There were three people in the mosque. On the motivation to do more good things at the end of life

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Armed police arrived at Finsbury Park incident area

In north London, in Finsbury Park, a van crashed into a crowd of parishioners of a local mosque returning from evening prayers. Police say one person died at the scene from his injuries, and 10 people were injured. The van driver has been arrested.

Prime Minister Theresa May said police are treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack. In this regard, May will hold an emergency meeting of the government emergency committee COBRA.

The head of the Council of Muslims of Great Britain, Harun Rashid Khan, tweeted that a driver deliberately ran over people who were leaving the mosque after evening prayers in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

• Van hits pedestrians on bridge in central London

• Attack in London: what is known about the dead and wounded
• Attacks in London: how people saved themselves and saved others

He also said that the collision did not take place near the mosque itself, but near the Muslim social assistance center, a few dozen meters from the mosque.

The 48-year-old driver of the van was reportedly arrested. The street in the area of ​​the scene was blocked by the police, and ambulances arrived. A helicopter flies in the sky over Finsbury Park.

As a precautionary measure, the place was immediately .

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Ambulances arrived at the scene Image copyright Reuters Image caption There are casualties as a result of the incident

Eyewitnesses say that the police arrived at the scene first and began to provide first aid to the victims even before the ambulances arrived.

“At least three or four people were on the sidewalk, the police helped them. I saw at least two people on the ground. It didn’t look very good, I saw that the police gave one of them a heart massage until the ambulance arrived ... so it all looked really bad, I hope they're okay," a woman at the scene told the BBC.

The Finsbury Park incident took place at the end of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is considered sacred to Muslims. Throughout the month, Muslims fast during the daytime - they refuse to eat, drink, smoke and entertainment. You can start eating and drinking only after dark.

Theresa May said her thoughts were all about the victims of the "terrible incident" and opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "absolutely shocked" by the incident.

Image copyright PA Image caption Muslims pray at the mosque in Finsbury Park where the incident took place

famous mosque

The mosque in Finsbury Park, located near the scene of the incident, has long been famous for being associated with various extremists.

In particular, it was visited by Richard Reed, who tried to blow up an airliner with a bomb in his shoes, and Zacarias Moussaoui, who is accused of assisting the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks.

The most famous person associated with the mosque was the radical imam Abu Hamza al-Masri who preached there. He spent seven years in a British prison on charges of incitement to murder and religious intolerance. In 2012, he was extradited to the United States, where.

The court found him guilty of aiding and abetting terrorism. In particular, Abu Hamza was found guilty of assisting Al-Qaeda and a number of other organizations recognized as extremist.

The mosque was closed in 2003, but reopened in 2005 with new leadership appointed by the Muslim Council of Great Britain.

In recent years, religious tolerance was preached in the mosque, it was open to everyone to visit.

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Finsbury Park incident area cordoned off by armed police Image copyright Reuters Image caption Police are investigating whether the hit was intentional or accidental Image copyright PA Image caption Police in the area

On June 3, on a bridge in central London, a van moving at high speed ran into the pavement and knocked down several pedestrians. The van then drove over London Bridge and stopped near the Borough Market located next to the bridge. The men who jumped out of it attacked passers-by with knives.

There were three attackers, all of them were killed by the police who arrived at the scene.

As a result of the attack on London Bridge, seven people were killed and dozens were injured.

On Moderation in Worship

Allah Almighty said: .

As well as: .

Moderation consists in the fact that a person keeps to the middle between excess and omission. This is required of a person in all situations. Allah Almighty said: “When they donate, they don’t waste or be stingy, but stick to the middle between these extremes.”

A person should adhere to moderation in obedience to Allah, not burdening his soul with what it cannot afford. Once, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was informed of three, one of which said: "As for me, I'll pray every night through." Another said: “I will keep fasting all the time.” The third one said: “And I will shun women and never marry.” Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “So it was you who said this and that? By Allah, I fear Allah more than you and fear Him more than you, but on some days I fast and on others I do not, I pray (at night) and sleep, and also marry women, and whoever does not (follow) my sunnah, has nothing to do with me!” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) renounced those who did not wish to follow his Sunnah and laid on his soul what it could not bear.

Allah Almighty said: “Ta. Ha. We did not send down the Qur'an to you to make you unhappy."

“Ta. Ha" are two letters of the Arabic alphabet. Some people think that this is the name of the names of the prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, but this is not so. Allah Almighty began some of the noble suras of the great Qur'an with the letters of the Arabic alphabet. These letters have great meaning. Allah, the Exalted, challenged those who accused the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of lying. He challenged them to try to bring something like this Qur'an, at least a surah, at least one verse. Indeed, Allah Almighty showed them that this Qur'an consists of the same letters from which they form words, but at the same time, they cannot compose something similar to the Qur'an.

Therefore, if you see suras that begin with letters, then the mention of the Koran immediately comes after the letters. Allah Almighty said: "Alif. Lam. Mime. This Scripture, in which there is no doubt, is a sure guide for the God-fearing." As well as: "Alif. Lam. Mime. Allah - there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, the Living, the Sustainer of life. He sent down to you the Scripture with the truth to confirm what was before him.” As well as: "Alif. Lam. Mime. Sod. A Scripture has been sent down to you, which should not squeeze your chest, so that you exhort them and instruct the believers. As well as: "Alif. Lam. Ra. These are the verses of the wise Scripture." And so every time when we find the letters of the alphabet at the beginning of the sura, after them comes the mention of the Koran. This is an indication that the Koran consists of letters from which the Arabs compose their speech, but at the same time they cannot compose anything like that. This is the most correct explanation for why these letters appear in the Qur'an.

