Islam_in_Focus_text

ward for those who pass the contests is immeasurable, and
their delight is beyond imagination. The happiness they at-
tain, the rejoicing they feel, and the honor they receive can-
not be expressed in words. On the other hand, failure to par-
ticipate in these contests is a punishable sin. It causes severe
penalties, spiritual deprivation, mental agony, and social iso-
lation.
The Noon (Zuhr) and the Afternoon CAsr) Prayers may
be offered together, if a person is travel! ing or sick. The
same permission is granted with regard to the Sunset
(Maghrih) and the Evening ('Isha') Prayers. (4)
The Partial Ablution ( Wudu)
Before offering the Prayer one must be in good shape
and pure condition. It is necessary to wash the parts of the
body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog.
This performance is called ABLUTION (Wudu) and is pre-
ferably carried out as follows:
4) In the first case, joining the Prayers is of the advanced type. The
Mid-Afternoon is actually offered before its due time and immediately
follows the Noon Prayer. In the second case, the combination is of the
belated type. The Sunset Prayer is actually offered after its due time but
immediately before the Evening Prayer. Such joining of Prayers may
alleviate the apprehension of the Muslims who cannot, for legitimate
reasons (e.g. travel, work. shifts, etc.), observe all their Prayers in time.