786 HOO October 10, 1999 8:45 P

I. QUOTATIONS ON SALAAT (NAMAAZ)/PRAYERS

SALAAT (PRAYERS) PREVENT OBSCENE AND SINFUL ACTS.

THE QURAN, 29:45

PRAYER IS (THE CRAFT) FOR ASCENSION OF THE PIOUS (TO HEAVENLY STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS).

MUHAMMAD (S)

THE PROPHET OF ALLAH

EVERY TIME YOU PRAY, CONSIDER THAT YOU ARE HAVING A BATH. JUST AS BATHING CLEANSES ONE’S BODY, SO DOES PRAYING WASH A PERSON’S SINS AWAY AND PURIFIES ONE’S SPIRIT AND SOUL.

MUHAMMAD (S)

SALAAT/PRAYER IS THE SYMBOL OF SUBMISSION TO ALLAAH/GOD. WHILE THE AVOIDANCE OF SALAAT/PRAYER, INTENTIONALLY OR DUE TO LAZINESS, IS A SIGN OF LACK, OR WEAKNESS OF ONE’S FAITH, IN GOD.

“PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF TIME: THIS SAYING APPLIES APPROPRIATELY, AS LONG AS PRACTICABLE AND POSSIBLE, TO THE TIMELY PERFORMANCE OF SALAAT, WITHOUT INVOLVING DELIBERATE DELAYS. IN THIS CONNECTION THE PROPHET SAYS, “TIMELY PERFORMANCE OF PRAYER PLEASES ALLAAH; LATE PERFORMANCE NECESSITATES PARDONING A SIN” (i.e. OF PROCRASTINATION).

II. PREFACE

The new generations of Muslims around the world, and especially in the United States and Europe, do not always find it comfortable and easy to learn prayers in the manner and the language of their parents. Non-Arab Muslims should, of course, try and understand the meaning of their daily prayers. At the same time it is important that they recite the prayer in the original language, which is Arabic.

For those children and adults, who have not had the benefit of learning and reading Islamic prayers in the Arabic language, I therefore happily offer, as exact a transliteration (i.e. phonetic recitation) of the same in English as I possibly can. Furthermore, English translations of these daily prayers also appear, separately, at the end of the transliterated text.

With a little effort, I am certain that the reader will, if he has not already learned to say his prayers in the original language, find this transliterated text very easy to read, understand and follow. However, the most important part of saying prayers is to recite them with the presence of mind and heart, and as gently, slowly and unhurriedly as one possibly can.

Complete details of the rules and rituals of daily prayers have also been included. Even so, it is important for those interested in learning how to pray, to initially seek the guidance and assistance of parents and Islamic Community teachers.

In this prayer manual, however, the essential requirements of Salaat (Namaaz), have been supplemented with actual prayer pictures, so that after some initial assistance from elders, it would assist the English-speaking Muslim to learn and to perform his duties independently.

The Publishers and I would like to take this opportunity of expressing sincere gratitude to Dr. Abdullah Gilani for his valuable comments and guidance. Furthermore, all those who use this Prayer Manual should be grateful to the Islamic Center of Beverly Hills for publishing it, and support its religious and social activities in any way they can.

I pray for easy learning, serene meditation and happy communion with the Almighty Allah, to all those who shall attempt to learn their daily prayers, in spite of the lack of knowledge of reading the Arabic language.

Yours in prayer,

November 1999 Hamid Zavosh

III. INTRODUCTION - A PSALM TO ALMIGHTY GOD

Is it possible to compute them all?

God’s Graces that abound in one and all?

Or do justice to His boundless blessings?

And offer gratitude without any misgivings?

On the expanse of this Boundless Universe,

Abound arts, forms and faces, so diverse.

It’s that charming Architect’s handsome images,

So you may see his beauteous countless traces.

From shore to shore oceans abound,

And, earth, and trees and human-kind.

The sun, the moon, the planets and nights and days,

He created them all, evolving in various ways.

The clouds irrigated the roots of withered trees,

Naked branches covered with fresh spring sleeves.

Fresh fruits He brought out from woods that were dead,

In a mere cane such sweetness He placed.

From a mere drop, a tiny water drop,

So shiny, so smooth a brilliant pearl He made.

The dead elements that make up the dust,

By the light and power of the sun encrust.

Green pastures, and orchards with luscious fruits,

Flower gardens, and tulips sprouting from dust.

Thousands upon thousands of beauteous sceneries,

Mind boggling sights of nature’s ministries.

Alas how many eyes do see but miss,

To give credit to His Wisdom, with devotional kiss.

O’ Adam’s child you hold no monopoly,

In singing Psalms of His Unity.

All nightingales that chirp with blowing breeze,

Sing praises on branches of so many trees. Poem by Sa’di, Translation by H. Zavosh

So said, and so beautifully the great and world-renowned Persian Poet, Sheikh Moslehud-din Saadi of Shiraz: (may Allah rest his soul in joy and peace), in his prayer song, or psalm, to the Great Architect of the Universe, The Lord Almighty Allah.

Indeed, the truth is that praying to Allah, the Almighty God, is not a monopoly of human beings, for even animals sing his praises from dawn until dusk.

Every human being has a need for God, the All-powerful, Ever-present, All-knowing Creator, manifested by a love and attachment to this unseen entity, which one may call every being's Faith In God.