“We did not send down the Quran to you so that you become unhappy”- that is, Allah Almighty did not send down this Qur'an so that the prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would become unhappy. On the contrary, through the Qur'an, he should gain happiness, goodness and success in both worlds. Therefore, Allah Almighty says in the same sura: “If the right guidance comes to you from Me, then whoever follows My right guidance will not be misguided and miserable. And whoever turns away from My Reminder, a difficult life awaits him, and on the Day of Resurrection We will resurrect him blind. He will say, "Lord! Why did You raise me blind when I used to be able to see?" He (Allah)He will say, "That's it! Our signs came to you, but you consigned them to oblivion. In the same way today you yourself will be consigned to oblivion." Thus We recompense those who have gone to excess and disbelieved in the signs of their Lord. And the torment in the Hereafter will be even more severe and prolonged. Therefore, when the Islamic community held fast to the Koran, it was majestic and exalted above all other communities. At that time, the Islamic community discovered both the east of the earth and its west. And when the community turned away from the Koran, greatness left, support left, honor left.

As well as: “Allah wishes you relief and does not wish you hardship.”

Allah Almighty, establishing something in religion, wishes us relief. This verse was sent down after the verses about fasting, so that a person would not think that fasting is something difficult and unbearable. Allah Almighty has made it clear that He wants people only relief, not difficulties. Therefore, the traveler is not obliged to fast during the journey, but can compensate on other days. Also, a sick person is not required to fast during illness, but can compensate on other days.

142 - It is transmitted from ‘Aisha that once the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who entered her at a time when she had one woman, asked (her): "Who is it?" (‘Aisha) said: “So-and-so”- and began to talk about how she prays, as for the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), he said: “Stop! You should only do what you can! By Allah, Allah will not tire until you yourself are tired. And most of all (the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) loved such religious (deeds), which the performer of them performs constantly.

In this story, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ordered this woman not to do so much worship, because it was difficult for her and in the future could weaken her so much that she would stop worshiping altogether. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to do what we can. He said: "You must only do what you can!"

Also, 'Aisha mentioned that most of all the prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) loved such religious deeds that the performer performs them constantly. Even if the deed is small, but if it is done constantly, it will be better for the person. A person will do such an act with joy, without leaving it. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “By Allah, Allah will not tire until you yourself are tired.” That is: Allah Almighty will give you a reward depending on your deeds, and so on until you perform them.

Benefits from the Hadith:

1 - An indication that a person who sees that a person has come to his family should ask about who this person is. It is necessary to ask so that someone with whom you are dissatisfied does not visit your family. After all, there are women who can come to your family and make sinful speeches in your house, for example, backbiting someone behind your back. Maybe a woman will start asking your wife about you and then say: “Does your husband not give you anything but this?! Why so few clothes? etc. And as a result, a woman may begin to treat her husband badly. Therefore, if a person sees guests in his house, he must find out who they are.

2 - An indication that a person should not overwork his soul with worship. Indeed, if a person puts too much on himself, then he may get bored and give up this deed. It is better to perform a certain deed constantly, even if it is small. It is reported that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’As said: “At one time, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was told that I say: “By Allah, I will certainly fast during the day and pray at night until the end of my life!”, - and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked me : “So is that what you say?” I answered: “I really said this, may my father and mother be a ransom for you, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Truly, you cannot endure this, and therefore fast and break the fast, pray and sleep at night. Fast three days a month, for every good deed will be rewarded tenfold, and it will be like continuous fasting.” I said: He said: “Then fast once every three days.” I said: “Truly, I am capable of something better!” He said: “Then fast every other day, for such was the fast of Dawud (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and this is the most just fast.” I said again: “Truly, I am capable of something better!”- and then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) exclaimed: “There is nothing better than this!” ».

In old age, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: “And, indeed, if I agreed to those three days that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke about, (now) it would be dearer to me than my family and my property!”

3 - An indication that a person should perform worship in a moderate way, not excessively, but not showing negligence. It is necessary to worship in this way in order to perform worship constantly, for the most beloved deed for Allah is that which is performed constantly, even if it is small.

143 Anas is reported to have said: “Once three people came to the houses of the wives of the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and began to ask how the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) worships Allah, and when they were told about it, they, obviously, considering that this not so much, they said: “How far are we from the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who is forgiven both his past sins and future ones!” Then one of them said, "As for me, I will pray every night of the night." Another said: “And I will constantly fast.” The third said: "And I will shun women and never marry." And after a while, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) approached them and said: “So it was you who said this and that? By Allah, I fear Allah more than you and fear Him more than you, but on some days I fast and on others I do not, I pray (at night) and sleep, and also marry women, and whoever does not (to follow) my sunnah has nothing to do with me!” ".

It is about three men who came to the house of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to ask his wives about how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) behaves at home. Most of the Companions knew about how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) behaved in the mosque, in the markets, in the company of people, as it was obvious. But about how he behaves at home, no one knew, except for the inhabitants of his house.

