YasSarNalQuR'aN

An effort in f a c i l i t a t i o n

When will this mass slaughter stop?

At the outset, let me say that I do not intend to hurt or make fun of anyone. I am addressing this post to everyone’s reason and logic, and not to anyone’s emotions and sentiments. Thank you and Jazakallah Khayr.  

Al Qur’an is a Book whose first chapter begins in the name of Allah and the last chapter ends with seeking refuge in Allah. Between these two, flows life as such.

How fortunate are those Muslims who are able to read the Qur’an in an excellent manner. Also, how fortunate are those Muslims who are able to listen to the Qur’an being read in an excellent way. 

And how terrible it is to stand behind an Imaan offering taraweeh prayers in a ridiculous way!

Terrible, not because you are standing for prayer. Terrible, because this person whom you call as an ‘imaam’ is a butcher of a different kind!

Not an ordinary butcher. An accomplished mass slaughterer!! The one who indulges in mass slaughtering of the Qur’anic verses. Fracturing a verse here, breaking a limb there! Creating distortion and spreading corruption – all in the Way of Allah! In the name of Allah! With the Kalaam (Speech) of Allah! And in the very House of Allah!! 

The wide-spread slaughter of Quranic verses in the name of Taraweeh must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

I wish Hazrat Umar ibn al Khattab (radiyallaahu anhu) come back to life and whip all those Imaams who lead taraweeh prayers for the heck of taraweeh! 

What is the purpose of Taraweeh? To listen to the Qur’an. To spend active time in conscious worship of Allah. To develop closeness with Allah. To uplift oneself, spiritually. To be thankful to Allah for revealing the Qur’an.

But no! Now, Taraweeh is not for listening to the Qur’an, it is to finish the Qur’an!

Not to stand in conscious devotion, it is to do unconscious physical exercise!

Not to uplift oneself spiritually, it is to get the iftaar food digested! (so that you can get back home and eat a lot!!)

Not to develop closeness with Allah, it is to play an indoor T20 match! 

Not to be thankful to Allah, it is to get rid of the heavy burden laid upon the shoulders!

As Allama Iqbal says: Reh Gaye Rasm-e-Azaan, Rooh-e-Bilali Na Rahe! Only the form remains, and the spirit is missing!

The management of the mosques and all the Imaams leading Taraweeh prayers must understand that Taraweeh is not a T20 cricket match to bat and bowl wildly and finish it off in a given time-frame!

We also need to understand that completing Twenty Rak’ahs or reciting the whole Qur’an in Taraweeh is not compulsory.  Listening to the Qur’an attentively and reciting the Qur’an at a moderate speed and in a beautiful manner – these aspects are not only compulsory but they should also become every Muslim’s prime concern.

Humility, tranquility, remembrance and reflection are important elements of Taraweeh Prayer. We all need to connect to these missing links, Inshaa’Allah. 

May Allah give us the Tawfeeq, Hidayah and Istiqaamah to live by His guidance. Aameen.

Jazakumullah Khayra for reading this post of mine.

July 18, 2012 - Posted by | Islamic Months: RAMADHAN | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

20 Comments »

  1. But no! Now, Taraweeh is not for listening to the Qur’an, it is to finish the Qur’an!
    Not to stand in conscious devotion, it is to do unconscious physical exercise!
    Not to uplift oneself spiritually, it is to get the iftaar food digested! (so that you can get back home and eat a lot!!)
    Not to develop closeness with Allah, it is to play an indoor T20 match!
    Not to be thankful to Allah, it is to get rid of the heavy burden laid upon the shoulders!

    I think these are very strong statements to make on many peoples’s iman. Most ordinary people pray taraweeh because they want to devote that one hour in prayer to the almighty in a better manner than then can in their home. I do not accept such strong statement about the poor people with excellent niyat. People making such statements are judging people’s iman which is not allowed in Islam! People should be careful in choosing words when making loud public statements.

    Comment by Ayeshah | July 19, 2012 | Reply

    • You have the right to disagree, sister.
      And thank you for your advice.
      Vassalam.

      Comment by MuQeet | July 19, 2012 | Reply

  2. Firstly, everyone says that you have to finish the recitation of the Qur’an within this month! I don’t think that it is compulsory too.It depends from person to person.

    Secondly, brother, I think you dint mean all the Imaams nor did you judge any one! At times, we ignore certain things just because we think that that other person knows better than us. But there are many things which happen in the Muslim world which are wrong.
    Definitely, if an imam is reciting too fast and without proper tajweed then obviously he is in err. Such things should not be ignored. As an imam is a leader who is followed by many.

    Thirdly, Alhamdulillah,the masajid that I have prayed in, I have not experienced such a thing. But I’m sure brother if you are stating such then you must have experienced.
    It is something to think about and research about in the different part of the Muslim world.

    Allah knows best.
    May Allah forgive me if I have said anything incorrect,
    JazakAllah Khair.

