The dust raised by the alleged birth of seven babies in less than one year is yet to settle. While the alleged mother of the babies insist they are hers and surrenders herself and the babies for DNA test, Imo State Police Command has accepted the challenge and is currently investigating the incident. Saturday Vanguard exclusively spoke to Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu. Excerpts.
How did the police step into the mystery babies story?
Yes, the police came into the picture as soon as we read the publications in
newspapers that one Mrs. Precious Ogbonna gave birth to seven children within a
space of 11 months, we naturally became curious.
*Why?
The answer is very simple. This report runs contrary to the laws of nature. It is a strange development that needs to be properly investigated. The woman at the centre of the controversy calls it a miracle. So, we are interested in finding out if it is actually a miracle for which we give God the glory or there is a fraud somewhere. In the police, we suspect everything.
So, what are you doing now?
We are investigating the veracity or otherwise of the woman’s claims.
How did you arrest her?
She is a General Overseer of a church and churches normally meet on Sundays. So, on a Sunday we went there to worship with them. We saw her with the children and thereafter, other things followed. Detectives went to her church here in Owerri, traced her and we were able to pick her and placed her under arrest. She is now under our custody. We also recovered the seven children. These children are innocent children. They look up to us as adults and their best friends. It is our duty to protect them. They look up to us to protect them. They are vulnerable. If they are stolen children or came into her through ways that are not authorized, we owe it a duty as responsible Nigerians to protect them, protect their interest. Any of them can the nation’s president tomorrow.
Where are these children now. Are they also in police custody?
We have rescued them. We have kept them in safe custody in one of the good homes. The Nigerian Police is seeing to their welfare in collaboration with the organization that is keeping them.
What do you call the organization?
Sorry, I will not make public the name of the organization. All I can say is that it is an approved organization and recognized by government.
What else have you done?
The woman is in our custody and we have been able to raise a medical team through the help of a government hospital. The medical team is examining her to know if her womb had carried any baby in recent time and if so, how many. We also expect the medical team to ascertain if it is possible to have seven children in one year. Medical people are going to determine that bit of the puzzle.
Have you conducted medical tests on the woman and the children?
Yes. We have conducted a number of tests, including genotype and the rest of them. I am not competent to talk about the tests but a team of experienced Nigerian medical doctors have examined her on a number of issues. They will help to determine if she was actually the mother of the seven children. The results are coming out in bits and in a few days time. We are also proposing to do a DNA test on the woman and the children. The DNA should be the final test to fully determine their maternity or blood relationship between her and those children. We really want to prove if she had these children correctly or she got them from some unauthorized sources. Every Nigerian is interested in this matter.
Have you interrogated her husband?
Yes. We have been able to contact her husband and he has spoken to us on a number of issues. The husband is Donatus Ogbonna, a 48-year old furniture maker, a Christian and lives here in Owerri. He has made a statement to the police and given his own side of the story. So, we are going to match it with the results of the medical tests we are going to give Nigerians the result of our findings, as to the truth or otherwise of the woman’s claims that she had these babies in one year.
Will the police also match the medical tests of the children with that of their alleged father?
This should be left with the medical team. If the medical team so decides, they will do it. The woman’s husband is ready and willing and very much available. He is in very close contact with the police. However, I do know that if they are able to match her DNA with any of the children, then we must have established a point. So, the medical team will determine what next to do.
Apart from what has been published in newspapers, are there fresh things you have unearthed?
Police investigation is normally holistic. In the course of our investigation, we had cause to interrogate a number of people, who will stand as witnesses. She has mentioned hospitals that she attended. The police will be visiting them in Port Harcourt. By tomorrow, we will be in those hospitals and look at a number of other issues. Our investigation has been very thorough. I can assure you that in a week’s time, we will be able to get a good result that will assuage the feelings of Nigerians.
If you don’t mind, where exactly are these children kept?
For their safety, it is not proper to disclose where we are keeping them right now. They are in a safe home, a safe approved, competent home; well managed and recognized by both the federal government and other international organizations. We don’t need to mention where they are for their own safety and we don’t want their picture to appear in any paper. It is in their best interest. The best interest of the children are our concern.
