The Immense Rewards of the Funeral Ṣalāĥ: Forgiveness, Šawāb & Devotion to Saints

The forgiveness of the devotees as well

After the death of Sayyidunā Bishr Ḥāfī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الْكَافِي, Qāsim Bin Munabbih عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الرَّافِع saw him in dream and asked, 'How did Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ treat you?' He عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ عَلَيْه replied, 'Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgave me and told me, 'O Bishr! I have forgiven you as well as all those who attended your funeral Ṣalāĥ.' I then requested, 'O Rab عَزَّوَجَلَّ, forgive even those who love me.' Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ said, 'I have forgiven all those who would love you till the Day of Judgement.'

(Tārīkh Dimashq li Ibn 'Asākir, vol. 10, pp. 225)

May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ bless them and forgive us without any accountability for their sake!

اٰمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاَمِيْن صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

A'māl na daykhāy yeĥ daykhā, ĥay mayray Walī kay dar kā gadā
Khāliq nay mujĥay yūn bakhsh diyā, سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہ سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہ

Instead of deeds, my devotion towards a Walī was acknowledged
And for this reason, my Creator pardoned me, سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہ سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہ

Dear Islamic brothers! Association with the pious saints of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ is a great privilege, mentioning them is a means of attaining mercy, their company is a blessing not only in the world but also in the Hereafter, visiting their mausoleums is a cure for the disease of sins and devotion towards them leads to success in the Hereafter. اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہ عَزَّوَجَلَّ we are the devotees of the pious saints of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and we love the perfect Walī, Sayyidunā Bishr Ḥāfī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الكَافِي. Yā Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! Forgive us for their sake!

اٰمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاَمِيْن صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

Bishr Ḥāfī say ĥamayn tu piyār ĥay
apnā bayṛā pār ĥay إِنْ شَاۤءَ اللّٰه

As we have affection for Bishr Ḥāfī
we will be successful in the Hereafter إِنْ شَاۤءَ اللّٰه

A shroud thief

A shroud thief participated in the funeral Ṣalāĥ of a woman and noted the whereabouts of her grave in the graveyard. At night, he dug the grave with the intention of stealing the shroud. All of a sudden, the blessed woman spoke, 'اِصْبَحَ الله عَزَّوَجَلَّ! A Maghfūr (pardoned) person is stealing the shroud of a Maghfūraĥ woman! Listen, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has forgiven me and all those who offered my funeral Ṣalāĥ and you are also among the pardoned ones.' Listening to this, he immediately closed the grave and repented sincerely.

(Shu'ab-ul-Īmān, vol. 7, pp. 8, Hadīš 9261)

May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ bless them and forgive us without any accountability for their sake!

اٰمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاَمِيْن صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Forgiveness of the funeral participants

Dear Islamic brothers! Did you notice how beneficial the participation in the funeral Ṣalāĥ of the pious people is! Whenever we get a chance to get such a chance, we should participate even better, making effort to get such a chance. Our participation in the funeral of a pious person may bring about our forgiveness in the Hereafter. How immense is Allah's mercy! He عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgives not only the deceased one but also the attendees of his funeral! Therefore, Sayyidunā 'Abdullāĥ Bin 'Abbās رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُمَا reports that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'The very first reward given to the true believer on his death is that all the participants of his funeral Ṣalāĥ are forgiven.'

(Attargḥīb Wattarĥīb, vol. 4, pp. 178, Ḥadīš 13)

First gift in the grave

Someone asked the Prophet of Raḥmaĥ, the Intercessor of Ummaĥ, the Owner of Jannaĥ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, 'What is the very first gift that is awarded to a true believer when he enters his grave?' The Merciful Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم answered, 'All the participants of his funeral Ṣalāĥ are forgiven.'

(Shu'ab-ul-Īmān, vol. 7, pp. 8, Ḥadīš 9257)

The funeral of a heavenly person

The Greatest and Holiest Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'When a Heavenly person passes away, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ feels shy (befitting His status) in punishing those who carried the bier of that person and those who followed the funeral procession and those who offered his funeral Ṣalāĥ.'

