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Shahadah [Declaration of Faith]

O/N 2012
4 (a) ‘There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’. Describe the
Muslim beliefs summarised by the declaration of faith (shahada). [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
“There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”
There is no god but Allah is the first part of Shahadah. It deals with the unity of Allah. We confess with our
heart that Allah is the lord the Master and Creator of all things the heaven and earth and everything there
in. He is the sustainer, the provider, the organizer and the planner of all its affairs. It is he who gives life and
takes the life away. “Verily your Allah is one! Lord of heavens and of the earth and all between them and
Lord of every point at the rising of the sun!” (Saffat 37:4-5)
Allah is the only one worthy of worship. “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him” (Isra
17:1). We pray to Allah we seek His help at the time of difficulty, “You and we worship and your aid we
seek” (Al-Fatiha 1:5). We swear by His name, Offer, sacrifice to Him. We abide by His commands and
refrain from everything He had forbidden.
We also testify that all the names and attributes which Allah has named Himself or the Prophet (P.B.U.H)
has named or qualified Him belong to Allah alone without changing their meanings or likening them to
others. He sees and hears everything. He is omnipotent; he knows everything; the hidden and the manifest.
He is omnipotent; all powerful and, nothing is like Him, Allah says, “There is nothing whatever like unto
Him and He is the One that hears and sees (all things).” (Ash-Shura 42:11)
The second part of the declaration “Muhammad is His slave and apostle” shows its inseparable relation
to the first. The holy Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) name is the name most closely associated with that of Allah. This
sentence is also a constant theme of the Holy Quran. After acknowledging Allah as our Master and Sovereign,
it is necessary to know what are His commandments, what will please Him and what will incur his displeasure.
For this purpose, Allah appointed Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as His messenger and sent the Quran through
him.
He is the model for every Muslim without whom we would have no idea of how to conform to the truth laid
down by the first part of the declaration. To believe in him as a messenger of Allah means to accept His
authority as the representative of the Supreme Ruler and to follow his example. “He who obeys the
messenger obeys Allah.”
He is the link between the Creator and the creatures, therefore, to deny the second part of the declaration
would be to cut off all connections with the first. The declaration that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is Allah’s
messenger is a proclamation of belief in the complete and final guidance that he brought for all humanity. It
is also a statement of intension to follow that guidance faithfully. “Indeed ! you have in the messenger of
Allah a beautiful pattern of conduct.”
This declaration prepares human beings to reflect upon Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) teachings and
encourages them to follow his path. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) summed up all the previous
revelation, therefore, to follow him is to follow the teachings of all the Prophets. He is a symbol of the
message of Allah, of the Religion which was preached by all the Prophets.
The religion he was given to preach was Islam in the form of a complete system covering all aspects of
material and spiritual life of mankind. He led his life according to the commandments of Allah, and showed
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the Muslims, the way to lead their lives. So, when we recite this second part of the declaration i.e.
“Muhammad (P.B.U.H) His slave and apostle” we undertake who follow the law and system shown by him

Significance of the shahada

M/J 2018 (22)
5(a) ‘There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.’ Write about the
significance of the shahada to a Muslim. [10]
M/J 2023 (21)
4 (a). State the words of the Shahada and give an account of the Shahada’s significance in
Islam. [10]
Answer(Learn and write)
• The Shahada is the first Pillar of Islam and is a pledge made by a Muslim towards God which sums
up a person’s faith and belief. ‘I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, I bear witness
that Muhammad (pbuh) is Allah’s messenger’.
• These are the words (Kalimah) by which one declares his/her intention to become a Muslim. A
newly reverted Muslim has to understand the meaning of this simple phrase and to live and act in
accordance to its principles to be guaranteed admission into heaven.
• The words of the Shahadah are few but extremely significant. With these words a person
acknowledges Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of all, and affirms the prophethood of Prophet
Muhammad (P.B.H.U) and thus steps from disbelief and ignorance to knowledge, light and guidance.
• Muslims, whether they are born into the faith or accept Islam later, in life by reciting the Shahadah
become a part of the the same community, bonded together by their common faith, irrespective of
race or background.
• The significance of Shahadah is highlighted by the fact that it is repeated in every prayer.
• When believers say ‘I bear witness that there is no Allah but Allah’ it means that they reject
obedience and servitude to anyone or anything except Allah, that they fear no one except Him and
seek only His pleasure. This belief makes a Muslim strong and independent as well as courageous,
knowing that everything one experience is from Allah.
• With the second part of the Shahadah ‘ Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ believers
acknowledges the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) status and hence his right to be respected and obeyed,
knowing that he is the perfect human the best of creation. The Quran says, “Indeed, you have in
the messenger of Allah, a beautiful pattern of conduct.”
• The significance and importance of the Shahada is further highlighted by the various occasions
upon which it is recited showing that it the most crucial statement of faith for every Muslim.
• It is recited when converting to Islam, when a baby is born (it is recited in the baby’s ear) and it is
also said when death approaches a believer.
• Another significance of the Shahada is that it rejects shirk and putting anyone above or equal to
God.
• Lastly, a believer must submit to the command and will of God, for Islam itself can be defined as
submission to the will and commands of God.
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• Therefore, it can be said that the monotheistic nature of Islam is highlighted through the words of
the Shahada and Muslims are reminded of the guidance given to them by God through
Muhammad (pbuh).
• For Muslims, the shahadah or Kalima and faith are the most important belief as it sums up what
one must believe to be a Muslim. The first pillar of Islam is the fundamental and basic need of
human beings as a Muslim. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “I have been ordered to fight against
people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and the Muhammad is the Messenger of
Allah.” (Sahi Bukhari). The above saying clearly indicates that we must have faith in both parts of
the first pillar of Islam.

