How Should I Deal With People Practising Islam in a Different Way Than Mine?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Assalam alaikum,
I am an Indian Muslim (Hanafi) who recently started living in Saudi Arabia. I am disturbed by some of their practices.
1) It is very common to see people wiping over normal cotton socks and leading the prayer. Should I repeat my prayer after praying behind them?
2) How can I advice people to not pray bare-headed?
3) When in tashahhud most people continuously move the index finger. What is the basis of this action?
4) One brother said that the prayer of glorification’s narration is extremely weak and none of the salafs have practiced it. He also said that voluntary prayers should only be prayed as 2 cycles. Is he right?
5) Is it permissible to join two prayers while traveling?
6) Most of the chicken where I am is exported from Brazil or America. Our scholars have always said it is doubtful to be permissible.
Which scholar can I contact to ask him about that?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
1. Assume that they are in a state of ritual purity (wudu) already, and that they are repeating their wudu just for the blessing and reward of doing so. The basis is that we interpret the actions of others in a sound manner. [see: Is It Valid to Pray Behind an Imam Who Is Holding a Microphone in His Hand?]
2. Please see: Praying Behind an Improperly Dressed, Beardless Imam
3. There is basis for moving the finger during the sitting (tashahhud) of the prayer. [see: Moving the Finger in the Tashahhud in the Maliki School and: Which Opinion is Correct in Pointing the Finger in the Tashahhud?]
4. No, many scholars have deemed it to be a sound narration. [see: The Prayer of Glorification (salat al-tasbih)] There is certainly basis in the sacred law for praying voluntary prayers as four cycles (rak`ats).
5. Please see: Can a Hanafi Follow the Shafi’i Opinion on Joining Prayers When Traveling? and: Joining Prayers While Traveling (Maliki)
6. Ask your local scholars.
Consider taking a free class: Living with Excellence: Essentials of Halal and Haram
And Allah Most High alone knows best.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
