The importance of Salah is so great
that one is ordered to observe
it in all occasions, whether one
is healthy or sick, whether one
prays standing, sitting or lying
down, whether one is travelling or residing and whether one is safe or
in fear.
DEFINITION OF SALAH
The Arabic word Salah originates from the word silah which
means connection. The Islamic definition of Salah is the
name given to the formal prayer of Islam. The prayer is
one of the obligatory rites of the religion, to be performed
five times a day by every obedient adult Muslim. It is a
connection between the human and his Creator Allah (SW).
2nd PILLAR OF ISLAM
Salah is the second pillar of Islam. Performing Salah is the
first priority after belief in the Oneness of Allah (SW) and in the
prophethood of Muhammad (SAW).
It is such an important pillar, that Muslims are called upon to
perform this act of worship in all circumstances without fail.
WHO MUST PRAY
Prayer is obligatory upon every sane adult Muslim. A person
is considered an adult upon reaching puberty.
There are four signs of puberty (any one of these signs
means the person has reached puberty):
- Wet dreams
- Pubic hair
- Menstruation (for girls)
- Reaching the age of 15 (lunar years)
THE NAMES AND TIMES OF THE 5 DAILY SALAH
Fajr: The Dawn Prayer
is performed after
dawn and before
sunrise. It consists
of 2 units (raka’ah).
Dhuhr: The Noon Prayer
is performed when
the sun begins to
decline from the
zenith point. It
consists of 4 units
(raka’ah).
Asr: The Afternoon
Prayer
is performed
midway between
noon and sunset. It
consists of 4 units
(raka’ah).
Maghrib: The Sunset Prayer
is performed
immediately after
sunset. It consists
of 3 units (raka’ah).
Isha’: The Night Prayer
is performed after
twilight up until
fajr although it is
preferred to be
prayed before the
middle of the night.
It consists of 4 units
(raka’ah).
PRAY ON TIME
Remember, it is best to perform each
of the five obligatory prayers as soon
as the time has commenced, as it is
not permitted to delay them without a
valid reason, and it must not be delayed
beyond its permitted time.
MISSED PRAYERS
It is a major sin to miss a prayer
deliberately; the missed prayer must be
made up as soon as it is remembered.
Any made-up prayer is performed in
the exact manner it is prayed during it’s
specified time.
It is advised that you refer to an Islamic
prayer timetable published by one of
the local Islamic centres in your city for
exact prayer times throughout the year.
Allah says:
“Verily, the prayer
is enjoined on the
believers at fixed
times”
(Al-Nisaa 4:103)