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“ O God! Make him (or her) our fore-runner, and make him for us a reward and a
treasure, and make him for us a pleader, and accept his pleading.”
The whole funeral prayer is offered in the standing position
Whenever a funeral procession passes by, be it of a Muslim or otherwise, every
Muslim should stand out of respect for the dead.
The grave should be built and marked in a simple way. The dead body should be
covered with white cotton sheets of standard material. Any extravagance in building
the grave or dressing up the body in fine suits or the like is non-Islamic. It is false
vanity and a waste of assets that can be used in many useful ways.
The custom of some Muslims of offering a big and costly banquet upon burial of the
deceased is also non-Islamic and an irresponsible waste of money and effort that can
be of infinite benefit If used otherwise
General Remarks on Prayer
As already pointed out, the Muslim’ s mind should always be occupied with the
remembrance of God and his tongue be busied with utterances of praise and glory of
Him. Besides the above mentioned forms of prayer, there are many other occasions
where prayer is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad. Such occasions are
like these:
1. The time of excessive rain;
2. The time of drought and shortage of rain;
3. The time of moon or sun’ s eclipse
In times like these the Muslim is advised to pray as many units and as long as he
wishes.
There are other times where he utters certain expressions without resorting to the
prescribed form of ordinary prayers. In such utterances he expresses gratitude God
and appreciation of His favors, hope in Him and reliance upon His aid, remembrance
of Him and prayer for His mercy. Among these times are:
1. The time of childbirth;
2. The time of performing marriage;
3. The time when going to and rising from bed;
4. The time of leaving the house and returning to it;
5. The time of entering and leaving toilet;
6. The time of starting a journey or entering a city;
7. The time of riding or driving;
8. The time of entering a boat;
9. The time of distress;
10. Before a looking glass or facing a mirror;
11. After bath or ablution;
12. When receiving the first fruits of the harvest;
13. When visiting the graveyard
On each of these occasions the Muslim is advised to remember God with proper and
fitting utterances expressing his feelings and thoughtfulness
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