Daily Muslim Worship Plan
Download the full Daily Sunnah collection to maximize every aspect of daily life:
http://www.4shared.com/document/XI7Ox9Im/26863499-Beautiful-Sunnah-s-of.html
Morning
Upon Awakening
1. Wake up before Fajr begins in order to pray the Tahajjud prayer (Awaken at least 20-30 minutes before Fajr begins if not more).
Note: Duas are readily accepted just before Fajr begins. So we should try and wake up earlier so that we can spend at least 5-10 minutes (if not more) in Dua before Fajr begins.
2. Do Sunnah’s of upon awakening like reciting the Adhkar (Dua’s), using Miswaak etc. (Download the full Sunnah collection from the link above)
3. Miswaak can be used for: The recitation of Qur’an & Hadith. When mouth emits bad odour. For teaching or learning Islam. For making remembrance of Allah. Before intercourse. After entering one’s home. Before entering any good gathering. When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst. After the time of Suhoor. Before meals. Before and after a journey. Before and after sleeping.
4. Do the Sunnah’s of going to the toilet, making Wudu/Ghusl.
5. Do the Sunnah’s of hair, moustache, beard and nails etc.
6. Do the Sunnah’s of getting dressed/undressed.
Wudu (Ablution)
Sins wash away whilst doing Wudu: Abu Hurairah (RA) relates that The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “When a Mu’min or Muslim servant of Allah performs ablution and he washes his face, the sins which the eye committed by looking are washed off with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, the sins which were committed because of the touch of the hands are washed away with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his feet, the sins which were committed by the walking of the feet are washed off with the water or with the last drop of water until he comes out from that ablution cleansed from every sin (minor). (Muslim)
7. Do the Sunnah's of Wudu and then after Wudu proclaim the Shahada: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallim said:"If anyone amongst you performs the ablution perfectly and then says: 'Ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. Then the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes". (Muslim)
8. Always pray 2 Raka’a Tahiyyatul Wudu after making Wudu, with full khushu (concentration) for paradise becomes obligatory (Wajib) for the performer (Muslim).
Sincerety and purifying Intentions
Intentions
9. We should purify & correct our intentions before doing any acts of worship because we may have other underlying intentions in our hearts without even realizing it. Like for e.g. worshipping to show off in front of others etc.
So before doing any good deed we must ensure our intentions are ONLY to please Allah. Having the right intentions will increase the sincerity in our worship and enable us to earn greater rewards for every good deed we do, even if it is a little good deed.
Ibn Al-Mubaarak said: "Maybe a small action is made great by its intention, and maybe a great action is made small by its intention."
Daily routines like eating, drinking, sleeping, traveling etc can be a source of great reward by having the right intentions. Having good Intentions is easy & great rewards can be gained without making any hard physical effort. By just spending a couple of seconds having the right intention in our hearts we can turn a whole day to a day of worship. Like turning dust into gold.
Sincerety (Ikhlas)
10. How much reward we get for our good deeds or whether we get any reward at all, depends on the level of sincerety (Ikhlas) we have whilst doing good deeds. The more sincere we are the more we will be rewarded. The less sincerity we have the less we will be rewarded, if at all.
Therefore it is crucial that we do our utmost do be as sincere as possible when doing good actions. We must ONLY do every action for the pleasure of Allah and try our best never to reveal what good we have done to anyone else. The best good deeds are those that are hidden from others.
So let us be sincere as posible whilst doing good deeds and hide them from others as much as possible.
Tahajjud
11. One of the best ways of getting closer to Allah is by praying the Nawafil (voluntary) prayers. The best Nawafil prayer is Tahajjud. It can be prayed from after the Isha prayer up until when Fajr begins.
Tahajjud can be prayed straight after Isha or before going to sleep. The best time to pray Tahajjud is to sleep first and then wake up to pray in the third part of the night. So you calculate how many hours there are from Maghrib up until Fajr and divide the hours by 3 and pray in the third part of the night.
12. Pray between 2-12 Raka’a of Tahajjud prayer. It is recommended to pray at least 8 Raka'a's. One should recite as much Qur’an as one knows in each Raka’a and make long Ruku and prostrations (Sajda).