4b. What do you think is the importance of understanding the Shahada? Give reasons to
support your answer. [4]
• Understanding the Shahada as the first pillar of Islam is of utmost importance because we can only truly
commit to something if we understand what we are committing to.
• For this reason, understanding the Shahada becomes really important for a believer because a testimony
about which someone has no knowledge is undesirable.
• Having certainty about the truth of the Shahada that ‘there is no God but Allah’ dispels disbelief or kufr from
the heart of the believer and hence is critical in establishing faith.
• To truly understand the significance of Shahada a Muslim must be aware of its different aspects and believe in
them with complete faith and sincerity.

Pillars of Islam
Regular Daily Prayer (Salat)
M/J 2015
3 (a) Give an account of the conditions required for ablution (wudu) and the method of
performing it. [10]
Answer (Learn and write:)
Conditions of wudu:
• Ablution or wuzu in prescribed manner is necessary for a person who intends to say his prayers as the
Quran says, “O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer wash your faces and hands to the
elbows; rub your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” [5:6]
The Prophet pbuh said, “Neither the prayer is accepted without purification nor is charity accepted
from unlawfully earned wealth.”
Making the intention or niyat of Wuzu, “I intend to perform the Wuzu for securing Allah’s good pleasure
and in compliance with His command” .
• If possible, one should sit facing the Qiblah.
• The water to be used for Wuzu should be absolutely clean.
• The wuzu should be in continuous process, without any break or interval. No part should be allowed
to dry up before the other is washed.
• each part being washed and cleaned in the prescribed order,
• Washing should start from the right side then left.
• No part should remain dry.
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• It is recommended to brush ones teeth or use miswak before or after wudu.

Method of wudu:
The approved method of performing wuzu is
• to wash both hands up to the wrists thrice, the wet fingers should be passed in between each other.
If there are any bangles on the wrists or ring on the fingers, as in the case of females they should be
moved around so that the skin under them does not remain dry.
• After this rinse the mouth thrice.
• Next some water should be taken in the right hand and sniffed into the nostrils thrice and then blown
out. The left hand should be used for cleaning nose.
• Then the whole face should be washed with both hands, thrice from the forehead down to the lower
portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other.
• Thereafter, first the right arm and then the left arm up to the elbows should be washed thrice.
• After washing the arms, wet your hands and perform Masah from front to back by wiping the hands
on one fourth of head and pass the back of wet hands over the nape of the neck. Clear the inner side
of ears with forefingers and outer with thumbs.
• Finally wash the feet right and the left up to the ankles three times.
The prophet pbuh said, “He who performed ablution well, his sins would come out from his body, even
coming out from under his nails.”

