Saturday, August 27, 2011

When two person praying... which style is yours?


Being a Muslim is something one should treasure and be proud of, whether he or she is a convert or a born Muslim. It is a bless that I can hardly describe. I always heard that converts are better Muslims. I found no points to disagree with, in fact majority of them are. Converts are always more devoted and better in practicing Islam.

I am a born Muslim, alhamdulellah. Just like most born Muslims, the beginning of my religious practice was very much influenced by the folklore, which some were rather cultural than religious. I only started questioning some of those after observing differences in the religious practice among the practicing Muslims of the East and West. The question that has been looming in my mind is why must such practices be different since the original source is the same, i.e. Al-Quran and sunnah?

The question doesn't degrade my belief in Islam, rather it has expedited the whole process for me to search for the truth.

Take this simple question for example... Where is the position of the follower (makmum) if only two person are praying together?

Based on my experience, some people pray on the right side of the imam [A], some pray on the right side with one step back of the imam [B] and some pray on the right side with two-three steps back of the imam [C]. So which is the correct one?

Most prayer books of the 80s and 90s written by local authors portrayed style [B], the style that was observed by most Malaysian Muslims during my childhood. However I realized no such evidence (dalil) was provided for supporting the prescribed method.

I began practicing style [A] somewhere 2004-2006, which I learned from Muslim brothers from the Middle East. This is the method that I'm very comfortable with, which is well backed up with evidence of the most authentic.

In order to avoid bias, I provide in this post, source of evidence (books and internet database) in Malay language.
[1] Sahih Bukhari (Tranlated Version by JAKIM), Vol 2, page 226
[2] Solat Empat Mazhab (الصلاة على المذاهب الاربعة), page 327
[3] Bahrul Mazi (Versi Rumi), Vol 2, page 207-208
[4] Mutiara Hadis UiTM, Database of Sunan Sittah (The Authentic Six) in Malay language

Sahih Bukhari: Bab (Makmum) berada di sebelah kanan imam bersetentang dengannya apabila ada dua orang (sahaja)
Sahih Bukhari: Chapter (Follower of congregational prayer) be on the right side of imam just on the opposite side when there are two person (only)
Solat Empat Mazhab, page 327
Prayers of the Four Doctrines, page 327
If the follower is alone, he shall stand on the right side of the imam
Bahrul Mazi, Vol 2, page 208
When there is a man and an imam, he must stand on the opposite side of the imam
Mutiara Hadis UiTM (Search keyword: kanan imam)
When there is a man and an imam, he must stand on the opposite side of the imam 

In this post, it is not my intention to prove who is right or wrong, but it is good if such practices or claims are backed up with authentic evidence. I am just human and we all make mistakes, so please correct me if I'm wrong. May Allah guide us, inshaAllah.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Kevin Cordon - When the tiny turns giant…



He was born in 1986 in Guatemala, a country that is not just too far from famous but no one expects can produce such a talent in world badminton. Kevin Horaldo Cordon Buezo, better known as Kevin Cordon is now a shining gem from the tiny Guatemala.

From what I observed 2011 is the year for Kevin. Although he was the runner-up in a series of tournament such as Yonex OCBC US Open Grand Prix Gold, Yonex Canada Open, Slovenia International and Croatian International, and was the winner of Peru International and Polish International, none of these really opened the eyes of Asian badminton fans until he made to the quarterfinal of 2011 Yonex BWF World Championships in England recently.

Beating one of the world's top players, Chen Long of China in the world meet is his best achievement so far. I am very sure he can upset a few more top 10 players this year. I am so hoping to see him trashing Chen Jin, Bao Chunlai, Taufik Hidayat or Peter Gade in the near future and win a super series title.

Beaten at last... Kevin is congratulated by current World No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia for his fighting spirit

I hope Federacion Nacional de Badminton de Guatemala can consider sending him to Malaysia or Denmark for training under renown coach, such as Misbun Sidek or Morten Frost Hansen. I am not saying Guatemalan coaches are not good but it would be better to add more spices to his game. It is always worth to try. What say you Kevin?