Is the police keeping close watch over the children?
Yes, we have 24-hour guard over the children where they are right now. We don’t ave any complain about their safety or welfare. The police authorities are seeing to that in concert with the organization that is keeping them.
Can you tell us how much the police has spent on the children so far?
We are taking good care of them. They are our children. I don’t normally count the cost of training my children or feeding them everyday. They are our children. They belong to all of us and once they are in police custody, the police should take care of them. So, we are not counting costs. We want them to be safe and sound and to become good Nigerians after this episode.
How long do you intend to keep her in custody?
As long as the time permitted by law and for as long as investigations continue, we will keep visiting her case. But I think that a definite decision will be taken as soon as the DNA test is over.
Is there any other information you would like to give us?
For now, all I want to tell Nigerians is that the police is committed and determined to get to the end of this issue. We are determined to find the paternity and maternity of these children. If the children belong to her, we wish them the best of luck. If they don’t belong to her, the police will make concerted effort to reunite them with their legitimate families and to find the link between her and those children.
Is the police suspecting child trafficking in this case?
It is possible there is a trafficking somewhere and it is our duty to stop such trafficking from continuing, from gaining root. We will get to the root of it and break that network so that our children will have a brighter future.
Can you confirm if she has made any confessional statement?
There is no confessional statement of any kind on her part. The police is not expecting her to confess. We want to go through it thoroughly and professionally. We are painstaking in our bid to get to the root of the matter.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Police go tough on mother of miracle babies
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| Precious' church: Holy Ghost Power Ministry, |
The mother of seven ‘miracle babies, Mrs Precious Donatus Ogbonna made a desperate plea as she languishes in police detention in Owerri just as she insisted that her story is true. From
the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) where she is being held, source disclosed that she was yearning for help on her situation as the police continued to gather information on her claim.
Inside source hinted Saturday vanguard that she is being subjected to a very annihilating condition, an action which suggests that she has already been condemned by the police. “The condition of where she was kept was terrible” adding that only one of the family members was allowed to see her since her detention.
One of her relations, we gathered, who was at the station to see her was almost locked up few days ago. “Few days ago, an uncle of hers was there to see her but the police insisted that he had to write a statement, but after some argument, he left the station angrily” source said. But we gathered that frantic efforts are being made by some of her family members to ensure her release soon. There position we gathered was that she should not be presumed to have committed the crime of stealing babies until investigation proved so, adding that proper investigation should be carried out.
Our source however, hinted that few days ago, she cried for help asking to see her babies especially when information filtered to her that two of the babies were ill. The babies have been kept in a motherless babies in Owerri under the close watch of the police. Source who visited the home where the babies were kept said, the babies were restless and the authorities of the home are willing to reject the babies. “the babies were crying all day, and the authorities of the home are saying the police should come and carry the babies”source said.
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| Pa Anthony, Precious' father |
Mr. Ogbonna has refused to speak with Vanguard since the story broke out.
Mrs. Ogbonna before her arrest told Vanguard that her husband abandoned their home and disclaimed the paternity of the babies making her to bear the brunt of caring for the seven babies alone. She had always insisted that only a DNA test can convince him and bring him back.
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| Barr Bamidele Aturu, Human Rights Activist |
Precious’s father, Mr. Anthony Achoneye, 75, who earlier spoke with Vanguard on the issue refused to comment. He said he was not unaware of the arrest but said he was on the sick bed in Nwangele Amiegbo, his village receiving treatment. “I have been told of her arrest but I can tell you anything now, I am on the sick bed in my village and until I get back to Owerri, I cant say anything now.” Earlier in a chat with Saturday Vanguard at his kiosk located in front of her daughter’s church, , the former mason said: “Precious is the eldest of my three daughters and I know her very well. She is the mother of the seven babies. That is the miracle God has done to me.”
Saturday Vanguard also learnt that the issue of where she delivered the babies has not been resolved with the police, an indication that she may not be released soon.
