Introduction to Salat

Before starting the prayer, a person is required to achieve cleanliness (Taharah) by ,

• Performing Wudu (ablution).
• Taking Bath (ghusul).
• Wearing clean clothes with Islamic requirements.
• Selecting a place of prayer facing Kabah

The Benefits of Prayer

• Salaat has been made compulsory on all believers in all situations. It is an activity which cannot be neglected under any circumstance. This obligation on us should not be regarded as a burden, but rather it should be cherished and appreciated. It is said that a pious person is one who enjoys their prayer. This statement conforms to the hadith, which states that the Prophets’ three most beloved things were his wives, perfume and prayer. Besides attaining spiritual upliftment from performing one’s salaat, one may also gain many physical and psychological benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is recorded in a hadith (Ibn Majah) stating that prayer is a cure for many diseases. The wisdom in this claim can be understood when assessing the physical benefits of the act of prayer.

• The process of performing salaat expects certain movements and actions, these actions performed at least five times a day have been found to equate to jogging or walking at a rate of 3 miles an hour. This is a basic level of exercise strongly advocated by doctors and members of the medical fraternity on a whole. The importance of exercise is undeniable, with potential benefits to the cardiac, respiratory, skeletal and muscular system. The dynamics of salaat contribute to the improvement of all of these systems, with specific emphasis on the muscular and cardiac systems. Each physical aspect of the prayer is beneficial, but we will focus on ‘sajdah’ to illustrate the effectiveness of salaat as a form of exercise. Before we delve into this discussion, it needs to be noted that the purpose of performing salaat should not be to obtain health benefits, but rather to fulfil a religious requirement. The fact that there are physical benefits associated with prayer comes as a blessing.

• Sajdah is the part of the prayer which requires the musalli (individual carrying out the prayer) to prostrate with his/her nose and forehead pressed against the ground. It has a particular spiritual significance in that it is in this position that the believer is closest to his/her Lord. Knowledge of this has psychological benefits as the believer develops a connection with their creator placing them at ease. In terms of the muscular system, the Prophet advised those in sajdah to keep their forearms elevated, this has been found to place more tension on the muscles of the upper and lower arms. The back and neck muscles also actively contract and extend during the process, and it is these mechanisms which work towards strengthening the muscles and ligaments.

• This position of the prayer is also quite unique in that it is one of the few postures which lowers the brain to a level lower in height than the heart. This allows blood to flow with less resistance to the central nervous system, allowing improved performance of cognitive function.

• There is also great wisdom in the timing of the five daily prayers. The salaat which tends to impact most dramatically on the routine of most believers is Fajr, as it is often this prayer which defines the sleeping pattern of the believer. Studies in America have shown that for most people the optimum amount of sleep required is seven hours, while those who exceed this period tend to have slightly shorter life-spans. The Prophet in this respect, like all other areas, provides the best example. It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) would sleep soon after Isha and then awake at midnight to perform night prayers. This sleep routine has been adopted in Europe to treat patients with depression, as this structure has been found to improve wellbeing.

• In this article a glimpse of the benefits of prayer has been presented, and Insha-Allah with this knowledge you may develop a greater appreciation for your salaat.

There are five obligatory prayers in a day. Each Salat must be offered at or during its proper time.The Muslim should make a serious effort to pray each prayer at the beginning of its period.

1. The Morning Prayer (SALAT-UL-FAJR)
   It can be performed at any time between the breaking of the dawn till just before sunrise.

1. The Noon Prayer (SALAT-UL-ZUHR)
   Its time begins after the sun declines from its zenith until it is about mid-afternoon.

1. The Afternoon Prayer (SALAT-UL-ASR)
   Its time begins soon after the time for Zuhr prayer ends and extends to just before sunset.

1. The Evening Prayer (SALAT-UL-MAGHRIB)
   Its time begins just after sunset and extends to a period of an hour and a half.

