Salat (صلاة)- Prayer
Islam is a comprehensive way of life, offering guidance on every aspect of human existence. The foundation of Islam is built upon five fundamental pillars, which serve as the framework for a Muslim’s faith and actions. The second of these pillars is Salah (prayer), a vital form of worship that connects Muslims with their Creator and instills discipline, humility, and spirituality in daily life.
Defination of Salah?
Salah is the obligatory Muslim prayer performed five times a day at prescribed times. The term “Salah” comes from the Arabic root word “صلاة” which means “connection” or “communication.” It signifies a direct, personal link between the worshipper and Allah (God), fostering spiritual purification and mindfulness. Salah is different from supplication (du’a) as it follows a specific format and ritual prescribed by Islamic teachings.
“ٱتۡلُ مَآ أُوحِيَ إِلَيۡكَ مِنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَۖ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِۗ وَلَذِكۡرُ ٱللَّهِ أَكۡبَرُۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تَصۡنَعُونَ“
Transliteration: “Utlu maaa oohiya ilaika minal Kitaabi wa aqimis Salaata innas Salaata tanhaa ‘anil fahshaaa’i wal munkar; wa lazikrul laahi akbar; wal laahu ya’lamu maa tasna’oon .”
Meaning: “Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.”[Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45]
Obligation of Salah
Salah is a mandatory duty for all adult Muslims, with certain exemptions for those who are ill, traveling, menstruating, or experiencing postpartum bleeding. The performance of Salah begins after the declaration of faith (Shahada) and continues until death. Neglecting Salah without a valid reason is considered a grave sin in Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The difference between a believer and a disbeliever is abandoning prayer.” [Sahih Muslim 82]
Performing Salah Step by Step According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ)
Salah is a structured form of worship that combines physical movements, recitations, and a deep spiritual connection with Allah. It is performed five times a day at specific times: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Each prayer consists of units called Rak’ahs.
🕋✨ Find Your Prayer Time
✨ Understanding Salah Raka’at (Units of Prayer) 🕋
Once you know your prayer time, it’s essential to understand the number of Raka’at (units of prayer) you need to perform and which ones are mandatory (Fard) and voluntary (Sunnah, Nafl, Witr).
- Fard (Obligatory) – These are the prayers that are compulsory. Missing a fard prayer without a valid excuse is considered sinful in Islam.
- Sunnah (Prophetic Practice) – These are prayers that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regularly prayed. They are not obligatory but are highly recommended.
Types of Sunnah:
Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): Regularly prayed by the Prophet (ﷺ), and not abandoning them without a reason. Example: 2 rak’ahs before Fajr, 4 before and 2 after Dhuhr, 2 after Maghrib, 2 after Isha.
Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah (Non-Emphasized Sunnah): The Prophet (ﷺ) prayed these sometimes. Reward: Performing them brings great reward; skipping them isn’t sinful but discouraged.
Nafl (Voluntary) – These are optional prayers that you can pray anytime, and they are purely for extra reward and closeness to Allah.
Witr (Odd-numbered prayer) – A special prayer with an odd number of rak’ahs, prayed after Isha. Number of Rak’ahs: Usually 1, 3, 5, or more, but most commonly 3.
| Salat Type | How It’s Performed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fard | Same as standard prayer (depends on the time) | Must pray, 5 times a day |
| Sunnah | Same method, just different intention | Highly recommended |
| Nafl | Same method, 2-by-2 rak’ahs, flexible timing | Great for extra reward |
| Witr | Usually 3 rak’ahs with Dua Qunoot in 3rd rak’ah | After Isha, important |
Let’s first learn how to perform the Fard Salat, since Sunnah and Nafl are performed in the same way. The only difference in Witr is that it includes Dua Qunoot in the final rak’ah.
Preconditions for Salah
(Salat) is essential because if any of these are missing, your prayer might not be valid. Here are the 7 main preconditions (also known as Shurūt al-Salah – شروط الصلاة) that must be fulfilled before you start praying:
✅ 1. Taharah (Purity)
You must be in a state of cleanliness:
Perform Wudu (ablution) if you have minor impurity.
Perform Ghusl (full bath) if you have major impurity (e.g. after Janabah).
Your clothes, body, and prayer area must be free from najasah (impurities).
🌊 Option 1: Wudu with Water (Ablution)
🏜️ Option 2: Tayammum (Dry Ablution)
Ghusl Fard
✅ 2. Satr al-‘Awrah (Covering the body properly)
You must cover your ‘awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in prayer):
Men: from navel to knees (and shoulders should be covered if possible).
Women: entire body except face, hands, and feet.
✅ 3. Istiqbal al-Qiblah (Facing the Qiblah)
You must face the Ka‘bah in Makkah during prayer.
If you don’t know the exact direction, you do your best with what you know.
If you’re traveling and can’t determine the direction, you can still pray after making a sincere effort.
✅ 4. Waqt (Correct Time)
Each prayer has its specific time window.
Fajr: before sunrise
Dhuhr: after midday till Asr
Asr: mid-afternoon till sunset
Maghrib: just after sunset
Isha: after dusk till midnight (or before Fajr)
Praying before or after the set time without a valid reason makes the prayer invalid.
✅ 5. Niyyah (Intention)
You must have a sincere intention in your heart for:
Which prayer you’re about to perform (e.g. Fajr, Dhuhr, etc.)
Whether it’s Fard, Sunnah, or Nafl
No need to say it aloud — it’s internal and from the heart.
✅ 6. Avoiding Distractions (Focus and Respect)
You must be in a calm state, not talking, laughing, or eating during Salah.
Your environment should not be too distracting (avoid TV, loud noise, etc.).
✅ 7. Permission if Needed
If you’re in a place like school, work, or someone else’s house, try to seek permission to pray if needed.
For women during menstruation or postpartum bleeding, Salah is not required and should not be prayed until it’s over.
