In this section of Saed News, we aim to introduce you to "ikhfāt" (silent recitation) in prayer. Ikhfāt is obligatory in some cases and recommended or permissible in others. Stay with Saed News to learn more.
Ikhfāt (Silent Recitation) in Prayer
Ikhfāt refers to the silent recitation of prayer phrases. Some parts of the prayer, such as the “tasbīḥāt al-arbaʿa” and the recitation of Surah al-Ḥamd and another surah during the Ẓuhr (noon) and ʿAṣr (afternoon) prayers, must be recited silently. Ikhfāt is recommended for daily non-obligatory (nāfila) prayers and permissible in certain cases, such as the Prayer of Signs (Ṣalāt al-Āyāt). Stay with Saed News to learn more.
What Does Ikhfāt in Prayer Mean?
"Jahr" in prayer means reciting aloud in such a way that the essence of the voice is clear and audible to someone nearby. In contrast, "ikhfāt" means to recite in a low tone so that the voice is not distinctly heard. It is obligatory to recite aloud (jahr) during the morning prayer (Ṣubḥ) and the first two rakʿahs of Maghrib and ʿIshāʾ. The other rakʿahs and the Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr prayers must be recited silently (ikhfāt).
The recitation of Ḥamd and another surah in the rakʿahs of Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr prayers (except for Friday prayer and Ẓuhr on Fridays).
The tasbīḥāt al-arbaʿa in the Ẓuhr, ʿAṣr, Maghrib, and ʿIshāʾ prayers.
For women in the Ṣubḥ, Maghrib, and ʿIshāʾ prayers, if their voice might be heard by non-maḥram men and could cause temptation. Otherwise, the ruling is disputed.
When the recitation is obligatory or recommended for a follower (maʾmūm), there's a difference of opinion on whether ikhfāt is also obligatory or merely recommended. It is obligatory, for instance, when the imam is in the third or fourth rakʿah and the follower is in the first or second. It is recommended when the follower cannot hear the imam’s recitation during a jahr prayer.
Reciting Ḥamd in precautionary (iḥtiyāṭ) prayers, according to many scholars.
If someone who is required to recite silently does so aloud deliberately, their prayer becomes invalid.
The phrase “Aʿūdhu billāhi min ash-shayṭān ir-rajīm” before Surah al-Ḥamd.
All optional (mustaḥabb) prayers recited during the day.
When Is Ikhfāt Permissible in Prayer?
In these cases, the worshipper may choose to recite either silently or aloud:
Phrases other than Ḥamd, a surah, and the tasbīḥāt al-arbaʿa (e.g., recitations in rukūʿ and sujūd).
Reciting Ḥamd and a surah in Ṣubḥ, Maghrib, and ʿIshāʾ prayers for women when there is no risk of being heard by a non-maḥram.
The Prayer of Signs (Ṣalāt al-Āyāt) and Ṭawāf prayer.
The ruling for ikhfāt in missed (qaḍāʾ) prayers is the same as for on-time (adāʾ) prayers.
Question: Why are men required to recite aloud in Ṣubḥ, Maghrib, and ʿIshāʾ prayers?
Answer by Ayatollah Makārim Shirazi: In early Islam, mosques lacked lighting, so Muslims were required to recite prayers aloud during times of darkness (Ṣubḥ, Maghrib, and ʿIshāʾ) to signal to others and allow them to join the congregational prayer. This wasn’t necessary for Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr prayers, which are performed in daylight. Even after mosques were equipped with lighting, the tradition remained.
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