(Al-Firdaus bimā Šaur-al-Khaṭṭāb, vol. 1, pp. 282)

Šawāb of accompanying the funeral

Sayyidunā Dāwūd عَلٰی نَبِيِّنَا وَعَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام humbly asked Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, 'Yā Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! What is the Šawāb of accompanying the funeral merely for Your pleasure?' Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ replied, 'The day when he dies, the angels will accompany his funeral procession and I will forgive him.'

(Sharḥ-uṣ-Ṣudūr, pp. 97)

Šawāb equivalent to mount Uḥud

Sayyidunā Abū Ĥuraīraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْه reports that the Prophet of Raḥmaĥ, the Intercessor of the Ummaĥ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'The one who left home to accompany a funeral (considering it as a duty of believers and with the intention to earn Šawāb), offered the funeral Ṣalāĥ and accompanied the funeral till its burial, Šawāb of two Qīrāṭ is written for him. Each Qīrāṭ is equivalent to the mount Uḥud. There is one Qīrāṭ Šawāb for the person who returns after the funeral Ṣalāĥ (without participation in the burial).'

(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 472, Ḥadīš 945)

The funeral Ṣalāĥ has admonition

Sayyidunā Abū Żar Ghifārī رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْه narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said to me, 'Visit the graves, it will remind you of the Hereafter and bathe the deceased as touching the mortal body (dead body) is a great lesson and offer the funeral Ṣalāĥ so that it makes you sorrowful, for a sorrowful person is under the shadow of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and does pious deeds.'

(Al-Mustadrak lil-Ḥākim, vol. 1, pp. 711, Ḥadīš 1435)

Excellence of giving ritual bath to the corpse

Sayyidunā 'Alī-ul-Murtaḍā كَرَّمَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيْم reported that the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'The one who gives ritual bath to a deceased person, shrouds him, applies fragrance, lifts the bier, offers the Ṣalāĥ and hides the unpleasant thing that appears, he will be as cleansed of his sins as the day his mother gave birth to him.'

(Sunan Ibn Mājaĥ, vol. 2, pp. 201, Ḥadīš 1462)

Shari Hilah for Zakah, the Definitions of Faqir and Miskin, and Funeral Ṣalah

Cow's Meat as a Gift

The mother of the believers, Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā 'Āishaĥ Ṣiddīqaĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا reports that once some cow-meat was presented in the court of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Someone told the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم that the meat was donated to Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Barīraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا, as Ṣadaqaĥ (charity). Sultan of Madīnaĥ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, "هُوَ لَهَا صَدَقَةٌ وَلَنَا هَدِيَّةٌ (i.e. it was Ṣadaqaĥ for Barīraĥ but a gift for us)."

(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 541, Ḥadīš 1075)

Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ for Zakāĥ

The foregoing Ḥadīš clearly indicates that the meat donated as Ṣadaqaĥ to Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Barīraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا who was deserving of Ṣadaqaĥ was doubtlessly Ṣadaqaĥ for her. However, when the same meat, after being given in her custody, was presented in the court of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم its ruling changed altogether and it was no longer Ṣadaqaĥ.

Similarly, a deserving person (deserving of Zakāĥ), after taking Zakāĥ in his custody, may gift it to anybody or he may donate it for Masjid etc. as this donation by that deserving person is a sort of gift rather than Zakāĥ. The reverent scholars رَحِمَهُمُ اللّٰہ have described a Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ for Zakāĥ that is as follows:

The money of Zakāĥ cannot be used to pay for the burial or shrouding expenses of a deceased or for the construction of Masjid as Tamlīk-e-Faqīr (i.e. making the Faqīr owner of Zakāĥ donation) is missing here. However, if the money of Zakāĥ is to be spent on such matters, donate Zakāĥ to some Faqīr so that he becomes its owner and now that Faqīr may spend the money (in construction of Masjid etc.); both will gain Šawāb."

