Ṣalāt (Prayer) in Islam
Ṣalāt (صلوة), known as prayer, is one of the most integral practices in Islam, representing the second of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a set of ritualistic prayers that every Muslim must perform five times a day.
Etymology
- Arabic: صلوٰة (Ṣalāt), plural: صلواة (Ṣalawat).
- Persian: نماز (Namaz), plural: نمازها (Namazha).
- Turkish: Namaz.
Qur’anic References
The general duty of prayer is frequently enjoined in the Qur’an, but the five periods of daily prayer are not mentioned explicitly in one single passage. Key verses include:
- Sūrat al-Rūm (30):17-18
- Sūrat Hūd (11):114
- Sūrat Ṭā Hā (20):130
- Sūrat al-Isrā’ (17):78-79
Tradition and the Mi’raj Story
According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad received instructions to observe prayers five times a day during his Mi’raj (night ascent to heaven). Initially, he was commanded 50 prayers daily, which, upon Moses’ advice, were reduced to five.
Prayers and Their Times
- Ṣalātu ’l-Fajr: At dawn (2 rak’ahs models - units of prayer).
- Ṣalātu ẓ-Ẍahr: From mid-day till shadow equals length of an object (4 rak’ahs).
- Ṣalātu ’l-‘Asr: Afternoon till the sun turns yellow (4 rak’ahs).
- Ṣalātu ’l-Maghrib: Immediately after sunset (3 rak’ahs).
- Ṣalātu ’l-‘Ishā: After the complete darkening of the sky (4 rak’ahs).
Procedure in Ṣalāt
Ṣalāt includes different postures and sequences, including:
- Takbir: Starting prayer with “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).
- Qiyām: Standing with the hands folded, recitation from the Qur’an.
- Rukū‘: Bowing with hands on knees, glorifying God.
- Sujūd: Prostration on the ground, with the forehead, nose, both hands, knees, and toes touching the ground.
- Tashahhud: Sitting position, reciting Shahada (testimony of faith) and blessings on Muhammad.
The Call to Prayer (Adhān)
Adhān is announced by the Mu’adhdhin from the mosque, calling Muslims to prayer. The call includes declarations:
- “Allāhu Akbar” (God is Great).
- “Lā ilāha illa Allāh” (There is no god but God).
- “Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasūl Allāh” (I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God).
Types of Ṣalāt
Regular obligatory prayers are classified as Farz, Sunnah, and Nafl, encompassing routine prayers and voluntary prayers:
- Farẓ: Obligatory prayers.
- Sunnah: Practices of the Prophet.
- Nafl: Voluntary additional prayers.
Importance and Ritual Cleanliness
All prayers must be performed in a state of ritual purity, requiring ablution (Wuḍū) of the face, hands, and feet. Cleanliness of clothes and the place of prayer is also mandatory.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Book of Ṣalāt” by Imam al-Tirmidhi
- “Fatḥul-Bāri Shrḥ Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukharī” by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
- “Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim” by Imam Muslim
- “The Essentials of Islamic Faith: What is Imān?” by Al-Ghazali
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Ṣalāt is more than a physical act; it is a crucial aspect of a Muslim’s spiritual routine and a direct form of worship and communication with Allah.
- The structure of Ṣalāt aims to maintain discipline and constant mindfulness of God throughout the day.
- Practicing Ṣalāt in congregation increases spiritual rewards, emphasizing unity and the communal aspect of Islam.
Understanding Ṣalāt provides profound insights into the daily life and devotion of Muslims, reflecting both the ritualistic and spiritual pillars of their faith.
