Q 5: If the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) says Takbirat-ul-Ihram (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]" upon starting Prayer) in Salat-ul-Istisqa' (Prayer for rain) or the two `Eid Prayer and forgets to say the Takbir that follows it, and he only remembers it when he starts to recite Surah Al-Fatihah, should he continue the recitation or stop and complete the Takbir?

A: If the Imam forgets to say the Takbir after Takbirat-ul-Ihram until he begins to recite Al-Fatihah, it is better for him to continue the recitation and not to go back to say the Takbir, because, as far as we know, the scholars are in agreement that it is a Sunnah (a commendable act). Q 6: If the Khatib (preacher) or those praying behind him raise their hands during Salat-ul-Istisqa', should the palms of their hands face the ground and their backs face upwards or the opposite? A: According to the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), the palms of their hand should face upwards and their backs face down. It was narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "When you ask Allah (Exalted be He), ask Him with the palms of your hands; and do not ask Him with their backs." (Related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah) (Part No. 8; Page No. 329) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.