What is Salah in Islam?
Salah (Arabic: ٱلصَّلَاةُ, romanized: aṣ-Ṣalāh) is the principal form of worship in Islam. Facing Mecca and following the qibla direction, it consists of units called rak’ah, which include specific movements and recitations from the Quran. The number of rak’ah varies for each prayer, and minor details may differ based on the madhhab (school of Islamic jurisprudence).
Salah refers to both the general form of worship and the daily obligatory prayers performed by Muslims. Muslims observe these prayers five times a day, making them an integral part of their faith. They represent the second pillar of Islam for Sunnis and one of the Ancillaries of the Faith for Shiites. The Sunnah also guides the performance of supererogatory Salah (nafl) at various times.
Daily prayers and accurate Muslim prayer times
The five daily prayers in Islam are:
- Maghrib: Performed just after sunset.
- Isha: Conducted during the night.
- Fajr: Observed before sunrise.
- Zuhr performed in the afternoon.
- Asr: Conducted before sunset.
For accurate Muslim prayer times, it’s essential to use tools and apps that track your physical location. Apps with location services can help ensure precise timings. Make sure your device’s privacy settings allow for accurate tracking by adjusting privacy preferences and location access. Utilize a really great Salat reminder app to help manage prayer schedules effectively. Access these tools through your browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, and adjust settings by tapping preferences or open system preferences.
Friday and Eid prayers
Friday Salah (Jumu’ah) is an obligatory prayer that replaces the Zuhr prayer on Fridays. Men are required to attend, while women have the option to pray either in congregation or at home. A khatib delivers a khutbah (sermon) before the Friday Salah, followed by the 2 rak’a Friday prayer.
On the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, we hold Eid prayers. This prayer consists of two rak’a, with extra takbirs pronounced before reciting the Quran. We perform the Eid prayer after Fajr and before Zuhr.
Combining and Shortening Prayers: Jam’ and Qasr
Jam’ refers to combining two obligatory prayers at one time, which is allowed for Zuhr and Asr or Maghrib and Isha. This practice is permitted during travel or other circumstances, with some differences across Sunni schools of jurisprudence. Qasr allows Muslims to shorten the Zuhr, Asr, and Isha prayers to two rak’ah when traveling.
Supererogatory Salah: Nafl and Sunnah Prayers
Supererogatory Salah includes nafl and sunnah prayers. Sunan ar-Rawatib are sunnah prayers performed before or after the five daily obligatory prayers, amounting to 10 or 12 rak’a, except for Asr. These are done between the adhan and iqama or up to the end of the prescribed time of the associated Salah.
Salah During the Night: Witr, Tahajjud, and Tarawih
Witr Salah is a short prayer performed at night, with an odd number of rak’a, ranging from one to eleven. Often concluded with the qunut, it is viewed as obligatory by Hanafis and a sunnah prayer by other Sunni schools.
Tahajjud refers to night-time prayers performed after midnight, consisting of even rak’a. Salawat al-Layl, similar to Tahajjud, is observed by Shia Muslims and includes 11 rak’a: 8 nafl and 3 witr, often offered in conjunction with Tahajjud.
Tarawih Salah is performed exclusively during Ramadan, following Isha, and consists of 8 to 36 rak’a. It is generally concluded with Witr Salah. Shi’ites consider Tarawih a bid’ah introduced by the second Rashidun caliph, Umar.
Eclipse prayers and istikhara
During solar and lunar eclipses, Sunni Muslims perform the solar eclipse prayer (Ṣalāt al-Kusuf) and the lunar eclipse prayer (Ṣalāt al-Khusuf), consisting of 2 rak’a with 2 ruku in each. These prayers are performed with extended recitations, bowing, and prostration.
Salat al-Istikhaarah is a prayer for seeking guidance on specific matters. After performing two rakats of non-obligatory Salah, one requests Allah for direction. This prayer can be offered at any permissible time.
Etymology and Other Names
The Arabic word Salah (صلاة) means ‘prayer.’ Various regions, including Iran and parts of South Asia, use the Persian word namaz. The term “Salah” is mentioned 83 times in the Quran and is classified into obligatory and supererogatory prayers, including Sunnah and nafl prayers. Salah serves as a vital means of communication with Allah, purifying the heart, and strengthening one’s faith.
Conclusion
Salah is a central practice in Islam, connecting Muslims with Allah and providing spiritual nourishment. Understanding the various types of Salah, including daily, special, and supererogatory prayers, and utilizing tools for accurate prayer times and reminders can enhance one’s spiritual practice and daily life.
What are the 5 times a day Muslims pray? Muslims pray five times a day: Fajr (pre-dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). The sun’s position determines these times.
How long do Muslims pray? The duration of each prayer varies but typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes. This includes the time taken for the physical postures and recitations.
What do Muslims say when they pray? During Salah, Muslims recite Quran verses and specific prayers. Each unit of prayer includes the recitation of the opening chapter of the Quran, Al-Fatiha, along with other verses and supplications.
How do Muslims know when the prayer times are? Mosques announce prayer times through the call to prayer (Adhan). Additionally, prayer times are available in prayer time tables and mobile apps.
How are Muslim prayer times determined? The sun’s position determines the prayer times. To ensure accuracy, Islamic scholars have established precise calculations, and these times vary slightly each day and by geographical location.
What is the best time to pray in Ramadan? We highly recommend praying Taraweeh after the Isha prayer during Ramadan. The pre-dawn Fajr prayer is also particularly significant as it marks the beginning of the daily fast.
How do we make Salah according to the Quran? Prophet Muhammad demonstrated specific physical postures and recitations for performing Salah. This includes standing, bowing, and prostrating while reciting verses from the Quran.
What does it feel like, as a Muslim, to hear the call for prayer? Hearing the call to prayer (Adhan) is a deeply spiritual experience for Muslims. It serves as a reminder of their faith and connection to Allah, evoking a sense of peace and readiness for worship.
Do I pray Fajr when it’s still dark? Indeed, we perform Fajr, the pre-dawn prayer, during the twilight before sunrise. It is common for Fajr to be prayed while it is still dark outside.
