48 Important Things About Prayer (Salat) in Islam ~ Hi readers! Prayer is a very important ritual for Muslims. But unfortunately, not all Muslims know about it. Maybe you are one of them. That’s why in this article I will explain to you 48 important things about prayer (salat) in Islam. So, if you are a Muslim who wants to have a lot of knowledge about prayer, then you must read this article to the end!
As for the 48 important things about prayer (salat) in Islam that I mean are as follows:
- Times of Prayer (Salat) in Islam.
- Imperfect Prayer (Salat).
- Times That’s Not for Prayer (Salat) in Islam.
- Goodness in Times of Prayer (Salat) in Islam.
- Friday Prayer (Salat) in Islam.
- Isha Prayer and Subuh Prayer in Mosque.
- Pray Dhuhr Twice (Salat).
- Jamak Prayer (Salat) in Islam.
- Prayer (Salat) Guide for Sick People.
- Imam and Makmum in Prayer (Salat).
- Istisqa Prayer (Salat) in Islam.
- Prayer (salat) Because of an Earthquake.
- Solar Eclipse Prayer (Salat) and Lunar Eclipse Prayer (Salat).
- Qasr Prayer (Salat) in Islam.
- Qabliyah Prayer (Salat) and Ba’diyah Prayer (Salat).
- Witr Prayer (Salat).
- Dhuha Prayer (Salat).
- Tahiyatul Masjid Prayer (Salat).
- Janazah Prayer (Salat).
- Eid Prayer (Salat).
- Takbir Ihram; Iftitah Prayer.
- Qunut Prayer.
- Seeing Sky When Someone is Praying (Salat).
- Spitting When Someone is Praying (Salat).
- Not Seeing Qiblah in Prayer (Salat).
- Gravel in Prostration Place (Sujud).
- Saving Ourself When We Pray (Salat).
- Walking in Front of Person Who is Praying (Salat).
- Praying (Salat) With Carrying Baby.
- Answering Greetings (Salaam) When Someone Is Praying (Salat).
- Fart That Has No Sound and No Smell Break in Prayer (Salat).
- Body of Muslim Women in Prayer (Salat).
- Prayer (Salat) With Open Chest.
- Women’s Genitalia (Aurat) in Prayer (Salat).
- Confused and Wrong in Determining Qibla.
- Places That Are Not for Prayer (Salat).
- Prayer (Salat) in Vehicle.
- Prayer (Salat) Facing Graves.
- Speaking in Prayer (Salat).
- Giving Signal in Prayer (Salat).
- Crying in Prayer (Salat).
- Holding Small Cough is Prayer (Salat).
- Tricks for Nothing to Pass in front of People Who Is Praying (Salat).
- Prohibition in Prayer (Salat).
- Eating First or Praying (Salat) First?.
- Heart Busy with Other Affairs in Prayer (Salat): Does It Damage Prayer (Salat)?
- Retaining Urination or Defecation in Prayer (Salat).
- Yawning in Prayer (Salat).
Times of Prayer (Salat) in Islam
Prayer times in Islam are one of the important things about prayer that we must understand. Why is that? The answer is because prayer should not be practiced carelessly. There are very specific rules about that.
In general, there are two types of prayer (salat) in Islam. The first is obligatory prayer. The second is the sunnah prayer or the recommended prayer. Both types of prayer have their respective times. In other words, if we do one type of prayer that is not on time, then our prayer is invalid.
There are five types of prayer (salat) in Islam: Fajr prayer, Dhuhr prayer, Asr prayer, Maghrib prayer, and Isha prayer.
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The time to perform Fajr prayer is after dawn until before sunrise. The time for performing the Dhuhr prayer is when our shadow is tilted slightly towards the setting of the sun until the length of our shadow is the same as the length of our body. The time to perform the Asr prayer is when the length of our shadow is the same as the image of our body until the length of our shadow is twice. The time to perform Maghrib prayer is when the sun sets plus the time for Adhan, Iqamah, performing wudu, wearing clothes that cover one’s genitals, maghrib prayer, and praying five rakats. The time to perform the Isha prayer is when the red cloud disappears in the direction of the setting sun until before the second dawn.
Imperfect Prayer (Salat)
As one of the obligatory and very important rituals, prayer (salat) must be performed perfectly. There should not be one movement or one reading in prayer that we don’t do. We are also not allowed to add to the movements or readings in prayer. If we do that, then our prayers are imperfect. In general, someone who increases or decreases the movements or readings in prayer is due to forgetfulness.
So, if our prayers are not perfect, then we have to do that. We have to do that before we do the last Salaam or after we do the last Salaam. What we have to do is to do Sujud Sahwi.
What is meant by Sujud Sahwi is prostration that is done before the last Salaam or after the last Salaam because a Muslim has added or decreased the movement or reading in prayer (salat) because of an accident.
Times That’s Not for Prayer (Salat) in Islam
Previously, I explained that prayers should not be done haphazardly. There are certain times that may be used for praying and there are certain times that cannot be used for praying.
