Page 129 - The Importance of the Ahl Al-Sunnah

ADNAN OKTAR

The Prerequisites of Prayer:
1. Purity from hadath: Cleansing oneself of invisible impuri-
ties by performing wudu’ or ghusl, as appropriate, or tayam-
mum (when it is impossible to perform the former two).
2. Purity from najasat: Cleansing oneself of visible impurities
on one’s body or clothing before praying.
3. Covering of satar: Covering what needs to be covered.
For men, this consists of everything between the navel and the
knee; for women, it is the whole body, excluding the hands,
face, and feet. If one-quarter of what must be covered
becomes uncovered while praying for as long as it takes one to
perform one pillar of salat, the prayer is invalid.
4. Facing the qiblah: Facing toward the Ka`bah while praying.
If the one praying turns his or her chest away from the qiblah
(approximately 45 degrees), the prayer is invalid.
5. Prescribed time: There is a specific time for each fard and
wajib prayer. Prayers must be performed within the times set
out for them. The prayer cannot be performed beforehand. It
is also a sin to leave it for later without a legitimate justifica-
tion.
6. Making the niyyah: Calling to mind the prayer to be per-
formed. The imam must intend to fulfill his role, and the con-
gregation must intend to follow the imam.

The Pillars of Prayer
1. Takbir Tahrimah: After preparing one’s intention, one says
“Allahu akbar,” raises his or her hands, and recites the takbir.
2. Qiyam: Standing while praying. If one has a valid excuse not
to stand, he or she may pray while seated.
3. Qira’at: Reciting at least three short Qur’anic verses dur-
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