The Second Pillar of Islām

Aṣ Ṣalāh (Ritual Prayer) is performed by Muslims five times a day. It is the second pillar of Islām, it involves a series of physical movements like standing, bowing, and prostrating, along with specific recitations from Al-Qurʾān, all performed while facing the qiblah. Aṣ Ṣalāh (Ritual Prayer) serves as a direct connection and act of worship between Muslim and almighty Allah, seeking guidance, forgiveness, and blessings.

The five daily prayers are:

• Ṣalātul Fajr (2 Standing): The dawn prayer, performed before sunrise.
• Ṣalātuẓ Ẓuhr (4 Standing): The midday prayer, performed after the sun has passed its highest point.
• Ṣalātul ʿAsr (4 Standing): The late afternoon prayer.
• Ṣalātul Magrib (3 Standing): The sunset prayer, performed immediately after the sunset.
• Ṣalātul ʿishāʾ (4 Standing): The night prayer, performed after sunset.

How to Perform Ṣalāh (Ritual Prayer)

Basic steps on how to perform Ṣalāh (Ritual Prayer)

• Intention: Make the intention to pray.
• Takbīratul Iḥrām: Raise your hands to your ears and say "Allāhu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) to begin the prayer
• Standing Upright: Recite the first chapter of Al-Qurʾān (Sūratul Fātiḥah) and another section of Al-Qurʾān, then you'll say "Allāhu Akbar" to the bowing stage (Rukūʿ)
• Bowing (Rukūʿ): Bow down and recite praise to Allah by saying (Subḥāna rabbiyal aʿlā) three(3) times, then say "rabbanā walakal ḥamdu" while returning to your upright position
• Standing Upright: While standing you'll say "ḥamdan kathīran ṭayyiban mubārakan" (Thank you very much (Oh Lord), I am blessed) then say "Allāhu Akbar" to the postration (sujūd)
• Postration (sujūd): Prostrate on the ground, praising Allah by saying "Subḥāna rabbiyal ʿaẓīm" (Glory be to my Lord (The Greatest)) at the sujūd, then you say "Allāhu Akbar" to the first sitting
• Sitting (Julūs): Sit up from the prostration (sujūd) and say "rabbigfirlī" three (3)x (Lord forgive me) then repeat the sujūd (postration) and recite "At Tashahhud"
• Closing: End the prayer by turning your head to the right saying "As salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh" (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah) and repeat the same while turning your head to the left.