In Islam, there are two times that should not be used for praying. The first time is after a person performs the Fajr prayer until the sun rises. The second time is after a person performs the Asr prayer until sunset. In other words, a Muslim is not allowed to pray at these two times.
In fact, there is one other thing that should not be done at these two times. What I mean is burying the dead. But what we have to understand is that the prohibition can change if we are forced to. An example is to perform the Qadha prayer. What is meant by Qadha prayer is the prayer that is performed to replace the obligatory prayer that has been abandoned. Another example is if conditions were so precarious that burying the dead had to be done at that time.
Goodness in Times of Prayer (Salat) in Islam
There is a difference in prayer times. Some are long and some are short. A Muslim may pray right after Adhan is finished, or right before the time is finished, or the time that is in the middle. In Islam, the prayers that are performed at these three paces are valid prayers.
But what we have to understand is that there are differences between the three tempos. It means that there is a difference in the kindness that a Muslim will get. If he performs prayers at the first tempo (right after Adhan has finished), then he will get the pleasure of Allah. If he performs prayers at the second tempo (middle tempo), then he will receive the grace of Allah. If he prays at the second tempo (last tempo), then he will receive Allah’s forgiveness.
That is the difference in the goodness that a Muslim will get at these three tempos. But even so, one thing that is certain is that the person who prays will be rewarded.
One important thing about that which I want to explain here is, that although a Muslim may pray at any of these tempos, the best time to pray (salat) is at the first time.
Friday Prayer (Salat) in Islam
Friday prayer is one of the obligatory types of prayer (salat) in Islam. In particular, Friday prayer is only required of adult male Muslims. So, Muslim women are not obliged to do that.
As the name implies, Friday prayer is the prayer that is performed on Friday. The implementation time is during the Dhuhr prayer. One thing that I must explain here, is that the Friday prayer is a substitute for the Dhuhr prayer for male Muslims and must be performed together. There is a difference of opinion about what is the minimum number of people to pray on Friday. Popular opinion says that the minimum number is forty.
Friday prayer are performed only two rakats. Before Friday prayer is performed, one person must give a sermon. The sermon was performed twice. Without it, Friday prayer is invalid.
Isha Prayer and Subuh Prayer in Mosque
Isha prayer is the prayer that is performed at the beginning of the night. Meanwhile, Fajr prayer is the prayer (salat) that is performed in the morning before sunrise. That is why doing the two prayers is such a difficult job. Why is that?
At the beginning of the night (the time for performing Isha prayer) people are tired because they have been working during the day. In the morning, before the sun rises, the people are still sleeping. In general, they will feel heavy if they have to do other jobs. For this reason, performing the Isha prayer and Fajr prayer is one of the hardest things for them. Because of that, a Muslim who performs the Isha prayer and Fajr prayer will receive a very large reward. The reward will be more times if it is done in the mosque.
Pray Dhuhr Twice (Salat)
Duhr prayer is a type of obligatory prayer (salat) in Islam. Dhuhr prayer is performed up to four rakats. The implementation time is during the day.
There is one interesting example of the Dhuhr prayer. If we have done the Dhuhr prayer alone, then after that we find someone who will do the Dhuhr prayer, the question is whether we can do the Dhuhr prayer twice?
There is a specific explanation for that in Islamic law. If we are in such a condition, then we may do the Dhuhr prayer twice. The detailed explanation is that the prayer that we have done for the first time is considered obligatory prayer. Meanwhile, the second Dhuhr prayer is considered as Sunnah prayer. That’s the answer.
Jamak Prayer (Salat) in Islam
Have you ever heard of the term Jamak prayer? If you have heard the term and you think that it is some kind of sunnah prayer (recommended), then you are wrong. The Jamak prayer is a method of performing obligatory prayers.
What is meant by the Jamak prayer is performing two obligatory prayers once. An example is doing the Dhuhr prayer and the Asr prayer at one time. It can be done during the Dhuhr prayer or during the Asr prayer. If we do that during the Dhuhr prayer, it is called the Jamak Taqdim. If we do that during the Asr prayer, it is called the Jamak Takhir.
One thing that we must understand here is that the Jamak prayer should not be done carelessly. There are rules for that. One rule is that the Jamak prayer is allowed when a person is traveling so that he does not have enough time to perform the obligatory prayers as usual.
Prayer (Salat) Guide for Sick People
Pain is a natural condition commonly experienced by humans. When sick a person may not be able to do some of the things he usually does, such as work and so on. Likewise, Muslims.
Even though a Muslim is sick and cannot do some of the things he usually does on normal days, he still has an obligation to perform prayers. Why is that? The answer is because prayer is an absolute obligation that all adult Muslims must perform.
In Islamic legal literacy, there is an explanation of prayer guidelines for Muslims who are sick. If a Muslim is sick and cannot pray normally, or prays standing up, then he should pray sitting down. If he cannot perform the prayer sitting down, then he has to perform the prayer sleeping on his side facing the Qibla. If he cannot pray by sleeping on his side facing the Qibla, then he must perform the prayers using signs.
