PREFACE Islamic Academy of Science, was established in 1985, with the aim of Propagating Islam in a style relevant to the

present level of knowledge. In the pursuit of presenting Islam and hence the Holy Quran on an academic level Seminars, Discuss ions and Symposium were organized quite regularly in which experts and student f rom various fields participated. Islamic Academy of Sciences stepped into the f ield of publication and has a dozen books to its credit. This book on Namaz ( Salaat ) has been compiled in the form of questions a nd answers to make it easy for the reader to understand various aspects of Namaz t he most important act after Iman. Arabic texts, transliterations and translations of the passages to the r ecited before, during and after the Namaz, have been given to help the reader in h aving the appropriate emotion while surrendering before Allah (SWT), as Prophet (SAWS) did. I am greatful to Allah (SWT) for helping me in writing this book and get ting it published through the sincere efforts of Mr. Syed Tameem, Secretary Isla mic Academy of Sciences. May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts of inviting people to His path. Ameen . Author 1. WHY SHOULD WE OFFER NAMAZ

The word Islam is generally understood to mean: Submission to the Will of Al lah (SWT): The Will of Allah (SWT) is made known to us through the Holy Quran. Th e Quran, in addition to various facts, contains instructions ordering as to do c ertain things and not to do certain others. The way one should submit to the Wil l of Allah (SWT), that is, obey His orders given in the Holy Quran, has been dem onstrated by Prophet Muhammed (SAWS). A Muslim would therefore be defined as a person who obeys the orders of Allah (SWT) in accordance with the instructions g iven by Prophet Muhammed (SAWS). The instructions, saying and deeds of Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) are known as the Hadis. If the order to offer Namaz (Salaat in A rabic) is given in the Holy Quran and Hadis and if we claim ourselves to be Musl ims then it becomes our duty to obey the order. Let us, therefore, search the H oly Quran and Hadis understand them thoroughly and find out, why should we offer Namaz and whether offering Namaz is compulsory or optional? I am Allah there is no god except Me, so serve Me and establish worship ( Sa laat ) for My remembrance. ( Ch:20 V:14 ) And establish worship ( Salaat ) and give charity ( Zakat ) and whatever goo d you send before for yourselves, you will find it with Allah, Allah is certainl y the Seer of what you do. ( Ch:2 V:110 ) And enjoin worship ( Salaat ) on your people and be constant therin. We do not a sk you for provision, We provide for you. And the consequences of guarding (aga inst) evil is good. ( Ch:20 Vs:132 ) Read that which is communicated to you of the book and establish worship (Sa laat), worship ( Salaat ) certainly keep one away from indecency and things and recognized (as good), and the remembrance of Allah is greatest, and Allah knows the work which you do. ( Ch:29 V:45 )

(Be of) those who turn to Him in repentance and fear Him and establish worsh ip (Salaat ) and do not be of the polytheists, ( Ch: 30:Vs:31 ) ..Say, Allah certainly leaves in error whom He wills and guides to Himself tho se who turn ( to Him ), those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the rem embrance of Allah. Beware ! hearts do find peace in the remembrance of Allah ( C h:13 Vs:27 and 28 ) And those who are custodians of their worship (Salaat). They will be honoure d in gardens. ( Ch:70 Vs.35 )