What is Salah (Salat)?
Salah, also known as Salat or Prayer, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a fundamental act of worship for Muslims. It involves praying five times a day at specific times, serving as a direct means of communication with Allah.
Muslims integrate Salah into their daily lives to seek guidance, forgiveness, and blessings from Allah, fulfilling their obligations to Him. The prayer includes specific physical movements and recitations while facing the Qiblah (the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah). The essence of Salah lies in focusing and being mindful of Allah’s presence.
“Your ally is none but Allah and His Messenger and those who have believed—those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].”
—Quran | Surah Al-Ma’idah | 5:55
What are the Five Daily Prayers of Islam?
Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers, which are:
Fajr: Performed at pre-dawn.
Dhuhr: Offered just after the sun reaches its zenith.
Asr: Conducted between noon and sunset.
Maghrib: Prayed just after sunset.
Isha: Observed during the night.
Why is Salah important?
Salah is integral to a Muslim’s lifestyle. Through prayer, Muslims reflect on the verses of the Qur’an, the Shahadah (declaration of faith), and the attributes of Allah.
Globally, Muslims unite in prayer at five designated times each day, facing the Ka’bah in Mecca, to connect with Allah and fulfill their purpose of worshiping Him.
“Maintain with care the (obligatory) prayers and (in particular) the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.”
—Qur’an | Surah al-Baqarah | 2:238
What are the Components of the Five Salah?
The five Salahs consist of various Fardh (obligatory) and supererogatory (recommended) elements:
| 1. | Fajr | 2 (Sunnat) | 2 (Fardh) | ||||
| 2. | Dhuhr | 4 (Sunnat) | 4 (Fardh) | 2 (Sunnat) | 2 (Nafil) | ||
| 3. | Asr | 4 (Sunnat) | 4 (Fardh) | ||||
| 4. | Maghrib | 3 (Fardh) | 2 (Sunnat) | 2 (Nafil) | |||
| 5. | Isha | 4 (Sunnat) | 4 (Fardh) | 2 (Sunnat) | 2 (Nafil) | 3 (Witr) | 2 (Nafil) |
What Other Prayers Exist?
In addition to the five obligatory prayers, Muslims may offer Sunnah and Nafl Salah.
Sunnah Salah:
Voluntary prayers that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) habitually performed at specific times and places.
Nafl Salah:
Optional prayers that can be offered at any time for additional worship. Examples include Salat al-Istikhara (prayer for guidance), Salat at-Tahajjud (late-night prayer), and Salat at-Tawbah (prayer for repentance).
How to Pray Salah?
Salah requires specific etiquettes for proper performance. There may be slight variations based on the Madhab (school of thought) within Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). All four schools agree that following any of them is valid.
Next: Zakat
Also Read: An Easy Guide to the Five Pillars of Islam
