The Use of the Device Called (Al-Murshid)
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Fatwa No. ( 20982 )
Q: A device called (Al-Murshid) is used to help determine the direction of the qiblah and to keep track of the number of rak'ahs in the prayer. It is attached to the worshipper's prayer mat. Is it permissible to use it or not?
A: The use of the device called (Al-Murshid), which is attached to the worshipper's prayer mat to determine the direction of the qiblah and the number of rak'ahs in the prayer, is subject to a detailed ruling: Using it to determine the direction of the qiblah is permissible, because whatever aids in knowing the qiblah is sought after in the Shari'ah. However, using it to keep track of the number of rak'ahs in the prayer is an act of excessive effort and delving too deeply into worship, which in Islam is based on ease and simplicity. Furthermore, relying on this device aids in the mind's distraction from the objectives of the prayer and the presence of the heart in it, and it opens the door to frivolity regarding this great pillar and this manifest Islamic practice. Therefore, leaving it alone is obligatory in the Shari'ah. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: A device called (Al-Murshid) is used to help determine the direction of the qiblah and to keep track of the number of rak'ahs in the prayer. It is attached to the worshipper's prayer mat. Is it permissible to use it or not?
A: The use of the device called (Al-Murshid), which is attached to the worshipper's prayer mat to determine the direction of the qiblah and the number of rak'ahs in the prayer, is subject to a detailed ruling: Using it to determine the direction of the qiblah is permissible, because whatever aids in knowing the qiblah is sought after in the Shari'ah. However, using it to keep track of the number of rak'ahs in the prayer is an act of excessive effort and delving too deeply into worship, which in Islam is based on ease and simplicity. Furthermore, relying on this device aids in the mind's distraction from the objectives of the prayer and the presence of the heart in it, and it opens the door to frivolity regarding this great pillar and this manifest Islamic practice. Therefore, leaving it alone is obligatory in the Shari'ah. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.