Rajaee

Are there any mandatory conditions for standing (qiyam) in the prayer, especially during "the first takbir" and before "ruku"? When one stands for takbīrat al‑iḥrām or qirāʾah, he/she must not walk nor incline to one side. And based on obligatory precaution, he must not move his body or voluntarily lean on anything; however, there is no problem if he is compelled to. If someone who can stand properly spreads his/her feet so wide that it cannot be called [normal] standing, his/her prayer is invalid. In fact, based on obligatory precaution, one must not spread his/her feet very wide, even if it can be called standing. While one is engaged in saying obligatory dhikr in prayers, his/her body must be still; and based on obligatory precaution, [the same applies] while he/she is engaged in saying recommended dhikr in prayers. If a person wants to move a little forwards or backwards or move his/her body a little to the right or left, he/she must not say any dhikr [at the moment of moving]. If a person is unable to stand while performing prayers, he/she must sit down; and if he/she is unable to sit down, he/she must lie down. However, he/she must not say any of the obligatory dhikrs until his body becomes still. As long as a person is able to perform prayers in a standing position, he/she must not sit down. For example, someone whose body shakes when he/she stands or is compelled to lean on something or incline his body a little, must perform prayers in a standing position in whatever way he can. However, if he/she cannot stand at all, he/she must sit straight and perform prayers in a sitting position.

What is the obligation if a person forgets to perform "ruku" and remembers at the time of "sajdah"? If a person forgets to perform rukūʿ and sits down [for sajdah] after Sūrat al-Ḥamd and the other surah and then remembers that he has not performed rukūʿ, he must stand up and then perform rukūʿ. If he does not stand up but instead performs rukūʿ while bending forward [as he gets up], it will not be sufficient as he will not have performed the standing that is connected to the rukūʿ.

When is standing "rukn" in the prayer? Standing while saying takbīrat al‑iḥrām and standing before rukūʿ – which is called ‘the standing that is connected to the rukūʿ’ (al‑qiyām al‑muttaṣil bil‑rukūʿ) – is a rukn. However, standing while reciting Sūrat al-Ḥamd and the other surah, and standing after rukūʿ, are not rukns; and if one omits these forgetfully, his prayer is valid.

There are 7 conditions that must be observed regarding the place of the prayer: The first condition: it must be permissible to use [i.e. it must not be usurped], based on obligatory precaution. The second condition: the place where obligatory prayers are performed must not move so vigorously that it would prevent the person from performing prayers from standing and performing rukūʿ and sujūd normally; in fact, based on obligatory precaution, the movement must not prevent his body from being steady. If one is compelled to perform prayers in such a place due to shortage of time or any other reason – for example, in certain types of cars or on a ship or train – he must remain still and face qibla as much as possible. If the vehicle moves away from the direction of qibla, he must turn and face the qibla again; and if it is not possible to face qibla precisely, he must try to ensure that the difference is less than ninety degrees; and if this is not possible, he must face qibla at least while performing takbīrat al‑iḥrām; and if even this is not possible, it is not necessary for him to face qibla. The third condition: one must perform prayers in a place where he deems it probable that he will complete them. However, if one is confident that he will not be able to complete his prayers in a place on account of wind, rain, or there being a lot of people around and suchlike, he must perform prayers with the intention of rajāʾ; and if he happens to complete his prayer, it will be valid. The fourth condition: the ceiling of the place where one performs prayers must not be so low that he cannot stand up straight; and the place must not be so small that there is no room to perform rukūʿ and sujūd. The fifth condition: If the place where a person performs prayers is impure, it must not be so wet that its moisture reaches his body or clothing in case the impurity is of the type that invalidates prayers. However, if the place where one places his forehead is impure, the prayers are invalid even if the place is dry. And the recommended precaution is that the place where one performs prayers should not be impure at all. The sixth condition: Based on obligatory precaution, a woman must stand behind a man at least to the extent that the place of her sajdah is level with the place of his knees when he performs sajdah. The seventh condition: The place of one’s forehead must not be higher or lower than the height of four fingers closed together in relation to the place of his knees and big toes. The details of this ruling will be mentioned in the section on sajdah.