    Comment by OutspokenHijabi | July 20, 2012 | Reply

    • Dear sister, wa iyyaaki and thank you for your comment and suggestions.
      Whatever I wrote in the post is the fact that is going on in many parts of the world.
      For the one who lives in UAE, it may appear strange or even surprising.
      I have had bitter experience in my country and it is much horrible than what I described in the post.
      In most of the mosques in India/Pakistan and other parts of the world women are deprived of going to the mosques.
      May be the wordings I used here appear to be harsh but we need to raise our voice against such insulting way of recitations.
      I appreciate those Imaams who recite the Qur’an in a proper way. May Allah reward them immensely. Aameen. Their number is very minimum, unfortunately.
      I hope readers have gone through the note I gave at the start of the post.

      Comment by MuQeet | July 20, 2012 | Reply

  3. Asalamualaikum Br. Muqeet, Jazakallah for sharing the insightful post. Although some words/sentences came hard on the Imams and followers but I couldn’t agree more on what is happening. Just yesterday, travelling back home from office, I noticed a banner for Taraweeh prayers outside a function hall. A ‘Function Hall’ – Place where people usually spend lavishly on weddings and doing Israf. Anyways, the banner read Taraweeh 5 Parahs a day. Imagine, the intention is finishing the Taraweeh in 6 days!!! And this is right in the middle of a busy market. People are really being misled by such arrangements and the true essence of Taraweeh is being lost.

    And more over the Hufffaz take this as an opportunity to make more money, by finishing Quran in 3 days, 5 days, etc. They do not realise that although they do hifz of the Quran but truly it is the Quran which is taking care of them.

    When we try to speak with people about this and tell them to spend more time in understanding the Quran this month, business and other matters are more important. We can only pray for people who put this world before the aakhirah.

    Inshallah, with more and more knowledge sharing sessions, people will realize the importance of Quran. All we can do is pray to Allah that the ummah is not misguided – Ameen.

    Comment by Khaja Ghouse | July 25, 2012 | Reply

    • Wa alaikumus salam, brother. Wa iyyaaka.
      I am sorry for those harsh words but I could not help it to depict the unfortunate scene.
      Thank you and Jazakallahu Khayra for taking time to post a comment here and thank you for sharing your bitter experience with Taraweeh.
      I am shocked to know about such a ridiculous way of completing Quran, 5 Ajza in a day!
      Allah Kareem. May I know in which place you saw this banner?
      May Allah give us all the right way of learning and doing things. Aameen.
      Aameen to your du’aa, brother.
      Jazakallah Khayr once again.
      Vassalam.

      Comment by MuQeet | July 25, 2012 | Reply

      • This is at a place called Tolichowki in Hyderabad, India.

        Comment by Khaja Ghouse | July 25, 2012 | Reply

        • Thank you, brother, for the info.
          You know in our place in chennai, except in a handful of masajid, taraweeh is offered in a horrible way.
          The only word in the recitation you will listen properly, would be the last word, which the Imaam will drag only to signal to the muqtadi’eens that he is going for ruku’ 🙂
          I must mention one special Imam (May Allah bless him, aameen): Moulana Muhammad Qasim Ansari sahib, the Imaam and Khateeb of Periamet Mosque (which is very near to the Chennai Railway Station). His recitation is superb Masha’Allah and one definitely enjoys praying behind him. During my teen and twenties, I used to go to this Masjid just to listen to the Taraweeh recitation. My residence that time was almost one and a half hours of travelling time from this masjid. I only wish all Imaams follow this great Imaam.

          Comment by MuQeet | July 25, 2012 | Reply

  4. Although at Tolichowki, I am sure this is happening at a lot more places in Hyderabad. Also, Shabeena is performed in the last few days of Ramadan where the Quran is completed in 1, 2 or 3 days. Huffaz take turns and lead the prayer. This information is to highlight our position of understanding the words of Allah SWT. I am sure people do this for good Niyyat and rewards but they are misled and those who mislead …well… Allah SWT is all knowing.

    Comment by Khaja Ghouse | July 25, 2012 | Reply

    • Jazakallah Khayr for sharing this info and also for your sincere du’aa.
      I want to add one point here (if you are following this comment):
      You were telling about something called ‘shabeena’. May be people do it with good niyyah.
      In Islam, what we do must be according to the Qur’an and Hadeeth.
      If something is being done which is not there in Islam, then of what use it is.
      No doubt one’s niyyah must be sincere and pure but what one does is of primary importance.
      One cannot create an innovation with good niyyah or one cant perform an innovation with good niyyah.
      Innovation is innovation and as per one hadeeth all innovations are misguidance!

      Comment by MuQeet | July 25, 2012 | Reply

      • As-Salaam Alaikum. Brother Muqeet.I appreciate and can understand your niyyah of listening to Qur’an and reciting Qur’an at a moderate speed which can be followed is important.

        But at the same time just by conveying your intention at the beginning of your comment, does not allow you or anyone to pass a judgement unless facts are there to prove.

        Brother you are on electronic media addressing a forum which might include non muslims, hence you should be very careful about whether your emotions are taking over your senses.

        Please mention the Hadeeth details where all innovations are said to be misguidance. If someone comes with an innovative idea of gathering Halal funds for the benefit of poor then what will be your opinion? Please do not misguide under the pretext of Hadeeth. Allah knows the best.