Therefore, these three came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to ask about how he worships Allah while at home. They were told about it, and they thought that it was not so much. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, sometimes fasted and sometimes not, sometimes he prayed, and sometimes he slept. He also married women. And they didn't think it was enough. These three had a love for the good. They were active, but activity is not the criterion, the criterion is what Sharia came with.

Then one of them said, "As for me, I will pray every night of the night." Another said: “And I will constantly fast.” The third said: "And I will shun women and never marry." And after a while, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) approached them and said: “So it was you who said such and such?”

Without a doubt, their words were contrary to the Sharia, for they tried to impose on themselves that which was beyond the power of the soul. Of course, it will be very difficult for the soul if a person prays all the time and hardly sleeps. This will lead to the fact that a person will get tired, and this worship will become unpleasant for him. Also, if a person constantly fasts, in summer and winter, it will be very difficult for the soul. The third of them was going to never marry at all, and this is very difficult for the soul, especially in youth. Moreover, it should be noted that the rejection of women is prohibited in Islam! It is reported that Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade ‘Uthman bin Mazun to refuse marriage, and if he allowed him (this), then we would certainly castrate ourselves.”

In general, this worship that these three wanted to do was very difficult and contrary to the Sunnah. And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to them: “By Allah, I fear Allah more than you and fear Him more than you, but on some days I fast and on others I do not, I pray (at night) and sleep, and also marry women, and the one who does not wishes (to follow) my sunnah has nothing to do with me!” That is: the one who does not want to follow my path and wants to take on a heavier worship has nothing to do with me.

This hadeeth contains an indication that a person should practice moderation in matters of worship and in other matters. If a person is careless, he will lose a great boon. If a person overdoes it, he will soon become tired and weak, and then he will completely refuse to worship.

Moderation in worship is the Sunnah of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. You should not, O man, burden your soul! Indeed, the most beloved deed for Allah is the deed that is done constantly, even if it is small.

أسأل الله أن يجعلني وإياكم من متبعي هديه الذين يمشون على طريقته وسنته

144 - It was narrated from Ibn Mas'ud that (once) the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: by repeating this three times.

We are talking about those who are excessively strict in matters of religion and in worldly matters.

Look at the children of Israel, when a man was killed among them, and confusion began. Musa, peace be upon him, said to them: "Allah commands you to slaughter the cow." That is, it was necessary to kill a cow, and hit the dead with part of her carcass, so that he would tell about who killed him. The children of Israel answered: "Are you really mocking us?" That is: are you really saying that we take a cow and hit the dead with part of its carcass, and then he will report who killed him ?! If they had obeyed the order of Allah and slaughtered any cow, then this would have happened, but they became excessive and suffered a loss. They said: "Pray for us to your Lord, that He would explain to us what she is." Then they said again: "Pray for us to your Lord, that He would explain to us what color it is." And so, they began to ask different questions, that is, they began to complicate things for themselves. They then stabbed her, although they came close to not doing so.

The same applies to strictness in matters of worship, when a person makes it difficult for himself to pray, fast, and so on. Whoever begins to complicate what Allah has made easy, will perish! An example is what some sick people do during the month of Ramadan. It is known that Allah Almighty allowed the sick not to fast, because they may need food and drink. But they make it difficult for themselves and continue to fast. This hadeeth can also be applied to such people: “Those who show excessive severity will perish!”

Another example is some of the monotheistic students who seek to delve deeper when it comes to the attributes of the Almighty. They ask questions that the salaf of this community did not ask. We tell them: "If you have enough of what was enough for the companions, then refrain from such questions."

For example, some of them say: “Indeed, Allah the Exalted has fingers, as it came in the hadeeth: “Indeed, all the hearts of the sons of Adam between the two fingers of the fingers of the Merciful are like one heart, and He guides them as He wills.” I wonder how many fingers He has?″, and start asking questions.

Or, for example, there is a hadith: “In the last third of every night, the Good and Almighty Allah descends to the lower sky.” They start asking ″How does He descend? How does He descend in the last third of the night, if the last third of the night falls differently on earth everywhere?, etc. For such questions, a person will not receive a reward, on the contrary, he will be closer to sin and censure.

A person should not burden himself with these questions, for they concern the innermost. These questions were not asked by those who were better than us. These questions were not asked by those who strived more than us for the knowledge of Allah, the knowledge of His names and attributes. Therefore, refrain from these questions!

145 - It was narrated from Abu Hurayra that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Verily, this religion is easy, but if someone starts to fight with it, it invariably defeats him, so stick to the right, at least approximately, and rejoice, and turn (to Allah) for help in the morning (al-gadua), in the evening (ar-raukha) and (for some time) at night (ad-dulja).

In a (different) version of this hadeeth, also reported by al-Bukhari, it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “… so stick to what is right, and draw near, and rejoice and (ask Allah for help) in the morning, in the evening and (for some time) at night, and so little by little you will reach (the goal).”

The words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “…she consistently wins over him…”, - mean that religion defeats him, and those who enter into a fight with it are unable to resist it due to the fact that there are many of its ways.

The word “al-gadua” means movement at the beginning of the day, the word “ar-raukh” means movement at the end of the day, and the word “ad-dulja” means movement at the end of the night. Here these words are used as a metaphor and comparison. This means: ask for help in showing obedience to the Almighty and Great Allah, which will be expressed in deeds, at a time when you are cheerful and your hearts are free. So that you may enjoy worship without becoming bored with it, and so that you reach your goal, acting like an experienced traveler who moves during these periods of time, and at other times rests with his mount and reaches the goal without fatigue, and Allah knows better about it.

