Prayers in Islam

What is Salah (Prayer)?

The salah (prayer) is a special form of worship that is the second most important pillar of Islam after the shahada (testimony of faith). It is an obligatory form of prayer performed five times a day that was revealed in the Quran and taught to us by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The five daily prayers are:

1. Fajr: This prayer takes place at pre-dawn.
2. Dhuhr: This prayer takes place just after the sun reaches its zenith.
3. Asr: This prayer takes place between noon and sunset.
4. Maghrib: This prayer takes place just after sunset.
5. Isha: This prayer takes place during night-time.

There are many verses in the Quran which Allah tells us about the importance of prayer. Here are two such verses:

"But those who hold fast to the Book and establish prayer – indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of the pious." Quran - Chapter 7, Verse 170

"Recite, [O Muhammad], 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. And Allah knows that which you do." Quran - Chapter 29, Verse 45

The salah (prayer) involves a number of physical movements like standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. It also involves the recitation of verses from the Quran in Arabic along with a number of dua (supplications). Muslims face the direction of the Kaba, the Sacred House of Allah in Makkah (Mecca), whenever they perform their prayer. These physical movements, recitations, and supplications are all done to show humility and submission to Allah.