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, pp. 890, vol. 1)

100 People will be Rewarded Equally

Dear Islamic brothers! Did you see? The money of Zakāĥ may be used for burial expenses or in the construction of Masjid after performing Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ as the money is Zakāĥ for Faqīr but once the Faqīr gets its possession, he becomes its owner and he may spend it as he likes. By virtue of Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ, Zakāĥ of the donor got paid and at the same time, the Faqīr became entitled for Šawāb for spending his money in the construction of Masjid. The ruling for Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ may be explained to the Faqīr as well. If possible, the donation should be circulated in hands of more people while performing Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ so that more people could gain Šawāb. For example, suppose 12 hundred thousand rupees of Zakāĥ are to be donated to a Faqīr for Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ. The Faqīr should take this amount in his possession and then gift it to other Islamic brother. That Islamic brother, after having the possession of the amount, should gift it to another one. In this way, each involved brother should handover possession of that amount to the other with intention of gaining Šawāb and the last one, then, should spend it for construction of Masjid or in any other expenditure for which Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ has been done; إِنْ شَاۤءَاللّٰہ عَزَّوَجَلَّ everyone will get Šawāb of spending 12 hundred thousand rupees as Ṣadaqaĥ.

Ḥaḍrat Sayyidunā Abū Ḥuraīraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْه reports that the beloved Rasūl of Allāĥ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, "If Ṣadaqaĥ is circulated through hundreds of hands, then each one of them will earn the Šawāb equal to that of the donor and there will be no deduction in his Šawāb."

(Tarīkh Baghdad, vol. 7, pp. 135, Ḥadīš 356)

Definition of "Faqīr"

A Faqīr is the one who (a) possesses some assets but they are less than the worth of Niṣāb (b) or the one who possesses assets valued up to the amount of Niṣāb, but the same are engaged in his basic necessities (i.e. by means of his assets, his basic needs are being fulfilled) e.g. a house for living, household items, animals (or scooter or car) for travelling, tools for a craftsman, Islamic books for the one interested in religious study but not more than the requirement, (c) Similarly, if someone is in debt such that on deduction of debt, the remaining assets would be less than the worth of Niṣāb; he is also Faqīr, no matter, he possesses multiples of Niṣāb.

(Rad-dul-Muḥtār, pp. 333, vol. 3 etc.)

Definition of "Miskīn"

A Miskīn is the one who does not possess anything and he has to beg others for food or clothes for covering the body. Begging is Ḥalāl (allowed) for him. It is Ḥarām for a Faqīr (i.e. the one who possesses meal for eating of one time and has clothes for wearing) to beg without need and compulsion.

(Fatāwa-e-'Ālamgīrī, pp. 187-188, vol. 1, Bahār-e-Sharī'at, pp. 924, vol. 1)

Dear Islamic brothers! It became obvious that the beggars who beg as a profession without need and compulsion despite being capable enough to earn livelihood are sinners; further, those who donate such people despite being aware of their condition, their Zakāĥ and charity go to waste and they become sinners as well.

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Method of Funeral Salah*

No matter how hard Satan tries to prevent you, please read the entire booklet, إِنْ شَاۤءَاللّٰہ عَزَّوَجَلَّ you will experience its benefits by yourself.

Excellence of Ṣalāt-'Alan-Nabī ﷺ

The Prophet of creation, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most Generous and Kind صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم states, 'The one who recites Ṣalāt once upon me, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ writes one Qīrāṭ of recompense for him, and one Qīrāṭ is equivalent to the mount Uḥud.'

(Muṣannaf 'Abdur Razzāq, vol. 1, pp. 39, Ḥadīš 153)

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Virtue of participating in the funeral Ṣalāĥ of a Walī

A person participated in the funeral Ṣalāĥ of Sayyidunā Sarī Saqatī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ. He saw Sayyidunā Sarī Saqatī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ in his dream at night and asked, 'How did Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ treat you?' He عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ replied, 'Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has forgiven me as well as all those who participated in my funeral Ṣalāĥ.' The person said, 'Yā Sayyidī! I also participated in your funeral Ṣalāĥ.' Listening to this, Sayyidunā Sarī Saqatī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ took out a list and checked for his name therein but that person's name was not present in the list; when checked thoroughly, he saw that the name of that person was written in the margin.

*Ḥanafi

 (Tārīkh Dimashq li Ibn 'Asākir, vol. 20, pp. 198)

May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ bless them and forgive us without any accountability for their sake!

اٰمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاَمِيْن صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

The Fidyaĥ for Missed Ṣalāĥ: Calculation, Ḥīlaĥ, and Qurānic Precedent

The "Fidyaĥ" (Compensation) for Missed Ṣalāĥ

[Those whose relatives have passed away must read the following account]

Ask about age of the deceased person. If the deceased is a female, subtract 9 years and if the deceased is a male subtract 12 years as the period of minority. Now, for the remaining years, make a calculation as to how long the deceased person missed Ṣalāĥ or fasts of Ramaḍān i.e. find out the number of Ṣalāĥ and fasts of Ramaḍān whose Qaḍā is due on him. Make an over-estimate preferably. Rather make a computation for the whole life excluding the period of minority. Now donate one Ṣadaqa-e-Fiṭr (to Faqīr) for each Ṣalāĥ. One Ṣadaqa-e-Fiṭr amounts to 2.050 Kg of wheat or its flour or its price. The number of Ṣalāĥ is six for each day; five Farḍ Ṣalāĥ and one Witr Wājib. For example, if the price of 2.050 Kg wheat is Rs. 12, the amount of one day's Ṣalāĥ will be Rs. 72 and that of 30 days' Ṣalāĥ, will be Rs. 2160. For 12 months, the amount will be Rs. 25920. Now if the Ṣalāĥ of 50 years are due on a deceased person, Rs. 1296000 will have to be donated as Fidyaĥ. Obviously, everybody does not possess enough money to donate this much amount. To resolve this problem, our scholars have devised a Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ (a way out) e.g. Rs.2160 may be donated to some Faqīr (Definition of Faqīr and Miskīn may be seen on page. 207-208) with the intention of Fidyaĥ for all the Ṣalāĥ of 30 days. In this way, Fidyaĥ of Ṣalāĥ of 30 days would get paid off. Now, that Faqīr should gift that amount to the payer. Having received the amount, the payer should again donate it to the Faqīr with the intention of Fidyaĥ of another 30 days in such a way that the amount again comes in the custody of the Faqīr. This exchange should continue till Fidyaĥ of all Ṣalāĥ gets paid off.

It is not necessary to perform Ḥīlaĥ with the amount of 30 days; it has been stated just as an example. Suppose that the amount for Fidyaĥ of 50 years is available, a single exchange will be sufficient. It should also be noted that the computation for the amount of Fidyaĥ will have to be made as per latest price of wheat. Similarly, there is one Ṣadaqa-e-Fiṭr for each fast. Having paid Fidyaĥ of Ṣalāĥ, the Fidyaĥ of Fasts may also be paid off in the same way. Poor and rich both may avail the facility of Ḥīlaĥ. If heirs carry out this deed, it would be a great help for their deceased. In this way, the deceased person will be relieved from the obligations إِنْ شَاۤءَاللّٰہ عَزَّوَجَلَّ and the heirs will also deserve Šawāb and recompense. Some people donate a volume of the Holy Qurān to a Masjid etc. assuming that they have paid Fidyaĥ of all Ṣalāĥ of the deceased person; it is their misconception.

(For details see: Fatāwā-e-Razavīyyaĥ, V8, P168, Razā Foundation Lahore)

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

A Ruling Concerning the Fidyaĥ for a Deceased Woman

If the (monthly) habitual duration of the deceased woman's menstrual period is known, the days equal to the total period of menses may be subtracted from the age of 9 years, and if it is not known, 3 days per month may be subtracted as per above-mentioned way. However, the days of menstrual period would not be subtracted from the months of pregnancy. Moreover, if the duration of woman's post-natal bleeding is known, the days equal to the total period of post-natal bleeding may be subtracted for each pregnancy, and if it is not known, nothing should be subtracted as there is no limit on minimum side for post-natal bleeding. It is possible that the bleeding would stop in a minute and she would become pure.

(Fatāwā Raḍawiyyaĥ (Jad Ūd), pp. 154, vol. 8)

Ḥilaĥ for 100 Whips

Dear Islamic brothers! I have not mentioned the Ḥīlaĥ of Ṣalāĥ on the basis of my personal opinion. The justification for Shar'ī Ḥīlaĥ is present in the Holy Qurān, Ḥadīš and renowned books of Ḥanafi Doctrine. For example, once, the noble wife of Ḥaḍrat Sayyidunā Ayyūb عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام got late in getting to his blessed court during the period of his illness, so he swore to hit her one hundred whips after recovering from the illness. When he recovered, Allāĥ عَزَّوَجَلَّ ordered him to strike her with a broom made of 100 straws. The Holy Qurān says:

وَخُذْ بِيَدِكَ ضِغْثًا فَاضْرِبْ بِّهٖ وَلَا تَحْنَثْ

And We said, 'Take a broom in your hand, strike it and do not break your oath'.