“Verily, this religion is easy…”- refers to the religion with which Allah Almighty sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Allah Almighty said: “Allah wishes you relief and does not wish you hardship.” As well as: "Allah does not want to create difficulties for you." As well as: “Be diligent in the way of Allah in the right way. He chose you and made no difficulty for you in religion.” All Sharia texts indicate that religion is easy.

In addition to the fact that Shari'ah is easy in itself, and even when a need arises, a person is given other reliefs. For example, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to 'Imran ibn Husayn: “Pray standing, but if you can’t, pray sitting, and if you can’t (do this, then pray lying) on ​​your side.”

"... but if someone starts to fight with her, she invariably defeats him..."- that is: if a person tries to complicate religion by putting something on himself, he will get tired, and then completely leave this matter. As stated in the previous hadith: “Those who show excessive severity will perish!” by repeating this three times.

"... so stick to the right, at least approximately ..."- that is, follow the religious instructions in the right way. But if you can't do everything right, at least do it approximately.

"...and rejoice..."- that is: rejoice in the fact that you will receive a reward if you adhere to religion properly, or at least try to do so. And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used this expression very often. He communicated to his companions what pleased them. Therefore every man should endeavor to please his brethren to the best of his ability.

For example, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) once told his companions the following story: “On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will say: “O Adam!” Adam will respond: “Here I am before You and ready to serve You, and (all) goodness is in Your hands! Allah will say: “Bring out those who are destined to be in the Fire!” Adam will ask: “How many are there?” Allah will say: “Bring out nine hundred and ninety-nine out of every thousand,” and after that the little ones (children) will turn gray, and each pregnant woman will lay down her burden, and you will see people (as if) drunk, although they will not be drunk, but the punishment of Allah will be severe! » The Companions were afraid when they heard this and they asked: “O Messenger of Allah, which of us will be the only one who will be saved from the Fire?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) replied: “Rejoice, for one will be from you, and a thousand from (peoples) Yajuj and Majuj!” - after which he said: “By the One in whose hand my soul is, I truly hope that you will make up a quarter of the inhabitants of paradise!” The followers exclaimed: "Allah is great!" “I hope that you will make up a third of the inhabitants of paradise!” The followers exclaimed: "Allah is great!" Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I hope that you will make up half of the inhabitants of paradise!” The followers exclaimed: "Allah is great!" Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “But compared to other people, you are just like a black hair on the skin of a white bull, or a white hair on the skin of a black bull.”

Therefore, a person should try to please his brothers as much as possible. However, sometimes it may be that a warning is better for your brother. For example, your Muslim brother is careless about the obligatory precepts of religion and commits the forbidden. Such a person is better to warn and intimidate, using a wise approach. But still, in most cases, you should please people. For example, a person will come to you and say: “I have committed many sins and wanted to know if repentance would help me?” You have to say “Rejoice! If you repent, Allah Almighty will accept your repentance.” In this way, you can please this person.

«… and turn (to Allah) for help in the morning (al-gadua) , in the evening(ar-rauch) and (for a while) at night(ad-dulja) » Here the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) compared worship to the path of a traveler. The traveler during his journey usually moves at the beginning of the day, then at the end of the day, and a little at night, since at these times it is cool and the path will not be difficult. As for worship, at the beginning and at the end of the day one should do ″tasbih″, as the Almighty said: “O you who believe! Remember Allah many times and praise Him in the morning and before sunset.” As for some part of the night, this is the time for performing the night voluntary prayer.

أعانني الله وإياكم على ذكره وشكره وحسن عبادته

146 Anas is reported to have said: “Once, the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who entered the mosque, saw a rope stretched between two pillars and asked: “What kind of rope is this?” (People) said: "This is the rope of Zainab, who holds on to it when she gets tired (from prayers)." Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Untie (this rope), and let each of you pray while he remains cheerful, and sleep when he becomes tired.”

This hadith indicates that a person cannot be overwhelmed in worship, putting on his soul what it is incapable of. Let a person perform additional prayers while he is cheerful, and when he is tired, let him lie down and sleep. If a person continues to pray, being very tired, he will not be able to concentrate on prayer, he will quickly get bored, and maybe even worship will become unpleasant for him. Maybe he wants to ask Allah Almighty for something for himself, but in fact he will start asking against himself. For example, a person will bow to the ground and, due to fatigue, instead of saying: ″O Allah! Forgive me", will say: ″O Allah, do not forgive me″. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded everyone to pray while he remains alert and sleep when he is tired.

Although the hadith came about prayer, but this command covers all other types of worship. Do not lay on your soul what it cannot afford! Handle your soul gently, using wisdom.

An example is some knowledge seekers who continue to read their lessons while already sleepy. They tire their souls without benefit. After all, if a person repeats the lessons while sleepy, he will not benefit. Therefore, if a person is reading a book, and he is overcome by sleep, then let him close the book and sleep.

This rule covers all times of the day. For example, if a person is overwhelmed by sleep after the afternoon prayer ('Asr), then he can lie down and rest, and there is nothing to worry about. The same applies to the time after the morning prayer (Fajr). Whatever time you are overcome by sleep, sleep. When you are cheerful, then do deeds. Allah Almighty said: “Therefore, as soon as you are freed, be active and aspire to your Lord.”

