The Eclipse Prayer – Salat al-Khusuf

Muslims mark an eclipse with a special prayer called Salat al-Khusuf, an optional prayer performed from the start of the eclipse until it ends. It’s recommended to pray in congregation if possible, but praying individually is also valid. Typically, there’s no Adhan or Iqamah; instead, one may announce “As-salatu jami’ah” to gather people.

Differences in the Four Madhabs (School of Thoughts)

• Hanafi Madhab
  • Two rak‘ahs prayed like any normal two-rak‘ah prayer, but very prolonged.
  • Recitation, bowing (ruku‘), and prostration (sujud) are all extended.
  • Prayed silently.
• Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali Madhabs
  • Two rak‘ahs, but each rak‘ah has two standings (qiyams) and two ruku‘s.
  • The imam recites aloud, with longer recitations.
  • Similarly, the bowing and prostrations are lengthened.
  • Either method is acceptable, so follow the imam’s approach if you’re in congregation. If you can’t pray long, do what you can—any amount is better than nothing.

Dua and Reflection

During the eclipse, believers are encouraged to spend the time in prayer, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and making sincere dua (supplication). Giving charity is also recommended. It’s a chance to reconnect with Allah, seeking forgiveness and increasing in humility and piety.

Khutbah (Sermon)

If the prayer is held in a mosque with a congregation, an imam may deliver a short khutbah afterward. This sermon serves as a reminder to turn back to Allah, do good deeds, and remain grateful.

A Time for Worship and Wonder

In Islam, the lunar eclipse is a moment to pause and appreciate Allah’s signs in the universe. Let it inspire us to pray, reflect, and draw closer to the Creator. May our devotion during this phenomenon bring us renewed faith and deeper gratitude for the marvels of God’s creation.

The post Lunar Eclipse & How it’s Celebrated in Islam first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Make the Most of the Remaining Days of Rajab

“O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and allow us to reach Ramadan.”

(Often recited for its beautiful meaning, though its chain of narration is debated.)

Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan form a spiritual journey. Rajab is a sacred month, so don’t miss out on its blessings. Ask yourself: How can I make the most of the rest of Rajab?

Tip: Add a simple new act of worship if you haven’t already. This could be one extra page of Quran daily or two extra rak’ahs of prayer at night.

Look Ahead to Sha’ban

Narrated Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her):

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast all of Sha’ban, he used to fast Sha’ban except a few days

Sahih al-Bukhari

Try Gentle Fasting
If you have a couple of weeks left in Rajab, try fasting one or two days to warm up. Then keep the momentum going in Sha’ban. For example: pick Mondays and Thursdays or the “white days” (13th, 14th, 15th of the lunar month) to fast. You’ll train your body and mind gradually.

Consistency Over Quantity
Don’t burn out by overdoing it. If you’re new to voluntary fasting, ease into it. If you’re already used to it, add a bit more but don’t push too hard. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised against burdening yourself so close to Ramadan.

Set Spiritual Goals and Reflect

O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you¹—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.

Qur’an 2:183

Read More Quran
If you want to complete a full Quran reading in Ramadan (khatm), start small now. A few pages in Rajab and Sha’ban can help you build a strong habit.

Example: read one page after Fajr and one page after Maghrib. Increase gradually when Ramadan comes.

Boost Your Dhikr
Short phrases like “SubhanAllah”, “Alhamdulillah”, “La ilaha illallah” and “Allahu Akbar” are powerful. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said they are beloved to Allah.

Example: If you commute, use that time for dhikr. Set phone reminders to say “Astaghfirullah” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness) a few times a day.

End-of-Day Reflection
Check in with yourself each night. Ask if you gossiped, wasted time, or missed any good deeds. This self-check helps you see where you need to improve before Ramadan.

Example: Use a small notebook to write a one-sentence reflection each evening.

