The Prescribed Prayer: Chapter Two (cont.)


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SALAATUD DUHAA (THE EARLY MORNING PRAYER)

Duhaa is the early morning prayer. It is a Sunnah that the Prophet used to observe irregularly, thus, there is no harm if one fails to offer it, but one is rewarded for offering it as there are several Ahaadeeth emphasizing the merits of this prayer.

Its time begins when the sun rises to about seven feet and lasts till noon. However, it is preferred to delay it to mid-morning. In Hadeeth by Zaid bin Arqam the Prophet said:

"Awwaabeen, those who return to Allah, pray when the sun of Duhaa burns." (Muslim)

The minimum raka'aats reported in Salaatud Duhaa is two, the maximum is twelve.

SUJUUDUSH SHUKAR (PROSTRATION OF GRATITUDE)

It is Sunnah that one makes a prostration of gratitude to Allahu ta'aala whenever one receives good news or grace from Allah, or whenever Allahu ta'aala averts from one an affliction. It has been related in Musnad, the collection of Hadeeth by Imaam Ahmad, that the Prophet used to prostrate to Allah whenever he received good news as a sign of gratitude to the Creator.

SALAATUL HAAJAH (PRAYER FOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A BUSINESS)

This is a special prayer one offers to seek Allah's help for the accomplishment of a desired business. Abudardaa related the Prophet said:

"Whoever performs Wuduu and perfects it and offers two raka'aats of (Sunnah) and perfects them, Allahu ta'aala will grant his request, whether the request is urgent now or in the future."

SALAATUT TAUBAH (PRAYER FOR REPENTENCE)

Salaatut Taubah is a special prayer one offers to ask Allah to forgive one's sins. In Hadeeth, related by Abudardaa, the Prophet said:

"Whoever makes Wuduu and perfects it and offers two or four raka'aats of Fard or Sunnah and perfects them, especially in their ruk'uu'u and sujuud, then asks Allah's forgiveness, Allah will forgive him." (Tabraanee)

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