1. The Night Prayer (SALAT-UL-ISHA)
   Its time begins about an hour and a half after sunset and extends to dawn.

 

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Ablution (Wudu)

  Ablution or wudu is the cleansing of yourself before you pray. A prayer is not accepted with out the Ablution being performed. Remember when a Muslim prays they know they are in front of Allah and cleansing yourself is essential. You wouldn't go to a job interview dirty would you?

 

Types of Ablution:

1. Partial Ablution or Wudu - Consists of cleaning parts of body that are exposed to dirt, dust or elements of nature.
2. Complete Ablution - Consists of performing complete Bath followed by Wudu . During Bath, every part of the body is cleansed. It is required after intimate intercourse, after wet dreams or discharge or after the expiration of mensturation period for women.
3. Tayammum (Dry Ablution) - Tayammum, in certain circumstances can be a substitute for a complete Bath & Wudu. It is done by touching on clean earth, sand or stone and then wiping the face and then both hands to the wrists, when water is not available or is not practical to make use of water.

Steps in performing Partial Ablution (Wudu).

1. Declare the intention that the act is for the purpose of worship & purity.
   
   Start by saying:
   Bismillah
   
   "In the Name of Allah"
2. Wash the hands up to the wrists, three times.
   
3. Rinse out the mouth with water, three times.
   
4. Cleanse the nostrils by sniffing water
   into them by the right hands & then eject the
   water with left hand, three times.
   
5. Wash the whole face three times with both hands,
   from the top of the forehead to the bottom
   of the chin and from ear to ear.
   
6. Wash the right arm three times up to the forend of the elbow,
   and then do the same with the left arm
   
7. Wipe the whole head with a wet hand, once.
   
8. Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and
   their outer sides with the thumb. This should be done with
   wet fingers.
   
9. Wash the two feet up to the ankles, three times, beginning
   with the right foot and then the left foot.
   
   
   The process ends with the recitation of the "Kalima-Shahadah"
   
   ASH-HADU ALLA ILAHA ILLALLAHU WA-ASH-HADU
   AN-NA MUHAMMADAN ABDUHU-WA-RASULUH.
   
   (I declare there is no god except Allah and I declare Mohammed is the messenger of Allah)

At this stage the partial ablution is completed and a person who has performed it in the prescribed manner is ready to start his prayer.

Note: Nullification of partial ablution

Partial ablution has to be repeated before performing prayers in cases of going to the bathroom. passing gas, vomiting or falling asleep.

 

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DRESS

Before offering your salat make sure you are properly dressed. For men and boys, the dress should be such that it covers their body from the navel to the knees at least.

Women are required to cover themselves from head to foot, leaving only the face and hands uncovered. The dress for salat must be clean and free from all filth.

 

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PLACE

Wherever a person might be, one can turn towards Allah in salat and in devotion.
The Prophet has said, "The (whole of the) earth has been rendered for me a mosque: pure and clean". Preferably salat is to be offered in jamaat - congregation.
Whenever possible, one should pray facing the Kabah, Makkah.

 

 Call To Prayer

To assemble the Muslims for congregational prayer, "Athan" , or the call to prayer is given. The caller (Muadh-dhin) stands facing Kabah (Qiblah), and raising his hands to his ears calls in a loud voice:

ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR ASH-HADU AL-LA ILAHA ILLALLAH ASH-HADU AL-LA ILAHA ILLALLAH ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR RASULULAH ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR RASULULAH HAYYA ALAS SALAH HAYYA ALAS SALAH HAYYA ALAL FALAH HAYYA ALAL FALAH ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR LA ILAHA ILLALLAH

(Allah is the greatest) (Allah is the greatest) (Allah is the greatest) (Allah is the greatest) (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah) (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah) (I bear witness that muhammad (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah) (I bear witness that muhammad (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah) (Come to prayer) (Come to prayer) (Come to your Good) (Come to your Good) (Allah is the greatest) (Allah is the greatest) (There is no deity but Allah)

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In Adhan for Fajr Salah, the following sentence is added after: HAYYA ALAL FALAH

ASSALATU KHAYRUM MINAN NAUM ASSALATU KHAYRUM MINAN NAUM

(Salah is better than sleep) (Salah is better than sleep)

