Islam >> ETIQUETTES FOR MOSQUES

Q 1: What is mosque?
A. The place which is reserved for offering prayer and "Jama'at" (five times a day) is established there with "Azaan" (call to prayer) and "Iqaamah"(call for the commencement of prayer), is called mosque. A mosque needs no building i.e. if one declares his empty land mosque that becomes mosque. And once a place is declared mosque that will remain mosque for ever (till the Doomsday).

Q 2: What is the excellence of offering prayer in mosque?
A. An "Hadees" to this effect says: the prayer a man offers in mosque with Jama'at is twenty-five times more excellent in degree than that which he offers at home or in market. Another "Hadees" says: going to mosque in the morning and evening (i.e.for Fajr and 'Ishaa prayers) is a sort of "Jehad Fee-Sabee-lillah" (holy crusade in the way of Allah). Yet another "Hadees" says: when someone walks to mosque after having performed ablution well (for congregational prayer) each of his steps upgrades his position and obliterates his sins. This is also vindicated by the Holy Qur-aan that a worshipper earns good deeds and reward on each step he takes to a mosque.

Q 3: What are the etiquettes of mosque?
A. The following etiquettes should be observed in mosque:
(1).When entering a mosque say "Salaam" to those present there provided they are not busy in preaching and remembrance of Allah,(2).offer two Rak'ahs of "Tahi-yatul Masjid" prayer if it is not odious time, (3). do not raise voice except for remembrance, (4) do not indulge in worldly talks. Worldly talks in mosque eat up goodnesses as the fire burns wood to ashes, (5). do not jump over (the necks of) people, (6). do not quarrel with others for space,(7)do not encroach upon space causing inconvenience to others,(8).do not pass in front of worshipper,(9).do not snap the fingers, (l0).remember Allah extensively,(11).do not let even a drop of water fall on the ground of mosque after ablution,(12).listen to "Takbeer" sitting and stand up on "Haiy-ya 'Alas-Salah". It is "Makrooh" to listen to "Iqaamah" in standing positional, (3). try utmost to suppress sound on sneeze. Likewise, restrain coughing, belching and yawning. If can not help then suppress the sound, (14). it is forbidden everywhere to stretch out the legs towards the Qiblahh and stretching them out towards any direction in mosque is opposed to etiquettes, (15). it is strictly forbidden to run or put heavy steps or to put or drop something like stick, umbrella, hand-fan etc. noisily in mosque.

Q 4: Is it lawful or not to eat and drink in a mosque?
A. It is not lawful to eat, drink or sleep in mosque except - for stranger, traveller or the one who observes
"Etikaaf (retirement to mosque for a specified period). So if one intends to eat or sleep in mosque should enter mosque with the intention of "Etikaaf and then do so after having remembered Allah or offered prayer. Intention of Etikaaf: "Bismillahi Dakhaltu wa 'Alaiehi Tawakkaltu wa Nawaietu Sunnatal 'Etikaaf (In the name of Allah, I entered the mosque and relied on Him (Allah) and I intended for Sunnatal Etikaaf). And in the holy month of Ramadaan break the fast outside the sacred precinct of mosque. If there is a space adjacent to mosque for the purpose then do "Iftaar" there, otherwise in mosque after having formed "Niyah" of Etikaaf. However, care should be taken to ensure that floor or mats of the mosque are not polluted.

Q5: Is begging in mosque lawful or not?
A. It is forbidden, nay, "Haraam" (unlawful) to beg in a mosque for oneself and it is also forbidden to give something to the beggar. The Muslim scholars have gone to the extent of saying that if one gives a penny to a beggar in mosque should give seventy pennies in the way of Allah to atone for. However, seeking financial help for other indigent than oneself and collection for any religious work is lawful but is Sunnah provided that no noise is made and worshippers are not disturbed. Similarly, it is commendable and also a practice of Hadrat Moula 'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) to help an indigent in mosque who does not beg for himself.