M/J 2021(22)
5(a) Write about the different types of purification before the performance of salat:
• wudu
• tayammum; and
• ghusl.[10]
Answer:
Tayammum (Dry Ablution)
In the case of water not being available for the performance of wudu or a person being bed-ridden due to
illness, Tayammum (dry ablution) should be done. Regarding tayammum the Quran says, “If you are ill or on
a journey…And you find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth and rub therewith your
faces and hands. Allah does not wish to place you in a difficulty , but to make you clean.” (5:6)
From the ayat above, Muslim come to know the permission for tayammum is given by Allah in case of non-
availability of water, or on grounds of illness.
However, it must be noted that as soon as the restrictive reason for not doing wudu is removed tayammum
becomes void.
This approved traditional method of performing tayammum is
• to recite Tasmiah
• and then to make the intention to perform tayammum.
• After this both hands should be struck on some clean and pure earth or sand or stone.
• Next, the excessive sand should be blown off.
• Then both hands are rubbed on the face in such a way that no part of the face which has to be
washed by wudu, is left out.
• In the case of males with beards, it is desirable to pass the figures through the beard.
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• Then both hands should be struck again on the clean earth or sand and, after blowing off the excess
dust, they should be passed over first the right and then the left arm upto the elbows. This completes
the tayammum.
• A dry stone free of dust, a brick or an earthen pot may also be used for this purpose.
• The acts which nullify wudu also nullify tayammum.
Ghusl:
It is reported on the authority of Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, who said that the Messenger of
Allah ‫ ﷺ‬when performing Ghusl from Janaabah (ritual impurity), used to wash his hands, then wash his
private parts with his left hand. After that he performed Wudhoo’ like that for prayer. Next, he took some
water and ran his fingers in the roots of his hair until he used three handfuls of water on his head. He would
then go on pouring water on the rest of his body and wash his legs. [Muslim]
• The person taking a bath should first of all wash both hands up to the wrists, and then wash the private parts.
The hands and private parts should be washed irrespective of whether there is any impurity on them or not.
Both these have to be washed under all conditions. Thereafter, any impurity found on the rest of the body
should be washed. Then make Wudhoo’
• After performing Wudhoo’, pour water on the head three times. Thereafter pour water over the right and left
shoulders three times each in such a way that water reaches the entire body.
• Whilst pouring water over the body the first time, rub the body well so that water reaches everywhere properly
and no place remains dry.
• The above method of Ghusl is according to the Sunnah. Some of the items explained above
are Fardh (obligatory) without which Ghusl will not be complete and the person will remain impure. Some
other items are Sunnah (recommended but not obligatory). Observing them entails reward, and by not carrying
them out, Ghusl will still be complete.
The Fardh acts are only three:
1. To gargle the mouth in such a way that water reaches everywhere.
2. To wash the nose up to the soft bone.
3. To pour water over the entire body.

Conditions/Preparations of Prayers
M/J 2010
5 (a) What are the conditions of prayer (salat) that must be fulfilled before performing them. [10]
M/J 2012
4 (a) Give a detailed account of how Muslims prepare for prayer. [10]
O/N 2017
5(a) Prayers (salat), whether obligatory or voluntary, require preparation. Write an account of how a Muslim
prepares for it? [10]
Answer(Learn and write)
Before a person can say his regular prayers, the following conditions must be fulfilled; otherwise the prayers
would be void:
• The body of the person must be clean. Salat requires purification through ablution (wuzu) or by taking
bath. Wuzu includes washing of hand, mouth, nostrils, face, arms, across the head, back of the neck,
ears and the feet. Quran says, “O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer wash your faces and
hands to the elbows; rub your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” [5:6]
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• Permission for resorting to Tayammum is granted on the grounds of illness, travelling and the non-
availability of water. It can be performed instead of wuzu (ablution).
• The clothes worn must be clean and free from all impurities. The Quran says, “He loves those who
keep themselves pure and clean” (2:222). The Holy Prophet said, “Surely Allah does not accept prayers
without purification.”
• The place where the prayers are to be said must be clean and free from all impurities. Prayers should
preferably be performed in the mosques because it carries 27 times more reward for men.
• The ‘SATAR’ (those parts of body which should be kept covered) must be properly covered. For a male,
the Satar consists of the portion of the body from the navel to the knees. For a female, her entire body
with the exception of her face, hands and feet is Satar.
• It must be the time for the particular prayer to be offered otherwise it can be performed as Qaza.
• The prescribed timing for farz prayers are, Fajr: this is an early morning prayer, Zuhr early afternoon
prayer, Asr late afternoon prayer, Maghrib evening prayer and Isha early night prayer.
• It is prohibited to pray when the sun is in the Meridian or is rising or setting and this prohibition applies
to both fard and nafl prayers. The Quran says, “Prayers have indeed been enjoined on believers at
fixed times.” [4:103]
• The Qiblah (direction of the Kaabah) must be faced while saying the prayer. The Quran says, “Turn then
your face in the direction of the sacred mosque, wherever you are, turn your faces in that direction.”
[2:150]w
• Intention or niyat must be declared for saying the kind of prayer i.e., Farz, Sunnat etc., of the particular
prayer time i.e., Fajr, Zuhr etc. that one is offering.

