The fact is that even the Sunni books record that the Prophet (S.

The fact is that even the Sunni books record that the Prophet (S.A.W) some times prayed 'Asr soon after Dhuhr and 'Isha soon after Maghrib, in order to give his Ummah some latitude in this mater. However, it is more rewarding to pray each prayer in its fadhilat time. For description of Fadhilat times, read "Elements of Islamic Studies". Q. 66: PERFUME IN PRAYER Can we use perfumes in prayers? If i put perfume and then go to the mosque, am I allowed to pray with it? A: Yes.

Using perfume for prayers is highly recommended and brings more reward. Q. 67: THE FIRST MOSQUE BUILT: Which was the first mosque built by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W)? A: The mosque of Quba, a few kilometres outside Medina, where the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) had stayed for more than 14 days waiting for 'Ali (A.S) and Ahlul Bayt. He built there the mosque which is extolled in the Qur'an as the "mosque founded on piety (taqwa) from the very first day". (Qur'an, 9:108). Q.

68: RECITING SHAHADATAIN IN FUNERAL PROCESSION: In this part of the world when the Muslims carry a dead-body for burial, they loudly recite the Shahadatayn. Some people say that it is not allowed because it is an innovation. What is the truth? A: It is true that it is an innovation. But it is wrong to say that every thing started after the Prophet (S.A.W) is unlawful.

One should see whether a particular "innovation" is good or bad; whether it conforms to the demands and nature of Islam or not, and then should decide accordingly. In this case, Reciting La Ilaha Illallah, Muhammadun Rasulullah, is not bad at any time. Why should it be considered unlawful in a funeral procession? Q. 69: WHEN AND BY WHOM WAS THE SYSTEM OF WASHING THE FEET IN WUDHU INTRODUCED? At what stage of Islamic history and by whom, the form of Wudhu (especially washing the feet) was changed?

A: It appears from some Sunni writings that it was changed by 'Umar. The famous Sunni scholar, Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlavi (the father of Shah 'Abdul 'Aziz Muhaddith Dehlavi) has written in Izalatul 'l-Khifa' (vol.2, p. 84): There are many masa'il concerning which conflicting traditions have been narrated, and Hazrat ('Umar) Farooq found practical adjustment (for them),and the mujtahids follow the same practice, like................

the mas 'alah of washing the feet (in Wudhu) and the mas 'alah of mut'ah." The Sunni traditions mention the names of some of the companions and tabi'in who did not follow the system prescribed by 'Umar.