Prepare Your Body and Lifestyle

Shift Your Sleep Pattern
Ramadan often involves late-night Taraweeh and early-morning Suhoor. Start sleeping and waking up 15 minutes earlier (or later) each week. This small change can help you adjust without feeling tired.

Example: Go to bed at 10:45 PM instead of 11:00 PM. Wake up at 6:45 AM instead of 7:00 AM. Keep adjusting in small steps.

Eat and Drink More Wisely
Ramadan often means big changes in daily eating and drinking habits. Start easing your body into these changes now. Cut down on extra snacks now. Drink more water. This prevents a big shock to your system.

Example: If you drink two or three cups of coffee daily, reduce it to one. Replace sugary snacks with fruits for a few weeks. Your body will thank you later.

Work on Character and Behavior

Narrated Ibn `Abbas:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to be more generous in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel used to meet him….

Sahih al-Bukhari

Start Giving Now
Ramadan is known for charity. But start small in Rajab and Sha’ban. Build the habit.

Example: If you plan to donate a certain amount in Ramadan, set aside a little each week now. You’ll be consistent and better prepared.

Tame Your Tongue and Emotions
Fasting isn’t just about food. It’s also about controlling anger, harsh speech, and bad habits. Start practicing calm reactions.

Example: When you feel upset, pause and take a deep breath. Respond only after you’re calmer.

Improve Relationships

Seek Forgiveness and Reconnect
Before Ramadan, try to mend broken ties. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stressed the importance of good family and community relations.

Example: If there’s someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, message them a simple greeting or well wishes. A small gesture can lead to healing.

Involve Family and Friends
Group goals can help you stay motivated. Share Quran readings or fasting progress with people you trust.

Example: Create a small WhatsApp group to track daily worship. Offer friendly reminders or share tips on healthy suhoor meals.

Aim for Steady Progress, Not Perfection

Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…

Qur’an 2:185

Building good habits in Rajab and Sha’ban should not be stressful. It’s okay if you miss a fasting day or skip some Quran reading. What matters is getting back on track.

Example: If you planned two fasts a week but only managed one, it’s not the end of the world. Think about the reason. Adjust for next week.

Practical Tips for Working Professionals

Plan Your Suhoor and Iftar
Busy mornings and long commutes can drain you. Plan ahead and create strategy for your suhoor and iftar after work! Keep the suhoor and iftar schedules handy.

Example: Prepare simple, healthy suhoor meals the night before. Think oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, or boiled eggs.

Manage Your Work Schedule
If you work from 9 to 5, find moments for quick prayer breaks or mini-dhikr sessions.

Example: Use your lunch break for a short prayer, Quran reading, or silent reflection instead of scrolling on your phone.

Communicate with Your Team
Let your boss or coworkers know you’ll be fasting. They might offer flexible hours or a calm space if you need a moment to recharge.

Example: Send a polite email explaining the month of Ramadan and mention you may need slight adjustments in your break schedule.

Handle Coffee Breaks and Snacks
Office culture often revolves around coffee and snacks.

Example: If you can’t cut coffee fully, reduce it step by step. If team members ask why you’re skipping snacks, give them a simple explanation about Ramadan preparation.

Keep a Water Bottle Handy
Staying hydrated is vital, especially before Ramadan.

Example: Refill your bottle each time you finish it. This simple act keeps you mindful of your water intake.

Final Thoughts

This is mid of Rajab, which means there’s still time to take advantage of what’s left in this blessed month. Then comes Sha’ban, which leads right into Ramadan. Each small step now can make a huge difference when you start fasting.

• Recenter: Renew your intentions daily.
• Build Habits: Small, consistent worship is better than big bursts that fade.
• Seek Mercy & Forgiveness: Use this time to repent and cleanse your heart.
• Envision Ramadan: Picture how you want your prayers, charity, and character to improve.

May Allah bless the remaining days of Rajab for you, guide you in Sha’ban, and help you reach Ramadan in the best state—both physically and spiritually. Ameen.

