We often see on the mass media issues like indecent social behaviour etc. I think we should seriously look at the issue of Jemaah prayers.
For as long as I can remember since I've started praying, there's been 3 scenarios when I'm in congregation prayer at mosques, particularly in Singapore.
It's either, too squeezy, just nice, or the person just refuse to close up with you. I'm not complaining on the latter 2, I'm rather disappointed with my last comment. Why the gaps? I have given them a gesture to close up so that we could stand shoulder to shoulder. But some people just refuse. Why?
Is it they are earning big bucks and believe they deserve more space in prayer? Is it they're afraid the person beside will steal their iPhone, iPod or wallet?
We have 1st class facilities in Singapore. Some Masjids are even fully air-conditioned. So that we may perform our solat in the best environment possible for concentration. Imagine, if we bring all muslims from 3rd world countries to pray here in our masjids. Many would definitely want to remain here in Singapore.
I remembered watching a YouTube vid of the late Sheikh Ahmad Deedat mentioning that jemaah prayers cultivate values in us. That it is our solution against racism, discrimination etc. Islam, it means submission. And the basic practise of being a Muslim is to solat.
I just returned from terawih. I wear specs so I put them on the floor during prayers. I told the brother on my right to close up. he did, a little bit. as the prayers go on and during the transition from end of 2nd rakaat, 4th, 6th etc to the beginning of the next i find myself shifting my specs to the left. obviously there's not just one gap in my row.
I do 8 rakaat usually, then go to the back and solat witir. Rest a while at home and recite the Quran. After my witir, I was amazed at what I saw. At the latter saf/rows, there's maybe 4 on the left then a big gap that could fill 6 persons perhaps and then 3 persons together. Then at the back, far from the line there are others, seemingly following the rest of the congregation. I might be wrong, they might be doing witir like me. but i observed and can't help notice their movements flow with the rest of the still praying solat terawih jemaah.
having said all that. there are some fantastic jemaahs in Singapore. Some offered their perfumes, some get concerned about other saf etc. Islam, it's more than just a religion. It's our way of life. It is a brotherhood/sisterhood. I just hope there will be light and guidance for those who view lightly the importance of closing up in jemaah prayers.
Salam Hidayat..
I hope this is not too late. Hehe...
Ok , back to the question.. why many gaps...
I too encounter it . . saw many gaps guring the Friday prayers and during terawih. i think it is worst than just a gap. it is their failure to fill up the safs in front of them..
The thing is the first most important reason why they dun want to close the gap is due to the lack of understanding of fiqh..
if they would to understand fiqh, then they would know that it is an obligation on them to close the gaps.. sadly, they don't know this.
Some people also refuse to close the gaps because i think they need the space to do their tahiyat akhir. Apparantly, this people from my observation , use much space during their last tahiyat. it is like "reserved" space for the tahiyat.
However, we still could do the first tahiyat position in the last tahiyat, So, again, it is unacceptable...
These people might also not feel comfortable to touch the person next to us. Dun no.. maybe not confortable to touch shoulder-to-shoulder.
You must know that this problem is not to those big shots. it is a problem to all....
the mosques should enforce this closing up of the gaps. the lack of emphasis at the mosques led to the gaps in the safs..
Just before i end my reply, i heard of a hadith ( correct me if i am wrong ) ...
which meant that if the people squeezed together in the mosque , Allah will provide as huge as possible a space in Jannah..
Masya'allah - I hope i have answered your question
Thinking back, I guess I was actually complaining back in 2009 :) forgive me as this is a question and answer forum.
In Masjidil Haram, people will squeeze no matter how hard. Jemaahs wish to be as close to the Kaabah as possible. Even Women sometimes refuse to be at the back.
I've accepted that it's culture and mentality. Something Insya Allah we can develop in future. Though I will not give any thoughts about whether the culture of Jemaah prayers will change or not.
From Sahih hadith: The last time Angel Jibrail was seen in public, he asked Rasulullah SAW a few questions. I'm sure you're familiar with this long hadith (key words: "women will give birth to her mistress", shepherds of black camels, tall buildings). One of the questions was "What is Al Ihsan?" Rasulullah gave an excellent answer. One that we should hold on to and perhaps that's the key to change.
But again, sorry for treating this forum as a "complain corner"
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