        It would have been better if you would have conveyed the same message under the light of Qur’an and Hadeeth n of course by using proper Hikmah.Your comment reflects anger and thereby your comments are emotionally driven.

        Before I reply to your comments, I would like to know your credentials so as to even consider your post. Are you well versed with the Tajweed and have you completed Hifzul Qur’an before commenting on Imams?

        Coming to your comments, please give a thought to the following and decide for yourself:

        1. Your Comment: a) And how terrible it is to stand behind an Imaan offering taraweeh prayers in a ridiculous way!
        Terrible, not because you are standing for prayer. Terrible, because this person whom you call as an ‘imaam’ is a butcher of a different kind! Not an ordinary butcher. An accomplished mass slaughterer!! The one who indulges in mass slaughtering of the Qur’anic verses. Fracturing a verse here, breaking a limb there! Creating distortion and spreading corruption – all in the Way of Allah! In the name of Allah! With the Kalaam (Speech) of Allah! And in the very House of Allah!!

        b) Whatever I wrote in the post is the fact that is going on in many parts of the world.
        For the one who lives in UAE, it may appear strange or even surprising.
        I have had bitter experience in my country and it is much horrible than what I described in the post.

        c) You know in our place in chennai, except in a handful of masajid, taraweeh is offered in a horrible way.
        The only word in the recitation you will listen properly, would be the last word, which the Imaam will drag only to signal to the muqtadi’eens that he is going for ruku’

        My Reply: Your comments are quite generic in nature against Imams. Are you competent enough to pass a judgement? Even if I consider you to be competent for the sake of argument then did you interact with Imams on the same and rectify the fault? What were their response? How many Imams did you interact with before passing a comment on majority of Masajids in India? Was it even 1% of the total number of Masajids in India alone? Lastly will you take full responsibility of your comment in front of Allah’s judgement? Allah Almighty SWT knows the best.

        Coming to the facts – Most of the Indian Masajids Imams are appointed by the committee and they are qualified. They hold a proper certification and assessed before granting the certification. Only certification is not the criteria to become Imam, the committees do a background check of the personality of the Imam to be appointed and proper test/interview is conducted. It is not a joke but a serious matter of leading, hence proper caution is taken. So the question of proper Tajweed does not arise. A humble request to you is to not to spoil the image of Imams of India at large and thereby give an opportunity to evil minded to use this as a tool to malign Islam. Hence proper Hikmah, knowledge and complete references are required before commenting. Just by dragging the word does not qualify the word to be in line with Tajweed. Allah SWT knows the best.

        2) Your Comment: I wish Hazrat Umar ibn al Khattab (radiyallaahu anhu) come back to life and whip all those Imaams who lead taraweeh prayers for the heck of taraweeh!
        What is the purpose of Taraweeh? To listen to the Qur’an. To spend active time in conscious worship of Allah. To develop closeness with Allah. To uplift oneself, spiritually. To be thankful to Allah for revealing the Qur’an.
        But no! Now, Taraweeh is not for listening to the Qur’an, it is to finish the Qur’an!
        Not to stand in conscious devotion, it is to do unconscious physical exercise!

        My reply: a) Your wish is against Islam on the pretext of bringing back to life. May Allah SWT forgive me and guide me if I am wrong. Allah Almighty SWT knows the best.

        b) Who are you and how can judge the purpose and devotion of Imam and the people offering Taraweeh behind him? Will you take the full responsibility for this comment that you are sure that the purpose and devotion is not correct of all the Imams and people behind at large in front of Allah’s SWT judgement? Allah Almighty SWT knows the best.

        3) Your Comment: But no! Now, Taraweeh is not for listening to the Qur’an, it is to finish the Qur’an!
        Not to stand in conscious devotion, it is to do unconscious physical exercise!
        Not to uplift oneself spiritually, it is to get the iftaar food digested! (so that you can get back home and eat a lot!!)
        Not to develop closeness with Allah, it is to play an indoor T20 match!
        Not to be thankful to Allah, it is to get rid of the heavy burden laid upon the shoulders!

        My Reply: Are you sure that all the people including Imams just want to complete Qur’an (Not finish), do unconscious physical exercise, play indoor T20 match or think it as getting rid of heavy burden….. ? Can you behold your comments for all the Imams at large and the people behind them in front of Allah’s SWT judgement? Allah almighty SWT knows the best. It is always better to think before you act rather than act n then think.
        From what I can understand is that the people who feel the way you have mentioned will not be in Masajids for praying but doing shopping etc. It would be better to do conscious exercise in gym and be a part of World number 1 Indian T20 team if people genuinely do not wish to offer prayers. They would be punished. Proper Concentration, Neeyah, Dress Code and Cleanliness are the basic requirements for offering prayers. Doubting neeyah of others is not your job. Allah SWT and only Allah SWT knows the best and has the knowledge about what appears as well as what is beneath.

        4) We also need to understand that completing Twenty Rak’ahs or reciting the whole Qur’an in Taraweeh is not compulsory. Listening to the Qur’an attentively and reciting the Qur’an at a moderate speed and in a beautiful manner – these aspects are not only compulsory but they should also become every Muslim’s prime concern.
        Humility, tranquility, remembrance and reflection are important elements of Taraweeh Prayer. We all need to connect to these missing links, Inshaa’Allah.