Imam and Makmum in Prayer (Salat)
Imam and Makmum are two important components of Jamaah prayer (prayer performed together). Imam is a person who leads the prayers. While Makmum is a person being led. Without these two components, Jamaah prayer cannot be performed.
Jamaah Prayers (prayers performed together) can be performed with only two people. One person becomes the Imam and one person becomes the congregation. In Islamic legal literacy, prayers that are performed together are better than prayers that are performed alone. That is people who pray Jamaah will get more rewards than people who pray alone.
What I want to explain here is in relation to Imam and Makmum, that all Makmum movements must be in accordance with Imam’s movements. The mechanism is, Imam makes the movements first after Makmum mimics his movements.
Istisqa Prayer (Salat) in Islam: Prayer to Ask for Rain
Have you ever heard of the term “Istisqa prayer”? It is a term of sunnah prayer (salat) in Islam. Istisqa prayer is the prayer performed to ask Allah for rain.
Thus, this Istisqa prayer is very good if it is done during the summer. We know that usually in hot Muslims there is very little water supply. The result is that many plants lack water. Usually, the people most affected by summer are farmers.
The way to perform Istisqa prayer is the same as praying Eid. The number of people is two. According to ash-Shafi’i, in the first rak’ah the person who performs the Istisqa prayer must be takbir up to seven times (other than takbir ihram) and in the second rak’ah one must takbir until times (other than takbir to stand).
Prayer (Salat) Because of an Earthquake
Now, more and more disasters are happening. One of them is an earthquake. In Islam, earthquakes are a sign of Allah’s power that can make people afraid. That is why Muslims are strongly encouraged to perform sunnah prayers in the event of an earthquake.
In ancient times the Prophet Muhammad performed this type of prayer. He did it up to six rakat with four prostrations. As for how to pray because this earthquake is the same as praying for an eclipse.
According to the shafi’iah school (one of the schools in Islamic legal literacy), this type of prayer is done alone, not with other people. And, one important thing we have to know, is that this prayer can be done in the event of another disaster, such as a flood and so on.
Solar Eclipse Prayer (Salat) and Lunar Eclipse Prayer (Salat)
I think we all know what a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse are. Both are phenomena that occur in the universe. In Islam, a solar eclipse is a sign of the greatness of Allah. When there is a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse, Muslims are encouraged to pray the sunnah (recommended prayer).
At the time of the Prophet Muhammad, there was a solar eclipse. People think that this happened because Ibrahim (one of the sons of the Prophet Muhammad) passed away. This understanding was wrong and he said that the eclipse of the sun and the eclipse of the moon were signs of the greatness of Allah. For this reason, if an eclipse occurs, Muslims are encouraged to pray.
Ash-Shafi’I said, “An eclipse prayer can be done at any time, although at the best time it should not be used for prayer.” Mayortits, a legal expert in vocabulary, “That the eclipse prayer should not be performed at a time which should not be used for prayer.”
Qasr Prayer (Salat) in Islam
Do you know what is the Qasr prayer? If you perceive the Qasr prayer as a type of (recommended) sunnah prayer, then you are wrong. Why is that? The answer is because the Qasr prayer is one of the ways to perform the obligatory prayer.
What is meant by the Qasr prayer is performing two obligatory prayers at one time and reducing the number of people. But what we have to understand is that the number of prayers that can be reduced is four. So, the prayer in question is the Dhuhr prayer, Asr prayer, and Isha prayer.
The Qasr prayer is one type of Jamak prayer. Thus, the conditions for performing the Qasr prayer are the same as performing the Plural prayer.
An example of the Qasr prayer is: You want to do both the Dhuhr prayer and the Asr prayer at one time. Say it during the Dhuhr prayer. You then reduce the number of rakats for Dhuhr prayers from four to two and the number of rakats for Asr prayers from four to two. Or if you want to do Maghrib prayer and Isha prayer at one time. Say it at Maghrib prayer time. You then perform Maghrib prayers for up to three rakats and do Isha prayers for only two rakats. That is the Qasr prayer.
Please note that the number of rakats in prayer that can be reduced is only the prayer with four (Dhuhr prayer, Asr prayer, and Isha prayer). The number of rakat Maghrib prayer cannot be reduced.
Qabliyah Prayer (Salat) and Ba’diyah Prayer (Salat)
Qabliyah prayer and Ba’diyah prayer are one of the types of sunnah prayer (salat) in Islam. Specifically, the Qabliyah prayer is the sunnah prayer that is performed before the obligatory prayer, such as before the Dhuhr prayer or the Asr prayer, while the Ba’diyah prayer is the sunnah prayer that is performed after the obligatory prayer, such as after the Isha prayer.
One thing we must understand is that the legal status of Qabliyah prayer and Ba’diyah prayer is a recommendation. What this means is that if a Muslim does that, he will be rewarded, but if he doesn’t do that, then he is not guilty. The status of the two prayers is a recommendation because they can make up for the shortcomings that exist in the obligatory prayer.
