What To Say Prayer In Islam?

Salah, the Islamic prayer, is a profound act of worship that connects a Muslim to Allah. It is not merely a physical ritual but a spiritual practice that involves specific movements, recitations, and a focused state of the heart. This article provides a step-by-step guide on What To Say Prayer In Islam?, along with the meanings and significance of each part.

Read More: Is Prayer Obligatory in Islam

Understanding Salah: The Foundation of Islamic Worship

Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential part of a Muslim’s daily life. It is a direct connection between the worshipper and Allah, involving specific movements, recitations, and supplications. Understanding What To Say Prayer In Islam? is crucial for performing Salah correctly and with the proper intention and focus.

The Significance of Salah

Salah is not just a physical act of worship; it is a spiritual journey that involves the heart, mind, and soul. It is a means of seeking forgiveness, expressing gratitude, and drawing closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of Salah, stating:

“The first thing that the servant will be judged for on the Day of Judgment will be his Salah. If it is good, then the rest of his deeds will be good, and if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

This Hadith underscores the significance of Salah as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and daily life.

The Structure of Salah

Salah consists of several key components, each with its own significance and recitations. These components include:

Takbir (Opening the Prayer)
Qiyam (Standing)
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha
Ruku‘ (Bowing)
Sujud (Prostration)
Tashahhud (Testimony of Faith)
Taslim (Salutation of Peace)

Takbir (Opening the Prayer)

Begin by saying “Allahu Akbar” (الله أكبر), which means “Allah is the Greatest.” This marks the start of the prayer and signifies leaving worldly matters behind to focus on worship. The Takbir is a declaration of Allah’s greatness and a reminder of His supreme authority.

Qiyam (Standing)

While standing, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran:

“Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim” (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ) In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

“Alhamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alamin” (الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ) Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.

“Ar-Rahman ir-Rahim” (الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ) The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

“Maliki yawmi d-Din” (مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ) Master of the Day of Judgment.

“Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in” (إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ) You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.

“Ihdina siratal mustaqim” (اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ) Guide us to the straight path.

“Siratal lazina an’amta ‘alayhim, ghayril maghdubi ‘alayhim wa la d-dallin” (صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ) The path of those You have blessed, not of those who have earned Your anger or gone astray.

After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite another Surah or a few verses from the Quran, such as Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, or Surah Nas.

Ruku‘ (Bowing)

While bowing, say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Atheem” (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ) three times, which means “Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.” This phrase expresses humility and submission to Allah.

Sujud (Prostration)

While prostrating, say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى) three times, which means “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.” Prostration is a position of complete submission and humility before Allah.

Tashahhud (Testimony of Faith)

In the final sitting position, recite the Tashahhud:

“At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat” (التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ) All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah.

“As-Salamu ‘alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ) Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

“As-Salamu ‘alaina wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin” (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ) Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.

“Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh” (أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ) I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

Durood (Blessings on the Prophet)

After the Tashahhud, recite the Durood:

“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad” (اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ) O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

“Kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima” (كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ) As You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim.

“Innaka Hamidun Majid” (إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ) Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.

Taslim (Salutation of Peace)

Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying “As-Salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ), which means “Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.” Then turn to the left and repeat the same phrase. This action brings your prayer to a peaceful close, signaling your return to everyday life.

The State of the Heart During Salah

Ikhlas (Sincerity): Perform Salah solely for Allah’s sake, with pure intention and focus.
Khusu‘ (Humility): Be fully present and focused, understanding the meanings of the recitations.
Love, Fear, and Hope: Feel love for Allah, fear His displeasure, and hope for His mercy.

Conclusion

Salah is a sacred act of worship that requires both physical actions and spiritual presence. By following the prescribed recitations and movements, Muslims fulfill their duty to Allah and strengthen their connection with Him. Learning and perfecting Salah is essential for every Muslim, as it is the foundation of their faith and a source of immense spiritual reward.

For those new to Salah, it is recommended to learn from qualified teachers or online platforms like Jamia Saeedia Darul Quran, which offer structured courses to help you master the prayer in Arabic and understand its deeper meanings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is prayer obligatory in Islam?

Yes, prayer is obligatory on all adult sane Muslims. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and a fundamental act of worship.

2. What are the rewards of prayer in Islam?

The rewards of prayer in Islam are immense. They include the forgiveness of sins, spiritual growth, and the opportunity to draw closer to Allah. Prayer is a means of seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.

3. What are the key components of Salah?

The key components of Salah include Takbir, Qiyam, Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, Ruku‘, Sujud, Tashahhud, and Taslim. Each component has its own significance and recitations.

4. What should I say during Ruku‘ and Sujud?

During Ruku‘, say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Atheem” three times, and during Sujud, say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times. These recitations express humility and submission to Allah.

5. What is the significance of Tashahhud?

Tashahhud is the testimony of faith recited in the final sitting position of Salah. It affirms the belief in Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), and it is a crucial part of the prayer.

6. How can I improve my focus during Salah?

Improve your focus during Salah by understanding the meanings of the recitations, maintaining a state of humility and sincerity, and avoiding distractions. Focus on the spiritual connection with Allah and the purpose of each movement and recitation.

7. What should I do if I forget to recite Surah Al-Fatiha?

If you forget to recite Surah Al-Fatiha, you should perform Sujud as-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) to make up for the omission. This involves performing two additional prostrations after the Tashahhud.

8. What is the importance of Durood in Salah?

Durood involves sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family. It is a means of expressing love and respect for the Prophet and seeking Allah’s blessings and mercy.

9. How can I learn more about Salah?

You can learn more about Salah by studying from qualified teachers or online platforms like Jamia Saeedia Darul Quran, which offer structured courses to help you master the prayer in Arabic and understand its deeper meanings.

10. What is the significance of Taslim in Salah?

Taslim is the salutation of peace that concludes the prayer. It signifies the completion of the prayer and the return to everyday life, emphasizing the importance of peace and harmony in Islamic worship.