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Practical Prayer Question
Okay I have another practical prayer question (thanks Toby for saving my forehead with the yoga mat suggestion). Now, it’s a really big sin to pass in front of a person who is praying, but what does a Muslim do in this situation: it’s a whole bunch of sisters praying in a small space but it’s not a congregational salat, it’s just everyone doing their individual salat, plus there are heaps of other sisters waiting to use the place to pray. So, you find yourself in the middle of a ‘row’ and there are people praying in front and people praying behind. Once you finish your prayer, how do you get out without passing in front of a praying person? When a few other people leave, so there are gaps, but you still have people next to you, in front of you and behind you, do you just wait?
Conversely, what do you do if you are waiting to pray and there are scattered gaps but you’d have to pass in front of someone to get to a spot to pray? Do you just wait and wait and wait or just give up and go find somewhere else to pray because the organisers should have organised for the women to pray behind the men in congregation?
Tags: Life
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March 23rd, 2008 at 9:27 am
I always just wait and do dhirk in the meantime.
In the second scenario however I do just scoot to the empty space to pray. Mostly, I just try to be careful they’re not in/about to go into sajdah while I’m passing them.
I guess my reasoning in the first case is that it’s not important to get up in a hurry at the expense of distracting someone in prayer. In case no. 2, conversely I feel that it is very important that I find a spot ASAP, so not overly bothered about walking in front of someone at these times.
So yes, I’m terribly inconsistent, but my intentions are pure insha’Allah
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
i guess its a matter of checkmate ! : )
March 24th, 2008 at 12:50 am
It is related that a young man was walking past a kneeling older man and nearly bumped him. The older man said, “Be careful, boy, watch where you are going.”
“Please excuse me, Sir. I did not see you. I was going to see my beloved and had not thought for anything else. What are you doing?”
“I am praying,” said the older man indignantly.
“Then how is it that you even noticed me?” asked the young man.
Ya Haqq!
March 24th, 2008 at 4:01 am
Assalamu ‘alaykum Irving akhee, your comments always make my soul feel better!
March 24th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Well, it looks like everyone else has answered your question; my job here is done!
To recap:
1. You’ve finished early? Wait and tarry a while longer with your beloved; not a problem there then.
2. You’re waiting to get a space? Be patient, and let your heart ache a little bit more.
3. You’re afraid of offending someone? All’s fair in love, so run the risk!
4. Someone’s offended you? How can anything perturb you, now that you are with your beloved?
“Between lovers, there is no sin.”
March 24th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Salaam,
I love Irving & Toby’s comments opening up the spiritual dimension!
Also, I was told while growing up that one could pass in front as long as the praying person is not in sujood.
Hadrath Aisha used to lie down with her legs in front of the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, while he was praying (due to the space constraints in their chamber) and she would move her legs away when he went into sujood.
It seems to come down to context and intention yet again.
Warmly,
Baraka