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Learn Prayer: A Pillar of Islam

Published on Thursday, July 17, 2025, 11:41 CEST

Learn Prayer

What is Prayer?

Prayer (Salah) is one of the five pillars of Islam, an obligatory act of worship for every adult and healthy Muslim. Performed five times a day at specific times, it represents a direct connection with Allah, strengthening faith and spiritual discipline. Learning prayer is an essential journey for every believer wishing to live their religion fully.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The first thing for which a person will be judged on the Day of Judgment is the prayer." (Tirmidhi). This underscores the critical importance of Salah in a Muslim's life.

The Importance of Prayer

Prayer is much more than a ritual obligation; it is a source of inner peace and spiritual purification. It allows Muslims to refocus on their faith, detach from worldly distractions, and remember Allah throughout the day.

Among its benefits, we can cite:

  • Strengthening the personal relationship with Allah.
  • Offering a spiritual break in daily activities.
  • Promoting discipline and time management.
  • Creating a community bond during congregational prayers.

Regular prayer also helps develop patience and gratitude. By engaging in this ritual five times a day, Muslims cultivate a constant awareness of their Creator, which can transform their behavior and interactions with others.

The Steps of Prayer

The Islamic prayer follows a structured process that includes physical movements and recitations in Arabic. Here are the main steps to perform the five daily prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha):

1. Perform Ablution (Wudu)

Before praying, it is essential to purify oneself with ablution. This includes washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet in a specific order, reciting invocations like "Bismillah" at the beginning.

2. Formulate the Intention (Niyyah)

The intention is an inner commitment to pray for Allah alone. For example, for Fajr: "I intend to perform the Fajr prayer for Allah." This intention is made in the heart, without being spoken aloud.

3. Say the Takbir al-Ihram

Begin the prayer by raising your hands to your ears and saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), marking the start of spiritual focus.

4. Recite the Opening Du'a and Al-Fatiha

After the Takbir, recite an opening invocation (optional) followed by the Surah Al-Fatiha, the first chapter of the Quran, while standing.

5. Perform the Ruku (Bowing)

Bend forward, placing your hands on your knees, and say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory to my Lord, the Majestic) three times, showing humility before Allah.

6. Stand Up Straight

Stand up, saying "Sami Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him), followed by "Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (Our Lord, to You be the praise).

7. Perform the Sujud (Prostration)

Go into the prostration position (forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground) and say "Subhana Rabbiyal A’ala" (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.

8. Sit Between Two Prostrations

Sit briefly after the first prostration, say "Rabbighfir li" (Lord, forgive me), then perform a second prostration.

9. Complete the Raka'ahs

Repeat the steps (Ruku, Sujud) according to the number of raka'ahs in the prayer (2 for Fajr, 4 for Dhuhr, etc.), then sit for the Tashahhud and Salat al-Ibrahimiyya.

10. End with the Salam

Turn your head to the right, saying "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), then to the left, marking the end of the prayer.

Tips for Learning Prayer

Mastering prayer can take time, especially for beginners. Here are some tips:

  • Learn the basics: Start with the movements and simple recitations using a guide or video.
  • Practice daily: Try praying with a community to get accustomed.
  • Use resources: Consult books or Islamic apps for prayer times and du'as.
  • Stay patient: Perfection comes with consistent practice.

Conclusion

Learning prayer is an act of love and devotion to Allah. By following these steps with heart and intention, you will strengthen your spiritual bond and find peace in this daily practice. May Allah accept your efforts and guide you on the right path.

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