In Maliki Fiqh, the Recommended Acts of Prayer, known as Mustahabbat, are non-obligatory actions occasionally performed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, indicating their desirability. While not mandatory, these actions enhance the quality of prayer and are rewarded in Maliki Fiqh. Their non-observance does not incur punishment, but their practice adds depth to the worshipper’s connection with the Divine, aligning with the Sunnah and fostering a sense of mindfulness and humility in prayer. Embracing these recommended acts allows believers to emulate the Prophet’s exemplary conduct and engage in voluntary worship that goes beyond the basic requirements of Salah.
Intention:
To Start a prayer, it is recommended to begin with a clear intention, distinguishing between Adaa for prayers performed on time and Qadaa for prayers whose designated time has elapsed. This intention should also specify the number of Rakaat (units) intended for the prayer. It is crucial to remember that prayer is an act of obedience, a response to Allah’s command, embodying submission and devotion.
Wearing a Loose Cloak:
Wearing a loose long cloak, especially for the imam.
Leaving Hands to Side:
In the obligatory prayer, it is recommended to leave the hands by one’s sides, known as “sadl.” Folding the hands, referred to as “qabd,” is disliked.
Reciting Complete Surah After Fatiha
After Surah al-Faatihah, recite a complete Surah.
Raising Hands:
When pronouncing the takbir, it is advised to raise your hands with the back of your hands facing the sky and the palms facing the earth. Position them at shoulder level or slightly lower, approximately at the top of the chest. This applies to men. For women, the recommendation is to raise their hands a bit less than that.
- Remember to raise both hands only during Takbiratul Ihraam.
Reciting Silently:
Reciting Fathiha silently while the imam is reciting silently as in the last Rak’ah of Maghrib and the last two Rak’aat of Zuhr, Asr and ‘Ishaa.
Selection of Surahs:
Selecting the length of the surahs (the imam of the jama‘a bearing in mind the weak, busy or old):
- Long for Subh and Dhuhr (Surah 49-79 / al-Hujurat to anNazi‘at)
- Medium for ‘Isha (Surah 80-92 / ‘Abasa to al-Layl)
- Short for ‘Asr and Maghrib (Surah 93-114 / ad-Duha to anNas)
Saying Ameen:
After reciting Surah al-Faatihah in prayers, it is customary to say “Ameen.” However, it is important to say “Ameen” silently, as it is a form of supplication (dua).
Tasbeehat in ruku’ and Sujud:
Performing Tasbeeh in Ruku’ and Sujud is also a recomended act of Prayer.
- Bowing (ruku‘) saying “Subhana Rabbiya-l-‘Adhim” or the like
- Prostration (sajda) saying “Subhana Rabbiya-l-A‘la”, or the like
Saying “Rabbanaa wa lakal Hamd”:
Saying “Rabbanaa wa lakal Hamd” while standing up from the Ruku’, except the Imam.
Reciting Qunut:
Reciting the Qunut in the second Rak’ah of Subh, either after the surah, which is better, or after rising from ruku‘.
Dhikr after Salat:
- Do Dhikr immediately after prayer.
- After performing Subh, do Dhikr until sunrise.
Perfecting Ruku’:
- Place both hands firmly on the knees during the Ruku’.
- Keeping the back straight during the Ruku’.
- Keep the knees straight (not bent) during the Ruku’.
- Keep both elbows at some distance from the sides during Ruku’ (this only applies to men).
Takbir while Shifting Positions:
When transitioning between prayer positions, it is customary to say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) at the beginning of each movement, except in one instances. when rising from the bowing position (ruku‘), one should say “Rabbanna wa lakal-hamd” instead.
Correcting the posture in Sujud:
During Sujud, make sure to firmly place both the forehead and nose on the ground. When transitioning into Sujud, start by placing your hands on the ground, followed by your knees. Position both hands next to the ears during Sujud, keeping fingers together and pointing towards the Qiblah.
For men, it is advised to maintain a separation between the thighs and the belly, as well as between the elbows and the knees during Sujud (prostration). Additionally, men should keep their knees apart from each other during prostration.
Conversely, women are recommended to do the opposite: keep the thighs together with the belly, elbows close to the knees, and knees close to each other during prostration.
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Supplications During Sujud:
Making supplications during Sujud for worldly, religious and Hereafter matters is also an important part of the Recommended Acts of Prayer in Maliki Fiqh.
Sitting in Tashahhud:
In the sitting position during Tashahhud and between prostrations, it’s recommended to keep the left buttock on the ground while folding the left foot under the right shin, with the bottom or outside of the right big toe touching the ground. Sitting between the two prostrations is obligatory, while sitting for the Tashahhud is a recommended practice.
When a seated position is required in prayer, adopt the Tawarruk posture. For men, it is advised to keep both thighs slightly apart and not pressed against each other.
In this seated position, place the palms of the hands on the thighs so that the fingertips touch the knees.
Position your right hand on your thigh by closing all fingers, except the index finger and thumb. Ensure that all fingertips are at the ‘root’ of the thumb, and extend the index finger against the side of the thumb, with the left side of the right index finger pointing upwards. The movement of the right index finger during Tashahhud can vary, with different opinions favoring left-right, up-down, or a circular motion combining both.
For the grip in Tashahhud:
- Clench the right little, ring, and middle fingers.
- Point the thumb and the index finger straight towards the Qibla.
- Let the side of the index finger face upwards.
- Rest the bottom of the right clenched hand on your right thigh above the knee.
Turning Face during Salam:
Turning one’s head to the right for the as-salamu ‘alaykum while pronouncing “kum”. The First Salam is Obligatory while Second and Third Salam is recommended.
Summary of Recommended Acts of Prayer:
In Maliki Fiqh, Recommended Acts of Prayer, or Mustahabbat, are non-obligatory actions performed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, enhancing prayer quality and rewarded in Maliki tradition. This includes starting with a clear intention, wearing a loose cloak, leaving hands to the side, reciting a complete Surah after Fatiha, raising hands during takbir, reciting silently, saying “Ameen” silently, Tasbeehat in ruku’ and sujud, saying “Rabbanaa wa lakal Hamd” when standing up from ruku’, reciting Qunut, and doing Dhikr after prayer. Correcting posture in sujud, sitting in Tashahhud, and turning the face during Salam are also emphasized. Perfecting Ruku’ and Takbir while shifting positions are essential, along with supplications during sujud. Specific guidance for men and women in prayer postures is outlined, emphasizing the Tawarruk posture for men and a recommended sitting position for women during Tashahhud.