Contemporary Fatawa

By
Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Congregational Supplication

Q. "It is noticed lately, in some Mosques, that supplications (Du'a) is offered in congregation, lead by the Imam with loud and piercing voice, sight frequently observed in normal days, and particularly during Ramadan in the Lailatul Qadr. Is there any justification for such congregational prayers in Shariah? If not, what is the prescribed way for the person leading the prayers (Imam) to make supplication?

A. Congregational supplication, is never reported to be performed by the Holy Prophet ( Sallaho Alaihai Wasallam ) in the manner explained in your question. It appears from the relevant ahadith that in the days of the Holy Prophet ( Sallaho Alaihai Wasallam ) he used to pray on his own, even after salah. But at the same there is no clear injunction in the Holy Qur'an or in the Sunnah which prohibits such congregational supplication. In view of both these aspects, the correct position is that congregational supplications are neither a sunnah nor something prohibited.

It is only one of the several permissible ways of performing supplications. However, if somebody takes this congregational method as obligatory or as a sunnah of the Holy Prophet ( Sallaho Alaihai Wasallam ), then this wrong concept will render this practice a "bid'ah" (innovation), hence impermissible, because a practice which was not obligatory or a sunnah at the time of the Holy Prophet ( Sallaho Alaihai Wasallam ) cannot be held as such after him. It will be a selfcoined addition to the prescribed ways of worship, which is termed as bid'ah in the words of the Holy Prophet ( Sallaho Alaihai Wasallam ) and is strictly prohibited.

In the light of this principle, if the congregational way of supplication is adopted only for the convenience of the audience, without taking this particular manner as an obligatory method or a sunnah of the Holy Prophet ( Sallaho Alaihai Wasallam ) it is quite permissible in Shariah. But if this method is observed with a belief of its being obligatory or a sunnah, it is not allowed.

It is noticed that where congregational supplications are permanently observed, it sometimes creates an impression that such collective supplication is a necessary part of the Salah, since this impression is not correct position as mentioned above.

How To Perform Salah Where Qiblah Is Not Known

Q. Sometimes we are at a place where we do not know the exact direction of Qiblah. How should we perform salah in such places? Can we use the scientific instruments to find out the direction of the Qiblah? what should we do if we do not have such instruments?
(Abdullah - Toronto, Canada)

A. Certainly one can use the scientific instruments to find out the accurate direction of Qiblah. However, if somebody is at a place where he has no such instruments nor can he find anybody to tell him the correct direction of the Qiblah, he should to the best of his ability Findout the direction by estimate. After doing his best, he can offer his prayer facing a direction which seems to him more correct ; His Salah will be acceptable in Shariah.

In this case, even if it is learnt after performing Salah that the correct direction was otherwise, the Salah is acceptable, and the same need not be performed again. It should, however, be kept in mind that this rule is applicable only to a person who has done his best to find out the correct direction of the Qiblah. Conversely, if he has not applied his mind to ascertain the Qiblah and performed Salah carelessly to any direction, his Salah is not acceptable in case he has performed it facing a wrong direction.

Jumuah Prayer While On Journey

Q. "What is the position of jum'ah prayer in journey? How far the jum'ah prayer is mandatory when one is on travel?"
(Ibid)

A. Jum'ah prayer is not mandatory (fard) on a traveller. It is permissible for him to perform the Zuhr prayer instead of Jum'ah. But since the Jum'ah prayer is far more rewardable than the normal Zuhr prayer, one should not miss it as far as possible even when he is on journey.

www.awaaz-e-dost.com