Book of Namaz

Likewise, the duration of sitting between two sajdas is so. One
should pay great attention to these under every condition. Tasbîhs
at rukû’ and sajdas are at least three times in number. The
maximum number of them is seven or eleven. As for the imam, it
depends on the state of the congregation. What a shameful thing
for a strong person, while he is not in difficulty, to recite tasbîhs at
their minimum number, when he performs the namâz individually
[by not following an imam in congregation]. One should say it five
times, at least. While prostrating for the sajda, one should first put
limbs that are the nearest to the ground on the ground. Therefore,
firstly the knees, then the hands, then the nose and lastly the
forehead are put on the ground. From the knees and the hands,
firstly the right are put on the ground. While standing up from the
sajda, the limbs that are at an upper level are removed first.
Therefore, firstly the forehead should be removed. One should
look at the place of sajda while one is standing, one should look at
the feet while one is at rukû, one should look at the tip of the nose
while one is at sajda, and one should look at the hands or one’s
abdomen while one is sitting. If one looks at these places that I
mentioned and the eyes do not glimpse around, the namâz can be
performed with jam’iyyat. That is, the heart too can be free from
worldly thoughts. Khushû’ [Deep and humble reverence] is
attained. As a matter of fact, our Prophet “sallallahu aleyhi we
sellem” said so. It is sunnat to open fingers at the rukû and to keep
them closed at the sajdas. One should pay attention to these too.
Keeping the fingers open or closed is not without a reason, not an
empty thing. The owner of Islam [that is, our Prophet “sallallahu
aleyhi we sellem”] did so thinking of their benefits. For us, there is
not a greater benefit than following the owner of Islam
“aleyhissalewâtu wesselâm”. These things that I have told are to
promote, to urge you to do the things that are declared in the
books of fiqh. May Allahu ta’âlâ make us and you attain doing the
pious deeds that were shown by the owner of Islam! For the sake
of the superior, the best of the Prophets “aleyhi we aleyhim we alâ
âli kullin minessalewâti efdaluhâ we minetteslîmâti ekmeluhâ”,
may He accept this supplication of mine! Âmîn.
– 164 –