AKOLE, NAGAR

माझी अकोले नगरी


प्रवरेच्या तीरी माझी अकोले नगरी
नदीकिनारी अगस्तीच्या भक्त येती दरबारी


गंगाधर, सिद्धेश्वर मंदिर हि हेमाडपंती
दगडावर कोरलेली शिल्प पहा खुणावती


तीरावरी अलीकडे स्वामी समर्थांचा मठ
चाले जप-ताप तेथे ध्यानधारणा नित्यपाठ


प्रवरा हि मातृस्थानी सकळांचे तीर्थक्षेत्र
पिण्याला ती देते पाणी फुलविते ऊसक्षेत्र


गांधी, फुले, शिवजीनामे कितीतरी चौक
वाकडेतिकडे, उभे आडवे गल्ली बोळ कितीएक


पडके वाडे, घरे कौलारू, नगारखाना इमारत
चिरेबंदीच्या जुन्या खुणा अजूनही दिसतात


जुने गाव बदलले, चळवळीचा नाही जोम
साम्यवादी सूर हरवला, सर्वस्वाचा नाही होम


आधुनिकतेचे वारे वाहू लागले जोरात
अभ्यासाने कूस बदलली धडे गिरविती जोशात

Nandkumar Rasane ( Akole, Dist. Nagar )

  




     

मराठी कविता

शिंपल्यात पाणी घालुन समुद्र कधी दाखवता येत नाही,
हाताने काढलेल्या फुलाला सुगंध कधी येत नाही,
निळयाभोर गगनाचा अंत कधी होत नाही,
अन नाजूकअशा मैत्रीचा उल्लेख शब्दात मात्र होत नाहीं

मराठी कविता

" झरे आणि डोळे यांना फक्त वाहणे माहीत असते,
फरक एवढाच आहे की झरे वाहतात
तळ्यांच्या साठवणीत आणि डोळे वाहतात
कुणाच्या तरी आठवणीत .!! ♥ ♥

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be..

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,’ Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

DON'T THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES, LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT!

purity starts here

Shaytaan told her:
"Who would ask for your hand in marriage while you are wearing Hijaab?!
How can anyone love to marry you while you are wearing Jilbab? Why don’t you use makeup to show your beauty?
Why don’t you attract boy’s eyes to your femininity?"

She replied:
"By wearing Hijab, I am obeying the One Who created me, and obedience of Allah has never limited my freedom but it set me free.
I am not a piece of candy which attracts eager eyes.
Hijaab preserve women dignity.
That's what all girls should realize!
Hijaab is the crown of my chastity
It is the secret of my liberty.
The one who will marry me, will be proud of my purity.
He will cherish me for he will be pious and wise.
He will hold my hand and take me right to paradise" (In shaa Allah) -Aameen

purity starts here

The husband - who works hard providing for his family leaves work, endures the stress and noise of the traffic, to reach home where he hopes to find comfort, tranquillity, and a peace of mind with his wife. Many husbands arrive home to a tidy house and a wife, who smiles when she sees him, asks about his day, offers to make him something to drink and allows him time to unwind. However some husbands reach home to a wife, who frowns as soon as she sees him, then complains about everything. Which wife would the husband be pleased with? “If a woman dies while her husband was pleased with her, she will enter paradise.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Al-Hakim)




From the final sermon of Prophet Muhammad SAW:

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.a

No matter how grim your situation may seem, remember that Allah has a plan for you and the pious worshiper always have complete trust in Allah's decisions.

ALBERT EINSTEIN CHARGED BETWEEN $1 AND $5 FOR HIS AUTOGRAPHS..!!

Einstein was a a scientist celebrity in his time. Whenever someone would ask for his autograph, he would charge them either $1 for a regular autograph or $5 for signing some memorabilia.

However, it was not out of greed. All the proceeds from this, he gave to charity. He also donated his speaker fees for giving speeches. It's reported that in his time, he would earn almost $1000 per speech. 

Readers Respond: Gas or Electric Stoves? Which do you prefer and why.

Your stove is arguably the most important appliance in your kitchen. Having used both gas and electric stoves at home, I side with most professional chefs on choosing gas due to the quick response time. Which do you prefer and why? Have you tried the newer induction stoves?

