Muslim prayer - meaning, procedure and important points
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Prayer (Arabic: Salat) is one of the most important acts in the life of a Muslim. It symbolizes the connection to God (Allah), gives structure to everyday life and strengthens spirituality.
In this article, I explain what a Muslim prayer involves, what the procedure is and what you should pay attention to in order to perform it correctly.
The importance of prayer
Salat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a direct duty incumbent on every Muslim. It is performed five times a day at set times and serves to withdraw from the challenges of everyday life and focus on God. It is not only an act of worship, but also an opportunity to find peace and strength.
The five daily prayer times
Muslims pray five times a day at specific times:
Fajr - before sunrise
Dhuhr - in the early afternoon
Asr - in the late afternoon
Maghrib - immediately after sunset
Isha - in the evening after nightfall
The exact time varies depending on the geographical location and time of year. Apps or prayer calendars can help to determine the exact times.
The sequence of the prayer
The prayer is a set sequence of movements and recitations. It is performed in units, so-called raka'at. A raka'ah comprises several steps:
1. preparation
Ritual purity: Ritual purification (wudu) is required before the prayer. In the case of greater impurity, a complete ritual bath (ghusl) is necessary.
Clothing: Clothing should be clean and appropriate; certain rules of covering apply to men and women.
Direction of prayer (Qibla): One prays in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
2. the prayer process
Opening (takbir):
The prayer begins with the raising of hands and the utterance of “Allahu Akbar” (God is the greatest).
Recitation:
The surah Al-Fatiha (opening surah) is recited, followed by another surah or a passage from the Quran.
Bowing (Ruku):
One bows with the hands on the knees and the back straight and says three times, “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Praise be to my Exalted Lord).
Straighten up:
After bowing, one straightens up again and says: “Sami'Allahu liman hamidah” (God hears the one who praises Him).
Prostration (Sujood):
One places one's forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes on the ground and says: “Subhana Rabbiyal A'la” (Praise be to my Supreme Lord).
Sitting between the sujood:
After the first prostration, one sits upright for a short time before prostrating again.
Conclusion (Tashahhud and Taslim):
At the end of the prayer, one says the Tashahhud (testimony), followed by blessings on Prophet Muhammad. The prayer ends with the greeting of peace to the right and left: “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” (peace be upon you and the mercy of God).
Important points to keep in mind
Purity:
Make sure you perform wudu and wear clean clothes. The prayer area should also be clean.
Concentration (Khushu):
Try to concentrate fully on the prayer and not get distracted. The intention (Niyyah) is to be formulated internally before you begin.
Direction of prayer:
Use aids such as a compass or an app to determine the correct direction to the Kaaba.
Language and recitation:
Prayer is traditionally performed in Arabic. If you are still at the beginning, you can learn the texts step by step and read the meaning in your language at the same time.
Community prayer:
Prayers in the community (especially in the mosque) have a higher priority. The Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) replaces the Dhuhr prayer and should be performed in the mosque if possible.
Facilitations:
In the case of travel or illness, Islam allows prayers to be shortened or combined. Find out what rules apply in these situations.
Conclusion
Prayer is more than just a duty - it is a spiritual connection to God, a moment of peace and a way of giving structure to the day. With the right preparation and concentration, salat becomes a source of strength and inner peace.
Whether you are a Muslim or want to learn more about Islam: Prayer is a beautiful example of the discipline and dedication that faith requires.
Do you have more questions about prayer? Share them in the comments!
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