Ramadan and the Unity of Islamic Ummah (Article): Difference between revisions
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The title is an article by Mohamed Chtatou, presented | The title is an article by Mohamed Chtatou, presented on the IslamiCity website, Apr 12, 2021.<ref>https://www.islamicity.org/77252/ramadan-and-the-unity-of-islamic-ummah/</ref> | ||
Instituted in Medina in the year 624, the Ramadan fast is a commemoration of the first revelation made to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the ninth month of the lunar year. It is a time of joy and generosity, where the individual is attentive to the neediest and strengthens the links with the religious community. The practitioner observes prayer, strict daytime abstinence, and the rite of breaking the fast at sunset. | Instituted in Medina in the year 624, the Ramadan fast is a commemoration of the first revelation made to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the ninth month of the lunar year. It is a time of joy and generosity, where the individual is attentive to the neediest and strengthens the links with the religious community. The practitioner observes prayer, strict daytime abstinence, and the rite of breaking the fast at sunset. | ||
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Ramadan is one of the months of the Islamic calendar. It was also part of the ancient Arabic calendars. The name Ramadan comes from the Arabic root RMD and the words “ramida“ or "ar-ramad", which means "scorching heat". | Ramadan is one of the months of the Islamic calendar. It was also part of the ancient Arabic calendars. The name Ramadan comes from the Arabic root RMD and the words “ramida“ or "ar-ramad", which means "scorching heat". | ||
On this particular point Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad writes: | On this particular point Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad writes:<ref>Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad. “Fasting in Islam and other religions, “The Weekly Al Hakam dated June 10, 2019. https://www.alhakam.org/fasting-in-islam-and-other-religions/</ref> | ||
“According to Ibn-Hisham, the Quraish tribe of Mecca used to retire to Mount Hira for religious devotion and penance during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from sex, etc., although this month was not regarded as a sacred month among the four pre-Islamic sacred months of Qa‘dah, Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. “ | “According to Ibn-Hisham, the Quraish tribe of Mecca used to retire to Mount Hira for religious devotion and penance during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from sex, etc., although this month was not regarded as a sacred month among the four pre-Islamic sacred months of Qa‘dah, Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. “ | ||
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From a religious point of view, the importance of Ramadan is not simply due to the fact that its prescriptions are detailed in the Holy Book. It is the fourth pillar of Islam along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who can afford it. It was during the second year of the Prophet's installation in Medina that fasting became obligatory. At that time, this practice was not unknown to the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, some of whom were Jews or Christians. | From a religious point of view, the importance of Ramadan is not simply due to the fact that its prescriptions are detailed in the Holy Book. It is the fourth pillar of Islam along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who can afford it. It was during the second year of the Prophet's installation in Medina that fasting became obligatory. At that time, this practice was not unknown to the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, some of whom were Jews or Christians. | ||
Ramadan has both religious and historical significance. It is respectively the month of the capture of Mecca by the Prophet in the year 8 of the Hegira (630), the month of the birth of Hussein, Muhammad's grandson, and the month of the death of Khadija, his first wife. More importantly, it was during the month of Ramadan that the Muslims recorded their first military victory against their Meccan enemies in the year | Ramadan has both religious and historical significance. It is respectively the month of the capture of Mecca by the Prophet in the year 8 of the Hegira (630), the month of the birth of Hussein, Muhammad's grandson, and the month of the death of Khadija, his first wife. More importantly, it was during the month of Ramadan that the Muslims recorded their first military victory against their Meccan enemies in the year two of Hegira (624) during the Battle of Badr. This is significant because it is this historical landmark that Muslim extremist groups point to when they attempt to justify their increased activism and violent actions during Ramadan. | ||
==Ramadan, A Spiritual Journey== | ==Ramadan, A Spiritual Journey== | ||
Ramadan is not only about abstinence from food - from sunrise to sunset - but more about a spiritual journey where the Muslim seeks to get closer to excellence by purifying his soul and shedding his evil inclinations. On this particular point Mike Buchman writes: | Ramadan is not only about abstinence from food - from sunrise to sunset - but more about a spiritual journey where the Muslim seeks to get closer to excellence by purifying his soul and shedding his evil inclinations. On this particular point Mike Buchman writes:<ref>Mike Buchman. “Ramadan: A spiritual journey of purification & compassion, “Groundviews Blog dated July 16, 2015. https://www.solid-ground.org/purification-and-compassion/</ref> | ||