Spiritual and individual importance of Prayer

O/N 2014
4 (a) The Prophet said, ‘Between a person and disbelief is discarding prayer.’ What benefits do
Muslims find in regular prayer (salat)? [10]
M/J 2016
4 (a) Outline the main teachings in the Qur’an and Prophetic Hadiths about prayer (salat) as the
foundation of Islam. [10]
Answer (Learn and write)
Prayer is the second pillar of Islam. Prayer was the first act of worship that that was made obligatory by
Allah. It is the first act that the person will be held accountable for on the day of judgment, the Messenger of
Allah Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “The first act that the slave will be accountable for on the day of judgment will
be the prayer.”
The word salat occurs 67 times in the Quran. It is obligatory on every adult, sane Muslim males or females
whether he is at home or traveling, in peace or war, healthy or sick. However, women are exempted from
offering salat during the menstruation period.
It is not obligatory for child to pray, however it is obligatory for the parents to order him to pray when he is
seven years old.
• Prayers instill self discipline in an individual. A Muslim pray five time a day at the fixed times. He learns
to be punctual at every prayer or he will be late and miss the congregation. This is repeated five times
a day which instills habit of regularly, The Quran says, “Prayers have indeed been enjoined on believers
at fixed times.” [4:103]
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• Salat makes a person clean and pure both physically and spiritually. When a person prays regularly he
keeps his body clean by making ablution before every prayer while salat itself keeps him spiritually pure
the Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked his companions, “Do you believe that dirt can remain on a person bathing
five times a day in a stream running in front of his door? The companions replied that no dirt can remain
on his body. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) remarked so exactly similar is the effect of the prayer offered five
times a day. With the grace of Allah it washes away all sins. Ablution washes out physical dirt while
prayers wipe out spiritual.” (Agreed)
• A Muslim completely submits himself to Allah. He stands in humility in the presence of Allah with both
hands folded; he bows Kneels and prostrate. He shows his utter dependence on Allah. “Successful indeed
are the believers who are humble in their prayers.” (Al-Muminun 23:1)
• Prayer develops piety and fear of Allah in a person and restrains him from evil, Allah says, “Established
regular prayers for it restrains from shameful and unjust deeds” (Al-Ankabut 29:45)
• Prayer develops patience, endurance, contentment, and perseverance in a person. Allah says, “Therefore,
be patient with what they say and celebrate the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and
before its setting.” (Ta-Ha 20:130)
Benefits/ Features of congregational Prayer
 O/N 2012
5 (a) What is the purpose of prayers in congregation? [10]
O/N 2015
3.(a) Describe the particular features of daily congregational prayers.[10]
Answer (Learn and write)
Congregational prayer has a great reward, the messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h) said, “Prayer in congregational is
better than the prayer of a man by himself by twenty-seven times.” (Agreed)
Muslims are enjoined to pray congregational prayers in a mosque. Only Fard are to be said in congregation.
The other rakats are said singly. One person with Imam will constitute a congregation even if the other person
is a child or a woman.
If the congregation is of two people then the follower will be on the right side, if a third person joins the prayer,
the imam will move forward.
If women form a congregation, then the woman who leads stands in the middle if they are in odd numbers, if
the number of women is even then more women will be on the right hand side.
The best person to lead the prayers is one who is well acquainted with the Qur’an and Hadiths. Before the
congregation starts rows are straightened and the gaps are filled. The worshippers should stand shoulder to
shoulder, the iqama is said and after making the intention the prayer is read Women are allowed to join the
congregation but their prayer in their houses is better. Men are excused from congregation, only in case of
rain, extreme weather, or illness.
This was the Practice of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and his immediate successors who always led the
congregational prayers of the believers five times a day in the mosque at Madinah.
• Islam lays special stress on prayer in congregation. The Quran says: “And bow down your heads with
those who bow down (in worship).(2:43)
The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) is reported to have said:
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“ If there are three persons in a village or even in a desert and they do not pray together, the devil would
surely over take them. So always pray Salat in congregation, for a wolf only injures a solitary sheep.”(Abu
Daud)
• Congregational prayer serves as a strong force in uniting the believers. The gathering of all people living
in a locality five times daily in the Mosque helps in the establishment of healthy social relations
between different sections of the Muslim community. This gathering becomes larger in the weekly
Friday service and still larger in the two Eid gatherings. This reaches its climax on the occasion of the
annual pilgrimage when Muslims from all parts of the world assemble in Makkah.
• Congregational prayer levels social differences and promotes an atmosphere of equality and
brotherhood. In the mosque, a king may stand shoulder to shoulder with his poorest lead subjects and
the white man with the black. Congregational prayer lead to the realization among the worshipers that
all men are equal before Allah.
• These lessons of equality, fraternity and brotherhood, when put into practice, serve as a foundation
for the unification of the human race. However much Islam may have preached the equality of mankind
and the brotherhood of Muslims, it would have been purposeless without being put into practice
through the institution of congregational prayer.