It should be noted that this rule concerns voluntary actions. As for the obligatory prescriptions of religion, they must be carried out at a strictly defined time for them.

نسأل الله أن يعيني وإياكم على ذكره وشكره وحسن عبادته

147 - It was narrated from ‘Aisha that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If any of you becomes drowsy during prayer, let him sleep until his sleep passes, for, truly, if any of you begins to pray while falling asleep, he will not know (what he is saying), and may it may happen that (wishing) to seek forgiveness from Allah, he (instead) will curse himself.

The wisdom of this decree lies in the fact that the soul has a right to a person. If a person forces his soul to do what is beyond its capabilities, he thereby inflicts injustice on it. Therefore, my brother, do not be careless in your worship, but do not overdo it either!

148 Abu ‘Abdullah Jabir ibn Samura reported: “I often prayed with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), whose prayers and sermons (never) were neither too short nor too long.”

From the hadith, we can conclude that we are talking about Friday prayers. The prayers of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his sermons were moderate. They weren't too short, but they weren't too long either. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Indeed, the duration of the prayer and the brevity of the sermon testify to the understanding of a person (in religion).”

149 Abu Juhayfa Wahb ibn ‘Abdullah reported: “At one time, Salman and Abu-d-Darda fraternized with each other thanks to the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and when Salman came to visit Abu-d-Darda and saw Umm ad-Darda in shabby clothes, he asked her:“ What happened to you?" She said: "Your brother Abu-d-Darda does not need (goods) of this world." (Meanwhile) Abu-d-Darda himself came and prepared food for (Salman). (Salman) said: “Eat”. (Abu-d-Darda) said: "Indeed, I am fasting." (Salman) said: “I will not eat until you eat!” And he ate, and when night fell, Abu-d-Darda stood up to pray. (Salman) said (to him): “Sleep,” and he went to bed, but (after a while again) got up to pray. (Salman again) said: “Sleep,” and at the end of the night, Salman said: “Now get up,” and they prayed, and then Salman said to him: “Verily, your Lord has a right over you, and your soul have a right to you, and your family has a right to you, so give to everyone who has a right what is rightfully his! And then (Abu-d-Darda) came to the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and told him about it, the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Salman told the truth».

The hadith says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made Salman and Abu ad-Darda brothers, may Allah be pleased with him. It is known that the Muhajirs, having arrived in Medina, fraternized with the Ansar, thanks to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and welcome him. After that, the Muhajirs became the Ansar, like brothers. They even received inheritance from each other until Allah Almighty sent down: “However, relatives are closer to each other. This is the command of Allah."

Once, Salman came to visit Abu-d-Darda and saw Umm ad-Darda in worn clothes, that is, her clothes did not look like the clothes of a married woman who decorates her clothes for her husband. Salman asked her: "What happened to you?" She said: “Your brother Abu-d-Darda does not need (goods) of this world.” That is: he turned away from this world, and no longer needs a family, or food, or anything else.

In the meantime, Abu-d-Darda himself came and prepared food for (Salman). (Salman) said: "Eat." Abu-d-Darda said: “Indeed, I will fast”. Salman said: “I won’t eat until you eat!” Salman said so, because he already understood from the words of Umm ad-Darda that her husband Abu ad-Darda was constantly fasting, renounced this world and his family.

And when night fell, Abu-d-Darda got up to pray. Salman told him: "Sleep"- and he went to bed, but after a while he got up again to pray. Salman said again: "Sleep", - and at the end of the night Salman said: "Now get up" and they prayed.

And then Salman said to him: “Truly, your Lord has a right to you, and your soul has a right to you, and your family has a right to you, so give to everyone who has a right what is rightfully his!”

This hadith indicates that a person should not burden his soul with as many fasts and prayers as it cannot bear. He must fast and perform as many prayers as will lead him to good. No need to bring yourself to exhaustion and heaviness.

150 - It is reported that Abu Muhammad ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’As said: “(At one time) the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was reported that I say: “By Allah, I will certainly fast during the day and pray at night until the end of my life!”, - and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked me: “So you say that?” I replied: “I (indeed) said this, may my father and mother be a ransom for you, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Truly, you cannot endure this, and therefore fast and break the fast, pray and sleep at night. Fast three days a month, for every good deed will be rewarded tenfold, and it will be like continuous fasting.” I said, “Truly, I am capable of something better!” He said, "Then fast once every three days." I said, “Truly, I am capable of something better!” He said: “Then fast every other day, for such was the fast of Dawud (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and this is the most just fast.” (In another version of this hadith, it is reported that the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “... and this is the best post”), - I again said: “Truly, I am capable of something better!”, - and then the messenger Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) exclaimed: “There is nothing better than this!” 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "And, indeed, if I agreed to those three days that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke about (now) it would be dearer to me than my family and my property!”