Share Your Opinion

Fuzzy Navel Upside-Down Cake Recipe

If you like fuzzy navel cocktails, you will love this cake made with peaches, cherries, and peach schnapps. It makes an attractive presentation on the table. This traditional recipe made the rounds in the 70's, along with Harvey Wallbanger Cake. You can glaze it or not. Glazing gives even more visual appeal, but it is just as delicious without.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1 (29-ounce) can peach halves (7 to 8 halves), thoroughly drained and patted dry
7 to 8 maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and cut in half
.
Cake:
1 (18-ounces) yellow cake mix with pudding
1 (3-ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix
3/4 cup fresh orange juice (2 to 3 large oranges - zest before juicing)
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup peach schnapps
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel zest (use a microplane)
4 large eggs
.
Sauce:
2 Tablespoons melted butter
2 Tablespoons peach schnapps
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
.
Optional Glaze:
1 cup confectioners' powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon heavy cream or milk
1 to 2 Tablespoons peach schnapps
Preparation:Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.

Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with the brown sugar. Arrange the peach halves, cut-side up, in the large grooves at the bottom. Place cherry halves, cut-side up, in between the peaches in the smaller grooves.

To make the cake: Combine cake mix, pudding mix, orange juice, oil, peach schnapps, grated orange peel, and eggs in a large bowl on low speed until moistened, then on high speed for 2 minutes. Carefully spoon the batter over the fruit so as not to dislodge the positioning. Tap gently on the counter to force batter in between the peaches and cherries. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes on a rack. Using a wooden skewer, poke holes into the top of the warm cake (while still in the pan). Using a pastry brush, brush the sauce over the top of the cake. Let rest an additional 10 minutes, then invert the cake onto a serving platter. Let cool completely before adding optional glaze.

To make the sauce: While the cake is baking, whisk together butter, peach schnapps, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.

To make the optional glaze: In a separate small bowl, whisk cream and peach schnapps into powdered sugar, adding more schnapps until the glaze just barely drips from the whisk. Scrape into a small zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and seal. Snip off a tiny bit of one of the bottom corners of the bag and use as a pastry bag to drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.

Yield: 10 to 12 servings

Moon Photography - Moon Photography Lesson and Moon Pictures

The moon is always circling the Earth and has always been a favorite photo subject. It has also been a frustrating photo subject for many photographers. Our photo lesson will show you how to easily take great moon photos.

Moon photography is something almost everyone has tried at some point. Many times the result is a blurry image or a bright speck on the film. However, getting great moon pictures is simple once you know a few tricks to the subject. Many photographers already have the equipment to successfully take great moon photos. To reliably get good moon photographs you will need: a camera that lets you control shutter speed and aperture, and a zoom capability to about 300mm (this is 10x zoom on some point and shoot type cameras). That’s it, no tripods, no $5000 lenses, no super-human powers.

Exposure
The main problem most people have with moon photography is that they think of the moon as a “night subject”. Because of this they turn their cameras to the night preset or automatically start at a slow shutter speed to increase light. The moon, however, is so bright that the opposite is true. It is basically like taking a photo of an illuminated light bulb in a dark room. If you use the exposure reading your camera gives you with its built-in light meter, the image will be overexposed and a bright dot without any detail. To get a clear, detailed photograph of the moon you will need to underexpose the image by 1/2 stop to 1 stop. It is fine to use a small F-stop (large aperture) for this application as the distance between us and the moon increases the effective depth of field considerably.

Shutter Speed
The moon moves. Because the moon rotates around the Earth as the Earth itself is moving, slow shutter speeds will cause blur on your moon photographs. Use the highest possible shutter speed with a relatively small F-Stop to get a good exposure (in this case slightly underexposed) image. With the desired slight underexposure, you should be able to get a fast enough shutter speed to hand-hold your camera. With a 300mm zoom you will need a shutter speed of at least 1/350 for a clear image.

When to Shoot
Contrary to what you may expect, nighttime is not always the best time to shoot the moon. Just after sunset and just before sunrise often yield the best moon images. Look for a time of day when the sky still has just a hint of blue to it and you can see where you are walking without a flashlight. Because of the timing of the moon cycle, there will be several days each month when the moon rises or sets before dark night. Also, because of atmospheric conditions, the moon appears largest just after rising. The first 30 minutes after moonrise is the best time to get close-up images of the moon as it appear much larger in the sky than later in its arc.


