Compiled By Muhammad Gaffer Ibn Abdul Goffur

Transcription

1 'Ruling & Importance of Saying Aameen in Salaah' Compiled By Muhammad Gaffer Ibn Abdul Goffur 1

2 In The Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful 2

3 "And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!" [Surah Ghafir 40:60] "Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any ilah (god) with Allah? Little is that you remember!" [Surah An-Naml 27:62] 3

4 The Amir al-mu'minin Abu Hafs 'Umar ibn al-khattab (ra) said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) saying, 'Actions are only by intentions, and each man has only that which he intends. Whoever's emigration is for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger. Whoever's emigration is for some worldly gain which he can acquire or a woman he will marry, then his emigration is for that which he emigrates." [al-bukhari & Muslim] 4

5 Mentioned With Transliteration Meaning Allah's Name Subhanahu wa ta'ala He is exalted above weakness and indignity Allah's Name 'Azza wa-jal He is exalted and glorified Allah's Name Jalla Jalaluh Exalted is His glory Prophet Muhammad Salla 'Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam May Allah's peace and blessings be on him Prophets and Angels 'Alayh is-salam Peace be on him A Male Companion Radiya 'Llahu 'anhu May Allah be pleased with him A Female Companion Radiya 'Llahu 'anha May Allah be pleased with her Two Companion Radiya 'Llahu 'anhuma May Allah be pleased with them More Than Two Companions A Past Scholar or Righteous Muslim Radiya 'Llahu 'anhum Rahimahu 'Llah May Allah be pleased with them May Allah have mercy on him 5

6 Acknowledgement All Praise and thanks be to Allah! We praise and thank Him, ask Him for His Help and Forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our souls and the mischief of our deeds. He whom Allah guides will not be misled, and he whom Allah misleads will never have a guide. I testify that there is no deity but Allah alone, without any partners, and that Muhammad is His 'Abd (worshiper) and Messenger. Putting together a work of this nature is a monumental task that obviously takes more effort than that of a translator and editor. As is always, to mention all those who aided me with their various input would be an equally lengthy task. But, of course, a few people stand out for their significant commitment in making this book a success. Special thanks to my Parents, Wife & Khayer Uncle. Of course, first and last, all praise and thanks are due to Allah (SWT), may He (AWJ) forgive us for any mistakes and show us the right path. Aameen. Muhammad Gaffer Ibn Abdul goffur May 21,

7 Ruling & Importance of Saying Aameen in Salaah I would like to start with the verse from the Noble Qur'an where Allah, Most High, says: "...This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." Surah Al-Maidah 5:3 Allah has perfected this religious in all aspects, especially He has sent down the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as blessings and guidance for the entire human being, as it is stated: "This is the Book (the Qur'an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]." Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2 "And We have sent you (O Muhammad (pbuh) not but as a mercy for the 'Al-Aameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)." Surah Al-Anbiyaa 21:107 So, it is loud and clear that the All-Mighty has perfected this religion and there is nothing to add or nothing to deduct from it. We only need to know the authentic source of following any matter concerning of Islam. Especially there are many misconception and mistakes we often do while performing Salaah, and sometimes it is not misconception or mistakes, but people are eager to stick with ignorance, Bid'ah while sometimes through the mercy of the Most 7

8 Merciful, the true knowledge reaches to us but some of us reject it arrogantly which ultimately brings the destruction for them or to those who do so. In this regard, it is very serious aspect for the Ummah, especially for the Imams of the religion. The Imams need to have transparent authentic knowledge of the Islamic Jurisprudence and they should act upon it constantly. And whenever there is mistake or misconception is sticking with them, as long as the correction reached to them through the blessings of the All-Mighty, then they should not reject it out of arrogance or due to other any invalid reasons at all. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "There are some that I fear more for you than I do the Antichrist (Dajjal). People asked, 'Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?' He (pbuh) said, 'Evil scholars.'" The beginning of guidance by Imam Abu Hamid al-ghazali, P.20 So, we constantly look for guidance and knowledge as the guidance does not come but to those who are conscious of Allah. In the several occasions the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Seeking Knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." Ibn 'Adiyy, Al- Bayhaqi & Al-Tabarani "One who treads a path in search of knowledge has his path to Paradise made easy by God " Riyadh us-saleheen 8