13. At the time of Tahajjud Dua’s are readily accepted, so it is the best opportunity for one to make long, sincere and intense Dua’s, asking of Allah, crying if one can as Allah tends to his slave who cries in Dua quicker, just as a mother tends quickly to its crying baby. But the love that Allah has for his slave is MUCH MUCH more than a mother.
Repentance
"Do not despair of Allah's mercy; He will forgive you of all your sins".Qur'an (39:53).
14. Do as much Isthighfar (repentance) as possible from awakening until asleep at night. For Allah loves those who repent much and ask of him for his mercy and forgiveness. Especially in the latter part of the night when most are deep in their sleep. He loves to forgive and finds every excuse to forgive his slaves. Therefore ask of Allah for forgiveness as much as possible.
15. One should recite much of the following Dua: Asthaghfirullah halladhee laa ilaaha ilallahuwal hayyul qayyumu wa athubu ilay
I seek forgiveness from Allah besides whom there is none worthy of worship, the living, the Sustainer of life and to Him I repent. (Tirmidhi-Vol.2, pg.177)
16. Seeking forgiveness for every believer will earn a reward for every believer we ask Allah to forgive: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarani)
Dua (Supplication)
17. Do the Sunnah’s of making Dua
18. To abstain from haraam (forbidden) food, clothing and earnings.
(Muslim, Tirmidhi) as doing haraam will prevent ones Dua being accepted
19. To make Wudu before the Dua (All six major Hadith collections)
20. To make Dua with sincerity. In other words, one should firmly believe that nobody but Allah will fulfil his objectives. (Hakim)
21. Try to cry whilst making Dua to Allah as he attends to his servants quicker when they are crying with meekness and humility just as a mother tends to her baby quickly when it cries out for its mother. If one cannot cry then one must at least try and simulate the act of crying.
22. Do not be impatient with the acceptance of Dua’s. In other words, don't say: "I've made Dua repeatedly but to no avail." (Bukhari, Muslim)
Travel
23. Do the Sunnah’s and Dua’s of travel
24. When one ascends or attempts to reach any height then one should say: “Allaahu Akbar”:- Allah is the greatest.
25. When descending from any height then one should say: “Subhaanallah”:- Purity belongs to Allah.
26. When one slips or experiences an accident they should say: “Laa ilaaha ilallaahu wallaahu akbar”:- There is no worthy of worship except Allah he is the greatest. (Hisnul Hasin)
Masjid
27. Men should strive to pray every Fard Salaah at the Masjid as the Salaah is rewarded 27 times or more and each step is rewarded. Women get the same reward for praying at home.
Abu Hurairah also reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "By Him in whose hand is my soul! I have considered ordering a fire to be kindled and then ask someone to lead the people in Salaah. And then go to the men [who did not attend the prayer] and burn their houses over them." (Bukhari & Muslim)
28. For more reward & also to increase blessings in ones home Men should pray Sunnah’s and Nafils at home. If one knows one will get lazy at home then one should pray Sunnah’s in the Masjid.
29. Always do the Sunnah’s of leaving/entering the house.
30. Try to go the longest way to Masjid and take small steps for each step is rewarded and one is rewarded more for arriving early for the Adhan doing worship and Dua until Iqamah.
31. Always do the Sunnah’s of entering/leaving the Masjid.
32. Always pray 2 Raka’a Tahiyyatul Masjid on arrival at the Masjid:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:“When one of you enters the Masjid, let him not sit until he prays two Raka’a’s”. (Bukhari and Muslim).
33. Always take care to respect the Adaab (etiquette) of the Masjid)
34. On entering Masjid Always make intention of Nafil I’thikaaf on entering Masjid for reward for duration of stay at the Masjid.
35. Always do Sunnah’s of Adhan & Iqamah. Dua in between Adhan and Iqamah is readily accepted.
36. Strive to pray every prayer in the front row:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “If the people knew what (reward) there is in the call (Adhan) and praying in the first row, and there was no other way to settle the matter than drawing lots, then they would draw lots for it”. (Bukhari and Muslim)
37. Care should be taken that the rows are straightened when praying with congregation
Women on menses
38. Women on their menses can still gain the same rewards by: Doing excessive Dhikr, making sincere Dua and repentance, listening to Qur'an, reading Islamic books, listening to lectures, pondering and contemplating over the greatness of Allah, Sadaqa and giving in charity, looking after their family,partner,children and relatives, serving their parents, giving dawah, doing charitable work and helping their local communities etc.