To establish a connection between human beings and Himself on a regular basis, Allah has, through past millennia spoken through His Angel Gabriel with Prophets and Messengers such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the Last Messenger: Muhammad, (peace be upon them), by means of special revelations. Through these revelations He has laid down special rules and rituals of prayers during different times of the day and night.

Prophet Muhammad (s) has said that Prayer is the Pillar of Faith. One of the most important guidance of Islam is the performance of Salaat (Namaaz), which is the best of prayers, and is a means of creating proximity with our One and Only Creator. Every building requires strong foundations. A weak foundation may cause the building not to remain erect for long. It is for this reason that it is a binding requirement for every Muslim to strengthen the foundation of his Faith via the regular performance of Salaat.

IV. BENEFITS OF SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

Salaat (Namaaz) has many benefits. Some of these can clearly be experienced. While the other attributes of prayer, such as peacefulness, heartfelt satisfaction, spiritual joy, can only be felt if one performs prayers with good intentions, with pleasure, with sincerity and satisfaction.

The obvious benefits of Salaat is that it keeps one away from ugly and sinful actions. One who performs Salaat does not lie; keeps body and mind clean; a strong faith; trusting God in all activites; does not have an eye on nor confiscates other people's belongings and properties; tries to earn a clean living; avoids back-biting, abusiveness, allegations, accusations, or being a wrongful witness to someone's deed. Such a person carries out his or her affairs with reason and reflection to ensure avoidance of deviation from religious instructions and ethical duties and commitments. One who prays also performs charitable works and helps the poor.

In short, the person who dutifully prays makes an effort to avoid indecent, irreligious and unethical acts, no matter how insignificant. On the contrary such a person always tries to perform good deeds thereby earning a respectable and reputable religious as well as a social personality, in a manner that invites the trust of the people. Carrying out the Commands of the Divine Allah by performing Salaat, one does also accumulate other-worldly spiritual rewards, achieving salvation and the Satisfaction and Blessings of Allah, while enjoying peace, calm, health, happiness and His protection in this world.

With Allah's Blessings, and for the guidance of those uninitiated in the ways of regular daily Salaat, its manner of performance will be explained in this booklet. Before explaining its details, it is important to remind the reader that Salaat has certain important spiritual, mental and

physical prerequisites. When one stands up to perform Salaat one should do so respectfully and have mental peace, i.e. to think about nothing except Allah and the act of worshipping Him, to do so calmly and according to religious instructions.

V. SPECIAL EXPLANATIONS

A. Each Salaat (Namaaz) requires attention to twelve important points:

1. Intention (Niyyat)

2. Knowledge of the direction of Qiblah

3. Standing Up for Namaaz (Qiyaam).

4. Raising hands and saying: Allah is Great (Takbir-atol-Ehraam)

5. Genuflexion or Bending (Rokoo').

6. Prostration (Sojood)

7. Recitation of Fatiha Chapter, and another Chapter of the Quran (Qaraa-at)

8. Invocation of God (Zekr-e-Allah)

9. Affirmation or Confirmation of Faith (Tashah-hod)

10. A Call to Peace (Salaam)

11. Serialness (Tarteeb)

12. Honoring the Sequence of Acts of Prayer (Mowaalaat)

B. The Fatiha Chapter and another Chapter of the Quran are read in the first and second units of Salaat (each unit comprises of 3 postures: Standing, or bending and prostration).

C. Foursome praises of Allah (or Zekr) are recited in the third and fourth units of those Salaats which are made up of three and four units.

D. Raising the hands for Doa (in supplication) or asking, are recited in all the five daily Salaat.

E. Affirmation and Confirmation of Faith is recited at the end of the second and the final stage of each Salaat.

F. A Call to Peace (Salaam) follows item E, above, in every Salaat.

VI. HOURS OF SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

Muslims pray 5 times a day. The hours of prayer vary from season to season. The Table of Hours may be obtained from Islamic centers in your area or the nearest astronomical observatory. One Rak’at is one unit of prayer. The configuration of Salaat is given in the next section.

To perform Salaat at, or if not possible during established hours brings excellent spiritual benefits and virtues. Postponing or procrastinating the specified hours of Salaat, on the other hand, is like going late to office, or not honoring the time of an appointment!! Nerves get rattled and one becomes stressed out if late for an appointment with an earthly being or to satisfy an earthly assignment!! Praying essentially involves: keeping appointment for spiritual connection with the Lord of All the Worlds: whether Spiritual, earthly, conscious or sub-conscious, WHO THOUGH SILENT IS ALL-SEEING, ALL-PRESENT, AND ALL-KNOWING.

Allaah says in the Quran: “I do not obligate a soul to tasks beyond its capabilities.” Applied to praying on time, this would mean: one need not go out of one’s way and disturb everything to keep prayer time. On the other hand, given reasonable opportunities to pray, one should not, due to laziness, intentional designs or silly excuses postpone praying on time! PRAYING ON TIME IS AN IMPORTANT RITUAL, AS WELL AS A SYMBOL FOR DISCIPLINE IN LIFE AND OF HONORING ONE’S COMMITMENTS, WHETHER EARTHLY OR SPIRITUAL, IN A TIMELY MANNER.