        My reply: Brother I appreciate your concern but I am compelled to ask you the following questions:

        a) Where is it written that one needs to complete recitation of Qur’an only once in Ramadan?
        b) Can’t we recite Qur’an more than once?
        c) Isn’t it better if we spend more time on prayers and doing the right things in Ramadan?
        d) Is it not better if we offer Taraweeh?
        e) It takes approximately 35-40 minutes to complete one Juz/part/para? So if more than 175 to 200 minutes (2.75+ Hours to 3.5 Hours) are taken to recite 5 Ajza/parts then what is wrong? This is the normal time taken by Imams to recite 5 Ajza in a single day in India. The question of reciting extremely fast does not arise.
        f) Is it wrong to recite 5 Ajza? Is it wrong to spend more time offering prayers?
        g) What is the definition of moderate speed according to you? It is a known fact while interacting some people speak faster but the words could be understood. Reciting quickly (Not at an extreme pace) without changing the meaning of word does not imply that it is not in accordance with Tajweed. Only important thing which matters is whether the recitation is in accordance with Tajweed and others are able to follow.
        h) How can you pass judgement and also announce a punishment of whipping?
        Allah SWT knows the best.

        5) Your Comment: In most of the mosques in India/Pakistan and other parts of the world women are deprived of going to the mosques.

        My reply: Brother grow up and gain knowledge. Considerable number of Masajids in India are open for both Men and Women with proper arrangements for women to offer Taraweeh. Apart from these Masajids, many function halls, houses etc. conduct Taraweeh prayers solely for Women. Guess you are not in the right company of people as you are unaware of these facts. Rather than cribbing, you yourself can make arrangement for at your house for offering Taraweeh exclusively for Women. Who is stopping you? Allah SWT knows the best.

        Another fact which needs to be taken into consideration is that a considerable number of Indian Muslim women do not follow the Islamic Awrah rules. Hence it is not advisable to conduct Salaat for both men and women together. It will be bigger task to restrict women who do not follow proper Awrah code. Allah SWT knows the best

        Lastly I apologize if I have hurted you in any way and seek guidance from Allah SWT for all of us. Allah SWT knows the best. May Allah SWT forgive me for if I had written anything wrong and guide me. Ameen.

        Hasham

        Comment by Md. Hasham | August 13, 2012 | Reply

        • Wa alaikumus salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
          Jazakallahu Khayra for such a long essay.
          Will be replied to at the end of Ramadhaan, Inshaa’Allah.
          By the way, can I have your introduction as to who are you and where are you from?

          Comment by MuQeet | August 15, 2012 | Reply

  5. As-Salaam Alaikum. Brother Muqeet. I am a Muslim. I would like to ask you only 3 questions in nutshell.
    1. Is it incorrect to complete recitation of the holy Qur’an in 3 or more days in accordance with Tajweed?
    2. Is it incorrect to innovate if it does not interfere with Islam?
    3. Is it incorrect if someone offers Taraweeh daily through out the month irrespective of how many parts of Qur’an are recited in a day but completes recitation of Qur’an in 3 or more days?
    Allah SWT knows the best.

    By the way the number of arrangements made for ladies to offer Taraweeh are increasing by the year.
    Inshaa’Allah next year may Allah SWT give you all the resources so that you can make necessary arrangements exclusively for women rather than……
    Waiting for your answer…But not like your earlier half baked assumptions.

    Comment by Hasham | August 27, 2012 | Reply

    • wa alaikumius salam wa rahmatullah.

      Bhai, I requested you to introduce yourself and also to reveal where are you from, not to know that you are a Muslim!!
      There is no problem if you want to hide your identity. A Muslim must be bold.

      It is not necessary for me to know the details of the people who comment in my blogs but I thought I will get an idea about you as you are so concerned about Islam.

      Ok, you asked about me in your first comment.
      I hope some details you must have already read from this blog (If not, please find in the About Page)

      I am a teacher of Arabic/Islamic Studies since 22 years, alhamdulillah.
      I am not an Hafiz yet, aspiring hafiz, alhamdulillah.
      I teach Qur’an and Tajweed also to my students and among my students, alhamdulillah, there are many Huffaz-e-Kiraam who lead Taraweeh prayers in an excellent manner.
      Can you imagine a student of mine is in Class 6 and he is an hafiz and leads Taraweeh since past two years, Mashaa’Allah.
      One boy in grade 7 is not only an hafiz but also an excellent Qari, Mashaa’Allah.
      In my 22 years of teaching career, alhamdulillah, thumma alhamdulillah, no parent has ever complained about my capability or credentials.
      All Praise belongs to Allah, and none else.
      Apart from teaching, I do dawah and islah among people as per my capacity, alhamdulillah.

      Secondly, this is not a fatwa site to say what is correct or incorrect.
      If your purpose to ask me is to pull my legs that is different!

      Thirdly, happy to know that the number of arrangements for ladies is increasing year by year.
      Being in the field of journalism, I keep an eye on the media and gather reports from various sources too, brother.
      What you are talking of taraweeh arrangements for ladies is mostly in cities. Go to villages and have an inspection.
      You will have a different picture there.
      India lives in villages and the condition of villages has to improve a lot.