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Dua After Adhan

On completion of the Adhan, muslims are recommended to recite:

ALLAHUMMA RABBA HADHI-HID DAWA-TIT-TAM MATI-WA-SALATIL QAE-MATI ATI MUHAMMADANIL WASILATA WAL FADI LATA WAD-DARAJATAR-RAFI ATA WAB ATH-HU MAQAMAM-MAHMUDA-NIL LADHI WA AT-TAHU IN-NAKA LA-TUKH LIFUL MIAD

(O Allah! Lord of this complete call and prayers of ours, by the blessing of it.) (give to Muhammad his eternal rights of intercession,) (distinction and highest class [in paradise].) (And raise him to the promised rank you have promised him.) (Surely you never go back on your word)

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IQAMAH

After Adhan when the muslims are assembled at the place of worship, a second call (Iqamah) is recited by one of the group. This signals the start of the congregational salah. It is similar to adhan except that it is recited faster but in a lower tone and these sentences are recited after HAYYA ALAL FALAH:

QAD QAMATIS SALAH QAD QAMATIS SALAH

(The prayer has begun.) (The prayer has begun.)

Prayer Guide

Watch Flash Instructions

Beginer Level -  Click Here

Advanced Level (Includes all Sunnah actions) - Click Here

Or read below

 

Instructions for Performing Prayers

All the prayers have been translated from Arabic to understand the meaning. Learners must memorize the Arabic version.

 

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How to Pray Two rakats (Fajr)

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Step 1
Maka a sincere intention to perform the prayers purely for the sake of Allah. Say to yourself (in any language) that you intend to offer this Salat (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib or Isha), Fard, Sunnat or Witr, and the number of rakats (example- "I intend to offer two Rikat of Fard, Fajr prayer for Allah").

This posture is called qiyam and it is assumed after having made the intention to pray. Raising both hands up to the ears (palms facing the Qiblah) "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") is said.

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Step 2
Next this position is assumed by holding the left hand with the right hand on top and following prayers are recited:

1. Thana (or Sana)

   "Subhanaka Allah humma wa bihamdika, wa tabaraka ismuka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk"

   "Praise and glory be to you O Allah. Blessed be Your Name, exalted be Your Majesty and Glory. There is no God but You"

    

2. Ta'awadh

   "Audu bi Allah i mina ashaitan i errajeem"
   
   "I seek Allah's shelter from Satan, the condemned"
   
   

3. Tasmiah
   
   "Bismillah i rrahman i erraheem"
   
   "In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful."

    

4. Al-Fatihah, and any short surah or a few verses from the Holy Quran.

   "Al humdo lil-lahi rab-bil al ala-meen. Arrahman i rraheem. Maliki yaum i eddeen. Iyyaka nabudu wa iyyaka nasta een. Ihdinas sirata almustaqeem. Siratal lazhina anamta alaihim, ghairil maghdubi alaihim, wa la adhdhaal leen. (Aameen)"

   "Praise be to Allah, The Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, Those whose (portion) is not wrath, And who go not astray."
   

    

5. A short Sura or a few verses from the Holy Quran - examples are given in the last chapter of this guide.
   

    

 

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Step 3
Saying "Allah u Akba"(the back & leg should be perpendicular to each other) this position is assumed as shown in the figure. This position is called ruku and the prayers as given are recited (three times).

"Subhana rabbiya al azeem"

"Glorified is my Lord, the Great"

 

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Step 4
While going back to qiyam position the first prayer, as given below, is said. Then having taken this position the second prayer is said:

"Samia Allah u liman hamidah"

"Allah listens to him who praises Him"

"Rabbana wa laka al hamd"

"Our Lord, praise be for you only"

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Step 5
This position is called sujood. Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") one prostrates as shown and then the prayer below is said (three times).

 

"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

"Glory to Allah, the Exalted".

 

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Step 6
Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") and rising from the Sujood position, this posture called Juloos is assumed and the prayer below is said:

"'Rabbi eghfir lee wa rhamnee"

"O my Lord, forgive me and have Mercy on me"

 

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Step 7
Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") the sujood position is re-assumed and the prayer below is recited (three times).