Praying Nawafil (voluntary) prayers
39. What better way of drawing closer to Allah than by praying the voluntary prayers:
Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:
....And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]
40. Want the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah?
Rabi'ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam) said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nawafil prayers)." (Muslim)
41. A palace in Paradise for those who pray 12 units of voluntary prayers everyday: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr & 2 Sunnah of Maghrib
Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day & night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)
We should try to make the best of every opportunity we have in our day, in order to do Nawafil (voluntary) prayers for it will help us in the grave and in the hereafter and it will make us closer to Allah and enable us to be in the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah.
Fajr Salaah
42. Do the Sunnah’s of Fajr Salaah
43. Every Fard prayer must be prayed on time. Pray every prayer like it is your last fully concentrating(khushu) imagining Allah in front of you watching you pray.
44. Men should try their best to pray Fajr with jamaat (congregation) and women get the same reward praying at home.
Reward for praying Isha and Fajr with congregation: Usman (Ra) has reported that he heard the Prophet, (Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam) say: "The person who observes the Isha prayer in congregation, will have the reward and blessings of staying up half the night in prayer, and the one who observes the Fajr prayer in congregation will have the reward and blessings of staying up the whole night in prayer." (Tirmidhi)
45. Always do the Adhkar and Sunnah’s after the completion of every Salaah. Especially reciting Subhanallah (33 times), Alhamdulillah (33 times) and Allahu Akbar (34 times). Also recite Ayatul Kursi after every Fard Salaah.
46. The time between Fajr and sunrise is blessed, so after the Fajr prayer remain seated and recite the Qur’an, Dhikr and make Dua up until 20 minutes after Sunrise, then pray 2x2 Raka’a (4 Raka’a altogether) of Salaatul Duha and gain rewards like having done Nafil Hajj/Umra (Tirmidhi).
The fire of Jahannam will not touch the person who reads 4 Raka’a’s of Salaatul Duha (Baihaqi)
Note: It is forbidden to pray any voluntary (Nawafil) prayer after Fajr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise.
Earn livelihood/studying and learning after Fajr
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) made a very beautiful Dua for the Ummah for blessings in the mornings: 'O Allah, bless my Ummah in the mornings.' (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
So the mornings are blessed and should be spent being productive:
47. Going out and earning a halal livelihood.
48. Quran Memorization/Recitation: The mind is at its freshest at this time and is like a sponge. So one should aim to memorize as much of the Qur’an as one can. At least one Ayah daily.
One can also read some Tafsir, by learning the meanings of at least one page of the Quran daily. One should also memorize daily Dua’s and Adhkar.
49. Reading Islamic material: like Hadith books, Stories of the Prophets, Seerah, Hereafter etc…
50. Exercise: The mornings are a very good time to exercise as it actually gives us more energy throughout the day and helps one to sleep better at night. The exercises do not have to be for too long. They can even be 20-30 minutes.
Exercises can include: Brisk walk, Jogging, cycling, swimming, resistance or aerobics/cardiovascular exercises and anything that builds one’s stamina which really helps in one’s worship throughout the day.
Planning and Monitoring Daily Worship
51. One of the best ways to maximize our daily worship is to plan & schedule our time so that we spend it as effectively and productively as possible. By setting ourselves daily worship targets we can strive to try and achieve them everyday.
52. Below are links where you can download an hourly worship scheduler where you can set yourself hourly worship targets & schedule your daily worship. There is also a daily worship check where you can check & monitor your daily worship the day:
Daily Ibaadah check
http://www.4shared.com/document/5hPkt7XQ/Ibaadah_Check.html
Hourly Worship Scheduler
http://www.4shared.com/document/2BNat9vk/Ramadhaan_Time_Table.html
Avoiding distractions
53. There are many things in our daily lives which not only distract us from our purpose in life but also waste a significant amount of our precious time. Ibn Qayyim said that wasting time is worse than death itself. This is because once time has gone it will never come back.