(Section 23, Rukū' 13) (Kanzul Īmān [Translation of Quran])

There is a complete chapter on the topic of Ḥīlaĥ entitled "Kitāb-ul-Ḥīl" in the famous Ḥanafī book "'Alamgīrī." It is stated in the same book: "It is Makrūh to do a Ḥīlaĥ to deprive someone of his rights, or create doubt in it, or deceive by something false, but the Ḥīlaĥ aimed at preventing someone from committing Ḥarām, or in order to attain something Ḥalāl is commendable. The following Qurānic verse is a proof for the permissibility of such types of Ḥīlaĥ:

وَخُذْ بِيَدِكَ ضِغْثًا فَاضْرِبْ بِّهٖ وَلَا تَحْنَثْ

And We said, 'Take a broom in your hand, strike it and do not break your oath.'

(Section 23, Rukū' 13) (Fatāwa-e-'Alamgīrī, pp. 390, vol. 6) (Kanzul Īmān [Translation of Quran])

When did the Tradition of Ear-Piercing Initiate?

There is another evidence for the permissibility of Ḥīlaĥ; Sayyidunā Abdullah ibn 'Abbās رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُمَا reports: Once, there was a discord between Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Sāraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا and Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Ĥājirah رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا. Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Sāraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا swore that if she got a chance, she would cut an organ of Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Ĥājirah رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا. Allāĥ عَزَّوَجَلَّ sent Ḥaḍrat Sayyidunā Jibrāīl عَلَيْهِ الْقَشَاوَةُ وَالسَّلَام in the court of Ḥaḍrat Sayyidunā Ibrāhīm عَلَيْهِ الْقَشَاوَةُ وَالسَّلَام for reconciliation between them. Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Sāraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا asked, "مَا حِيْلَتِيْ يَمِيْنِيْ (i.e. what about my vow?)." A revelation descended upon Ḥaḍrat Sayyidunā Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام for advising Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Sāraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا to pierce the ear of Ḥaḍrat Sayyidatunā Ĥājirah رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا. Since then the tradition of piercing ears commenced.

(Ghamzu 'Uyun-il-Basair lil Hamavi, vol. 3, pp. 295, Idara-tul-Qurān)

Qaḍā Rulings for Qaṣr, Illness, and Delivery: Special Cases in Ṣalāĥ

Qada of Qasr Salah

If the Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ missed in travelling state is to be offered in settled state, it will be offered Qaṣr (curtailed) and if the Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ missed in settled state is to be offered in travelling state, it will be offered completely i.e. curtailing will not be done.

(Fatāwā-e-'Ālamgīrī, pp. 121, vol. 1)

Ṣalāĥ of Apostasy Period

Allāĥ عَزَّوَجَلَّ forbid, if someone became apostate and then embraced Islam again, he is not required to offer the Qaḍā of the Ṣalāĥ missed during the period of apostasy. However, it is Wājib to offer the Qaḍā of the Ṣalāĥ missed in the state of Islam before becoming apostate.

(Rad-dul-Muḥtār, pp. 647, vol. 2)

Ṣalāĥ at the Time of Delivery

If the midwife fears that the baby would die in case of offering Ṣalāĥ, it is a valid reason for her to miss Ṣalāĥ in this situation. If the head of the baby came out and there is a fear that the time of Ṣalāĥ would end before the start of Postnatal Bleeding, it is Farḍ for the mother to offer the Ṣalāĥ even in this condition; if she does not offer the Ṣalāĥ, she will be a sinner. Ṣalāĥ should be offered by keeping the head of the baby in some dish etc. in such a careful way that it is not harmed. However, if there is a fear of the baby's death in case of offering Ṣalāĥ even in this way, delay is exempted. Qaḍā of this Ṣalāĥ is to be offered after the termination of postnatal bleeding.