I’m expecting more babies, ready for DNA test, Mother of 'miracle babies' says
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| Mrs Precious Donatus Ogbonna Mummy P |
Last week, we published a story of one Precious Donatus Ogbonna who claimed to have delivered seven babies in one year. In order to bring you a detailed report this week, Saturday Vanguard deplored personnel to Owerri, where she is based to find out more about the story, what the doctors say, reactions of neighbours and other information surrounding her claim. Ishola Balogun writes.
TO some, it just bizarre while others believe it was a miracle. Giving birth to seven babies in one year is a strange occurrence that even those in the field of medicine have described inexplicable. But to Pastor Precious Donatus Ogbonna, the mother of the seven babies, it is a miracle, a life-affirming tale of a blessed family that puts multiple births into perspective at least in this part of the world.
In her Umuelele, Irete residence and MCC road where her church is located, Mrs Ogbonna was popular even before her miraculous delivery of the babies. Few people in her neighbourhood who volunteered to speak to Saturday Vanguard on her character said they knew her as a prayer warrior and General Overseer of Holy Ghost Power Salvation Ministry, Owerri adding that the birth of the babies was another miracle in the recent time. But what is more stunning now is that the number of the babies from this single conception might increase to ten as she hinted Saturday Vanguard that she still expects more. “As I am talking to you, I am still expecting another one. I am feeling it. I had actually prayed for seven children but God said I was going to have ten,” she says. And for those who still hold a doubt on the veracity of her story, the Pastor has challenged that she is ready for a DNA test as scientific proof for her miracle. She however ref used to mention the hospital where her deliveries took place saying that “Those who are waiting to be told the hospitals where the deliveries took place before they believe should know that we are in a computer age that I am available and very very ready for a DNA test.” adding that God had warned her against that.
Interestingly, she hinted that this miracle was predicted by her niece, a little a 10year old prophetess in her household.
Below are details of her story.
My story — Precious Ogbonna, Pastor of Holy Ghost Power Salvation Ministry, Owerri,
I have been believing God for the fruit of the womb for a very long time, and after12 years, God remembered me and gave all these children. It was one conception that generated this miracle. While I was praying for babies, I pray for people to have babies and God answered them and they gave testimonies. But, I kept wondering even as I continually pray to God that why should I be left out in the miracle. I used to tell God what people used to say about me, the persecution, mockery and other tribulations, but I believe these are bound to happen. God told me I was going to conceive and that month did not go without the wish of God coming to pass. When I took in, I went for a pregnancy test and it was positive. But at that point, two months after, I saw blood like it was my menstrual period and it continued like that till the night month. There was a time it flew for 14 days. I prayed and God told me blood was not pregnancy. Somebody also told me it was a sign of multiple pregnancy. At the night month, I put to bed a baby girl. Because of the long period of childlessness, I prayed to God that I wanted a multiple babies. After returning from hospital, friends came to give me some further treatment, they were massaging me seriously ensuring there was no congealed blood. They tied a wrapper on my stomach but when I prayed, God said I should remove the wrapper and I did instantly. I was taking the usual pepper soup not knowing I had more babies in my womb. But the baby died after five days after. I gave up to God believing that He has a better plan for me. I called my little niece who had earlier prophesied that I was going to be pregnant to pray for me. She did and said that I was still pregnant. After sometime, I went to do an ultra scan and it was confirmed that I was pregnant, they also confirmed that there was a fibroid, a hole some where (an indication where the first baby passed through) I also did not revealed that I gave birth to a baby before. I was afraid they will recommend a surgery. On the eighth month after the first baby, I gave birth to another baby girl named Conqueror Ogbonna. Few days after the birth, I was still feeling some kicks in my stomach, I visited a doctor and he prescribed some hard drugs which I refused to take, and one month after, I had another baby named Angel Ogbonna. When I went back to the hospital where I bore the other one, the doctor did not accept me saying he was confused telling me this has never happened before. That made me to registered in so many hospitals. In August put to bed again, another baby girl. Somebody who came to congratulate me surprisingly said why is it that I gave birth to only female babies, asking that is it only female babies in my womb. I became sad, and I prayed to God and on August 16, 2010, I bore a baby boy named Ekpereamaka, meaning prayer is good. Thereafter, on September 19, 2010, I had another female baby named Finessed. On October 19, 2010, I also had another named Evidence (female) and until January 13, 2011, I had Flourish, male and lastly on April 2, 2011, I gave birth to Ebenezer, male. It is an unusual miracle. Each baby with its placenta, it means 16 ‘push’. People are wondering how it happened. I believe God decided to honour me in this way. And as I am talking to you, I am still expecting another one. I am feeling it. I had actually prayed for seven children but God said I was going to have ten. So, I marvelled and thought the ten would come in a space of twenty years not knowing what God had in stock for me. Right now, I want to tell you that I am feeling baby kicks. When the next baby will come I don’t know and I am not ready to do any ultra scan.