      I know in chennai, my home towm, there are many masajid alhamdulillah allowing women to come, even during Friday prayers not just in Ramadan.
      But it is very painful to tell that the condition in the mosques in villages is very pathetic indeed.
      Some villages may be exceptions. It depends upon the population also.

      And brother, I am not telling anything about the condition of the Imams in villages. You will be having better knowledge I believe.

      In my reply to Outspoken Hijabi’s comment, i was telling about women being deprived to come to masajid in villages!
      And you thought I am living in wonderland without knowing anything about the reality!

      Fourthly, for your information, the main article was written neither on assumptions nor in the backdrop of Indian scene.
      Please note that. It talks about the situation of Taraweeh in the world, not India.

      By the grace of Allah, the school in which I am teaching brother has students coming from 42 countries!

      The need is to train the youngsters in right Islamic knowledge and upbringing and make them people who care about Islam and Islamic living.

      Fifthy, When you sent the long comment, it was Ramadan, so I could not reply and after Ramadan I got busy in other family things.
      Inshaa’Allah i will reply to your comments in a week’s time.

      Vassalam.

      Your brother in Islam,
      Muqeet.

      PostScript:
      By the way, brother, I would like to tell you two things.
      This is just a request if you take it in right spirit.

      1. It about the spelling of your name in your first comment.
      Please use the full name Muhammad, and don’t shrink it to Md.
      I request you to read this article of mine:
      https://islamcalling.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/stop-distorting-his-name/

      2. If you know something, say you know. If you don’t know something, say you don’t know.
      We should not make it a habit to ask questions and then come up with a disclaimer: Allah Knows Best.
      Allah not only knows best, He knows everything. The secret and the hidden.
      We must say this phrase in life, there is no doubt about it. Not make it a kind of takya-kalam.
      You will ask for proof, right?
      Umar ibn al-Khattaab (radiallahu-anhu) said to the Sahaabas (radiallahu-anhum): “About whom do you think that this ayah was revealed?” The Sahaabas said “Allah knows best.” So ‘Umar got angry and said “Either say ‘We know’ or ‘We don’t know’.
      The background and details please find here: http://www.islamworld.net/docs/shifaq.html

      Comment by MuQeet | August 27, 2012 | Reply

      • As-Salaam Alaikum. Brother Muqeet. It is good to know about your background that you are a teacher, journalist etc.I heartily respect your achievements. It is also good to notice that many of your students have completed Hifz and hope you will also do so soon. As far as my background is concerned I am just an ordinary human being with Indian origin, I am working for IT company mostly travelling to Eastern countries and Middle east. Of course I proud that the new generation of Indians are among the best of the world in any field. I am sure that there is lot to learn regarding Islam and Inshallah I will be doing so till I take my last breadth. There is nothing to hide as I am not on a marriage match making site or intelligence site etc. Whatever even if it would have been, then there is nothing to hide. Who cares.

        I can understand and appreciate that a person of your caliber has taken time to respond or even has time to respond.

        Muqeet, being from such a rich background and your age; it is quite surprising to see such immature comments especially your first ones on Tarawih. After interacting with you I am compelled to believe that you might be right about the conditions pertaining to your region as people there might not be ready to change or accept facts.

        By the way subconsciously you are accepting what I have conveyed (I teach Qur’an and Tajweed also to my students and among my students, alhamdulillah, there are many Huffaz-e-Kiraam who lead Taraweeh prayers in an excellent manner). Just out of curiosity is it possible that people from 42 countries have ever visited Chennai forget about muslims. Brother I might be wrong.

        Thanks that you have given the answer for which you knew the best that I would ask a proof. But again fell short in the context (half baked) because understanding the circumstances, background, niyah etc. is very important. It is not correct to become Mr. Arun Shourie who also uses Qur’anic verses just to prove a point or misguide or to change the literal meaning by not including preceding or following verses . Well I will be using “Allah knows the best” because I strongly believe and fear that my views about Islam should not misguide anyone. For I do know and I know that Allah Taala is the One. That Allah SWT has no partner, no father, mother, wife and so has no son or daughter; and that there is nothing else that is worthy of praise, or worship except Him ‑ Alone. Well I dont know and will never know what Allah SWT knows.

        Lets not get into grammer/spelling of Md. or Muhammed. Of course Allah SWT knows the best as you rightly said Allah SWT knows everything.

        1. Is it incorrect to complete recitation of the holy Qur’an in 3 or more days in accordance with Tajweed?
        2. Is it incorrect to innovate if it does not interfere with Islam?
        3. Is it incorrect if someone offers Taraweeh daily through out the month irrespective of how many parts of Qur’an are recited in a day but completes recitation of Qur’an in 3 or more days?
        Allah SWT knows the best.

        Basically you have not answered my above mentioned only 3 questions (Tarawih) on which the entire interaction is based and now I am not even expecting it because a closed mind can never get enlightened. I don’t want to make this forum a fighting place between two individuals and hence this might be my last response. If you want you can send ur email id so that I can send my mobile number for healthy discussion. Getting late for prayers. Allah Hafiz.
        Muhammed Hasham – Point Taken, Open mind.
        (If you believe something is incorrect then take initiative to correct it and everything will fall in place.)

