ILM AL-HÂL

146 Salâh. Next, make Wudhû and face the Qiblah. Do not occupy your mind with worldly thoughts as much as possible. Keep in mind that you are standing in the divine presence then make the Niyyah (intention) in the heart to perform the Salâh. For instance, if you are about to perform the Sunnah rakahs of Salâh Al-Fajr, make the intention in the heart in this way: "I intend to perform the Sunnah rakahs of today’s Salâh Al-Fajr for the sake of Allah”. If it were the Fardh (obligatory) rakahs of Salâh Al-Fajr, the Niyyah (intention) would be in this way: "I intend to perform the Fardh (obligatory) rakahs of today’s Salâh Al-Fajr for the sake of Allah”. If it were a Nâfilah Salâh, the Niyyah (intention) would be like this: “I intend to perform this Salâh for the sake of Allâh”. Then, raise both your hands to the level of the ears so that the thumbs touch the earlobes with the fingers spread open and directed towards Qiblah. Then, say the Takbîr Al-lftitah (Allâhu Akbar) (ILLUSTRATION: 1). On the other hand, female musallîyas raise their hands up to a level not exceeding their shoulders (ILLUSTRATION: 2). Having uttered the Takbîr, a male musallî puts his right hand on the left (holding the wrist of the left hand forming a circle with the thumb and the smallest finger of the right hand) and hold comfortably below the navel (ILLUSTRATION: 3). A female musalliyah places her right hand on the left over her chest (ILLUSTRATION: 4). Next, read the supplication of Subhânaka (Thanâ), Isti’âdhah, Basmalah and Sûrah Al-Fâtihah. Say "Âmîn” at