"Fasting is a holistic spiritual experience that poses a huge question mark for those who grasp the wisdom behind this obligation: A fasting person should ponder on the spirit of caring and sharing which fasting develops in Muslims. All fasting Muslims share the same pain, hunger, thirst, and bitterness of deprivation while fasting with the poor and needy. Ramadan creates a social and humanitarian context that fosters compassion for the needy around the world. By our voluntary hunger and thirst, we realize what it means to be deprived of basic necessities of life. Ramadan is a time to remember and help those who are less fortunate. Moreover, all Muslims also feel the joy of breaking their fast and relish thankfulness to God. The poor people rejoice at their wealthy brothers who are sharing their pain and suffering with them. They rejoice at the thought that their wealthy brothers help them to ward off the scourge of hunger and bitter deprivation. Fasting rejuvenates the concept of social solidarity among the community." | "Fasting is a holistic spiritual experience that poses a huge question mark for those who grasp the wisdom behind this obligation: A fasting person should ponder on the spirit of caring and sharing which fasting develops in Muslims. All fasting Muslims share the same pain, hunger, thirst, and bitterness of deprivation while fasting with the poor and needy. Ramadan creates a social and humanitarian context that fosters compassion for the needy around the world. By our voluntary hunger and thirst, we realize what it means to be deprived of basic necessities of life. Ramadan is a time to remember and help those who are less fortunate. Moreover, all Muslims also feel the joy of breaking their fast and relish thankfulness to God. The poor people rejoice at their wealthy brothers who are sharing their pain and suffering with them. They rejoice at the thought that their wealthy brothers help them to ward off the scourge of hunger and bitter deprivation. Fasting rejuvenates the concept of social solidarity among the community." | ||
This month is also the month of generosity and sharing. Islam reminds us of the benefits of generosity towards one's fellow man in general. The month of Ramadan is an opportunity to surpass oneself. Muslims try to perform a maximum of optional prayers, invocations | This month is also the month of generosity and sharing. Islam reminds us of the benefits of generosity towards one's fellow man in general. The month of Ramadan is an opportunity to surpass oneself. Muslims try to perform a maximum of optional prayers, invocations and make donations as much as possible. During this month, the relationship with God is such that he feels very little hunger, thirst, or fatigue; and his heart is calm and at peace. | ||
Ramadan is a true spiritual source that nourishes the soul, enhances faith and piety. This month increases tenfold the divine rewards of religious practice, brings Muslims closer together, and revives faith. A Ramadan without prayer or reading the Holy Qur'an has no value in itself: fasting is certainly a condition, but religious practice is inseparable from Ramadan. Sharing, generosity, and love for one's neighbor are the intrinsic values of a Muslim, and this blessed month is an opportunity for him to put them forward by inviting the needy to break the fast at his home or to give his time to charitable actions and undertakings generously. | Ramadan is a true spiritual source that nourishes the soul, enhances faith and piety. This month increases tenfold the divine rewards of religious practice, brings Muslims closer together, and revives faith. A Ramadan without prayer or reading the Holy Qur'an has no value in itself: fasting is certainly a condition, but religious practice is inseparable from Ramadan. Sharing, generosity, and love for one's neighbor are the intrinsic values of a Muslim, and this blessed month is an opportunity for him to put them forward by inviting the needy to break the fast at his home or to give his time to charitable actions and undertakings generously. | ||
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c - God erases all previous sins: | c - God erases all previous sins: | ||
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." | The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." <ref>Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 5027 | ||
In-book reference: Book 47, Hadith 43 | |||
English translation: Vol. 6, Book 47, Hadith 5030 | |||
</ref> | |||
َ قَالَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ وَمَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ | َ قَالَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ وَمَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ | ||
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But as verse (2:183) of the Holy Qur’an, given above, indicates, religious fasting is a practice that predates Islam. The faithful of Abraham fasted at eclipses, equinoxes, and solstices. The Israelite religion has periodic fasts, of which Yom Kippur4 is the most famous. Lent is a period of 40 days, where the Christian prepares for Easter each year by fasting. The Sabeans fasted 30 days a year; the most pious fasted on Sunday and Monday. Zoroastrians, totemists, American Indian priests fast on various occasions. | But as verse (2:183) of the Holy Qur’an, given above, indicates, religious fasting is a practice that predates Islam. The faithful of Abraham fasted at eclipses, equinoxes, and solstices. The Israelite religion has periodic fasts, of which Yom Kippur4 is the most famous. Lent is a period of 40 days, where the Christian prepares for Easter each year by fasting. The Sabeans fasted 30 days a year; the most pious fasted on Sunday and Monday. Zoroastrians, totemists, American Indian priests fast on various occasions. | ||
