595. Saying “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” After Qur’aan Recitation

By Asma bint Shameem 

If someone says “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” every time he ends the recitation of the Qur’aan or if someone believes that’s PART of the etiquette of reciting the Qur’aan, or part of the Sunnah, then that’s BID’AH. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam DID NOT say “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” every time he finished reciting the Qur’aan. 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not do it NOR did he teach his Sahaabah to say it. 

It’s NOT from the Sunnah to say it each time you recite the Qur’aan. 

Yes  “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” is a TRUE statement. 

DEFINITELY whatever Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says is absolutely 100% TRUE. 

There can NOT be ANY DOUBT about that. 

However, to think this is a phrase  you’re ‘supposed’ to say at the end of recitation of the Qur’aan every time you read it, or to think there’s special reward to say or or to think that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to say it, is WRONG. 

*PROOF:*

Whenever the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam himself read the Qur’aan or when he asked some of the Sahaabah to read the Qur’aan for him so he could listen to their recitation, he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did NOT tell the Sahaabah at the end to say “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” after they were  done.  

*For example:*

The Prophet once listened to Ibn Mas’ud radhi Allaahu anhu reading Surah Al-Nisaa’. 

Upon reaching the Aayah which reads: 

“How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people? ” 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said to him:

”That is enough”. 

Ibn Mas’ud said: 

“When I turned to him, I saw his eyes shedding tears.” 

(al-Bukhaari)

That’s it. 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam *cried*. 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said *“That’s enough”.*

Be he did NOT tell Ibn Mas’ud radhi Allaahu anhu to say “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” at the end. 

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“I do not know of any basis for the people’s habit of saying “Sadaqa Allaahu al-‘Adheem” when they finish reading Qur’aan, so it should NOT be taken as a habit. 

Indeed, according to the principles of sharee’ah it is more like BID’AH, if anyone believes that it is Sunnah. 

So this should NOT be done and should not be taken as a habit.”

(Kitaab Majmoo’ Fataawa Wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah Li Samaahat- Vol. 9, P. 342)

And Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“Many people have the habit of ending a recitation from the Qur’aan with the words Sadaqa Allaahu al-Adheem (Almighty Allaah has spoken the truth), but this has NO BASIS in Islaam because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not do it, nor was it the custom of the Sahaabah radhi Allaahu anhum , and it was unknown among the Taabieen (the generation after the Sahaabah). 

This custom arose in later times because some reciters would say these words, and people liked this. 

But this should be rejected, because if this was really something good, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, the Sahaabah and the Taabieen the salaf or first and best generations of the ummah would not have neglected to do it.”

But isn’t there an Aayah in the Qur’aan where Allaah says that?

Yes Allaah says in Surah Aal Imraan:

قُلْ صَدَقَ اللَّهُ

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘Allaah has spoken the truth…’”( Surah Aal ‘Imraan 3:95)

But this Aayah is NOT telling us to say “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” every time we finish reading the Qur’aan. 

Rather Allaah is simply stating a fact that whatever He has revealed in the Qur’aan and the previous Divine Books is nothing but the Truth. 

If this Aayah meant that we should say “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” after reading the Qur’aan, then wouldn’t the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam have said it?

Wouldn’t the Sahaabah have said it?

Wouldn’t we have ANY evidence of the pious predecessors saying it?

But we DON’T. 

NOT ONE SINGLE EVIDENCE. 

So if they didn’t say it, why should we?

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“This (Aayah) is not speaking about this matter. Rather Allaah was commanding the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam to explain to the people that Allaah had spoken the Truth in all that He had said to His slaves in the Tawraat, the Injeel and all other revealed Books.  And He was speaking the truth in all that He said to His slaves in His Book the Qur’aan. But this is not evidence that it is mustahabb to say “Sadaqa Allaah al-‘Adheem” after reading the Qur’aan or after reading some aayahs or a soorah. This was not reported or known from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam or his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them).”

(Kitaab Majmoo’ Fataawa Wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah Li Samaahat- Vol. 9, P. 342)

So I can never say this?

Yes, you may say it when you come across a certain Aayah or a certain situation that ‘hits home’, and you witness the truth of Allaah’s Words; spontaneously you want to say...

“Subhaan Allaah how true!  

“Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem!”

In such *random, occasional* cases, it is allowed to say  “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem”

And notice that this can be said ANY time during recitation, whenever you come across an Aayah like that...in the beginning or the middle or the end. 

