Also, what is the Chast prayer? and why and how does one form Salat al toba? JazakAllah
Respected Brother-in-Islam
Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu
According to the Hanafi Madhab, it is not permissible to perform Nafl Salaat
between Asr and Maghrib Salaays. One may perform only that day’s Asr Salaat
till before sunset or Qadhaa Salaats till before Makrooh time, i.e. until
the sun is so bright that it dazzles the eyes.
Chaast Salaat
When the sun has risen high and there is heat in its rays, the performance
of 2,4, 6,8 or 12 rakaats is called Chaast Salaat.
The Traditions says that the performance of 2 rakaats wipes away all ones
sins. There are 360 joints in our body and to pay Sadakah for each is Wajib
(obligatory) The 2 rakaaats is enough to pay all the Sadakah. Performance of
4 rakaats places the performer’s name among the pious ones the performer is
granted protection is until the evening. The performer of 6 rakaats is
relieved of his day’s worries. Performance of 8 rakaats places his name
among the pious ones and the performer ensures a Golden Mansion for himself
in Paradise. (Ref: Tirmizi, Ibne Majah, Ahmad and Abu Yala)
Salaat al-Tawbah
After one has done any sinful act he should read 2 rakaats Nafil after which
sincerely repent, feel sorry for his sins, seek His forgiveness and make a
firm decision not to do it again. By His Grace the sin would be forgiven
(Ref: Shami)
Amirul Momeneen Hazrat Aboobaker (R.A.) relates that the Holy Prophet
Sallaallahu Alayi Wasallam) said that whenever one has done a sinful act he
should make wuzu , perform 2 rakaats Nafil and thereafter sincerely repent
and seek Almighty’s forgivness. Allah pardons all sins. After relating this
, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) then read the following from the
Quran:
” And those who have done something to be ashamed of or wronged their own
souls. Earnestly bring Allah to mind and ask for forgiveness of their sins,
and who can forgive sins except Allah “(Sura 3-135)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.