Kidnappers were after me, I will not reveal the hospitals but ready for a DNA test
When Pastor precious was asked to name the hospital where she gave birth to her babies, she declined saying: “I will not go against what God asked me to do. Do you know that when i delivered the first baby, people wanted to kidnap me and the baby. But God prevailed on them. I told you I am a delivering Minister.” When asked how she could proved that, she said: “That is the fact. You know my work and yours are not the same. I am a Pastor who pray for different people and when you do that and they see result, some people who have done one harm or the other against them might go after your life. So, which ever way God asked me to do something, that is how I go about it. Those who are waiting to be told the hospitals before they believe should know that we are in a computer age that I am available and very very ready for a DNA test. Maybe that will convinced them, but for me to mention the name of the hospitals, no, I wont do that because God warned me against that. I remember when I went back to the first hospital to deliver the second baby, they said ‘woman! are you crazy’, how can you say you are in labour after putting to bed last month’
Why I’m not breastfeeding the babies
“I breastfed the first baby, but when she died, I took some drugs in order to stabilise my breast. And when the second baby came, I did not breast feed based on two things. I was still feeling the kicks of babies in my womb and it is advised not to breastfeed while still pregnant. Again, God ministered to me not to do that. They take instant formula of two and half cartoons every week at the cost of N26,000 and about 10 cartoons every month which is about N260,000 monthly.” Let alone pampers and other things. It is not easy.
Little prophetess in the house
Mmesonma Onyenachi, 10, is a cousin of the miracle woman (Precious Ogbonna). Little Mmesonma sometime ago prophesied that her aunty would soon forget the trauma of childlessness and give birth in a miraculous way. When her Pastor Prescious got pregnant and delivered her first baby in 2009, which passed on five days later, little Mmesonma prophesied that there was more babies coming and behold, it came to pass. According to her “I didn’t just know how I do that but I just realised that it is a special natural gift.” she said. On what she intend to become in future, Mmesonma, a primary four pupil of unnamed primary school in Owerri said she neither want to become a doctor nor an engineer but a Pastor. “I want to become a Pastor, and I know with my special gift, I will achieve that.” She continued that “Because of the way I used to pray for people, my schoolmates call me pastor.” Her aunty (Pastor Precious Ogbonna) noted that Mmesonma fasts every Saturday and often times go on fasting every other day. “ She became a prophetess at the age of Nine. Apart from her prophesy that I will give birth to more babies, she is known in the church for giving prophesies and they always come to pass. She prays and fasts a lot. I sometimes have to plea with her to do a 6-12 fasting instead of her choice of 6-6 fasting.” she stated.
Amazing qualities of the babies
Among the seven babies, Pastor Precious singled out Chizitere, (Treasure) female, who was born June 3, 2010 to have some amazing qualities. She noted that little Treasure amazed the family when she began to talk at four months. “She started talking calling ‘tata’ when she clocked four months. It amazed us but we also know they all are precious gift from God with special blessings” Another amazing quality of Treasure, she added was that “when ever she hits my stomach calling tata frequently, I will go into labour to born the next baby. She has done that a couple of times. Apart from that, all of them are happy and growing very well.”