That is why it is crucial that we get rid of anything that is getting in the way of our worship. It makes sense to get rid of the major distractions (or at least limit distractions as much as possible) like TV, internet, games consoles and even useless talk with friends.
We should also try and fulfil our daily responsiblities and duties quickly so that we can have more time free and spend it worshiping Allah.
Breakfast
54. If one is not fasting then one should make arrangements to have a good breakfast in to energise one for the day ahead as this will also help us in being able to worship properly throughout the day.
55. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to have honey water for breakfast. (warm water with one or two teaspoons of honey). He is also reported to have had “Nabidhe Tamar” in some narrations. Nabidhe Tamar is dried dates which have been cut into pieces and soaked in a clay container overnight. (Tirmidhi)
Eating and drinking
56. Always do the Sunnah’s of eating/drinking. Reciting the name of Allah before eating and drinking, and thanking him sincerely throughout and after eating and drinking.
57. Eat and drink with the intention of nourishing the body to fulfil its rights and to grow stronger for Allah’s worship. This way eating and drinking becomes like worship as does any act with the right intentions.
58. Some Sunnah foods include: Olive oil, Pomegranate, Honey, Vinegar, Dates, Melon, Talbina (Barley flour), pumpkin.
Salaatul Duha
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallim)In the morning charity is due from every bone in the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s glorification is an act of charity (Subhan Allah). Every utterance of praise of Him is an act of charity (Alhamdulillah), every utterance of profession of His Oneness is an act of charity (Laa ilaha ill Allah), every utterance of profession of His Greatness is an act of charity (Allahu Akbar), enjoining good is an act of charity, forbidding what is distreputable is an act of charity, and two rak’ahs which one prays in the forenoon will suffice. [Muslim]
59. Always strive to Pray Salaatul Duha everyday from 20 minutes after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins. It is between 2 - 12 Raka’a. It is preferable to perform at least 8. (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)
Praying 2 Raka'a's: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘whoever offers 2 Raka’a’s of Salaat al-Dhuha, all his sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea.' (Ibid)
Praying 12 Raka'a's: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘whoever prayed twelve Raka’a’s at the time of breakfast then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkaat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
(Continued)
Download the full Daily Sunnah collection to maximize every aspect of daily life:
http://www.4shared.com/document/XI7Ox9Im/26863499-Beautiful-Sunnah-s-of.html
Morning
Upon Awakening
1. Wake up before Fajr begins in order to pray the Tahajjud prayer (Awaken at least 20-30 minutes before Fajr begins if not more).
Note: Duas are readily accepted just before Fajr begins. So we should try and wake up earlier so that we can spend at least 5-10 minutes (if not more) in Dua before Fajr begins.
2. Do Sunnah’s of upon awakening like reciting the Adhkar (Dua’s), using Miswaak etc. (Download the full Sunnah collection from the link above)
3. Miswaak can be used for: The recitation of Qur’an & Hadith. When mouth emits bad odour. For teaching or learning Islam. For making remembrance of Allah. Before intercourse. After entering one’s home. Before entering any good gathering. When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst. After the time of Suhoor. Before meals. Before and after a journey. Before and after sleeping.
4. Do the Sunnah’s of going to the toilet, making Wudu/Ghusl.
5. Do the Sunnah’s of hair, moustache, beard and nails etc.
6. Do the Sunnah’s of getting dressed/undressed.
Wudu (Ablution)
Sins wash away whilst doing Wudu: Abu Hurairah (RA) relates that The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “When a Mu’min or Muslim servant of Allah performs ablution and he washes his face, the sins which the eye committed by looking are washed off with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, the sins which were committed because of the touch of the hands are washed away with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his feet, the sins which were committed by the walking of the feet are washed off with the water or with the last drop of water until he comes out from that ablution cleansed from every sin (minor). (Muslim)
7. Do the Sunnah's of Wudu and then after Wudu proclaim the Shahada: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallim said:"If anyone amongst you performs the ablution perfectly and then says: 'Ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. Then the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes". (Muslim)
8. Always pray 2 Raka’a Tahiyyatul Wudu after making Wudu, with full khushu (concentration) for paradise becomes obligatory (Wajib) for the performer (Muslim).
