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Prohibitions in Islam - Page 13

everyone would go down in sujood behind him.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 474, ‘Abd Al-Baaqi edition).

When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) grew older, and became rather slow in his movements, he told the people praying behind him: “O people, I have gained weight, so do not anticipate me in performing rukoo’ and sujood.” (Reported by Al-Bayhaqi, 2/93 and classified as hasan in Irwaa’ Al-Ghaleel, 2/290).

The imam is obliged to follow the Sunnah in making Takbeer when he prays, as reported in the hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): “When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stood up to pray, he would say Takbeer when he stood up and when he bowed then he would say Takbeer when he went down for sujood and when he raised his head, then when he went down for sujood again and when he raised his head again. Then he would repeat this throughout the whole prayer until it was finished, and he would say Takbeer when he stood up after completing two rakaats.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari, no. 756, Al-Bagha edition).

If the imam pronounces Takbeer at the same time as he makes the movements, and the people following him strive to follow the guidelines mentioned here, then they will have performed the congregational prayer correctly.

Coming to the mosque after eating onions or garlic, or anything that has an offensive smell

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes) while praying” [Al-A’raaf 7:31]. Jaabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever eats garlic or onions let him keep away from us,’ or ‘let him keep away from our mosque and stay in his house.’” (Reported by Al-Bukhari, see Al-Fath, 2/339).

According to a report narrated by Muslim, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever eats onions or garlic or leeks, let him not come near our mosque, because the angels will be offended by what is offensive to the sons of Adam.” (Reported by Muslim, No. 1/395).

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab addressed the people one Friday and said: “O people, you eat two things that I think come from bad plants: onions and garlic. I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), when he noticed this smell coming from a man in the mosque, order him to go out to Al-Baqee’. Whoever wants to eat these things let him cook them to death.” (Reported by Muslim, 1/396).

We might also include here those who come to the mosque straight from work, with unpleasant odors emanating from their armpits and socks. Even worse than these are smokers who have the habit of consuming their cigarettes then coming to the mosque and disturbing the worshippers of Allah, people and angels alike, with their smell.

Zina -fornication and adultery

One of the aims of Islamic Sharee’ah is to preserve honor and lineage, so zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) is forbidden. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And come not near to unlawful sexual intercourse.