Q. Could you please explain the correct way to do the sujood, or prostration, when reading the Qur’an.

Zainab

A. There are 14 or 15 verses in the Qur’an that mention prostration as a good quality of believers. When we come across any of these verses, whether we are reading the Qur’an in prayer or not, we are strongly recommended to perform the prostration.

It is done in the same way as the prostration we normally do in every rak’ah in any prayer. However, if we are not in prayer and we are reading the Qur’an, this prostration should be done in the same way, saying first Allahu Akbar, which means, ‘God is supreme.’ When we finish the prostration we sit up and say the salam to finish in the same way as we finish any prayer. The prostration is sometimes done at the end of the verse in which the mention of prostration occurs, while at others it is at the end of the next verse.

The exact point is marked in all copies of the Qur’an. If it is done in prayer, we add this prostration, then stand up to resume our recitation and complete the prayer normally.

If we are reading the Qur’an at a time when prayer is discouraged, should we do the prostration? Scholars have different opinions, with some saying that we should and others maintain the opposite view. We may choose either opinion, as we feel is best.

Working in a Bank

Q. Is it permissible for someone to work in a bank as a specialist in information technology?

M. Samiuddin

A. This is a very technical job and the person who does it in a bank has nothing to do with the actual business of the bank. Therefore, he is not in any of the categories which are cursed by God, including the documentation of usurious transactions or witnessing them, let alone arranging and organizing them. Therefore, it is permissible.

Some people may suggest that even though the person who holds this job does not do the banking work, he is making it possible by maintaining the computers of the bank. Thus, he can be deemed as involved in the work. This is a shallow argument that need not unduly bother anyone.

The Lunar Calendar

Q.1. Is the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia adjusted every month after the actual sighting of the new moon, or is it prepared in advance on the basis of astronomical data? Is it possible that the moon sighting in Makkah can be made the basis of a global lunar calendar?

Shah Khan

A. The calendar is not adjusted every month. It is prepared in advance on the basis of astronomical data, which is highly accurate and reliable. In fact it is so reliable that we can know the actual beginning of every calendar month 100 or 200 years in advance. Thus, there is no problem with producing a lunar calendar, whether local or global. The physical sighting of the new moon every month is unnecessary for such a purpose. Moreover, the sighting of the moon with the naked eye could always be mistaken. In fact, mistakes in the sighting of the moon frequently occur, as happened this year. When such a mistake takes place, it usually corrects itself within a month or two. You need not worry about this.