9 "A servant of God will remain standing on the Day of Judgment until he is questioned about his (time on earth) and how he used it; about his knowledge and how he utilized it; about his wealth and from where he acquired it and in what (activities) he spent it; and about his body and how he used it." Al-Tirmidhi "Knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent in the cause of God." Al-Tirmidhi "God, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge." Al-Tirmidhi "Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people." Al-Tirmidhi Therefore, It is undoubtedly extreme important to acquire knowledge and that knowledge should be taken from authentic source. We cannot take and act on anything from anywhere except verified. So, in this religion we need to follow what the Messenger (pbuh) brought to us, as Allah says: "He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad pbuh), has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad pbuh) as a watcher over them." Surah An-Nisa 4:80 9

10 "... And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hellfire and made to enter Paradise)." Surah Al-Ahzab 33:71 "...and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad pbuh) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success." Surah An-Nisa 4:13 "Say: "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad ) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allah's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)." Surah An-Nur 24:54 So, the Prophet (pbuh) was sent with blessed guidance, with the Noble Qur'an and Like of the Qur'an (hadith), as Allah says in the Noble Qur'an: "With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad (pbuh) the reminder and the advice (the Quran), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought." Surah An-Nahl 16:44 10

11 And the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Beware, I have been given the Qur'an and it's like together with it." Abu Dawud {This is clear proof of the fact that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) received the Revelation from Allah in addition what is contained in the Qur'an and he acted according to it. What is meant by the "Like of the Qur'an" in the hadith is the Sunna, or Practices of the Prophet (pbuh)}. The Qur'an in 99 Questions by Muhittin Akgul, P.12 As, Allah has already perfected this religion in all aspects, Yet, if someone turn his back from the true guidance then they are only to blame themselves, as it is stated in the Qur'an: "And obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad pbuh), and beware (of even coming near to drinking or gambling or Al-Ansab, or Al-Azlam, etc.) and fear Allah. Then if you turn away, you should know that it is Our Messenger's duty to convey (the Message) in the clearest way." Surah Al-Maidah 5:92 Now, I would like to move to the main subject matter which is performing Salaah according to the Qur'an and Sunnah. Before we move, I would like to mentioned shortly the importance of the Salaah, as it is stated in the Qur'an: "In Gardens (Paradise) they will ask one another, About Al-Mujrimun (polytheists, criminals, disbelievers, etc.), (And they will say to them): What has caused you to enter Hell? They will say: "We were not of those who used to offer their Salat (prayers), Nor we used to feed Al-Miskin (the poor); "And we used to talk falsehood (all that which Allah hated) with vain talkers. And we used to belie the Day of Recompense. Until there came to us (the death) that is certain." Surah Al-Muddaththir 74:

12 And the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The first thing the people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer, Allah will say to His angels (even though he already knows): "Look at my servants prayers. Were they complete or not?" If they were complete It will be written as complete. If they were not fully complete Allah will say: "See if my servant has voluntary prayers, If he has them Allah will say: Complete his obligatory prayers shortage with his voluntary prayers." Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner." Ahmad, Abu Dawood, An-Nisa'i, and Al-Hakim So, we need to be very serious regarding all the aspects that are related to the Salaah, and find us far off from either following any innovation and conveying it to others, obviously if knowledge has reached to us against any Bi'dah then we need to stand forth to remove it from us and from the others through the best of the manners with seeking help from the All-Mighty. The prayer was one of the most important things which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explained to the people, verbally and practically, even praying on the pulpit once - standing, bowing, and prostrating, and then saying to them, 'I have done this so that you may follow me and learn my prayer." Bukhari & Muslim "The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) obliged us to copy him in his prayer, saying, 'Pray as you have seen me prayer.'" Bukhari & Ahmad So, regarding saying 'Aameen' When the imam says after the Surah Al-Fatiha, end of the verse 1:7 {Siraatal-lazeena 'an'amta 'alayhim ghayril-maghdoobi 'alayhim wa lad-daaalleen - 12

