>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, in this article, we will discuss the different steps to perform salah (prayer) according to the teachings of Islam. We will also cover the different recitations (bacaan) that are associated with each step of the prayer. Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is obligatory for every Muslim to perform it five times a day. Let’s get started!
Wudu (Ablution)
Before performing salah, it is mandatory to perform wudu or ablution. Wudu is the process of washing specific body parts with clean water in a specific order. The body parts that are washed during wudu include the face, arms, head, ears, and feet. The step-by-step process of performing wudu is as follows:
Step 1: Intention
Begin by making the intention in your heart that you are performing wudu for the purpose of performing salah.
Step 2: Saying Bismillah
Say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before starting ablution.
Step 3: Washing the Face
Wash your face three times with clean water. Start by washing from the forehead to the chin and from ear to ear.
Step 4: Washing the Arms
Wash your arms up to the elbow three times starting from the right arm.
Step 5: Wiping the Head
Wipe your head once starting from the front hairline to the back of the head and then down to the earlobes with wet fingers.
Step 6: Washing the Feet
Wash your feet up to the ankle three times starting with the right foot.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you perform wudu with impure water? | No, wudu should be performed with clean water. If clean water is not available, then tayammum (dry ablution) can be performed instead. |
| Can you perform wudu while wearing nail polish? | It is recommended to remove nail polish before performing wudu to ensure that water reaches the nails. |
| Do you need to perform wudu again if you break it during salah? | Yes, if you break wudu during salah, then you need to perform it again before continuing with the prayer. |
Takbiratul Ihram
After performing wudu, the next step is the takbiratul ihram. This is the step that marks the start of the prayer. The takbiratul ihram involves raising the hands to the ears and saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) while standing upright.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you perform salah without saying the takbiratul ihram? | No, the takbiratul ihram is an integral part of the prayer and must be said to start the prayer. |
| Can you make any dua (supplication) after saying the takbiratul ihram? | No, after saying the takbiratul ihram, it is recommended to recite Surah Al-Fatihah. |
| Can you say the takbiratul ihram while sitting? | No, the takbiratul ihram should be said while standing upright. |
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Other Surahs
After saying the takbiratul ihram, the next step is the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah. Surah Al-Fatihah is a chapter in the Quran that is considered to be the most important surah in the Quran. The surah consists of seven verses that praise Allah and seek guidance from Him. After the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, other surahs can also be recited depending on the type of prayer being performed.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you have to recite Surah Al-Fatihah in every rakat (unit of prayer)? | Yes, Surah Al-Fatihah must be recited in every rakat of every prayer. |
| How many surahs are required to be recited in each rakat of salah? | At least one surah must be recited after Surah Al-Fatihah in each rakat. |
| Can you recite the surahs in any order during salah? | It is recommended to recite the surahs in the order they are arranged in the Quran. |
Ruku (Bowing)
After the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and other surahs, the next step is ruku or bowing. Ruku is the act of bending from the waist and placing the hands on the knees while saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Great).
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you touch your knees with your hands while in ruku? | Yes, it is recommended to touch the knees with the hands while in ruku. |
| How long should you stay in ruku? | You should stay in ruku as long as it takes to recite “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times. |
| Can you recite any other dua (supplication) while in ruku? | Yes, you can recite any dua that is recommended to be recited while in ruku. |
Qawmah (Standing Upright Again)
After ruku, the next step is qawmah or standing upright again. While standing upright, it is recommended to recite “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) and “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, all praise is due to You).
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you recite any other dua (supplication) while standing upright? | Yes, you can recite any dua that is recommended to be recited while standing upright. |
| How long should you stay standing upright? | You should stay standing upright until you are in a stable and comfortable position to continue with the next step of the prayer. |
| Can you say “Allahu Akbar” while standing upright? | No, “Allahu Akbar” should only be said during the takbiratul ihram and while changing positions during the prayer. |
Sujud (Prostration)
After qawmah, the next step is sujud or prostration. Sujud is the act of placing the forehead and nose on the ground while saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you place any part of your body other than the forehead and nose on the ground during sujud? | No, only the forehead and nose should be placed on the ground during sujud. |
| How long should you stay in sujud? | You should stay in sujud as long as it takes to recite “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times. |
| Can you recite any other dua (supplication) while in sujud? | Yes, you can recite any dua that is recommended to be recited while in sujud. |
Jalsa (Sitting Between Two Sujuds)
After sujud, the next step is jalsa or sitting between two sujuds. While sitting, it is recommended to recite “Rabbighfirli” (O Lord, forgive me).
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long should you stay in jalsa? | You should stay in jalsa for a brief moment before going into the next sujud. |
| Can you recite any other dua (supplication) while sitting in jalsa? | Yes, you can recite any dua that is recommended to be recited while sitting in jalsa. |
| Can you extend the jalsa if required? | Yes, you can extend the jalsa if required due to illness or any other reason that makes it difficult to perform the next sujud immediately. |
Tashahhud
After the second sujud, the next step is tashahhud or reciting the declaration of faith. Tashahhud is the declaration of faith, and it is followed by the sending of blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you have to recite the tashahhud in every rakat? | Yes, the tashahhud must be recited in every rakat of every prayer. |
| What is the full text of the tashahhud? | The full text of the tashahhud can be found in many Islamic books and online resources. It is recommended to memorize it in Arabic but it can also be recited in other languages. |
| Can you recite any other dua (supplication) after tashahhud? | Yes, you can recite any dua that is recommended to be recited after tashahhud. |
Salam
After completing the tashahhud and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, the final step is salam or saying the final greetings. Salam involves turning the head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah), and then turning the head to the left and repeating the same phrase.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you say any other phrase instead of “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”? | No, “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” is the recommended phrase that should be said during salam. |
| Can you omit the salam if you are praying alone? | No, the salam should be said even if you are praying alone. |
| Can you say the salam while sitting? | Yes, the salam can be said while sitting if it is difficult to turn the head to the right and left. |
That concludes our discussion on the different steps of performing salah and the associated recitations. We hope that this article has been helpful in providing a better understanding of how to perform salah. May Allah accept our prayers and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.