Comprehensive Definition:
ṢALĀTU ʾR-RAG͟HĀʾIB (صلاة الرغائب) translates to “Prayer of Desires.” This prayer consists of a special set of two rakʿahs (units of prayer) performed primarily with the objective of seeking fulfillment of worldly desires. According to specific Islamic traditions, it is observed in the first week of Rajab, although its practice and legitimacy are highly contested among scholars.
Etymology and Background:
The term “Ṣalātu” (صلاة) means “prayer,” while “r-Raghāʾib” (الرغائب) stems from the Arabic root word “raghba” (رغبة), which means “desire” or “wish.” Historically, the rituals of ṢALĀTU ʾR-RAG͟HĀʾIB were documented in some Islamic scripts and practiced by certain Muslim communities, leading to debates regarding its acceptance within orthodox Islam. These customs have faced scrutiny given different interpretations of Islamic law.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
The practice of ṢALĀTU ʾR-RAG͟HĀʾIB varies significantly across the Islamic world. In some regions, particularly within Shia communities or Sufi orders, the practice has garnered acceptance, while in places adhering more strictly to Sunni jurisprudence, it is often considered an innovation (bid’ah) and thus regarded as impermissible. These differences highlight the broader diversity within Islamic ritual practices.
Synonyms:
- Āmāl Raghāʾib (آمال الرغائب) – Acts/Prayers of Desires
- Ṣalātu Ghārb (صلاة غَرْب) – Unifying Prayer of Needs
Antonyms:
- Ṣalātu Tamām (صلاة تمام) – Complete and Perfect Prayer (often used to describe the established five daily prayers)
- Farḍ (فرض) – Obligatory Acts, highlighting the difference between mandated prayers and supplementary, often controversial prayers.
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Bid’ah (بدعة): Innovation in religious matters that is not explicitly warranted by the primary sources of Islam, the Qur’an, and Hadith.
- Istikhara (استخارة): A specific prayer for seeking guidance from Allah in making a decision.
- Duʿāʾ (دعاء): General invocation or supplication to Allah.
Exciting Facts:
- ṢALĀTU ʾR-RAG͟HĀʾIB is uniquely recited by some in the first Thursday night of Rajab, during Laylat al-Raghāʾib.
- Its proposition includes performing 12 rakʿahs with specific supplications, although this exact format is usually viewed with skepticism by orthodox scholars.
Notable Quotations:
- “Verily, actions are but by intention…” — Hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, frequently referenced regarding innovated practices such as ṢALĀTU ʾR-RAG͟HĀʾIB.
References and Suggested Literature:
- “Raddu ʾl-Muḥtār” by Ibn Abidin - A complete work on Hanafi jurisprudence, addressing diverse issues including controversial prayers.
- “Fortress of the Muslim” by Sa’id Al-Qahtani - A popular source of invocations and related prayers.
- “In the Shade of the Qurʾan” by Sayyid Qutb - Contains theological reflections that can apply to traditional and innovated religious practices.
Farewell Thought:
Embarking on the study of Islamic traditions like ṢALĀTU ʾR-RAG͟HĀʾIB reveals not only the depths of Islamic rituals but also exemplifies the rich, intricate web of scholarly debates that characterize Islamic jurisprudence. May your journey through these studies yield wisdom and greater understanding.