It does NOT have to be *‘at the END’* of the recitation. 

*Or it may even be said when NOT reciting the Qur’aan*. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“If a person says “Sadaq Allaah al-Adheem” on certain occasions, such as when something He has foretold comes to pass, affirming the truth of what He has said, then this is permissible, because something similar has been reported in the Sunnah. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam was giving a speech, and al-Hasan and al-Husayn came along, so he came down from the minbar, picked them up and put them in from of him, then he said: 

Indeed Allaah has spoken the truth: Your wealth and your children are only a trial (al-Taghaabun 64:15)”

(Izaalat Al-Sitaar ‘An Al-Jawaab Al-Mukhtaar 79-80)

What is preferred to be said after reading the Qur’aan?

It is preferred, on finishing the recitation of the Quraan to say:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أشهد أن لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ

"SunhaanakaLlaahumma wabihamdik ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illaa anta astaghfiruka wa atuubu ilayk".

*Proof:*

Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa mentioned that:

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam was never in a sitting, never recited the Qur’aan, nor did he ever offer a prayer, except that he ended them all with certain words.

She added that:

 So i said to him, O Messenger of Allaah, I noticed that you never are in a sitting, nor do you ever recite the quraan, nor observe a Salaah, except that you end it off with these words ?

Yes, he replied. 

“Whoever has said good (words) would have them placed as a seal over the good he has done and whoever has said evil (words) would have them used as an expiation for the evil he uttered.

(They are)

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أشهد أن لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ

Subhaanakallaahumma wabihamdik ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illaa anta astaghfiruka wa atuubu ilayk.”

[Silsilatu Saheehah"  (495/7)]

May Allaah enable us to TRULY understand the Sunnah of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam and follow it to the best of our ability. Ameen.

And Allaah knows best

594. Is There Any Proof Of Reading Two Rak’aat For “Haajah” Or “Haajat Kay Nafl”, When We’re In Need Of Something?

By Asma bint Shameem 

There’s *NO AUTHENTIC PROOF* of reading Salaatul Haajah from the authentic Sunnah. 

The ahaadeeth concerning Salaatul Haajah are very WEAK. And some are even fabricated. 

A *weak* hadeeth means that it’s *highly doubtful* that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam ever said that or did that or approved of that. 

And a *fabricated* hadeeth is simply a *lie* on the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam 

It’s FAKE. 

MADE UP. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam went through some VERY TOUGH TIMES and NEEDS in his lifetime. 

He faced great challenges. 

Yet, despite those challenges and needs, he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam NEVER prayed Salaatul Haajah for ANY of his issues. 

And neither did the Sahaabah. 

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

"The so-called Salaat al-Haajah was narrated in DA’EEF (weak) or MUNKAR (denounced) ahaadeeth – as far as we know – which can NOT  be used as proof and which are NOT FIT to base acts of worship on."

(Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 8/162)

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“Salaatul Haajah has no authentic evidence from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.”

Shaykh Al-Albaani said:

“In its chain of narration is a majhool (an unknown person).”

Shaykh ibn Baaz said:

“I do not know a single hadeeth  which is depended upon for (the authenticity) of Salaatul Haajah.”

Shaykh Abu Abdillah Khaalid Dahawi Adh-Dhufayri said:

“There has preceded from myself a warning regarding Salaatul Haajah which is called to from time to time. 

And currently it is being called for to combat this epidemic (Coronavirus), Allaah give us and you wellbeing. 

This prayer is *not authentic at all* and it is from the newly invented affairs and innovations. 

Innovations are in *opposition* to the command of Allaah, the Most High, and they are a cause for an *increase* in calamities; NOT an aid or a means to remove them.”

So it’s proven that this prayer is not from the Sunnah and it is an innovation in the religion.

And there’s *NO need* to pray two separate rak’aat just to have our needs fulfilled. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam never read any such prayer. 

So why should “we”?

AUTHENTIC ALTERNATIVE

So the next time, if you’re in need of something and want to ask Allaah, simply spread out your hands and ASK. 

Ask Him in times and places where duaa is more likely to be accepted.

For example

-in your five daily prayers, ESPECIALLY in the position of Sajdah, DURING your Salaah WHILE you’re praying. 