According to “Cultural Awareness International “fasting is a common practice among many religions and philosophies: | According to “Cultural Awareness International “fasting is a common practice among many religions and philosophies:<ref>Cultural Awareness International. “Fasting around the World, “Culturalawareness.com dated January 22, 2015. https://culturalawareness.com/fasting-around-the-world/</ref> | ||
“Religions and philosophies that practice fasting include: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Fasting can last for just a few hours or even a few weeks, usually with practitioners eating at night. Interestingly, even within a religion, different denominations or sects may fast differently or at different times. For example, within Christianity, there are several different denominations that fast at different times. Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent, while Coptic Christians, the main form of Christianity in Egypt, fast for different durations for a total of 210 days throughout the year. They have eight main fasts, and each lasts for a different duration and restricts the diet in a unique way. “ | “Religions and philosophies that practice fasting include: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Fasting can last for just a few hours or even a few weeks, usually with practitioners eating at night. Interestingly, even within a religion, different denominations or sects may fast differently or at different times. For example, within Christianity, there are several different denominations that fast at different times. Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent, while Coptic Christians, the main form of Christianity in Egypt, fast for different durations for a total of 210 days throughout the year. They have eight main fasts, and each lasts for a different duration and restricts the diet in a unique way. “ | ||
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Among the Jews, atonement, and forgiveness from Yahweh | Among the Jews, atonement, and forgiveness from Yahweh | ||
This practice was already deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, as shown by the numerous references in the Old Testament. On several occasions, the Jewish people fasted to put an end to a calamity, to expiate their faults, or to ask Yahweh's forgiveness. If the religion of the Hebrews was built in opposition to the magical dimension of Mesopotamian beliefs, it took on certain principles, notably dietary restrictions. Today, for the Jews, the main day of fasting is Yom Kippur, a time of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. "For on this day atonement is made for you, to cleanse you from all your sins before the Lord," says Leviticus, one of the five books of the Torah. The countdown begins on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which falls in September or October, depending on the year. The faithful observe ten days of repentance and on the tenth day - Yom Kippur - they refrain from drinking, eating, working, bathing, or having sex from the dusk of the previous evening until dusk of the following evening. Other actions are forbidden, such as using an ointment or wearing leather shoes. This is a ritual of self-reflection at the beginning of the year, a restoration of purity. The Jewish people examine the sins committed and proceed to an examination of conscience, which culminates in Yom Kippur, to emerge completely pure). Jewish tradition is rich in an infinite number of commentaries, some of which relate this purification to the one done on Mount Sinai where Moses received the tables of the Law. There are six other days of fasting, less followed, but all linked to the history of the Jewish people like the one that commemorates the two destructions of the Temple of Jerusalem, called Ticha Beav. | This practice was already deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, as shown by the numerous references in the Old Testament. On several occasions, the Jewish people fasted to put an end to a calamity, to expiate their faults, or to ask Yahweh's forgiveness. If the religion of the Hebrews was built in opposition to the magical dimension of Mesopotamian beliefs, it took on certain principles, notably dietary restrictions. Today, for the Jews, the main day of fasting is Yom Kippur, a time of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. "For on this day atonement is made for you, to cleanse you from all your sins before the Lord," says Leviticus, one of the five books of the Torah. The countdown begins on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which falls in September or October, depending on the year. The faithful observe ten days of repentance and on the tenth day - Yom Kippur - they refrain from drinking, eating, working, bathing, or having sex from the dusk of the previous evening until dusk of the following evening. Other actions are forbidden, such as using an ointment or wearing leather shoes. This is a ritual of self-reflection at the beginning of the year, a restoration of purity. The Jewish people examine the sins committed and proceed to an examination of conscience, which culminates in Yom Kippur, to emerge completely pure). Jewish tradition is rich in an infinite number of commentaries, some of which relate this purification to the one done on Mount Sinai where Moses received the tables of the Law. There are six other days of fasting, less followed, but all linked to the history of the Jewish people like the one that commemorates the two destructions of the Temple of Jerusalem, called Ticha Beav.<ref>Tisha B'av is the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, which usually falls in July or August in the western calendar. It is a solemn occasion because it commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the years, many of which have coincidentally happened on this day. Tisha B'av is observed with prayers and fasting. Shaving and the wearing of cosmetics and leather are banned, and people are also expected to refrain from smiles, laughter, and idle conversation. All ornaments are removed from synagogues and lights are dimmed. The ark (where the Torah is kept) is draped in black.</ref> | ||
