Salah: The Second Pillar of Islam
What is Salah (salat)?
Salah (salat) is the Arabic term for the ritual prayer that is obligatory for Muslims to perform five times a day. It forms one of the five pillars of Islam.
The five prayers are:
- Fajr, which takes place at pre-dawn
- Dhuhr (Dhur, Zhur), which takes place just after the sun reaches its zenith
- Asr, which takes place between noon and sunset
- Maghrib, which takes place just after sunset
- Isha, which takes place during the night/at night-time
Aside from the five obligatory prayers, Muslims may offer Sunnah and Nafl Salah.
Nafl Salah are voluntary prayers that a Muslim may offer at any time as a form of extra Ibadah (worship).
Why is Salah important?
Salah is an integral part of the lifestyle of a Muslim. Through prayer, Muslims are required each day to ponder on the verses of the Qur’an, the Shahadah (the declaration of faith), and Allah’s attributes.
Muslims across the world unite in prayer at five specified times each day in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, as a means of connecting to Allah and their purpose in life – to remember and worship Him.
“Maintain with care the (obligatory) prayers and (in particular) the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.” (Qur’an 2:238)
How to pray Salah?
Salah is a ritual prayer that requires certain etiquettes in order to perform it correctly. However, there are some slight differences in what etiquettes are required depending on the Madhhab (school of thought) you follow within the Fiqh of Islam (Islamic jurisprudence).
How to pray Eid Salah?
Eid prayer is prayed in congregation with other Muslims on the mornings of the two Eid celebrations, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. You can follow our step-by-step guide to praying Eid Salah here.
When is Salah for my area?
Salah times are appointed to times of the day that depend on the position of the sun. Since parts of the world experience daylight and night differently, it is important to follow the prayer times where you are situated. An authority will usually gather and publish the prayer time in your area for the public’s ease. You can check the prayer times for your area.
“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow (in worship and obedience)” (Surah Baqarah:43)
