Salah, also called namaz, is the second pillar of Islam and a daily obligation upon all Muslims above baligh (mature) age. Salah plays a fundamental role in the Islamic faith and in this guide, we will explore the most important facets of the second pillar of Islam, including the meaning of salah, when you should be performing salah and what benefits salah can provide.
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.
Salah is described as the practice of presenting prayers to Allah SWT. In a literal sense, salah signifies both prayer and entreaty, constituting a fundamental aspect of worship directed towards Allah SWT. This ritual is explicitly addressed in the Holy Qur’an, accompanied by a range of regulations and principles governing its observance. It is a sacred act involving specific rules and guidelines that believers adhere to in their devotion to Allah SWT.
Performing Salah:
Engaging in salah involves a multifaceted procedure. Observant Muslims are required to don particular attire that conceals specific body areas, align themselves facing Mecca prior to commencement, and articulate designated phrases and passages from the Qur’an at specified junctures.
While daily salah routines generally adhere to a consistent framework, additional prayers and those conducted during significant occasions such as Eid ul-Adha exhibit more noticeable variations. Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the correct method for performing salah is crucial. This knowledge ensures the accrual of the benefits associated with salah and enhances the likelihood of one’s worship being favorably received by Allah SWT.
Aside from the five obligatory prayers, Muslims may offer Sunnah and Nafl Salah.
The Sunnah Salah (prayers) are ones in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to habitually offer as voluntary worship at specified times and places.
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.
Rules, Guidelines and Facts About Salah
Performing salah is a process with a specific structure and set of principles which must be followed.
To begin with, there are five separate daily prayers which must be performed; they are as follows:
- Fajr – this is performed before sunrise
- Zohr – this is performed at midday
- Asr – this is performed between Zohr and sunset
- Maghrib – this is performed at sunset
- Isha – this is performed between Maghrib and midnight
These are the obligatory prayers only; there are many other prayers that Muslims can perform voluntarily for their own benefit. Many of these voluntary prayers are undertaken by Muslims during the Holy month of Ramadan due to the many rewards and blessings bestowed in this virtuous month.
All prayers are initiated with the recitation of the adhaan which means call to prayer. The act of salah itself is a conversation between you and your Lord and is for nobody else’s benefit but your own.
Each salah prayer consists of a number of rakaat (units), which are split throughout the day as follows:
- Fajr – 2 rakaat (units)
- Zohr – 4 rakaat (units)
- Asr – 4 rakaat (units)
- Maghrib – 3 rakaat (units)
- Isha – 4 rakaat (units)
A Muslim can offer voluntary units should he or she wish in the form of nafil prayers.
Many people opt to pray at the local Mosque in congregation while others prefer to pray at home or at work. Should one be travelling or away from their hometown, certain allowances are given to make the prayers easier.
Again, any form of prayer in Islam is carried out whilst facing towards Mecca, where the Holy Ka’aba resides. This position can be ascertained 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.
What is the Purpose and Benefit of Salah?
The purpose and benefits of engaging in salah are rooted in the fundamental principle of reinforcing Muslims’ faith and devotion to Allah SWT. Salah serves to foster taqwa, promoting a closer connection to Allah SWT and sustaining an awareness of the significance of faith and submission to the Creator.
Particular emphasis is placed on the Friday prayer, also known as Jumaa Namaz, conducted collectively at the local Mosque and led by an Imam.
Within Islam, various prayers hold distinct importance. Namaaz-e-Mayyit, observed at the funeral prayer (janaaza) for the deceased, and Namaaz-e-Eid, traditionally performed on the mornings of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, are noteworthy. Preceding the latter, Muslims are obligated to contribute to charity in the form of fitrana. Additional significant prayer rituals encompass taraaweeh, a nightly prayer during the Holy month of Ramadan.
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, salah is a vital obligation for all Muslims. It plays a crucial role in maintaining adherence to the tenets of deen, ensuring mindfulness of one’s faith and commitment.