EDUCATION

A Guide to Salah (Prayer) By Muhammad Abdul Rahim Saqib

November 21, 2024

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A Guide to Salah (prayer), is one of the five pillars of Islam that constitute the foundation of each Muslim’s faith and practice. Salah plays a significant role in linking up Muslims with Allah (God), and it furnishes an opportunity for spiritual growth and purification. This guide explains the importance of Salah, the process involved, and how it works in the life of a Muslim.

What is Salah?

Salah is the act of worshiping Allah by performing prescribed physical actions and reciting specific prayers. These prayers are offered five times a day: Fajr (at dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Each prayer consists of a series of physical movements such as standing, bowing, and prostrating, accompanied by specific supplications. The main objective of salah is to establish a strong bond with Allah, cleansing the soul, and making him always remember Allah’s existence.

Importance of Salah

A Guide to Salah is not only obligatory but also something that brings inner serenity, self-control, and spiritual communion. Among several important points, there is some significance:

Obligatory Act of Worship:

Salah is the most important act of worship in Islam, second only to the declaration of faith (Shahada). It is the most frequent commandment mentioned in the Quran after the concept of monotheism (Tawhid).

Spiritual Connection:

A Muslim, in Salah, establishes a direct contact with Allah, asking Him for guidance, forgiveness, and blessings through the prayer. Each of the prayers allows for saying thanks, asking for mercy, and protection from evil.

A Purification Method:

A Guide to Salah washes away dirt from the heart and mind, saving a Muslim from worldly cover-ups. It purifies the soul, so a person comes closer to the mercy of Allah.

Salah serves as a reminder that in this world, life is temporal, while the life in the Afterlife is an eternal one. Each prayer that an individual performs is a reminder of their return to Allah in the long run.

Community Building:

Salah also brings about a sense of community, especially when conducted in congregation (Jama’ah). Praying together builds cohesion among the members of the Muslim community, a feeling of fraternity and brotherhood.

Conditions for Salah

Prerequisites that must be met before Salah to ensure its acceptance include:

Purity:

The body, clothes, and place of prayer must be free from impurities (Najasah). Muslims must perform a ritual washing, called Wudu (ablution), before they pray.

Facing the Qiblah:

During prayer, Muslims are required to face the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca which is called the Qiblah. Muslims across the globe are united in one direction, therefore emphasizing the oneness of the Muslim Ummah.

Intention (Niyyah):

Prior to commencing prayer, the person performing the prayer should have an intention in their heart to perform the prayer for the sake of Allah. This is done in silence.

Time:

A Guide to Salah must be offered in the prescribed time for every one of the five prayers. Missing a prayer after its time is a sin, but it may be fulfilled later if required.

Steps That Constitutes Salah

A Guide to Salah is a comprehensive set of actions and recitations. Each prayer has the standard format, but there are specific differences depending on the time, and here’s a detailed overview of the steps involved in performing Salah:

Starting with Takbir:

The prayer commences with the phrase “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), raising both arms. This is called Takbir al-Ihram, starting to conduct the prayer.

The Muslim then stands and recites the opening chapter of the Quran, Al-Fatiha (The Opening), followed by another portion of the Quran (any other Surah or verses). This position is known as Qiyam.

Bowing (Ruku):

After reciting, the worshipper bows down with back and head level, keeping the spine straight. In this position the worshipper says “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great). This posture depicts humility before Allah.

Standing Again (I’tidal):

It is to stand upright again after bowing with the utterance of “Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him). The worshiper then says, “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is all praise).

Prostration (Sujud):

The worshipper lowers themselves to the ground in prostration, touching with their forehead, nose, both palms, knees, and toes on the ground. In this position, the worshipper says, “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High). Prostration is the position of utmost humility in Salah.

Sitting (Jalsa):

The worshiper, after having performed the prostration, sits on his legs for a while. Saying, “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me) in this position.

Second Prostration (Sujud):

He prostrates again for another chance at supplication and humility.

Tashahhud:

The worshipper sits once again and then recites the Tashahhud, which comprises the declaration of faith:

“Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu” (I testify that there is no god but Allah, and He has no partners).

Closing the Prayer:

The prayer is ended when the head is turned to the right and then to the left while stating “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). This means that the prayer has ended.

The Five Daily Prayers

Each of the five daily prayers has a special time frame, and each prayer has a different number of units (Rak’ahs). For a glimpse, here are some brief descriptions:

Fajr:

It is read at dawn time, consisting of two Rak’ahs. It is considered an extremely important prayer for spiritual guidance by way of blessings during the daylight hours.

Dhuhr:

It is read after midday and consists of four Rak’ahs. It is actually a midday break that reminds Muslims of their dependence on Allah.

Asr:

It is offered in the afternoon and it also has four Rak’ahs. It is a time to pause mid-day’s flurry of activities and reconnect with Allah.

Maghrib:

This prayer is offered immediately after the sunset. It has three Rak’ahs and it is the prayer that marks the close of the day’s fast during Ramadan.

Isha:

Performed at night, it has four Rak’ahs. This is the last salah of the day and there is time for reflection before sleep.

Benefits of Salah

Salah brings numerous benefits to a Muslim’s life, spiritual and practical.

Spiritual Reward: Salah strengthens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, increasing reliance on Him and devotion.

Peace of Mind: Sujud and Ruku allow the release of pent-up emotions and tensions and eliminate stress

Salah brings peace in an otherwise busy daily life.

Discipline and Habit: Salah is that period of routine and gives a pattern to a Muslim’s routine. Five times a day, Muslims get disciplined and are reminded not to act like sinners but are driven towards righteousness.

Gratitude and Patience: Through prayer, a Muslim expresses gratitude to Allah for His blessings and shows patience in dealing with life’s challenges. It teaches resilience and trust in Allah’s wisdom.

Protection against Evil: Regular performance of Salah serves as a bulwark against temptation and evil influence because it reminds Muslims of Allah’s omnipresence and sovereignty.

Conclusion

Salah is more than just a routine, it is a means of purification in the light of the spirit, peaceful inner thoughts, and a reminder of the relation between a Muslim and Allah. Through the proper conditions and actions prescribed for this ritual, Muslims achieve the blessings and mercy of Allah. The five daily prayers are gifts from Allah; one gets a chance to seek His guidance and forgiveness and, thereby, be able to strengthen one’s faith. In this fast-paced world, Salah gives Muslims a moment of peace and reflection as they connect with the Divine.