How to Pray
Like the Prophet
ISLAM NEWSROOM - UPDATE: "How to Pray the Prophet's Prayer"
How to Pray - The Prophet's Prayer
by Dr. Muhammad Salah
Why We Pray?
The word in Arabic is "salah" and comes from the root "selah" (means: connection or connected communication) All of us would like to communicate with our Lord the best way possible.
Take your time and be sure you understand, step-by-step.
If you need some help - contact your local imam or sheikh. If not available in your area - then watch the video slowly and if still questions, write to Ahmad Alkurdy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Muslim observes his Prayers to show devotion and obedience to Allah, because Prayer is one of the greatest forms of worship that Allah likes His servants to offer.
To thank Him for creating us in the best form of creation.
Because He has guided us to the Deen (Complete way of Life, Religion) of Islam.
Prayer is a chance for a Muslim to express to his Lord whatever he feels and needs through Divine Words of Allah i.e. the Qur'an.
To remember his Lord and not forget His commands amid life's pre-occupations.
To ask Allah, The Exalted, to give him aid and continuous guidance in the darkness of life.
To strengthen love and fear of Allah in the Muslim's heart so that he might remain sticking to the Right Path of Islam, and its laws and manners.
Gaining good rewards from Allah and having our sins forgiven.
To rejoice when he finds himself on the Last Day pleased with the great reward allotted to him in the Gardens of Bliss.
Prayer is a unique training and developmental program which, if well and devotedly performed, can achieve for Muslims many valuable physical, ethical and spiritual gains such as cleanliness, health, order, punctuality, brotherhood, equality, social consolidation,… etc.
After you Stand facing towards the direction of QIBLAH, that is the direction of the Sacred mosque in Makkah, in(Saudi Arabia). you say Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). in the begining of the prayer While standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting, you should say "subhaan allaah wal-hamdu lillaah wa-laa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar." (Glory be to Allaah, and praise and thanks be to Allaah, and there is no god but Allaah, and Allaah is the most Exalted and Great.) you can say it in your language Then conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right then left, each time saying "as-salaamu alaikum." (which means Peace be upon you and The Mercy of Allah! This way of performing salaat is permissible for you until you can learn and memorize what should be said in each movement and position of the salaat.remember you can say the prayers in your language
Abu Dawood reported that a man came to the Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: "I cannot learn anything of the Qur'aan. Teach me something that will suffice me." He said, "Say Subhaan Allaah wa'l-hamdu Lillaah wa Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah."(Glory be to Allaah, and praise and thanks be to Allaah, and there is no god but Allaah, and Allaah is the most Exalted and Great.)
The Prayer in arabic is must only for people who know arabic. You can not read koran (about 30 words only they call it Fatihaa and Surah)while standing in prayers in your language because God said it in Arabic and we have to say it as he said it to make sure that we have his words not translation. But all other parts of the prayers like SUPPLICATIONS u can say it in your language. If u can not learn these 30 words there are easy words u can use it and say it in your language here it is (Glory be to Allaah, and praise and thanks be to Allaah, and there is no god but Allaah, and Allaah is the most Exalted and Great.) for new muslim he can use and say these words in his prayers for all movements
Prayer times do not remain constant. They are determined by possitions of the sun. Each prayer is different in different parts of the World. Prayer Lists are available in mosques, Islamic Centers throughout the World and of course, ONLINE. These help Muslims in travel throughout the world (in travel, Muslims combine and shorten certain prayers).
(1) Salat-ul-Fair. The morning Prayer
First of the five obligatory "connections with Allah", from the crack of dawn to sunrise. Two rak'a (various postures)
(2) Salat-ul-Zuhr. The noon prayer
Four raka's (4 units), begins from "noon time" (highest point of the sun) until a post is equal in length to it's shadow.
; Its time begins after the sun declines from its zenith until it is about midway from setting.
(3) Sa la t-ul -Asr. The afernoon Prayer
It consists of four raka's (4 units). Its time begins soon after the time for Zuhr prayer ends and extends to just before sunset
(4) Salat-ul-Maghrib. The evening prayer
It consists of three raka's (3 units). Its time begins just after sunset and extends to a period of an hour and a half.
(5) Salat-ul-lsha. The night prayer.
It consists of four raka's (4 units) and its time begins about an hour and a half after sunset and extends to dawn.
Of the 5 obligatory prayers mentioned above, one of them contains two raka's, three contain four raka's and one containing three raka's Each kind has been explained separately. All the prayers (to be recited in Arabic) and the postures in which to recite each prayer have been explained with the help of the given figures. The figures have been drawn in the order in which each posture is assumed and the particular prayer recited. In order to memorize the prayer for each posture the reader only needs to look at the number of the figure and listen to the tape while looking at the transcript which gives the Arabic prayer in Roman letters.