-Or make duaa while sitting in the tashahhud after sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam, but before the Salaam 

-Also make duaa in between adhaan and iqaamah.

-Or in the middle of the night in tahajjud. 

-Or when it rains. 

-Or when breaking your fast. 

-Or in the last hour of Friday 

And in many other situations when it’s proven from the authentic Sunnah that duaa is more likely to be accepted.

And Allaah knows best

593. How To Make Wudhu?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala tell us in the Qur’aan how to make wudhu. 

He said:

“O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salaat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles”

[Surah al-Maa’idah 5:6].

The Pillars (Fardh) of wudhu 

Based on the above Aayah, there are SIX essential parts (“pillars”) or Fardh of wudhu. 

If any of these steps is missing, the wudhu is NOT VALID. 

1. Washing the face, of which the mouth and nose are part.

2. Washing the arms up to the elbows.

3. Wiping the head.

4. Washing the feet up to the ankles.

5. Washing these parts of the body *in the proper order*.

6. Doing these actions consecutively (that is, washing one after the other, with no lengthy lapse of time in between).

(ar-Rawd al-Murbi‘ ma‘a Haashiyat Ibn Qaasim (1/181-188).

Some of the scholars are of the opinion that saying “Bismillaah” is fardh. 

But the *stronger* scholarly opinion is that it’s Sunnah. 

The Sunnahs of wudhu:

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan said:

The sunnahs of wudhu are as follows:

1. Using siwaak, which is to be done when rinsing the mouth, so that by means of the siwak and rinsing the mouth, the mouth will be cleansed for worship and be prepared for recitation of Qur’aan and conversing with Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.

2. Washing the hands three times when starting wudoo’, before washing the face, because of the hadiths which speak of that, and because the hands are the tools used to transport water to the other parts of the body, so washing them is prudent action before proceeding with wudoo’.

3. Starting by rinsing the mouth and nose before washing the face, because starting with them is mentioned in the hadiths; and one should do them thoroughly when not fasting.

What is meant by washing the mouth thoroughly is circulating water to all parts of the mouth, and when rinsing the nose it means taking up water to the deepest part of the nose.

4. In the case of a thick beard, ensuring that water reaches throughout; and making sure that water gets in between the fingers and toes.

5. Starting on the right in the case of the hands/arms and feet, before the left.

6. Washing more than once, up to three times, when washing the face, hands/arms and feet.

[al-Mulakhkhas al-Fiqhi (1/44-45)]

Wiping the ears is also considered a Sunnah according to the majority of the scholars. 

How to do wudhu according to the Sunnah

Humraan the freed slave of ‘Uthmaan radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan radhi Allaahu anhu called for water to do wudhu.He washed his hands three times, then he rinsed his mouth and nose, then he washed his face three times, then he washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then he washed his left arm likewise. Then he wiped his head, then he washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then he washed his left foot likewise. 

Then he said, “I saw the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam doing wudhu’ as I have done it, then the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Whoever does wudhu as I have done it, then prays two rak’ahs in which he focuses completely on his prayer, his previous sins will be forgiven.’” (Saheeh Muslim 331) 

So the way to perform wudhu is the following:

1. Have the intention 

Remember the intention in s in the heart and NOTHING to be said verbally.

2. Say Bismillaah 

3. Wash your hands three times from the fingertips up to the wrists 

4. Rinse your mouth three times, swirling the water around inside your mouth, and rinse your nose three times, blowing the water out and using the left hand to remove the water from your nose.

5. Wash you face three times, from the hairline to the jawbone and chin, and from ear to ear. 

A man should wash the hair of his beard because it is part of the face. 

If his beard is thin he has to wash it inside and out, and if it is thick and covers the skin, he should wash the surface of it only and run his wet fingers through it.

6. Wash your arms three times, starting at the fingertips, including the nails, up to and including the elbows. 

7. Wipe your head and ears once with fresh water, not the water left over from washing his arms. 

How to wipe the head:

Put your wet hands at the front of your head and bring them to the back of your head, then bring them back to the place where you started. 

Then put your index fingers in your ears and wipe the back of the ears with your thumbs. 

A woman should wipe her head the same way as the man, except that she doesn’t have to bring her hands back up towards the front of her head.  

8.Wash your feet three times up to the ankles, paying special attention to the heels and the ankle bones.

After doing wudhu it is recommended to say the duaas for wudhu.