Lent, a time of prayer without ostentation | Lent, a time of prayer without ostentation | ||
Like Islam, Christianity was inspired by the Jewish fast, starting with Jesus. Just after his baptism, he withdrew into the desert and fasted for 40 days, a period that echoes that observed by Moses who did not eat or drink for 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai. | Like Islam, Christianity was inspired by the Jewish fast, starting with Jesus. Just after his baptism, he withdrew into the desert and fasted for 40 days, a period that echoes that observed by Moses who did not eat or drink for 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai.<ref>Jesus is said to have stayed in the wilderness, without food, for 40 days (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1-13 and Luke 4:2).</ref> This episode in the Gospel is known as the "Temptation of Christ," because the devil took advantage of it to test him several times. The disciples, however, did not fast. When the Jews asked him why, Jesus replied, "Can the companions of the bridegroom mourn while the bridegroom is with them? But there will come days when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast." | ||
The Book of Common | The Book of Common Prayer<ref>Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is the short title of a number of related prayer books used in the Anglican Communion, as well as by other Christian churches historically related to Anglicanism. The original book, published in 1549 in the reign of Edward VI, was a product of the English Reformation following the break with Rome. The work of 1549 was the first prayer book to include the complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship in English. It contained Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Litany, and Holy Communion and also the occasional services in full: the orders for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, "prayers to be said with the sick", and a funeral service. It also set out in full the "propers" (that is the parts of the service which varied week by week or, at times, daily throughout the Church's Year): the introits, collects, and epistle and gospel readings for the Sunday service of Holy Communion. Old Testament and New Testament readings for daily prayer were specified in tabular format as were the Psalms; and canticles, mostly biblical, that were provided to be said or sung between the readings. Cf. Careless, Sue. Discovering the Book of Common Prayer: A hands-on approach (Volume 1: Daily Prayer), Toronto: Anglican Book Centre Publishing, 2003: 26.</ref> lists 16 observable days for vigils, fasts, and remembrance: the Didache9 ordered fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays; Roman Catholics require that on Friday, no meal must be eaten; the Carmelite, Carthusian, and Cistercian order regular fasting but among others, it is virtually non-existent. | ||
Fasting, also to protest against violence | Fasting, also to protest against violence | ||
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The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: | The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: | ||
"Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." | "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."<ref>Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 38In-book reference: Book 2, Hadith 31 | ||
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 38 | |||
https://sunnah.com/bukhari:38</ref> | |||
" مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ". | " مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ". | ||
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Mealtime, the iftâr, sounds a victory, the flavor of which is deeply intimate. Neither a diet nor a nightly racket, the Ramadan fast is not a mortification of the body. It is meant to be a month of intensive training, where the genetic entity is weakened, cut off from its sources of energy, and the spiritual entity is invigorated, nourished by acts of piety. | Mealtime, the iftâr, sounds a victory, the flavor of which is deeply intimate. Neither a diet nor a nightly racket, the Ramadan fast is not a mortification of the body. It is meant to be a month of intensive training, where the genetic entity is weakened, cut off from its sources of energy, and the spiritual entity is invigorated, nourished by acts of piety. | ||
This is why Quranic symbolism cites ar-Rayyân, one of the gates of Paradise especially reserved for fasters! Sahl ibn Sa’d reported: The Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him, | This is why Quranic symbolism cites ar-Rayyân, one of the gates of Paradise especially reserved for fasters! Sahl ibn Sa’d reported: The Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him, said:<ref>Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1797, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1152 https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2011/08/02/gate-paradise-fasting/</ref> | ||
