Masah over Neck in Wudu, Recitation in Nafl Salat

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 14 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1423, 27 May 2002


Q.) I would really appreciate if you can answer my following questions in the light of Qur'an and Sunnah.

1. I live in U.S.A. In Jummuah prayers last week, the Imam said in Khutba that Masah over the neck is not sunnah. Is he right? I know that masah over neck is not fard, but it is sunnah. Please explain.

2. He also said that in Nafil salat, it is not necessary to read any surah; Just surah Fatiha is enough. Is he right? Please have any Mufti sahib respond to these questions, so that I can talk authentically with him. [Wajid Khan]


A.) 1. Sayyidna Abdullah ibn Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, narrates that the holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, 'Whoever performs Wudhu and passes his hand (Masah) over his neck (nape), will be saved from (the punishment of) wearing the yoke on the day of Qiyaamat. (Daylami; I'elaaus sunan vol.1 pg.121; Idaaratul Qur'an)

2. In principle, it is necessary to recite Surah Faatiha followed by a Surah in all Rakaats of Nafl Salat. (Hidaaya vol.1 pg.148; Shirka Ilmiyya)

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best