(Rad-dul-Muḥtār, pp. 627, vol. 2)

In which Condition a Patient is exempted from Ṣalāĥ?

The patient who is not in a condition to offer Ṣalāĥ even by gestures is exempted from offering Ṣalāĥ provided that the same condition lasts up to the next six (consecutive) Ṣalāĥ; offering Qaḍā of Ṣalāĥ missed under this condition is not Wājib.

(Fatāwa-e-'Ālamgīrī, pp. 121, vol. 1)

Repeating the Ṣalāĥ of Lifetime

If there was an imperfection or repugnance in somebody's Ṣalāĥ, it is good for him to repeat all Ṣalāĥ of his past lifetime. If there was no imperfection, repeating the Ṣalāĥ is not advisable. However, if he still repeats, he should not offer such Ṣalāĥ after Fajr and 'Aṣr; a Sūraĥ should also be recited after Sūra-e-Fātiḥaĥ in all Rak'āt. In Witr, after reciting Qunūt and performing Qa'dah, he should add one more Rak'at to make four in all.

(Fatāwā-e-'Ālamgīrī, pp. 124, vol. 1)

If Forgot to Utter the Word 'Qaḍā', then……?

A'lā Ḥaḍrat Maulānā Shāĥ Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الرَّحْمٰن says, "Our scholars approve that offering Qaḍā with the intention of Adā and offering Adā with intention of Qaḍā, both are valid."

(Fatāwā Raḍawiyyah (Jad Īd), pp. 161, vol. 8)

Offer Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ of Lifetime in Place of Nawāfil

Offering Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ is more important than offering supererogatory Ṣalāĥ i.e. when one has time to offer Nafl Ṣalāĥ, he should offer Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ instead of Nafl Ṣalāĥ so that he gets relieved of the obligation; however, he must not leave Tarāwīḥ and twelve daily Rak'āt of Sunnat-e-Muakkadaĥ.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, pp. 706, vol. 1)

Offering Nafl is not Permissible after Fajr and 'Aṣr Ṣalāĥ

After Fajr and 'Aṣr, it is Makrūh (Taḥrīmī) to offer all the intentional Nawāfil including Taḥiyya-tul-Masjid and every such Ṣalāĥ that became due on account of some external reason such as Nawāfil of Ṭawāf and votive; likewise, there is the same ruling for every such Ṣalāĥ that was cancelled having been initiated even if it is Sunnaĥ Ṣalāĥ of Fajr or 'Aṣr.

(Dur-re-Mukhtār, pp. 44, 45, vol. 2)

There is no specific timing for offering Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ, one may fulfil this obligation at any time during life; but it should not be offered at Sunrise, Sunset and Mid-Day (Zavāl) as Ṣalāĥ is not permissible at these times.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, pp. 702, vol. 1, 'Alamgīrī, pp. 52, vol. 1)

What to do if Four (4) Sunan of Ẓuhar are Missed?

In case of offering the Farḍ of Ẓuhar Ṣalāĥ first, offer the four Rak'āt of preceding Sunnaĥ Ṣalāĥ after offering two Rak'āt of succeeding Sunnaĥ Ṣalāĥ. Therefore A'lā Ḥaḍrat عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ تَعَالٰی states, "The four Rak'āt of preceding Sunnaĥ Ṣalāĥ, if not offered prior to Farḍ Ṣalāĥ, should be offered after Farḍ Ṣalāĥ preferably after offering succeeding Sunnaĥ Ṣalāĥ (two cycles) as per superior decree of Islamic Jurisprudence, provided Ẓuhar timing has not yet elapsed."

(Fatāwā Raḍawiyyaĥ (Jad Īd), pp. 148, vol. 8)

What to do if Sunan of Fajr are Missed?

If there is a risk of missing the congregational Ṣalāĥ of Fajr on account of offering Sunan of Fajr, one should join congregational Ṣalāĥ leaving the Sunan. But offering the missed Sunan after the Salām (of Farḍ) is not permissible. It is Mustaḥab to offer it twenty minutes after the Sunrise but before Ḍaḥwa-e-Kubrā.

Is Time Span for Maghrib Ṣalāĥ Really Short?

