Now What To Say In Prayer In Islam that we have thoroughly covered the essential preparations, let’s proceed with the step-by-step method for performing Salah, specifically tailored for Man while acknowledging various scholarly viewpoints. This guide is designed to facilitate a deep, meaningful connection with Allah (SWT) through mindful prayer.

Read More: How to Pray Salah for Females

What To Say In Prayer In Islam: A Man Perspective

This guide will be primarily aligned with the Hanafi madhhab, as referenced in one of the provided documents. However, it will also highlight differing opinions where relevant. Remember that the most important aspect of Salah is khushu’—a state of humility, concentration, and heartfelt devotion to Allah (SWT).

Important Note: As you follow this guide, approach each step with sincerity, focus, and a clear intention to connect with Allah (SWT). Salah transcends mere physical actions; it is a profound spiritual experience.

1. Niyyah (Intention)

Before beginning Salah, form a clear intention in your heart. This intention should specify the prayer you are about to perform (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, or Isha), whether it is a Fard (obligatory), Sunnah (recommended), or Nafl (voluntary) prayer, and the number of Raka’at (cycles of prayer) you intend to perform. This intention need not be spoken aloud; having it in your heart is sufficient.

For example, if you intend to perform the 2 Raka’at Fard of Fajr prayer, your intention could be:

“I intend to perform the 2 Raka’at Fard of Fajr prayer, solely for the sake of Allah, facing the Qiblah.”

In Arabic (remembering it in English is fine):

أُصَلِّي فَرْضَ صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ مُتَوَجِّهًا إِلَى الْقِبْلَةِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

(Usalli farda salati-l fajri rak’atayni mutawajjihan ilal-qiblati lillahi ta’ala)

2. Qiyam (Standing) and Takbirat al-Ihram (Opening Takbir)

Stand upright, facing the Qiblah, with your feet close together, maintaining a humble and respectful posture. One document mentioned that feet should be close together.

Raise your hands to the level of your shoulders or slightly lower, with palms facing the Qiblah and fingers naturally outstretched. Note that some interpretations suggest Man should keep their hands within the cloth sheet, meaning the hands are raised but remain within the confines of their outer garment or hijab. This is a key distinction from how men typically perform this action.

As you raise your hands, say the Takbirat al-Ihram (the opening Takbir):

اللهُ أَكْبَرُ

(Allahu Akbar)

“Allah is the Greatest.”

This Takbir signals the beginning of Salah and marks your transition from worldly activities to a state of prayerful devotion. Ensure you pronounce the Takbir loud enough for you to hear yourself.

After saying the Takbir, lower your hands and place them on your chest. The standard practice is to place your right palm on the back of your left hand, resting them on your chest. Keep your gaze focused on the place of prostration (the area on the floor where your forehead will touch during Sujud).

3. Recitation (Qira’ah)

After placing your hands on your chest, begin the recitation by first reciting the Thana (Opening Supplication), then Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah, followed by Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah or verses from the Quran. Recite these quietly, as one document indicated.

• Thana (Opening Supplication):Recite the following Thana in a lowered voice:سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلَٰهَ غَيْرُكَ(Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaraka-smuka wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk)“

• Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is due to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god worthy of worship except You.”
• Ta’awwudh (Seeking Refuge):Recite the following Ta’awwudh in a lowered voice:أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ(A’udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem)“I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan.”

• Tasmiyah (In the Name of Allah):Recite the following Tasmiyah in a lowered voice:بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ(Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem)“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
• Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening Chapter):Recite Surah Al-Fatiha clearly and with proper pronunciation:الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَالرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِمَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِإِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُاهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَصِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ(Alhamdu lillahi rabbil-‘alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-lazeena an’amta ‘alaihim ghairil-maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-daalleen)“All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Universe, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship and from You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those whom You have favored, not those who have earned Your anger, nor those who have gone astray.”

• Reciting Another Surah or Verses:After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite another Surah (chapter) from the Quran or a set of verses. Surah Al-Ikhlas is a commonly recited short Surah:قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌاللَّهُ الصَّمَدُلَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْوَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ(Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yoolad. Wa lam yakullahu kufuwan ahad)“Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is independent, and all things depend on Him. He does not beget, nor is He begotten. And there is none like Him.”

4. Ruku’ (Bowing)

After completing the recitation, say Allahu Akbar and move into the bowing position (Ruku’). Remember to say this quietly.

Bend forward from the waist, keeping your back as straight as possible. Place your hands on your knees with your fingers together. One of the documents stated that Man should bow to the extent that their hands comfortably reach their knees without straining. While the back should be reasonably straight, it doesn’t need to be perfectly flat like men often do. Focus your eyes on your feet. The arms should be joined to the sides.

In Ruku’, recite the following Tasbeeh (glorification) at least three times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

(Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Azeem)

“Glory be to my Lord, the Greatest.”

5. Qawmah (Standing After Ruku’)

After reciting the Tasbeeh in Ruku’, rise from the bowing position while saying:

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

(Sami’Allahu liman hamidah)

“Allah hears those who praise Him.”

Stand upright with your arms at your sides, and recite:

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ

(Rabbana wa lakal-hamd)

“Our Lord, to You belongs all praise.”

It is also recommended to say:

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

(Allahumma Rabbana lakal-hamd)

“O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise.”

Keep your gaze focused on the place of prostration.

6. Sujud (Prostration)

Say Allahu Akbar (quietly) and proceed into Sujud (prostration).

Lower yourself to the ground, placing your knees first, followed by your hands, and then your forehead and nose. Ensure your forehead and nose firmly touch the ground. Your fingers should be together, pointing towards the Qiblah.

While in Sujud, your elbows should be close to your sides, and your thighs should be drawn toward your stomach. This contrasts with the way men perform Sujud, where they typically keep their elbows away from their sides and their stomach raised. The Man should draw herself closely together.

