Essential of Islam – Fard Ulum Course Date: July 12, 2023

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Key Points Covered in the Document:

1. Overview of Salah (Prayer) Preconditions (Sharā’iṭ):
   • Six Preconditions:
     1. Tahārah (Purity)
     2. Satr al-‘Awrah (Covering the Body)
     3. Waqt as-Ṣalāh (Prayer Timing)
     4. Istiqbāl al-Qiblah (Facing Qiblah)
     5. Niyyah (Intention)
     6. Takbīr Tahrīmah (Opening Takbīr)
   • Takbīr Tahrīmah is unique as it is both a precondition and an integral part of Salah.
2. Integral Components of Salah:
   • Fara’id (Obligations): Must be present in every Salah. Examples:
     • Qiyām (Standing): Minimum duration to recite mandatory Quranic verses.
     • Tilāwah (Recitation): At least one verse of the Qur’an.
     • Rukū‘ (Bowing): Bow to the extent hands reach knees.
     • Sujūd (Prostration): Two prostrations in each Rak’ah.
3. Additional Categories of Salah Acts:
   • Wājibāt (Necessary Acts): Missing them necessitates Sajdah as-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness).
   • Sunan (Sunnah Acts): Missing them is disliked but does not invalidate Salah.
   • Mustahabbāt (Recommended Acts): Optional actions for additional reward.
4. Consequences of Missing Elements in Salah:
   • Missing a Sharṭ (Precondition): Salah does not begin.
   • Missing a Farḍ: Salah breaks and must be repeated.
   • Missing a Wājib: Salah is valid but incomplete; repeat is recommended.
   • Missing a Sunnah: Salah is valid but lacks perfection.
5. Sajdah as-Sahw:
   • Required if a Wājib is missed unintentionally.
   • Covers multiple errors in one Salah if done unintentionally.
6. Gender Differences in Salah Postures:
   • Men: Hands below the navel, right hand grasps left wrist.
   • Women: Hands below the chest, right palm rests over the left palm without clasping.
7. Special Scenarios in Salah:
   • Women joining congregational prayers requires Imam’s explicit intention.
   • Salah for women is generally recommended to be prayed in seclusion.

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Quranic and Hadith References:

• Quranic Reference:
  Recitation of the Qur’an during Salah is mandated as per Islamic jurisprudence, with the minimum requirement being one verse.
• Hadith Reference:
  Congregational Salah for men is emphasized; the best place for women to pray is in seclusion.

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Questions and Answers Highlighted in the Document:

1. Question: Can women join any congregational Salah?
   Answer: Yes, the Salah is valid, but it is always advisable for women to pray in seclusion.
2. Question: What happens if Wājib is intentionally missed?
   Answer: Salah must be repeated as Sajdah as-Sahw does not compensate for intentional mistakes.
3. Question: Are there specific movements in Salah that break it?
   Answer: Actions such as laughing, loud sounds, or excessive continuous movements invalidate Salah.