Conditions for the validity of Salaat and the Rules.

CONDITIONS FOR THE VALIDITY OF SALAAT

There are several things that have to be fulfilled before starting the actual Salaat or Namaaz. If any of these things are is absent the Salaat will not be valid and may not be performed. These necessary things are known as the Shuroot or Conditions preceding Salaat. The Shuroot of Salaat are as follows:

1. Tahaarah or purity;
2. Satare Aurah or Covering of ones Aurah;
3. Istiqbale Qiblah or Facing the Qiblah;
4. Niyyat or Intention of Salaat;
5. Time.

The above mentioned Shuroot of Salaat will now be briefly explained.



1. TAHAARAH OR PURITY

There are two types of impurities which affect the human being.
These are Janabat which is known as the Greater Impurity or Hadthe Akbar and Hadth which is known as the Lesser Impurity or Hadthe Asghar.

It is necessary for the Musalli (i.e. the one who performs Salaat) to be purified from both states of impurites, viz, Janabat and Hadthe, before commencing Salaat. Purification from the state of Janabat is attained by taking ghusl (complete bath) and purification from Hadthe is attained by making Wudhu (ablution).

Besides Tahaarah (Purity) of the body, Tahaarah of the place whereon Salaat is performed is also necessary. The place or spot on which Salaat is performed must be pure and clean.

It is also essential that the clothing donned by the Musalli be pure and clean.

2. SATARE AURAH OR COVERING OF ONES AURAH

Aurah means that part of the human body the covering of which is compulsory.

The Aurah of a man is that part of his body from the navel to the knees.
(N.B. The navel is not part of the Aurah but the knees are included)

The Aurah of a woman is her entire body- from head to feet- except the face and hands.

Before commencing Salaat it is compulsory to have ones aurah covered.

3. ISTIQBALE QIBLAH

Istiqbale Qiblah means to face the the direction in which the Holy Ka'ba is located. The Musalli must face the Qiblah when performing Salaat.

4. NIYYAT

The Musalli must form the Niyyat (Intention) in the mind of the particular Salaat about to be performed.

5. TIME

The various Salaats must be performed after entry of their respective times. A Salaat cannot be performed prior to its appointed time.



INSHA'ALLAH TO FOLLOW: MASAA-IL (RULES) PERTAINING TO THE SHUROOT OF SALAAT.