Salah: The Islamic Prayer

What Is Salah?

Salah is the direct connection between a Muslim and Allah. It is performed five times a day at specific times — before sunrise (Fajr), midday (Dhuhr), afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and night (Isha). Each prayer consists of a set number of units called rak'ahs.

Before praying, a Muslim must be in a state of ritual purity (having performed Ghusl if needed, or Wudu — partial ablution), face the Qiblah (direction of Makkah), and cover the awrah (parts of the body that must be covered).

The Five Daily Prayers

Pillars, Obligatory Parts & Sunnah Acts

The scholars categorize the components of prayer into three levels. Understanding the difference is important:

• Pillars (Arkaan) — Essential parts that cannot be waived. If omitted (even by mistake), the prayer is invalid and must be corrected.
• Obligatory parts (Waajibaat) — Required parts, but if forgotten by mistake, they can be compensated for by performing the prostration of forgetfulness (Sujud as-Sahw).
• Sunnah acts (Sunan) — Recommended actions and words that add reward and beauty to the prayer. Omitting them does not invalidate the prayer.

The 14 Pillars of Prayer (Arkaan)

These are the essential components of prayer. If any pillar is deliberately omitted, the prayer is invalid.

1. Standing (Qiyam)

   Standing upright during obligatory prayers, if one is physically able to do so.

2. The opening Takbeer

   Saying "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) to begin the prayer.

3. Reciting Surah al-Fatihah

   Reciting the opening chapter of the Quran in every rak'ah. This is the most important recitation in prayer.

4. Rukoo' (Bowing)

   Bowing down with the back level and hands on the knees.

5. Rising from Rukoo'

   Standing back up from the bowing position.

6. Standing up straight

   Standing fully upright after rising from the bow, with tranquility.

7. Sujood (Prostration)

   Prostrating with the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground.

8. Rising from Sujood

   Rising from the prostration position.

9. Sitting between the two prostrations

   Sitting briefly between the first and second prostration of each rak'ah.

10. Being at ease in each position (Tuma'neenah)

    Pausing and being still in each position — not rushing through the movements.

11. The final Tashahhud

    Reciting the Tashahhud (testimony of faith) while sitting in the last rak'ah.

12. Sitting for the final Tashahhud

    Sitting in the correct position during the final Tashahhud and Salaams.

13. The two Salaams

    Saying "As-Salaamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah" (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah) — turning right, then left.

14. Performing the pillars in the correct order

    The actions must be done in the order listed above. For example, you cannot prostrate before bowing.

The 8 Obligatory Parts (Waajibaat)

If any of these are forgotten by mistake, they can be compensated for by performing Sujud as-Sahw (two prostrations before the final salaam).

1. Takbeers other than the opening Takbeer

   Saying "Allahu Akbar" when moving between positions (e.g., going into Rukoo', Sujood, etc.).

2. Saying "Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah"

   Saying "Allah hears those who praise Him" — for the imam and the one praying alone, when rising from Rukoo'.

3. Saying "Rabbana wa laka'l-hamd"

   Saying "Our Lord, to You be praise" — after rising from Rukoo'.

4. Saying "Subhana Rabbiyal-Azeem" in Rukoo'

   Saying "Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty" at least once while bowing.

5. Saying "Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la" in Sujood

   Saying "Glory be to my Lord, the Most High" at least once while prostrating.

6. Saying "Rabb ighfir li" between the two prostrations

   Saying "Lord, forgive me" while sitting between the two prostrations.

7. The first Tashahhud

   Reciting the Tashahhud in the middle of the prayer (after the second rak'ah in prayers with 3 or 4 rak'ahs).

8. Sitting for the first Tashahhud

   Sitting in the correct position while reciting the first Tashahhud.

Sunnah Acts of Prayer

These are recommended words and actions that add reward and beauty to the prayer. Omitting them does not invalidate the prayer, but performing them is encouraged.

Verbal Sunnahs

1. The opening supplication (Du'aa al-Istiftaah)

   Saying after the opening Takbeer: "Subhaanaka Allahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabaaraka ismuka, wa ta'aala jadduka wa laa ilaaha ghayruka" (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah; blessed be Your name, exalted be Your Majesty, and there is no god but You).

2. Seeking refuge with Allah

   Saying "A'udhu billahi min ash-Shaytanir-rajeem" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan).

3. Saying Bismillah

   Saying "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) before reciting al-Fatihah.

4. Saying Ameen

   Saying "Ameen" after reciting Surah al-Fatihah.

5. Reciting a Surah after al-Fatihah

   Reciting another passage from the Quran after al-Fatihah (in the first two rak'ahs).

6. Reciting aloud (for the imam)

   The imam recites aloud in Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers.

7. Saying additional Tasbeeh in Rukoo' and Sujood

   Repeating the Tasbeeh (glorification) more than once — such as saying it three times.

8. Saying "Rabb ighfir li" more than once

   Saying "Lord, forgive me" more than once between the two prostrations.

9. Sending prayers upon the Prophet's family in the final Tashahhud

   After reciting the Tashahhud, sending blessings upon the Prophet and his family, and making du'aa (supplication).

Physical Sunnahs

1. Raising the hands with the Takbeer

   Raising hands to shoulder or ear level when saying the opening Takbeer, when bowing, and when rising from bowing.

2. Placing the right hand over the left

   Placing the right hand over the left hand on the chest while standing.

3. Looking at the place of prostration

   Directing the gaze toward the spot where the forehead will touch the ground.

4. Standing with feet apart

   Keeping the feet shoulder-width apart while standing.

5. Holding the knees during Rukoo'

   Grasping the knees with fingers spread apart, keeping the back straight and head level with it.

6. Proper prostration posture

   Keeping elbows away from the sides, belly away from the thighs, thighs away from the calves; keeping knees apart; holding feet upright with toes pointing toward the Qiblah.

7. Sitting positions (Iftirash and Tawarruk)

   Sitting muftarishan (on the left foot with the right foot upright) between prostrations and in the first Tashahhud; sitting mutawarrikan (left foot under the right shin) in the final Tashahhud.

8. Pointing with the forefinger during Tashahhud

   Holding the pinkie and ring fingers in, making a circle with the middle finger and thumb, and pointing with the forefinger when mentioning Allah.

9. Turning right and left for the Salaam

   Turning the head to the right for the first Salaam and to the left for the second.

Practical Tips for New Muslims

• Start with the essentials. Focus on learning the pillars first. The obligatory parts and Sunnah acts can be added gradually as you become more comfortable.
• Learn Surah al-Fatihah. This is the most important chapter to memorize, as it is recited in every rak'ah of every prayer.
• Use a prayer app. Apps like "Muslim Pro" or "Athan" will notify you of prayer times in your location.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Allah is the Most Merciful. If you forget an obligatory part, perform Sujud as-Sahw (two extra prostrations before the final salaam). If you forget a Sunnah act, your prayer is still valid.
• Pray at a mosque when you can. Praying in congregation is highly rewarded and will help you learn by following along with others.
• Be patient with yourself. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Pray as you have seen me praying." (Sahih al-Bukhari). Learning takes time — what matters is your sincerity and consistency.