Sincerety and purifying Intentions
Intentions
9. We should purify & correct our intentions before doing any acts of worship because we may have other underlying intentions in our hearts without even realizing it. Like for e.g. worshipping to show off in front of others etc.
So before doing any good deed we must ensure our intentions are ONLY to please Allah. Having the right intentions will increase the sincerity in our worship and enable us to earn greater rewards for every good deed we do, even if it is a little good deed.
Ibn Al-Mubaarak said: "Maybe a small action is made great by its intention, and maybe a great action is made small by its intention."
Daily routines like eating, drinking, sleeping, traveling etc can be a source of great reward by having the right intentions. Having good Intentions is easy & great rewards can be gained without making any hard physical effort. By just spending a couple of seconds having the right intention in our hearts we can turn a whole day to a day of worship. Like turning dust into gold.
Sincerety (Ikhlas)
10. How much reward we get for our good deeds or whether we get any reward at all, depends on the level of sincerety (Ikhlas) we have whilst doing good deeds. The more sincere we are the more we will be rewarded. The less sincerity we have the less we will be rewarded, if at all.
Therefore it is crucial that we do our utmost do be as sincere as possible when doing good actions. We must ONLY do every action for the pleasure of Allah and try our best never to reveal what good we have done to anyone else. The best good deeds are those that are hidden from others.
So let us be sincere as posible whilst doing good deeds and hide them from others as much as possible.
Tahajjud
11. One of the best ways of getting closer to Allah is by praying the Nawafil (voluntary) prayers. The best Nawafil prayer is Tahajjud. It can be prayed from after the Isha prayer up until when Fajr begins.
Tahajjud can be prayed straight after Isha or before going to sleep. The best time to pray Tahajjud is to sleep first and then wake up to pray in the third part of the night. So you calculate how many hours there are from Maghrib up until Fajr and divide the hours by 3 and pray in the third part of the night.
12. Pray between 2-12 Raka’a of Tahajjud prayer. It is recommended to pray at least 8 Raka'a's. One should recite as much Qur’an as one knows in each Raka’a and make long Ruku and prostrations (Sajda).
13. At the time of Tahajjud Dua’s are readily accepted, so it is the best opportunity for one to make long, sincere and intense Dua’s, asking of Allah, crying if one can as Allah tends to his slave who cries in Dua quicker, just as a mother tends quickly to its crying baby. But the love that Allah has for his slave is MUCH MUCH more than a mother.
Repentance
"Do not despair of Allah's mercy; He will forgive you of all your sins".Qur'an (39:53).
14. Do as much Isthighfar (repentance) as possible from awakening until asleep at night. For Allah loves those who repent much and ask of him for his mercy and forgiveness. Especially in the latter part of the night when most are deep in their sleep. He loves to forgive and finds every excuse to forgive his slaves. Therefore ask of Allah for forgiveness as much as possible.
15. One should recite much of the following Dua: Asthaghfirullah halladhee laa ilaaha ilallahuwal hayyul qayyumu wa athubu ilay
I seek forgiveness from Allah besides whom there is none worthy of worship, the living, the Sustainer of life and to Him I repent. (Tirmidhi-Vol.2, pg.177)
16. Seeking forgiveness for every believer will earn a reward for every believer we ask Allah to forgive: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarani)
Dua (Supplication)
17. Do the Sunnah’s of making Dua
18. To abstain from haraam (forbidden) food, clothing and earnings.
(Muslim, Tirmidhi) as doing haraam will prevent ones Dua being accepted
19. To make Wudu before the Dua (All six major Hadith collections)
20. To make Dua with sincerity. In other words, one should firmly believe that nobody but Allah will fulfil his objectives. (Hakim)
21. Try to cry whilst making Dua to Allah as he attends to his servants quicker when they are crying with meekness and humility just as a mother tends to her baby quickly when it cries out for its mother. If one cannot cry then one must at least try and simulate the act of crying.