Q 6: What injunction is there about coming to mosque with the foul-smelling things?
A. It is "Haraam" to come to mosque after having eaten any foul-smelling thing or with the foul smell emanating from the body or cloths and to offer prayer in such state is forbidden unless it is cleansed. Hubble-bubble and cigarettes (and the ilks i.e. Bidi) addicts and tobacco-chewers must take special care about the foul smell their mouths give off. Likewise, it is "Waajib" (essential) to protect mosques from every foul-smelling and disgusting thing like kerosene oil, (uncooked) garlic, onion etc. Shoes should not be kept in mosque unless cleaned.

Q 7: What about using belongings of a mosque for other purposes?
A. It is not lawful to use anything (irrespective of small and big) of a mosque unnecessarily or for other purposes (than the mosques" own). For example, to take water in a spouted-jug to somewhere or to use its mats or coarse-carpets at home or other place or to use mosque's can and rope for drawing water (from well) or to take water to home from mosque's large earthen jars, tank or geyser or to take fire from mosque's wood-burning stove attached to water-tank for one's home or for fire-bowl of the hubble-bubble.

Q 8: Is offering prayer in neighbouring mosque superior to that of principal mosque of the locality?
A. Offering prayer in a neighbouring mosque even though the worshippers are few therein is superior to offering prayer in "Jaam'a Masjid" (principal mosque of the locality) notwithstanding a large number of worshippers are there.- It is even better to proclaim "Azaan", utter "Iqaamah" and offer prayer in the small (neighbouring) mosque if Jama'at was not established there. However, one can go to other mosque if there is any "Shar'i" defect or shortcoming in Imaam of the neighbouring mosque and offer prayer under the leadership of that Imaam who is religious minded, pious and fulfills prerequisites of Imaamat.

Q 9: Is it lawful to establish second "Jama'at" in a mosque or not?
A. It is lawful but excellent to establish second Jama'at (after the first one was over) with fresh Azaan and Iqaamah in a mosque situated on a thorough-fare where people after people come to the mosque and leave after offering prayer (i.e. worshippers are not residents). Every new group of people can establish Jama'at within the prescribed time if the former was over. This rule is also applicable to those mosques which are situated at or near railway stations and in inns.

As for the mosque of a populated area, it is Makrooh to arrange second Jama'at with fresh Azaan and Iqaamah where an appointed Imaam has established first Jama'at with Azaan and Iqaamah according to the accepted mode of prayer. However, second Jama'at can be established in case the first Jama'at was established either without Azaan or Azaan was not uttered loudly or strangers, travellers (not residents) established their own Jama'at. This Jama'at will not be second Jama'at. Imaam should not lead this prayer from arch but instead should stand either to the right side of the arch or to the left to distinguish it from the first Jama'at already established.