        Comment by Muhammed Hasham | August 31, 2012 | Reply

        • Wa alaikumus salam, Hasham.

          Nice to know that you belong to the new generation of high tech IT background and thank you for being open minded THOUGH you did hide your place of residence!
          Let me start with your last point first.
          IF YOU BELIEVE SOMETHING IS INCORRECT THEN TAKE INITIATIVE TO CORRECT IT AND EVERYTHING WILL FALL IN PLACE!

          I do believe in this and I hope you will also apply this in your life after reading this reply from Islamic perspective.

          You said I DONT WANT TO MAKE THIS FORUM A FIGHTING PLACE….

          But, the way you are arguing things speaks a different story altogether!
          For example: your dragging of Arun Shourie here!

          What he has to do with background, circumstances or niyyah? He is a non-Muslim, a hard core Kafir and you are advising by saying “It is not correct to become Mr. Arun Shourie who also uses Qur’anic verses just to prove a point or misguide or to change the literal meaning by not including preceding or following verses”.

          In what way your example of Arun Shourie relates to a Muslim?

          Are you advising me not to become like him? or are you cautioning yourself? Either ways, it is WRONG!

          You said, “Lets not get into grammer/spelling of Md.”.
          For your information, a word doesn’t involve grammar. Grammar is only in sentences!
          Muhammad is a name and the one who shrinks it to Md. does a mistake for sure. This is my personal reasoning

          Coming to your questions which you feel are very important for our taraweeh discussion!

          1. Is it incorrect to complete recitation of the holy Qur’an in 3 or more days in accordance with Tajweed?
          2. Is it incorrect to innovate if it does not interfere with Islam?
          3. Is it incorrect if someone offers Taraweeh daily through out the month irrespective of how many parts of Qur’an are recited in a day but completes recitation of Qur’an in 3 or more days?

          I already told you that this is not a fatwa site to call something correct or incorrect. Anyway as you are insisting very much, let me tell you something first to make you understand the basics of Islamic approach.

          For we Muslims, what is the Guide and who is the Role Model? Al Qur’an is the Guide and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the role model. Primary sources of Shariah are two: 1) The Qur’an 2) The Sunnah.
          In cases, where you don’t find direct guidelines, there are two other sources of Shariah which are secondary in nature: a) Ijma b) Qiyaas.

          Now coming to the matters of Taraweeh, do you find any problem in the Sunnah? Is there no guidance from the sunnah and hadeeth? There is guidance, alhamdulillah. Download the book ‘The Night Prayers in Ramadhaan’ by eminent shaikh Nasiruddin Albani. You will get many answers to your Taraweeh confusion. This is Number One.

          Number Two, as a Muslim, we are obliged to obey the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and through the obedience of the Prophet we obey Allah! Now, if any Muslim is going against the Sunnah, then he is no longer a true Muslim!

          Look at your questions, re-read them for yourself and ponder over. You will be enlightened.

          1. Is it incorrect to complete recitation of the holy Qur’an in 3 or more days in accordance with Tajweed?
          The Question is vague: “more days” means how many days 4, 5, 10,……29?
          If it is 3 days, then IT IS HIGHLY INCORRECT and INSENSIBLE TOO. Against the Sunnah!

          2. Is it incorrect to innovate if it does not interfere with Islam?
          You said these questions are related to Taraweeh, right? What is the innovation in that? And how can that innovation NOT INTERFERE with Islam?
          Had the question been to matters other than Taraweeh, then we can discuss things and then the answer will be dependent on what the innovation is all about, and do we need such innovation, and what is the motive of that innovation, does that innovation harms the aqeedah etc. (I feel this question of yours is irrelevant as far as Taraweeh is concerned!)

          3. Is it incorrect if someone offers Taraweeh daily through out the month irrespective of how many parts of Qur’an are recited in a day but completes recitation of Qur’an in 3 or more days?
          Again 3 or more days!! I don’t understand why are you so insisting on three days? Do you want to follow the Prophet (peace be upon him) or your whims and fancies?

          If you confine your question to this: “Is it incorrect if someone offers Taraweeh daily through out the month irrespective of how many parts of Qur’an are recited in a day”, then the answer will be: No, it is not incorrect. In fact it should be that way only 🙂

          Brother, we have to offer Salah. Be it Ramadhaan Taraweeh or our daily five time prayers, it has be done according to the guidance of the Qur’an and the Prophet first and then the rightly guided caliphs. It is not that I am saying things according to my wishes here in this blog. Please understand that.

          Now that Ramadhaan is gone and no more Taraweeh, I ask this question to myself first and then pass it on to you: Am I offering my five daily prayers properly?

          Vassalam.

          PS: As per the Qur’anic guidelines, the mind must be fully open: not half open, half closed!

          PLEASE READ MY REPLY TO YOUR FIRST COMMENT WHICH IS GIVEN BELOW.