Friday Prayer
O/N 2016
5 (a) Describe the particular features of Friday congregational prayers (Jum’a) and the main features of the
Friday sermon. [10]
M/J 2020
5(a) How do Muslims prepare themselves for Friday (Jum’a) prayers and what are the special features of this
prayer? [10]
Answer (Learn and write)
Friday ( jummah) means to congregate, gather or get together. All Muslim men in a community should
try to gather for this prayer. In some communities women are also encouraged to attend. It is obligatory on
every Muslim male.
Quran says,
“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed on Friday (the day of assembly) hasten
earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic) that is best for you if ye
but knew.”
Prophet pbuh said, “performing Friday prayer is obligatory on every Muslim adult male.”
• There are special preparations for this prayer. Muslims should try to take bath and put on fresh clothes
and should attain purification by ablution or by taking a bath. The Quran says, “O you who believe!
When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and hands to the elbows; rub your heads; and wash
your feet to the ankles.”
• There are two azans for congregational prayers. Muslims should try to reach the mosque on the first
azan. On reaching the mosque, they should offer Tahayyat-ul-Masjid prayers and then four pre-farz
Sunnats. The second azan is called before the sermon.
• The Imam then preaches two sermons, which are compulsory to hear. These sermons always consist
of advice based on the Holy Quran and Hadith about living a Muslim life. In non Arab countries an
additional sermon is delivered in the native language.
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• People should not speak, pray or use mobiles during the sermon, and listen attentively. Even the
recitation of Quran is not allowed during the sermons.
• After the Sermons, Iqamat is called and people arrange themselves in rows.
• Friday prayer takes place of Zuhr prayer therefore, The farz are prayed in two rakats, not four.
• This farz prayer can’t be prayed alone or after the set time. Muslims should say the prayer together
behind the Imam.
• If someone is unable to perform this prayer in congregation within the prescribed time then he must
offer the Qaza for Zuhr prayer.
• Some people are exempt from Friday prayers, e.g. travellers, the sick, women and children.

The Friday sermons include:

• Glorification and praise of God, confirming the aspect of tawhid
• Praise and blessings on the Prophet (pbuh) as the greatest example to follow and sending peace and
blessings on him
• Reflection /reinforcement of the Quranic verses that have been selected for the particular sermon
• Referring to an authentic hadith to elaborate the topic and demonstrate the implementation of the
injunction by the Prophet (pbuh)
• The imam reminds the whole congregation about their duties towards God and their fellow beings, he
warns the people against the consequence of doing evil and reminds them of the hereafter
• Prays for the welfare of the community.

Eid Prayers
M/J 2013
4 (a) Describe how and why Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. [10]
M/J 2017
5(a) Write about the preparations made for the two ‘Id prayers and say how the prayers are
performed. [10]
Answer (Learn and write)
• The two main festivals in Islam are Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. Eid means recurring happiness or
festivals. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal which follows Ramazan or the month of
Fasting. Eid-ul-Azha falls on the tenth day of Zil Hajj and follows the completion of Hajj.
• The prayers of two Eids were prescribed in the first year after migration. It is a sunnah Mu’kakkadah
as the Prophet (P.B.U.H) performed these prayers and he ordered the men and women to go out to
attend them. These are congregational prayers and cannot be said individually. Eid prayers are not
a substitute for the obligatory Fajr prayer and there is no Qaza for Eid prayer.
• It is preferred to take a bath, perfume oneself and put on one’s best clothes on the occasion for
both ‘Id’s. It is sunna to eat an odd number of dates before going for salah on ‘id ul fitr whilst for ‘Id
ul adha eating is delayed till after the ‘Id prayers and then the believer may eat of his sacrifice, if he
has sacrificed an animal. ‘Id prayers can be performed in the mosque but it is preferred to perform
it in a place outside the city or in an open ground. The Prophet (pbuh) would pray the two ‘Id prayers
on the outskirts of Madina, in fact he only offered I’d prayers once in his mosque when it was raining.
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• The time for Eid prayer is anytime after sunrise but before noon. Usually, Eid-ul-Azha prayers are
held a little earlier than the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. No Azaan or Iqamat is required
• Eid is a day of thanksgiving during which Muslims assemble in a brotherly and joyful atmosphere to
offer their thanks to Allah for helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations.
• Both Eids are the days of rejoicing and celebration. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, The days of Tashriq
(the days in which the Eid is celebrated) are days of eating and drinking and of remembering Allah,
the Exalted”
• Eid ul Adha is celebrated in the memory of great sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail. The
Prophet Ibrahim had a dream in which Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son.
• It is desirable to congratulate each other on Eid, Jabir ibn Abdullah reported, “When the
companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) met each other on the day of Eid they would say to each
other, ‘taqqabbal minna wa minka’ (may Allah) accept it from us and you”
• The Eid day starts with congregational prayer in the morning. During the prayer, the Muslims
remember and glorify Allah’s name, and ask for His forgiveness and for strength of faith.
The method of prayer for Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha is the same. The prayer consists of two Raka’at with the
Imam reciting in each, Surah Fatihah and another passage from the Quran in an audible voice.
• The intention for prayer is in these words:
“I intend to offer two Raka’at Wajib of Eid-ul-Fitr/Eid-ul-Azha (as the case may be) with six additional Takbirs,
behind this Imam and I am facting Holy Ka’abah.”
When the Imam recites Takbir-e-Tahrima, Allahu-Akbar in a loud voice, the Muqtadis (followers) should also
say the Takbir in a low voice, and fold their hands as in other prayers. After reciting Sana, the Imam raises both
hands upto the ears and says, the Takbir i.e., Allahu Akbar in a loud voice. The Muqtadis also raise their hands
upto the ears and say the Takbir in a low voice. The Imam and the Muqtadis should then lower their hands and
keep them hanging by their sides. They should repeat this twice. After the third Takbir, the hands to be folded
in the usual manner. They shall now recite Tasmiyah, Surah Fatihah and some other Surah. After this, the first
Rakat should be completed in the usual manner.
In the second Rakat, the Imam recite Tasmiyah, Surah Fatihah and some other Surah. After this, the Imam
raises his hands and recites the Takbir in a loud voice. The Muqtadis also raise their hands and say the Takbir
in low voice. They should now bring their hands down and keep them hanging by their sides. The hands should
be raised and lowered and the Takbir said more two times. Both the Imam and the Muqtadis now say one more
Takbir without raising their hands and bow down for Ruku. The second Rakat should be completed in the usual
manner.
After the two Raka’at of prayer are over, the Imam delivers the Khutba in two parts, with a short break in
between. The Khutba is Sunnat and should be heard attentively.
In the sermon of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Imam must draw the attention of the audience to Sadaqah-ul-Fitr. This is a
charity, which is obligatory on every Muslim who can afford it. This charity is more rewarding and preferable if
it is distributed before the prayers, so that the poor may also be able to celebrate the day in a festive and
cheerful spirit.
In the sermon of Eid-ul-Azha, the Imam should draw attention to the duty of sacrifice, which is to be observed
by every Muslim with means. It is preferable to Slaughter the animal of sacrifice on Eid day after prayers. The
sacrifice of an animal on second on third day of Eid is also acceptable.
Private Prayer (Dua)
4(a) Write about the following:
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• The benefits of private prayer (du’a) in a Muslim’s life.

