The Practising Muslim · Fiqh of Salah

Individual Prayer Etiquette and Conditions

Test your knowledge of rules for solitary prayer and related etiquettes.

5 questions · Medium · about 2 minutes

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5 questions, about 2 minutes.

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Show questions and answers Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 5 questions.

1. What should a person praying alone say when rising from bowing?

  • Both “Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana wa laka’l-hamd.” (correct answer)
  • Only “Rabbana wa laka’l-hamd.”
  • Only “Subhana Rabbiy al-‘Azeem.”
  • Nothing until prostration.

Why

The source states that tasmi‘ and tahmid are obligatory according to the correct view cited. Jurists agreed that the person praying alone says both: “Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah” when rising from bowing, then “Rabbana wa laka’l-hamd” after standing upright.

View source on IslamQA →

2. What does “no ghiraar in prayer” mean?

  • A person should not exit prayer while still uncertain that it was completed properly. (correct answer)
  • A person must always pray in congregation.
  • A person must recite every prayer out loud.
  • A person should end the prayer whenever doubt appears.

Why

“Ghiraar” refers to shortcoming or uncertainty. The worshipper should not finish the prayer while still unsure that it is complete. If they doubt whether they prayed three or four rak‘ahs, they should build on what is certain, complete the prayer, and do sujud al-sahw as prescribed.

View source on IslamQA →

3. According to the cited hadith, what may invalidate prayer if it passes directly in front of a worshipper without a sutrah?

  • A woman, a donkey, or a dog. (correct answer)
  • A cat, a sheep, or a camel.
  • A bird, a child, or a horse.
  • Any animal, no matter what it is.

Why

The ruling applies when one of the mentioned things passes directly in front of someone praying without a sutrah. If the worshipper has a sutrah and the person or animal passes beyond it, the prayer is not affected. Cats do not invalidate the prayer if they pass in front.

View source on IslamQA →

4. What does the source state about a woman uncovering her face and hands in front of non-mahram men?

  • It is forbidden, whether she is praying or not. (correct answer)
  • It is allowed as long as she is praying.
  • It is allowed only during ihram.
  • It is required when she is at work.

Why

The source states that a woman should not uncover her face and hands in the presence of non-mahram men, whether in prayer, ihram, or ordinary circumstances.

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5. What is the better height for a sutrah in prayer?

  • The height of the back of a saddle or more. (correct answer)
  • Exactly three cubits tall.
  • Lower than the place of prostration.
  • Any invisible line on the ground.

Why

It is recommended for an imam or someone praying alone to pray facing a sutrah. The better height is the height of the back of a saddle or more, approximately two-thirds of a cubit, though the source notes that something less, such as an arrow or stick, can still be acceptable.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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