tgml 0005 - Jannah and Jahannam ( Part I )

Assalamu'alaikum.

It is one of the pillars of faith that a Muslim believes in the Hereafter.  The Hereafter is where Allah will judge us on how well we spent our life in this world ("and no secret of yours will remain hidden!"). We have been warned about Jahannam (Hell-fire) and enticed to the rewards in the wonderful Jannah (Gardens of Paradise).  It is REAL and the Qur’an and the Messenger (pbuh) gave vivid depictions of both.  Lest we are distracted by the joys or sufferings in this present world, we have always been reminded in the Qur’an and Sunnah about  what awaits us, depending on the choices we make. This is where ignorance is no bliss !   

Jannah:

The Gardens of Paradise have  been mentioned numerous times in the Qur'an as Gardens with rivers flowing underneath:

• e.g. "...For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home...." (Al-Imran 3:15)
• "Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous-" (Al-'Imran 3:133)
• " ....Gardens with rivers flowing underneath - an eternal dwelling:.." (Al-'Imran 3:136)
• " ....and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath- a reward from the Presence of Allah.." (Ali-'Imran 3:195)
• "As for those who have faith and do good works, We shall admit them to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they shall abide forever.  There they shall have pure companions, and We shall admit them to a cool shade." ( An-Nisa' 4:57)
• "And for this their prayer has Allah rewarded them with Gardens, with rivers flowing underneath-their eternal home.  Such is the recompense of those who do good." (Al-Maa'idah 5:85)
• "The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! - Beneath it flow rivers: perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the end of the Righteous; and the End of Unbelievers is the Fire." (Al-Ra'd 13:35)

The above Verses and many more in other Chapters mention about Paradise being Gardens with rivers flowing beneath.  Besides the above descriptions there are other glimpses of what to expect in Paradise. Some examples below:

• "He (thereof) shall be in a blissful state with complete satisfaction, - In a lofty Garden (of Paradise with dignity),- With clusters of fruit within easy reach.  Eat you and drink you, with full satisfaction; because of the (good) that you sent before you, in the days that are gone."(Al-Haqqah 69 :21-24)
• "In a Garden on high, Where they shall hear no (word) of vanity: Therein will be a bubbling spring: Therein will be Thrones (of dignity), raised on high, Goblets placed (ready), And cushions set in rows, And rich carpets (all) spread out."  (Al-Ghashiyah 88: 10-16)
• "Who has, out of His Bounty, settled us in a Home that will last: no toil nor sense of weariness shall touch us therein." (Faatir 35: 35)
• "And because they were patient and constant, He will reward them with a Garden and (garments of) silk.  Reclining in the (Garden) on raised thrones, they will see there neither the sun's (excessive heat) nor (the moon's) excessive cold.  And the shades of the (Garden) will come low over them, and the bunches (of fruit), there, will hang low in humility.  And amongst them will be passed round vessels of silver and goblets of crystal - crystal-clear, made of silver: they will determine the measure thereof (according to their wishes). And they will be given to drink there of a Cup (of wine) mixed with Zanzabil --(this literally means ginger).  A fountain there, called Salsabil.  And round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness): if you see them, you would think them scattered pearls.  (Al-Insan 76: 12-19)
• "And when you look, it is there you will see a Bliss and a Realm Magnificent. Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink of a wine pure and holy." (Al-Insan 76:20-21)
• "Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, they will face each other; Moreover, We shall join them to companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes.  (Al-Dukhaan 44:54)
• "Containing all kinds (of trees and delights)- Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny? In them (each) will be two springs flowing (free);... In them will be fruits of every kind, two and two....  They will recline on carpets, whose inner linings will be rich brocade: the Fruits of the Gardens will be near (and easy of reach)...In them will be (maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or Jinn before them has touched-...Like unto rubies and coral...And besides these two, there are two other Gardens-... Dark-green in colour (from plentiful of watering)...In them will be two Springs pouring forth water in continuous abundance...In them will be Fruits, and dates and pomegranates;..   (Al-Rahman 55:48-68)
• " To those who do right is a goodly (reward) -- indeed, more (than in measure)!  No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces.  They are Companions of the Garden; they will abide therein (forever)! (Yunus 10:26)
• They shall enter the Gardens of Eden, together with the righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And from every gate the angels will come to them." (Ar-Ra'd 13:23)
• "(Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord.  (Can those in such Bliss) be compared to such as shall dwelled forever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels ( to pieces)? (Muhammad 47:15)
• "Allah has promised to Believers--men and women--gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.  But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity." (At-Taubah 9:72)

 The above Verses are a selection of examples in the Qur'an.  There are many more repetitions and descriptions to encourage and guide Believers to do  righteous actions for the supreme benefits of residing in everlasting Jannah. 

