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Salah: A Simple Walkthrough of the Islamic Prayer
Ever wondered what "salah" is and why millions of Muslims do it five times a day? In short, it’s the core act of worship in Islam – a set of movements and recitations that connect you with God. If you’re new to it or just need a quick refresher, this guide breaks everything down in plain language.
When to Perform Salah
Salah isn’t just a random prayer; it’s timed around the sun’s position. The five daily prayers are:
- Fajr – before sunrise.
- Dhuhr – after the sun passes its highest point.
- Asr – late afternoon, before sunset.
- Maghrib – just after sunset.
- Isha – night, once the sky is fully dark.
Most Muslims use a prayer‑time app or a local mosque’s schedule to know the exact windows. The key is to pray within each window – you don’t have to wait for the exact minute.
Step‑by‑Step How to Perform Salah
Here’s the basic flow, which works for any of the five prayers:
- Make intention (niyyah) – silently tell yourself which prayer you’re about to do.
- Start with takbir – raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).
- Standing (qiyam) – recite Surah Al‑Fatiha, then any short chapter (surah) you like.
- Bowing (ruku) – bend at the waist, keep your back straight, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” three times.
- Standing again – straighten up and say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd.”
- Prostration (sujood) – go down on your forehead and nose, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
- Sit briefly – pause, then do a second prostration.
- Repeat the cycle – most prayers have two cycles (raka’ahs). Some have more, like Maghrib (three) and Isha (four).
- Finish with tasleem – turn your head right, say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,” then left, repeating the same phrase.
That’s the core. You can add extra dhikr (remembrance) after the prayer, but the steps above cover the required part.
Few practical tips: keep a clean mat or area for prayer, make sure you’re modestly dressed, and wash your hands, face, and feet (wudu) before you start. If you’re traveling or in a rush, you can shorten the recitations or combine certain prayers, but the basic movements stay the same.
Most importantly, think of salah as a moment to pause your busy day, breathe, and refocus. It’s not about perfect performance, but about sincere connection. Over time, the motions become second nature, and the words start to feel meaningful.
So, whether you’re gearing up for your first prayer or just need a quick reminder, keep this guide handy. Salah is simple once you know the steps, and it offers a calm break in any hectic schedule.