13 it is stated that: "Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that Sa'id ibn al- Musayyab and Abu Salama ibn Abd ar-rahman told him from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "When the imam says 'Aameen', say 'Aameen', for the one whose 'Aameen' coincides with the 'Aameen' of the angels - his previous wrong actions are forgiven him." Ibn Shihab said, "The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to say 'Aameen' (extending it)." Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik ibn Anas, 47 Yahya related to me from Malik from Sumayy, the mawla of Abu Bakr, from Abu Salih as Samman, from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "When the imam has said, 'not of those with whom You are angry nor of those who are in error,' say 'Aameen', for the previous wrong actions of the one whose utterance coincides with that of the angels, are forgiven him." Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik ibn Anas, 48 "Yahya related to me from Malik from Abu'z Zinad from al-araj from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "When one of you says 'Aameen' and the angels in the sky say 'Aameen' so that one coincides with the other, his previous wrong actions are forgiven him." Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik ibn Anas, 49 "Yahya related to me from Malik from Sumayy, the mawla of Abu Bakr, from Abu Salih as-samman from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "When the imam says, 'Allah hears whoever praises Him,' say 'O Allah! Our Lord, praise be toyou, 'for the previous wrong 13

14 actions done by the one whose utterance coincides with that of the angels are forgiven." Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik ibn Anas, 50 In this regard there is a hadith mentioned in Bulugh al-maram where Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani explained briefly as follow: {"Narrated Abu Hurairah (ra): When Allah's Messenger (pbuh) completed recitation of Surat Al-Fatiha, he raised his voice and said 'Aameen'. Recorded by Ad-Daraqutni who graded it Hasan (good) and Al-Hakim who graded it Sahih (Authentic). The narration of Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi from Hadith of Wa'il bin Hujr (ra) are similar to this one. *Should Aameen be pronounced aloud or secret? There is a difference of opinion on this issue. Hanafi say it secretly and Shafi'i and Ahl-Hadith say it in a loud voice. Loud voice means that the person beside you could hear it. Saying of Aameen in a loud voice is supported by many other Ahadith. The Noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said Aameen in a loud voice and prolonged his voice. Tirmidhi graded this Hadith as Hasan (fair) and Ad-Daraqutni as Sahih (sound). Aameen in a loud voice is more accurate. As regards the saying of Aameen in low voice, Imam Tirmidhi has narrated a Hadith in which the noble Prophet (pbuh) pronounced Aameen and kept his voice low. Some Hanafi argue on the basis of this Hadith although Imam Tirmidhi himself has challenged this Hadith with four different points of view. However, everyone is free and responsible for his own conduct and deeds.} Bulugh Al-Maram, P.100 In the book of 'A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence by Dr. Salih Al-Fawzan (Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence, Member of the Board of Senior Ulema and 14

15 Member of the Permanent Committee for Fatwa and Research) as he pointed out in his book the way prayer is performed, as stated to have been observed by the Prophet (pbuh), so as to follow the Prophet's example in this regard and in accordance with the hadith in which the Messenger (pbuh) said: "Perform prayer in the way you see me performing prayer." and here one of the ways is that he (pbuh) recites Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening Chapter of the Qur'an and followed it with saying 'Aameen." In the book of 'A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence by Dr. Salih Al-Fawzan, P There are also mentioned some of the hadiths in Sahih al-bukhari regarding this issue. "Ata said: Aameen is an invocation. Ibn Az-Zubari and the persons behind him said Aameen loudly till the mosque echoed. Abu Hurairah used to say to the Imam "Do not say Aameen before me (i.e., before I join the row for the prayer)." Nafi said: "Ibn Umar never missed 'Ameen, and urged the people to say it. I heard something good about it." Al- Bukhari Narrated Abu Hurairah (ra): The Prophet (pbuh) said, 'Say Aameen when the Imam says it and if the Aameen of any one of you coincides with that of the angels then all his past sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab said, "Allah's Messenger (pbuh) used to say Aameen." Al- Bukhari "Narrated by Abu Hurairah (ra): The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, 'If anyone one of you say Aameen and the angels in the heavens say 15