Also it’s important to remove anything stuck to the skin before washing for wudhu, such as nail polish, wax, dough, mud, paint, etc, that could prevent water from reaching the skin.

What about wiping the NECK?

Wiping the neck during wudhu is *not* part of the Sunnah. 

All the ahaadeeth regarding this wiping are NOT authentic and are graded as “*da’eef*” according to the the scholars of hadeeth. 

Ibn Taymiyah said: 

“There is no saheeh report from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam which says that he wiped his neck during wudhu;

rather no such thing has been narrated from him in any saheeh hadeeth. 

Rather the saheeh ahaadeeth which describe the wudhu of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

do NOT mention that he wiped his neck. 

Hence the majority of scholars, such as Maalik, al-Shaafa’i and Ahmed did not regard that as mustahabb. 

Those who say that it is mustahabb rely on a *da’eef (weak) hadeeth* which says that he wiped his head until he reached the back of his head. 

*Such reports cannot be relied on*,  and it does not contradict what is indicated by the sound ahaadeeth. 

Whoever does not wipe his neck, his wudhu is valid according to scholarly consensus.”

(Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 21/127)

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

“There is no saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam about wiping the neck at all.”

(Zaad al-Ma’aad 1/195)

 Shaykh Ibn Baaz said: 

“It is not mustahabb or prescribed in sharee’ah to wipe the neck, rather the head and the ears only are to be wiped, as is indicated by the Qur’aan and Sunnah.”

(Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 10/103)

How to make wudhu without extravagance or wasting water 

Someone asked Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin Al-Abbaad:

“How do we use the water for wudhu without extravagance if the water runs continuously?”

He said:

“Water runs from the faucet in every place. So it is upon the one making wudhu that when he opens the faucet that he does not open it with strength. 

Rather, he opens it in accordance to what suffices him. When he is making wudhu, he should not increase beyond three washes [of every limb]. So like that a person will not be an extravagant one. So he does not exceed the limit and he does not let the water flow powerfully such that a lot of water is wasted during the wudhu”. [Sharh Sunan Abu Dawood no. 98]

And Allaah knows best

592. Sneezing While Offfering Namaaz

By Asma Bint Shameem

You should say “Alhamdulillaah” even during your Salaah. 

But say it so that you say it to yourself without disturbing others. 

Proof:

Rifaa’ah ibn Raafi’ radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“I prayed behind the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and I *sneezed* and said: 

الحمد لله حمداً كثيراً طيباً مباركاً فيه ، مباركاً عليه ، كما يحب ربنا ويرضى

‘Praise be to Allaah, much good and blessed praise, as our Lord loves and is pleased with.’

When the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam had finished praying he said: 

“Who is the one who spoke during the prayer?” and no one said anything. 

Then he said it a second time, “Who is the one who spoke during the prayer?” and no one said anything. 

Then he said it a third time, 

“Who is the one who spoke during the prayer?” 

and Rifaa’ah ibn Raafi’ said: 

It was me, O Messenger of Allaah. 

He said: 

“What did you say?” He said: 

I said: 

الحمد لله حمداً كثيراً طيباً مباركاً فيه ، مباركاً عليه ، كما يحب ربنا 

ويرضى

Praise be to Allaah, much good and blessed praise, as our Lord loves and is pleased with. 

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

said: 

“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, thirty-odd angels competed to see which of them would take it up.” 

(al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood and al-Nasaa’i; hasan)

By this hadeeth we can see that if we sneeze while praying, we can say “Alhamdulillaah”. 

If it was wrong to say it, the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam would have corrected Rifaa’ah radhi Allaahu anhu. 

But he didn’t. 

In fact he praised him and asked about what he said. 

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“If a person sneezes whilst he is praying, it is prescribed for him to say al-hamdu Lillaah, may He be glorified, whether the prayer is obligatory or naafil. 

This is the view of the majority of scholars among the Sahaabah and Taabi’een, and it was also the view of Imam Maalik, al-Shaafa’i and Ahmad, but they differed as to whether he should say it silently or out loud. 

The correct view and the view of Imam Ahmad is that he should say it out loud, but only loud enough that he can hear himself, lest he distract other worshippers. 

