Salah (Islamic prayer) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a direct connection between the worshipper and Allah. For new Muslims and those seeking to perfect their prayer, learning how to perform Salah correctly can seem daunting. This comprehensive guide breaks down every step of the prayer process, from purification to completion, making it easy for beginners to learn and practice.
Salah is the mandatory Islamic prayer performed five times daily. It's mentioned repeatedly in the Quran as an essential act of worship: "Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times." (Quran 4:103). Unlike spontaneous dua (supplication), Salah follows a specific format with prescribed movements and recitations in Arabic.
The importance of Salah cannot be overstated. It serves as:
For those beginning their journey in Islam, establishing regular prayer is the foundation of faith. Our Noorani Qaida course provides the perfect starting point to learn the Arabic pronunciation necessary for prayer.
Before beginning your prayer, certain conditions must be met:
This includes both major purification (Ghusl after janabah) and minor purification (Wudu). Wudu is the ablution process that cleans specific body parts before prayer.
Your body, clothes, and prayer area must be clean from impurities.
For men, this means covering from navel to knees. For women, the entire body except hands, feet, and face.
You must face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
Having the conscious intention in your heart to perform the specific prayer.
The prayer must be performed within its designated time frame.
Understanding prayer times is crucial for performing Salah correctly:
Each prayer consists of units called rak'ahs (singular: rak'ah), which are cycles of specific movements and recitations.
Begin by performing wudu. Wash:
Stand facing the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. Use a compass or mobile app to find the correct direction.
In your heart, intend to perform the specific prayer (e.g., "I intend to pray two rak'ah of Fajr prayer for Allah").
Raise your hands to your ears and say: "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).
Place your right hand over left on your chest. Recite:
Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow, placing hands on knees. Keep back straight and say: "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory to my Lord the Great) three times.
Rise up saying: "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him). Then say: "Rabbana lakal hamd" (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
Say "Allahu Akbar" and go into prostration. Place forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on ground. Say: "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory to my Lord the Most High) three times.
Say "Allahu Akbar" and sit up briefly, then say "Allahu Akbar" and prostrate again.
Stand up for the second rak'ah saying "Allahu Akbar". Repeat the same process as the first rak'ah, but after the second prostration, remain seated for Tashahhud.
In the final sitting position, recite Tashahhud:
"At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu as-salamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu as-salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh"
Then turn your head right and say: "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" then left repeating the same.
When learning Salah, avoid these common errors:
Travelers may shorten four-rak'ah prayers to two rak'ahs and combine Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha.
If unable to stand, pray sitting. If unable to sit, pray lying down using gestures.
Women are exempt from prayer during menstruation and postpartum bleeding, but must make up missed fasts later.
Establishing regular Salah brings numerous benefits:
As the Quran states: "Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater." (Quran 29:45)
Congratulations on taking this important step in learning Salah! Remember that consistency is more important than perfection in the beginning. Allah appreciates your effort and will make it easier with practice.
To deepen your understanding and improve your prayer:
Our experienced teachers at Online Quran Live Academy are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer affordable one-on-one classes that fit your schedule and learning pace.
Ready to perfect your Salah and deepen your connection with the Quran? Start your free trial class today and let us help you on your spiritual journey.
This guide provides the basic steps of Salah. As you progress, you'll learn additional recommended (sunnah) practices and prayers. Don't be overwhelmed - start with learning one prayer completely, then add others. The most important thing is to begin and maintain consistency. Allah says: "And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]." (Quran 2:45)