VII. THE FIVE DAILY SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

Prayers are offered to Almighty ALLAAH 5 times a day, as follows:

A. FAJR (SOBH) (Dawn until Before Sunrise)

2 Rak'ats - Steps 1 to12

(Explained on pages 16 to 22)

B. ZOHR (Noon-time upto close to sunset)

4 Rak'ats - Steps 1 to14

(Explained on pages 16 to 23)

C. 'ASR (Afternoon upto early sunset )

4 Rak'ats - Steps 1 to14

(Explained on pages 16 to 23)

D. MAGHREB (After Sunset up to midnight)

3 Rak'ats - Steps 1 to13

(Explained on pages 16 to 23)

E. 'ESHAA (Evening upto midnight)

4 Rak'ats - Steps1 to14

(Explained on pages 16 to 23)

Items B & C, as well as items D & E may be performed one after the other.

VIII. ETIQUETTES OF SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

From beginning to end, the steps involved in Salaat should be carried out with care, concentration, earnestness and pleasure, and as follows:

1. The steps involved in Salaat need to be carried out in the order explained without any deviation.

2. The steps involved should follow one after the other without any pause; this is called Mowaalaat or sequence of prayer.

3. Salaat should be performed without haste or hurry, and the words need to be pronounced clearly and distinctly (Toma-nee-neh)

4. Men should recite the Fatiha Chapter and the Towheed or Ekhlaas Chapter during the Morning, Sunset and Night Salaat, in a manner that enables them to clearly hear their own voice. (Jahr)

In other Salaat these two Chapters are to be recited in a low voice. (Ekhfaat)

All Salaat should be recited in a low voice by women.

IX. QIBLAH OR THE DIRECTION OF SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

One must stand for Salaat looking towards the Qiblah, that is facing in the direction of Ka'aba (The House of Allah in the City of Mecca). Therefore no matter where you are, it is important to know the direction of Qiblah. In the United States, it is now agreed that the least distance can be achieved by standing in the North-East direction, no matter which city you might be praying in.

X. CLEANLINESS (TAHAARAT)

TO BE CLEAN IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF FAITH

(UN-NEZAA-FA-TO MEN AL-IMAAN)

Considerable importance is given to cleanliness in Islam. As is said in the Quran:

"God loves people who are clean"

Generally speaking, people do give great attention to cleanliness during prayers. While physical cleanliness is important, mental and spiritual cleanliness are of much greater significance. One's thought processes must be unpolluted and pure while performing prayers.

Physical cleanliness involves also taking a Wadhu (ablution) which will be explained below.

The clothes one wears and the place of prayers must be uncontaminated, clean, and not on wrongfully possessed property of others.

XI. ABLUTION (WADHU)

Ablution involves the washing of the face, hands and arms, and wetting the head and toes as follows:

1. Ablution begins with the intention that you are getting ready to perform Salaat. Make up and other covering should be removed from the skin surface prior to ablution.

2. Fill the cusp of your right hand with water and use it for washing your entire face.

3. Fill your left hand’s cusp with water and wash your right arm from elbow to the tips of fingers. Repeat this with your right hand to wash your left arm and hand.

4. Anoint (streak wet) the top of the head, with your wet right fingers.

5. Then anoint (streak wet) the right foot with the wetness of your right fingers, from the tip of the toes to the hump of the ankle. Then repeat the same wetting process with the left fingers on the left foot.

6. It is important that these steps be carried out one after the other, i.e. sequentially in above stated order (Mowaalaat).

XII. FACTORS THAT INVALIDATE ABLUTION

1. Urination.

2. Defecation.

3. Passing of gas.

4. Sleeping.

5. Sexual intercourse or ejaculation.

6. Being under the influence of alcoholic drinks or any drug, or any substance that may alter full awareness.

7. Menstruation.

XIII. FACTORS THAT INVALIDATE SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

Factors that cancel out Ablution also cancel Salaat. In addition to the above mentioned items, the following 9 factors make Salaat void:

1. Eating and drinking.

2. Talking.

3. Turning away from the Qiblah.

4. Loud Laughter.

5. Crying aloud.

6. Any act that disturbs the spirit of prayer, such as moving the head to sides, jumping, etc.

7. Excess mental or physical activity or excessive interruptions.

8. Increasing or reducing the steps necessary in the prayer.

9. Praying in a place without the permission of the owner or on confiscated property.

XIV. SOME INSIGHTS REGARDING

MOHR (CLAY TABLET)

(USED DURING SOJOOD)

Quotations from the Quran

15:26 “We created the human being from aged mud, like the potter’s clay”.

15:27 “And the Jinn race, We had created before, from the fire of a scorching wind.”

15:28 Behold! Your Lord said to the angels: “I am about to create man, from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape;”

15:29 “When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My Spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him.”

15:30 “So the angels prostrated themselves all of them together...”

17:61 Behold! We said to the angels: “Bow down for Adam”: they bowed down except Iblis. He said: “Shall I bow down for Adam, one whom Thou didst create from clay?”

18:50 He was one of the Jinns and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers!

36:60 Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy?

36:61 That you shall worship Me alone? That this is the Straight Path?

36:77 “Does the human being not see that We created him from a tiny drop, then he turns into a profound enemy?”

Since I was a child this requirement of placing the forehead on Mohr (i.e. Torbat, Clay Tablet) always intrigued me, and to my questions on the matter I was told that this is holy clay from around the tomb of Imam Hossein in Kerbala or from those of Imam Reza in Mashhad. But there was never a satisfactory answer as to why one should place one’s forehead on a clay tablet even if it be a holy one!!