To know the times of prayers and Qiblah(Facing Makkah) direction go to :
http://www.islamicfinder.org/world.php
http://www.islamicity.com/prayertimes/
(Wudu')
Before offering the prayer one must be in good shape and pure condition. It is necessary to wash the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog. This performance is called ABLUTION (Wudu') and is preferably carried out as follows:
1. Declare the intention that the act is for the purpose of worship and purity, start by saying Bismillah.
2. Wash the hands up to the wrists, three times.
3. Rinse out the mouth with water, three times, preferably with a brush whenever it is possible.
4. Cleanse the nostrils of the nose by sniffing water into them, three times.
5. Wash the whole face three times with both hands, if possible, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.
6. Wash the right arm three times up to the far end of the elbow, and then do the same with the left arm.
7. Wipe the whole head or any part of it with a wet hand, once.
8. Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and their outer sides with the thumbs. This should be done with wet fingers.
9 Wash the two feet up to the ankles, three times, beginning with the right foot.
At this stage the ablution is completed, and the person who has performed it is ready to start to start his prayer.When the ablution is valid a person may keep it as long as he can, and may use it for as many prayers as he wishes. But it is preferable to renew it as often as possible. It is also preferable to do it in the said order, although it will be accepted from those who fail to keep this order. Ablution in the said way is sufficient for prayer unless it is nullified.by any reason.
Nullification of the Ablution
The ablution becomes nullified by any of the following
1. Natural discharges, i.e., urine, stools, gas, etc...
2. The flow of blood or pus and the like from any part of the body;
3. Vomiting;
4. Falling asleep;
5. Losing one's reason by taking drugs or any intoxicating stuff.
After the occurrence of any of these things the ablution must be renewed for prayer. Also, after natural discharges, water should be applied because the use of toilet tissues may not be sufficient for the purpose of purity and worship.
The Complete Ablution (Ghusl/Bath)
The whole body with the nostrils, mouth and head must be washed by a complete bath before commencing prayer in any of the following cases:
1. After intimate intercourse;
2. After wet dreams; or night discharge;
3. Upon expiration of the menstruation period of women;
4. At the end of the confinement period of nursing women, which, is estimated at a maximum of forty days. If it ends before, complete ablution should be done.
It should be pointed out that at the start of the bath or ablution the intention must be clear that it is for the purpose of purity and worship. Also, a person who is performing an ablution, partial or complete, should combine his performance with some utterances glorifying God and asking Him for true guidance. The forms of such utterances are described in detail in the elaborate sources of the religion. One, however, can say one's own best utterances if one does not know the exact wording. That is sufficient as long as it is in the praise of God and is said with sincerity.
Learn Here To Pray Like A Muslim Free Online Video!
ALL THE PRAYERS HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED FROM ARABIC TO UNDERSTAND THE MEANING.
Salat Al-Fajr | Salat Al-Zuhr | Salat Al-Asr | Salat Al-Maghrib | Salat Al-Isha
Click on the picture below to watch
Salat: How to Perform Daily Prayers
(I)Allah is Great.
(A) Praise and glory be to you O Allah. Blessed be Your Name, exalted be Your Majesty and Glory. There is no God but You.
(B) I seek Allah's shelter from Satan, the condemned.
(C) In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
(D) Praise be to Allah, The Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;
Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgement
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek,
Show us the straight way,
the way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace,
Those whose(portion) is not wrath,
And who go not astray.
(E) "Glorified is my Lord, the Great".
(F) Allah Listens to him who praises Him"
(G) "Our Lord, praise be for you only".
(H) "Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted"
(I) O my Lord forgive me and have Mercy on me"
(J) "All our oral, physical and monetary ways of worship are only for Allah. Peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be on you, O Prophet. May peace be upon us and on the devout slaves of Allah. I testify that there is no God but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger".
(K) "O God send your mercy on Muhammad and his posterity as you sent Your mercy on Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most Praised, The Most Glorious".
(K) "O God, send your Blessings on Muhammad and his posterity as you have blessed Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most praised, The Most Glorious".
(L) "Our Lord, grant us the good of this world and that of the Hereafter and save us from the torture of hell.