That is a brief explanation of Qabliyah prayer and Ba’diyah prayer.
Witr Prayer (Salat)
Witr prayer is a type of sunnah prayer (recommended prayer) in Islam. The number of rakat Witr prayers is odd, such as one rakat, three rakat, five rakat, seven rakat, and so on. The implementation time is the time after the Isha prayer until before the second dawn.
The Prophet Muhammad specifically recommended that Muslims pray Witr. In fact, he also said that Allah Taala really likes Muslims who perform witr prayers.
Generally, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims perform Witr prayer after they have performed the Taraweeh prayer. But usually the Witr prayer is performed after the Tahajjud prayer. The meaning is after waking up. It all explains that the time to perform Witr prayer is very flexible.
One thing we must remember is that the status of Witr prayer is a recommendation. So, if a Muslim does that, he will be rewarded. But if he doesn’t do that, then he’s innocent.
Dhuha Prayer (Salat)
Dhuha prayer is a type of sunnah prayer (recommended) in Islam. The time for performing the Dhuha prayer is when the sun rises until before the time for performing the Dhuhr prayer. In Islam, the Dhuha prayer has many virtues.
The virtue of this Dhuha prayer is related to the number of rakat performed. What this means is that the more rakats that are practiced in the Dhuha prayer, the more virtues will be obtained by Muslims who do it. By the way, do you know how many rakats in Dhuha prayer?
Actually, if we read the literacy of Islamic law about the number of rakat in the Dhuha prayer, then we will find many explanations about it. The point is that the Dhuha prayer can be done with a lot of rakat, such as two rakats, four rakats, six rakat, eight rakat, twelve rakat, and so on. The meaning is that there is no maximum limit for the number of rakat in Dhuha prayer.
Tahiyatul Masjid Prayer (Salat)
Tahiyatul Masjid prayer is a type of sunnah prayer (recommended) in Islam. The meaning of the sentence “Tahiyatul Masjid” is “to respect the mosque”. So, this type of sunnah prayer is performed to honor the mosque as Baitullah.
The Prophet Muhammad specifically encouraged Muslims to perform the Tahiyatul Masjid prayer. The implementation time is when they enter the mosque and before they sit down. Tahiyatul mosque prayers are carried out for up to two people.
What we have to understand here, is that although the right time to perform the Tahiyatul Masjid prayer is when a Muslim enters the mosque, it should not be done at the times which are prohibited from praying: after Fajr prayer until sunrise and after Asr prayer till the sun goes sets.
Janazah Prayer (Salat)
Janazah prayer is a type of prayer (salat) in Islam. In Islam, the status of Janazah prayer is Fardhu Kifayah. What is meant by Fardhu Kifayah is an obligation that if there is one Muslim who has done it, then all other Muslims are not obliged to do it. But if there is no Muslim who does that, then they are all sinners. That is Fardhu Kifayah.
Janazah prayers are performed to pray for Muslims who have died. The mechanism for performing the Janazah prayer is different from other prayers in Islam. In Janazah prayer, there is no bowing, prostration, and sitting. There is only Takbir which is performed four times during the Janazah prayer.
One thing I would like to remind all of you is that Janazah prayer should not be performed at the times which are forbidden to perform prayer: after Fajr prayer until sunrise and after Asr prayer until sunset.
Eid Prayer (Salat)
Eid prayer is a type of sunnah prayer (which is required) in Islam. We may understand Eid prayer as prayer which is proof that we are grateful to Allah. In Islam, there are two types of Eid prayers: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adhah.
Eid al-Fitr is the sunnah prayer that is performed on the 1st of Shawal. We are encouraged to pray Eid al-Fitr after we have fasted for one month in the month of Ramadan. Eid al-Adhah is a sunnah prayer that is performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
The suggestion to perform Eid prayers (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adhah) is for all Muslims who have no justifiable reasons in Islam. If a Muslim woman is menstruating on the day of Eid, then she is advised to participate in celebrating the big day, not praying.
Takbir Ihram; Iftitah Prayer
Takbir Ihram is the first movement in all types of prayers. After takbir Ihram a Muslim is encouraged to recite a prayer. This prayer is called “Iftitah Prayer”. In Arabic, the meaning of the word “Ifititah” is an opening. That’s why this prayer is called “Iftitah Prayer” or the opening prayer in prayer.
The Iftitah Prayer contains the recognition of a Muslim’s mercy and mercy of Allah, the recognition that all the prayers and actions he does are only because he hopes to be pleased with Allah, that his life and death are due to Allah. That is the general meaning of the Ifitah prayer.
One thing I must explain about the Iftitah prayer, that reading the Iftitah prayer in all types of prayers is a recommendation. What this means is that if a Muslim does not read it in prayer, then it does not spoil the prayer, his prayer is still valid.
Qunut Prayer
Have you ever heard of the term “Qunut Prayer”? If you think that it is a type of prayer then you are wrong. Why is that? The answer is because it is one of the recommended prayers to be read in prayer.
