SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT… When performing Ghusl...

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT… When performing Ghusl, one must ensure that no parts are left dry and the whole body is washed thoroughly. However, it is not necessary to run water inside the ears or eyes! Sometimes it happens that while washing one part of the body, water may run onto parts that have already been washed e.g. when washing the left side, water will run onto the already washed right side. There is no problem in that matter.

While performing Ghusl, it is only necessary that the three major steps be followed. However, within the steps it is not necessary that the Ghusl be performed from the top of the body to the bottom (neck to legs), one can wash the body in any manner as long as water reaches all parts of the body required. All the Ghusl have the same sequence, it is only the niyyah that changes. The water used for Ghusl must be Mubah (Pure) and should not be Ghasbi (unlawfully acquired).

If it is not so, then the Ghusl will automatically become null and void. Think and Answer How should one perform Ghusle-Jum'uah? What did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) recommend to Imam Ali (a.s.) concerning this Ghusl? How should one prepare to attend Salatul Jum'uah? Quote any hadith you know of regarding your answers. LESSON 21 : HOW SHOULD WE PRAY? Salaat (Prayer) is one of the most profound acts of worship. It is the strongest pillar of Islam and the best of all acts of worship.

In order to gain closeness to Allah (S.W.T.), one of the pre-requisites is that one must have a pure heart so as to be able beseech Him in prayer and open one's heart to Him sincerely. The Holy (s.a.w.w.) advised all Muslims, "Praying is like getting rid of all the dirt and becoming clean and pure. For every prayer, one has to cleanse oneself with water to be able to pray.

If a person purifies himself five times in a day, is it possible for him to remain dirty and impure?" It is obligatory for every Muslim to pray five times a day, in this regard, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) has stressed: "ONE WHO IS NIGGARDLY OF PRAYERS, WILL BE AWAY FROM ME (on the Day of Judgement)." The practical actions and Adaab (etiquettes) of prayer are very important and we must be careful to perform them properly.

Before we describe the details of these adaab, we must know that all the acts must be performed step by step, one after the other. This is called Tartib. METHOD OF PRAYER (We will use the four-rakaat (unit) Dhohr prayers for our example.) 1.