The post Practical Guide to Prepare for Ramadan first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Ramadan in 2025 is generally expected to start on March 1, but here’s the catch: the Islamic day begins at sunset. So, while you might see March 1 on your calendar, many of the special events – like the first Tarawih prayers and preparing for the pre-dawn meal (suhur) – actually kick off on the evening of February 28.

It might sound a bit confusing, but that’s just how the lunar calendar works in Islam. Every month begins when the new crescent moon is sighted, and Islamic days start at sundown. That’s why you can have moments of “Wait, is it Feb 28 or March 1?” The simple answer is both, in a way! On most printed calendars, the date is labeled as March 1, but for Muslims, the practical start-time is the evening of February 28.

If you’re new to Ramadan & looking to prepare for it or just want to be mindful of the dates, keep an eye on local mosque announcements. They’ll confirm the precise timing once folks spot the new moon. Either way, this holy month is all about heightened spiritual focus, prayer, community gatherings, and fasting from dawn to sunset. And that first night is super special: families and friends often gather for prayers, share that excitement for the month ahead, and get ready for the first dawn meal before starting the fast next morning.

So, whether you mark it as February 28 after sunset or March 1 on your calendar, try to soak in the sense of togetherness that accompanies Ramadan. Definitely get your alarm set for suhur. If you’re just being a supportive friend or curious observer, respect the timing and show a little love for those who are fasting. That’s the beauty of Ramadan – it’s as much about community and compassion as it is about personal spiritual growth.

The post When Does Ramadan Actually Begin in 2025? first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Recap on Daylight Saving Time

Basically, Daylight Saving Time is an adjustment that many countries use to take advantage of the longer daylight hours during summer. In the spring, clocks “spring forward” an hour, and in the fall, they “fall back” (in other words, they go back to their original place). This change is all about energy savings, or so they say. But it definitely throws off our perception of time.

How It Affects Prayer Times

When DST kicks in, our clocks jump forward an hour. Suddenly, prayer times seem to be an hour late. If Maghrib was at 7:00 PM yesterday, it’s 8:00 PM today. And then, when DST ends, everything shifts back an hour. This messes with our routines a bit, but it’s important to remember that the sun hasn’t actually changed – it’s still following its regular course.

Why This Matters

The thing is, Islamic prayers are determined by the actual position of the sun, not by human-made constructs like time zones or DST changes. When time shifts, you need to adjust your prayer schedule accordingly. Usually, mosque timetables usually reflect this change, but you still have to be aware. It can get a little confusing, especially when you’re used to a set routine.

Staying On Top of Things

Remember, though the clock may change by one hour, iqamah times of mosques may not change exactly by one hour. For example, at my local mosque the Fajr iqamah is 6:50 AM as of now, but with the clock going back it’ll be at 6:10 AM (instead of 5:50 AM).

Prayers Connect website and mobile app not only informs you about prayer time changes but also updates iqamah timing on such events.

The post Why Daylight Savings Time Affects Islamic Prayer Times? first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Why pray salah at all?

The relentless pace of worldly life makes it very easy to drift away from the fundamental purposes of life like maintaining a spiritual connection. Throughout the day, Muslims find solace and guidance in salah which is rooted in the divine commands of the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Salah is not just a ritual. Salah is a profound expression and core tenet of the Muslim faith. They are also means of seeking forgiveness.

Also in Salah you will have to bow down (prostrate) which is beyond just a physical act. It’s a powerful reminder to be humble and submit yourself to Allah. It is an acknowledgment of our small but significant place in this vast universe.

Why pray 5 times?

It might be common knowledge that Muslims around the globe pray five times each and every day. The number is rooted in the divine revelation. Though secondary it has some practical considerations also. However, we’ll cover divine reasoning here.