Neighbours speak
It’s true, she is a prayer warrior
It is true. It is what can be called uncommon miracle. I know her, she used to go pray for people even before she was called as a pastor. She is a prayer warrior. Why should people doubt it? What is the basis for lying about giving birth to seven children? You should first of all know that she has the trouble of taking care of them all. If she wanted to adopt babies, how can I go adopt seven babies. Just look at their feeding, clothing, and general upkeep let alone when they start going to school. I think no one will do that knowing what she would face. But because it is natural it remains a blessing— Mrs Victoria Ikenwosu,
I believe it but it is a puzzle
It is still a puzzle to me. All I can tell you about her is that she is a pastor of a church and people believe her as somebody with integrity. On the basis of that I believe the story. But I was not in the labour room with her, we just heard the story of her multiple birth.
It is a miracle!
I attend her church and because of the wonderful things in terms of miracle that she is doing, I believe her story. She used to pray for people who had no kids and they were blessed through her prayers. People come from different places for one thing or the other and they used to give good testimonies about the case at the end. I know of several cases she has helped in prayer for the fruit of the womb, and it is normal to believe that miracle could as well happen in her case. — Ndidi Onyekachi, MCC,Owerri.
What doctors say
It cannot be explained — Dr Donald Chidi Nwankwo, a Physician, FUTO Medical Centre
And you know anything that cannot be explained could be said as miracle. I have written to the state government because I know the world will ask question. Government should take it up and look into it.
I really don’t blame people who doubt it because since it is miracle, people will doubt it. It is only in science that we have proof but in miracle, there is no proof. So, if they don’t doubt it, then it is not a miracle. What is beyond human imagination is called miracle. In the present time, it is possible but you may not be able to explain it. A normal human being have one uterus just like you can say one heart for one person, supposing tomorrow we see somebody with two hearts and more than one uterus as human being. So, on the woman, the matter can be proved through a DNA test, there are other scientific way of proving it though, it will be complicated and expensive. can prove that
Woman delivers 7 babies in 11months
In a strange manner, a woman has delivered a set of seven babies within a space of 11 months, three males and four females. The woman, Mrs Precious Donatus who lives in Aguda, Suru-lere, Lagos, gave birth to her first child in August, 2009, after 11 years of childlessness but the baby died five days later.
Ten months later, Mrs Precious conceived and delivered the seven babies within intervals of one month . When we visited the home of the family, the husband Mr Donatus Ogbonna, a business man from Imo State was at home. She told Saturday Vanguard that at birth of the first baby, they did not know that would be the beginning of her journey to delivering seven babies. Narrating her story, Mrs Precious told Saturday Vanguard that the first baby died after five days of birth adding that “immediately after putting to bed of the first baby, the doctor told me that there was another baby in my womb”
The babies are :first baby, August 25 2009, Amarachi (died after five days); second baby, May 6, 2010 (Conqueror, female); third baby, June 3, 2010, (Chizitere, female); fourth baby, August 16, 2010 (Ekpereamaka, male); fifth baby, September 19, 2010, (Fineseed Angel, female); sixth baby, October 19, 2010 (Evidence, female); seventh baby, January 13, 2011,( Flourish, male), eight baby, April 2, 2011, (Ebenezer, male) .
Ten months later, Mrs Precious conceived and delivered the seven babies within intervals of one month . When we visited the home of the family, the husband Mr Donatus Ogbonna, a business man from Imo State was at home. She told Saturday Vanguard that at birth of the first baby, they did not know that would be the beginning of her journey to delivering seven babies. Narrating her story, Mrs Precious told Saturday Vanguard that the first baby died after five days of birth adding that “immediately after putting to bed of the first baby, the doctor told me that there was another baby in my womb”
The babies are :first baby, August 25 2009, Amarachi (died after five days); second baby, May 6, 2010 (Conqueror, female); third baby, June 3, 2010, (Chizitere, female); fourth baby, August 16, 2010 (Ekpereamaka, male); fifth baby, September 19, 2010, (Fineseed Angel, female); sixth baby, October 19, 2010 (Evidence, female); seventh baby, January 13, 2011,( Flourish, male), eight baby, April 2, 2011, (Ebenezer, male) .
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Omawumi’s new I go go
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| Omawunmi |
As the momentum builds up towards the release of her highly anticipated second studio album, Omawumi offers a preview of what is to come with yet another single, ’I Go Go’. This song is a reggae/soul infusion whose lyrics capture the pain of unrequited love. Fans and music critics alike will undoubtedly be moved by Omawumi’s unrestrained emotive vocals and empathize with the wounded character she plays in this potential classic.