The explanation I now offer is my own and I have not read nor received any satisfactory explanation even to this day! To make life easy for you, and in order that you may understand and appreciate my personal explanations on the matter, I have selected appropriate verses from the Quran. Please read them carefully. If the justification for the use of Mohr has still not dawned on you, I provide the same here for your further reflection:

Iblis (Satan) refused to prostrate itself when Allah Commanded it to do so after Adam was created out of clay. Satan boasted that it was made of fire while Adam was fashioned out of mere mud. Therefore, for us human beings, the placing of the forehead, during 5 sets of prayers each day, on a clay tablet has the following symbolic significance:

That we do not follow the devil’s lead, reject its defiance of the Lord’s Command, and in order to please Allah, humbly accept his Command, by placing our forehead in Sejdeh on a piece of clay;

That we continuously affirm by such prostration (Sejdeh) that we shall not renege or revolt against Allah’s Commands;

That we renounce the origin of evil in arrogance and jealousy demonstrated by Satan, who saw only the lower side of man (his clay) and failed to see his higher side: i.e. the spiritual faculty brought in from the Creative Power of Allah blown into Man;

And finally, by doing so, we seek to please Allah and be purified by His Grace.

PHONETIC GUIDELINES

Please note the following rules of transliteration used in this text, in order that you may pronounce the words as close to the original Quranic sound as possible:

a = as in Bat, Sat, That

aa = as in Baba (The spelling of the word "ALLAH" is a universally accepted one. But to keep it consistent with the guidance here given, i.e. denoting the upward sound "aa" as in Baba, the spelling used here of the said word is "ALLAAH".

'a = ('ayn) a Guttural sound preceding or succeeding the letter "a" or "e", (proceeding from the depth of the throat), as in 'ayd, or ba'eed.

ai = as in aye

gh= ghain, as in gholam

q = qaaf, as in qowm

k = kaaf, as in kam; kh= as in Khorram/khair

When you find that a consonant such as b, k, etc. is followed by a vowel such as "a' or 'o" in the next word, connect them together, for example: Allaah-o Akbar; or Ell Allaah

Quite a few words have been purposely hyphenated to reduce their length, facilitate their sound connection, as well as for easier pronunciation and reading.

Finally the words and sentences that appear in bold type, are the actual words used during the process of Salaat (Namaaz), while the rest are explanations and guidelines.

1. AZAAN

(CALL TO PRAYER)

ALLAAH-O AKBAR (4 TIMES)

ASH-HADO AN LA ELAA-HA ELL-ALLAAH (2 TIMES)

ASH-HADO ANNA MUHAMMAD-AN RASUL-

OL-LAAH (2 TIMES)

ASH-HADO ANNA ALI-YAN WALI-OL-LAAH (2 TIMES)

HAYYA 'ALAS-SALAAH (2 TIMES)

HAYYA 'ALAL-FALAAH (2 TIMES)

HAYYA 'ALAA KHAIREL 'AMAL (2 TIMES)

ALLAAH-O AKBAR (2 TIMES)

LA ELAA-HA ELL-ALLAAH (2 TIMES)

2. EQAAMEYE SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

(STANDING-UP IN PREPARATION FOR THE SALAAT)

ALLAAH-O AKBAR (2 TIMES)

ASH-HADO AN LA ELAA-HA ELL-ALLAAH (2 TIMES)

ASH-HADO ANNA MUHAMMAD-AN RASUL- (2 TIMES)

OL-LAAH

HAYYA 'ALAS-SALAAH (2 TIMES)

HAYYA 'ALAL-FALAAH (2 TIMES)

HAYYA 'ALAA KHAIREL 'AMAL (2 TIMES)

QAD QAA MATES-SALAAH (2 TIMES)

ALLAAH-O AKBAR (2 TIMES)

LA ELAA-HA ELL-ALLAAH (ONCE)

3. NIYYAT

DECLARATION OF INTENTION, BY RAISING THUMBS TO YOUR EARS, AND SILENTLY BUT VOCALLY DECLARING THAT YOU INTEND TO PERFORM 2, 3 OR 4 RAK'AT SALAAT (NAMAAZ) OF FAJR (SOBH, MORNING), ZOHR (NOON), 'ASR (AFTERNOON), MAGHREB (SUNSET), 'ESHAA (EVENING). THEN ADDING TO YOUR NIYYAT, THE WORDS:

"QORBATAN EL-ALLAAH"

4. TAKBIR-ATOL EHRAAM

RAISING YOUR HANDS TO YOUR EARS, SAY:

ALLAAH-O AKBAR

5. QARAA-'AT

FIRST RAK'AT:

RECITE THE FOLLOWING TWO SURAHS FROM THE QURAN: (Surah Fatiha)

BISMELLAAH-ER RAHMAN-ER RAHEEM

AL HAMDO LEL-LAAHE RABB-EL 'AALAMEEN. AR-

RAHMAAN-ER RAHEEM. MAALEK-E YAOW-MED-DEEN,

EY-YAAK-A NA'BODO WA EY-YAAKA NASTA'EEN.

EHDENUS SERAAT-AL MOSTAQEEM. SERAAT-AL LAZIN-A AN'AMTA 'ALAIHEM, GHAIREL MAGH-ZOOBE 'ALAIHEM WALAZ-ZAAL-LEEN.

(Surah Ekhlaas or Towheed)

BISMELLAH-HIR RAHMAN-IR RAHEEM

QOL-HO WA-LLAAH-HO AHAD. ALLAAH-OS SAMAD. LAM

YALED WALAM YULAD. WALAM YAKON LAHOO KOFO-

WUN AHAD.

