What is prayer?

Prayer is known as ‘Salat’, and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. It follows a formalised series of movements known as ‘Raka’at and recitations. The Holy Quran mentions the word Salat 67 times.  The meaning of the word Salat is ‘call’ and to perform it is to seek union with God.

Outward movements and inner preparedness liberate the worshipper from all worldly attachments and impurities. Prayer enables each individual to reach a state of true devotion, and to witness the glory of God.

Salat has to be said in arabic, and has to be performed in a state of ritual purity 'Ghusl' .

How does one perform Salat?

The movements of prayer and their meanings are as follows:

1. Qiyam – Rising 

The first posture in prayer is standing; it takes the shape of ‘Alif’, I, in Arabic. This position reflects the praying person’s worship of the one God.

2. Ruku – Bowing

The second posture is bowing, this shows the praying persons state is complete humility and that he/she has absolute renunciation in the presence of the exalted one. It takes the shape of ‘la’ in Arabic ﻻ.

3. Sujud – Prostration

The third posture is prostration, it is total annihilation, when all worldly attachments to the earth have been abandoned and a state of total union with God has been reached. The standing which follows takes the shape of Allah ﺍﻠﺍﻪ.

4. Tashahhud – Witnessing

The fourth posture is praising and giving special thanks to God, and the affirmation of his oneness and at the messenger in complete cognition and clarity. It shapes the word ﻠﻪ in Arabic.