16 Aameen and the former coincides with the later, all his past sins will be forgiven." Al-Bukhari "Narrated by Abu Hurairah (ra): Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "Say Aameen when the Imam says Ghairil-maghdubi alaihim walad-dal-lin [not the path of those who earn Your anger (such as Jews) nor of those who go astray (such as Christians)], all the past sins of the person whose saying (of Aameen) coincides with that of angels, will be forgiven." Al- Bukhari Similarly, There are also mentioned some of the hadiths in Sahih al-muslim regarding this issue. There is a long hadith in al-muslim narrated by Hittan bin Abdullah Ar- Raqashi and part of the hadith is: "When you offer prayer, make rows straight and let one of you lead the others. When he (Imam) says Takbir, then say Takbir, When he says: 'Not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray' then say: 'Aameen, and Allah will answer you..." Al-Muslim "It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: 'When Imam says 'Aameen' (at the end of Al-Faithah) then say 'Amin', for if a person's saying Aameen coincides with that of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven. Ibn Shihab said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to say 'Aameen'". Al-Muslim 16

17 "It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "When one of you says Aameen in the prayer, and the Angels in heaven say Aameen, if the one coincided with the other, then his previous sins will be forgiven." Al-Muslim "It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: 'When the reciter says: [Not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray] and those behind him says 'Aameen'; if a person's saying it coincides with that of the inhabitants of the heavens, his previous sins will be forgiven." Al-Muslim In this stage, I would like to add that it is the responsibility of the Imams to make sure that they say 'Aameen' at the end of the Surah Al-Fatihah. According to the Islamic Jurisprudence the Imam has been appointed to be followed. So, Imam always should have a sound knowledge of Islamic Jurisprudence so that he may not be misguided and as a result the ummah at large shall face the destruction. It is also should take very seriously into the consideration that sometimes some people may come to correct the Imam that he is doing wrong, if this is the case and the correction is authentic then the Imam should accept it without any hesitation and announce it to others so that if there is anything which was performed wrongly may gets the correction as soon as possible. According to the many hadiths Imams are appointed to be followed so they must make sure that they themselves and for others are not leaving any fard and sunnah acts willingly. As the Imam is to be followed and it is prohibited to precede the Imam, so the Imam should make sure that he is not making it 17

18 difficult for others to person any fard or sunnah acts. As example, If Imam does not say Aameen clearly, then those who are behind him may precede him and say it clearly even may before him or sometimes those who may not say Aameen fearing to precede the Imam or sometimes many of those who behind the Imam may never say Aameen thinking that Imam does not say it, so we should not say it too, as we are about to follow the Imams. In most of the hadiths which are already significantly saying, "When Imam says Aameen' say Aameen'; so if Imam does not follow this act then how others may follow the Imam? And this is not a light issue which we can simply ignore or leave. It is an issue that has huge goodness, and through this act of saying Aameen which may cause of the forgiven of anyone's previous all sins. In sha Allah, at the ending I will explain it briefly that why this issue of saying Aameen should not be taken lightly. So, as stated that Imam is appointed to be followed, there are many hadiths mentioned in this regard, so here are some of them as follows: "It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (ra) that he said: 'The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to teach us, saying: 'Do not precede the Imam. When he says the Takbir, then say Takber; When he says: 'Nor of those who went astray' then say: 'Aameen', when he bows, then bow; when he says: 'Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah', then say: 'Allahumma Rabbana lakalhamd.'" Al-Muslim 18

