How to Perform an Islamic Prayer

Every practicing Muslim must perform an Islamic prayer, also known as Salat, five times every day. The Islamic prayer is considered the most sacred and essential act of worship. In order to properly perform an Islamic prayer, you must follow stringent guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Prayer mat

Performing an Islamic Prayer

1. Learn the appropriate times to recite the Islamic prayer. The formal prayer times include Fajr (before sunrise), Dhuhr (noontime), 'Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset) and 'Isha (evening). You should perform the Islamic prayer at each of these times daily.

2. Dress in clean clothing and practice good hygiene habits. You should always be clean when you perform an Islamic prayer.

3. Ensure your clothing is appropriate. Men must wear clothing that covers them from their navel to below their knees. Women must wear full clothing; only the face and hands may be exposed.

4. Perform wudu, an Islamic cleansing ritual which should be performed prior to the Islamic prayer.

5. Turn towards Mecca. If you are in the United States, you should be facing a southeastern direction.

6. Stand up straight.

7. Recite your desire to perform the Islamic prayer.

8. Place your hands near your face. Your palms should face outward and your thumbs should touch your ears. At this same time, state "Allahu Akbar" which is Arabic for "God is great." You may speak in Arabic or your native language. Either is appropriate.

9. Place your hands by your sides and recite important prayer phrases. You should also recite the Qur'an's first chapter. You are also free to recite any other passages you wish.

10. Bend over from your waist and state, "Allahu Akbar."

11. Remain bowing and say, "Glory be to God." You can also say this in Arabic as "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem."

12. Stand upright and say, "God responds to those who praise Him," or the Arabic version of "Sami'Allahu Liman Hamidah."

13. Drop down to your knees and place your forehead on the ground (you may use a prayer mat if you wish). Say, "Allahu Akbar." Continue to say, "Glory be to God" or the Arabic version of "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'laa."

14. Move to a sitting position on your knees and say, "Allahu Akbar." Fall forward to the prostrate position with your forehead on the ground. As you bend over, say, "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'laa." Once on the ground, say, "Allahu Akbar."

15. Return to an upright, standing position and say, "Allahu Akbar" as you move. This marks the end of the Islamic prayer.

Tips & Warnings

• The Islamic prayer has modifications, depending on the time of the prayer.
• When you are in the prostration pose with your forehead on the ground, your hair should not touch the ground.

Resources

• Islam Online
• Salat Demo