The time of Maghrib Ṣalāĥ is from sunset up to the start of timings of 'Ishā Ṣalāĥ. The duration of Maghrib timings increases and decreases according to location and date. For example, in Bāb-ul-Madīnaĥ Karachi, minimum duration of Maghrib Ṣalāĥ is 1 hour and 18 minutes as per calendar of Ṣalāĥ timings. Islamic Scholars say: "Except for the cloudy days, early offering of Maghrib Ṣalāĥ is Mustaḥab. Making a delay for as long as two Rak'āt of Ṣalāĥ may be offered is Makrūh-e-Tanzīhī and making a delay such that stars get mixed up without a valid reason such as journey or sickness is Makrūh-e-Taḥrīmī."

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, pp. 453, vol. 1)

A'lā Ḥaḍrat Maulānā Shāĥ Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الرَّحْمٰن states, "Mustaḥab time of offering Maghrib Ṣalāĥ is up to the clear appearance of stars; making such a delay that small stars (in addition to the big ones) also start glittering is Makrūh (Taḥrīmī)."

(Fatāwā Raḍawiyyaĥ (Jad Īd), pp. 153, vol. 5)

The Rak'āt of Sunnaĥ Ṣalāĥ offered before Farḍ Ṣalāĥ of 'Aṣr and 'Ishā are Sunnaĥ-e-Ghaīr Muakkadaĥ and, therefore, it is not necessary to offer them as Qaḍā, if missed.

What is the Ruling Regarding Qaḍā of Tarāwīḥ?

If Tarāwīḥ is missed, there is no Qaḍā for it; neither in congregation nor individually. If someone offers Qaḍā of Tarāwīḥ, they will be regarded as Nafl; these Nawāfil would have nothing to do with Tarāwīḥ.

(Tanvīr-ul-Abṣār & Dur-re-Mukhtār, pp. 598, vol. 2)

Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ Etiquette and the Complete Method of Offering Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ

Wake up, It's Time for Fajr!

Dear Islamic brothers! Earn heaps of Šawāb by waking up sleeping Islamic brothers for Ṣalāĥ. In the Madanī environment of Dawat-e-Islami, waking the Muslims for Ṣalā-tul-Fajr is called 'Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ.' Though Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ is not Wājib, awaking Muslims for Fajr Ṣalāĥ is an act of Šawāb which every Muslim should perform. However, care must be taken that no Muslim is distressed on account of calling Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ.

An Incident

An Islamic brother told me (Sag-e-Madīnaĥ عَفٰی عَنْهُ), "We, a few Islamic brothers, were passing by a lane calling Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ using a megaphone at the time of Fajr Ṣalāĥ. Meanwhile, interrupting us, a person said that his child who could not sleep all the night had just slept. He requested us not to use the megaphone. We got annoyed with that person as to what type of Muslim he was. We were awaking people for Ṣalāĥ and he was preventing us. By chance, the next day he again moved towards the same lane calling Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ. The same person was standing in gloom at the verge of the lane and said to us, 'Today again my son had not slept all the night, he has just gone to sleep, I am standing here to request you people to pass by this lane silently.'

This incident shows that Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ should be called without using megaphone and even when calling without it, one should not raise his voice so loudly that it disturbs Islamic sisters offering Ṣalāĥ or reciting the Holy Qurān inside homes, patients, aged people and children or those who have fallen asleep after offering the Ṣalāĥ in its earlier time. If someone prevents us from calling Ṣada-e-Madīnaĥ we should humbly apologise to him rather than making arguments with him; further, we should have positive opinion about him as surely no Muslim can oppose awaking people for Ṣalāĥ; most probably, he would be facing some genuine problem. Even if he is an abandoner of Ṣalāĥ, we are still not entitled to behave aggressively. Instead, we should entice him towards Ṣalāĥ politely making our individual effort on any other appropriate occasion.

Apart from Ażān-e-Fajr, care should be taken in using Masjid speakers or sound systems for gatherings in streets or homes making it sure that the sound of the speaker does not disturb those worshipping at homes, patients, infants, sleeping ones etc.

