Nakir) easy, and exalt him and have mercy on him, O Thou
most Merciful."

The other persons present then offer a Fatiha.[222]

After this, they may, if they like to do so, read the Surat-ul-Ya Sin
(xxxvi) and the Surat-ul-Mulk (lxvii.) It is not common to do so. Then
retiring forty paces from the grave they again offer a Fatiha, for by this
time the examination of the deceased has commenced. The first night is one
of great trouble to the deceased, so alms should be given liberally that
night in his name. In order to relieve him as much as possible, two nafl
rak'ats of a Namaz should be said. After the Fatiha in each rak'at the
worshipper should repeat the Ayat-ul-Kursi {213} (Throne-verse)[223] three
times; then the Surat-ut-Takisur (102) eleven times; then the
Surat-ul-Iklas (112) three times.

After the Salam and the Darud the worshipper lifts up both hands, and with
great humility prays that the reward of the service just concluded may be
bestowed on the deceased.

(viii). Salat-ul-Istikhara.--This is a Namaz said before undertaking any
special work. The person recites two rak'at prayers. After each rak'at he
says the following Du'a: "O God, make me know what is best for me, and keep
me from evil, and bestow good upon me, for I have no power to know what is
best for me." He then goes to sleep, during which period be expects to
receive a special inspiration (Ilham) which will give him the needed
directions and guide him aright as to the matter in hand.

(ix). Salat-ut-Tarawih.--This consists of twenty rak'ats recited each
evening during the month of Ramazan. An account of these will be given in
the next chapter when the ceremonies connected with the Ramazan fast are
described.

3. ROZA, THE THIRTY DAYS' FAST OF RAMAZAN.--Fasting is defined to be
abstinence from food, drink and cohabitation from sunrise to sunset. There
must also be in the mind the intention of keeping a fast. The person should
say: "O Lord, I intend to fast to-morrow for Thy sake. Forgive my past and
future sin." When the fast is ended he says: "O God I fasted for Thy sake
and had faith in Thee, and confided in Thee and now I break (iftar) the
fast with the food Thou givest. Accept this act."

It is a farz duty to keep the fast during the thirty days of the month
Ramazan. This is laid down in the words: "O believers! a fast is prescribed
to you as it was prescribed to those before you." "As to the month Ramazan,
in which the Quran was sent down