Q 2: Is it permissible when a person hears the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) saying: "Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasul-ul-Allah (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)" to say: "O Muhammad, you are the joy of my eye"? This saying is widely spread among non-Arabs, especially Indians and Pakistanis.

A: This saying has no basis in the Shari`ah (Islamic law). Rather, it is innovated and therefore is not permissible. It is an act of Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) to repeat what the Mu'adhin says without any additions. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: When you hear the Mu'adhin, say as he says. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) However, when the Mu'adhin reaches the phrases: ''Hay `ala-al-Salah'' (come to Prayer), Hay `ala-al-Falah (come to success)," the listener should say: "La Hawla wala Quwwata illa billah (there is neither might nor power except with Allah)." (Part No. 5; Page No. 81) This was related in the Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith of Imam Muslim as authentically reported from `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace be upon him).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.