The reward of Ishraaq Salaah

Q: I have a question regarding Ishraaq salaah. I noticed a Hadeeth mention something to the effect that whoever offers the Fajr salaah in congregation and then remains seated, remembering Allah until sunrise, and thereafter he performs two rak’ahs, he will receive the reward of one complete Hajj and one complete Umrah.

My question is directed at the part that says 'remains seated remembering Allah until sunrise'. In our masjid, there is a tafsir program that takes place at the back of the masjid after the salaah is over, so I do not remain seated in the same place. I also drop my father off at home thereafter. Will the reward still be the same if I come back to the masjid afterwards and wait until the sunrise comes to read the Ishraaq Salaah?

A: The muhadditheen explain that this reward is for the one who remains in zikr in the place where he performs the fajr salaah with jamaat (i.e. the musjid) till the time of ishraaq and then performs the ishraaq salaah.

However, Hazrat Mulla Ali Qaari (rahimahullah) - a commentator of Mishkaat Shareef - has mentioned that this reward will also be acquired by the person who leaves the musjid but remains in zikr till the time he performs the Ishraaq Salaah. Hence, since you go to the back of the musjid to participate in the tafseer program, and participating in a deeni program is also a form of zikr, and when you leave the musjid to drop off your father, then this is khidmat and a righteous deed when done with ikhlaas and for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala - so insha Allah, you will receive the promised reward for performing Ishraaq Salaah, whether you return to the musjid and perform the Ishraaq Salaah or you go home and perform the Ishraaq Salaah.

Nevertheless, at the time when you are taking your father home, you should engage in tasbeehaat and zikr so that your action conforms to this Hadith of remaining in zikr till the time of ishraaq.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)