How to Photograph the Moon - Moon Landscapes Photography

We've learned how to photograph the moon by itself, now let's learn how to photograph the moon with a landscape foreground. When photographing the moon with a foreground object, like a landscape, distance is your best friend. Because the moon is so far away there is no way you will be able to have a close subject and the moon both within the sharp depth of field. However, if you photograph the landscape from a distance the distance is compressed visually and you have a much better match between focus of the moon and your landscape. Using a smaller aperture (large F-Stop) will increase this effect.

As with most moon photography, exposure is much easier before the sun has completely set. This is especially true with most landscapes because you need some illumination from the sun to show the details of the land. For landscapes with the moon be sure to bracket your shots as what is technically the "right exposure" doesn't always return the best results. Often a slightly underexposed image of this type works best.

To Review:

Shoot from a distance
Use a small aperture (large F-Stop)
Bracket your exposures




How to Photograph the Moon Through a Telescope
While you can take good pictures of the moon with a 300mm lens, a longer lens will help you fill the frame with the moon. However, extremely long lenses are expensive so we can turn to a less expensive alternative and take moon photographs through a telescope. Yes, telescopes can be very expensive as well but good results can be achieved with a cell phone, an inexpensive telescope, and a bit of patience.


Two Methods of Telescope Photography Afocal - The most inexpensive method of taking photographs through a telescope is called afocal. This means that you focus the telescope on the object you want to photograph and then point your camera into the eyepiece to take the photo. This method works well for point and shoot cameras and cell phones. It is highly dependent on the size of the eyepiece for your telescope. The larger the eyepiece, the easier it will be to aim the camera and avoid vignetting. The trickiest part about the afocal method is keeping everything steady. For light cameras you can tape the camera to the telescope (carefully please). For larger cameras you may need to use a tripod.

Prime Focus - A slightly more expensive method is prime focus. For this type of photography you'll need a couple of added pieces of equipment. You'll need a TRing and a TAdapter designed for your camera and your telescope. These should cost around $25 each. These pieces of equipment will allow you to attach your camera directly to the telescope without the lens or eyepiece. This method allows for sharper focus and less time spent lining up the camera with the telescope for each shot.


Additional Telescope Photography Tips Minimal Focusing Distance - Remember that your camera lenses have minimal focusing distances. A small focal length lens usually has a smaller minimum focusing distance and will be easier to use in conjunction with the telescope because you can put the lens closer to the eyepiece. If your lens has a macro setting, this will help reduce the minimum focusing distance.

Manual Focus - If your camera has manual focus this will help you get a sharper image through the telescope. Smaller lens cameras such as cell phones generally handle the autofocus fine but larger lens cameras like DSLRs see a good bit of the area around the eyepiece and will have trouble using autofocus.

Shutter Shake - If your telescope is not a large heavy one, the shutter motion on your camera might cause shake with using the prime focus method. You can minimize this with good support for the camera. You can also lower your film speed and up the time the shutter is open so there is more stable recording time to overpower the time it shakes.

The Moving Moon - The higher the magnification, the more apparent the movement of the moon will be in your photography. If you have a 1000mm telescope and a doubler on your camera the moon motion could be apparent in just a few seconds. Experiment with exposure times to see what works best for your particular set up.

Exposure - As we discussed in our basic moon photography lesson, it is ok to underexpose the moon a bit. Even with the light lost through the telescope, the moon is so bright compared to the sky around it that the camera may overexpose the moon in trying to brighten the sky.

teach your child gently

Kids react in a positive manner to tender methods of disciplining rather than to constant threatening

Scolding or beating your child for every little mistake that they commit will only make them more rebellious. The task of disciplining a child needs to be handled carefully, delicately and with plenty of love.

Here's how you can discipline your child:

- Set examples for them to follow. Kids tend to ape the behaviour of elders. If you want them to get habituated to doing something, then you should do it too. For example, throw garbage in the bin or straighten your bed when you wake up or eat without chomping on your food. Your kid will automatically learn and follow these habits.