I want to say one important thing about the Qunut prayer which is recommended to be read in prayer, that this recommendation is not for all prayers. The point is that the recommendation to recite the Qunut prayer is only in certain types of prayers. Usually, the Qunut prayer is read in Fajr prayer, Witr prayer, and certain Sunnah prayers which are performed for a specific purpose, such as so that Allah will immediately help us.
Of course, since reading the Qunut prayer is only a suggestion in some types of prayer, if we don’t read it, then it doesn’t spoil the prayer.
Seeing Sky When Someone is Praying (Salat)
What is meant by looking at the sky when a Muslim is praying is to look upward. In general, it is a movement that can be distracting. But the problem here is whether it can make them pray? Is that allowed?
Before we answer the two questions above, what we have to understand first is, can looking up change a person’s position, so that he doesn’t face Qibla? That is what we must first understand.
In Islamic legal literacy there is an explanation of that. Specifically, there is one hadith which explains that it is strictly forbidden for a Muslim to look up when he is praying. Thus, we now understand that looking up when someone is praying can be understood as not facing Qibla.
In other words, facing upwards when praying can break the prayer. It’s strictly forbidden!
Spitting When Someone is Praying (Salat)
Spitting is something a person is used to doing. I think we’ve all done that. But for some people it is something dirty. That’s why, ethically, it shouldn’t be done in front of other people.
In Islamic legal literacy there is a discussion about spitting. Specifically, in relation to prayer, can a Muslim who is praying be allowed to spit?
In a hadith, it is explained that a Muslim who is praying can spit. But what must be understood is that it should not be done haphazardly. The point is, that if a Muslim is spitting, then he should not throw his saliva in front of him or at his right side. So, he had to spit on his left. We have to understand that!
Not Seeing Qiblah in Prayer (Salat)
Facing Qiblah is one of the mandatory requirements for prayer. In the previous few paragraphs, I have explained it. So, if a Muslim wants to pray, then before he does that, precisely when he is doing the Tabir Ihram, then he has to appear before Qiblah.
The problem is, can you not face Qiblah when someone is praying?
There is a discussion about it in Islamic legal literacy. There is a difference of opinion on that: do not face Qiblah when one is praying. There are several Islamic laws that state that if the head is not facing the Qiblah while the shoulders to the feet are still facing the Qiblah, then it does not spoil the prayer.
There are several other Islamic jurists who say that if the body is not facing the Qiblah from the head to the chest, then his prayer is broken.
Gravel in Prostration Place (Sujud)
Have you ever experienced a condition when you pray and you will prostrate but there are pebbles in the place of prostration? I think that is a condition experienced by a Muslim who prays in a public place, such as a field.
The question is, if we experience such conditions, should we clean the pebble from the place of prostration?
It is true, gravel in the place of prostration can disturb the concentration of a Muslim when he is praying. In connection with that there are different discussions in Islamic legal literacy.
In a hadith, it is explained that if there are pebbles in the place of prostration, then a Muslim is advised not to clean it. Why is that? Couldn’t that interfere with a concentration in prayer? The answer is because Allah’s grace descends through the medium of the pebble. Thus, the pebbles in the place of prostration are not considered as a matter of concentration in prayer.
Saving Ourself When We Pray (Salat)
Prayer is one of the obligations of Muslims that should not be abandoned. Likewise, taking care of yourself. A Muslim must take care of himself anytime and anywhere. But the problem is if we are praying there is a danger that will befall us. What should we do?
For example, if we are praying right now and suddenly a snake is about to bite us if we are in that condition, what should we do?
In Islamic legal literacy, there is an explanation for that. The point is that if there is a danger that threatens us while we are praying, then we are obliged to avoid that danger even though we do many movements other than the movements in prayer. In Islamic legal literacy, doing many movements other than movements in prayer to avoid danger is tolerance.
Walking in Front of Person Who is Praying (Salat)
Prayer is one of the sacred rituals in Islam. All Muslims must understand that. That’s why a Muslim who is praying must always concentrate. Of course, not many people can do that. That is why other people who do not pray should not disturb him. One of the ways that we do not disturb people who are praying is not to walk in front of the person who is praying.
In Islamic legal literacy, it is explained that walking in front of a person who is praying is strictly prohibited. It is a sin. In fact, in one hadith it is explained that stopping and walking for forty years is better than walking in front of a Muslim who is praying.
One thing we must note: walking in front of a Muslim who is praying is a sin!
Praying (Salat) With Carrying Baby
Holding a baby is one of the joys of parents. Sometimes a person cannot be far from the baby. Maybe it’s because she loves her baby too much or because the baby cries a lot. I think there are many Muslims who have experienced such conditions.
But the problem is if there is a Muslim, he will pray and the baby will cry. Of course, as a parent, he could not bear to see the baby. One common way a person does not cry is to carry him or her.
The question is, is it permissible for a Muslim to carry a baby while he is praying?
In Islamic legal literacy, there is a discussion about that. There is a discussion that explains that a Muslim can carry a baby while he is praying. But there is one thing that we must understand, that although it is permissible, he should not do many movements other than the movements in prayer.