What happens if the performer of the prayer is negligent in learning the relevant rulings? If on account of being negligent in learning the religious ruling a person does not know that prayers performed with an impure body or with impure clothing are invalid, or that, for example, semen is impure, and he performs prayers with it, the obligatory precaution is that he must perform the prayer again; and if the prescribed time has expired, he must make it up.

The clothing worn by someone performing prayers must meet six conditions: It must be pure (ṭāhir); it must be permissible (mubāḥ) [i.e. it must not be usurped], as an obligatory precaution; it must not be made from the parts of the carcass [of an animal that has not been slaughtered according to Islamic law]; it must not be from a predatory animal; and based on obligatory precaution, nor must it be from an animal whose meat is unlawful to eat; -6. if the person performing prayers is male, it must not be made from pure silk nor embroidered with gold.

What are their meanings in language and terminology? In language, Tawhid originates from the root "wahd," meaning oneness or singularity. Hence, it refers to something that is absolute or without parts.[1] Based on this, Tawhid is defined in terminology as: believing in one God.[2] Martyr Motahhari also states that Tawhid means belief in God and the oneness of the Divine.[3] And Ayatollah Subhani, in explaining this oneness, has stated that Tawhid is believing in the oneness of God in terms of His essence, actions, and worship.[4] Based on this, believing in the oneness of God is described through various levels of Tawhid.[5] Tawhid, as the most fundamental belief of Muslims, is mentioned throughout the Noble Quran. God Almighty has explicitly or implicitly addressed the issue of Tawhid in about 130 verses of the Quran, and even an entire sura is named after it. The first verse of Surah "at-Tawhid" clearly states the position of God Almighty: "Say, 'He is Allah, the One and Only.'"[6] Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) in a narration has stated that the reason for the revelation of this surah was a question asked by the Jews about the concise description of God Almighty.[7] Regarding this same verse, in a narration from Imam Ali (peace be upon him), it was asked about the meaning of this oneness, and he replied: When it is said that God is one, it can be understood in four ways. First, that God is a number in contrast to two, which is impossible for God. Second, that God is one of His kind, which is also meaningless for God. So, there remain two other ways: one is His being unique, which is correct for God. The other is that God is indivisible from within, in other words, God is simple.[8] The opposite of Tawhid is Shirk, which means associating partners with something and the existence of one being in two things, such as animality being common to both humans and horses.[9] Based on this, Shirk means believing that someone or something shares the attributes and position of God, while nothing is like God.[10] The Noble Quran presents an argument against Shirk, saying, "If there had been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, both would have been ruined."[11] And according to the narrations, the meaning of Shirk is associating partners with God absolutely.[12] Various levels can be considered for this, including lordship, which the Quran refers to, saying that if there were two managers in this world, corruption and destruction would engulf the world. Shirk is considered one of the major sins, and in whatever form it occurs, it leads to the believer going to Hell. In a narration from Imam Jawad (peace be upon him) quoting his father and grandfather, Shirk is described as "the greatest of major sins."[13] [1] "Al-Mufradāt fī Gharīb al-Qurʾān" (The Singularities in the Strange Words of the Quran), Dar al-Qalam, by Al-Rāghib al-Isfahānī, Volume 1, Page 857, https://B2n.ir/e29366 [2] "Ma'arif al-Qur'an" (The Meanings of the Quran), by Mohammad Taqi Misbah Yazdi, Volume 1, Page 58, https://B2n.ir/b46994 [3] Book Title: "Tawhid" (Oneness), by Murtaza Mutahhari, Volume 1, Page 13, https://B2n.ir/u04694 [4] "Tawhid and Shirk in the Noble Quran," by Sheikh Jafar Subhani, Volume 1, Page 5, https://B2n.ir/k56940 [5] "Tawhid According to the Ahl al-Bayt," by Alaa al-Hussun, Volume 1, Page 9, https://B2n.ir/p26874 [6] Surah al-Ikhlas, Verse 1, Translation by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi [7] “Tafsir Riwaei Ahlulbayt, Volume 18, Page 450 [8] "Tawhid," by Sheikh al-Saduq, Volume 1, Page 83, https://B2n.ir/q96148 [9] "Al-Mufradāt fī Gharīb al-Qurʾān" (The Singularities in the Strange Words of the Quran), Dar al-Qalam, by Al-Rāghib al-Isfahānī, Volume 1, Page 451, https://B2n.ir/r08145 [10] "Bihar al-Anwar," by Allama Majlisi, Volume 10, Page 184, https://B2n.ir/n49953 [11] Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 22 [12] "Tafsir al-Ayyashi," by Muhammad bin Masud al-Ayyashi, Volume 1, Page 255, https://B2n.ir/k89533 [13] Al-Kulayni, Al-Kafi, Volume 2, Page 285, https://B2n.ir/u63025