As mentioned earlier the salah is a divine instruction. The origin of salah is firmly rooted in the miraculous event of the Night Journey (Isra’ and Mi’raj) which is a pivotal moment in Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life. During this extraordinary night, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was miraculously transported from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he ascended to the heavens and talked to God directly. He (pbuh) received direct instructions from God, including the establishment of the five (5) daily salah. Initially, fifty prayers were ordained. However, with advice from prophet Musa (Moses) and his humility prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was able to get the reduction from the Almighty and settle it 5 times a day.

Why each prayer is at a specific time?

Muslims must pray each salah (prayer) within the specified time shown in the table below. However, the evidence of praying in these specified times stems from the Quran and Sunnah (prophetic traditions).

When the prayers are over, remember Allah—whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are secure, establish regular prayers. Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers at the appointed times.

Al-Quran – 4:103

Abdullah asked the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

“Which deed is the dearest to Allah?”

He (pbuh) replied:

“To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 527

Salah/prayer timing in the age of technology

Determining the precise time for each of these salah (prayer) can often be challenging. Factors like geographical location, season, and daylight change made it complicated. To estimate prayer times, historically Muslims relied on observable signs in nature, like the position of the sun. However, the advancements in technology made it easy to precisely calculate prayer times with great precision. Various apps and websites provide accurate prayer schedules based on one’s exact location, making it easier for Muslims to maintain their prayer routines easy to plan. Check out www.prayersconnect.com to find out the correct prayer times in your area.

This overview aims to provide some basic information about the importance and necessity of praying five times a day at specified times. However, if you’re looking for more technical explanations, please check the following resources:

• https://islamqa.info/en/answers/9603/why-do-muslims-pray-5-times-a-day

The post Ever Wondered Why Muslims Pray Five Times a Day? Here’s a Quick Guide! first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Mosques Near Me and Masjid Near Me

1. Visit prayersconnect.com
   To find nearby mosques head over to prayersconnect.com. The site is designed for simplicity and ease of use.
2. Selecting the area
   Depending on your desire to find a mosque near your current area or a specific different area, you’ve two options:
   • Utilize the ‘Find Nearby’ Option
     To quickly discover mosques near your current location, simply press the Find Nearby button. You’ll be prompted to provide your location permission. Once the permission is granted, it automatically locates mosques in your immediate vicinity.
   • Enter a Specific Location
     For more targeted searches, such as looking for mosques in a different area, use the search box to enter a specific address, city, or point of interest and press the Search button next to the text field.
     
     
3. Explore the Mosque Listings
   The site will present you with a list of mosques, ordered by proximity to your chosen location, making it straightforward to find the nearest or most suitable mosque.
4. Utilize Advanced Search Filters
   You can further narrow down your search by using one-click filters. You can filter mosques based on several things like odhu facilities, wheelchair accessibility, parking availability, prayer space for women etc.
5. Get Detailed Mosque Information
   Press on a mosque from the search results to view detailed information, including prayer and Iqamah times.
6. Discover Other Nearby Mosques
   Each mosque’s detail page also shows other nearby mosques, giving you more options when you search for a “mosque near me.”
7. Engage with the Community
   Prayers Connect encourages user participation, allowing you to suggest updates, correct information, or upload photos of the mosques.

Advantages of Using Prayers Connect for Your Mosque Searches

Designed for Muslims: As a Muslim-owned platform, it provides relevant and reliable mosque information.
Completely Free: Both users and mosques can access and manage listings at no cost.
Mobile Compatibility: The site is fully responsive and ideal for finding nearby mosques on any device.
Community Contributions: Enhance the site’s accuracy and relevance through user contributions.
No Ads and User-Friendly: Currently ad-free for a smooth user experience. Any future advertisements will be carefully selected to align with Islamic beliefs and principles.
Inclusive Mosque Details: Extensive information including prayer and Iqamah times.
Available Apps: For an enhanced experience, use the Prayers Connect app available for Android, Apple, and Amazon devices.

Whether you’re in your local area or traveling, Prayers Connect is your answer to your question of “… mosque near me”!

