Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the direct link between a believer and the Creator. It provides five moments of daily mindfulness, peace, and spiritual renewal. For those learning to pray, this guide breaks down the essential steps and requirements.
Prerequisites for Prayer
Before beginning Salah, certain conditions must be met to ensure its validity:
- Wudu (Ablution): One must be in a state of ritual purity.
- Cleanliness: Your body, clothes, and the place of prayer must be clean.
- Covering the Awrah: Dressing modestly according to Islamic guidelines.
- Facing the Qibla: Directing yourself toward the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Timing: Each of the five prayers must be performed within its designated time window.
- Intention (Niyyah): Making a sincere mental resolve to perform a specific prayer for the sake of Allah.
The 5 Daily Prayers (Rakat Table)
Salah consists of units called Rakat. Here is the summary for the five daily prayers (following the Hanafi school of thought):
| Prayer | Sunnah | Fard | Final Sunnah | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr (Dawn) | 2 | 2 | - | 4 |
| Dhuhr (Noon) | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Asr (Afternoon) | 4 | 4 | - | 8 |
| Maghrib (Sunset) | - | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Isha (Night) | 4 | 4 | 2 | 13* |
* Note: 3 Rakat of Witr are performed after the Sunnah of Isha.
Basic Movements of Salah
- Takbir: Begin by raising your hands to your ears and saying "Allahu Akbar."
- Qiyam: Stand peacefully and recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another portion of the Quran.
- Ruku: Bow down with your back straight, glorifying Allah.
- Sujud: Prostrate with your forehead, nose, and palms on the ground—this is the closest a servant gets to Allah.
- Jalsa/Qa’da: Sit between prostrations and at the end for the Tashahhud testimony.
- Taslim: Conclude the prayer by giving the greeting of peace (Salam) to the right and left.