• The times when God is thought most likely to accept du’a. [10]
Answer (Learn and write)
• Invocation (duʿāʾ) is a prayer of supplication or request. Muslims regard this as a profound act of
worship. Prophet Muhammad pbuh said, "Dua is the very essence of worship.” The word dua in
Arabic means calling. It is the act of remembering Allah and calling out of Him.
• Aside from the obligatory five daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to call upon Allah for
forgiveness, guidance, and strength throughout their lives.
• Dua is a way to keep in touch with Allah and thanks to Dua, we are getting closer to our Lord. Thus,
Dua is a source of rapprochement of the supplicant to Allah the Almighty.
• It is considered a way by which we can change our situation by asking the help of Almighty Allah. Dua
can change destiny so try Dua in all situations because with Dua, you will always get closer to Almighty
Allah.
• Dua is essentially a submission to the Creator and a demonstration of a person’s need for Allah. Allah
says in the Holy Qur’an: “When my servants ask you about me, (tell them), I am really close to them,
I listen to the prayer of each supplicant when he invokes me.” (2: 186).
• These personal supplications or prayers (dua) can be made in their own words and in any language.
• One can pray privately for one’s own affairs, to protect, guide, help, bless a relative, friend or even the
entire Ummah.
• Allah is not a distant or remote Being, uncaring or indifferent to the calls of His Creation. In fact, He is
Rahman and Raheem, and One who answers the sincere and true prayers of His believers.
• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, “Allah does not turn away, empty-handed, the one
who calls upon Him in prayer.”
• Muslims can call upon and supplicate their Creator wherever and however they may be, but it is
recommended that one supplicating in earnest, it is better to be in a state of wudu, facing the qiblah,
and, ideally, while in sujood (prostration), in humility before Allah.
• Muslims may recite dua before, during and or after formal prayer, or may recite them at various times
throughout the day. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever desires that Allah respond to his
Duas under adverse and difficult conditions, he should make Dua abundant in the days of ease and
comfort.”
There are few specific moments in life, when a Muslim’s dua is especially accepted. These opportune
moments of the acceptance of dua are given blow:
• While travelling.
• While sick or visiting the sick.
• Late at night (last third of the night).
• While prostrating (sujood)
• Between the Azaan and the iqamat.
• While experiencing injustice or oppression.
• On the Day of Arafat.
• During Ramadan/or during nafl fasts.
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O/N 2021
5(a) Write a detailed account about the second Pillar of Islam: prayer (salat). [10]
O/N 2023
4 (a). Give an account of the call to prayer (adhan) and the steps of the five prayers (salat). [10]
Each prayer is preceded by the call to prayer by the muezzin, an adult male who loudly proclaims it.
The adhan not only announces the time of prayer but announces the Shahada, the Oneness of God and His
greatness as well as the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) five times a day. Some of the words of the
adhan: Hayya ‘alas salah (come to prayer), and Hayya ‘alal falah (come to prosperity), signify to Muslims that
only through the worship of God can true success be attained.
After the Adhan, Muslims fulfill the conditions of prayer by attaining purification, covering the sattar (those
parts of body which must be kept covered) etc and then stand facing the Qiblah i.e the direction of the
Kaabah to perform their prayer within the prescribed time.
The approved traditional method of Prayer is to stand straight with the face towards the kaabah and with hands hanging
down the sides of the body , the worshipper makes the intention (Niyyat) for the (Farz/sunnah/Nafl) prayer that is to be
offered. He then raises his hands to his ears and recites “Takbir-e-Tahrima” that is “Allah is the Greatest”. In this standing
position which is known as “ Qiyam”, the hands are folded on the navel or chest; he/she first recites Sana, then he/she
recites Ta’awuzi.e“I betake myself to Allah for refuge from the accursed Satan”.
and then the Tasmiyahi.e“ In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.”then after reciting surah al Fatiha some
other surah or at least three verses are recited, which is known as Qirat.
The Qiyam is followed by Ruku. In this posture, while standing, the worshipper bows forward and places both his/her
hands on his/her knees and recites Tasbih-e-Rukui.e, “Glory to my Lord, the Great” at least three times. After this he/she
recites Tasmi and Tahmid while standing straight. He stands erect for a short while which is known as “Qaumah”.
The worshipper then bends down for Sajdah or Prostration while reciting Takbir[Allah u Akbar]. In this position the
Tasbih-e-Sajdah i.e, “Glory to my Lord , the Most High” is recited at least three times. The worshipper sits for a short
while between two prostrations which is known as Jalsa.
After performing two prostrations, he/she stands to perform the second Rakat in the same way, except that the Sana is
not recited in the position of Qiyam.
After the second Rakat, he/she assumes the sitting position known as Qa’adah. In which he first recites Tahiyya and
Tashhaud and then the Durud and a prescribed prayer. After this, he ends his prayer with Taslim. For this, he/she turns
his/her face to the right and looking over the right shoulder, he/she says:“Peace be upon you and the mercy of
Allah.”Then turning his face to the left looking over the left shoulder, he/she repeats the same words.