“Verily, there is a gate in Paradise called al-Rayyan, through which only those who fasted will enter on the Day of Resurrection. No one else will enter it along with them. It will be said: Where are those who fasted that they may enter? When the last of them enter, it will be closed and no one else will go through it.” | “Verily, there is a gate in Paradise called al-Rayyan, through which only those who fasted will enter on the Day of Resurrection. No one else will enter it along with them. It will be said: Where are those who fasted that they may enter? When the last of them enter, it will be closed and no one else will go through it.” | ||
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"So is Ramadan fasting healthful or not? In recent years, medical science has discovered and studied the benefits of fasting, some form of which is common to many of the world’s religions. Intermittent fasting—the kind practiced during Ramadan—can lower cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, and help prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a growing body of medical research. Even some chronic illnesses respond to medically supervised fasting, including arthritis, asthma, and depression." | "So is Ramadan fasting healthful or not? In recent years, medical science has discovered and studied the benefits of fasting, some form of which is common to many of the world’s religions. Intermittent fasting—the kind practiced during Ramadan—can lower cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, and help prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a growing body of medical research. Even some chronic illnesses respond to medically supervised fasting, including arthritis, asthma, and depression." | ||
Ramadan is About Sharing | |||
==Ramadan is About Sharing== | |||
Practicing fasting every day during Ramadan puts you in the shoes of those who have nothing to eat. It is a kind of lesson for oneself. We can thus understand when we have gone through an ordeal. At the same time, it is a way to educate our children on the respect of food. Ramadan is also the month of sharing, conviviality, and forgiveness. | Practicing fasting every day during Ramadan puts you in the shoes of those who have nothing to eat. It is a kind of lesson for oneself. We can thus understand when we have gone through an ordeal. At the same time, it is a way to educate our children on the respect of food. Ramadan is also the month of sharing, conviviality, and forgiveness. | ||
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Drawing on the principles of ease and mercy advocated by the Muslim religion, the closure of mosques does not mean the cessation of prayers and Qur’anic recitation, as long as the faithful can make their homes into mosques. | Drawing on the principles of ease and mercy advocated by the Muslim religion, the closure of mosques does not mean the cessation of prayers and Qur’anic recitation, as long as the faithful can make their homes into mosques. | ||
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Thaabit that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made a cubicle – made from a reed mat – in Ramadan, in which he prayed at night. Some of his companions prayed behind him, and when he realized they were there he sat down. Then he went out to them and | It was narrated from Zayd ibn Thaabit that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made a cubicle – made from a reed mat – in Ramadan, in which he prayed at night. Some of his companions prayed behind him, and when he realized they were there he sat down. Then he went out to them and said<ref>Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 698; Muslim, 781 https://islamqa.info/en/answers/22209/it-is-better-to-offer-naafil-prayers-at-home</ref>: | ||
“I know how keen you are to pray behind me. O people, pray in your houses, for the best of prayer is a man’s prayer in his house, apart from the prescribed prayers.” | “I know how keen you are to pray behind me. O people, pray in your houses, for the best of prayer is a man’s prayer in his house, apart from the prescribed prayers.” | ||
It was narrated, also, from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) | It was narrated, also, from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:<ref>Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 422; Muslim, 777 https://islamqa.info/en/answers/22209/it-is-better-to-offer-naafil-prayers-at-home</ref> | ||
“Perform some of your prayers in your houses and do not make them graves.” | “Perform some of your prayers in your houses and do not make them graves.” | ||
On this particular point, Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar | On this particular point, Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said: <ref>https://islamqa.info/en/answers/22209/it-is-better-to-offer-naafil-prayers-at-home</ref> | ||
“The apparent meaning is that this includes all naafil prayers because what is meant by the prescribed prayers is the obligatory prayers. But it may be interpreted as referring to all those for which it is not prescribed to offer them in the congregation and those which are not to be offered specifically in the mosque, such as the two rak’ahs for “greeting the mosque.” | “The apparent meaning is that this includes all naafil prayers because what is meant by the prescribed prayers is the obligatory prayers. But it may be interpreted as referring to all those for which it is not prescribed to offer them in the congregation and those which are not to be offered specifically in the mosque, such as the two rak’ahs for “greeting the mosque.” | ||