In a (different) version of this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’As said: “Once, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to me: “O ‘Abdullah, I was informed that you fast during the day and pray at night.” I said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said: “Do not do (but) fast, and do not fast, pray at night and sleep, for, truly, your body has a right to you, and your eyes have a right to you, and your wife has a right to you and your guest has a right to you, and, indeed, it will be enough for you to fast three days a month, because for every good deed you will be rewarded tenfold, and this (will be equivalent) to continuous fasting. However, I insisted, and then I was punished for it. I said: “O Messenger of Allah, indeed I feel strength in myself!” He said: “Then fast, as the Prophet of Allah, Daoud, peace be upon him, fasted, but no more!” I asked: “And how did the prophet of Allah, Dawood, peace be upon him, fast?” He replied: “In a day.” And when ‘Abdullah grew old, he often said: “Oh, if I accepted the permission of the prophet, may Allah bless him and welcome!”

In the (third) version of that hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’As said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me: “I was informed that you constantly fast and read the entire Qur'an during the night, (is this so)?” I replied: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah, but I strive only for good!” Then he said: “Fast in the same way as the prophet of Allah, Dawood, who worshiped Allah more than anyone else from the people, did it, and read the Qur'an in a month.” I said: “O Prophet of Allah, verily, I am capable of something better!” He said, "Then read it (once) every twenty days." I said: “O Prophet of Allah, verily, I am capable of something better!” He said: "Then read it (once) in ten (days)." I said: “O Prophet of Allah, verily, I am capable of something better!” He said: “Then read it (once) in seven (days), but no more!” However, I began to insist, and then I was punished for this, because then the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “You don’t know, maybe you will live a long time!” And it turned out exactly as the prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told me, and when I grew old, I regretted that the prophet did not agree (to act as he allowed me to do), may Allah bless him and welcome.

In the (fourth) version of this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is reported to have said: “…and indeed your children have a right to you…”.

The (fifth) version of this hadith reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said three times: “The one who fasts continuously does not fast at all.”

All praise be to Allah.

There are cases in which it is allowed to conduct a second joint prayer and cases when it cannot be held.
The forbidden is the case when people agree in advance to come to the mosque after the imam makes the first joint prayer. It is also forbidden when the second prayer in the mosque turns into something permanent, systematic, such as when it is established that the first joint prayer will be at a certain time, and the second at another time.
This is clearly prohibited because it leads to division among Muslims and people stop striving for the first prayer.

But if the second joint prayer is performed in the mosque not intentionally, without any agreement, such as when a group of people enter the mosque after the imam has finished praying and they pray together, then there are different opinions regarding this. The correct opinion is that it is allowed and mustahabb, because it brings a reward for joint prayer.

Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) said, describing the case of the second prayer in the mosque: As for the first scenario, when two joint prayers are constantly performed in the mosque, then this is undoubtedly makruh, if not haram, because this is a bidah (innovation) and was not known from Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and Companions.
Another example is al-Masjid al-Haraam, until the Saudi government changed it, it had four jamaats each of which had an imam: the Hanbali Imam led the prayers for the Hanbalis, the Shafi Imam led the Shafiites, the Maliki Imam led the Malikis and the Hanafi the imam led the Hanafi. They said: This is the place of Shafi, this is the place of Maliki, this is the place of Hanafi and this is the place of Hanbali.
But King Abdul Aziz entered Makkah and said: “This divides the Ummah, i.e. the Muslim ummah is divided in one mosque, and this is not allowed. Therefore, he united everyone behind one imam. And this was one of his good and worthy deeds (may Allah have mercy on him)
The division of the ummah is prohibited.
Moreover, it leads to laziness, because people can say: If there is a second joint prayer, then we will wait until the second group comes and people stop striving to participate in the first joint prayer behind the imam.”

Then he mentioned the second case and said:
“As for the second case, when this happens without prior agreement, i.e. there is a permanent imam in the mosque, but sometimes two or three people are late for a good reason, then scholars are divided on this issue.
Some scholars said that joint prayer should not be repeated, i.e. should be done individually.
Firstly, the hadeeth of Ubay ibn Ka'b, according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Praying with another person is better than praying alone, and praying with two people is better than praying with one person. The more people, the sweeter it is to Allah.” Narrated by Abu Dawud (554) and an Nasai (843). Here it is clearly indicated that it is better to pray with another person than alone. If we say that there should not be a second joint prayer, then this means that we preferred a less preferred option, and this is contrary to the text.
Secondly: Once, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was sitting with his companions, and a man came after they had completed their joint prayer. He (the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)) asked: “Who will give charity to this person and pray with him?” One of the people got up and prayed with the man.” Tirmidhi (220). This clearly shows that congregational prayer can be performed after constant congregational prayer, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) condoned that someone pray with this man. If someone says that this is charity, and when two men are late and perform a second joint prayer in the mosque, then they perform what they are obliged to do, then it can be answered that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ordered perform this act of beneficence and pray with the man who has already prayed, then is it not prescribed for a person who has not yet prayed to pray with this man?
The third scenario is when the mosque is in the market or on the road, etc. If it is a mosque in a market where people come and go, and two or three or ten men gather, pray and then leave, as happens in mosques in the markets, then it is not makrooh to repeat the prayer together. One of the scholars said: There is a consensus on this matter and there is no difference of opinion, because it is a mosque where different groups come and go, and there is no permanent imam behind which people can unite. al-Sharh al-Mumti' (4/227-231).
We can advise our brethren to be reconciled and to try to unite and put an end to divisions and disunity and selfishness. One should try to maintain unity and harmony; can this be a reason for division and quarrels?
We have the example of Abdullah ibn Musud (radiallahu anhu) who criticized Osman (radiallahu anhu) for doing the full prayer in Mina, but despite this, he also performed the full prayer. When asked about this, he said: "Separation is evil" Abu Dawud (1960).
Among the indications of the importance of unity is that a large number of scholars have said that it is permissible for the Imam to omit some of the sunnah in order to unite the people, as Shaykh ul Islam ibn Taymiyyah said:

