Salaat - The gift of Meraj

 Salaat is such a magnificent article of Islam that the Holy Quran orders it at 90 places.  Salaat has been ordained for all Muslims.  It is only the specialty of the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said that Islam is based on 5 things.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) likened Islam to such a tent which is on 5 pillars.  If the central pillar falls, the whole structure will fall down.  If any pillar from the sides falls, the tent is weakened.  Faith (Iman) is the central pillar and Salaat, fasting, Zakaat and Hajj are the supporting pillars.

 

These are the words of Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi, Professor, Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia and Founder-Director Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center, in the weekly lecture at Masjid Abul Hasanaat, Jahanuma, which is organized by AHIRC.

 

The revered Mufti also said that Salaat is Obligatory on every adult and sane Muslim man, woman, regardless of whether he/she is rich or poor, is in the native land or a traveler.  Salaat was obligated in the journey of Meraj and it has been declared the ascension (Meraj) of the believers.  He said that there are countless favors of Almighty Allah on us.  We should always worship Almighty Allah.

 

The revered Mufti quoted a Hadith from Sahih Muslim that the person who performs ablution (Wudhu) nicely and comes to the mosque for offering Salaat, then in lieu of every step, one (spiritual) station is raised, one sin is forgiven.  After entering the mosque, as long as he offers Salaat, the angels supplicate for him thus:  O Allah!  Have mercy on him.  O Allah!  Forgive his sins and accept his repentance.  They keep praying for him as long as he doesn’t hurt any one and his ablution isn’t invalidated.

 

The revered Mufti quoted another Hadith from Sahih Bukhari:  It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  What do you say about the person who has a stream at his door and he bathes in that stream 5 times a day.  Will there be any filth/dirt on his body?  The Companions said:  No.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: This is the illustration of the 5 daily Salaat.  Almighty Allah wipes out sins in lieu of these 5 Salaat.

 

The revered Mufti further unraveled the meanings of this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used the word, “stream” in stead of the word, “well.”  This is because some effort has to be expended in drawing water from the well whereas in a stream clean water can be obtained without any effort. 

 

The revered Mufti said that we should ourselves become punctual and regular in offering Salaat.  Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran:  Surah Taha-132

 

Many people are busy right at the time of Salaat and consequently don’t offer it.  For this reason, Almighty Allah has mentioned sustenance (Rizq) right after Salaat to make it clear that by offering Salaat not only is an Islamic obligation being fulfilled but the doors of prosperity are also opened.  Thus, workers, businessmen, etc. should offer Salaat with complete devotion and sincerity.

 

        The session ended with Salaam and Dua.  Hafidh Syed Wahid Ali ‘Qadri, Teacher, Jamia Nizamia, led the proceedings.