Although the rewards and descriptions are familiar or have similar names to our worldly things, the nature of these same things are better in comparison,  with no negative effects.  The person on the lowest pedestal in Jannah will be given 10 times better things and gifts that could he had on this earth. In case one looks at it in the aspect of some forms of these rewards are already being experienced in this world (so, should one strive hard to go to Jannah?), one should remember the consequences facing those who are totally denied of these rewards and the punishment awaiting them! (next post)

The Prophet (pbuh) has also narrated to his Companions the descriptions in Jannah. Some are given below:

• Suhaib (rh) reported: the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "When the inhabitants of Jannah enter Jannah, Allah the Glorious and Exalted, will say to them: "Do you wish Me to give you anything more?' They will reply: 'Have You not made our faces bright? Have You not brought us into Jannah and delivered us from the Hell?'  and Allah will remove the Veil. The (dwellers of Jannah) will feel that they have not been awarded anything dearer to them than looking at their Rubb." [Muslim].
• Jabir (rh) reported: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) reported: "The inhabitants of Jannah will eat and drink therein, but they will not have to pass excrement, to blow their noses or to urinate.  Their food will be digested producing belch which will give out a smell like that of musk. They will be inspired to declare the freedom of Allah from imperfection and proclaim His Greatness as easily as you breathe." [Muslim]
• Abu Hurairah (rh) reported: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "Their utensils will be of gold, their perspiration will smell like musk; everyone of them will have two wives; the marrow of the bones of the wives' legs will be seen through the flesh out of excessive beauty.  They ( ie. the people of Jannah) will neither have difference, nor enmity ( hatred) amongst themselves; their hearts will be as if one heart. and they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and in the afternoon." [al-Bukahri and Muslim]
• Abu Musa (rh) said: The Prophet (pbuh) said, " In Jannah the believer will have a tent made of single hollowed pearl of which the length will be sixty miles in the sky. The believer will have his wives with him and  he will visit them and they will not be able to see one another." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
• Abu Sa'ad Al-Khudri (rh) said: The Prophet (pbuh) said, " There is a tree in Jannah that is so huge that if a rider of a swift horse has to cover its distance from one end to another in one hundred years, he will not be able to do so." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful, has promised His Bounties and Gifts for those who are worthy and who strive to go the Straight Way.  

The above knowledge have been referenced and extracted from the Qur'an (The Holy Qur'an by 'Abdullah Yusuf  'Ali and Tafsir Ar-Rahman by Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia) and Sunnah (Riyad-us-Saliheen vol.2).  

Ma's-Salaama

tgml 0004 - The Special Person We Love Most (part II)

Assalamu'alaikum.

We continue with our mission to learn  the character and manners of the endearing  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the special person we are to love most.

As we realized earlier, it is part of our Faith as a believer to love Allah's Messenger (pbuh) and make him (pbuh) our role model. In the Chapter of the Qur'an Al-Qalam 68:4, Allah says, "And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character." 

Of course there are many other verses and hadiths alluding to this revelation.  Let's be more specific by giving some examples of how the Messenger (pbuh) conducted himself that people were so fascinated and enchanted by him.

According to 'Aishah (rh), " Whenever Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was given the opportunity to choose between two affairs, he would always choose the easiest and the most convenient.  But if it be sinful, he would be as far as he could from it.  He never took revenge for himself: but when the sanctity of Allah was violated, he would avenge it. That would be for Allah's sake not for himself."

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (rh) said, " He was shier than a virgin.  When he disliked something, we read it on his face.  He did not stare at anybody's face.  He would always cast his eyes down.  He would look at the ground more than the sky.  The most he would look at someone was by glancing.  He was willingly and modestly obeyed by everybody.  He would never name a person whom had heard ill-news about something he hated, instead he would say: ' Why do certain people do so...?'

"The Prophet (pbuh) was the most truthful to his pledges, and it was one of his qualities to establish good and steady relationships with his relatives.  He was the most merciful, gentle and sociable of all people.  His way of living was the simplest one.

He (pbuh) was the most modest person and far from being arrogant or proud.  He forbade people to stand up for him as other people usually did for their kings. Ill-manners and indecency were two qualities completely alien to him.  He was decent, and did not call anybody names.  He was not sort of person who cursed or made noise in the streets.

'Urg' - the sound of expressing disgust was never used by him towards any of his servant; nor did ever blame his servant for something or leaving something undone.  Loving the poor and the needy and entertaining them or participating  in their funerals were the acts the Prophet (pbuh) always observed. He never showed disgrace to a poor man for his poverty.