Mercy Johnson plans for wedding
We equally heard that she would be travelling out of the country for her wedding shopping in Dubai and London with her fiance next month.
Several wedding tales had trailed the sultry actress with gossips insinuating she hadn't any wedding plan. This time, Mercy is set to make the dream a reality.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Errors in joining Salat III
All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His assistance and His forgiveness. We believe in Him and place our trust in Him. We seek refuge in Allah from the mischief of our souls and our bad actions. He whom Allah guides no one can mislead him, and he whom Allah misleads no one can guide him. We bear testimony that there is no god except Allah. He is alone and has no partner and we bear testimony that our leader Muhammad is His servant and messenger.
Last week, we discussed some errors in the act of joining salat, it may not be extensive because some errors are daily being committed by some who are ignorant of the rules of performing salat. No doubt, that will give them a guide on the proper way of doing it. But according to some of the reports we get, errors such as looking around, raising the voice so loud to distract others among others will be treated today.
*As far as looking around unnecessarily is concerned, it is a deficiency in the salat of the worshipper. Our body must not be turned in another direction away from the Qiblah, it must also not be away from the sujood point. If however the entire body is turned then the salat is invalidated. At_-Tirmidhi also collected an authentic hadith which says: Be warned of turning or looking around in the salat because it is destruction. And there are other a hadith on looking around in the salat.
Closing the eyes for no reason: This is an objectionable act (makruh). Some scholars have said closing the eyes was not from the guidance of the Prophet. If it is so and if there are no precedence on the act, then why should it be a norm in prayer. Some scholars of fiqh have differed on its detestability. Some deemed it detestable and they said that it was of the habits of the Jews. However, some foreign scholars, a group of them, ruled it permissible without any detestablility and they said that it may indeed be a closer means of achieving nearness to Allah. Since there is no standing rule on it, and if keeping the eyes open has no detrimental effect upon achieving closeness to Allah then it is preferable to do it.
*Raising the voice in recitation to the point of distracting those around. It is recommended (mustahabb) that one hears himself, not to the point that it interrupts anyone who is reciting the Qur’an or making salat. The Prophet said: O people, each of you is seeking salvation from his Lord therefore do not overpower one another with your recitation.
*Raising the feet from the ground in sujood. This is against the teachings of the Prophet. The Prophet (s.a.w) was ordered to prostrate upon seven limbs and not to tuck up the hair or the clothes: the forehead (including the nose), the (palms of the) two hands, the knees and the two feet. So the one praying is commanded to pray with the two feet touching the ground.
*Not caring to learn the rules of salat. This is other than what Muslim should do. No doubt salat is the greatest of the Islamic pillars requiring bodily action. Allah commands its performance _ “Iqamis-Salat” (Perform the salat) It is not possible to perform it without having knowledge of its fundamentals or knowing how the Prophet did it. There is no room for ignorance of the rules, knowing its prerequisites or its essential parts, obligations, the rules for making up for errors and the like are fundamentals and as important as the salat. It is therefore important to get acquainted with the rules.
Improper recitation of the Qur’an: This is an open deficiency and the right of the Qur’an is that it be read correctly without aberration and the Muslim should strive to improve and excel in its recitation properly according to the Arabic language, with clarity and free from distortion.
Walking away right after teslim, at the end of prayer, and neglecting zhikr is also not good after salat. The worshipper should be patient enough to do zhikr which is also an important part of the salat. Reciting subhanal-Lah 33 times, alhamdu Lilah 33 times, Allahu Akbar 33 times, La ilaha illal_Laah 10 times and reciting ayat al_Kursiyy (Qur’an 2 vrs 255) is part of salat.
Endeavour to focus on your prayer and imagine that you are standing before Allah. Intention should be in the heart. That is the real place of getting full concentration. Intend that you are praying to Allah Almighty and only for His sake and focus on the prayer you are making. Is it an obligatory prayer or a supererogatory one? Are you praying Fajr, Zuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib or ‘Isha’ and any other prayer? How many prayer units or rakahs you intend to pray and whether you are praying alone or with the congregation? The clearer you are in your intention, the better will be your attention and concentration.
