Understanding Ramadan - Softcover

There are many books dealing with the subject of Salat in both Arabic and Urdu. Many of these books are well written and provide an informative and comprehensive view of how Salat should be performed according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhee wassallam). Unfortunately, there are very few books in English which deal with the subject in the same informative and comprehensive way. Such a book needs to contain all the essential details of Salat without being too bulky or complicated so that the reader can use it as a point of reference on a journey or at home. It was also felt that a comprehensive book of Salat in English would be useful for converts to Islam and for such Muslims who do not fully understand Arabic and Urdu languages. Keeping in mind the needs of our brothers and sisters, every effort has been made to produce this book in simple and easy language. During our research, we sometimes found that differences occurred between established practices in various prayer books. In these circumstances we referred to authentic Ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhee wassallam), so that the points could be clarified as much as possible. This was, because, for a true Muslim there is not greater proof for settling arguments than authentic Ahadith and Prophetic practices.

WUDU (Ablution)

Before Doing Wudu (Ablution):

If someone needs to go to the toilet, he should use the toilet and do Istinja before doing wudu.

Siwak: Tooth-Stick

It is a good practice to clean the teeth with a tooth-stick, or a toothbrush before performing Wudu. In this way you can avoid many diseases which are caused by unclean teeth. As mentioned in the Hadith: Aisha (rathi allahu anha) reported Allah's Messenger as saying: "The use of a tooth-stick is a means of purifying the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord as well.: (Ahmad, Darmi, and Nasai) Prophet Muhammad (sallah Allahu alayhee wassallam) also said: "If I wouldn't have felt that it is difficult for my people I would have ordered them to use a tooth-stick with every Salat (prayer), that is, before doing each Wudu. So, Muslims should always try to fulfil this wish of our Prophet (salla Allahu alayhee wassallam).

Making Intention (Niyat) for Wudu:

Before starting the actions of Wudu, it is necessary to make Niyat. Make Niyat that the act of performing Wudu is for the purpose of purity only....