Hind bin Abi Halah (rh) described him: "Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was always contemplative, thinking. He had no rest (i.e. for long).  He only spoke when it was necessary.  He would remain silent for  a long time and whenever he spoke, he would talk with his full mouth and clear words, he never suppressed the words by speaking out of the corners of his mouth. His speech was comprehensive.  He spoke inclusively and decisively.  It was not excessive nor was it short of meaning.  It was friendly.  It was no way dishonoring.  He(pbuh) glorified the bounty of Allah; even if it were little.  If he had no liking for some food, he would neither praise nor criticize.

He (pbuh) was in full control of his temper and he never seemed angry unless it was necessary.  He never got angry for himself nor did he avenge for himself.  It was  for Allah's sanctity and religion that he would be angry.  If he were angry he would turn his body and face aside.  When he was pleased, he cast his eyes down.  His laughter was mostly smiling.  It was then that his teeth were revealed like hailstones.

Allah's messenger (pbuh) was always cheerful, easy, pleasant-tempered and merciful.  He was never rude or rough or indecent.  He would neither blame nor praise excessively.  He overlooked what he did not desire, yet no one would despair of him. He kept himself away from three habits :  hypocrisy, excessiveness, and what was none of his concern.  People did not fear him in three areas : he neither degraded or blamed them nor did he seek the defects or shortages of others. He only said things whose reward was Divinely desirable.

Remembrance of Allah was important to him and did so whenever he sat down or stood up.  He entertained participants in his social gatherings alike.  Nobody was better than another except on the basis of piety. A favored one, to him, was the one who feared Allah most.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, " When you see a person seeking an object earnestly, assist him to get his need. And never ask for a reward except from the Giver of the rewards, ie. Allah."

The above are just a few descriptions from the Prophet's (pbuh) Companions (rhm) or from his Hadiths. The character and manners of  our Prophet (pbuh) is so comforting and motivating to know and emulate.

Undoubtedly, being very imperfect mortals that we are, it is not easy for us to emulate him (pbuh) in this very challenging environment that we live in.  Our culture and habits have been hijacked by  unIslamic ways that we sometimes cannot distinguish between ours and 'theirs.'

What can we do?  Perhaps we can:

*   keep a copy of the Prophet's (pbuh) biography (we keep auto/biographies of others!) to familiarize ourselves with his background, his family, his prophethood, his life in Makkah and Madinah, his companions, his preaching, his governance, his character and manners, his farewell speech and his journey to Allah. (many books available, one of which is The Sealed Nectar)

*   Refer to the Qur'an and Hadiths when we are unsure of things governing our lives (we can look for references ourselves or ask experts).

*    Refer to Hadith compilations, on subjects like Manners in Islam by Imam Bukhari, Riyad-us-Saliheen (virtuous training and discipline)by An-Nawawi, the Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam by Yusuf  Al-Qaradawi etc.

*    Be conscious of our actions and not to be offended when family and friends who care enough about us, remind us regularly.

Our doa:  our endeavor to emulate our beloved role model (pbuh) in our journey of life is hopefully achievable, by Allah's Grace. Ameen.

Ma'a Salaama

tgml 0003 - The Special Person We Love Most

Assalamualaikum.

When we look at today's topic we may automatically picture in our mind our mom, dad, husband, wife, children, our beloved, or dear friends! But....the person we should love most, above anyone else is none other than our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

Love of Allah's last Messenger (pbuh) is a part of our Faith. In the Qur'an, (Ali 'Imran: 31), the verse says: Say (O Muhammad): "If you love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you and forgive your sins.  And (remember) that Allah is most forgiving, Most Merciful. "  

There is also a Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) who said:

"None of you has Faith unless I am dearer to him than his father and his son and all mankind."

So there you go!  But, how do we love someone who is not here with us? As the saying goes, "Tak kenal, maka tak cinta!" Truly, who says our beloved Prophet (pbuh) is not with us? Isn't the Hadith  the next reference point after the Quran. Both the Quran and the Hadith are our true guidance. Thus if we are always referring to these two we should be close to our beloved. When 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about the noble character and manners of the Prophet (pbuh), answered: Have you not read the Qur'an? His character is a complete explanation of the Qur'an."

The following is an extract from the book, The Sealed Nectar, Biography of the Noble Prophet (pbuh) authored by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (from Islamic Univ. Al-Madinah who was awarded 1st prize by the Muslim World League for the biography, in 1979). 

