Salah, or prayer, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and holds immense significance in a Muslim’s life. It is more than just a ritual; it is a direct line of communication with Allah (SWT), providing spiritual nourishment and a sense of peace. For new Muslims, learning how to pray Salah can seem daunting, but this guide aims to simplify the process and make it accessible for anyone to know how to pray salah step by step for beginning their spiritual journey. Read also the guide to encourage your child to pray salah.
The Importance of Salah in Islam
Salah is the second pillar of Islam and is mandatory for all Muslims to know how to pray salah properly. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and devotion. Through Salah, Muslims express their gratitude, seek forgiveness, and ask for guidance. It also fosters a sense of community and unity among Muslims worldwide, as they pray facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
Connecting with Allah
Salah is a means of connecting with Allah, allowing Muslims to pause from their daily activities and focus solely on their Creator. This connection brings about a sense of tranquility and fulfillment that nothing else can provide.
A Pillar of Faith
Being one of the Five Pillars, Salah is fundamental to a Muslim’s faith and practice. It reinforces the commitment to Islam and serves as a constant reminder of the principles and values that define a Muslim’s life.
Building Discipline
Performing Salah five times a day instills discipline and time management skills. It encourages Muslims to organize their day around their prayers, ensuring that they never forget their obligations to Allah.
How to Pray Salah for Beginners
How to Pray Fajr Salah
Fajr is the first of the five daily prayers and is performed at dawn. Fajr consists of two Rakats (units of prayer). It is the shortest of the five daily prayers but equally significant. Here’s how to pray salah step by step:
Step-by-Step Actions
- Niyyah (Intention): Begin by making the intention in your heart to perform the Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah.
- Takbir al-Ihram: Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to start the prayer.
- Qiyam: While standing, recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah from the Quran.
- Ruku: Bow down, placing your hands on your knees, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory to my Lord, the Most Magnificent) three times.
- Qomah: Standing after ruku, saying Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah, Rabbana Lakal Hamd.
- Sajdah-I: Prostrate on the ground, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
- Jalsa: Sit briefly before performing a second Sujud.
- Sajdah-II: Prostrate on the ground again, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
- Repeat: Repeat the above steps for the second Rakat.
- Tashahhud: Sit and recite the Tashahhud, a testimony of faith in second Rakat.
- Tasleem: End the prayer by turning your head to the right and left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon you). This is the procedure for performing two rakat of Salah.
How to Pray Zuhr Salah, Asr Salah & Isha Salah
Dhuhr is performed after the sun has passed its zenith and before the afternoon. It consists of four Rakats. These are obligatory and must be performed with full concentration and sincerity. The Asr prayer is performed in the afternoon. Like Dhuhr, it consists of four rakats, whereas Isha is the final prayer of the day, performed at night. It also consists of four rakats along with three additional rakats for witr. There is the same procedure to perform Dhuhr, Asr and Isha prayers:
Step-by-Step Actions
- Niyyah (Intention): Make the intention in your heart to perform the Dhuhr or Asr or Isha prayer for Allah.
- Takbir al-Ihram: Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to start the prayer.
- Qiyam: While standing, recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah from the Quran.
- Ruku: Bow down, placing your hands on your knees, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory to my Lord, the Most Magnificent) three times.
- Qomah: Standing after ruku, saying Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah, Rabbana Lakal Hamd.
- Sajdah-I: Prostrate on the ground, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
- Jalsa: Sit briefly before performing a second Sujud.
- Sajdah-II: Prostrate on the ground again, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
- Repeat for Four Rakats: Perform the above steps for four Rakats.
- Standing after Second Rakat: Stand after reciting Tashahhud in second rakat, before starting Darood (Salutation to Prophet Ibrahim)
- Tashahhud and Tasleem in Fourth Rakat: Recite the Tashahhud in the final sitting and end with Tasleem.
How to Pray Maghrib Salah
Maghrib is performed just after sunset and consists of three Rakats, making it unique among the five daily prayers. In Maghrib two rakats are performed as usual whereas after second rakat it is mandatory to stand after reciting Tashahhud. Perform third rakat and recite the Tashahhud in the (third) final sitting and end with Tasleem.
Common Mistakes in Salah and How to Pray Salah Correclty
Everyone makes mistakes, but being aware of common errors can help improve your Salah.
Incorrect Posture
Ensure that your posture during each phase of Salah is correct. This includes standing straight, bowing properly, and prostrating fully.
Rushing Through Prayers
Take your time with each movement and recitation. Rushing can lead to mistakes and diminishes the quality of your prayer. Prohet PBUH said, Do not make haste for the prayer, and whenever you come for the prayer…. [Bukhari]
Lack of Concentration
Try to minimize distractions and focus entirely on the act of worship. This can be achieved through regular practice and mindfulness techniques.
Perform Sunnah Prayers
It is mandatory to perform sunnah prayer combined with each salah. Two sunnah before fajr are mandatory. Four sunnah before Duhr and two after Dhur is recommended. Two sunnah after Magrib and two sunnah after Isha are mandatory for one who pray salah.
Conclusion
Learning how to pray Salah correctly is a significant milestone for new Muslims. It strengthens your faith, builds discipline, and brings you closer to Allah. By following this guide, you can confidently perform each of the five daily prayers, understanding their importance and benefits.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and seeking guidance from experienced Muslims can further enhance your understanding. We encourage you to join a local mosque or community group to share your experiences and learn how to pray salah step by step.
Stay consistent, stay sincere, and may your Salah be a source of endless blessings.