"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

"Glory to Allah, the Exalted"

This completes one rakat.

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Step 8
Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") this position of qiyam is assumed once again to begin the second rakah, and the following prayers are recited:

 

1. Al-Fatihah, and
2. Any short surah or some verses of the Holy Quran.

 

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Step 9
Saying "Allah u Akbar", this position is assumed as shown in the figure. This position is called ruku and the prayers as given are recited (three times).

"Subhana rabbiya al azeem"

"Glorified is my Lord, the Great"

 

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Step 10
While going back to qiyam position the first prayer, as given below, is said. Then having taken this position prayer the second is said:

"Samia Allah u liman hamidah"

"Allah listens to him who praises Him"

"Rabbana wa laka al hamd"

"Our Lord, praise be for you only"

 

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Step 11
This position is called sujood. Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") one prostrates as shown and then the prayer below is said (three times).

 

"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

"Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted"

 

 

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Step 12
Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") and rising from the sujood position, this posture is assumed and the prayer below is said:

"Rabbi eghfir lee wa rhamnee"

"O my Lord, forgive me and have Mercy on me"

 

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Step 13
Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") the sujood position is re-assumed and the prayer below is said (three times).

 

"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

"Glory to Allah, the Exalted"

 

 

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Step 14
In this posture these prayers are to be recited:

 

1. "Tashahud

   "Attahiyat u lil Allah i wa assalawat u wa attaiyibat. Assalam u a'laika aiyoha annabiyyu wa rahmat u Allah i wa barakatuh. Assalam u a'laina wa a'la ebadi e llahi essaliheen.
   

   (move your first finger up and down as shown while reciting the last part of Tashahud)

   
   Ashehadu alla ilaha illa Allah u wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluh.

   "All our oral, physical and monetary ways of worship are only for Allah. Peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be on you, O Prophet. May peace be upon us and on the devout slaves of Allah. I testify that there is no God but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger".
   

    

2. "Salat Ala An-nabi"

   "Allah umma salli a'la Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhummadin, kama sallaita ala Ibraheema, wa ala aali Ibraheem, innaka hameedun majeed. Allah u mma barik a'la Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhummadin, kama barakta ala Ibraheema, wa ala aali Ibraheem, innaka h ameedun majeed".

   "O God send your Mercy on Muhammad and his posterity as you sent Your mercy on Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most Praised, The Most Glorious. O God, send your Blessings on Muhammad and his posterity as you have blessed Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most praised, The Most Glorious".

   
   

3. A short prayer

   "Rubbana aatina fi uddunya hasanatun wa fi l aakherati hasah, waqina a'zabannar".
   "Our Lord, grant us the good of this world and that of the Hereafter and save us from the torture of Hell.".

    

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Step 15
Having said the above mentioned prayers, turning the face to the right. This following prayer is read:

"Assalam u a'laikum wa rahmatu Allah".

"Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".

Note: This Salam (Prayer for Peace) is directed to the angels and the muslims to our right and to the left

 

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Step 16
Then turning the face to the left, the prayer above is said again:

"Assalam u a'laikum wa rahmatu Allah".

"Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".





This completes two rakat.

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How to Pray Three rakats (Magrib)

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In order to perform a Three rakat Prayer, all the postures and the prayers are the same up to step 14.
But this time in this posture only the prayer of "Tashahud is recited from step 14,
and then the qiyam position, step 8, will be assumed to begin the third rakat.
This time only Al-Fatihah, (in step 8) alone will be recited without adding any surah of the Holy Quran.
Then all prayers and postures are the same as shown from step 9 - 16.