19 It was narrated that Az-Zuhri said: "I heard Anas bin Malik say: 'The Prophet (pbuh) fell from a horse and was injured on his right side. We entered upon him to visit him, and the time for prayer became due, so he led us in prayer sitting, and we offered prayer behind him sitting. When he had finished the prayer, he said: 'The Imam has been appointed to be followed, so when he says the Takbir, then say the Takbir; when he prostrates, then prostrate; when he rises, then rise and when he says: 'Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah', then say: 'Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.' And if he prays sitting, then you should all pray sitting." Al-Muslim The Renowned scholar Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani (may Allah be pleased with him) in his book 'The Prophet's Prayer Described' beautifully explained this issue of saying Aameen with authentic references. When he (pbuh) finished reciting al-fatihah, he would say: "Aameen" loudly, prolonging his voice. Bukhari in juz' al-qiraa'ah & Abu dawud with a saheeh isnaad. He (pbuh) also used to order the congregation to say Aameen: When the Imam says, "Nor of those who receive (Your) anger, nor of those who go astray", then say "Aameen" [for the angels say "aameen" and the Imam says aameen]. In another narration: When the Imam says "aameen" say "aameen", so he whose aameen coincides with the aameen with the aameen of the angels (in other narration: when one of you says "aameen" in prayer and the angels in the sky say "aameen", and they coincide), his past sins are forgiven." 19

20 Bukhari, Muslim, Nasaa'i & Daarimi; the additional wordings are reported by the later two, and prove that this hadeeth cannot justify that the Imam does not say aamee, as reported from Malik; hence, Ibn Hajar says in Fath al-bari, "It clearly shows that the Imam says aameen." Ibn Abdul Barr says in Tamheed (7/13), "It is the view of the majority of the Muslims, including Maalik as the people of Madeenah report from him, for it is authentic from Allah's Messenger (pbuh) through the ahaadeeth of Abu Hurairah (i.e., this one) and that of Waa'il ibn Hujr (i.e., the previous one)." In another hadith: "...then say aameen; Allah will answer you." Muslim & Abu Awaanah He (pbuh) also used to say: "The Jews do not envy you over anything as much as they envy you over the salutation and aameen [behind the imaam]." Bukhari in al-adab al- Mufrad, Ibn Majah, Ibn Khuzaimah, Ahmad, & Siraaj with two saheeh isnaads. *The aameen of the congregational behind the Imam should be done loudly and simultaneously with the Imam, not before him as the majority of the worshippers do, nor after him. This is what I finally find most convincing, as I have explained in some of my works, among them Silsilat al-ahaadeeth adda'eefah, no.952 Also, if we go through the Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the Tafsir of the Surah Al-Fatihah, what we find is as follow: It is recommended to say Amin after finishing the recitation of Al-Fatihah. Amin means, "O Allah! Accept our invocation.'' The evidence that saying Amin is recommended is contained in what Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawud and 20

21 At-Tirmidhi recorded, that Wa'il bin Hujr said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) recite, (Not (that) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray), and he said `Amin' extending it with his voice.'' Abu Dawud's narration added, "Raising his voice with it.'' At-Tirmidhi then commented that this Hadith is Hasan and was also narrated from `Ali and Ibn Mas`ud. Also, Abu Hurayrah narrated that whenever the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) would recite, (Not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray), He would say Amin until those who were behind him in the first line could hear him. Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah recorded this Hadith with the addition, "Then the Masjid would shake because of (those behind the Prophet ) reciting Amin.'' Also, Ad-Daraqutni recorded this Hadith and commented that it is Hasan. Further, Bilal narrated that he said, "O Messenger of Allah! Do not finish saying Amin before I can join you.'' This was recorded by Abu Dawud. In addition, Abu Nasr Al-Qushayri narrated that Al-Hasan and Ja`far As-Sadiq stressed the `m' in Amin. Saying Amin is recommended for those who are not praying (when reciting Al- Fatihah) and is strongly recommended for those who are praying, whether alone or behind the Imam. 21