(You may choose to read any of the other small chapters of the Quran given in Appendix B of this booklet, instead of this chapter)

6. ROKOO'

(GENUFLEXION OR BENDING ON KNEES)

RAISE HANDS TO YOUR EARS AND SAY:

ALLAAH-O AKBAR.

THEN BEND DOWN, RESTING YOUR HANDS ON YOUR KNEES AND SAY:

SOBHAANA RABBI-AL 'AZEEM-E WA BEHAMDEH.

STAND STRAIGHT AGAIN AND SAY:

SAME'-ALLAAH-0 LEMAN HAMEDAH,

ALLAAH-O AKBAR.

7. SOJOOD

(PROSTRATION)

GO DOWN TO PLACE YOUR FOREHEAD ON THE FLOOR (MOHR). (figure no. 3) IN DOING SO 7 PARTS OF YOUR BODY SHOULD TOUCH THE FLOOR: FOREHEAD, 2 PALMS OF YOUR HANDS, TWO KNEES, AND TIPS OF BOTH GREAT TOES OF YOUR FEET. IN THIS POSITION SAY:

SOBHAANA RABBI-AL 'ALAA WA BEHAMDEH.

THEN SIT STRAIGHT ON YOUR LEGS AND SAY:

ALLAAH-O AKBAR, ASTAGH-FEROL-LAAHA RABBI WA ATOOBO ELAIH. ALLAAH-O AKBAR.

PLACE YOUR FOREHEAD ONCE AGAIN ON THE FLOOR (MOHR) AND REPEAT:

SOBHAANA RABBI-AL A’LAA WA BEHAMDEH.

THEN SIT BACK AGAIN SAYING:

ALLAAH-O AKBAR.

IMMEDIATELY RISE TO YOUR STANDING POSITION, AND WHILE DOING SO SAY:

BE-HOWLEL-LAHE WA QOWWATE-HI AQOOMO

WA AQ-'OD.

THIS IS THE END OF FIRST RAK'AT.

8. SECOND RAK'AT

REPEAT SUREH HAMD AND SUREH TOWHEED, ENDING WITH:

ALLHAAH-O AKBAR.

9. QONOOT

CONNECT THE PALMS OF YOUR HANDS TOGETHER PLACING THEM IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE, PALMS FACING THE SKY AND SAY:

RABBA-NAA AATE-NAA FID-DONYA HASANAH, WA FIL AKHERAT-EH HASANAH, WAQE-NAA 'AZAAB-UN NAAR BE-RAHMATE-KA YAA ARHUM-UR RAAHEM-EEN.

10. SOJOOD/REPETITION

REPEAT ITEMS 6 AND 7, AND WHEN COMPLETED SIT STRAIGHT AGAIN SAYING:

ALLAAH-O AKBAR.

11. TASHAH-HOD

AN AFFIRMATION OR CONFIRMATION OF FAITH. WHILE IN THIS SITTING POSITION SAY:

BISMELLAA-HEH WA BELLAAH, WAL HAMDO LEL-LAAH,

ASH-HADO AN LAA ELAA-HA ELL-AL-LAAHO

WAHDA-HOO LAA SHAREEK-A LAH, WA ASH-HADO

ANNA MUHAMMAD-AN 'ABDO-HOO WA RASULOH,

ALLAAH-OMMA SALLE 'ALAA MUHAMMAD-EN WA

AALE MUHAMMAD.

THE TASHAH-HOD IS RECITED AS FOLLOWS:

- AFTER THE SECOND RAK'AT OF THE MORNING PRAYER.

- AFTER THE SECOND AND THIRD RAK'AT OF THE SUNSET PRAYERS.

- AFTER THE SECOND AND FOURTH RAK'AT OF THE NOON, AFTERNOON AND EVENING PRAYERS.

12. SALAAM

AFFIRMATION OF PEACE ON ALL THOSE WHO ARE HOLY, PRAYERFUL AND GOOD. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE TASHAH-HOD, SAY:

AS-SALAAM-O 'ALAIKA AY-YOHAN NABIY-YO WA

RAHMAT-OL-LAAH-E WA BARAKAAT-OH, AS-SALAAM-

O 'ALAI-NAA WA 'ALAA 'EBAAD-ELLAAH-ES SAALE-

HEEN, AS-SALAAM-O 'ALAIKOM WA RAHMAT-OL-

LAAH-E WA BARAK-AAT-OH.

THEN TURNING YOUR FACE SLIGHTLY TO YOUR RIGHT, THEN YOUR LEFT, THEN RIGHT AGAIN REPEAT EACH TIME:

ALLAAH-O AKBAR.

THE SALAAM IS RECITED ALWAYS AFTER TASHAH-HOD AS FOLLOWS:

AT THE END OF SECOND RAK'AT OF THE MORNING PRAYER.

AT THE END OF THE THIRD, RAK'AT OF THE SUNSET PRAYER.

AT THE END OF THE FOURTH RAK'AT OF THE NOON, AFTERNOON AND EVENING PRAYERS.

END OF THE SECOND RAK'AT

13. TASBIHAAT

THIRD RAK'AT

AFFIRMATION OF GOD'S GREATNESS, DURING THE THIRD AND FOURTH RAK'ATS. AFTER COMPLETING THE SECOND RAK'AT (WITHOUT RECITING SALAAM) IMMEDIATELY RISE TO YOUR STANDING POSITION, AND WHILE DOING SO, SAY:

BE-HOWLEL-LAHE WA QOW-WATE-HI AQOOM-O

WA AQ-'OD.