Answering Greetings (Salaam) When Someone Is Praying (Salat)
In Islam, saying Salaam and answering Salaam is something that is highly recommended. Usually, it is done under normal conditions, such as when two people meet each other on the street or somewhere.
But there is one strange example. For example, if you are praying and I walk and know you. I then say Salaam to you. The question is, how do you answer the Salaam that I have spoken?
There is an explanation of that in Islamic legal literacy. It happened at the time of the Prophet Muhammad. At that time, he was praying and there was a Sahabi from the Ansar class saying Salaam. He then answered the Salaam by placing the inside of the palm lower and the outside of the palm up. In other words, it can also be used as a way to answer or tell someone that we are praying.
Fart That Has No Sound and No Smell Break in Prayer (Salat)
We all know what farts are. We’ve all done that. It’s one of those natural things that everyone does. In fact, if a person cannot fart, then he is sick. So, Fart is something healthy.
In Islam, farting is one of the things that can spoil prayer. Why is that? The answer is because the person who prays must be in a holy condition or have wudu. And, one of the things that can damage wudu is farting. So, if someone’s wudu is broken, then his prayer is broken.
In general, farts have an unexplained sound and smell. I really believe we understand that very well. But the problem is that the fart doesn’t have an unpleasant sound and smell. One would be confused to recognize such a thing: whether it was really a fart or not.
The connection with prayer, can a fart that does not have a sound or an unpleasant smell can damage prayer?
If we read a lot of Islamic legal literacy about it, then we will find an explanation that a fart that has no sound or unpleasant smell can spoil prayers. So, if a Muslim who is praying winds out of his anus, even though he does not hear the sound of farting or smell the smell of farts, then he must stop his prayer, perform wudu, then perform the prayer again.
Body of Muslim Women in Prayer (Salat)
One of the conditions for valid prayer is to cover the body. In the discussion of prayer specifically or in the discussion of Islam in general, there are several parts of the body which are called “Aurat”. That is what must be closed by a Muslim who is praying.
In Islamic legal literacy, there is a difference between male and female genitals (aurat). Especially for women, what is meant by genitals are all of her bodies, except for the two palms of the hands and face. So, if she is going to pray, then she has to cover all her body except the face and two palms.
Closing the genitals is one of the absolute requirements so that the prayers we do are valid. In other words, if we don’t cover our genitals when we pray, then the prayers we are doing are invalid.
Prayer (Salat) With Open Chest
This discussion is specifically for men. This discussion also relates to male genitalia in prayer in particular and in ordinary conditions in general.
In Islamic legal literacy, what is meant by male genitalia is the part of the body from the navel to two knees. That is male genitalia. So, if he is going to pray, then he must obey his genitals.
The connection with prayer with an open chest, which is not closed, is one thing I wanted to say about it earlier, that the chest does not include male genitalia. So, in general, he is allowed to pray even though his chest is open.
But in Islamic legal literacy, especially regarding prayer, there is an explanation that it is better for a Muslim to cover his body from the bottom to the neck. The reason is a matter of ethics.
Women’s Genitalia (Aurat) in Prayer (Salat)
Actually, the discussion about the genitals (aurat) of Muslim women in prayer is the same as the discussion about the body parts that must be covered by women in prayer. So, what is meant by a woman’s genitals in prayer is all her body except the face and two palms of her hands.
In Islamic legal literacy, there is a lot of discussion about what is meant by Muslim women’s genitals. Some experts in Islamic law say that what is meant by a Muslim woman’s genitals is all of her body. There are several other experts in Islamic law who say that what is meant by a Muslim woman’s genitals is all her body except the face and two hands. There are also some experts in Islamic law who use general ethical standards to determine which part of the body of a Muslim woman becomes aurat.
I personally agree with some experts in Islamic law who make general ethical standards to determine the genitals of Muslim women. So, Muslim women may not wear the headscarf if the majority of women in the community around them do not wear the headscarf. But, especially in discussing the genitals of Muslim women in prayer, I am more convinced that it is all of her body except for the face and two palms.
Confused and Wrong in Determining Qibla
In general, what is meant by Qibla is the direction all Muslims go to when they worship, especially when they pray. In Islamic law facing Qibla is one of the conditions so that our prayers are valid.
In general, Qibla is the Ka’bah. So, if we are going to pray, then we have to face the Ka’bah.
But sometimes determining where Qibla is going is a difficult matter, especially if we get lost somewhere, like a forest. The result is that we are confused.
The question is if we are confused about the direction of Qibla, what should we do?
In Islamic legal literacy, especially regarding prayer, if we are confused about determining the direction of Qibla, then we have to choose one direction which we believe to be Qibla. If we have done that, then we pray. If after finishing the prayer we find an explanation that this direction is not Qibla, then our prayer is still valid. We don’t need to pray anymore.
Places That Are Not for Prayer (Salat)
Holy is one of the conditions so that the prayers we do are valid. Everything related to us when we pray must be holy. The body must be pure. Clothing must be holy. Place must be holy.
