Understand how Salah is performed including wudu, rak'ahs, and the significance of Friday Jummah prayer, explaining differences between Sunni and Shi'a practice and why prayer is central to Muslim life
Test your knowledge of the Shahadah before we move to the second pillar.
Salah is the second pillar of Islam — the five compulsory daily prayers performed at set times. It is the most regular act of worship in a Muslim's life and the primary way of maintaining a direct connection with Allah.
The Qur'an commands: 'Establish prayer for My remembrance' (Surah 20:14). Prayer is not optional — it is a direct command from Allah, established during the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) when Allah initially commanded 50 prayers, reduced to 5 through Moses's intercession.
Fajr — Dawn prayer (2 rak'ahs)
Dhuhr — Midday prayer (4 rak'ahs)
Asr — Afternoon prayer (4 rak'ahs)
Maghrib — Sunset prayer (3 rak'ahs)
Isha — Night prayer (4 rak'ahs)
A rak'ah is one cycle of standing, bowing, and prostrating. The number varies by prayer.
Wudu (ritual washing) must be performed before salah. It involves washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet. Wudu symbolises spiritual purification — preparing to stand before Allah. The Qur'an commands: 'O you who believe, when you rise for prayer, wash your faces and your hands to the elbows' (Surah 5:6).
Muslims face the qiblah (direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah) for every prayer. The prayer begins with 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the greatest) and includes recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Qur'an), followed by another surah or verses.
Each rak'ah involves:
Qiyam — standing, reciting from the Qur'an
Ruku — bowing, glorifying Allah
Sujud — prostration, the closest position to Allah
Sitting — between prostrations, asking for forgiveness
The prayer ends with the Taslim — turning the head right and left saying 'As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah' (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), acknowledging the angels and fellow Muslims.
Jummah (Friday prayer) replaces the Dhuhr prayer and is performed in congregation at the mosque. It is obligatory for adult Muslim men. It includes a khutbah (sermon) delivered by the imam, addressing spiritual, moral, and sometimes social issues.
The Qur'an commands: 'O you who believe, when the call to prayer is made on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade' (Surah 62:9).
Jummah is significant because it brings the community together weekly, reinforces the ummah, and provides guidance through the khutbah.
While both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims perform five daily prayers, there are some differences:
Sunni Muslims pray five separate times daily at the five set times. They pray with arms folded across the chest or stomach. They prostrate on the prayer mat or floor directly. Additional voluntary prayers (Sunnah prayers) are encouraged before and after the compulsory ones.
Shi'a Muslims may combine Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha, praying three times daily instead of five (though still performing five prayers). They pray with arms by their sides. They prostrate on a turbah (clay tablet, often from Karbala). They may add 'Ali is the friend of God' to the Adhan.
Salah is often called the 'backbone of Islam.' The Prophet Muhammad said: 'The first thing a person will be asked about on the Day of Judgement is their prayer. If it is sound, all their other deeds will be sound' (Hadith).
Salah matters because it:
• Maintains a direct connection between the Muslim and Allah — no priest needed
• Creates discipline and structure — five times daily, every day
• Demonstrates submission (sujud/prostration is physically lowering yourself before God)
• Unites the ummah — millions praying in the same direction at the same times
• Provides spiritual comfort and guidance in daily life
Explain two reasons why Salah is important in Islam. [6 marks — new format]
You need: two reasons, each with explanation and development, supported by a source of wisdom or authority.
Reason 1: Salah maintains the Muslim's connection with Allah. By praying five times daily, Muslims are constantly reminded of their submission to God. The Qur'an states 'Establish prayer for My remembrance' (Surah 20:14), showing prayer is a direct command. This develops the Muslim's taqwa (God-consciousness).
Reason 2: Salah unites the ummah. Muslims worldwide pray facing the qiblah at the same times, creating a sense of global community. Friday Jummah prayer brings the local community together. The Prophet said prayer is 'the first thing asked about on Judgement Day,' showing its supreme importance.
How might a Muslim living in a Western secular society maintain the five daily prayers? Consider work schedules, school timetables, and social pressures. What adaptations might be necessary, and would they compromise the spiritual significance of salah?
Salah: The five compulsory daily prayers — the second pillar of Islam
Rak'ah: One complete cycle of standing, bowing, and prostrating in prayer
Wudu: Ritual washing performed before prayer
Qiblah: The direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah, faced during prayer
Jummah: Friday congregational prayer with khutbah (sermon)
Sujud: Prostration — the closest physical position to Allah
Turbah: Clay tablet used by Shi'a Muslims during prostration
Khutbah: Sermon delivered during Jummah prayer