INSTEAD OF RECITING SURAH AL FATIHA (HAMD) AND TOWHEED RECITE THE FOLLOWING THREE TIMES:

SOBHAAN-AL-LAAHE, WAL HAMDO LEL-LAAHE, WALAA ELAAH-A EL-ALLAAH-O, ALLAAH-O AKBAR.

(SURAH AL FATIHA (HAMD) ALONE MAY BE RECITED ONCE IN PLACE OF TASBIHAAT)

THEN REPEAT THE ROKOO' (STEP 6) AND SEJDEH (STEP 7) MOVEMENTS. WHEN PRAYING THE SUNSET PRAYER RECITE THE TASHAH-HOD (STEP 11) AND SALAAM (STEP 12).

END OF THE THIRD RAK'AT.

14. THE FOURTH RAK'AT

(NOON, AFTERNOON AND EVENING PRAYERS) REPEAT THE THIRD RAK'AT AS EXPLAINED IN STEP 13, BY RISING AND RECITING THE TASBIHAAT. THEN END THE PRAYER IN THE SAME MANNER, AS FOR THE THIRD RAK'AT, I.E. BY RECITING TASHAHHOD (STEP11) AND SALAAM (STEP 12).

THIS IS THE END OF THE FOURTH RAK'AT

FOR PRACTICE PURPOSES, A SIMPLE EXAMPLE OF RECITING THE MORNING PRAYER HAS BEEN INCLUDED AS APPENDIX A, WHICH YOU CAN REMOVE FROM THIS BOOKLET AND USE IT FOR RECITING THE SAID PRAYER.

ALSO 11 SURAHS OF THE QURAN HAVE BEEN INCLUDED AS APPENDIX B AT THE END OF THIS PRAYER BOOKLET, WITH THEIR TRANSLATIONS. YOU MAY MEMORIZE THESE IF YOU WISH TO RECITE ANY ONE OF THEM ONLY AFTER SURAH AL-FATIHA AND INSTEAD OF SURAH AL-IKHLAAS (TOWHEED).

THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSLATION OF THE WORDS RECITED DURING THE SALAAT (NAMAAZ). ONLY THOSE WORDS WHICH ARE IN ARABIC IN THE TEXT OF THE TRANSLITERATION (APPEARING IN BOLD TYPE) HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED BELOW:

1. AZAAN & 2. EQAAMEYE SALAAT (NAMAAZ)

GOD IS GREATEST

I AFFIRM THAT THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAAH

I AFFIRM THAT MUHAMMAD IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAAH

I AFFIRM THAT ALI IS A TRUE FRIEND OF GOD

RUSH TO PRAY

RUSH TO THE ULTIMATE BLISS (PERFECT HAPPINESS)

RUSH TO MOST WONDERFUL DEED

RISE UP TO PRAY (NOT TO BE MENTIONED IN THE AZAAN BUT

TO BE SAID IN EQAAMEYE SALAAT)

GOD IS GREATEST

THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAAH

2. SURAH FATIHA

IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE COMPASSIONATE THE

MERCIFUL.

(ALL) PRAISE BE ONLY TO THE LORD OF THE WORLDS.

THE COMPASSIONATE, THE MERCIFUL. MASTER OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. WE WORSHIP THEE ALONE, AND FROM THEE (ALONE) WE SEEK ASSISTANCE. GUIDE US ON THE RIGHT PATH. THE PATH OF THOSE YOU FAVORED, AND NOT THE PATH OF THOSE YOU ARE ANGRY WITH, OR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE ASTRAY.

3. SURAH TOWHEED

IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE COMPASSIONATE

THE MERCIFUL

SAY (O' MUHAMMAD), THAT GOD IS ONE.

THAT GOD IS WITHOUT NEED. NEVER DID HE PRODUCE A CHILD (BUT HE CREATES) NOR WAS HE BORN AND THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM.

4. ROKOO'

GLORIOUS IS MY GREAT GOD AND I PRAISE HIM

HEARS THE LORD WHOEVER PRAISES HIM, GOD IS

GREAT.

5. SOJOOD

GLORIOUS IS MY GOD, ABOVE EVERYONE ELSE, AND I

PRAISE HIM. GOD IS GREAT.

I ASK FOR FORGIVENESS FROM MY GOD, AND I RETURN TO HIM.

I RISE AND SIT WITH THE STRENGTH OF GOD.

6. QONOOT

O' GOD GRANT US GOODNESS IN THIS AND THE OTHER

LIFE. SAVE US FROM THE FIRES OF (HELL) BY THY

GRACE, O' COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL.

7. TASHAH-HOD

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AND BY HIS PURE BEING.

ALL PRAISE BE ONLY TO GOD. I AFFIRM THAT THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAAH, AND WHO IS THE ONE WITHOUT A PARTNER. AND I AFFIRM THAT MUHAMMAD IS HIS SLAVE AND MESSENGER. O' GOD GRANT YOUR BLESSINGS ON MUHAMMAD AND HIS FOLLOWERS.

8. SALAAM

PEACE BE UPON YOU O' MESSENGER OF GOD, AND

GOD'S GRACE AND HIS BLESSINGS UPON YOU. PEACE

BE UPON THOSE WHO PRAY TO GOD AND DO GOOD

DEEDS. PEACE BE UPON YOU ALL, AND GOD'S GRACE

AND HIS BLESSINGS. GOD IS GREAT.