(M) Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFORMING PRAYERS
HOW TO PRAY TWO RAKA'S
position 1: this posture is called Qiyam and it is assumed after having made the intention to pray. Raising both hands upto the ears (palms facing the Qiblah) "Allah-o-Akbar" (1) is said and then holding the left hand with the right hand on top. This position is assumed as shown in position 1. In this position the following prayers are recited: (A) Thana (B) Ta'awaz (C) Tasmia (D) Al-Fatiha, and any short sura or a few verses from the Holy Quran.
position 2: Saying Allah-o-Akbar this position is assumed as shown in the position. This position is called 'Ruku' and the prayers as given under (E) are recited.
position 3: While going back to "Qiyam" position the prayer as given under (F) is said. Then having taken this position prayer (G) is said.
position 4: This position is called 'Sajda'. Saying Allah-o-Akbar one prostrates as shown and then prayer (H) is said.
position 5: Saying Allah-o-Akbar and rising from the 'Sajda' position this posture is assumed and prayer (I) is said.
position 6: Saying Allah~~Akbar the Sajda position is resumed and prayer (H) is recited.
This completes one 'Raka'.
position 7: Saying Allah-o-Akbar this position of 'Qiyam' is assumed once again to begin the second Raka, and the following prayers are recited:
(1) 'Al Fateha' as given under (D) and
(2) Any short sura or some verses of the Holy Quran.
positions 2,3,4,5 and 6: These are to be assumed as in the first raka and the same prayers to be recited.
position 8: In this posture these prayers are to be recited
(J) called "Tashahud"
(K) Salat Alan-nabi
(L) A short prayer
position 9: Having said the above mentioned prayers, turning the face to the right. This prayer is recited as given under (M).
position 10: Then turning the face to the left prayer (M) is said again.
This completes a two-raka' prayer.
In order to perform a THREE RAKA' PRAYER. All the postures and the prayers are the same upto position 8. But this time in this posture only prayer (J) will be recited and then the Qiyam position (position 1) will be resumed to begin the third raka'. This time only Al Fatiha (prayer D) alone will be recited without adding any sura of the Holy Quran. Then all prayers and postures are the same as shown from position 2 to 6 and then 8 to 10..
In order to perform a FOUR RAKA' PRAYER
Positions 1-6 complete the first raka' then positions 7,1 through 6, and 8 complete the second raka'. In position 8 only prayer (J) will be recited and the Qiyam position 1 will be resumed. In position 1 only prayer (D) will be recited without adding any sura. Up to Figure 6 all the prayers are the same as in the first raka'. In Figure 8 only prayer (D) will be recited. Then from position 2-6 all prayers are the same as given for each posture. In position 8 prayer (J), (K), (L) will be recited. Then positions 9-10 are to end the prayer.
Qur'an
1- We would strongly encourage to purchase a hardcopy of the Qur'an but with the following conditions: · get one with commentary (tafseer) · make sure the tafseer is scholarly (e.g. references to reasons behind a verse, references to hadith and sunnah, etc.)
2- If you do not have one you can read on the internet if you do not understand some verses (aayah )try to read it in another translation We would strongly encourage also that you read Islamic Topics about God,prophets and the Holy Books ,,etc befor you read the translations these topics will help you alot to understand the Qur'an
3- Every time Allaah uses the plural to refer to Himself, it is based on the respect and honour that He deserves, and on the great number of His names and attributes, and on the great number of His troops and angels." [This is known in English as "The Royal We"
4- If an aayah of this type is causing confusion, it is essential to refer to the clear, unambiguous aayaat for clarification, and if a Christian, for example, insists on taking ayaat such as "Verily, We: it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e., the Qur'an)" [al-Hijr 15:9 – interpretation of the meaning] as proof of divine plurality, we may refute this claim by quoting such clear and unambiguous aayaat as (interpretation of the meanings): "And your god is One God, there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful" [al-Baqarah 2:163] and "Say: He is Allaah, the One" [al-Ikhlaas 112:1] – and other aayaat which can only be interpreted in one way. Thus confusion will be dispelled for the one who is seeking the truth.
Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) Teaching(in arabic hadith or sunnah)
Muhammad (peace be upon him) spread a teaching regarding character and manners towardone' parents, relatives, fiends, family, humanity, animals, plants and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of that teaching or come with a similar teaching. All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger did not bring an) of this religion from his own accord, but that it was rather a teaching and inspiration that he received from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens above and created this universe in its miraculous architecture andperfection.
