to learn about computer and programming for my future, if He permits it because I can't live like a cave man or in the middle ages anymore. 

I pray to Lord as to make everything easy for me tomorrow and this week. Make everything runs smoothly without obstacles and give me confidence to be in the public. I had been in isolation for long and it somehow took away my confidence to have contact with publics. Maybe I should also take 'Emad the Palestinian, my classmate as an inspiration in term of confidence although he actually knows nothing too, lol. Sealed with prayers for mercy, peace, and love, amin!

Ayatul Kursi

With the Name of the God, the Most Merciful the Most Beneficent!

Ayatul Kursi is another name for the verse 255 of surah al-Baqarah. We always recite this verse after al-Fatihah during ma'athurat recitation and supplications after salaat. How does it mean? To check the meaning, please click on the link given and we may also learn how to recite it and memorize it in no time. Don't wait, but quickly memorize the verse because it is very useful and beneficial for beloved brothers and sisters in faith.

Ayatul Kursi

When the verse is revealed to the holy prophet Muhammad (saw) in celestial form, angels of the God too following the verse due to its greatness and noble quality. The Devil and demons began to feel uneasy and they were so afraid of it because the verse is becoming the threat for their evil works in deviating the sons of Adam.

After it was imparted into the heart and the soul of the holy prophet Muhammad (saw), he immediately ordered Zaid bin Tsabit to write it down when he recites it through his tongue and teaching it to every believer. Anyone who recites this verse with concentration after every five times daily prayer services, each time he went out or entering their houses or beginning their travel, the Lord will protect him from the whisper of satans, the Lord will protect him and his family from the tyranny of villains, He will protect he who recites this his possessions, and He will protect the person who invokes Him from being harmed by wild animals or climate, His will.

From Asraarul Mufidah, "anyone who practices the recitation of this verse 18 times in his daily life, the Lord would open up his heart and soul to various of wisdoms, his sustainance will be in every direction, the Lord will protect him in the society and safe from disaster, with His permission.

Abu 'Abbas explained that whoever recites the verse 50 times and blowing his breath to the rain water, later drinking the water, His will that the Lord will make it easy for him to receive knowledge and wisdom. For everyone to practice this very basic thing, we may also check the hadith by the holy prophet Muhammad (saw) where he said: "Anyone who returns home and reciting ayatul kursi, the God will help banish poverty in front of his eyes. Anyone from my nation (the nations of the end of the world) who recites it 12 times on Friday morning and prays two units optional prayer service, the God will protect him from the wickedness of satans and officials." 

The benefits of zealously reciting this verse with great concentration on the meaning are that:

1. The God would love him and protects him as it is amongst the sunnah of prophet Muhammad when it is mentioned in the hadith.

2. Those who practice frequent recitation of this verse will get the help of the God and protected from the whispers and disturbance of satans.

3. For safe journey and travel.

4. Chase away harmful evil spirits like demons or those creatures of the God whom are not visible to physical eyes.

5. Moving into new house, recite the verse at least 100 times for the God to bless the house and protecting it from possessed by the invisibles.

6. The God would send representatives whom are His two angels to protect a person who recites ayatul kursi before sleeping until the sunrise.

7. Those who recite the verse after every obligatory daily prayer will be protected from the time they recite it to another coming obligatory prayer service time.

8. The God would also protect the neighbor and people around those who recite the verse.

9. He will grant those who recite the verse a grateful heart of the righteous, the merits of the prophets of the God, and the God will grant His grace to them.

10. The God Himself will send 70,000 angels to pray for the sin of the person who recite the verse to be forgiven and pray for his well-being and He will help the person if he has difficulties in life if he recite the verse as a supplication.

As what had been reported by Abdullah bin 'Amr (ra): "spread my messages to others although it is just a word..." It is our responsibility to help spreading the message to others so everyone may receive protection and salvation of the Holy God. Please help teach others when brothers and sisters have free time and may everyone receive the merit from the God, amin.

May the God help us and make us easy in memorizing His beautiful words. May He grants us wisdom in the most fun and easy way. Sealed with prayers for peace and love, amin!