That is indicated by the general meaning of the report narrated by Abu Hurayrah radhi Allaahu anhu, that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“If one of you sneezes, let him say ‘Al-hamdu Lillaah’…” 

The hadeeth was narrated by al-Bukhaari”

And Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“Yes, it is prescribed for him to say al-hamdu Lillah, because it is proven in the saheeh hadeeth that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam heard someone say al-hamdu Lillah after sneezing and he did not rebuke him, rather he said: 

“I saw such and such a number of angels, all of whom were hastening to write it down.” 

And because praising Allaah is akin to the phrases of prayer, and is not contrary to it.” 

[Majmoo’ Fataawaa (29/348)]

Shaikh al-Albaani said:

“The one who sneezes in the prayer can say alhamdulilah in a low voice as long as it is not the audible prayers and as long as he is not saying it in between his recitation.”

And Allaah knows best

591. Cracking Knuckles

By Asma Bint Shameem

Yes you can crack your knuckles. 

There’s no prohibition regarding that. 

And the “hadeeth” that mentions is that is *NOT authentic. 

However the scholars say that it is makrooh (disliked) to crack knuckles while you’re praying it during the Friday Khutbah. 

That’s because it is distracting and will make you lose concentration. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“Cracking the knuckles does not invalidate the prayer, but cracking the knuckles is a kind of fidgeting, and if that is during a congregational prayer, it will inevitably disturb those who hear it, and that is more bothersome than if there is no one around him.”

(Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam p. 341)

And Allaah knows best

590. Bathroom Etiquette For Muslims

By Asma bint Shameem 

Alhamdulillaah, our Deen teaches us good manners about EVERYTHING. 

And that includes even using the bathroom. 

At the time of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, one of the mushrikeen said to Salmaan al-Faarisi radhi Allaahu anhu:

“Your Prophet has taught you everything, even how to defecate!”

(Muslim)

Just goes to show the beauty and perfection of this beautiful religion. Alhamdulillaah. 

1. Say Bismillaah and the duaa to enter the bathroom 

بِسْمِ الله 

 اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ

Bismillaah,

Allaahummaa innee Aa’oodhu bika min al-khubuthi wal-khabaa’ith

“With the name of Allaah,

O Allaah! I seek Your refuge from male and female devils.”

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“These toilets are haunted (inhabited by devils), so when anyone of you goes to the toilet let him say, 

‘A’oodhu Billaahi min al-khubthi wa’l-khabaa’ith 

(I seek refuge Allaah from the male and female devils).” (Abu Dawood- saheeh by al-Albaani)

2. CONCEAL yourself. 

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to prefer to go behind a rise in the ground or a garden of date palms.”

(Muslim)

So SHUT the bathroom door when you want to relieve yourself. 

And don’t pee in front of others (like men do these days in front of each other in public bathrooms)

3. Once you’re done, use the left hand to clean yourself. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“None of you should touch his privates with his right hand whilst urinating nor should he wipe off feces with his right.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim) 

4. Use water (istinjaa) and/or toilet paper (istijmaar)

BOTH are allowed as long as the najaasah is completely removed. 

Anas radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“When I was a boy, when the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam entered the toilet I would carry a small vessel of leather filled with water, and he would clean himself with water.” (Muslim)

5. Using toilet paper to clean yourself is the SAME as when the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used stones after relieving himself and this is called istijmaar. 

When using toilet paper, make sure to use three or more odd number of times. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“When anyone of you cleans himself (istijmaar -with stones or similar material) let him use an ODD NUMBER.” (Ahmad- hasan by al-Albaani)

6. Make sure to remove ALL najaasah COMPLETELY 

That’s because one of the reasons of the punishment of the grave is not cleaning yourself properly from urine or feces. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam passed by two graves, and said: 

“They are being punished, but they are not being punished for any major sin. One of them used not to protect himself (i.e. keep himself clean from) his urine, and the other used to walk about spreading malicious gossip.” (al-Bukhaari)

7. Do not pee in the bathtub, unless there’s a place for it to drain. 

“Allaah’s Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam forbade that he should urinate in the place where he takes a bath.”  

(an-Nasaaii- saheeh)

But if the urine can be washed away, it is permissible to urinate in the shower. 

Someone asked Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen:

“Is urinating in the bathtub when having a shower included in the hadeeth that forbids urinating in the place where a person washes himself or is it not, because the water is draining out of the tub?”

The Shaykh said: 

“No, this is not included in that hadeeth, because if he urinates, he can pour water over it and the urine will be removed, but he should not start taking his shower until the urine has been removed by pouring water over it.