22. Do not be impatient with the acceptance of Dua’s. In other words, don't say: "I've made Dua repeatedly but to no avail." (Bukhari, Muslim)
Travel
23. Do the Sunnah’s and Dua’s of travel
24. When one ascends or attempts to reach any height then one should say: “Allaahu Akbar”:- Allah is the greatest.
25. When descending from any height then one should say: “Subhaanallah”:- Purity belongs to Allah.
26. When one slips or experiences an accident they should say: “Laa ilaaha ilallaahu wallaahu akbar”:- There is no worthy of worship except Allah he is the greatest. (Hisnul Hasin)
Masjid
27. Men should strive to pray every Fard Salaah at the Masjid as the Salaah is rewarded 27 times or more and each step is rewarded. Women get the same reward for praying at home.
Abu Hurairah also reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "By Him in whose hand is my soul! I have considered ordering a fire to be kindled and then ask someone to lead the people in Salaah. And then go to the men [who did not attend the prayer] and burn their houses over them." (Bukhari & Muslim)
28. For more reward & also to increase blessings in ones home Men should pray Sunnah’s and Nafils at home. If one knows one will get lazy at home then one should pray Sunnah’s in the Masjid.
29. Always do the Sunnah’s of leaving/entering the house.
30. Try to go the longest way to Masjid and take small steps for each step is rewarded and one is rewarded more for arriving early for the Adhan doing worship and Dua until Iqamah.
31. Always do the Sunnah’s of entering/leaving the Masjid.
32. Always pray 2 Raka’a Tahiyyatul Masjid on arrival at the Masjid:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:“When one of you enters the Masjid, let him not sit until he prays two Raka’a’s”. (Bukhari and Muslim).
33. Always take care to respect the Adaab (etiquette) of the Masjid)
34. On entering Masjid Always make intention of Nafil I’thikaaf on entering Masjid for reward for duration of stay at the Masjid.
35. Always do Sunnah’s of Adhan & Iqamah. Dua in between Adhan and Iqamah is readily accepted.
36. Strive to pray every prayer in the front row:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “If the people knew what (reward) there is in the call (Adhan) and praying in the first row, and there was no other way to settle the matter than drawing lots, then they would draw lots for it”. (Bukhari and Muslim)
37. Care should be taken that the rows are straightened when praying with congregation
Women on menses
38. Women on their menses can still gain the same rewards by: Doing excessive Dhikr, making sincere Dua and repentance, listening to Qur'an, reading Islamic books, listening to lectures, pondering and contemplating over the greatness of Allah, Sadaqa and giving in charity, looking after their family,partner,children and relatives, serving their parents, giving dawah, doing charitable work and helping their local communities etc.
Praying Nawafil (voluntary) prayers
39. What better way of drawing closer to Allah than by praying the voluntary prayers:
Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:
....And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]
40. Want the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah?
Rabi'ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam) said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nawafil prayers)." (Muslim)
41. A palace in Paradise for those who pray 12 units of voluntary prayers everyday: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr & 2 Sunnah of Maghrib
Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day & night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)
We should try to make the best of every opportunity we have in our day, in order to do Nawafil (voluntary) prayers for it will help us in the grave and in the hereafter and it will make us closer to Allah and enable us to be in the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah.
Fajr Salaah
42. Do the Sunnah’s of Fajr Salaah
43. Every Fard prayer must be prayed on time. Pray every prayer like it is your last fully concentrating(khushu) imagining Allah in front of you watching you pray.
44. Men should try their best to pray Fajr with jamaat (congregation) and women get the same reward praying at home.
Reward for praying Isha and Fajr with congregation: Usman (Ra) has reported that he heard the Prophet, (Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam) say: "The person who observes the Isha prayer in congregation, will have the reward and blessings of staying up half the night in prayer, and the one who observes the Fajr prayer in congregation will have the reward and blessings of staying up the whole night in prayer." (Tirmidhi)
45. Always do the Adhkar and Sunnah’s after the completion of every Salaah. Especially reciting Subhanallah (33 times), Alhamdulillah (33 times) and Allahu Akbar (34 times). Also recite Ayatul Kursi after every Fard Salaah.
46. The time between Fajr and sunrise is blessed, so after the Fajr prayer remain seated and recite the Qur’an, Dhikr and make Dua up until 20 minutes after Sunrise, then pray 2x2 Raka’a (4 Raka’a altogether) of Salaatul Duha and gain rewards like having done Nafil Hajj/Umra (Tirmidhi).