          Comment by MuQeet | September 3, 2012 | Reply

  6. Reply to Br. Hasham’s first comment.

    Wa alaikumus salam, brother Hasham.

    You said: “just by conveying your intention at the beginning of your comment, does not allow you or anyone to pass a judgement unless facts are there to prove.”
    Regarding the points I raised, you need an awareness of what is happening in the world with regard to Taraweeh recitation. Once you have an awareness you will understand the facts.

    Check this link which supplements the points I raised in my original write-up:
    http://www.islam21c.com/fataawa/1054-tarawih-recitation-a-message-to-all-imams

    The above given link is not about the problem of India, but of Britain and the West. I am giving this link so that you can understand that the Taraweeh recitation method discussed in the original is NOT BASED ON WHAT IS HAPPENING IN INDIA but it is a global problem.

    You said: “Brother you are on electronic media addressing a forum which might include non muslims, hence you should be very careful about whether your emotions are taking over your senses.”

    Being on electronic media doesn’t mean that you turn a Nelson’s eye to what is happening among Muslims. We need to call a spade a spade and must speak up against the greatest wrong some Imaams do: that is reciting the Qur’an in a way that insults the very recitation!

    Yes, you have right to disagree with the way I told but it is not that what I said can be taken as ‘insensible’!

    You said: “Please mention the Hadeeth details where all innovations are said to be misguidance….Please do not misguide under the pretext of Hadeeth. Allah knows the best.”

    I take strong exception to this statement of yours!
    Can YOU quote any article from this blog or from any of my blogs for that matter where you ‘feel’ that the readers are misguided under the pretext of hadeeth?

    You wanted the hadeeth reference “where all innovations are said to be misguidance”, right?

    Here is the hadeeth which is extremely popular one:

    Go to this link and read for yourself with references given here:

    http://sunnah.com/search/%D9%83%D9%84-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%B9%D8%A9

    You asked: “Before I reply to your comments, I would like to know your credentials so as to even consider your post. Are you well versed with the Tajweed and have you completed Hifzul Qur’an before commenting on Imams?”

    I gave this reply in my earlier comment.

    Can I ask one thing here: If somebody does wrong in front of you, don’t you feel the need to stop it by using your hand (power or influence, if not through hand atleast through your tongue, if not through your tongue at least at your heart don’t you feel the need to realise and feel bad that something wrong is happening and that you cannot stop it?

    From your comments you seems not even concerned about the matter. On the other hand, by diplomatically posing questions and bringing irrelevant points to discuss, I feel you are in way justifying the ‘slaughter of the Qur’anic verses’!!

    You said: “It would have been better if you would have conveyed the same message under the light of Qur’an and Hadeeth n of course by using proper Hikmah.Your comment reflects anger and thereby your comments are emotionally driven”

    So, it means, basically YOU ARE AGREEING with my points but you disagree with my way of telling things, right? Alhamdulillah.

    You may feel the approach is devoid of hikmah but when you want to condemn what is happening in the name of taraweeh, you need be emphatic. As a matter of fact, approaches can differ from person to person. It was there even during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and it will be there till the end of the world.

    You said: “Your comments are quite generic in nature against Imams. Are you competent enough to pass a judgement? Even if I consider you to be competent for the sake of argument then did you interact with Imams on the same and rectify the fault? What were their response? How many Imams did you interact with before passing a comment on majority of Masajids in India? Was it even 1% of the total number of Masajids in India alone? Lastly will you take full responsibility of your comment in front of Allah’s judgement? Allah Almighty SWT knows the best.”

    Firstly, please UNDERSTAND that I am not against Imams. I respect them very much. Secondly UNDERSTAND that I am not against all Imams! I spoke against only those Imams who lead taraweeh in a ridiculing way. In my opinion, such Imams are not even worthy of that office!!

    You said: “Coming to the facts – Most of the Indian Masajids Imams are appointed by the committee and they are qualified. They hold a proper certification and assessed before granting the certification. Only certification is not the criteria to become Imam, the committees do a background check of the personality of the Imam to be appointed and proper test/interview is conducted. It is not a joke but a serious matter of leading, hence proper caution is taken. So the question of proper Tajweed does not arise. A humble request to you is to not to spoil the image of Imams of India at large and thereby give an opportunity to evil minded to use this as a tool to malign Islam. Hence proper Hikmah, knowledge and complete references are required before commenting. Just by dragging the word does not qualify the word to be in line with Tajweed. Allah SWT knows the best.”

    Brother, your argument is good but it not a fact! Do you ever know what type of people are in many masjid committees? Take a survey, Inshaa’Allah and you will find that the one who is very rich and has a status, he is the one who appoints the Imams. And the poor Imams have to dance to the tunes of the Islamically semi-literate Masjid President or Secretary! This is a general fact. I am not saying ALL COMMITTEES are like that. There are very distinct notable Masajids which has good committees. There things are different in such masajids, Alhamdulillah as people who run the masjid know what is what of Islam.

    Brother, of what use a qualification is when the so-called ‘qualified’ person makes a mockery of Qur’anic reading?

    Don’t you feel like burning the certificates of those so-called Imams who lead taraweeh in such a ridiciculing way that one doesn’t feel like going and standing behind him in prayers?