- If kids are unruly in a public place, be patient and try reasoning out with them first. If they still don't pay heed to you, resort to some stern words. If the behavior continues, walk away from them. However, remember not to raise your voice or slap them. Such a move on your part will result in them throwing tantrums to gain attention - negative or positive.

- Always treat your kids as grown-ups. They too look for respect and importance from parents. Compliment them on a task well done and include them in decision making processes like choosing their clothes or shoes or the colour for their room.

- Try not to scold your child. If you lose your temper, it will only reveal your weak spot and kids are quick to pick on those and use them effectively. Also, make sure that you possess the manners that you're trying to teach your child. For example, say 'please' or 'sorry' or 'excuse me' instead of pushing people out of your way.

- If your kid misbehaves in front of guests, don't scream at them. Wait till you get back home and then explain strictly that this kind of behavior is totally unacceptable. Also, warn them that if they repeat this behaviour, you will have to take stern action against them.

- Always ensure that a stern warning is followed by adequate acts of generosity and kindness. These acts will help your child realise the fact that your love for him hasn't diminished. It will also make him realize that you were displeased by only a certain act of his and not the individual himself.

♥.:.♥.:. *** How to be a better husband and father *** .:.♥.:.♥.:.

♥ Be the Imam, Not just the man.
- Be the leader of your household.
- Set the standard.
- Talk the talk and walk the walk.

♥ You must make everyone feel they are special and yet equal at home.

♥ Islam should be your first priority.

♥ Understand that you will not always be right.
- It is okay to ask a woman's (your mother, wife or even daughter) advice.
- Include your wife in major decisions.
- Be flexible and willing to change. This is a sign to a good leader.
- In the end, you are the leader and must make the final decision; therefore accept responsibility.

♥ Understand kindness is not a weakness.
- You must be kind and easy with your wife.
- Weigh her bad versus to good.
- You should not force her to change. Accept her as she is.
- Understand that her straightness is in her crookedness.

♥ Be patient with your children.
- Women need affection in general. Therefore, your daughters need affection too.
- Your sons need guidance and discipline.

♥ Your wives and your children are a trial.
- If you are not careful, they can lead you to Hell.
- Take care of yourself and as well as your family.
- You are a trial for them also.

Insha' Allah you will have a righteous family if you put Allah first in your life. Ameen.

Goal

"Development is neither automatic nor inevitable, every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle, the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."

champion

The game of death is played by the ones who are truly fearless, the people who love to live their lives on-the-edge. And if u get to make money while chasing your true fears-well, you are the champion!!

purity starts here

When I woke up this morning I asked myself: What are some of the secrets of success in life? I found the answer right there in my very room.The Fan said - Be cool. The Roof said - Aim high. The Window said - See the world. The Clock said - Every minute is precious. The Mirror said - Reflect before you act. The Door said - Push hard for your Goals. And don't forget, the Carpet said - Kneel down & Pray

purity starts here

I went to the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) and asked him:

What do you say (command) about our wives? He replied: Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them.

[Book 11, Number 2139 : Sunan Abu Dawud]

Top 7 myths about drinking water - busted!

In almost every culture in the world, water has been elevated to the status of miracle drug that can cure everything from dull skin to diabetes. This might, however, be pushing the truth. While water is absolutely essential for the body, its celebrated magic qualities need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Here’s a reality check on the most popular water myths.




Myth 1: Drinking water between meals is bad for digestion – This is one line that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that it will affect the digestive process. At the most, it will probably fill you up and reduce your appetite for dinner. But besides that, go ahead and enjoy a glass of water with every meal.

Myth 2: Drink 8 glasses a day for good health – Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is one of the most popular myths in circulation today, despite scientists saying that there is no clear correlation between good health and sipping on water all day. Doctors recommend drinking water only when you are thirsty!

Myth 3: Drink water, you can never have too much of a good thing! – Recent studies reveal that drinking too much water can in fact, be potentially harmful. Excessive water consumption is dangerous in that it can lower salt concentration in the body. Water intoxication, a life-threatening condition, occurs when there is dilution of blood sodium because the kidneys are over-worked, and unable to excrete the excess water as urine.