Islam >> "MAKROOHAAT" (ODIOUS ACTS) OF PRAYER

Q 1. Which acts render prayer "Makrooh Tahreemi"?
A. Following acts if done during prayer render it "Makrooh Tahreemi":
(1).To trifle with cloths or beard,(2) to wrap up cloths from front or behind while(for example)going into "Sajdah" or to pull the legs of trouser,(3) to let the cloths flow, for example, to place on the head or shoulders in such a way that its ends flow or to wear shirt without putting the hands in sleeves but instead sleeves are put on the back. It is no matter if one end of sheet is placed on one shoulder (backwards) and the other end on the other shoulder flowing in front, (4) to roll up any of sleeves above half the wrist, (5) intense pressure to defecate, urinate or break wind, (6) a woman to have back-knot of hair,(7) to remove grits for "Sajdah". However, it can be done only once if prostration can not be made on them according to Sunnah, (8) to snap the fingers,(9) to interlock or intertwine the fingers of one hand with the other's fingers, (10) to place hand on the back,(11) to look hither and thither, (12) to look to the sky,(13) to sit like dog i.e.to sit on buttock with the knees joined to the chest and the hands(palms) are placed on the ground in "Thashah-hud" or between two prostrations,(14) a man to spread his wrists on the ground while performing "Sajdah",(15) to offer prayer in front of someone's face, (16) to wrap oneself up in cloth in such way that even the hands are not out,(17) to place or form turban round the head in such a manner that it is not in the centre i.e. the head is not fully covered, (18) to cover the nose and the face,(19) to cough unnecessarily, (20) to yawn intentionally,(21) to offer prayer in the cloths which carry pictures of the living, (22) to offer prayer at such a place where a picture is hung over his head or before him or on the right side or the left and even the back. However, the picture of mountain, river and the ilks does not vitiate prayer, (23) to abandon any "Waajib", for example, not to keep the back straight in "Rukoo" not to stand erect in "Quamah" or not to sit erect in "Jalsa" before going into "Sajdah",(24) to recite from the Holy Qur-aan in any posture other than "Qiyaam",(25) to finish "Qiraa-at" in "Rukoo" i.e.to go into "Rukoo" before the Qiraa-at is finished,(26) to precede the Imaam in "Rukoo" and "Sujood" or to raise the head before him, (27) to offer prayer only in lower garment even though shirt or other cloth to cover the body is available otherwise it is forgiven,(28) prolongation of prayer by the Imaam for somebody whom he knows and respects. However, it is not undesirable if he prolongs the prayer only to the extent of one or two "Tasbih" (remembrance) just to help him join the prayer, (29) to hurry to get in row(join prayer) saying Al-Laahu Akbar without taking position in row,(30) to offer prayer at an encroached place or in other's cultivated or tilled field,(31) to offer prayer before a grave with no cover in-between. However, prayer will
not be nullified (but in order) if there is a cover between the grave and the worshippers or the grave is situated to the right side or the left or the back,(32) to offer prayer in the worship places of infidels and disbelievers. It is forbidden even to visit such places as the worship places of the infidels and disbelievers are the sanctuaries of devils,(33)to offer prayer in cloth (s) worn or sheet wrapped-up in with inside up, (34)not to tie "Angarkha"(coat-like shirt), (35) not to button up "Achkan"(long coat) when there is no under-shirt and the chest is visible. If under-shirt is there then it is "Makrooh Tanzeehi". It must be borne in mind that the prayer offered with any act of "Karaahat-e-Tahreemi" has to be repeated (repetition is Waajib).