9. TASBIHAAT

GLORIOUS IS ALLAAH AND PRAISE BE TO ALLAAH, AND

THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAAH, THE GREATEST.

May Your Prayers Be Heard By The Almighty Allaah, and your wishes granted beneficially! Please remember me, my family and the Publisher, when doing so.

Prayerfully offered by: Hamid Zavosh

APPENDIX A

A SIMPLE EXAMPLE OF RECITING

THE MORNING PRAYER

After Wadhu, stand toward Kaaba (Qiblah) and after Azaan and Eqaamah, raising your hands to your ears, say:

Allaaho Akbar.

Now bend, holding palm of hands on knee caps:

Sobhaana Rabbi-al azeem-e wa behamdeh

Now stand straight:

Same’-Allaaho leman hamedah, Allaaho-Akbar

Now prostrate placing forehead on floor and knees, palms of hands and tips of great toes on floor:

Sobhana Rabbi-al a’laa wa behamdeh

Now sit:

Allaho Akbar

Prostrate again:

Sobhana Rabbi-al a’laa wa behamdeh

Now sit:

Allaho-Akbar

Now stand:

Behowlel-laahe wa qowwate-he aqoomo wa a’q-od

While standing repeat as indicated:

Bismillaah-er- Rahman-er Raheem. Alhamdo lellaahe Rabbel ‘aalamin. Arrahmaan-er-Raheem. Maalek-e yaow-med-deen. Ey-yaak a na’bodo wa ey-yaaka nasta’een. Ehdenas-seraat-al mostaqeem. Seraat-al-lazeena-an-‘amta ‘alaihem, Ghairel magh-zoobe ‘alaihem walaz-zaal-leen.

Bismillaah-er-Rahman-er Raheem. Qol-ho wallaaho ahad. Allahos-samad. Lam yaled wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakon kofowan ahad. Allaaho-Akbar.

Then bend and say:

Sobhaana Rabbi-al azeem-e wa behamdeh

Now stand:

Same’-allaaho leman hamedah, Allaaho-Akbar

Now prostrate with forehead, palms of hands, knees and tip of great toes on floor:

Sobhaana Rabbi-al a’laa wa behamdeh

Now sit:

Allaaho-Akbar

Prostrate again:

Sobhaana Rabbi-al a’laa wa behamdeh

Sit:

Allaaho-Akbar

While sitting:

Bismellaahe wa bellaah walhamdo-lellaah. Ash-hado anllaa elaaha ellallaaho wahda-hoo laa Shareek-a lah, wa ashhado anna Muhammadan ‘abdo-hoo wa rasuloh. Allaahomma sallee ‘alaa Muhammad-en wa aalee Muhammad

As-salaamo ‘alaika ay-yohan-nabiy-yo wa rahmat-ol-laahe wa barakaatoh, as-salaamo ‘alaina wa ‘alaa ‘ebaad-ellaah-es-saaleheen. As-salaamo ‘alaikom wa rahmat-ollaahe wa barakaatoh.

APPENDIX B

A FEW SHORT SURAHS OF THE QURAN

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 97: AL-QADR - DESTINY

1. En-na anzal-naa-ho fee Lay-lut el-Qadr.

We revealed it in the Night of Destiny * (or Power).

2. Wa maa adraa-ka maa Lay-lat el-Qadr.

How awesome is the Night of Destiny.

3. Lay-lat ol-Qadre khair-on men al-fe shahr.

The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months.

4. Tanaz-zal ol-ma-laa-ekato war rooh, fee-haa be ez-neh Rabbe-hem men kol-le amr.

The angels and Spirit descend therein, by their Lords’ leave, to carry out every Command.

5. Salaam-on hi-ya hat-taa mat-la-‘el fajr.

Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.

*97:1 The Quran was placed into Muhammad’s soul on the 27^th night of Ramadan, 13 B.H. (before Hijrah).

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 103: AL-‘ASR – THE AFTERNOON

1. Wal-‘asr.

By the time.

2. Enn al-en-saan-a lafi khosr.

The human being is utterly lost.

3. Ell al-lazee-na-aa-ma-noo wa ‘amel os-saa-leh-aat, wa ta-waa saow bel haqq, wa ta-waa-saow bes-sabr.

Except those who believe and lead a righteous life, and exhort one another to uphold the truth, and exhort one another to be steadfast.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 105: AL-FEEL – THE ELEPHANT

1. Alam tara kaifa fa-‘a-la Rabbo-ka be us haab el-feel.

Have you noted what your Lord did to the people of the elephant?

2. Alam yaj-‘al kaida-hom fee taz-leel.

Did He not cause their schemes to err?

3. Wa ar-sa-la ‘alai-hem tai-run abaa-beel.

He sent upon them swarms of birds.

4. Tarmi-hem be-hejaa-raten men sej-jeel.

That showered them with hard stones.

5. Fa-ja-‘a-la-hom ka-‘as-fenm ma-kool.

He made them like chewed up hay.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 106: QURAISH – THE QURAISH TRIBE

1. Leh ee-laa-fe Quraish.

For the union of Quraish.

2. Ee-laa fe-hem reh-lat ash shetaa-e was-sayf.

Their union during the journey of the winter and the summer.