“If the imam thinks that some action is mustahabb, but the people praying behind him do not consider it mustahabb, and he skips it for the sake of unity and harmony, then this is better. An example of this is the witr prayer, regarding which there are three opinions:
1. Witr can only be performed in three rak'ahs, like the Maghreb, and this is the opinion of the people from Iraq
2. Witr can only be performed in one separate rak'ah, this is the opinion of many people from Hijaz
3. Both opinions are acceptable, this is the opinion of Shafi, Ahmad and others and this is the correct opinion, despite the fact that they preferred one separate rak'ah.
If the imam thinks that it should be done separately and the people behind him think that witr should be done like Maghreb and he agrees with them in order to unite, then it is better, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to Aisha : "If your people had not gotten rid of the jahiliyyah so recently, I would have destroyed the Kaaba and built it on a level with the ground and with two doors, one for entry and one for exit." But he gave up what he thought was best, so as not to alienate people. If a person believes that reading basmala aloud is correct, but there are people behind him who do not think so, or vice versa, then if he agrees with them, then this is better.
al-Fataawa al-Kubra (2/118).

We ask Allah to guide us to the right path.

Among the days of the week, Friday holds a special place among Muslims. On this day, a general movement begins, preparation for something special, significant. This is especially noticeable in Muslim countries. People dressed in holiday clothes, clean, with luminous faces, joyfully go to Friday prayers, attaching special importance to this day.

The obligation of Friday prayer is established in the Qur'anic verse, the meaning of which is as follows: “O you who believe! When they call for prayer on Friday, then strive for the remembrance of Allah and leave trading. It's better for you. Oh, if you only knew! And when the prayer is over, then disperse over the earth, and seek the mercy of Allah, and remember Allah often; maybe you'll be happy!" (62:9–10).

How highly the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) highly valued this day can be seen from the hadiths: “Friday is the most blessed day! It is more majestic than the day of the Feast of Conversation (Uraza Bayram) and the day of the Feast of Sacrifice (Kurban Bayram), since on this day our forefather Adam, peace be upon him, was created, on the same day he was lowered from Paradise to earth, on that day his soul was taken, and the Day of Judgment will also take place on Friday.” It is also necessary to remember the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): “ Whoever leaves the Friday prayer three times in a row, neglecting it, his heart will be sealed by the Almighty, i.e. true faith will not enter his heart».

Friday prayer is obligatory:

1. For residents of a given city, locality. And also for those who live within one farsakh (5544 meters).

Those who are outside this territory are required to attend prayer if they heard the call in a high voice from the minarets. In a word, Friday prayer is obligatory for residents of the city and the suburbs associated with it, and not obligatory for those who live in a separate settlement from the city (in a village or village). The one who is passing through the city and is not a resident of it, is obliged to perform Friday prayer if he intends to stay there for 15 full days. Friday prayers are not obligatory for travelers.

2. For those who are healthy. The sick and those who cannot leave the sick alone, prayer in the mosque is not obligatory.

3. For free people. Work or study is not a good reason to skip prayer more than 3 times in a row. There are various forms of agreements with both employers and teachers. True, and here there are cases when it is simply impossible to agree. Then these people become unfree.

4. For men. Friday prayers are not obligatory for women and children.

5. For adults and able-bodied.

6. For the sighted. For the blind, even if they have a guide, Friday prayer is not obligatory.

7. Having the ability to walk. The legless, wheelchair-bound, and paralyzed are not obligated to perform Friday prayers.

8. Mandatory for those who are not in prison, are not afraid of persecution by the authorities, are not afraid of being captured, attacked by robbers, etc.

Not required in case of natural disasters (hard frosts, avalanche threat, heavy rains, etc.).

Those who are not charged with the Friday prayer, perform the lunch prayer at home one by one without adhan and iqamat, and if they suddenly go to the Friday prayer, then performing it is enough instead of lunch.

Seven Conditions for Friday Prayer to Be Valid

1. Prayer should be read in a fairly large settlement that has a representative of authority. Scientists say: “This is such a settlement where the main mosque does not accommodate the entire jamaat.” In large cities, where there are several mosques, Friday prayers can be performed in several places, if it is considered necessary in order not to lead people to problems and difficulties, especially in large cities, where it is sometimes difficult to get to the center from the outskirts.

2. The imam must have permission from the local authority. Or a person authorized by this imam can lead the prayer. If the prayer is led by a person who has not received permission, but behind him this Friday prayer is read by someone who has the authority to do so, then the prayer is valid. The exceptions are those cases when neither the authorities nor the people who have received permission from them do not go to the mosque. Then the imam chosen by the jamaat can lead the Friday prayer.

3. It is performed during the midday prayer.

4. Reading a sermon before the obligatory Friday prayer. 5. At the same time, the presence of at least one man of sound mind is necessary. If only women and children listened to the sermon, then such a khutbah is invalid.

6. Reading the Friday prayer by the Jamaat. In addition to the imam, it is necessary to have a jamaat in the amount of three adult, reasonable and religious male Muslims, even if they are sick or travelers.