Usually there is another place for urinating, but if it happens that a person needs to urinate whilst he is having a shower, he should stop washing himself until he has urinated and washed away the urine.”

8. Do your business and come out. 

Don’t linger unnecessarily in the bathroom, or use your telephone or read, eat or drink, etc. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“The bathroom is a place for relieving oneself only and one should not stay there longer than is necessary. 

Eating or doing other things there requires staying there for a length of time, that is not appropriate.”

(Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 11/110)

9. Don’t talk to anyone or say salaam or reply to the salaam. 

The majority of scholars say that it is makrooh (disliked) to speak in the restroom unnecessarily.

A man passed by the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam when he was urinating, and greeted him. 

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said to him later:

“If you see me in this state, do not greet me, because if you do, I will not respond.” (Ibn Maajah- saheeh by al-Albaani)

10. Don’t say any Dhikr or Duaa out loud

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said;

“A person should not remember his Lord inside the bathroom, because this place is not appropriate for that. 

If he remembers Him in his HEART there is nothing wrong with that, but he should not utter the words out loud. 

It is better not to speak the words out loud in this place, and to wait until he has come out of it.

With regard to places for doing wudhu that are *outside* the toilets where one relieves oneself, there is nothing wrong with remembering Allaah there.”

(Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 11/109)

11. Wash your hands 

Abu Hurayrah radhi Allaahu anhu said that after cleansing himself, the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam  would rub his hand on the ground (to clean it) and then he would perform wudhu.” (at-Tirmidhi -hasan by al-Albaani) 

12. When done, exit the bathroom and say the duaa of exiting the bathroom.

Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“When the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

exited the toilet, he used to say 

غفران

Ghufraanaka 

(Your forgiveness).” 

(at-Tirmidhi -authenticated by al-Albaani)

*OTHER ISSUES*  

Can I pee standing up?

You should SIT DOWN and use the toilet. 

Don’t pee standing up unless there’s a need or reason. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam would normally sit down and relieve himself. 

That was his regular practice. 

Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“Whoever tells you that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to urinate standing up, do not believe him. 

He only ever used to urinate sitting down.” (at-Tirmidhi- saheeh by al-Albaani)

That’s the default. 

But if there’s a REASON or NEED, it’s PERMISSIBLE to pee standing up, although it’s discouraged and disliked. 

“Hudhayfah radhi Allaahu anhu said that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam went to the garden of some people and urinated standing up.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim) 

Do I need to cover my head when I use the bathroom?

There’s NO AUTHENTIC hadeeth from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam that would prove that he covered his head before going to the toilet. 

However some of the salaf did that out of modesty especially when using the toilet outdoors. 

But it’s not necessary especially nowadays when the bathrooms are indoors. 

So there’s no harm in covering or uncovering the head. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“There is nothing wrong with entering the bathroom with the head uncovered, but the fuqaha’ regarded it as mustahabb to cover the head when entering the toilet.”

(Majmoo‘ Fataawa wa Rasaa’il Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (11/68). 

And Allaah knows best

589. Where Should I Look When I’m Offering Salaah?

By Asma bint Shameem 

When we pray we should *look at the place of SAJDAH* (prostration) *throughout the Salaah* EXCEPT when we sit in *tashahhud*; then we should look at the *tip of our index finger*. That’s the opinion of the majority of the scholars. 

*PROOF:*

Our Mother Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam entered the Ka’bah and his gaze did not go beyond the site of his prostration until he came out.” 

(Ibn Hibbaan- saheeh by al-Albaani)

And:

Abd-Allaah ibn al-Zubayr said: 

“When the Messenger of Allaah sat during the prayer, he would place his left foot between his thigh and calf, and tuck his right foot underneath him, and place his left hand on his left knee, and place his right hand on his right thigh, and point with his finger.” (Muslim)

In another narration, he said:

“And he should not let his gaze go beyond his pointing (right) finger.” 

(Abu Dawood- saheeh by al-Albaani)

Abdullaah ibn Umar said:

“He (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) put his right hand on his thigh and pointed with the finger that is next to the thumb towards the qiblah, and he fixed his gaze on it.” 