Times of Prayer:
• Fajr is an early morning prayer. The time of this prayer commences after the break of dawn and ends
just before sunrise. It is makruh or undesirable to say prayers when the sun is rising. No nafl prayer is
to be said till the sun has risen well.
• Zuhr is an Early afternoon prayer.The time of this prayer commences when the sun begins to decline
and the shadows of things cease to decrease. It ends when the shadows of everything become equal to
twice the size of its shadows at noon or mid-day. No prayer is to be said or the Quran recited at the
time of the decline of the sun.
• Asr is a Late afternoon prayer. The time of this prayer commences immediately after the end of the
time for Zuhr prayers and ends before sunset.
• Magrib is an evening prayer. The time of this prayer commences immediately after sunset and ends on
the fading of twilight.No prayer is to be said or the Quran recited at the time of the setting of the sun.
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• Isha is an early night prayer.The time of this prayer commences after the fading of twilight and ends
before dawn but it is desirable to say this prayer before midnight.
Delayed Prayer – Qaza
The believers are enjoyed to offer their prayers at the appointed times. Failing to do so is a sin unless there is
a reasonable excuse for delay. With the exception of prayers missed by woman in childbirth or menstruation
and any Muslim who is insane or is unconscious for some time, every Muslim must offer the delayed obligatory
prayer. These prayers have to be offered as soon as possible except at time at time when prostration is
forbidden. In the Niyat, the word Qaza should be added.
If severel prayers have been missed in a day, then the Qaza should be offered in proper order. For example if
prayers have been missed beginning from Fajr then FajrQaza should be offer first, then Zuhr and Asr and so on.
If the missed prayers are too numerous to remember or if the time available is not enough for both missed and
present prayers, then the present prayer should be offered first. The missed prayer should be offer later.
Qaza can be offered for only the Farz and Witr prayers. Except for the pre-FarzSunnats of Fajr for which Qaza
may be offered before sunset the same day, no Qaza of other Sunnats is to be offered.
If Zuhr, Asr or Isha prayers become Qaza While travelling, one should, when he returns home, offer the Qaza
of these as if he was still a traveler that is, two Raka’ateach.If however, the prayers become Qaza before a
journey, he should offer the full four Raka’at of the three prayers.
(b) How do the prayers (salat) help keep the community united. [4]
• Muslims perform the prayers at the same time.
• In mosques they congregate together and can meet.
• Even when praying alone they know others are praying with them.
• All have a sense of performing the same task. All the Muslims, rich and poor, white and black, stand together,
shoulder to shoulder, before Allah in congregational prayer and perform the same acts together. This gives a
sense of togetherness.
• All are reminded of their membership of one community.
• Communal prayers give opportunity to help each other and solve problems.
(No marks for descriptions of prayers)
5(b) What in your opinion is the importance of celebrating the two ‘Ids? [4]
▪ every religion has its own days of festival and that the two ‘Ids are Muslim festivals, which are days of rejoicing and
celebration and remembrance of God for them.
▪ They mark two important events in the Islamic calendar, the completion of fasting during the month of Ramadan and the
completion of hajj for the pilgrims and for the rest of the Muslim world it is a reminder of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice
his beloved son in the way of God and as a symbolic gesture Muslims sacrifice an animal for the sake of God thus reminding
themselves that no sacrifice is too great in the way of God.
▪ both ‘Ids are practical examples of brotherhood in which all Muslims irrespective of creed or colour participate and thus it
brings the community together.
▪ The two ‘Ids give the Muslim community an opportunity to join in celebration, I’d fairs and parties strengthen ties of unity
and eradicate differences, the rich give zakat and the meat of the animal they sacrifice on the two ‘Ids respectively thus the
poor in the community are helped and able to enjoy the two festivals.
(b) Explain the importance to the community of Muslims of mosques. [4]
(b) ‘A mosque is a focal point in the lives of Muslims.’ Discuss. [4]
The call for prayers are given from the minarets of mosques
• They are centres especially dedicated for collective worship.
• They enable the community to meet together which encourages healthy social relations and promotes
brotherhood.
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• They provide facilities for education and joint learning.