The post Ultimate Guide You Need For “Masjid Near Me” first appeared on Prayers Connect.

What is Jumu’ah?

Jumu’ah is the weekly Friday prayer observed by Muslims. It takes place every Friday, replacing the regular Dhuhr (noon) prayer. This special prayer is a time for Muslims to gather at the mosque, listen to a sermon (khutbah), and perform a collective act of worship.

Why is Jumu’ah Important?

Quranic Evidence:

In Surah (Chapter) Al-Jumu’ah Allah emphasizes the significance of the Friday prayer:

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

Al-Quran 62:9

Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized the importance of Jumu’ah in numerous hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet). One famous hadith highlights its significance:

The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it, Adam was created, and on it, he was made to enter Paradise, and on it, he was expelled from it.

Sahih Muslim

Another hadith reinforces the importance of attending the Friday prayer:

Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu’ah prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the sermon, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.

Sahih Al-Bukhari

How is Jumu’ah Performed?

• Preparation:
  • Muslims prepare for Jumu’ah by taking a ritual bath (ghusl) and wearing clean clothes.
  • They aim to reach the mosque early, as the time of Friday prayer is a blessed period.
• Khutbah (Sermon):
  • The Imam (prayer leader) delivers two sermons during Jumu’ah from a Minbar.
  • Congregants listen attentively to the sermon, which typically includes reminders about Islamic principles, moral values, and guidance as well as contemporary issues.
• Congregational Prayer:
  • After the sermon, Muslims pray two Rak’ahs (units) of Salah, which is the Jumu’ah prayer.
  • It is essential to attend the Jumu’ah prayer in congregation at the mosque.

Jumu’ah, the Muslim Friday prayer, is a pivotal and spiritually enriching aspect of Islam. It serves as a weekly opportunity for Muslims to gather, worship together resulting in a stronger community, receive guidance, and seek forgiveness. The Quran and Sunnah underscore its importance, making it an integral part of a Muslim’s life. Understanding Jumu’ah can help non-Muslims and new Muslims appreciate its significance within the Islamic faith.

In today’s fast-paced world, Prayers Connect offers Jumu’ah prayer timings for mosques across several countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, etc., helping Muslims ensure they never miss this vital Friday prayer amidst their busy lives.

The post What is Muslim Friday Prayer? How it is Performed? first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Under the new guidance, a mosque or masjid can broadcast the call to prayer every Friday between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM as well as during the sunset prayers every evening during Ramadan — a holy, month-long period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observance that arrives in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

https://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/621-23/mayor-adams-nypd-commissioner-caban-take-historic-step-embrace-adhan-muslim-call-prayer#/0

In a landmark directive, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart of the Community Affairs Bureau has issued a memorandum affirming the right of (NYC) local mosques to use speakers for the Islamic call to prayer, commonly known as the Adhan.

Effective immediately, the Adhan—a crucial practice in Islam that takes place five times a day—can be publicly broadcast through speakers. Each call lasts a couple of minutes and serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in mandatory prayer.

The Community Affairs personnel are directed to facilitate this development. Officers will visit mosques to ensure they are informed and compliant with the new guidelines.

The goal is to build an inclusive community where everyone’s religious practices are respected

Deputy Commissioner Stewart

Muslim leaders are encouraged to communicate with neighbors to establish a comfortable volume level for the call to prayer. The Community Affairs Bureau will assist mosques in fostering a positive relationship with their communities.

Although mosques do not require a special permit for this activity, there are guidelines to follow. According to the memorandum, sound systems must adhere to appropriate volume levels and cannot be operated before 9 a.m. or after sunset.

The announcement has been positively received.

This is very positive news for our community and we appreciate it a lot. Also, this reminds us to create a good relationship with our neighbors which is also our religious duty. Hopefully, in the future, with the discussions with authorities and neighbors we will be to be manage permissions for fajr & isha adhan also.

Md Belal Hossain, Imam of Baitun Noor Masjid, Ozone Park

The directive not only enhances religious freedom but also takes a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and harmonious community.