Myth 4: Water cleans out the body’s toxins – The toxins in our body are filtered out by the kidneys. And common myth says that drinking more water means clearing out the toxins. Wrong! In truth, drinking large amounts of water will actually reduce the kidneys’ ability to function as a filter

Myth 5: Drink water for healthy skin – It is widely believed that since our body’s composition is 60% water, drinking a lot of water will give you glowing skin. However, there is little evidence to support this idea. Healthy skin is a result of many things, including diet, weather, pollution and genetics.

Myth 6: Drinking water can aid weight loss – Water has been touted as the secret drug for all dieters. “Drink water and you’ll shed those pounds like magic.” This is hardly true; as we discussed, water will, at the most, fill up your stomach and reduce your food intake at mealtimes. But water is far from a miracle drug to lose weight.

Myth 7: Drink as much water as you can during a workout – It is widely believed that a workout increases chances of dehydration, so common myth says you need to increase water intake during exercise. But dehydration sets in only when you lose 2 percent of body weight. Do the math, and it is unlikely a normal workout requires increased water intake. Instead, ensure you are well-hydrated throughout the day, without over-doing it.

Islamic Prayer : Learn about how Muslims pray

Muslims believe in making a direct connection to Allah through daily worship. Daily prayers incorporate special words and actions which symbolize and express a person's faith. In prayer, Muslims praise Allah, seek guidance and forgiveness, and develop self-discipline. Here you can find all you need to know about Islamic prayer.

Islamic Glossary: Adhan
Definition: (noun) the Islamic call to prayer

To hear what the adhan sounds like, please visit one of the audio links to the right.
Pronunciation: Athan where "th" is as in the English word "the"
Alternate Spellings: azan, athan
Examples:

When the adhan was called, the Muslims went to the masjed for prayer.


Iqamah
Definition: A shorter “call to prayer” that is made immediately prior to each of the five daily Islamic prayers, to let people know that the prayer is about to begin.

The “adhan” (call to prayer) is usually called about 15-20 minutes before the prayer starts, to give worshippers time to make ablutions and gather at the mosque. When everyone has arrived and the prayer is about to begin, the “iqamah” is then called to bring the worshippers to attention that the prayer is getting underway. At that moment, the worshippers are to be ready and standing in rows, with their full attention on the worship of Allah.

The words of the “iqamah” are similar to those of the adhan, but it is said more quickly: “Allah is Great; Allah is Great; I bear witness that nothing is worthy of worship except Allah; I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; Come to Prayer; Come to Success; Prayer has begun; Prayer has begun; Allah is Great; Allah is Great; There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah.”
Pronunciation: i-qa’-ma
Alternate Spellings: Iqama
Examples:

When we heard the iqama, we knew that the prayer was about to begin.



Making Wudu (Ablution)

Here's How:
1. A Muslim begins every action with intention. To yourself, make the intention to cleanse yourself for prayer, for the sake of Allah.
2. To yourself, say "Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem" (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful).
3. Wash your hands three times, making sure the water reaches between the fingers and all over the hands. 4. Bring a handful of water to your mouth and rinse it thoroughly three times.
5. Sniff water into your nose three times to clean it. Use your right hand to bring up the water, and your left hand to expel it.6. Wash your entire face three times.
6. Wash your arms, up to the elbows, three times. Start with the right.
8. Use your wet hands to wipe over your head once, from front to back and front again.
9. Use your wet fingers to wipe the inside and outside of your ears, once.
10. Wash your feet up to the ankles three times. Start with the right.
11. Dry off.
12. Make the supplication,"Ashhadu anlaa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareekalahu, washhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluhu (I witness that none should be worshipped except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger).



Tips:
Only a small amount of water is needed for wud'u, and Muslims are not to be wasteful. Fill a small water container, or your sink, and do not leave the water running.
It is recommended to perform a two-rakah prayer after completing wud'u.




Qiblah
Definition: The direction that Muslims face when engaged in ritual prayer.

In Muslim religious practice, worshippers must all turn to face one single direction during daily prayers. This qiblah is the direction of the Ka'aba in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia. When possible, mosques are constructed in such a way that one side of the building faces the qiblah, to make it easier to organize worshippers into rows for prayer. The direction of the qiblah is also often marked in the front of the mosque with an ornamental indentation in the wall, known as a mihrab.

