Prayer (Salaah) is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith, a direct act of worship in which we praise, thank, and submit to Allah, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives. It is not just a ritual but a fundamental part of a believer’s daily life, strengthening our connection with our Creator.
The five daily prayers are among the greatest acts of worship in Islam. After having the correct belief in Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), establishing Salaah on time is the most virtuous deed.
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked about the best action, he responded:
“Performing the obligatory prayers at the beginning of their time.”
What is Prayer?
When we refer to “prayer,” we mean a specific form of worship revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), just as previous prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them), instructed their followers to pray according to Allah’s guidance.
Because prayer is the most important obligation after faith, a believer must structure their daily life around it. Neglecting Salaah for worldly affairs—whether at work, in a mall, or while traveling—is a major sin. Salaah must always be performed within its designated time, regardless of location or circumstances.
The Five Daily Prayers and Their Units (Raka’at)
Each of the five daily prayers consists of a specific number of Raka’at (units of prayer):
•Fajr (Dawn Prayer) – 2 Raka’at
•Dhuhr (Noon Prayer) – 4 Raka’at
•Asr (Afternoon Prayer) – 4 Raka’at
•Maghrib (Sunset Prayer) – 3 Raka’at
•Isha (Night Prayer) – 4 Raka’at
Understanding the Prayer Structure
A single unit (Raka’a) of prayer consists of several steps, beginning with Takbeer (raising the hands and saying “Allahu Akbar”) and ending with Sujood (prostration).
1. If the prayer is two units (e.g., Fajr), complete steps 1–9, then proceed to steps 10 and 11 to conclude.
2. If the prayer is four units (e.g., Dhuhr, Asr, Isha):
•Complete steps 1–8 twice, then perform step 9.
•Repeat steps 1–8 for the next two units, then conclude with steps 10 and 11.
3. If the prayer is three units (e.g., Maghrib):
•Complete steps 1–8 twice, followed by step 9.
•Perform steps 1–11 for the third unit to conclude.
Reciting the Qur’an in Prayer
During each unit of prayer, the Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening, Chapter 1) must always be recited. In the first two Raka’at of every prayer, a second chapter from the Qur’an is also recited. Beginners may start with shorter chapters, such as:
•1st unit – Surah Al-Fatiha + Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)
•2nd unit – Surah Al-Fatiha + Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113)
•3rd and 4th units – Surah Al-Fatiha only
Though any chapter can be recited after Al-Fatiha, shorter ones are easier to memorize and recommended for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Salaah is not just an obligation—it is a spiritual lifeline. It nurtures our faith, cleanses our sins, and keeps us connected to Allah throughout the day. By learning to pray correctly and prioritizing it in our daily lives, we fulfill one of the greatest acts of devotion in Islam.
May Allah guide us to perfect our prayers and grant us steadfastness in worship. Aameen.
