Prayer, or Salah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, so we will simply tell you how to pray in Islam for beginners step by step, as well as What to Say During Prayer.
How to pray in Islam for beginners? Steps to Pray in Islam
The importance of the Salah is that it is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah (God), besides it provides an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and supplication.
First: Preparation- How to pray in Islam for beginners?
- Perform Wudu (ablution) by washing your hands, mouth, nostrils, face, arms, head, and also your feet three times each.
- Find a clean place to pray facing the Qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
Second: Intention (Niyyah)
Internally make the intention to pray. However, this does not require verbalization but is essential for sincerity.
Third: Starting the Prayer- How to pray in Islam for beginners?
Raise both hands to your ears (or shoulders) and say, “Allahu Akbar,” which means “Allah is the Greatest.”
Forth: The Prayer Raka’ahs
Each prayer consists of a set number of Raka’ahs (units of prayer). For example, Fajr has 2, Dhuhr has 4, Asr has 4, Maghrib has 3, and Isha has 4. In each Raka’ah, follow these steps:
1- Standing (Qiyam)
Recite Surat Al-Fatiha as it is the opening Surah in all raka’ahs followed by another Surah or verses from the Quran.
2- Bowing (Ruku)
Bend at the waist, keeping your back straight, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” which means “Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great.”
3- Standing Again (I’tidal/Qa’da)
Stand up straight and also say “Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd” meaning “Allah hears the one who praises Him; Our Lord, to You belongs all praise.”
Fifth: the Tashahhud
1- After the second Rak’ah
Sit and recite the Tashahhud. “At-tahiyyatu lillahi wal-salawatu wa-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuha an-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ibadillahi as-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur Rasulullah.”
That means in English: “All greetings, prayers, and good things are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.”
2- In the final Rak’ah
In the last rak’ah of the prayer, sit and recite the same Tashahhud mentioned as above, then the Salat Ala-Al Nabi saying: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima, innaka hamidun majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima, innaka hamidun majid.
That means in English: “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and also his family, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and also his family. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Majestic. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Majestic.”
Sixth: Prostration (Sujud)
Go down on your knees and also forehead to the ground, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” meaning “Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
Seventh: Sitting (Julus)
Sit on your legs and also say “Rabbighfir li” which means “O Lord, forgive me”. Then, Repeat Sujud.
Eighth: Ending the Prayer
After completing the required Raka’ahs, conclude your prayer by turning your head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” meaning “Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.” Repeat to the left.
In conclusion, Learning to pray is a vital step for any Muslim. By understanding the steps and the words involved, beginners can establish a meaningful connection with Allah through Salah. With practice, prayer becomes a source of tranquillity and strength, helping to navigate life’s challenges. May your journey in prayer be fulfilling and spiritually enriching.
Related post: What is Salah in Islam?
FAQ
In Islam, there are five obligatory daily prayers (Salat): Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, performed at specific times throughout the day.