Disclaimer: Prayers Connect verified the authenticity of this news by an NYPD staff.

Official Memo

The post NYPD Community Affairs Bureau Authorizes Use of Speakers for Muslim Call to Prayer first appeared on Prayers Connect.

This issue remained unresolved for quite a long time, largely due to our non-profit budget constraints. But recently, a spark of innovation led us to a solution: leveraging AI to overcome this challenge.

In our backend API, we designed a prompt containing the information we believed would be valuable. We then made an API call to the gpt-3.5-turbo model, which in turn generated a description based on the provided details. Here’s an example:

<<OPENAI
Generate a human-friendly brief description for the mosque based on the provided data within Beginning & end of Data Section. Adhere to the following guidelines:

<A number of rules; redacted for brevity>


Beginning of Data Section
<Provided data about mosques; redacted for brevity>
End of Data Section

OPENAI

We have noticed that the generated content occasionally deviates from our instructions. However, with the availability of gpt-4, we anticipate a significant improvement that will bring us closer to our goal of providing accurate and engaging descriptions for our users.

The post Removing Language Barrier with AI – A Practical Example first appeared on Prayers Connect.

From the very beginning Prayers Connect engages software testers to make sure it is delivering bug-free & quality products to the end users. Later, we introduced internship programs for aspirational testers. Over the years our team learned a few techniques to test our web applications effectively. Here are some quick tips from our learning.

Understand the Product

Start by learning about the product. Understand its purpose, features, and target users. Understanding who are the users of the product and how they use the features is critical to think like a user.

Plan Your Testing

Don’t dive into testing without a plan. Outline what you’ll test, how you’ll test it, and when you’ll do it. This way, you’ll make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Write Detailed Test Cases

Think of test cases as your testing roadmap. Outline the steps to execute, the expected outcomes, and the actual results. It’s important to write detailed and clear test cases to ensure nothing gets lost in translation. This will be very useful to report the bugs to development teams.

Prioritize Your Tests

Not all tests are created equal. Some features are more critical than others, and they should be tested first. Prioritize your tests based on the importance of the features. If unsure, consult the product and development teams to identify critical and fragile aspects of the product.

Think Like the User

As indicated earlier, an effective test thinks like a user. You’re the advocate for the user. Always put yourself in the user’s shoes. Ask yourself: “If I were a user, what would I do?”

Try the ‘Not-so-obvious’

Developers probably told you happy path and it’s important to test that. But what about the unhappy paths and specially not-so-obvious ones? The unconventional, the unexpected? Test those edge cases too.

Always Document

Your testing is only as good as your documentation. Keep track of what you’ve tested, the results, and any bugs you’ve found. This information can be invaluable for future testing and development.

Don’t Forget About Compatibility

Your web application will be accessed from different devices, browsers, and operating systems. Make sure to test it across all possible combinations to ensure a smooth user experience. Nowadays there is no lack of solutions to test things across devices, browsers, and operating systems.

Re-Test and Regression Test

Found a bug? Great. After it’s fixed, don’t forget to re-test the functionality to make sure it’s really fixed. Also, perform a regression test to check if the fix hasn’t broken anything else. This is the area developers often fall short especially when there is no automated test coverage.

Communicate Effectively

You’re part of a team. Keep everyone in the loop about what you’re testing, your findings, and any roadblocks you’re facing. Good communication leads to quick resolution and a better end product.

In conclusion, as a tester, your role is pivotal in the collaboration between product vision and technical execution. Your keen eye and curiosity help create a seamless user experience. Remember, every bug caught is one less hurdle for users. Keep collaborating, keep exploring, and continue making the web a smoother place for all!

Note: We use automated testing extensively throughout our stack and we also use AI to assist us there. We’ll cover that in a different post.

The post Bug-free Software? A Few Quick Tips for Manual Testing first appeared on Prayers Connect.