Q 2. Which acts,things render prayer "Makrooh Tanzeehi"?
A. The following acts,things if done during prayer render it "Makrooh Tanzeehi".
(1).To recite less than three "Tasbih" unnecessarily in "Sajdah" and "Rukoo". However, Muqtadi should follow Imaam, for example, he has not yet completed three Tasbih but the Imaam raised his head then he should follow the Imaam, (2) to offer prayer in dirty and untidy cloths (meant for menial work) when he has other clean cloths,(3) to offer prayer bare-headed (without turban or cap) due to lethargy. However, it is commendable to offer prayer bare-headed for the sake of "Khushoo-o-Khuzoo" (in fear of Allah and humility) but it should not be done openly so that the other ignorant Muslims may not get wrong impression and also to avoid show, (4) to remove dust from the forehead. It can however be removed if it harms or distracts attention, otherwise it should be removed after prayer is over to avoid show,(5) to count Qur-aanic verse or "Tasbihaat" on the fingers during prayer irrespective of "Fard" or "Nafl" prayer,(6) to respond to somebody's "Salaam" gesturing the head or the hand, (7) to squat without any valid reason,(8) to yawn, (9) to cough intentionally,(10) an individual to stand in row when he is offering prayer by himself, (11) Muqtadi to stand alone in the rear row inspite of room in the front row otherwise permitted,(12) to recite a certain Qur-aanic chapter or verse repeatedly in a "Rakah" of obligatory prayer, (13) to place the hands on the ground before placing the knees while going to "Sajdah" and to raise the knees before the hands while rising from Sajdah without a vAlid reason, (14) to keep the head low or high from the level of the back in "Rukoo"(15) to recite "Sana", "Ta'awuz", "Tasmiyah" and "Aameen" loudly (16)to recite "Azkaar"(remembrances)of prayer displacingly, (17) to lean against wall etc. without valid reason, (18) not to place the hands on the knees during "Rukoo", (19) not to place the hands on the ground while observing Sajdah,(20) to prostrate spreading sleeves on the ground. It is, however, no matter if done to avoid the heat in case the ground is hot, (21) Imaam and Muqtadi to seek grace of Allah on the verse of mercy and beg His forgiveness on the verse concerning the torment. However, it is permitted for an individual while offering "Nafl" prayer,(22) to swing in "Qiyaam" but "Tarawuh" i.e. to lay stress sometimes on the right foot and sometimes on the left is Sunnah, (23) to lift or move the foot or feet to and fro while rising [from Rukoo or Sajdah],(24) to keep the eyes close. However, it is permitted if one finds it hard to concentrate his attention,(25) to turn the fingers away from the direction of "Qiblah" in prostration etc. (26) Imaam to stand alone in door or arch to lead prayer. It is permitted in case the Imaam stands outside the arch and prostrates in arch or some Muqtadi (s) also stand in the arch with him or there is the scarcity of space in mosque,(27) the Imaam of the first "Jama'at" to stand at a place other than the arch i.e. in the centre os the mosque to lead prayer,(28) Imaam to stand at a higher place alone to lead prayer. It is "Makrooh Tahreemi" in case the place is high, (29) Muqtadi to stand at a raised place and Imaam at a low without any vAlid reason,(30) one to reserve any space in mosque for oneself,(31) to have burning fire in front excepting candle or lamp,(32) to have any filth like stool in front,(33) to offer prayer at such a place which is considered to be filthy,(34) man to join his thigh(s) to the belly in "Sajdah",(35) to offer prayer in front of such a thing that engages or distracts attention.

Q 3. Can prayer be offered on the roof-top of a mosque or not?
A. It is "Makrooh" to offer prayer on the rooftop of any mosque even to get on it. Similarly offering prayer on it due to heat is "Makrooh". However, the rooftop of a mosque can be used for prayer in case the mosque is full and there is no further space to accommodate the intending worshippers as is done in mega-cities owing to shortage of space in mosques.

Q 4. Will prayer be in order if trouser-legs cover the ankles?
A. It is "Makrooh" to offer prayer in such state that the garment flows over the ankles. It is forbidden even out of prayer. An "Hadees" to this effect says: the garment (trouser or the ilks) which hangs below the ankles is in fire (of hell). Another "Hadees" says: Allah Almighty will not cast a merciful eye on him who trails his garment arrogantly on the ground, as some people wear trouser or western trouser flowing over the ankles as a modern fashion.

Q 5. Which punishment does one deserve who precedes Imaam in observing "Arkaan" of prayer?
A. An "Hadees" in this context says: the forelock of the one who precedes Imaam (in observing Rukoo or Sajdah etc) is in the hand of Satan. Another "Hadees" says: Does he not fear that Allah Almighty may metamorphose his head into donkey's who precedes Imaam in raising his head (from Rukoo or Sujood). May Allah protect us.

Q 6. In which situations can prayer be broken off?
A. Prayer can be broken off (abandoned) in the following situations:
(1). To kill snake etc. when one is sure of being hurt,(2) to catch a run-away animal,(3) when one fears that wolves may attack his goats,(4) fear of loss of even a "Dirham"(a small silver coin),for example, a thief got away with something,(5) intense need to relieve oneself (of urine or stool),(6) found such quantity of impurity stuck to cloth or the body which is forgiven in prayer (for instance, grave impurity smaller than the size of a "Dirham"). It is "Mustahab" (commendable) to abandon prayer in this situation provided the "Jama'at" and the prescribed time of prayer are not missed,(7) and in case of intense need to defecate or urinate, one must ease himself regardless of missing Jama'at. But he should take care that the prescribed time of prayer is not lost, (8) in case someone is in distress and crying out for help or (9) somebody is drowning or (9) will burn in fire or (10) a blind wayfarer is going to fall in a well, in all these situations, it is "Waajib" to break off (abandon) prayer provided one is capable of saving and helping any of them.