    You said: “A humble request to you is to not to spoil the image of Imams of India at large and thereby give an opportunity to evil minded to use this as a tool to malign Islam”.

    I think you lost your balance in making this seemingly concerned request.

    Again, please remove the misunderstanding that I am against the Imams of India. AGAINST ONLY THOSE WHO DO NOT RECITE THE QUR’AN THE WAY IT MUST BE RECITED. And against, not just Indian Imaams but worldwide Imams.

    Brother, You need to accept the wrong committed by fellow Muslims. Don’t have biased nature.
    We must not side with people who do wrong in the name of taraweeh! And You must also not have racial or national prejudice!

    Brother, you asked: “Who are you and how can judge the purpose and devotion of Imam and the people offering Taraweeh behind him? Will you take the full responsibility for this comment that you are sure that the purpose and devotion is not correct of all the Imams and people behind at large in front of Allah’s SWT judgement? Allah Almighty SWT knows the best.”

    You didnt understand my original article in proper perspective because you are approaching the issue with pre-conceived ideas.

    Did I ever say that ALL IMAMS are like that? You seems to be hell-bent on arguments! When I didnt tell about ALL, how can i be held accountable?

    Yes, I am conscious of my statements and I take responsibility for speaking against those Imams who recite the Qur’an in an insulting way.
    Even the Qur’an will give shahadah against such people who lead prayer bringing disrespect to the Kalamullah!!

    You said: “Doubting neeyah of others is not your job. Allah SWT and only Allah SWT knows the best and has the knowledge about what appears as well as what is beneath”.
    Yes, I know that. When did I doubt the niyyyah of people! I commented on the way they pray. Fast fast. Recite Qur’an. Fast, fast. Do ruku and Sajdah. Fast, fast. They are all actions, and I condemn such actions.

    Do you want to have a good niyyah to justify reading the Qur’an in an insulting way??? That would be ridiculous!!

    You said: “Brother I appreciate your concern but I am compelled to ask you the following questions:
    a) Where is it written that one needs to complete recitation of Qur’an only once in Ramadan?
    b) Can’t we recite Qur’an more than once?
    c) Isn’t it better if we spend more time on prayers and doing the right things in Ramadan?
    d) Is it not better if we offer Taraweeh?
    e) It takes approximately 35-40 minutes to complete one Juz/part/para? So if more than 175 to 200 minutes (2.75+ Hours to 3.5 Hours) are taken to recite 5 Ajza/parts then what is wrong? This is the normal time taken by Imams to recite 5 Ajza in a single day in India. The question of reciting extremely fast does not arise.
    f) Is it wrong to recite 5 Ajza? Is it wrong to spend more time offering prayers?”

    These questions are based on wishful thinking! It is unfortunate that I have to reply them!
    Ans a) Who told you that we need to complete the recitation of the Qur’an in Taraweeh? Forget the issue of completing once!
    Ans b) There is no precedent for such thing in Sunnah.
    Ans c) Of course it is better!
    Ans d) Who is stopping you from offering?
    Ans e) This is MOST FUNNIEST QUESTION! It speaks of the tragedy in which the Ummah is struck!
    Ans f) You spend long time in individual prayer, it is good for you. Prophet (peace be upon him) sometimes used to recite 5 ajza in one night BUT INDIVIDUALLY, AN NOT IN CONGREGATION. And you question is about Taraweeh which is in congregation. So please understand the difference. And also please don’t make a comedy or laughing stock about Taraweeh while in congregation. It is a serious matter. PLEASE DON’T MAKE A MOCKERY OF TARAWEEH! For Allah’s sake, please!

    g) What is the definition of moderate speed according to you? It is a known fact while interacting some people speak faster but the words could be understood. Reciting quickly (Not at an extreme pace) without changing the meaning of word does not imply that it is not in accordance with Tajweed. Only important thing which matters is whether the recitation is in accordance with Tajweed and others are able to follow.
    h) How can you pass judgement and also announce a punishment of whipping?

    Ans g)This is a good question. If you listen to the recitation of Shaikh Sudais and Shuraim, you will get an idea.
    Ans h) Have you read the biography of Umar ibn al Khattab (radiyallahu anhu)? If you have, then you will an idea of resorting to whipping as punishment. Umar (RA) even used to take his whip in his hand when people were not standing in the saff in proper order. If the likes of modern Imams were to have been found by Umar (RA) during his time, he would have not only whipped but also dismissed them from the office of Imamship!

    Finally, I apologise for replying very late as your comment was not actually a comment but a mixture of many relevant and irrelevant things and I didn’t find time to sit and type everything.

    May Allah give us all the sense of understanding His Deen in a proper way. Aameen.

    Vassalam.

    PS: Visit these links, Inshaa’Allah:
    http://islamqa.info/en/ref/106461/taraweeh
    http://theclearsunnah.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/2-cultures-2-different-goals-for-taraweeh/#comment-5141
    http://maniacmuslim.com/taraweeh-superstars/

    Comment by MuQeet | September 4, 2012 | Reply

  7. […] When will this mass slaughter stop? A critique on the way Taraweeh is offered in some places  […]

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