Taraweeh – 20 Rakah or 8 Rakah?

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Taraweeh – 20 Rak’ah or 8 Rak’ah?

By Ebrahim Saifuddin

 

With the commencement of Ramadan, the time to argue over matters established by the pious predecessors has arrived once again. The topic of argument is whether taraweeh consists of 20 or 8 rak’ah. Scholars have written myriad of books on this topic with overwhelming evidence, yet our ghair muqallideen brothers and sisters try to insist that it is 8 rak’ah.

It is important to first understand what taraweeh is. This is the prayer which comprises of 20 rak’ah and is offered in sets of 2 rak’ah in Ramadan, after ‘isha salah and before witr. This salah is offered in congregation.

Maulana Jameel Ahmed Sakrodhwi, in “Ashraful Hidayah sharh Al-Hidayah” v.2 p.202, explains:

“Taraweeh is Sunnah Mu’akkadah for both men and women and this is the correct opinion. Imam Abu Hanifa is also of the opinion that taraweeh is Sunnah Mu’akkadah.”

Are Videogames Permissible in Islam?

Are Videogames Permissible in Islam?

by Ebrahim Saifuddin

With new technologies came video game consoles like Microsoft Xbox, Sony Play Station and Nintendo Wii. When Sony PS3 was launched in Japan on November 11, 2006, 81,639 (Media Create) systems were sold within 24 hours. On August 3, 2009, a report quoting Sony’s earning figures stated Sony had sold 24 million units globally (AfterDawn) since the launch of the product.

Today, one can buy a PS3 80GB edition for about $400. Despite its price, many children as well as adults own either of the most famous video game consoles. Muslims now face a question whether the video games available to play on these consoles are halal or haram. As a Muslim, this question must be asked because we are to assess the permissibility of some thing before we can sell, purchase and utilize it.

Generally video games are without a doubt haram. There are many aspects to this issue which lead to it being forbidden.

Evidence for Difference in Salah of Women

Evidence for Difference in Salah between Men and Women

by Ebrahim Saifuddin

Some people live in a delusion that rulings of difference in some positions of Salah between men and women are based on no evidence. They think that hundreds of years of scholarship was based on something that does not exist. How more misguided can they be. They wish not to study books of fiqh but yet wish to make such derisory statements. However, we will just move on to the basics to satisfy their ludicrous needs.

Evidence

Below are some of the ahadith that prove the difference in the way women are to offer Salah. They are taken from two books, “The way the Noble Messenger Offered His Prayer” by Mufti Jamil Ahmed Naziri and “The Salah of Women” published by Madrasah Arabiyyah Islamiyyah (Azaadville).

How to Perform Salah (For Women)

How to Perform Salah (For Women)

Compiled by Ebrahim Saifuddin

The following is the complete method of performing a 2 Raka’at Salah. Read the “Note” at the end to know how to pray a 3 or 4 Raka’a Salah.

1. Stand upright facing the Qibla
2. Make the intention “I intend to perform the Fajr prayer (say the name of the Salah), with 2 Rakaat Fardh (say the number of Rakaats of any prayer – Sunnah or Fardh), for the sake of Allah, I am facing the Holy Kaaba.” Intention need not be said out loud. Saying it in the heart is sufficient.
3. Raise hands to the shoulders with palms facing the Qibla say “Allahu Akbar”. The hands should be within the cloth sheet. They should not be brought out.
   
   

How to Perform Salah (For Men)

How to Perform Salah (For Men)

Compiled by Ebrahim Saifuddin

The following is the complete method of performing a 2 Raka’at Salah. Read the “Note” at the end to know how to pray a 3 or 4 Raka’a Salah.

1. Stand upright facing the Qibla
2. Make the intention “I intend to perform the Fajr prayer (say the name of the Salah), with 2 Rakaat Fardh (say the number of Rakaats of any prayer – Sunnah or Fardh), for the sake of Allah, I am facing the Holy Kaaba.” Intention need not be said out loud. Saying it in the heart is sufficient.
3. Raise hands to the ears with palms facing the Qibla say “Allahu Akbar”