Q 7. Is it lawful to break off prayer on the call of parents or not?
A. It is not lawful to break off obligatory (Fard) prayer on a simple call of parents or grand parents etc. unless they are faced with any of the distresses/situations expounded above. Similarly, one should not abandon his "Nafl" (supererogatory) prayer on their simple call provided they know that he is offering prayer and if they are not aware of his being busy in prayer then he should abandon the prayer and respond to them.

Islam >> "MUFSIDAATUS SALAAT" (ACTS WHICH VITIATE PRAYER)

Q 1. What is meant by Mufsidaatus Salaat?
A. "Mufsidaatus Salaat" are those things/acts which, if done during the performance of prayer, vitiate (i.e. end the prayer) and it will have to be repeated correctly.

Q 2. How many kinds of those acts which vitiate prayer are there?
A. Acts which vitiate prayer (Mufsidaat) are of two kinds i.e. words and deeds.

Q 3. Which sort of words vitiate prayer?
A. The following words vitiate prayer if are done during its performance:
(1). To talk to somebody intentionally or unintentionally, in drowse or in waking at one's own sweet will or under compulsion and less or more, (2) to salute(say "Salaam" to) someone, (3) to respond to "Salaam" (salutation), (4) to respond to somebody's sneeze saying "Yarhamu Kallah", (5) to say "Al-Hamdu Lillaah" hearing any good news,(6)to say "Subhaan Allah" or "Laa Ilaaha Illal Laahu"(by way of response) seeing any wonderful thing, (7) to say "Innaa Lillaahe wa Innaa Ilaie-hi Raaje'oon" on hearing bad news, (8)to respond to or address anyone by Qur-aanic word, (9) to say "Jalla Jalaluhoo" hearing the exalted name of Allah Almighty, (10) to recite "Durood Shareef (invoke Allah's blessings) hearing the blessed name of the Holy Prophet, (11) to say "Sadaqal Lahu wa Sadaqa Rasooluhoo" hearing "Qiraa-at" of the Imaam if it is done as a response in these three cases, (12) to respond to the call of prayer [Azaan], (13) to curse Satan hearing his accursed name, (14) to recite "Rabbi wa Rabbu kal Laah" seeing the moon, (15) to blow to oneself after reciting Qur-aanic verse piece-meal due to fever, (16) to recite any passage of the Holy Qur-aan with the intent of stanza, (17) to exclaim "Aah", "Oh", "Uf etc. because of pain or any trouble, (18) to read the Holy Qur-aan seeing its text,(19)to recite only "Torah"(old testament) and "Injeer'(new testament), (20) to remind or prompt anyone else but Muqtadi's own Imaam, (21) to heed other's reminding than Imaam's own Muqtadi's, (22) to make "Du'aa" (supplication)for such a thing which can be had from people,(23) to err in reciting the Holy Qur-aan or (24) to err in the specified remembrances of prayer i.e. "Tasmee", "Tahmeed", "Tashah-hud" to such an extent that their meanings are distorted and etc.