How does the story of the Mubahala refer to Imam Ali's successorship after Rasulullah (s.a.w.s)? The story is pretty straightforward! when Rasulullah (s.a.w.s) went for the Mubahala, he was accompanied by 4 others: Lady Fatima (s.a), Imam Ali (a.s), and their two sons al-Hassan (a.s) and al-Hussain (a.s)[1]. Seeing Rasulullah (s.a.w.s) in that state, the Christians realized he was earnest. One of them said, “he’s sitting on his knees for Mubahala like the prophets”[2] trembled in fear and accepted to sign a peace pact with Muslims[3]. What makes the story of Mubahala even more interesting is they asked Rasulullah (s.a.w.s) why he had come with only his family. He answered because Allah (s.w.t) had instructed me to do so, referring to ayah 61 of Sura Aali Imran. The verse doesn't explicitly refer to Ahlulbayt (a.s) and devises a unique way to point to them. However, the phrase used for Ali (a.s) stands out. He is called the "nafs", signifying his similarity to Rasulullah (s.a.w.s) and elevating his status to be equal to Rasulullah (s.a.w.s). This argument is also echoed by Imam al-Hassan (a.s) in his letter to Mu’awiyah[4] and emphasized by Imam ar-Ridha (a.s) in his response to Ma’moun, highlighting the utmost closeness of Ali (a.s) to the position of Rasulullah (s.a.w.s) as his most important virtue. Finally, it is evident that Ali (a.s) holds the closest position to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) in terms of status and position, making him the most fitting person to succeed the prophet (s.a.w.s) and be designated as the leader of the Islamic nation. [1] Sayyed ibn Tawous, Sa’d as-Su’oud, p.90 [2] Ibn Shahr Ashoub, al-Manaqib, vol. 3, p.369 [3] Majlisi, Hayat al-Quloub, vol. 4, p.1305 [4] Shaykh at-Tousi, Amali, p. 563

How does the Quran signifies Immaculate Ahlulbayt (a.s) in narrating the event of Mubahala? In the event of Mubahala, there were 4 persons with Rasulullah (s.a.w.s): Imam Ali (a.s), Lady Fatima (s.a), Imam Hassan (a.s) and Imam Hussain (a.s). verse 61 of Surat "Aali Imran" Allah (s.w.t) refers to three groups to be present in Mubahala: 1. "[O]ur sons" -> which refers to Imam al-Hassan (a.s) and Imam al-Hussain (a.s) 2. "[O]ur women" -> which refers to Lady Fatima (s.a) 3. "[O]urselves" -> which refers to Imam Ali (a.s) Allama al-Majlisi claims that the narrations that prove the verse is about “Ahl al-Kisa” are Mutawatir[1] Al-Zamakhshari, a prominent Sunni scholar, considered this verse to be the strongest proof of the virtue of “Ahl al-Kisa”[2]. At-Tabarsi considers the verse as a sign of Lady Fatima’s superiority over all ladies in the world[3]. [1] Al-Majlisi, Haq al-Yaqin, vol. 1, p. 67 [2] Al-Zamakhshari, al-Kashshaf 1415 A.H, vol. 1, p. 370 [3] At-Tabarsi, Majma’ al-Bayan, vol. 2, p. 746