It should be noted that Muslims do not worship the Ka'aba. The Ka'aba is a capital and focal point of the entire Muslim world.
Pronunciation: "qib" (rhymes with "bib" with a strong, gutteral "q" sound) - "la"
Alternate Spellings: qibla, kiblah, kibla
Examples:

When Hashim was preparing for prayer, he laid his prayer rug and faced the direction of the qiblah.






What are prayer rugs, and how are they used by Muslims?

Answer: Muslims are often seen kneeling and prostrating on small embroidered rugs, called "prayer rugs." For those unfamiliar with the use of these rugs, they may look like small "oriental carpets," or simply nice pieces of embroidery.

During Islamic prayers, worshippers bow, kneel, and prostrate on the ground in humility before God. The only requirement in Islam is that prayers be performed in an area that is clean. Prayer rugs are not universally used by Muslims, nor specifically required in Islam. But they have become a traditional way for many Muslims to ensure the cleanliness of their place of prayer, and to create an isolated space to concentrate in prayer.

Prayer rugs are usually about one meter long, just enough for an adult to fit comfortably when kneeling or prostrating. Modern, commercially-produced rugs are often made of silk or cotton.

While some rugs are made in solid colors, they are usually adorned. The designs are often geometric, floral, arabesque, or depict Islamic landmarks such as the Ka'aba in Mecca or Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. They are usually designed so that the rug has a definite "top" and "bottom" -- the bottom is where the worshipper stands, and the top points towards the direction of prayer.

When the time for prayer comes, the worshipper lays the rug on the ground, so that the top points towards the direction of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After prayer, the rug is immediately folded or rolled, and put away for the next use. This ensures that the rug remains clean.

The Arabic word for a prayer rug is "sajada," which comes from the same root word (SJD) as "masjed" (mosque) and "sujud" (prostration).


How To Perform the Muslim Prayers
Five times each day, Muslims bow down to Allah in prayer. If you are learning how to pray, or are just curious about what Muslims do during prayers, follow along with these general guidelines. For more specific guidance, check out these online prayer tutorials to help walk you through it.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:
Make sure your body and place of prayer are clean. Perform ablutions if necessary. Make the intention to perform your obligatory prayer.
Standing, raise hands up and say "Allahu Akbar" (God is Most Great).
Standing with hands folded over chest, recite the first chapter of the Qur'an in Arabic. Then recite any other verses of the Qur'an that you would like.
Raise hands up, saying "Allahu Akbar." Bow, reciting three times, "Subhana rabbiyal adheem" (Glory be to my Lord Almighty).
Rise to standing while reciting "Sam'i Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (God hears those who call upon Him; Our Lord, praise be to You).
Raise hands up, saying "Allahu Akbar." Prostrate on the ground, reciting three times "Subhana Rabbiyal A'ala" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
Rise to a sitting position, saying "Allahu Akbar." Prostrate again in the same manner.
Rise to a standing position, saying "Allahu Akbar."
This concludes one rak'a (cycle or unit of prayer). Begin again from Step 3 for the second rak'a.
After two rak'as, one remains sitting after the prostrations and recites the first part of the Tashahhud in Arabic.
If the prayer is to be longer than these two rak'as, one now stands up and begins again to complete the prayer, sitting again after all rak'as have been completed.
Recite the second part of the Tashahhud in Arabic.
Turn to the right and say "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace be upon you and God's blessings).
Turn to the left and repeat the greeting. This concludes the formal prayer.
Tips:
There are five daily prayer timings. Formal prayers can be done during a window of time between the start of one prayer and the start of the following prayer.
If Arabic is not your native tongue, learn the meanings in your language while trying to practice the Arabic.
Online tutorials are available that can help you learn the correct positions and Arabic pronunciations. Better yet, pray with other Muslims to learn.
 
