Salah is the second pillar of Islam and the most important act of worship after the Shahada. It is performed five times daily and is the direct connection between the servant and Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The first thing the servant will be held accountable for on the Day of Resurrection is the prayer. If it is sound, the rest of his deeds will be sound. If it is corrupt, the rest of his deeds will be corrupt." (Tabarani)
Salah was not given on earth — it was given in the heavens during the Night Journey (Isra wal-Mi'raj). Originally 50 prayers, reduced to 5 through the intercession of Prophet Musa AS, yet carrying the reward of 50.
17
Fardh Rakaat
12
Sunnah Muakkadah
1
Witr (minimum)
Wudu (Purification)
You must be in a state of ritual purity. If Wudu is broken, the prayer is invalid.
Facing the Qibla
Face the direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah. Use a Qibla app if unsure.
Covering the Awrah
Men must cover from navel to knee. Women must cover everything except face and hands.
Clean body, clothes, and place
Ensure no impurity (najasah) on your body, clothing, or prayer area.
Entering the prayer time
Each prayer has a specific time window. Praying before the time enters is invalid.
Intention (Niyyah)
Form the intention in your heart for which prayer you are performing.