Page 421 - Learning from the Qur'an

NOT TO APPROACH THE PRAYER WHEN
DRUNK OR IN A STATE OF MAJOR IMPURITY
You who believe! Do not approach the prayer when you are drunk,
so that you will know what you are saying, nor in a state of major
impurity—unless you are traveling—until you have washed
yourselves completely. If you are ill or on a journey, or any of you
have come from the lavatory or touched women, and you cannot
find any water, then take for yourselves clean earth, wiping your
faces and your hands therewith. Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever-
Forgiving. (Qur'an, 4:43)

TO SHORTEN THE PRAYERS DURING WAR
AND REMEMBER ALLAH AFTERWARDS
When you are travelling in the land, there is nothing wrong in
your shortening your prayer if you fear that those who do not
believe may harass you. The unbelievers are your clear-cut
enemies. When you are with them and leading them in prayer, a
group of them should stand with you, keeping hold of their
weapons. When they prostrate, the others should guard your
backs. Then the other group who have not yet prayed should come
and pray with you. They too should be careful and keep hold of
their weapons. Those who do not believe would like you to be
negligent of your arms and equipment so that they can swoop
down on you once and for all. There is nothing wrong, if you are
bothered by rain or you are ill, in laying your weapons down; but
take every precaution. Allah has prepared a humiliating
punishment for the unbelievers. When you have finished prayer
remember Allah standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When
you are safe again perform prayer in the normal way. The prayer
is prescribed for the believers at specific times. (Qur'an, 4:101-103)

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