The only thing that separates Muslims from non-believers is the prayers. It is the second pillar of Islam after the declaration of faith. Islam is based on five pillars and if one is missing then the whole building collapses.
How can someone who takes bath five times a day become dirty? The same applies to the five daily prayers; it cleanses and purifies the soul of a Muslim.
Salah softens the heart of a Muslim and it naturally prevents you from committing sins because it teaches and disciplines you to be humble and also reminds you of the existence of a supreme being.
In Islamic tradition, Muslims perform five formal prayers at specified times each day. For people who miss a prayer for any reason, the tradition allows the prayer to be made up at a later time without it automatically counting as a sin that cannot be rectified..
Traditionally, prayers are said while standing on a small prayer rug, though using one isn’t required.
- Takbir: Worshippers stand and raise their open hands to shoulder level, proclaiming Allahu Akbar (“God is great”).
- Qiyaam: Still standing, faithful cross their right arm over their left across their chest or navel. The first chapter of the Quran is read, along with other supplications.
- Ruku: Worshippers bow toward Mecca, place their hands on their knees, and repeat, “Glory be to God, the greatest,” three times.
- Second Qiyaam: The faithful return to a standing position, arms at their sides. Allah’s glory is proclaimed again.
- Sujud: Worshippers kneel with only palms, knees, toes, forehead, and nose touching the ground. “Glory be to God, the highest” is repeated three times.
- Tashahhud: Transition into a seated pose, feet beneath them and hands on laps. This is a moment to pause and reflect on one’s prayer.
- Sujud is repeated.
- Tashahhud is repeated. Prayers to Allah are said, and the faithful raise their right index fingers briefly to proclaim their devotion. Worshippers also ask Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
If worshippers are praying communally, they will conclude prayers with a brief message of peace for one another. Muslims turn first to their right, then to their left, and offer the greeting, “Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.”
The five daily prayers include: Fajr (sunrise prayer), Dhuhr (noon prayer), Asr (afternoon prayer), Maghrib (sunset prayer), and Isha (night prayer).
Each prayer has a specific window of time in which it must be completed. These timings are based upon the sun.
- Fajr: This prayer starts off the day with the remembrance of God; it is performed before sunrise.
- Dhuhr: After the day’s work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember God and seek His guidance.
- ‘Asr: In the late afternoon, people take a few minutes to remember God and the greater meaning of their lives.
- Maghrib: Just after the sun goes down, Muslims remember God again as the day begins to come to a close.
- ‘Isha: Before retiring for the night, Muslims again take the time to remember God’s presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Missing prayers is considered a serious lapse of faith for devout Muslims. But circumstances do sometimes arise where a prayer time may be missed.
Tradition dictates that Muslims should make up their missed prayer as soon as possible or at the very least recite the missed prayer as part of the next regular salat.