The fire of Jahannam will not touch the person who reads 4 Raka’a’s of Salaatul Duha (Baihaqi)
Note: It is forbidden to pray any voluntary (Nawafil) prayer after Fajr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise.
Earn livelihood/studying and learning after Fajr
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) made a very beautiful Dua for the Ummah for blessings in the mornings: 'O Allah, bless my Ummah in the mornings.' (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
So the mornings are blessed and should be spent being productive:
47. Going out and earning a halal livelihood.
48. Quran Memorization/Recitation: The mind is at its freshest at this time and is like a sponge. So one should aim to memorize as much of the Qur’an as one can. At least one Ayah daily.
One can also read some Tafsir, by learning the meanings of at least one page of the Quran daily. One should also memorize daily Dua’s and Adhkar.
49. Reading Islamic material: like Hadith books, Stories of the Prophets, Seerah, Hereafter etc…
50. Exercise: The mornings are a very good time to exercise as it actually gives us more energy throughout the day and helps one to sleep better at night. The exercises do not have to be for too long. They can even be 20-30 minutes.
Exercises can include: Brisk walk, Jogging, cycling, swimming, resistance or aerobics/cardiovascular exercises and anything that builds one’s stamina which really helps in one’s worship throughout the day.
Planning and Monitoring Daily Worship
51. One of the best ways to maximize our daily worship is to plan & schedule our time so that we spend it as effectively and productively as possible. By setting ourselves daily worship targets we can strive to try and achieve them everyday.
52. Below are links where you can download an hourly worship scheduler where you can set yourself hourly worship targets & schedule your daily worship. There is also a daily worship check where you can check & monitor your daily worship the day:
Daily Ibaadah check
http://www.4shared.com/document/5hPkt7XQ/Ibaadah_Check.html
Hourly Worship Scheduler
http://www.4shared.com/document/2BNat9vk/Ramadhaan_Time_Table.html
Avoiding distractions
53. There are many things in our daily lives which not only distract us from our purpose in life but also waste a significant amount of our precious time. Ibn Qayyim said that wasting time is worse than death itself. This is because once time has gone it will never come back.
That is why it is crucial that we get rid of anything that is getting in the way of our worship. It makes sense to get rid of the major distractions (or at least limit distractions as much as possible) like TV, internet, games consoles and even useless talk with friends.
We should also try and fulfil our daily responsiblities and duties quickly so that we can have more time free and spend it worshiping Allah.
Breakfast
54. If one is not fasting then one should make arrangements to have a good breakfast in to energise one for the day ahead as this will also help us in being able to worship properly throughout the day.
55. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to have honey water for breakfast. (warm water with one or two teaspoons of honey). He is also reported to have had “Nabidhe Tamar” in some narrations. Nabidhe Tamar is dried dates which have been cut into pieces and soaked in a clay container overnight. (Tirmidhi)
Eating and drinking
56. Always do the Sunnah’s of eating/drinking. Reciting the name of Allah before eating and drinking, and thanking him sincerely throughout and after eating and drinking.
57. Eat and drink with the intention of nourishing the body to fulfil its rights and to grow stronger for Allah’s worship. This way eating and drinking becomes like worship as does any act with the right intentions.
58. Some Sunnah foods include: Olive oil, Pomegranate, Honey, Vinegar, Dates, Melon, Talbina (Barley flour), pumpkin.
Salaatul Duha
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallim)In the morning charity is due from every bone in the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s glorification is an act of charity (Subhan Allah). Every utterance of praise of Him is an act of charity (Alhamdulillah), every utterance of profession of His Oneness is an act of charity (Laa ilaha ill Allah), every utterance of profession of His Greatness is an act of charity (Allahu Akbar), enjoining good is an act of charity, forbidding what is distreputable is an act of charity, and two rak’ahs which one prays in the forenoon will suffice. [Muslim]
59. Always strive to Pray Salaatul Duha everyday from 20 minutes after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins. It is between 2 - 12 Raka’a. It is preferable to perform at least 8. (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)
Praying 2 Raka'a's: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘whoever offers 2 Raka’a’s of Salaat al-Dhuha, all his sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea.' (Ibid)
Praying 12 Raka'a's: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘whoever prayed twelve Raka’a’s at the time of breakfast then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkaat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
(Continued)