Then he said: 

“This is what I saw the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam doing.” (al-Nasaa’i- saheeh by al-Albaani) 

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Proper focus and humility (khushoo’) in prayer means that (the worshipper) should fix his gaze on the place of prostration”

Our Mother Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“I asked Allaah's Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam about looking hither and thither in as-Salaah. 

He replied, "It is a way of *stealing* by which Shaytaan takes away (a portion) from the Salaah of a person." (al-Bukhaari) 

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“The Sunnah is for him to look at the place of his prostration whilst he is standing and also when bowing. 

But when he is sitting, he should look at his pointing finger when he sits for the tashahhud or between the two prostrations; he should look at his pointing finger, as is mentioned in the Sunnah from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.” 

[Majmoo‘ Fataawa Ibn Baaz (29/241)]

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“When doing rukoo’, the worshipper should also look at the place of his sujood. 

When he is reciting the tashahhud, he should look at the finger with which he is pointing. 

When he is doing sujood he should look at the ground directly beneath his eyes.”

[ Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Iftaa, 7/25)]

However if there’s a NEED or valid reason, it is permissible to look at the Imaam or at something else, while still facing the qiblah and that does not invalidate the Salaah. 

Imaam al-Bukhaari said:

"A person looks to the place of his prostration in Salaah, and if there is a NEED to glance or look away, a need related directly to the salaah, or a need to defend oneself or one's family or property, then it is permissible to do so, without turning away from the qiblah. 

And if he glances at something or someone *without need*, ie. out of forgetfulness or curiosity, and then returns his gaze back to his place of prostration, then this is not something desired however it does not nullify the person's Salaah."  

(Saheeh al-Bukhaari, kitaab al-athaan Chapter 93/94)

 Haafidh Ibn Hajr said: 

“It is possible that the origin of the one behind the Imaam is to gaze at the place of the prostration because that is desirable for Khushoo’ except if he needs to look at what the Imaam is doing to follow his example.” [Fathul-Bar (2/233)]

And Allaah knows best.

588. Are Women Included In Hadeeth “Those Who Pray Fajr Then Remember Allaah Until Sunrise"?

By Asma bint Shameem

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allaah until the sun rises, then prays two rak‘ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and ‘Umrah, complete, complete, complete.”

(at-Tirmidhi - hasan by al-Albaani)

This is Salaat ad-Duhaa and if prayed at its early time, it’s called Salaat al-Ishraaq. 

The time to pray this beautiful prayer is when the sun is about a spear’s length above the horizon (about 15 minutes after sunrise).

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“This prayer is mustahabb after the sun has risen and reached the height of a spear, that is approximately fifteen or twenty minutes after the sun rises.” 

(Fataawa ash-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 25/171)

Although the hadeeth mentions praying in congregation in the masjid, then remembering Allaah until sunrise, women who pray Fajr at home then sit and remember Allaah until sunrise will also achieve the same reward. 

*Proof*:

Juwayriyyah radhi Allaahu anhaa used to sit in her prayer area (musallaa) when she would pray the morning prayer until Salaat

adh-Dhuha. (Saheeh Muslim)

In any case, Allaah is not unfair. 

And most women pray Fajr at home and it’s not possible for them to leave the kids at home and come to the masjid. 

And of course there are other issues.

Someone asked Shaikh Ibn Baaz:

“Is the woman included for this reward if she prays in her house?”

He said:

“If a woman prays in her Musalla then after Fajr remembers Allaah by Dhikr or reading the Qur’aan until sunup then offers two Rak’ah *she gets reward mentioned in the hadeeth.*”

(Majmoo’ Fatawa vol 11)

And Shaykh Muqbil said:

“Yes she is (included in the rewards mentioned in the Hadeeth).

If a woman prays fajr in her house and sits and remembers Allaah until sunrise.” 

[Verdicts for the Muslim Woman pg. 121]

So just because the ladies can’t come to the masjid, Allaah will not deprive them of the rewards. 

As for those women who pray Fajr then get involved in the dunya affairs, kids, household chores etc, but then they pray Ishraaq, they will  get the reward of following the Sunnah of praying Salaat al-Ishraaq. 

But as for the rewards specifically mentioned in the hadeeth of a “complete Hajj and Umrah”, no one can really say and only Allaah knows about that. 

That’s because that reward mentioned in the hadeeth is associated with “remembering Allaah until sunrise”. 

But Allaah is al-Kareem. 

And His reward is vast. 

And we hope with Him always. 

And Allaah knows best