Salah, the Islamic prayer, is a profound act of worship that connects a Muslim to Allah. It is not merely a physical ritual but a spiritual practice that involves specific movements, recitations, and a focused state of the heart. Below is a step-by-step guide on what to say during Salah, along with the meanings and significance of each part.
Table of Contents
1. Takbir (Opening the Prayer)
- Begin by saying “Allahu Akbar” (الله أكبر), meaning “Allah is the Greatest.”
- This marks the start of the prayer and signifies leaving worldly matters behind to focus on worship.
2. Saying Qiyam (Standing)
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the Opening Chapter of the Quran):
- “Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim” (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. - “Alhamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alamin” (الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ)
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. - “Ar-Rahman ir-Rahim” (الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ)
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. - “Maliki yawmi d-Din” (مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ)
Master of the Day of Judgment. - “Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in” (إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ)
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. - “Ihdina siratal mustaqim” (اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ)
Guide us to the straight path. - “Siratal lazina an’amta ‘alayhim, ghayril maghdubi ‘alayhim wa la d-dallin” (صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ)
The path of those You have blessed, not of those who have earned Your anger or gone astray.
After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite another Surah or a few verses from the Quran (e.g., Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, or Surah Nas).
3. What to say in Rukuh (Bowing)?
- While bowing, say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Atheem” (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ)
Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great. - Repeat this phrase three times or more.
4. What to say When Standing After Rukuh?
- As you rise from bowing, say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ)
Allah hears those who praise Him. - Once fully standing, say “Rabbana lakal hamd” (رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ)
Our Lord, to You is all praise.
5. What to say in Sujud (Prostration)?
- While prostrating, say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى)
Glory be to my Lord, the Most High. - Repeat this phrase three times or more.
- You may also make personal supplications (dua) during prostration, as it is a time when you are closest to Allah.
6. Sitting Between Sujuds
- Sit briefly between the two prostrations and say “Allahumma ighfir li” (اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي)
O Allah, forgive me. - You may also add other supplications for mercy and guidance.
7. Tashahud (Sitting for Testimony)
In the final sitting position, recite the Tashahud:
“At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat” (التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ)
All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah.
“As-Salamu ‘alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ)
Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
“As-Salamu ‘alaina wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin” (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ)
Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh” (أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ)
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
8. Durood (Blessings on the Prophet)
After the Tashahud, recite the Durood:
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad” (اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ)
O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.
“Kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima” (كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ)
As You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim.
“Innaka Hamidun Majid” (إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ)
Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
9. Taslim (Ending the Prayer)
- Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying “As-Salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ)
Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you. - Then turn to the left and repeat the same phrase.
Also read:
State of the Heart During Salah
- Ikhlas (Sincerity): Perform Salah solely for Allah’s sake.
- Khusu’ (Humility): Be fully present and focused, understanding the meanings of the recitations.
- Love, Fear, and Hope: Feel love for Allah, fear His displeasure, and hope for His mercy.
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Conclusion
Salah is a sacred act of worship that requires both physical actions and spiritual presence. By following the prescribed recitations and movements, Muslims fulfill their duty to Allah and strengthen their connection with Him. Learning and perfecting Salah is essential for every Muslim, as it is the foundation of their faith and a source of immense spiritual reward.
For those new to Salah, it is recommended to learn from qualified teachers or online platforms like Riwaq Al Quran, which offer structured courses to help you master the prayer in Arabic and understand its deeper meanings.
