- Before Performing Salat
- 1. Learn the correct times of the day to perform the Islamic prayer. The Salat is obliged to be given at specific times of day based on the sun's position in the sky.
- 2. Check that your clothing, body and the place where the Salat is to be performed are clean.
- 3. Dress in the proper clothing based on gender. Women are expected to be covered from hair to feet with only hands and face uncovered, men from navel to knees.
- 4. Find the direction of the Ka'bah and turns toward it, this is the holy Mosque in Mecca. The correct location to face can be found by using a Qibla locater or compass (see Resources).
- 5 .Stand with your feet evenly spaced apart; your hands should be resting at your sides and with your head down.
- 6. Recite the private call to prayer called Iqama follow by expressing your intent to perform Salat (niyyat). Focus your intentions on purpose of the prayer and express which prayer is being done; prayers are broken down into parts called rakats.
- 7. Raise your hands palms facing forward up to ear level and say "Allahu Akbar" (God is great).
- 8. Hold the left hand with the right hand and lower down to the chest for women or to the navel in men, with your eyes down to the ground in front of you.
- 9. Speaking aloud, recite the Opening Surah of the Qur'an called Al-Fatihah. Follow with a small additional section of your choosing from the Qur'an.
- 10. Drop your hands to the side, bend from the knees until your back is parallel to ground and look at the feet. Say "Allahu Akbar" as you bend. Repeat "Subhanna rabbiyal 'Azeem" (Holy is my Lord, the Magnificent in English) three times while bent.
- 11. Rise up to standing with arms at side. Say "Sami' allaahu liman hamidah," (Allah listens to him who praises him) while rising then silently say "Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd" meaning (Our Lord, to You is due all praise). When back to standing repeat "Allahu Akbar."
- 12. Move your hands to your knees and slowly kneel down on ground. Allow your forehead, nose and palms to touch ground, keeping elbows up. Bend toes so the top of the feet are pointing toward Qibla. Say three times "Subhaana rabbiyal 'Alaa," allow a pause and then say "Allahu Akbar."
- 13. Sit up with your soles up under the body for women. Men should turn up the heel and bend the toes of the right foot. Pause and say "Allahu Akbar."
- 14. Repeat Step 7. Then move back to sitting position and pause for next the rakat.
- 15. Start second rakat by saying "Allahu Akbar" as you stand up and then repeat Steps 3 to 9 of the "Complete 1st rakat."
- 16. Follow with a reciting of the Tashahhud (see Resources). The Tashahhud has to be completed at the second rakat and the last one done.
- 17. Proceed back to Step 1 to do a third or fourth rakat and then proceed to Step 4.
- 18. Finish the prayer by repeating the Salawat (see Resources). Look over your shoulder and say the Tasleem "As Salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatulaah" (Peace and blessings of God be upon you). Turn and repeat over left shoulder.
- 19. Say personal prayers by cupping your hands at the chest and wipe hands with your face.
- 1. Learn the correct times of the day to perform the Islamic prayer. The Salat is obliged to be given at specific times of day based on the sun's position in the sky.