Q 4. Which sort of deeds,acts vitiate prayer?
A. The following deeds,acts vitiate prayer if are done during its performance:
(1). Protraction of deed,act i.e.one protracts "Rukn" of prayer so long that other, if sees him from a distant place, gets an impression that he is not in prayer,(2) to put on shirt or trouser or to tie "Taihband" (sheet used to cover lower part of the body),(3) to prostrate at an unclean and impure place without any cover,(4) to place the hands or knees at an unclean and impure place during prostration,(5) to observe a "Rukn" of prayer with "Satr-e-Aurat" open or exposed or (6) such quantity of impurity which is prohibited is sticking to the body or cloths or (7) to spend such time in this condition that "Tasbih" (remembrance of Allah) could be recited thrice or (8) to precede the Imaam in this state, (9) to eat or (10) to drink intentionally or unintentionally, less or more and even if a sesame-seed is swallowed without mastication or a drop of water fell into the mouth and was swallowed, in such conditions prayer is vitiated,(11) to withdraw or turn away the breast from the "Qiblah" to the extent of 45 degree, (12) to walk or move unnecessarily from one's place to the extent of two rows i.e. three steps,(13) to shift from one prayer to other uttering "Takbir". For instance, one was offering "Zuhr" prayer and he uttered "Allah-o-Akbar" with the intention of "Asr" or "Nafl" prayer, his "Zuhr" prayer would be vitiated, (14) to write three words in such a way that the letters are visible, (15) to scratch thrice or (16) to strip off three hairs in succession in a "Rukn",(17) to weep loudly due to pain and trouble, (18) to faint or suffer lunacy, (19) to laugh so loudly(burst into laughter) that others may hear it, be so in the waking or in the prayer of "Rukoo" and "Sujood". In this case even ablution is nullified, (20) to prolong the sound of letter "A" in "Allah-o-Akbar" i.e. to utter as "Aaakbar" or to prolong the sound of letter "B" in "Akbar" i.e. to utter as "Akbaaar" in "Takbiraat-e-Intiqaal". Prayer will not commence if it is done in "Takbir-e-Tahreemah".

Q 5. Will prayer be vitiated if a sick exclaims "Aah" involuntarily?
A. Prayer is not vitiated if a sick involuntarily exclaims "aah" or "oh". Likewise all those words which are involuntarily uttered while sneezing, coughing, yawning and belching are also forgiven. Utterance of such words in remembrance of Paradise and Hell does not vitiate prayer.

Q 6. When is prayer vitiated by light-coughing?
A. One's prayer will be vitiated if he lightly-coughs without any intent which produces the sound of two letters like "0, oh". However, prayer will not be vitiated in case of valid excuse or right intent like one is naturally compelled to cough lightly or to clear the throat or to remind the Imaam of his mistake or to make his presence in the prayer noticed by other(s) etc.

Q 7. Can Imaam be prompted in other prayers than "Taraawih" or not?
A. To prompt or remind one's own Imaam and to heed the prompting and reminding of Imaam's own Muqtadi in all prayers irrespective of "Taraawih" and non-Taraawih is permissible. However, Muqtadi should not hurry in prompting his Imaam on his faltering but wait for a while so that he may recollect or correct himself. Similarly it is "Makrooh" for the Imaam to compel his Muqtadis for prompting i.e. he should not reiterate the same Qur-aanic words/verse or stand silent but should either switch over to other Surah or start other verse provided such shifting does not vitiate the prayer and in case he has done "Qiraa-at" to such quantity that fulfills the prescribed requirement of the prayer, he should observe Rukoo.

Q 8. Will passing in front of one offering prayer vitiate his prayer or not?
A. Passing in front of one offering prayer does not vitiate prayer whether the passer is a man or woman or even a dog. But it is extremely sinful to pass in front of worshipper. An Hadees in this context says: had the passer known what sin he incurred by passing in front of one offering prayer he would have preferred to stop or stand for forty years over passing. Another tradition says: it would be better to sink into the earth than to pass in front of one offering prayer.

Q 9. What is "Sutrah"?
A. To put something in front of one offering prayer as a cover is called "Sutrah". Passing after "Sutrah" is permissible. The minimum height of "Sutrah" should be one hand and maximum three hands and its thickness should be at least like that of a finger. A wall or tree, if there is, in front of one offering prayer will serve as "Sutrah".