Why did the noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) challenge the Christians of Najran to Mubahala? It is said that a group of Christians of Najran came to Medina to discuss religious issues with Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) believing they could challenge Rasulullah (s.a.w.s) in spiritual matters. however, after facing the solid and tangible arguments of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) regarding Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ) they resisted accepting the reality. witnessing the Christians' unreasonable denial of the truth, the noble prophet (s.a.w.s) invited them to Mubahala. Traditionally, when two persons couldn't come to terms in their dispute, they would solemnly ask God the exalted to favor the right one and punish the wrong one.

What is the Quranic verse that refers to Mubahala? The Quranic verse that refers to this event is Surah Al-Imran, verse 61: “Now, whoever disputes with you ˹O Prophet˺ concerning Jesus after full knowledge has come to you, Say: ‘Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then let us earnestly pray and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie.’”

What is the story of the Mubahala? SUMMARY: The Mubahala was a solemn challenge issued by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) to Christian leaders from Najran to resolve a theological dispute. To emphasize the gravity of the situation, Muhammad (s.a.w.s) was accompanied by his closest family: his daughter Fatima (s.a), her husband Ali (a.s), and their two young sons, al-Hasan and al-Hussain (a.s), known collectively as Ahl al-Kisa. Upon witnessing this powerful display of faith and family, the Christian delegation backed down from the challenge, recognizing the immense spiritual authority and purity embodied by Muhammad (s.a.w.s) and his family (a.s). This event is considered a pivotal moment in Islamic history, affirming the truth of Islam and the special status of the Prophet's household. THE FULL STORY The event is said to have happened after the battle of Tabouk in the 9th year after Hijra. The Najran delegation was accompanied by "Abu Harith ibn Alqamah", the Archbishop of Najran, who traveled to Medina following Rasulullah's (s.a.w.s) letter claiming to be a prophet of God and inviting them to Islam. It's said before starting their journey, first, they had a scientific debate among themselves about the issue of whether Muhammad (s.a.w.s) was a prophet or not. When they went through some of their ancient Christian scriptures they realized there was a truth in Muhammad's (s.a.w.s) claim, so they sought to visit the prophet and talk with him. According to Muhammad's (s.a.w.s) order, the delegation stayed in Medina for 3 days before having any official discussion with him. That was a good opportunity to observe Muhammad's (s.a.w.s) actions and attitude. The more they observed, the clearer it became that a prophet of God was before them. Finally, the official meeting was held and the delegation started asking questions. Their very first question was about Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ). Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) asserted that he was no one but a humble servant and a prophet of God (s.w.t), and to prove his words, he referred to this Quranic verse: Although Muhammad's argument seemed convincing, they adamantly insisted upon their position of Jesus being the son of God. Therefore, by Allah's order, Muhammad (s.a.w.s) invited them to Mubahala [the Quran 3:61]. A date was set and each party agreed to bring their companions for the ceremony as it was part of the custom. On the promised day, the delegation had brought all their men in the belief that their large numbers would attract God's favor. On the other hand, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) arrived with only a handful of his family members: his beloved daughter Lady Fatima (s.a), his cousin and son-in-law Ali (a.s), and his two lovely grandsons al-Hassan and al-Hussain (a.s). Upon seeing this, the heads of the delegation rushed to the presence of the prophet and asked, "Are you going to take part in Mubahala with only these people?!" The prophet replied, "Yes, they're the closest individuals to Allah after me." He remained steadfast in his belief. One of them said, "I see faces that, if they raise their hands in prayer, they can move mountains!" It is said that the signs of divine retribution appeared as well, so the delegation shivered in fear of the punishment and agreed to compromise.