What You Need
The heart-felt intention to perform the prayer
A clean body with correct ablutions
A clean place to pray
A prayer rug (optional)


Why do we say "Ameen" during prayers?
In the Islam Forum, aspar asks: Why do Muslims end prayers with "Ameen" and Christians with "Amen?" Where did these words come from and what do they mean?
Answer: Amen (also pronounced Ahmen, Aymen, Ameen or Amin) is a word which is used in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to express agreement with God's truth. It is believed to have originated from an ancient Semitic word consisting of three consonants: A-M-N. In both Hebrew and Arabic, this root word means truthful, firm, and faithful. Common English translations include "verily," "truly," "it is so," or "I affirm God's truth."

This word is used in Judaism and Christianity as an ending word for prayers and hymns. When saying "amen," worshippers confirm their belief in God's word, or affirm agreement with what is being preached or recited.

In Islam, the pronuciation "ameen" is often recited during daily prayers at the end of Surah Al-Fatihah (the first chapter of the Qur'an). It is also said during and at the end of personal supplications (du'a).

Any use of ameen in Islamic prayer is considered optional (sunnah), not required (wajib). The practice is based on the example and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He reportedly told his followers to say 'ameen' after the imam (prayer leader) finishes reciting the Fatiha because: "If a person's saying 'ameen' at that time coincides with the angels saying 'ameen', his previous sins will be forgiven."

There is some difference of opinion among Muslims about whether "ameen" should be said during prayer in a quiet voice or a loud voice. Very few debate about whether it should be said at all; its use is widespread among Muslims.

Imam : Meaning and role of the imam in Islam

What does an imam do? The imam leads Islamic worship services, but may also take on a larger role in providing community support and spiritual advice.

How is an imam chosen?
An imam is selected at the community level. Members of the community choose someone who is considered knowledgeable and wise. The imam should know and understand the Quran, and be able to recite it correctly and nicely. The imam is a respected member of the community. In some communities, an imam may be specifically recruited and hired, and may have undergone some special training. In other (smaller) cities, imams are often chosen from among the existing members of the Muslim community. There is no universal governing body to supervise imams; this is done at the community level.


What does an imam do?
The primary responsibility of an imam is to lead Islamic worship services. In fact, the word "imam" itself means "to stand in front of" in Arabic, referring to placement of the imam in front of the worshippers during prayer. The imam recites the verses and words of prayer, and the people follow his movements. During the service, he stands facing away from the worshipers, toward the direction of Makkah.

For each of the five daily prayers, the imam is present at the mosque to lead the prayers. On Friday, the imam usually delivers the khutba (sermon). The imam also leads the taraweeh (nightly prayers during Ramadan), either alone or with a partner to share the duty. The imam also leads all other special prayers, such as for funerals, prayers for rain, prayers during an eclipse, and more.

What other role does an imam serve in the community?
In addition to being a prayer leader, the imam may also serve as a member of the larger leadership team in a Muslim community. As a respected member of the community, the imam's advice may be sought in personal or religious issues. One may ask him for spiritual advice, help with a family issue, or in other times of need. The imam may be involved in visiting the sick, engaging in inter-faith service programs, officiating marriages, and organizing educational gatherings in the mosque. In modern times, the imam is increasingly in a position to educate and reform youth away from radical or extremist viewpoints. Imams reach out to youth, inspire them in peaceful pursuits, and teach them the correct understanding of Islam -- in the hopes that they will not fall prey to misguided teachings and resort to violence.

So, an imam is a member of clergy?
No, there is no clergy in Islam. Muslims believe in a direct connection with the Almighty, without need of an intercessor. The imam is simply a leadership position, for which someone is hired or selected from among the community members. A full-time imam may undergo special training, but this is not required. There is no universal governing body to supervise imams; this is done at the community level.

The word "imam" can also be used in a broader sense, referring to any person who leads prayer. So in a group of young people, for example, one of them may volunteer or be selected to be the "imam" for that prayer (meaning, he or she will lead the others in prayer).

Among Shia Muslims, the concept of an imam takes on a more central clerical position. They believe that their specific imams were chosen by God to be perfect examples for the faithful. They must be followed, since they were appointed by God and are free from sin. This belief is rejected by the majority of Muslims (Sunni).

Can women be imams?
At the community level, all imams are men. When a group of women are praying without men present, however, a woman may serve as the imam of that prayer. Groups of men, or mixed groups of men and women, must be led by a male imam.