Next week, Insha Allah, we will discuss points that will help in keeping concentration while praying and the suplication for that purpose recommended by the Prophet in that regard.
Keep yourself pure and clean as much as you can.
May Allah guide us to and make it easy for us. Amen.
Last week, we discussed some errors in the act of joining salat, it may not be extensive because some errors are daily being committed by some who are ignorant of the rules of performing salat. No doubt, that will give them a guide on the proper way of doing it. But according to some of the reports we get, errors such as looking around, raising the voice so loud to distract others among others will be treated today.
*As far as looking around unnecessarily is concerned, it is a deficiency in the salat of the worshipper. Our body must not be turned in another direction away from the Qiblah, it must also not be away from the sujood point. If however the entire body is turned then the salat is invalidated. At_-Tirmidhi also collected an authentic hadith which says: Be warned of turning or looking around in the salat because it is destruction. And there are other a hadith on looking around in the salat.
Closing the eyes for no reason: This is an objectionable act (makruh). Some scholars have said closing the eyes was not from the guidance of the Prophet. If it is so and if there are no precedence on the act, then why should it be a norm in prayer. Some scholars of fiqh have differed on its detestability. Some deemed it detestable and they said that it was of the habits of the Jews. However, some foreign scholars, a group of them, ruled it permissible without any detestablility and they said that it may indeed be a closer means of achieving nearness to Allah. Since there is no standing rule on it, and if keeping the eyes open has no detrimental effect upon achieving closeness to Allah then it is preferable to do it.
*Raising the voice in recitation to the point of distracting those around. It is recommended (mustahabb) that one hears himself, not to the point that it interrupts anyone who is reciting the Qur’an or making salat. The Prophet said: O people, each of you is seeking salvation from his Lord therefore do not overpower one another with your recitation.
*Raising the feet from the ground in sujood. This is against the teachings of the Prophet. The Prophet (s.a.w) was ordered to prostrate upon seven limbs and not to tuck up the hair or the clothes: the forehead (including the nose), the (palms of the) two hands, the knees and the two feet. So the one praying is commanded to pray with the two feet touching the ground.
*Not caring to learn the rules of salat. This is other than what Muslim should do. No doubt salat is the greatest of the Islamic pillars requiring bodily action. Allah commands its performance _ “Iqamis-Salat” (Perform the salat) It is not possible to perform it without having knowledge of its fundamentals or knowing how the Prophet did it. There is no room for ignorance of the rules, knowing its prerequisites or its essential parts, obligations, the rules for making up for errors and the like are fundamentals and as important as the salat. It is therefore important to get acquainted with the rules.
Improper recitation of the Qur’an: This is an open deficiency and the right of the Qur’an is that it be read correctly without aberration and the Muslim should strive to improve and excel in its recitation properly according to the Arabic language, with clarity and free from distortion.
Walking away right after teslim, at the end of prayer, and neglecting zhikr is also not good after salat. The worshipper should be patient enough to do zhikr which is also an important part of the salat. Reciting subhanal-Lah 33 times, alhamdu Lilah 33 times, Allahu Akbar 33 times, La ilaha illal_Laah 10 times and reciting ayat al_Kursiyy (Qur’an 2 vrs 255) is part of salat.
Endeavour to focus on your prayer and imagine that you are standing before Allah. Intention should be in the heart. That is the real place of getting full concentration. Intend that you are praying to Allah Almighty and only for His sake and focus on the prayer you are making. Is it an obligatory prayer or a supererogatory one? Are you praying Fajr, Zuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib or ‘Isha’ and any other prayer? How many prayer units or rakahs you intend to pray and whether you are praying alone or with the congregation? The clearer you are in your intention, the better will be your attention and concentration.
Next week, Insha Allah, we will discuss points that will help in keeping concentration while praying and the suplication for that purpose recommended by the Prophet in that regard.
Keep yourself pure and clean as much as you can.
May Allah guide us to and make it easy for us. Amen.
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