- We strongly encourage you to read about the best book for new muslims (Riyad-us-Saliheen) you can read it here
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/hadeeth/riyad/default.htm
About 90 % of Muslims are Sunni, the word Sunni is based on the word Sunnah which is an Arabic word means the Prophet's Doctrine. Sunnis believe in Allah as the One Creator and Mohammad is His last and final Messenger. Also, Sunnis believe in the Quran and Sunnah as the two main sources of Islam. There are, however, Muslim bunches who deviated from the right path of Islam such as: Shia, Sufi, , etc. So be cautious in knowing who you are dealing with but you have to know that the sects in islam not like the sects in other religions
In other religions 1- They can change in their books for example the Catholic Bible contain 73 books while the Protestant Bible has only 66 in Islam no one can change any thing There is not even one word of difference between two Arabic Qur'ans, anywhere in the world. There has been no disagreements in history among Muslims as to what should and should not be in the Qur'an It is part of GOD's promise in the Qur'an, when He said: "We have, without doubt, sent down the message; and we will assuredly guard it (from corruption)" (15:9).
2-The sects in islam agree about the basics of islam all over the world (-The belief in One God, Allah (swt), the belief in His Angels, the belief in His Scriptures, the belief in His Messengers, and the belief in Judgment Day----performing prayer (Salah), giving Alms (Zakah), fasting (Sawm), and performing Pilgrimage (Hajj) for those who are able) but they may have different opinions not on the basics of the pillars but in some details
Robin Peters(Christian) is a 44 years old lady who read the Quran and then she liked to comment on what she've read .. so let's see what did she say ..In fact, the differences in the various branches of Islam come from the ways in which they practice their faith. A Sunni Muslim will differ from a Shi'ite or Twelver Muslim in the way in which they practice their faith, but they will not disagree about the divine origin of the Koran or the fact that there are correct and incorrect beliefs. ; we have become so concerned with whether or not the Bible is inspired or dictated directly from the mouth of the Lord, or whether certain beliefs are correct or incorrect, or whether certain actions or practices are moral or immoral, that we are no longer truly Christian or loving of one another.
Islam, the Religion of Ease
Islam is easy to practice; but those who do not understand the reasons behind their existence, who do not understand the concepts of religion, but meanwhile are striving to secure themselves in this life; then surely they will find its practices difficult.the difficulty cannot be blamed upon Islam as a religion but but rather on the (disbelieving)environment
Allah says in the Qur'an, "Allah does not place a burden upon a soul beyond what it can bear" (al-Baqarah 2:286) the Prophet, Muhammed said; "… Allah did not send me to be harsh, or cause harm, but He sent me to teach and make things easy" 1-So if some Islam orders are hard for you say in your heart i accept it and i do not reject it and when i get chance i will do it and ask Allah from your heart to forgive you .There are no intermediaries between mankind and God. If they sincerely repent to God, ask His forgiveness, and forsake their evil deeds before their hour comes then He shall forgive them and there is nothing more pleasing to Him than to forgive the sins of one who comes to Him in sincere repentance. 2-You do not have to tell any one that you became muslim it is between you and Allah so if you will face any problems by entering islam just keep Islam in your heart and pray in your privacy. avoid as much as possible anything that is forbidden in Islam and learn Islam from authentic Islamic writings
Assalamo aleikum (Peace be upon you)
This is the greeting and salutation that muslims give to each other. It is also the true blessing of Islam. The peace that comes from choosing the right path in life is incomparable! No one can tell you if you have found the right path - you will know it for yourself when you discover the inner calmness of your soul, the joy that even the difficulties cannot extinguish, and the sureness of feeling that you are home.. that you have found a WAY OF LIFE - not just a religion! Al hamdolellah! (thanks to God!)
Islam is not something that you just gulp down in one swallow. It is a lifetime of daily meals to be enjoyed, savoured, tasted, digested. If you eat too fast and try to take it all in in one huge bite, you will get indigestion and probably it will come right back up again and make you sick so you don't want to try another taste. If you eat too slowly and in tiny portions, you will always feel hungry and never be satisfied and if someone comes along offering you sweets and junk food (el shaitan does this) you will perhaps be tempted by that, so you won't feel like eating any more of the good meal. But if you have a well-balanced meal (studying the Holy Writings, association with fellow believers, putting into practice what you learn) you will feel satisfied and healthy and in peak condition of life.
And think about it... if someone who loved you made a meal especially for you, wouldn't that make you feel surrounded by their love? Wouldn't you be anxious to tell everyone you know how well you were treated and how much you enjoyed the food? They would probably envy you and wish that they could also have a meal such as this. Allah loves us and has prepared spiritual food especially for us, his creation, in order for us to be healthy and happy and to know that we are loved. That food of course consists of all the Holy Writings available to us. When the opportunity arises, we can let others know how good our food is and how much our Creator loves us, so that they might see our healthy souls and want what we have. This is human nature... wanting what we don't have.
