format_quote Originally Posted by
glo
read this comment elsewhere and wondered if this is really an Islamic practice? It looks like magic to me ...
I'm not sure what verses were being referred to in the quote, but see this hadeeth:
Narrated `Aisha:
Whenever Allah's Messenger (peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon him) went to bed, he used to recite the Mu'auwidhaat (i.e. Surat al-Falaq 113 and Surat-an-Nas 114) then blow on his hands and pass his hands over his body.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6319
In-book reference: Book 80, Hadith 16
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 8, Book 75, Hadith 331
This is an authentic practice of the Prophet, which we also do, as part of our night time supplications when we get into bed, to seek refuge in Allah from all kinds of evil and harm.
format_quote Originally Posted by
glo
Are practices like this encouraged in Islam?
Only practices authentically transmitted from the Prophet (peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon him)
format_quote Originally Posted by
glo
I have also heard other things said by Muslims - for example "Allah will answer your prayer when it rains"
One of the great mercies of Allah is that He has favoured certain times over others. Thus, he has distinguished these timings so that the worshipper can eagerly anticipate their arrival, and thus pray earnestly and with fervor. Had all timings been the same, the worshipper would not have had the same enthusiasm and fervor that exists during more blessed times. Therefore it is important that the one who desires that his dua be answered utilise these times, and ensure his dua is more frequent during them. Some of the times, places and actions are mentioned below:
In the last third of the night
Between the adhaan (call to prayer) and iqaamah (call to start prayer)
After the salaat (five times daily prayers)
When drinking zamzam water
During the month of Ramadan
During the Laylatul Qadr (a certain night in Ramadan)
Inside the Ka'bah
At mounts Safa and Marwa
After stoning the Jamarat during Hajj
The day of Arafah
The first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah
When rain falls
format_quote Originally Posted by
glo
I find these kind of things very alien and it makes me feel uncomfortable.
This seems odd to me. To recite Qur'anic verses and then blow gently on your hands and pass over your own body makes you feel uncomfortable.
Yet the acceptance of the sacrifice of an innocent man and his dying a slow, painful, humiliating, and bloody death on a cross for your salvation, doesn't make you feel uncomfortable. It doesn't seem consistent.