In Islamic legal literacy there are several places that should not be used for prayer. We are not allowed to pray in these places. In other words, if we pray in these places, then our prayers are invalid.
In Islamic legal literacy, there are seven places that should not be used for prayer. The seven places I mean are trash bins, animal slaughterhouses, roads, bathrooms, camel burrows, and above the Baitullah Taala (Ka’bah). So, as Muslims, we must understand that.
With regard to prayer on the highway, for me, if it is impossible for us to pray in a holy place, then we can pray on the highway. Of course, before praying we have to make sure that it does not spoil the comfort of the community and that a place is a holy place.
Prayer (Salat) in Vehicle
Activity is one thing that cannot be separated from Muslims. There are a lot of Muslims who are busy working. Their busyness may make them unable to pray in a place that is usually used as a place for prayers, such as a mosque or a room.
One solution for that is praying on a vehicle. A common question about it is, “Is it permissible to pray on a vehicle? If it can be done, how do you do it?”
If we read the literacy of Islamic law about it, then we will find an explanation that a person may pray while he is in a vehicle, such as a car, train, and so on. But the prayer that is performed is the sunnah prayer or the recommended prayer. The mechanism is that when performing Takbir Ihram he or his vehicle must face Qibla. After that, even if he or the vehicle is not facing Qibla, then it doesn’t matter.
So, what can be done in these conditions and descriptions is the sunnah prayer or the recommended prayer. It should not be performed for obligatory prayers, such as the Dhuhr prayer. The reason is because one of the valid conditions for prayer is facing Qibla. Of course, the case will be different if during prayer he or his vehicle faces Qibla. If so, then compulsory prayers may also be performed on the vehicle.
Prayer (Salat) Facing Graves
The grave is a place to bury people who have died. Everyone knows that. Some people consider the cemetery to be a taboo place. That is, there are some things that are considered not to be done there.
There are several discussions in Islamic literacy about the grave. Two examples are sitting on the grave and praying over the grave. The question is, “Can it be done?”
If we read Islamic literacy about it, then we will understand that it is better not to sit on a grave. One reason is to honor the dead who have been buried below. As for prayer, there is a hadith that prohibits a Muslim from praying at the grave.
There is one important thing that I want to explain about the prohibition of praying towards the grave, that the prohibition in this context is prayer that is directly facing the grave without any wall or cloth that becomes a barrier between a Muslim praying and the grave. Thus, if we pray in a mosque or somewhere, there is something that becomes a barrier between us and the grave so that we do not directly face the grave, then it is permissible, our prayers are valid.
Speaking in Prayer (Salat)
In Islam, prayer is one of the moments when a servant is chatting with Allah. That is why there are several rules regarding it, both in terms of Islamic law or Islamic ethics. That is why a Muslim must always concentrate (khushu) while he is praying.
But concentration (khushu) in prayer is not an easy task. There are many things that have the potential to disturb a Muslim who is praying. The result is that he cannot concentrate while he is praying. One of the things that can disturb a Muslim’s concentration in prayer is talking.
In general, speaking in prayer is something that is strictly prohibited. In fact, it can spoil prayer. But there are some things that we should know about that, that as long as the speech or voice does not resemble normal speech, it is permissible to do so and the prayer is not damaged. One example is coughing. Coughing does not spoil prayer!
Giving Signal in Prayer (Salat)
One of the things that can distract a Muslim who is praying is other people. One example is when you are praying and other people come to your house. He asked permission to enter. Only you are at home.
In such conditions, you may tell the guest that you are praying so that he or she will wait. But how?
Of course, you must not cancel the prayer that you are doing. Nor should you tell your guests that you are praying. Why is that? The answer is because it can spoil your prayers.
If we read the literacy of Islamic law about it, then we will find an explanation that if there are guests who come to our house while we are praying and no one else is in the house apart from that, then we can give a signal to the guest that we are praying. prayer, so that he waited.
But there is a difference about that. If we are Muslim women then we have to clap our hands. It can be done up to three times and there should be some time lag between one pat and another. If we are Muslim men, we must read the Tasbih in a voice that the guest can hear. That’s the way!
Crying in Prayer (Salat)
Crying is something that is natural. Everyone has cried. Usually, they cry because they are sad or happy.
The problem is whether crying can spoil prayer? For example, if we are praying, then we cry. Maybe it’s because we understand what we read and what we do when we are praying or because of other things.
There is much discussion about crying in prayer. The majority of Islamic jurists are of the opinion that crying in prayer does not spoil prayer with several conditions:
One: that when someone cries, he must not say two letters other than the letters that are usually spoken in prayer.
Two: if someone cries in prayer out of fear of Allah and cries silently, then that does not break the prayer.
Holding Small Cough is Prayer (Salat)
Clearing your throat is holding back your cough so that someone doesn’t hear you clearly. I think everyone has done that. The question is whether it can be done in prayer.
In Islamic legal literacy there is an explanation of clearing your throat in prayer. In the hadith there is also an explanation about it, that the Prophet Muhammad never cleared his throat when he was praying. The point is that he is doing it to tell someone that he is praying. In other words, clearing your throat is a way of telling someone that you are praying.
