All about Salat: Devotion and Faith in Allah

What is Salat in Islam?

Salah is the Daily Ritual Prayer in Islam

Salat, also known as Salah or Namaz, is the obligatory ritual prayer performed by Muslims five times a day as a way to get closer to Allah and stay away from sins. The word literally means a close connection. It is therefore, the time when people connect with Allah through ritual prayer.

It consists of prescribed physical and verbal acts and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core practices that every Muslim must observe. Salat is performed five times a day: Fajr (before dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (after sunset), and Isha (night).

Each prayer consists of a fixed number of units called Rak’ah, and includes recitations from the Quran, as well as specific physical postures like standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting.

Salat is Different from Dua (Supplication to Allah)

Salat and dua are two distinct forms of prayer in Islam, each with its own purpose and significance.

Prayer is a ritual performed five times a day to show obedience and attentiveness to Allah. It involves physical movements and reciting passages to praise God and remind themselves of their mission. This performing prayer is one of the most rewarding forms of worship, but it requires more effort than supplication.

Supplication is to ask Allah for help or forgiveness. In Islam they believe that God will listen to sincere quests, but he will not always give them what they ask for. They can use a variety of ready-made supplications to ask God for different things, and they can say them in any language.

Dua is a form of supplication or invocation that can be made at any time, in any language, and is not confined to specific times or rituals. It is a way for Muslims to communicate directly with Allah, asking for guidance, help, or forgiveness. Dua can be made individually or collectively, and can be done silently or aloud.

On the Day of Arafat, which falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims around the world, especially those performing the Hajj pilgrimage, engage in extensive prayers and supplications. This day is considered one of the most important and sacred days in the Islamic calendar, as it is believed that on this day, Allah forgives sins, accepts prayers, and grants blessings.

While the regular Salat prayers are still performed on the Day of Arafat, Muslims also engage in additional prayers and supplications, including making dua. Dua on the Day of Arafat is particularly significant because it is believed that Allah is more likely to answer prayers and grant forgiveness on this day. Muslims often spend the entire day fasting, praying, and making dua, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.

The Five Daily Salawat

So, the five obligatory prayers are called Salawat. These consist of a total of seventeen rakahs, or prostration units, and are done at specific times throughout the day.

If one is ill and misses a prayer, he should make it at a later time or date.

The prayers are as follows:

Salat Al-Fajr or A ̇s- ̇Sub ̇h

Al-Fajr is between dawn and sunrise. It’s the third prayer of the day according to the Islamic calendar, which begins at sunset. Since most people are asleep at dawn, only a few do it. For this reason the Al-Fajr is said to be the one that Allah loves the most.

During the month of Ramadan, the start of Al-Fajr marks the beginning of the mandatory daily fast. 

Al-Fajr has two Rakah and is spoken with open voice.

Salat al-zuhr

Salat al-Zuhr is between midday and mid-afternoon. It consists of four units and is technically the fourth prayer of the day, or the second if counted from midnight. On Fridays, it is replaced or preceded by Salat al-Jumuah.

Salat Al-Asr

Al-Asr is between mid-afternoon and before sunset. It has four obligatory units (Rakah). it is usually silent when conducted in congregation. 

People are allowed to combine Zuhr and Asr prayers if they are traveling or if they have difficulties. 

The Al-Asr is mentioned in the Quran and is emphasized as a prayer that should be observed at all costs. 

Salat Al-Maghrib

Salat Al-Maghrib is the evening prayer. According to Sunni Muslims, it begins just after sunset and ends at the start of Al-Isha, while Shia Muslims extend it until midnight.

It has three obligatory units (rakat), with the first two prayed aloud and the third silently.

During Ramadan, Muslims break their fast after the Maghrib prayer with a meal called Iftar.

Salat Al-Isha

Al-Isha is the fifth prayer of the day. It consists of four rakah in Sunni Islam, and is followed by two Sunnah rakah and three rakat Witr. 

The time period for Al-Isha begins after sundown and ends at the beginning of dawn. Delaying the prayer without a valid reason is frowned upon. 

Special Ritual Prayers

Salat Al-Jumuah

Salat Al-Jumuah is the Friday noon prayer, which is a congregational prayer. It includes a sermon, or khutbah, and is normally held in a mosque. All men over the age of puberty have to attend. The service consists of a two-part speech followed by a group worship, and is held in the early afternoon. 

Muslims all over the world attend this service; as it lasts less than an hour, they can go back to their business afterwards.

Friday is considered significant in Islam because it is the best day on which the sun rises, according to a saying of the Prophet Muhammad.

Salat al Taraweeh

Salat al-Taraweeh is a special prayer of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It has twenty rakahs, or cycles of movements, and is strongly recommended for both men and women.

Al-Taraweeh is usually carried out after Al-Isha, the final prayer of the day, in a mosque or at home. Muslims gather in large groups to do the Al-Taraweeh; the Imam, or the prayer leader, recites portions of the Quran during the prayer.