3. Fal ya’-bo-doo Rabbah haa-zal bayt.

They shall worship the Lord of this House.

4. Al-lazee at-‘ama-hom men joo’, wa aa-man-na-hom men khaowf.

For He is the One who fed them after hunger, and provided them with security from fear.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 107: AL-MAA’OON – CHARITY

1. Ara-ayt al-lazee yo-kaz-zebo bed-deen.

Do you know who really belies the faith?

2. Fa zaa-lek al-lazee ya-do-‘ol ya-teem.

That is the one who mistreats the orphans.

3. Wa Laa ya-hoz-zo ‘alaa ta-‘aamel mes-keen.

And does not advocate the feeding of the poor.

4. Fa wail-on lel mosal-leen…

And woe to those who observe the contact prayers (Salaat)…(but)

5. Al lazeen-a hom ‘an sa-laa-te-hem saa-hoon.

Who are totally heedless in their prayers.

6. Al lazeen-a hom yoraa-oon.

They only show off.

7. Wa yam-na-‘oon al-maa-‘oon.

And they forbid charity.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 108: AL-KAWTHAR – BOUNTY

1. Enna a-‘tai-naak al kaow-thar.

We have blessed you with abundance.

2. Fa sal-le le-Rabbek-a wan har.

Therefore, you shall pray to your Lord (Salaat), and offer sacrifice.

3. Enna shaa-ne-aka ho-wal abtur.

Your opponent will be cut off in progeny.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 109: AL-KAFEROON – THE DISBELIEVERS

1. Qol yaa ay-yoh al-kaa-fe-roon.

Say: “O’ you disbelievers.

2. Laa a-‘bo-do maa ta-‘bo-doon.

“I do not worship what you worship.”

3. Wa laa antom ‘aa-be-doon-a maa a-‘bod.

“Nor do you worship what I worship”.

4. Wa laa anaa ‘aa-be-donm maa ‘abad-tom.

“Nor will I ever worship what you worship.”

5. Wa laa antom ‘aa-be doon-a maa a-‘bod.

“Nor will you ever worship what I worship.”

6. La-kom deen-o-kom wa-li-a deen.

“To you is your religion, and to me is my religion.”

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 110 AL-NASR - TRIUMPH

(Last Sura Revealed)*

1. Ezaa jaa-a nasr-ol-laheh wal fath-h.

When the help of God arrives and the victory.

2. Wa-ra ay-tan-naa-sa yad-kho-loon-a fee deen el-Laheh uf-waa-jaa.

You will see the people embracing God’s religion in throngs.

3. Fa sab-beh beh ham-deh Rabbek-a wass tagh-fer-ho; enna-hoo kaa-na taw-waa-baa.

You shall glorify by praising your Lord, and imploring Him for forgiveness; He is the Redeemer.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 111: AL-MASAD - THORNS

1. Tab-bat ya-daa abee la-ha-ben wa-tab.

Condemned are the handi-works of Abee Lahab, and he is condemned.**

2. Maa agh-naa ‘an-ho maa-lo-hoo wa maa ka-sab.

His wealth and whatever he has earned will never help him.

*110:1-3 This last Sura, chronologically, consists of 19 Arabic words, and the first verse consists of 19 letters. This indicates that this generation of believers shall attain the promised victory. The true Islam will prevail throughout the world.

**Abee Lahab was Muhammad’s (S) uncle and the leader of opposition. His wife carried out a campaign of persecution against Muhammad and the believers. Like all descriptions of Heaven and Hell, the rope of thorns is an allegory.

3. Sa yass-laa naar-an zaat-a La-hab.

He has incurred the blazing Hell.

4. Wa am-ra-a-to-hoo ham-mal atal ha-tab.

Also his wife carries the firewood.

5. Fee jee-deh-haa hab-lon men massad.

Upon her neck shall be a rope of thorns.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 112: AL-IKHLAAS – ABSOLUTENESS

1. Qol ho wal-laaho ahad.

Proclaim: He is the One and only God.

2. Allah-oss sa-mad.

“The Absolute God”.

3. Lam yaled, wa-lam yoo-lad.

“Never did he beget, nor was He begotten.”

4. Wa-lam ya-kon lahoo ko-fo-wan ahad.

“None equals Him”.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 113: AL-FALAQ – DAYBREAK

1. Qol a-‘oozo be Rabb el-falaq.

Say: “I seek refuge in the Lord of Dawn”.

2. Men shar-re maa kha-laq.

“From the evils among His creations.”

3. Wa men shar-re ghaa-se-quen ezaa wa-qab.

“From the evils of darkness as it falls.”

4. Wa men shar-ren nuf-faa-thaa-te fil ‘oqad.

“From the evils of the troublemakers.”

5. Wa men shar-re haa-se-den ezaa ha-sad.

“From the evils of the envious when they envy”.

Bismillah-er Rahmaan-er Raheem

SURAH 114: AL-NAAS – PEOPLE

1. Qol a-‘oozo beh Rabb-en naass.

Say: “I seek refuge in the Lord of the people”.

2. Malek en-naass.

“The King of the People”.

3. Elaah-en naass.

“The God of the People”.

4. Men sharr el wass-wass el-khan-naass.

“From the evils of sneaky whisperers”.

5. Al-lazee yo-wuss-feso fe so-doo-ren naass.

“Who whisper into the chest (hearts) of the people”.

6. Men al-jen-nat-eh wan naass.

“Be they of the Jinns, or the people”.