22 The Two Sahihs recorded that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, (When the Imam says, ' Amin', then say, 'Amin', because whoever says, Amin' with the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven). Muslim recorded that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, (When any of you says in the prayer, 'Amin ` and the angels in heaven say, `Amin', in unison, his previous sins will be forgiven). It was said that the Hadith talks about both the angels and the Muslims saying Amin at the same time. The Hadith also refers to when the Amins said by the angels and the Muslims are equally sincere (thus bringing about forgiveness). Further, it is recorded in Sahih Muslim that Abu Musa related to the Prophet (pbuh) that he said, (When the Imam says, `Walad-dallin', say, `Amin' and Allah will answer your invocation). In addition, At-Tirmidhi said that `Amin' means, "Do not disappoint our hope'', while the majority of scholars said that it means. "Answer our invocation.'' Also, in his Musnad, Imam Ahmad recorded that `A'ishah said that when the Jews were mentioned to him, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, (They will not envy us for anything more than they envy us for Friday which we have been guided to, while they were led astray from it, and for the Qiblah which we were guided to, while they were led astray from it, and for our saying `Amin' behind the Imam). 22

23 Also, Ibn Majah recorded this Hadith with the wording, (The Jews have never envied you more than for your saying the Salam (Islamic greeting) and for saying Amin). Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol.1, p Moreover, according to The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, The Fatwa no. 2709; Saying "Amen" after the Imam's saying: "...nor of those who went astray." Is a Sunnah for the Imam, Ma'mum (a person being led by an Imam in Prayer) and the one who is performing Salah alone. This was reported from Ibn `Umar and Ibn Al-Zubayr. This opinion was also held by Al-Thawry, `Ata', Al-Shafi`y, Yahya ibn Yahya, Is-haq, Abu Khaythamah, Ibn Abu Shaybah, Sulayman ibn Dawud, and As-hab-ul-Ra'y (scholars, especially the Hanafis, who exercised personal reasoning to make judgments in the absence of clear texts). The evidence for this saying is what was reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Say 'Amen' when the Imam says 'Amen', for if anyone's utterance of 'Amen' coincides with that of the angels, his past sins will be forgiven." This Hadith is reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. Wa'il ibn Hujr reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: '...nor of those who went astray.' He used to say 'Amen' in a loud voice.' This Hadith was reported by Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhy who reported it as: "He said it in a loud voice." 23

24 He also said that this Hadith is Hasan (a Hadith whose chain of narration contains a narrator with weak exactitude, but is free from eccentricity or blemish.) Imam Ahmad reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (ra) that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Say 'Amen' when the Imam says "Wala-ddallin" (nor of those who go astray); for the angels say 'Amen' when the Imam says 'Amen'. Thus, a person whose saying of Amen coincides with that of the angels will have all his past sins forgiven." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions. The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, Fatwa no Additionally, according to the Prominent scholar ash-shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: "As for saying 'Amen' aloud after reciting Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter), this is confined to the Jahri Salah (Prayer recited out loud), where the Imam and the Ma'mum (a person being led by an Imam in Prayer) should do so." Fatwa of Ibn Baaz, Vol.11, the book of salah, section 2 Other than that, the prominent scholar ash-shaykh Ibn Uthameen (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 24

25 "Yes, saying Aameen is a highly recommend sunnah, especially if the Imam says it. This is accordance to what has been reported in Two Sahihs in the Hadith of Abu Hurairah (ra) who reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "If the Imam says, Aameen, then you say, Aameen, because if a person's saying Aameen coincides with the angles' saying of Aameen, all of his previous sins will be forgiven." Al-Bukhari & Muslim Saying Aameen for the Imam and the worshippers should be at one time, according to the words of the Prophet (pbuh): "If the Imam says: 'Nor those who went astray,' then you say: Aameen." Al-Bukhari & Muslim Ash-Shaykh Ibn Uthaimeen, Fatawa Arkanul-Islam, Vol.2, Fatwa no.240 I believe depending on the explanation that the importance of saying "Aameen" is now transparent for all of us, without any exception. Many of the people may say and take this sunnah very lightly, but many of the prominent scholars say that when any of the sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) is known to us, we should act upon it and ignorantly should not reject it or make it less appreciated. It is neither a sunnah that we can take lightly nor reject it or leave it from performing. It has in it a huge blessings that we may not realise but from the explanation based on above I urge everyone to perform this highly recommended Sunnah whenever the opportunity arises. There are many reasons which loud and clearly highlights that this sunnah is not a light one but the heavy one, and some of the reasons are as below: 25

