Salah, Salaat, or Salat all a valid pronunciation of prayer, stands as one of the most fundamental and profound acts of worship in Islam. It is a spiritual connection, a moment of reflection, and an opportunity to draw closer to God, the lord of mercy and the giver of mercy. For Muslims, Salah is not merely a ritualistic practice but a daily rendezvous with their Creator, a journey of the soul, and a reminder of their purpose in this world.
Sunni Muslims, the largest branch of Islam, observe the practice of praying five times a day as an integral part of their faith. This devotion to regular prayer is deeply rooted in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The five daily prayers serve multiple purposes:
| Prayer Times | |
|---|---|
| Fajr: | 06:02 AM |
| Sunrise: | 07:17 AM |
| Dhuhr: | 12:14 PM |
| Asr: | 02:54 PM |
| Maghrib: | 05:12 PM |
| Isha: | 06:26 PM |
Fajr – Dawn Prayer
Rak’ahs: 2
Offered before sunrise, Fajr is a two-unit (Rak’ah) prayer. It includes recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and another Quranic verse in each Rak’ah.
Dhuhr – Noon Prayer
Rak’ahs: 4
Dhuhr consists of four Rak’ahs and is performed after the sun has passed its zenith. It includes Surah Al-Fatiha and additional verses in each Rak’ah.
Asr – Afternoon Prayer
Rak’ahs: 4
Asr comprises four Rak’ahs and is observed in the late afternoon. It includes Surah Al-Fatiha and other Quranic verses.
Maghrib – Evening Prayer
Rak’ahs: 3
Maghrib is a three-unit prayer performed just after sunset. It includes Surah Al-Fatiha and other verses.
Isha – Night Prayer
Rak’ahs: 4
Isha consists of four Rak’ahs and is offered after twilight has disappeared. It includes Surah Al-Fatiha and additional Quranic verses.
See Also:
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Why
Spiritual Connection
Salaat is a means to maintain a strong spiritual connection with God throughout the day. It provides moments of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance of God’s blessings.
Discipline and Submission
Prayer instills discipline and submission in the hearts of Muslims. It reminds them of their duty to submit to the will of God in all aspects of life.
Purification of the Soul
Each prayer serves as a purification of the soul, a chance to seek forgiveness, and an opportunity to seek guidance from God.
Community and Unity
The five daily prayers bring Muslims together in congregational worship, fostering a sense of community, brotherhood, and unity.
Steps
- Wudu – Cleanse yourself
- Niyyah – Silently make intention to perform prayer.
FYI: In the prayer, when you move from one position to another, you generally say “Allahu Akbar” as a transition.
Allahu Akbar
Takbir – Begin prayer
- A’udhu billahi minash shaytanir rajim
- (I seek refuge with God from the accursed Satan)
Isti’aadha – Seek Refuge
- Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk
- Glory be to You, oh God, and all praises are due unto You, and blessed is Your name and high is Your majesty and none is worthy of worship but You
Thana/Sana – Opening Supplication
1st Rak’ah
Surah Al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil-‘alamin
Ar Rahmanir Raheem
Maliki Yawmiddeen
Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een
Ihdinas siratal mustaqeeem
Siratel ladhina an’amta ‘alayim, greyril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim wa laddalleen
Second Surah:_______
Ruku (Bowing)
“Allahu Akbar”
Bow down, placing your hands on your knees and keeping your back straight.
“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem”
“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem”
“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem”
While in this position, you say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty) three times.
Rise from Ruku
“Sami Allahu liman hamidah“
Stand up from the bowing position while saying:
- “Sami Allahu liman hamidah“
- (God hears those who praise Him).
Sujood (Prostration, first)
“Allahu Akbar”
Prostrate yourself before the lord. This posture is one of complete humility and submission to God.
a. Go into prostration with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground: “Allahu Akbar”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
Recite (3x) “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)
1, 2, 3 times.
Rise to Sitting
“Allah Akbar”
Sit up saying “Allah Akbar”
Pause for a moment and reflect.
Transition to second prostration
“Rabbighfir li”
“Rabbighfir li”
While sitting between prostrations say:
“Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me) or other supplications.
Sujood (Prostration, second)
“Allahu Akbar”
Enter into second prostration.
a. Go into prostration with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground: “Allahu Akbar”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
Recite (3x) “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)
1, 2, 3 times.
Acknowledge the greatness and perfection of God
Rise to Sitting
“Allah Akbar”
Sit up saying “Allah Akbar”
Pause for a moment and reflect.
Rise back to a sitting position before either continuing to the next rak’ah (if there is one) or proceeding to the final sitting (if it’s the last rak’ah of the prayer).
Surah Al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil-‘alamin
Ar Rahmanir Raheem
Maliki Yawmiddeen
Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een
Ihdinas siratal mustaqeeem
Siratel ladhina an’amta ‘alayim, greyril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim wa laddalleen
2nd Surah: _______
2nd Rak’ah
- Ruku and Sujood: You perform the bowing (ruku) and two prostrations (sujood) in the second rak’ah, just as you did in the first rak’ah.
Ruku (Bowing)
“Allahu Akbar”
Bow down, placing your hands on your knees and keeping your back straight.
“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem”
“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem”
“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem”
While in this position, you say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty) three times.
Rise from Ruku
“Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd“
Stand up straight from the bowing position while saying:
- “Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd“
- (God hears those who call upon Him; our Lord, praise be to You).
Sujood (Prostration, first)
“Allahu Akbar”
Prostrate yourself before the lord. This posture is one of complete humility and submission to God.
a. Go into prostration with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground: “Allahu Akbar”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
Recite (3x) “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)
1, 2, 3 times.
Rise to Sitting
“Allah Akbar”
Sit up saying “Allah Akbar”
Pause for a moment and reflect.
Transition to second prostration
“Rabbighfir li”
“Rabbighfir li”
While sitting between prostrations say:
“Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me) or other supplications.
Sujood (Prostration, second)
“Allahu Akbar”
Enter into second prostration.
a. Go into prostration with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground: “Allahu Akbar”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”
Recite (3x) “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)
1, 2, 3 times.
Acknowledge the greatness and perfection of God
Rise to Sitting
“Allah Akbar”
Sit up saying “Allah Akbar”
Pause for a moment and reflect.
- Tashahhud in the Final Sitting: In the second rak’ah of a two-rak’ah prayer (like Fajr), or the final rak’ah of prayers that have more units, you add the Tashahhud in the sitting position after the second set of prostrations. This involves reciting a set of phrases that include bearing witness to the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
You sit back on your legs for the Tashahhud. This part involves several key components:
Sitting Position: You sit with your right foot upright, resting on your left foot laid out on the ground. Your hands are on your knees, with the right index finger pointing forward during specific parts of the Tashahhud.
- Recitation of Tashahhud: You recite the Tashahhud, which includes phrases like:
At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu alla ilaha illa Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh
- (All compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to God. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of God and His blessings. Peace be upon us, and on the righteous servants of God. I bear witness that there is no god but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger).
- Salawat on the Prophet: Some also include prayers for the Prophet Muhammad after the Tashahhud, like:
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad
- (O God, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad).
Taslim (Salutation) – Ending the Prayer
(Right) As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
(Left) As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
To officially end the prayer, you turn your head to the right and say:
“As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
Then, you turn your head to the left and repeat the same salutation.
This act signifies the end of the prayer and your exit from the sacred conversation with God.
*The Tashahhud is a moment of affirmation of faith, reflection, and connection, serving as a declaration of the Muslim’s belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. It marks the preparation for concluding the prayer with a gesture of peace.