The Prophet's (pbuh) Character and Manners

Umm Ma'bad Al-Khuza'iyah said to her husband (when the Prophet (pbuh) passed by her tent on his journey of emigration):

"He was innocently bright and had a broad face.  His manners were fine.  Neither was his belly bulging out nor was his head deprived of hair.  He had black attractive eyes finely arched by continuous eyebrows.  His hair was glossy and black, inclined to curl, he wore it long.  His voice was extremely commanding.  His head was large, well formed and set on a slender neck.  His expression was reflective and thoughtful, composed and inspiring."

"His expression was very sweet and distinct.  His speech was well set and free from the use of superfluous words, as it were a chain of beads. His stature was neither too high nor too small to look odd....His utterances were marked by truth and sincerity, free from all kinds of falsehoods and lies."

'Ali bin Abi Talib (May Allah honor him) described the Prophet (pbuh):

"Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was neither excessively tall nor extremely short.  He was of medium height among his friends. His hair not too curly nor was it too straight.  It was both curly and wavy combined.  His cheeks were not fleshy, chin was not small and forehead was not narrow.  His face was fairly round.  His mouth was white.  He had black, large eyes, with long eyelashes.  His limbs and shoulder joints were rather big.  He had fine line of little hair extending from his chest down to his navel, but the rest of his body was almost hairless.  He had thick palms and thick fingers and toes."

"While walking, he lifted his feet off the ground as if he had been walking on a slope. When he turned, he turned completely.  The Seal of Prophethood was between his shoulders..."

Al-Bara (radiyAllahu'anhu) said, " He was of medium height, broad-shouldered; his hair went up to his earlobes.  I saw him dressed in a red garment and I (assure you) I have never seen someone more handsome."

Abu Hurairah (rh) said:  "I have never seen a thing nicer than Allah's Messenger (pbuh).  It seems as if the sunlight was moving with his face.  I have never seen one who is faster in pace than Allah's Messenger(pbuh).  It seemed as if the earth had folded itself up  to shorten the distance for him.  For we used to be exhausted while he was at full ease."

Jabir bin Samurah (rh) said: "His legs were gentle, delicate and in conformity.  His laughter was no more than smiling.  Looking  at him will make you say 'He is black-eyed' though he is not so."

Anas (rh) said: " I have never touched silk or a silky garment softer than the palm of the Prophet (pbuh); nor have I smelt a perfume or any scent nicer than his. " In another version: " I have never smelt ambergris nor musk nor any other thing sweeter than the scent and the smell of Allah's messenger (pbuh).

Those were some descriptions of our dear Prophet (pbuh) by his companions. 

Why do we always include "peace be upon him" (pbuh) when we mention the Prophet?  The reason is also in the Hadiths:

1.) It is reported by Abu Hurairah (rh) that the Prophet (pbuh) ascended the pulpit. He said, "it was said to him. "Messenger of Allah, you have not done that before." He (pbuh) said," Jibrail said to me, 'May his nose gather dust (may be humiliated) who has both his parents alive or one of them, but they do not get him entry into paradise.' So I said Aameen.'  Then he said, 'May he be disgraced who finds the (month of ) Ramadhan but he is not forgiven.' I said. 'Aameen.'  He then said, 'May that man be lowered who does not invoke blessings on you while your name is mentioned in his presence.' I said, 'Aameen.'"

2.) It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (rh) that he Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "If anyone invocates blessings on me once, Allah will shower mercy on him ten times."

This is the first part of the Prophet's (pbuh) character with the second part on his (pbuh) manners in the next post.

InshaAllah with the above authentic description of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) we can feel closer to the Messenger (pbuh), and when we know his manners we can aspire to emulate our beloved Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) in our own manners and disposition.

Ma'a Salaama.

                  

tgml 0002 - Common Arabic Expressions

Assalamu'alaikum.

This posting lists some  Arabic expressions many of which are commonly used but we are sometimes unsure of the meaning.  When we are aware of the meaning of the word or phrase,  the expressions can be used with more sincerity and conviction. InshaAllah. (Information extracted from the book, Glossary of Islamic Terms, by Aisha Bewly)



 Allahu a'lam
 Allah knows best


Amma ba'd
an expression used for separating an introductory from the main topics in a speech; the introductory being  usually concerned with Allah's praises and glorification. Literally it means "whatever comes after." For the

men, they would remember this expression being mentioned before Khutbah Juma'ah!

 'Azza wa jall
a formula used after mentioning the name of Allah meaning "Mighty and Majestic is He".

BaraakAllahu fik

"May the blessings of Allah (be upon you)." When a Muslim wants to thank another person, he uses different

 statements to express his thanks, appreciation, and gratitude. One of them is to say, "BaraakAllah"

Fii amaanillah
valedictory phrase meaning " in Allah's protection."

Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'un

This is an expression which a Muslim expresses when he is afflicted by a misfortune (not only when we hear of   

someone's death), the meaning of which is "We are from Allah and to Him we are returning." It is taken

from the ayat of the Qur'an (Al Baqarah: 156).

JazaakAllahu khayran

A statement of thanks and appreciation to a person who does a favor, which means, "May Allah reward you         

for the good."


Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billaah
"There is no power and no strength save in Allah."  This is said by a Muslim when he is struck by a calamity, or is taken over by a situation beyond his control.


Ma's-salaama
"With peace", a formula for ending letters.


MaashaAllah
Literally means  "What Allah wishes," and it indicates a good omen.


SubhanAllah
"Glorified is Allah," To honor Allah and make Him free from all (unsuitable evil things) that are ascribed to Him,  (or "Glorified be Allah")


Alhamdu lillah
"Praise belongs to Allah"


RadiyAllahu 'anhu
This is an expression to be used by Muslims whenever a name of a Companion of the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned or used in writing. It means: "May Allah be pleased with him." (" 'anha" - for female Companion and 'anhum - for group of Companions)




That's all for now. If you wish to find out meanings of other (there are many!) expressions please let me know. Until then,


Ma's Salaama
   

tgml 0001 - The Glorious Morning Light

Assalamualaikum

• This is my first post for the blog The Glorious Morning Light.  This blog derived its name from Ad-Dhuha, which is Chapter/Surah 93 of the Holy Qur'an.  The title "The Glorious Morning Light" was chosen as it invokes a feeling of hope, optimism and tranquility.

• What is the objective of this blog? I hope to share whatever  knowledge I've gained or  learned on Islam as a way of life, with my family and friends. InshaAllah.  In so doing I reinforce and remind myself of the things I should do and the things I should avoid, that is mindful of the lawful and the prohibited.  The trendy saying of, " Sharing is Caring" is  very apt. 

• The threesome of "Ilmu, Iman and 'Amal" also provides the guiding principle of using the right knowledge to manage our life for the ultimate  pursuit of Allah's blessings. After all, life in this world is merely a journey with the Akhirah as the final destination.  

     There is a hadith where the narration on the Prophet (peace be upon him) by Imam Ahmad who recorded that `Abdullah bin Mas`ud said, "The Messenger of Allah was lying down on a straw mat and it left marks on his side. Then when he woke up he began to rub his side. So I said, `O Messenger of Allah! Will you allow us to spread something soft over this straw mat' The Prophet (pbuh) replied, "I have nothing to do with this world. The parable of me and this world is like a rider who rests in the shade of a tree, then he passes on and leaves it.'' At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah both recorded this Hadith by way of Al-Mas`udi. At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Sahih.'' 

For most of us (including yours truly) we sometimes forget (could be a split second or amnesia for the most parts!) that our life here is not the ultimate.... we are merely investing to collect later. How will our permanent abode look like? Will it look like the Istana Negara? the Hollywood mansions?... or ... the ever-burning fire (May Allah protect us from this!) There are verses in the Qur'an which gives a vivid picture of Jannah and Jahannam and and their contents. They are REAL!  InshaAllah we will share this information in coming topics.

• Referring back to Ad-Dhuha.  The tafsir of this verse can be viewed on the link: http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=93&tid=58648

• A summary of Ad-Dhuha (from Tafsir Ar-Rahman): 
• Before the revelation of this verse, the revelation from Allah ceased for some time.  This has saddened the Prophet (pbuh) and the unbelievers took the opportunity to say that: " The God of Muhammad has forsaken and hated him." This Verse motivated Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) not to take the allegations by the enemies of Islam seriously because Allah the Almighty will always assist him and make his struggle a success.  Allah will also make him successful in this world and in the Hereafter so that he shall be well-pleased.  The Prophet was ordered to manifest the valuable bounty of Allah by doing good deeds and thanking Him.  Whatever instructed to the Prophet is also an instruction to his followers, as he constitutes the best example for them to follow.

• Dhuha is also the name of the optional (sunat) prayer at forenoon.  In the Riyad-us-Saliheen, compiled by Imam An-Nawawi with commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf the following was reported: 

     One of the hadith reported by Abu Darr where the Prophet (pbuh) said,
     "In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you.  Every utterance of Allah's Glorification (SubhanAllah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (Al-hamdulillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (La ilaha illallah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M'aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two rak'ah Dhuha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward)." (Muslim). In some other  Ahadith, the number of rak'ah varies from two to eight.  One is therefore, free to perform two, four, or eight rak'ah according to his convenience.


       Ma'a salamah.