One thing I want to make clear here is that although clearing your throat can be used as much as a signal to tell someone that we are praying, reading Tasbih is more important than clearing your throat. In other words, clearing your throat does not break prayers.
Tricks for Nothing to Pass in front of People Who Is Praying (Salat)
We already know that prayers must be done with full concentration and walking in front of the person who is praying is a sin. Thus, if we are going to pray, then we have to do something so that no one walks in front of us. But how?
Actually, there are several ways we can do so that no one walks in front of us while we are praying. Some examples are as follows:
One: we must have a good place so that no one walks in front of us when we are praying, such as a room specifically for prayer, a mosque, and so on.
Two: if we cannot pray in a room specifically for prayer, or if we are forced to pray in a public room, then we must put a sign that we are praying. The function of this sign is to inform others that we are praying, and so that no one walks in front of us.
Prohibition in Prayer (Salat)
I have already explained that prayer is a moment when a servant is praying with Allah. For this reason, there are a number of obligations that must be done before and during prayer, there are a number of suggestions that can be done before and during prayer, and there are some prohibitions that should not be done before and during prayer.
Now I will explain a little about the prohibitions during prayer. In fact, we can understand these as things that can spoil prayer. Some examples are doing many movements other than movements in prayer, farting, peeing, talking, and so on.
In other words, if we observe the restrictions in prayer, our prayers will be damaged. As Muslims we must understand that.
Eating First or Praying (Salat) First?
We already know that prayers must be performed with full concentration. That’s why we have to anticipate things that can disturb our concentration while we pray.
Sometimes a Muslim is in a very confusing state. On the one hand he wants to perform the obligatory prayers. On the other hand, he wants to eat. If we are in that condition, what should we do? What should we choose: eat first or pray first?
One keyword that we must understand is that prayer must be done with full concentration. All attention should be on Allah. So, if we have to anticipate all the things that can disturb this concentration.
The desire to eat is one of the things that can disturb a Muslim’s concentration when he is praying. Thus, he must get rid of that desire. Of course, one of the best ways to get rid of the desire to eat which can interfere with prayer concentration is to eat. So, if we have two choices between eating first or praying first, then all we have to do is eat first.
Of course, there is one important thing that we must understand about that: that we may choose to eat first instead of praying first if there is enough time after eating to perform the prayers. If there is not enough time, then we have to pray first.
Heart Busy with Other Affairs in Prayer (Salat): Does It Damage Prayer (Salat)?
I have explained several times, that a Muslim who is praying must concentrate. What is meant by concentration in prayer is that his heart must be fixed on Allah. Only to Allah. Not to other than Allah.
Of course, concentrating your heart only on Allah is something difficult. Not all Muslims are able to do that. Sometimes, or maybe even often, a Muslim’s heart is focused on other than Allah when he is praying. The question is, can a heart that is not fixed on Allah damage prayer?
In Islamic legal literacy there is a specific explanation for that. There is one thing that we must know before we know the answer to the above question, that prayer will be damaged if a Muslim fart, defecates, pees, talks a lot, does many movements other than the movements in prayer, and intends to destroy the prayer. The obligation to concentrate in prayer is so that our prayers are more perfect. So, even though our hearts are not set on Allah, it does not spoil prayer. Of course, that is with a note, that we do not do things that spoil prayer.
Retaining Urination or Defecation in Prayer (Salat)
Previously, I explained that urinating and defecating could destroy prayer. But sometimes someone feels they have to do that all the time. The problem is when a Muslim prays, suddenly he wants to defecate or pee. Of course, he must resist the urge to urinate and defecate. The question is whether it can be done?
In Islamic legal literacy there is a discussion about it, about holding back urine or defecating when a Muslim is praying. What we need to note is that if a Muslim does not urinate or defecate while he is praying, his prayer is not damaged.
But the discussion about holding back pee or defecating when praying is not only related to prayers that are damaged or not. It also relates to concentration in prayer. Of course, concentration in prayer will be disturbed by the desire to defecate or urinate.
So, a Muslim who is going to pray is highly recommended to urinate or defecate first so that there is no desire to urinate or defecate while he is praying.
Yawning in Prayer (Salat)
Yawning is one of the normal things that a person does. Maybe because he was sleepy or because he was tired from thinking. Muslims too. But the question is, is it permissible for a Muslim to yawn while he is praying? Does that break the the prayer?
In Islamic legal literacy there is an explanation of yawning when someone is praying. One thing we must understand is that yawning is not one of the things that destroy prayer. That’s why a Muslim is allowed to yawn while he is praying.
But it must be noted, that when a Muslim wants to yawn while he is praying, he must cover his mouth. This is about ethics that we must pay attention to when we are praying.
Readers all! Those are 48 important things about prayer (salat) in Islam that we must understand. Do you guys understand? If you have any questions, please ask!
I think that’s all for this article. May be useful! Amen!
See you again in the next article!