The Taraweeh prayer is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged, even for those who are excused from fasting due to illness, travel, or other reasons.

Salat Al-Janazah

Salat Al-Janazah is the funeral prayer. It is an important part of the Islamic funeral ritual; Usually they make it in congregation in a mosque, an open space, or any suitable location where a sufficient number of people can gather. The prayer is usually done immediately after the deceased has been bathed and shrouded.

Salat al-Janazah consists of four takbirs, or the act of saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), with different recitations and supplications between them. The prayer is usually led by an Imam or another knowledgeable person in the community. It is a short but solemn prayer that serves as a final farewell to the deceased and a supplication for their forgiveness and mercy in the afterlife.

Salat al-Janazah is mandatory for all men who have reached puberty. It is also recommended to attend the funeral and practice it for any deceased Muslim, whether they are family members, friends, or strangers.

Nawafil

In addition to the required prayers, some very pious Muslims also perform voluntary ones. The very devout wake up hours before sunrise to worship their creator. These prayers are known as nawafil, done both in private and in communal forms.

The Seven Preconditions for Salah

Here are seven things that we need to do before we start praying:

•          We should wait for the right time. 

•          We need to wash our hands, face, and feet with water to be pure.

•          Our clothes should be clean.

•          We should have a clean place to pray, like a mosque or any other clean location.

•          We should wear pants, a shirt, and/or a robe to cover our body. Women should also wear a scarf or veil over their hair as a reminder that Allah judges us by our sincerity, not our appearance.

•          We must face the direction of Mecca to show the unity of all the Islamic world.

•          We must have the right intention in our mind about what we’re doing. Once we meet these seven requirements, we can start praying.       

Before worship, the believer must make ablution, or wudu: this is a physical cleansing and a spiritual purification. Next, the believer declares the intent to conduct the particular rite and determines the direction of the qiblah, in which the worshiper faces Mecca. The believer can pray in any place that is ritually pure, with the prostrations performed on a sajjadah, or prayer mat.

After meeting the above requirements, the worshiper starts the rakahs by reciting the takbir, saying “Allahu Akbar” (“God is the Greatest”). Then the opening chapter of the Qur’an is recited.

Then the worshiper bows, remains still for a moment, raises back up, remains still for a moment, prostrates with the forehead touching the ground and the hands outstretched, sits back, prostrates again, sits back, recites the shahadah, or declaration of faith, the blessings on the Prophet, and the taslim (the uttering of as-salamu alaykum). This is done twice. During the bowings and prostrations, formulaic utterances praising Allah are recited.

The Muslim Call to Prayer

The call to prayer is brief but significant. It begins with the declaration of Allahu Akbar, which emphasizes the central Islamic belief that God is the ultimate being above all else.

 The call then affirms the oneness of Allah with the statement “I bear witness that there is no deity except God.” It also acknowledges Muhammad as the prophet of Islam with the declaration “I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.” (This is the Shahada, the declaration of Islamic faith). 

Finally, the call urges believers to “come to prayer” and “come to salvation,” emphasizing the importance of prayer as a means of worshipping Allah and receiving His favor.

The call ends with the same phrase it began with, “Allahu akbar.”

Stages of Salat Prayer

The prayer is a ritual that follows a specific order of words and motions, with each unit being called a rakah and consisting of multiple stages. The number of rakas varies depending on which of the salawat is performed.

1. Start of the Rakah: The rakah begins with the words “Allahu Akbar” meaning “Allah is greater” followed by praising Allah and reciting the first chapter of the Quran, al-Fatiha, and another passage.

2. Qiyam (Bowing): After reciting the passage, the worshipper shows respect for Allah by bowing down, called ruku‘, followed by standing and praising Allah, called qiyam.

3. Sujud (Prostration): During this position, known as sujud, the Muslim shows humility and silently says, “Glory to my Lord the Most High. Allah is greater.”

4. Julus (Sitting): The seated position, called julus, allows for a short silent prayer followed by repeating the prostration. The sequence ends with a prayer for the Muslim community and forgiveness of sins.

5. Salam (Peace): The final stage is called salam, meaning peace, where the person looks to their left and right and says, “Peace be with you and the mercy of Allah,” addressing all present, seen and unseen

How and Where do Muslims Pray?

Salah is both an individual and a communal act of ritual. It can be done anywhere, but it is recommended to be performed in the mosque, especially at Friday noon.

While in a mosque, believers line up behind the imam, or prayer leader, for the communal prayer. Friday noon communal Al-Jumuah are usually accompanied by formal sermons that deal with religious, moral, and political issues. 

Some people dispute whether Muslims should be allowed to pray in public places. They argue that prayer is both a private and public matter, and that praying together in rows shows the importance of regular prayer and working together.

Muslims usually take a break from work on Fridays to attend Al-Jummah at the mosque. 

The Sajjadah (Prayer Mat)

This is a small rug or mat used during the Salawat. It provides a clean space for worship. It also helps to ensure the cleanliness of the area where one is praying.