An Incident about 'Realization of Public Rights'

To be considerate of public rights is extremely necessary. Our past saints were very careful in this regard. Therefore, Ḥujja-tul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muḥammad Ghazālī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الوالِی reports that Sayyidunā Imām Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه had a student who spent many years in his company acquiring knowledge. One day, as he came, the Imām turned his face away (expressing his annoyance); when the student insisted to let him know the reason of annoyance, he رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه said, "You have expanded the corner wall of your house up to a man's height towards the roadside hindering a thoroughfare of the Muslims." In other words, "How can I be pleased with you whereas you have obstructed the passage of the Muslims!"

(Iḥyā-ul-'Ulūm, pp. 96, vol. 5)

This incident contains lesson for those who obstruct public pathways by getting terrace etc. constructed outside their homes.

Offer Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ as Soon as Possible

It is Wājib to offer the missed Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ at the earliest. However, delay is permissible for the sake of earning livelihood for family and meeting personal needs. Therefore, one should keep earning livelihood and offer the Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ in spare times until all Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ are offered.

(Dur-re-Mukhtār, pp. 646, vol. 2)

Offer Your Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ in Seclusion

Offer Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ in seclusion; do not reveal it to others even to family members and close friends (for example, do not say like: I missed Fajr Ṣalāĥ today or I am offering Qaḍā of missed Ṣalāĥ of lifetime etc.) mentioning (your) sin (to others) is Makrūh-e-Taḥrīmī and a sin.

(Rad-dul-Muḥtār, pp. 650, vol. 2)

Therefore, do not raise hands for the Takbīr of Qunūt while offering Qaḍā of Witr Ṣalāĥ in the presence of others.

Lifetime Qaḍā on the Last Friday of Ramaḍān?

Some people offer Qaḍā of lifetime missed Ṣalāĥ in congregation on the last Friday of Ramaḍān-ul-Mubārak and assume that all the Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ of lifetime has been offered by offering this one Ṣalāĥ; it is nothing but a sheer fallacy.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, pp. 708, vol. 1)

Calculation of Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ of the Whole Life

The one who has never offered Ṣalāĥ and now has been blessed with the desire to offer the Qaḍā of lifetime missed Ṣalāĥ should make a computation from the day when he reached puberty. If the date of puberty is not known, it is safer that the man should make computation from the age of 12 years and the woman should do the same from the age of 9 years.

(Fatāwā Raḍawiyyah (Jad Īd), pp. 154, vol. 8)

Order of Offering Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ

While offering lifetime Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ, one may first offer all Fajr Ṣalāĥ, then all Ẓuhar Ṣalāĥ and similarly 'Aṣr, Maghrib and 'Ishā Ṣalāĥ.

Method of Offering Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ (Ḥanafi)

There are 20 Rak'āt of Qaḍā Ṣalāĥ in a day: two Rak'āt Farḍ of Fajr, four of Ẓuhar, four of 'Aṣr, three of Maghrib, four of 'Ishā and three Rak'āt of Witr (Wājib). Make intention like this, "I am offering the very first Fajr that I missed." Similar intention may be made for every missed Ṣalāĥ. If one has a large number of missed Ṣalāĥ to offer, it is permissible for him to avail following relaxations:

1.     Uttering the Tasbīḥāt in Rukū' and Sujūd (سُبْحَٰنَ رَبِّىَ الْعَظِيْم & سُبْحَٰنَ رَبِّىَ الْاَعْلٰی) once instead of thrice. However, one must always make sure in all sorts of Ṣalāĥ that he starts uttering the 'س' of سُبْحَٰنَ having completely bent for Rukū' and that he begins to lift his head up from Rukū' having uttered the 'م' of عَظِيْم. Similar care has to be taken in Sajdaĥ.

2.     Uttering 'سُبْحَٰنَ اللّٰہ' three times in the 3rd and 4th Rak'at of Farḍ Ṣalāĥ instead of reciting Sūra-e-Fātiḥaĥ, but remember that Sūra-e-Fātiḥaĥ and a Sūraĥ are to be recited in all the three Rak'āt of Witr.

3.     In the last Qa'dah, performing the Salām having uttered just 'اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَّاٰلِه' after Tashaĥĥud without reciting the remaining Durūd Sharīf and Du'ā.

4.     Uttering just 'رَبِّ اغْفِرْلِيْ' once or three times instead of the supplication of Qunūt in the third Rak'āt of Witr after uttering اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر.

(Fatāwā Raḍawiyyah (Jad Īd), pp. 157, vol. 8)