In Islam, prayer is called Salah and is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims perform Salah five times a day, and it is an obligation for all adult Muslims who have reached puberty. The following are the steps to perform Salah:
- Begin by making the intention for the Salah, either verbally or silently, in either Arabic or your own language.
- Raise your hands up next to your ears and shoulders, then say Allāhu akbar (الله أَكْبَر), which means "Allah is the greatest".
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah, which is the first chapter of the Quran, followed by another surah or verses from the Quran.
- Bow down and say Allahu Akbar, meaning Allah is the Greatest, placing your hands on your knees, with your back straight. Rest at this position, called Ruku (bowing), and say Subhana Rabbiy-al-‘Adheem three times at least. This means ‘Glory be to my Lord, the Great’ .
- Stand up straight again, saying Sami‘-Allahu liman hamidaH - Allah heard the one who praised Him. Then say, ‘Rabbana laKal hamd’ - ‘O our Lord, all praise belongs to You’ .
- Prostrate on the floor, saying Allahu Akbar with your forehead, nose, palms of both hands, your knees, and toes all touching the floor. Then recite silently: Subhana Rabbiyal A’la three times at least. This means ‘Glory be to my Lord, the Most High’ .
- Sit up straight, saying Allahu Akbar, and then prostrate again, saying Allahu Akbar.
- Sit up straight again, saying Allahu Akbar, and then recite the Tashahhud, which is a declaration of faith and a prayer for the Prophet Muhammad and his family.
- End the Salah by turning your head first over your right shoulder, saying ‘As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmat-Ullahi wa barakaatuH’, which means ‘Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings’ .
It is important to note that Salah must be performed in the Arabic language because this is the language that the Quran was revealed in.
