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Salah, or Islamic prayer, is a cornerstone of the Muslim faith. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, it holds immense spiritual and practical importance, serving as a daily reminder of one’s connection to Allah. This guide is for any beginners, those seeking a refresher, or those wanting a deeper understanding of the rulings around Salah. From understanding its components to learning how to perform it, let this guide illuminate your path.
Salah, the Islamic prayer, is an act of worship performed five times a day. It strengthens the bond between Muslims and Allah, promotes discipline, and nurtures a sense of community. The Quran emphasises the significance of Salah repeatedly, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238):
“Guard strictly the prayer, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion.”
Salah is more than just a ritual, it’s a means to attain tranquillity, mindfulness, and spiritual alignment. Missing Salah without a valid excuse can have consequences, leading to spiritual disconnection and negligence of one’s duty to Allah.
Muslims pray five times daily:
Rakat: Units of prayer that include standing, bowing, and prostration.
Fard: Obligatory acts in Salah that cannot be omitted.
Nafl: Voluntary prayers offering extra rewards.
Witr: A special prayer performed as a closure at Isha.
Before performing Salah, one must be in a state of physical purity:
Make the Intention (Niyyah): Internally resolve to perform wudu for the sake of worshiping Allah.
Say “Bismillah”: Begin by saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).
Wash Hands: Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, ensuring water reaches between the fingers.
Rinse Mouth: Rinse your mouth three times, swishing water around and spitting it out.
Cleanse Nose: Sniff water into your nose and blow it out three times to cleanse it.
Wash Face: Wash your entire face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
Wash Arms: Wash both arms up to the elbows three times, starting with the right arm, ensuring all areas are covered.
Wipe Head (Masah): Wet your hands and wipe over your head once, from the front to the back and back to the front.
Clean Ears: Using your wet fingers, clean the inside and outside of your ears.
Wash Feet: Wash both feet up to the ankles three times, starting with the right foot, ensuring water reaches between the toes.
Recite the Dua: Upon completing wudu, recite the supplication:
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.”
(I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.)
Tayammum is a dry form of ablution using clean earth or sand, permissible when water isn’t available.
Make the Intention (Niyyah): Internally resolve to perform Tayammum as a substitute for wudu or ghusl.
Say “Bismillah”: Begin by saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).
Strike the Earth: Lightly strike your hands on a clean surface like soil, sand, or dust.
Wipe Face: Using your palms, wipe your entire face once.
Wipe Hands: Wipe your hands and forearms up to the wrists once.
Complete with a Dua: Recite a supplication, such as:
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.”
(I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.)
Both genders should ensure their clothing is clean and modest.
Select a clean environment for prayer. A prayer mat is often used, but any clean surface suffices. Before starting, ensure your intention (Niyyah) is clear and you’re facing the Qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. This is why Muslims pray towards Mecca, uniting all worshippers in a singular direction of devotion. You can use the qibla finder on google or a compass to help direct the location accurately.
The Adhan is a call to prayer that signals the time for Salah. Its words serve as a reminder of Allah’s greatness and the purpose of life. Find the translation below:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest)
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah”
(I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah)
“Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah”
(I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
“Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah”
(Hasten to the prayer)
“Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah”
(Hasten to success)
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest)
“La ilaha illa Allah”
(There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah)
During the early morning (Fajr) prayer, an additional line is added:
“As-Salatu Khayrun Minan-Nawm”
(Prayer is better than sleep)
After hearing the Adhan, it is Sunnah to recite the following dua:
“O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad the intercession and favour, and raise him to the praised position You have promised him.”
Quietly resolve in your heart the specific prayer you are about to perform.
Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
Standing, recite the opening chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another short Surah or a few verses.
Bend at the waist, placing your hands on your knees, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
Return to a standing position, saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him).
Kneel and place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Sit momentarily before performing another prostration.
In the last Rakat, remain seated and recite the Tashahhud and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
End Salah by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying “As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
Failing to pray without a valid reason is a grave matter in Islam. The Quran warns against neglecting prayer in Surah Maryam (19:59):
“But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires; so they are going to meet evil.”
Regular Salah ensures spiritual fulfilment and safeguards from sin and despair.
Although prayers are to be observed in due time, there are ways to compensate for missed prayers, this is by reading Qada (Qaza) Namaz.
Oversleeping or forgetting due to circumstances beyond one’s control.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever forgets a prayer or sleeps through its time, then let him pray it as soon as he remembers.”
Genuine emergencies or circumstances where prayer was not possible.
If a prayer was deliberately missed in the past, one can perform Qada Namaz with sincere repentance.
Perform the prayer in the same manner as the missed one.
Make an intention for Qada of the specific prayer, e.g., “I intend to perform Qada for Fajr.”
Please bear in mind that it is not permissible to delay prayers intentionally without valid reasons. Muslims are encouraged to fulfil missed prayers as soon as possible and avoid accumulating Qada prayers.
Salah is a gift, offering guidance, discipline, and inner peace. Whether you’re learning how to pray as a Muslim or seeking a refresher, know that your efforts are steps towards a closer relationship with Allah.
By committing to Salah, you embody the essence of Prayer in Islam, humility, gratitude, and devotion. Join Orphans in Need in helping others fulfil their spiritual and physical needs by donating to empower those in need worldwide.