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How to Pray Four rakats (Zuhr, Asr and Isha)

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In order to perform a Four rakat Prayer,

Step 1 - 7 complete the first rakat,

then Step 8 - 14 complete the second rakat.
In Step 14 only the prayer of "Tashahud will be recited,

and the qiyam position, figure 8, will be resumed.
In position 8 only Al-Fatihah, alone will be recited without adding any surah.
Step 8 - 13, completes the third rakat

the qiyam position, figure 8, will be re-assumed.
In position 8 only Al-Fatihah, will be recited without adding any surah.
Step 8 - 16, completes the fourth rakat

Friday Prayer

Jum'ah (Arabic: ???? ) (also known as Friday prayer) is a congregational prayer (salat) that Muslims hold every Friday, just after noon in lieu of dhuhr. It is mentioned in the Quran as:

O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew! ( Qur'an 62:9)

And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.( Qur'an 62:10)

It is obligatory for men (and preferable for women) to perform Jum'ah in congregation (jama'ah) at a mosque. Muslims with contagious illness or otherwise sick are asked to not attend. Those unable to join a congregation pray the regular dhuhr prayer.

The jum'ah prayer is half the dhuhr prayer for convenience, and preceded by a Sermon. The sermon, which is a technical replacement of the two reduced raka'ahs of the ordinary dhuhr prayer, is followed by a communal prayer, led by the imam. In most cases the khatib also serves as the imam.

The Jumm'a prayer begins with the call to prayer the muadhin makes; then the Adhan which marks the beginning of Jumm'a. Once the Katheeb has given his speech, he concludes with a du'a, which then leads the muadhin to make the iqama which is followed by the two rak'at prayer.

 

The weekly convention of Friday Congregation is the most important service and is compulsory upon every Muslim who is required to observe the other prayers and has no reasonable excuses to abstain. It falls on Friday of every week and is especially important because:

1. It is the occasion earmarked by Allah for the Muslim to express their collective devotion.
2. It is an appointment to review our spiritual accounts of the week gone by and get ready for the following week just as people do in any other business.
3. It is a convention for the Muslims to reassure themselves and confirm their religious bonds and social solidarity on moral and spiritual foundations.
4. It shows how the Muslims give preference to the call of God over and above any other concern.

This prayer of Friday is marked by these features:

1. Its time falls in the same times as that of the noon
2. It must be said in a congregation led by an Imam. No single person can offer it by himself.
3. If any person misses it, he cannot make up for it. Instead, he has to offer the noon prayer, the original prayer which this service normally replaces.
4. All kinds of normal work are allowed on Friday as on any other week day. For Muslims there is no Sabbath. They can carry on with their usual duties and activities provided they come to the congregational service in time. After the service is over, they may resume their mundane activities.
5. This Friday Prayer must be performed in a mosque, if there is one available. Otherwise, it may be said at any gathering place, e.g. homes, farms, parks, etc.
6. When the time for prayer comes, the Adhan (Ezan) is said. Then, four units of prayer are offered as Sunnah (Sunnet), individually, in a low voice as in the noon prayer. When this part is completed, the Imam stands up facing the audience and delivers his sermon (khutbah - hutbe) which is an essential part of the service. While the Imam is taking nobody should talk or pray; everyone present should take a sitting position and listen to the sermon quietly to the end.
7. The sermon (khutbah - hutbe) consists of two parts each beginning with words of praise of Allah and prayers of blessing for Prophet Muhammad. In the first part some Qur'anic passage must be recited and explained for the purpose of exhortation and admonition. At the end of the first part the Imam takes a short rest in the sitting posture, then stands up to deliver the second part of his sermon. General affairs of the Muslims may be discussed in either or both parts of the sermon. In the second part, especially, the Imam prays for the general welfare of all Muslims.
8. After that the Iqamah is made and the two obligatory units are offered under the leadership of the Imam who recites the Fatihah and the other Qur'anic passage in an audible voice. When this is done, the prayer is completed. After that two other Sunnah (Sunnet) units are offered individually in a low voice.

The earlier four and the late two Sunnah (Sunnet) units may be offered at home. Also they may be replaced with one has to make up.

Any participant in the weekly congregation or the 'Ed Prayers should do his best to be neat and tidy. Though there is no compulsory reason for a complete ablution, a bath is strongly recommended as it makes one fresher and more pleasant.