26 Angel says aameen at the end of Surah al-fatiha. If saying aameen coincides with the saying of anyone then his past all sins shall be forgiven. It is highly recommended Sunnah. The Jews will not envy us for anything more than they envy us for Friday which we have been guided to, while they were led astray from it, and for the Qiblah which we were guided to, while they were led astray from it, and for our saying `Aameen' behind the Imam. Many of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) followed this sunnah wholeheartedly. This saying 'Aameen' is only in the salaah whether fard or Nafl. And this is the only Surah which Allah has divided into two halves and Allah replies every verse that we say. And Surah al-fatihah is all about du'a, an invocation. So, through the mercy of the most merciful, All-Mighty has helped us to clear this issue with authentic references as it is highly recommend Sunnah and Muslims should not leave this Sunnah but to act upon it sincerely and wholeheartedly. And I urge to the Ummah without exception that whenever any of the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) is established then don't ever discourage other to do so out of ignorance, rather acquire true knowledge, act upon it, convey it to others and whenever correction comes to you, as long as it is from authentic source, then grab it and don't leave it. 26

27 If anyone discourages any of the fard act or Sunnah act which is confirmed and established according to the Qur'an and Sunna, then they are in great error. Even if it is a Sunnah, we should always be sincere as the Prophet says: "Beware, I have been given the Qur'an and it's like together with it." Abu Dawud And we should never reject any of the fard act or sunnah and discourage others to act upon it out of ignorance or arrogance and whatever reaches to us from Qur'an and Sunnah should accept and follow it till last breath. Allah, All- Mighty mentioned in the Noble Qur'an: "...And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad pbuh) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment." Surah Al-Hashr 59:7 the All-Mighty, Exalted be He, also stated regarding the Prophet (pbuh) that: "He does not speak out of his own desires. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired." Surah An-Najm 53:3-4 I would like to end with saying that today nothing has made the situation of the Ummah worse except the lacking of true knowledge of Islam and rejection the following true teachings of Al-Qur'an and Sunnah. 27

28 We most of the times yet All-Mighty through His mercy sends blessings to us as the correction in several ways but we refuse to accept it and fall in the trap of the devil which drags us to the error and destruction at large. I end with the statement that I love by heart of the Prominent scholar ash- Shaykh al-albaani (may Allah have mercy on him), as he said: "If even it is a single reference but sufficient for the true seekers; but for the ignorant people thousands of the references shall bring no benefit. We can teach the one who would like to learn but for the ignorant we don't have anything to do." 28

29 The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said in his last sermon on 9th day of Dhul al- Hijjah, 10 A.H. in the 'Valley of Mount Arafat, "All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people." And He (pbuh) also said: "May Allah make radiant [the face of] one who heard what 'I said, learned it by heart, and transmitted it as he heard it." at-tirmidhi "Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him! And peace be on the Messengers! And all the praise and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)." Al-Qur'an 37:

30 Conclusion I pray to the All-Mighty, Exalted be He, bless this small work and forgive me for falling short of my lofty goal. And I pray to the All-Mighty, All-Wise, that He bless the Prophet, his family, and his righteous Companions. May the All- Mighty, Exalted be He, grant us a place under the Prophet's standard on the Day of Resurrection. Aameen. "...Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All- Hearer, the All-Knower." Al-Qur'an 2:127 "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." Al-Qur'an 27:19 How perfect You are, O Allah! All praise is for You. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but You. I ask for Your forgiveness, and I repent to You. "and the close of their request will be: Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-'Alamin [All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)]." Al-Qur'an 10:1 30

31 [note: Due to typing errors, I had to remove the Arabic contexts of the Qur'anic verses. In sha Allah, as soon as the errors have been resolved I will put all those Qur'anic verses here.] mme_gaffer@yahoo.com Facebook: Blog: 31