So take things moderately, one bite at a time. Some foods take getting accustomed to, just like when we were kids and were told to eat our vegetables... as we grew up, we knew they were good for us, so we ate them as part of our meal even if they were not our favourite food. So, when you come across a "vegetable" in Islam that you find hard to swallow, just take a small nibble and leave it at the side of your plate until the next meal, or the one after that. Eventually you will grow up enough to realize that ALL "foods" in the spiritual meal are good for you and need to be partaken of if we want to stay healthy. As an example, imagine hijab as one of these "vegetables" that we might either love from the start or as something that we will only partake of after growing up and realizing that it is good for our spritual health.
It may be better not discuss your reversion to Islam with non muslims friends until a year or two has passed and you feel comfortable in your faith. At that point, it would be obvious to them that Islam has not made you a worse or lesser person, and has in fact (hopefully!) noticeably improved you!
May Allah grant us all the wisdom and good spritual health we need to stay on the straight path. Ameen.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ISLAM
Becoming a Muslim means that you have achieved a lot of good for yourself.
It is like owning a valuable treasure.
The owner of a treasure will have many enemies who strive to take his treasure away from him.
And you have gained the treasure of Islam.
Some people will try to drive you away from your Deen (Religion).
Those people are the foes of Allah.
The foes of Allah are devils whether from among Jinn (whom we do not see) or from among human beings.
Human devils may try to mock at you.
Or, they may try to persuade you by money so that you may turn back from your Religion.
They may accuse Islam of many things, or cloud your mind with some misconceptions.
You have to know that Allah has said in the Qur'an "And no question do they bring to you but We reveal to you the truth and the best explanation" (The Qur'an 25:33).
So, consult Muslim scholars about what Allah has revealed in the Qur'an to answer such misconceptions.
As for Jinn devils they whisper into your heart. "Would you desert your fathers' and forefathers' religion, and follow a different one?"
Would you follow a religion that tasks you with prayers, fasting and giving others your property? And that deprives you from wine… etc."
In fact, many people grow up, and find themselves traditionally following and honoring their parents' religions and beliefs.
All followers of true, or false religions are like that, but the problem is: which of these religions is the true one and which is the false?
Surely, Islam is the only Deen (Religion) which is pure and free from all types of superstitions, polytheism and paganism.
It is the Deen of pure Monotheism.
When you feel these whispers of Jinn devils, recite:
Rabbi 'a'uthu bika min hamazatish-Shayateen, Wa 'a'udhu bika rabbi 'an yahduroon (The Qur'an 23:97-98) "O my Lord ! I seek refuge with you from the suggestions of the Evil Ones. And I seek refuge with You, O my Lord!, lest they should come near me".
And recite also the chapters Al-Falaq and An-Nas of the Quran.
Salvation and Repentance
Mankind's salvation will result from the worship of God as "One" without equals or partners. Islam teaches us that we can pray directly to God without an intermediary and that no soul can bear the burden of another. The Qur'an teaches us that only God can forgive sins, punish or reward. The Qur'an also teaches us that the nature of humanity is good, and we did not inherit sin from Adam. Each soul comes into being free of sin and inclined toward goodness and is capable of doing good and unless taught against its nature, will incline toward good deeds. The teachings of Islam guide mankind back to our pure nature through knowledge of God.
The Qur'an gives the prescription: "If anyone does evil or wrongs his own soul, but afterwards seeks Allah's forgiveness, he will find Allah is -Forgiving, Most Merciful."(al-Nisa; 4:110). Islam teaches repentance, stopping evil ways, feeling sorry for for what one has done, and determining to follow the path of Allah as much as humanly possible. . The Qur'an puts it clearly: "But My Mercy extends to all things."(al-A'raf; 7:156
Adam "atoned" for his sin by saying "My Lord I have sinned and if you do not forgive me and have mercy upon me then I shall indeed have lost." So God forgave him. Similarly, all human beings have the door to forgiveness left open to them by God
AD'IYA (SPECIAL SUPPLICATIONS)
(And when My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I respond to the dua (prayer) of every suppliant when they calleth on Me - Quran 2:186) please try to say that words alot in your daily life "O my Lord ! I seek refuge with you from the suggestions of the Evil Ones. And I seek refuge with You, O my Lord!, lest they should come near me".( 23:97)
Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)
-All Praise is due to Allah (God), Lord of the worlds, the Beneficient, the Merciful, Owner of the Day of Judgement. Thee alone we worship and Thee alone we ask for help. Show us the straight path, the path of those whom Thou hast favoured, not (the path of) those who earn Thine anger nor (of) those who go astray. (Amen) The Holy Qur'an (The Opening Chapter, Al-Fatihah, Surah 1)