How do Muslims Pray? (ALL 5 Prayers)

How to Pray According to the Sunnah of the Prophet

Importance of Salah

• The significance of Salah is emphasized as a means to maintain a strong connection with Allah and seek His guidance.

• Performing daily prayers is likened to bathing in a river five times a day, cleansing one from sins.

• Neglecting Salah is considered a grave sin, equated with disbelief according to the teachings of the Prophet. May Allah protect us from this.

Prerequisites for Prayer

• Essential conditions before praying include being Muslim, of sound mind, and reaching the age of understanding (seven years or older).

• One must be in a state of purity (having performed Wudu) and free from tangible impurities on oneself or in the prayer area.

• Proper attire is required: women should cover their bodies except for face and hands; men should cover between navel and knees. Best clothing is encouraged for Salah.

• The prayer time must have begun, which can be checked via local timetables or online resources. Facing the Qibla (direction of Kaaba) is also necessary. Intentions (Nia) for specific prayers must be formed prior to starting.

Structure of Daily Prayers

• Muslims perform five obligatory prayers throughout the day: Fajr (before sunrise), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (after sunset), and Isha (night). Some prayers are recited aloud while others are silent.

Key Terms in Prayer

• Each prayer consists of units called "Rak'ahs," which include standing, recitation, bowing ("R"), rising from bowing, prostrating ("Sujud"), sitting after prostration, returning for another prostration, and standing again.

Steps for Fajr Prayer

1. Initiating Prayer: Begin by raising hands saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest); hands can be raised up to shoulders or earlobes with palms facing forward.

2. Recitation: Place right hand over left after raising hands; recite opening Dua followed by seeking refuge from evil before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha—this step cannot be skipped as it’s obligatory.

3. Bowing Position: Move into R position ensuring back straight; say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" three times at minimum while bowing; additional supplications may also be made here if desired.

4. Prostration: Transition into Sujud position ensuring forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touch ground; say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times at minimum during Sujud; more Dua can also be made here as it's believed one is closest to Allah during this position.(422s)

5. Completing Rak'ah: After completing first Rak’ah return to standing position repeating previous steps including reading an additional chapter if desired before concluding with final sitting supplications.(483s)

How to Perform the Fard Prayer

Key Steps in Performing the Fard Prayer

• The prayer begins with ensuring your hands are resting on your thighs, and your right index finger is pointing towards the Qibla while reciting specific supplications.

• To conclude the prayer, say "peace and mercy of Allah be upon you," turning your head to both sides. This marks the end of the Fard prayer.

• Start by raising your hands and saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). Your hands can be raised to shoulder or earlobe level, palms facing forward.

• After placing your right hand over your left, recite the opening Dua followed by seeking refuge from the accursed devil before starting with Surah Al-Fatiha.

• Continue with a portion of any easy Quranic chapter after Al-Fatiha. This additional recitation is recommended but not obligatory.

Positions and Supplications During Prayer

• Transition into Ruku (bowing position), keeping your back straight and hands on knees. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" three times as a minimum.

• Rise from Ruku saying "Sami' Allahu liman Hamidah" (Allah listens to him who praises Him), ensuring you stand up straight before moving into Sujud (prostration).

• In Sujud, ensure that all parts of your body touch the ground while saying "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times. Additional supplications can also be made here.

• After completing one Sujud, sit briefly making a Dua for forgiveness before returning to Sujud again, repeating previous actions.

Completing Subsequent Units of Prayer

• Upon rising for subsequent units (Ra’kah), repeat similar steps: raise hands, recite Al-Fatiha followed by another chapter if desired.

• In each unit's final Ra’kah, there’s no need for additional Quranic recitation after Al-Fatiha; proceed directly into bowing and prostration positions as previously described.

• For each new Ra’kah, maintain proper posture during standing and ensure all physical elements align correctly during Sujud while continuing prescribed supplications throughout.

Finalizing Your Prayer

• As you approach concluding prayers in later Ra’kats, ensure correct positioning of feet and body alignment; this reflects adherence to Sunnah practices even if discomfort arises.

• End with salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), followed by concluding phrases that express peace and mercy from Allah.

How to Perform the Dhuhr and Isha Prayers

Overview of Prayer Intentions and Timing

• The intention for each prayer must be distinct, as it reflects the specific prayer being performed. This is crucial for both Dhuhr and Isha prayers.

• Dhuhr prayer is conducted in the afternoon after its designated time has begun, while Isha is prayed after twilight has disappeared at night.

Steps to Perform the Dhuhr Prayer

• Begin by raising your hands and saying "Allahu Akbar," which means "Allah is the greatest." Hands can be raised to shoulder or earlobe level.

• Place your right hand over your left, recite the opening Dua (supplication), and seek refuge from evil before starting with Surah Al-Fatiha, which is mandatory. Following this, recite an additional portion of the Quran that you find easy.

Bowing and Prostration in Prayer

• After recitation, move into the bowing position (Ruku) with a straight back, hands on knees, saying "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" three times (minimum). Additional supplications can also be made here.

• Transition into Sujud (prostration) ensuring that forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touch the ground while repeating "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times (minimum). More Dua can be made during this position as it’s a moment of closeness to Allah.

Completing Each Unit of Prayer

• After completing one unit (Rak'ah), rise back up saying "Allahu Akbar" and repeat similar steps for subsequent Rak'ahs including standing positions with optional additional Quranic recitations if desired. Ensure proper posture throughout each phase of prayer.

• In sitting positions between prostrations, ensure correct foot placement; if discomfort arises from traditional positioning, flexibility is allowed while maintaining focus on prayer intentions. Hands should rest on thighs with index finger pointing towards Qibla during Tashahhud.

Finalizing the Isha Prayer

• The Isha prayer follows similar steps as Dhuhr but differs in intention and timing; it includes reading aloud during initial Rak'ahs while later ones are quieter. Conclude by turning your head to both sides saying peace upon you as part of Tasleem after finishing all units of prayer.