76: TURNING HEAD RIGHT AND LEFT IN PRAYER: We the Shi 'as...

76: TURNING HEAD RIGHT AND LEFT IN PRAYER: We the Shi 'as don't turn our heads at the end of Salah, like the Sunnis do, when they supposedly salute the angels by saying "As-Salamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullahi wa Barakatuh" turning their heads to the right, then to the left. How did that system come into the Salah? A: In fact it is a Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W) to turn fractionally one's glance (not the head) first to the right and then to the left at the time of salaam.

But the Sunnis have exaggerated it to such an extent that they turn their faces completely to the sides. It appears from some unconfirmed reports that it was started during the first Khalifa's time. One fails to understand how this custom conforms with the 'niyyat' (intention) of praying "with my face towards holy Ka'bah". They do this niyyat and then twice turn their faces away from the Ka'bah. Does that niyyat remain valid?

Likewise, they do niyyat to fast from before dawn to after sunset; and then break their fast without making sure that the sun has really set. Does that fast remain valid? Q. 77: ON SALAAM AND TASHAHUD Some times I get into a discussion about how we the Shi'as say 'alayhi 's-salaam after mentioning 'Ali and the Imams. I know its in Sahih Bukhari from what I have read, but where is it in Shi'a books?

Fakhruddin ar-Razis Commentary on how to salute the Prophet says: "The companions came to al-Nabi (S.A. W) and said: "How do we salute you? O, Messenger of Allah (S.A. W)?

"; and he said: "Say: O Allah, venerate Muhammad and the aal of Muhammad like Thou didst venerate Ibrahim and the aal of Ibrahim: O Allah, bless Muhammad and the aal of Muhammad like Thou didst bless Ibrahim and the aal of Ibrahim in the world; surely Thou Art praised and magnified " And when you give salam on me don't just stop there implying that Ahlul Bayt (A.S) should be included.

Then a Sunni scholar said: "Why don't the Shi'a say this Tashahhud when they include Ahlul' l-Bayt (A.S) in Salawat on Muhammad Can you explain, please! A: We surely include Ahlu'l-Bayt (A.S) in the Salawat. Our prayer is based on the prayer as shown and taught to us by the Prophet and his Ahlu'l-Bayt (Peace of Allah be on him and them all). If a statement or sentence is correct it does not mean that it should be made a part of prayer.

For example, it is a fact that Muhammad (S.A.W) is the Wali of God, and His chosen and beloved friend. But what do we say in the Tashahhud?