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Salah is the second Pillar of Islam and is the act of worship in Islam. Salah consists of obligatory prayers sent down by Allah, performed five times a day at prescribed timings. It is a form of direct communication with Allah and plays a fundamental role in Islamic faith.
In this guide we will explore the importance of Salah, the power of Prayer in Islam, and the benefits behind performing Salah.
The word Salah derives from the Arabic root, meaning ‘to connect’. The purpose of Salah is to form a connection with Allah. Salah requires physical worship, reciting the verses of the Quran whilst facing the Qiblah (the direction of the Kabbah in Makkah). The key to Salah is to remain focused in worship, engaging in the acknowledgement of your Lord, and concentrating in His presence.
The Quran mentions the command to perform Salah time and time again. The importance of Salah is also declared on multiple occasions.
“And establish Prayer and give Zakah and bow down with those who bow down (in worship and obedience)” [Quran 2:43]
Salah has been sent down as a gift by Allah to find solace in His sanctuary.
Every Muslim believer knows that Salah is the single most important act in Islam. It is part of a Muslim’s lifestyle, integrated within their day-to-day life. Muslims unite across the world to pray, connecting to Allah, to remember Him and worship Him.
Prayer in Islam is the first deed in which a believer will be asked about on the Day of Judgement. It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said “The first deed for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is good then he will have prospered and succeeded, but if it is bad then he will be doomed and have lost.” [Tirmidhi]
Salah has been sent down to be performed at fixed timings. The five daily prayers are as follows:
The first prayer, to be performed before sunrise.
Performed shortly after noon.
Performed in the later time of the day.
Begins after the sun goes down.
The last prayer, performed before retiring for the night.
It has been ordered by Allah to perform the five daily prayers within their fixed times without any delay. Allah mentions in the Quran “So woe unto those performers of Prayer, who are heedless, delaying their Prayer from its fixed times.” [Quran 107:4-5]
“Indeed, Salah prevents immorality and wrongdoing.” [Quran 29:45]
Salah is a sacred moment to connect with Allah. There are many benefits in praying Salah and the vast powers behind it.
Salah is there to build Taqwa (belief in Allah). It is there to maintain devotion to Allah (SWT), to increase closeness to Him and remain steadfast on the submission to the Creator.
Performing Salah fosters discipline.
When performed with sincerity, Salah purifies the heart and soul, and brings peace to the mind.
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.” [Quran 13:28]
To stand in prayer and reciting the verses sent down by Allah strengthens the faith of a believer.
Salah instils consistency; it gives a chance for one to take a break from their busy schedule to speak to their Lord.
The conditions and Pillars of Salah are what form the Salah itself. Without these, Salah becomes void.
Certain conditions must be followed for Salah to become valid. If any of the conditions are not met then the Salah becomes invalid.
Salah will not be accepted if it’s not performed by a believer of Islam. The person performing Salah must be a Muslim.
The person performing Salah must have the mental capacity to stand in prayer. A mentally challenged person is not obligated to pray.
The person performing Salah must have reached the age of puberty for it to be accepted.
Salah must be performed in a state of purity. Ghusl (shower) must be performed for one who is not in a state of spiritual purity.
Anyone performing Salah must wear clothes that are clean and free from impurity.
The Awrah (certain body parts for men and women) must be covered during the prayer.
Salah must be prayed during its accurate time, not a minute before or not a minute after the prescribed timing ends.
Facing the direction of the Qiblah (the direction towards the Ka’ba in Makkah) is obligatory. Salah cannot be performed by facing any other direction.
The person standing in Salah must make the intention to pray to Allah and no other.
There are Pillars which must be applied in order for Salah to be valid. If any of these Pillars are not implemented then the Salah becomes invalid.
One must stand in Salah unless physically unable to; then they may sit and pray.
The first Allahu Akbar must be recited.
Surah Fatiha is the opening verse to be recited in Salah followed by any other verse of the Quran.
Known as Ruku’, one must go into a bowing position.
One must then rise from Ruku’.
Sujood is done with seven placements of the body on the floor: the forehead and nose, both palms of your hands, both knees, and both feet – all of which must touch the floor during prostration.
One must then rise up from prostration.
After the first prostration it is required to sit before proceeding to prostrate again.
Calmness and tranquillity must be practiced within your prayer.
The Pillars must be done in repetitive order.
The final Tashahhud is prayed.
You must sit during this last and final Tashahhud.
You must send Salaam upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reciting Allahumma Salli’Ala Muhammad…
The two Tasleem (Assalamu’Alaykum Wa Rahmatu Allah) must be recited to your right side followed by your left side.
Salah is what distinguishes a believer from others. It is a gift, a means of peace, and a direct connection to Allah that strengthens faith and purifies the soul.