These mats can be made from a variety of materials, such as wool, cotton, or silk, and can be decorated with various patterns or designs. They often have a compass or other indication to help the worshipper determine the direction of Mecca, which is the direction towards one faces during prayer. Some prayer mats also have additional features, such as a pocket for holding a Qur’an or a travel-size mat that can be folded and easily carried. 

The use of a prayer mat is not mandatory; Yet, most people prefer it to establish a clean and respectful space for worship.

Misbaha (Prayer Beads)

Prayer beads, also known as misbaha or tasbih, are a common tool used by many people during prayer and meditation. They consist of a string of beads, typically 99 or 33, with a larger bead or tassel at one end. The beads are used to keep track of the number of times a specific phrase or verse from the Qur’an is recited during prayer, as well as for general meditation and remembrance of Allah.

The most commonly recited phrase during the use of prayer beads is the Arabic phrase “Subhanallah,” which stands for “Glory be to God.” 

Prayer beads can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and precious stones. They are often considered to be a personal and symbolic item for the individual using them.

Why do Muslims Pray Every Day?

Salat is very important in Islam. There are five times a day when Muslims should pray. It reminds them that they are God’s servants and helps them avoid doing bad things. If they don’t pray regularly, they risk not being forgiven for their sins on Judgment Day.

The times to pray change each day and are different depending on where they live. The first prayer can be very early in the morning and the last one late at night. The exact time for each prayer is written in the Qur’an and cannot be changed.

The ritual prayer of Salat fulfills their obligation and shows their devotion to Allah, as it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The purpose of Salat is to connect with Allah, seek His guidance, and seek forgiveness for one’s sins. It is a way to remember Allah and show gratitude for His blessings.

Through the act of prayer, Muslims humble themselves before Allah and seek His mercy and blessings. Prayer is a time of spiritual awakening, reflection, and rejuvenation of the soul. It provides a sense of peace, comfort, and hope for believers, reminding them of their purpose in life and their ultimate goal of pleasing Allah and attaining eternal happiness in the hereafter.

 Muhammad himself cherished his prayer time and encouraged his followers to do the same, as he believed that prayer was a way of attaining closeness to Allah and gaining His favor. Overall, Salat serves as a way for Muslims to fulfill their duty to Allah and deepen their connection to their faith.

The Deeper Salah Meaning

Feel the Presence of Allah with your Mind, Soul and Body

The prayer of Salat includes the mind, body, and soul, and is considered a complete act of worship in Islam. By reciting verses from the holy Quran during the prayer, the mind is engaged in spiritual reflection and contemplation. This helps to focus the worshipper’s thoughts on the divine and strengthen their connection with God.

The postures and rakas involved in Salat engage the body and provide a physical expression of devotion and humility towards God. Going on one’s knees and prostrating with the forehead touching the ground is a powerful symbol of submission and surrender to God’s will. With these physical acts of worship, the body is engaged in the process of prayer, and the worshipper experiences a deeper sense of spiritual connection.

The purpose of Salat is to establish a direct and intimate relationship with God. It is not simply about reciting words, but about experiencing a profound sense of awe and reverence in the presence of the divine. By engaging the mind, body, and soul, Salat becomes a holistic act of worship that encompasses all aspects of human experience.

It is not enough to simply say a prayer without engaging the body and mind because this would be a superficial and incomplete act of worship. By engaging the body and mind, the worshipper is able to experience a deeper sense of connection and spiritual fulfillment.

The Mystical Interpretation of Salat

In addition to its physical and religious aspects, ̇salat also holds important mystical interpretations for many Muslims. These interpretations stress the direct and unmediated spiritual connection that is formed between the worshipper and God during the time of prayer. It is believed that this connection has both spiritual and physical benefits for the worshipper. Some mystics have even claimed that ̇salat has healing and restorative powers on the body, and can lead to a sense of inner peace and well-being.

Furthermore, ̇salat is also viewed as having a communal and social significance. Historians and modern Muslim revivalists have noted the role that ̇salat has played in building communal discipline and a sense of group solidarity. The act of praying together as a community can foster a sense of belonging and shared identity, which can be particularly important for minority Muslim communities living in non-Muslim societies.

In addition, the regular practice of ̇salat can instill a sense of discipline and structure in individuals and communities, helping them to lead more purposeful and focused lives. Overall, ̇salat is a multifaceted and deeply meaningful practice that serves both spiritual and social purposes in the lives of Muslims.

Conclusion:
Salat as A Religious Practice of Unity in the Islamic World

As we have seen, Salat is a religious practice that involves making physical movements and reciting specific passages to connect with God and show humility. It is part of the Five Pillars of Islam and is the same for all Muslims, creating a sense of unity among them. Salat can be done anywhere and at any time as long as the proper procedure is followed.

Its goal is to achieve a meditative state where one focuses on God, and the physical movements help to humble oneself before Him. The five daily prayers follow the same basic procedure, with variations in the number of movements to adjust for time. Salat is essential to Islamic practice and is followed by Muslims worldwide to reaffirm their submission to God.