Recite the following Tasbeeh at least three times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

(Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la)

“Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.”

During Sujud, you can also make personal supplications (Dua), as this is a time when you are closest to Allah.

7. Jalsah (Sitting Between Two Prostrations)

Say Allahu Akbar (quietly) and rise from Sujud to a sitting position (Jalsah).

Sit with your left foot flat on the ground and your right foot upright, with your toes pointing towards the Qiblah. Alternatively, some scholars allow Man to sit with both feet extended to the right side. Place your hands on your thighs, near your knees, with your fingers joined together.

Recite the following Dua (supplication):

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِیْ مُقِیْمَ الصَّلٰوةِ وَ مِنْ ذُرِّیَّتِیْ ﳓ رَبَّنَا وَ تَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِیْ وَ لِوَالِدَیَّ وَ لِلْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ یَوْمَ یَقُوْمُ الْحِسَابُ

(Allahummaghfir li warhamni, wahdini, wa ‘afini, warzuqni)

“O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me well-being, and provide for me.”

8. Second Sujud

Say Allahu Akbar (quietly) and return to Sujud, repeating the same actions and recitation as in the first Sujud.

9. Standing Up for the Next Raka’ah

Say Allahu Akbar (quietly) and rise from the second Sujud to a standing position (Qiyam), ready to begin the next Raka’ah.

If you are performing a prayer with more than two Raka’at, repeat steps 3 through 8 for each Raka’ah. Note that in the second Raka’ah, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah or verses, you should proceed directly to Ruku’.

10. Tashahhud (Final Sitting)

In the final Raka’ah of your Salah, after the second Sujud, sit in the Tashahhud position.

Sit with your left foot flat on the ground and your right foot upright, with your toes pointing towards the Qiblah. Some scholars allow Man to sit with both feet extended to the right side. Place your hands on your thighs, near your knees.

Recite the Tashahhud:

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ،

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

(At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu)

“All greetings, prayers, and good things are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”

When you reach the phrase “la ilaha illallahu” (there is no god worthy of worship except Allah), raise your right index finger (while keeping the other fingers folded) as a sign of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah). Lower your finger when you complete the phrase.

After reciting the Tashahhud, recite the Salawat (blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him):

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

(Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima innaka hamidun majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima innaka hamidun majeed)

“O Allah, send Your grace and honor upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, just as You sent grace and honor upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.”

Finally, recite a Dua of your choice. A common Dua is:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

(Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘azaban-nar)

“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”

11. Tasleem (Salutations)

Conclude the Salah by performing the Tasleem.

Turn your head to the right, saying:

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

(As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah)

“Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah.”

Then, turn your head to the left, repeating the same phrase.

The Tasleem signifies the end of Salah and is a greeting of peace to the angels and those around you.

Differences in Salah for Man: Clarifying Common Points

Based on different schools of thought and interpretations, here are a few key differences in how Man perform Salah compared to men:

• Raising Hands: Man generally raise their hands to shoulder level or slightly lower, while men raise them to earlobe level.
• Position of Hands: Man typically place their hands on their chest, while men place them below the navel.
• Bowing (Ruku’): Man bow to the extent that their hands reach their knees, while men aim for a flatter back, parallel to the ground.
• Prostration (Sujud): Man keep their elbows close to their sides and their thighs drawn towards their stomach during prostration, while men keep their elbows away from their sides and their stomach raised.
• Sitting Position: Man may sit with both feet extended to the right side during the Tashahhud, while men typically sit with the left foot flat and the right foot upright.
• Voice: Man generally recite prayers in a lowered voice, while men may recite aloud in congregational prayers (where permissible).

It is important to consult with knowledgeable scholars or refer to reliable sources to clarify any specific questions or concerns you may have regarding these differences.

I’ve integrated the details from the provided files, emphasizing the specific nuances for Man in performing Salah. I also included the differences in opinion from the scholars.

Conclusion:

Salah is a fundamental pillar of Islam, providing a direct connection between the worshipper and Allah. For Muslim Man, understanding the nuances of performing Salah correctly is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling religious obligations. This comprehensive guide has outlined the step-by-step process of Salah, highlighting specific considerations for Man.

Remember that Salah is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual experience. It’s an opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy, guidance, and protection. As you perfect your Salah, focus on developing Khushu’ (humility and concentration), understanding the meanings of the recitations, and maintaining a sincere intention throughout the prayer.

Continue to learn and refine your practice of Salah, seeking knowledge from reliable sources and scholars. May Allah accept our prayers and guide us all to the straight path.

FAQs:

Q: Are there differences in how Man perform Salah compared to men?

A: Yes, there are some subtle differences. Man typically raise their hands to shoulder level, place hands on the chest, bow less deeply in Ruku’, keep elbows close to sides in Sujud, and may sit with both feet extended to the right side during Tashahhud.

Q: Should Man recite prayers aloud or quietly?

A: Man generally recite prayers quietly, even for prayers where men may recite aloud. The exception is when a woman is leading other Man in prayer or praying alone in a private area.

Q: What is the correct way to end the Salah?

A: The traditional ending is to say “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and Allah’s mercy be upon you) twice, turning the head to the right and then to the left. However, some scholars suggest ending with “Alhamdulillahi rabbil ‘alameen” (Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds) based on Quranic guidance.

Q: Are there any recommended supplications after completing Salah?

A: Yes, it’s recommended to recite “Subhaan Allah” (Glory be to Allah) 33 times, “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah) 33 times, and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) 34 times after prayer.

Q: How important is intention (Niyyah) in Salah?

A: Intention is crucial. Before beginning Salah, one should make a clear intention in the heart, specifying which prayer is being performed and that it’s for the sake of Allah.