1. Learn about the importance of prayer in the Islam. Prayer or Salat is a time to get closer to Allah and learn more about your religion.
- Namaz, which is also understood to be a form of worship, is the ritual prayer that is part of the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Namaz is the recitation of passages from the Qur’an. Muslims believe the Qur’an should be read and recited in the original Arabic, however, many Imams have said translation and prayer can take place in the native language of the person praying as long as he or she is working to learn Arabic.
2. Follow the strict schedule by which Salat is performed.
- Salat is performed 5 times a day, with exemptions made for special situations.
- Fajr, the morning prayer, occurs after the break of dawn but before sunrise.
- Dhuhr, the noon prayer, occurs after noon but prior to afternoon.
- Asr, the afternoon prayer, occurs between late afternoon but before sunset.
- Maghrib, the sunset prayer, occurs after sunset but prior to darkness.
- Isha, the night prayer, is offered anytime at night but usually just before going to bed.
3. Perform Namaz while following the structured regime required by the Islamic faith.
- Before beginning prayers ablution, or ritual cleansing, must be completed.
- Adherents are to act as though in the presence of God. Therefore, fidgeting, glancing around the room, and talking are all forbidden while performing Namaz.
- Before each position change, the leader of the prayer will say, “God is great.”
- Each posture is associated with a portion of the prayer. The complete set of postures may be repeated as necessary depending on the specific prayer being performed.
- Face Mecca and lift both hands facing forward to the shoulders or ears and proclaim, “Allahu Akbar”, or God is great.
- Place the left hand under the right hand over the naval or on the chests while standing. During this position, the first chapter of the Qur’an is typically recited or read.
- Bow with both hands placed just below the knee. During this position one recites the following three times: “Glory be to God, the most Great.”
- Say, “God listens to the one who praises Him,” while standing straight. Once standing, position hands loosely at your sides and say, “To God belongs all praise” 3 times.
- Kneel and touch your head to the floor with your palms, forehead, nose, knees, and toes only on the floor. Say, “Glory be to God, the most high” 3 times.
- Say, “God is great” while moving to the sitting position. A short prayer may be recited or a short silence may be observed.
- Say, “God is great” while moving back to the kneeling position. Recite “Glory be to God, the most high”.
- Return to the sitting position and recite prayers.
- To end the prayer turn to the right and say, “Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.” Then turn to the left and repeat.
4. You have finished! If you are just starting out in Islam than try your hardest. If you have been Muslim for a while try to do as much prayer as you can. Allah understands in situations that prayer can not be done but try to make up prayer. There are now apps on your smart phone or tablet or even computer where you can get daily reminders to when prayer time is! In this new age it has never been easier to pray! Some work places and schools however don’t allow people to pray inside them but try to make it up later and read Qu’ran as well to be a great Muslim!