7. The doors of the mosque where prayer is held must be open to everyone. One cannot be allowed into the mosque, while the other is forbidden to enter.

Circumstances under which you can skip the Friday prayer
In the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), the following categories of people are given, for whom the performance of the Friday prayer is not obligatory - this is a slave, a woman, a child and a sick person. For them, the performance of the Friday prayer is not obligatory, therefore, they can skip it, while performing the usual dinner prayer. And the rest must fulfill it strictly and in the best possible way.

If the Friday prayer is skipped without good reason, it is forbidden. The words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) are known: “Either people will stop leaving Friday prayers, or Allah will put a seal on their hearts, and after that they will be of those who show negligence.”

Desirable Friday activities

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said about Friday: “Verily, Friday is both a holiday and a day dedicated to the remembrance of Allah». In another hadith: "On this day, Allah Almighty forgives six hundred thousand sinners at his own discretion, freeing them from hell." But in order to be among those chosen by Allah, certain conditions must be met. Here is what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) says about this: “If a Muslim, having cleansed himself to the best of his strength, perfumed himself with incense, comes to the mosque and, without disturbing anyone, fulfills the prescribed duties, and even does not talk or look around, but he listens silently and with humility to the sermon, then from this and until next Friday all his mistakes will be forgiven. When going to the mosque, you can not eat garlic, onions and other foods with a pungent odor.

Before the Friday prayer, it is advisable for a Muslim to bathe, cut his nails, put on clean and smart clothes, use the most pleasant smell, and come to the mosque as early as possible. There, to repent for voluntary and involuntary sins committed during the week, read the Koran, remember the beautiful names of Allah and glorify Him, the Almighty and Omnipotent (pronounce dhikr). On Friday, angels sit at the entrance to the mosque and note: "The first to come was such and such a Muslim, the second - that one, the third - that one ...".

As soon as the imam begins to preach, the angels stop recording and the book closes.

It is advisable for the imam to sit on the minbar before the sermon, turning to the jamaat. It is advisable for the Mu'azzin to pronounce the second adhan before him. Khutba first begins with the praise of Allah Almighty, then with the utterance of both testimonies and the reading of salawat to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It is also advisable to read a few verses from the Qur'an and hadiths, explain their meaning. Then read a sermon, the topic of which should be relevant for the region and useful for strengthening God-fearing in the hearts and deeds of Muslims.

During the second sermon, it is advisable to make dua to Muslims. Since there are two sermons, it is advisable to sit between them.

It is also desirable, together with the imam, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), to read tasbihs. This is especially desirable in modern Russia, where Muslims have few opportunities for frequent meetings and are in great need of joint (in jamaat) prayers-duas, especially on such a great day as Friday. Having performed tasbihs together, believers stand up at the same time and greet each other, communicate, share joys.

Unwanted Friday activities

1. It is undesirable, close to a forbidden action, to step over other believers in order to get into the front rows of the mosque, since by doing so you bring them certain harm. Arriving at the mosque, you can not walk between the rows and, unceremoniously pushing people apart, disturbing them, try to take a seat in the front rows.

Of course, the front rows are very honorable. But they are for those who came earlier. After the adhan or iqamat, when people stand closer to each other for prayer, the empty seats in the front row will be occupied by those standing behind. For those who come later, it is best to take any free place, so as not to fall into sin, making their way forward.

By sneaking into the front ranks, hitting others, you distract them, prevent them from concentrating, offend their feelings and incur the wrath of Allah. The hadeeth says: “If someone, having come to the Friday prayer, disturbs people, makes his way to the front ranks, then let him know that he is building a bridge directly to hell.”

2. It is undesirable for the imam to greet the jamaat while going out to read the khutbah, since by doing so he forces them to answer him, and this is reprehensible for them.

3. It also refers to what is blameworthy, close to forbidden, to sell something or buy something after Friday Adhan, and also refers to what is blameworthy, close to forbidden things, all actions that distract a person from prayer.

4. It is undesirable to eat and drink in the mosque during the Khutbah.

5. It is undesirable to lift another person to sit in his place, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Let none of you lift another from his place on Friday day to sit there, but let him say that they gave him a place."
6. It is also forbidden to perform prayer or dua, greet and talk at a time when the imam went up to the minbar to read a sermon, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When one of you enters the mosque at that time, when the imam makes a khutbah, let him not pray or speak until the imam completes his khutbah, and let him also not answer salaam. From the moment the imam ascends the minbar until the end of two rak'ahs of fard prayer, all people in the jamaat must strictly remain silent, especially during the sermon itself. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned: “If during the Friday sermon you say to your neighbor “Shut up”, then your coming to the mosque for the Friday sermon will be in vain.” “Whoever, during a Friday sermon, will say to another only“ be silent ”, he blabbed out, and whoever blabbed out, there is no Friday for him.” Theologians, commenting on what was said, clarified: "The reward for participating in the Friday prayer, even with a slight conversation during the sermon, will not be complete." But all theologians, without exception, agree that the obligatory prayer counts for this person, that is, it is canonically valid, and there is no need to reread it.

In accordance with the two mentioned and several other authentic hadiths, during the Friday sermon it is necessary to listen to the imam and strictly remain silent. Otherwise, we leave the Friday prayer without reward (sawab), which we so much, especially today, need.

May the Almighty accept our prayers, be merciful to us and save us from mistakes!

• 8602 views