• By their appearance they remind the community that it is united.
• Their presence symbolises the community’s unity and strength.
• Muslims sometimes withdraw to mosques for the conclusion of Ramadan
•There is a greater reward for praying in the mosque. It serves as an educational centre for Muslims and is also
a place of retreat etc.
. Friday prayers, Eid prayers and funeral prayers can all be held in mosques .
(b) Explain the main differences between regular daily prayer (salat) and personal prayer (du`a'). [4]
• Regular prayer is always performed according to the pattern set by Qur'an and Sunna.
• It is obligatory, whereas personal prayers are voluntary.
• It has set timings, whereas du`a' prayers can be performed at any time.
• It is directed towards the Ka`ba,
• It consists of set formulas and actions, but du`a’ prayers are not necessarily said according to a pattern.
• It is always in Arabic, but Du`a' prayers can be offered in any language.
• For regular prayers you need purification, but it is not obligatory for du`a’ prayers.
• Regular prayer is worship to God but du`a’ prayers comprise requests for oneself or others.
• They (personal prayers) are free, in that anyone or anything can be mentioned.
• They often consist of prayers spoken by the Prophet.
5.(b) Why is it beneficial for Muslims to pray salat five times a day? [4]
• By praying five times a day Muslims become God conscious and are therefore less likely to commit sins;
• it teaches them punctuality, cleanliness, fosters humility and brotherhood and is a lesson in living righteously.
• A Muslim completely submits himself to Allah. He stands in humility in the presence of Allah with both
hands folded; he bows Kneels and prostrate. He shows his utter dependence on Allah. “Successful indeed
are the believers who are humble in their prayers.” (Al-Muminun 23:1)
• Prayer develops piety and fear of Allah in a person and restrains him from evil, Allah says, “Established
regular prayers for it restrains from shameful and unjust deeds” (Al-Ankabut 29:45) Prayer
develops patience, endurance, contentment, and perseverance in a person.
3.(b) Why is ablution (wudu) given so much importance in your view? [4]
• Purity is given utmost importance in Islam.
• God has repeatedly enjoined people to purify themselves in Al-Baqarah 2:222 God says, ‘Allah loves
those who repent and purify themselves’. The Prophet said ‘purity is half of faith’.
• Another reason that can be put forward is that the Prophet said that wudu removes the sins of a person.
• purifying oneself allows one to focus on God when in prayer. Candidates could discuss one or more
reasons to answer this question.
3.(b) In your opinion why are congregational prayers considered to be beneficial to
Muslims? [4]
(b) Why should meeting for congregational prayers be more advantageous than performing
prayer alone? [4]
• The Prophet (pbuh) has said: ‘Prayer in congregation is better than the prayer of a man by himself by
twenty seven times’ (Agreed).
• it is in the sunna of the Prophet (pbuh) to pray in congregation,
• it promotes brotherhood, equality and unity amongst Muslims.
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• It gives Muslims a chance to meet other Muslims and perhaps be able to help those who are in need,
etc. and hence has a lot of social importance.
• On a more personal level it could be said that it requires more effort to leave what one is doing to get
to the mosque in time for the salat.