Salah
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AnnaFrance
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/* Fard As-salat */ disambiguated wikilink to "congregation"
{{Cleanup-jargon|date=May 2008}}
{{redirect|Salat}}
{{For|the minor Biblical figure, Salah|List of minor Biblical figures#Salat}}
{{Muslim Beliefs}}
'''Ṣalat''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: '''صلاة''', [[Qur'anic Arabic]]: '''صلوة''', pl. '''ṣalawah''') (also '''munz''' in [[Pashto language|Pashto]] and '''namāz''' نماز in [[Persian language|Persian]],<!--need Persian spelling--> [[Urdu language|Urdu]] and [[Turkish language|Turkish]]) is the ritual [[prayer]] practiced by [[Muslim]]s in supplication to [[Allah]], God. The term is commonly used to refer to the [[daily prayers]], which are compulsory upon all mature Muslims. As-salat is considered the most important act of worship in [[Islam]] and its importance is such that only under very few circumstances can it be omitted.
"As-salat" is one of the [[Five Pillars of Islam]] in [[Sunni Islam]] and one of the ten [[Practices of the Religion]] in [[Shia Islam]].
In central and South Asian languages such as [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Urdu]], [[Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Albanian language]], [[South Slavic languages]] such as the [[Bosnian language]], [[Našinski]], [[Macedonian language]] and [[Turkic languages]] it is called '''namāz''' (نماز) from the Indo-European root meaning 'to bow or prostrate'.
The person performing As-salat is a ''musallee'' (مصلى), while the traditional prayer mat on which prayer is performed is a ''musalla''.
==Etymology==
The word "salat/salah" (صلاة) is from the root [[Tsade|ṣad]] (ص), [[Lamedh|lām]] (ل), [[Waw (letter)|wāw]] (و) and has the following meanings, taken from classical [[Arabic language|Arabic]] [[lexicon]]s (e.g. [[Edward William Lane|E. W. Lane]]): prayer, supplication, petition, oration, eulogy, benediction, commendation, blessing, honour, magnify, bring forth, follow closely, walk/follow behind closely, to remain attached, to contact or to be in contact. Its core underlying meaning relevant to all its usage in the [[Qur'an]] is ''to go/turn towards'', as mentioned in {{cite quran|5|4|rangeend=7|style=nosup|expanded=yes}}. Similar roots appear in [[Aramaic]] and [[Modern Hebrew]].ا
==Purpose==
The purpose of salat is primarily to act as an individual's communication with [[Allah]]. It enables one to stand in front of God, thank and praise Him, and ask for Him to show one the "right path" (as mentioned in [[surah]] [[al-Fatihah]] which is recited in every prayer). In addition, the daily ritual prayers serve as a constant reminder to Muslims that they should be grateful for God's blessings. It ensures that every Muslim prioritises [[Islam]] over all other concerns, thereby revolving their life around God and submitting to His will. Prayer also serves as a formal method of remembering God.
In the [[Qur'an]] it is mentioned that: <blockquote>"''The true believers are those who feel a fear in their hearts (of the consequences of violating the commands of Allah) when Allah is mentioned. And when His Revelations are recited to them, they find their faith strengthened. They do their best and then put their trust in their Lord.''" {{cite quran|8|2}}</blockquote>
and also: <blockquote>''{{cite quran|22|35|quote=To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them}}''</blockquote>
The salat is also mentioned as a means to restrain the believer from social wrong and moral deviancy {{cite quran|29|45}}.
==Preparation==
===Cleanliness and dress===
Islam advises that the salat be performed in a ritually clean environment (Qur'an 5:6). When praying, the clothes that are worn and the place of prayer must be clean. Men and women each are directed to cover their bodies (''[[awrah]]'') in reasonably loose-fitting garments. A well-known tradition saying that "purity is half the faith" has direct correlation to Islam as the religion has incorporated and modified existing rules of purity in its religious system.
===Ritual ablution===
{{main|Wudu|Tayammum|Ghusl}}
Before conducting prayers, a Muslim has to perform a ritual [[ablution]].
The minor ablution is performed using water (''[[wudu]]'') or clean sand or dust (''[[tayammum]]'') when water is not available or not advisable to use such as due to sickness.
In [[Sunni Islam]], wudu' consists of washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, forehead and hair, ears and feet three times each in that order. [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]] first wash their faces, then their arms, and then wipe their heads and feet with the moisture on their hands. Tayammum consists of wiping only the hands and face with sand or dust. Wudu is considered to cleanse a Muslim in a permanent fashion, such that he does not have to re-perform it for each solat (unless he commits an act that breaks his wudu). Tayammum however has to be re-performed before each salat.
The major ablution (''[[ghusl]]'') is required when a person has had [[sexual intercourse]], ejected [[semen]], has had [[menstruation|menstrual bleeding]] or is a new [[religious conversion|convert]] to the faith. Ghusl may also be performed voluntarily especially before Friday prayers.
==Conditions==
The compulsory prayer is obligated for those who meet these 3 conditions: <ref>Ismail Kamus (1993). ''Hidup Bertaqwa'' (2nd ed.). Kuala Lumpur: At Tafkir Enterprise. ISBN 9-839990-20-9.</ref>
* are muslim
* have reached puberty
* are of sound mind
Still, children as young as 7 years old are taught to pray. Children of 10 years old can be disciplined if they miss praying.
There are 5 elements that make a prayer valid: <ref>Ismail Kamus (1993). ''Hidup Bertaqwa'' (2nd ed.). Kuala Lumpur: At Tafkir Enterprise. ISBN 9-839990-20-9.</ref>
* Confident of the time of prayer. Being unsure invalidates even if the time turns out correct.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
* Facing the [[qibla]], with the chest facing the direction of kaabah. The ill can negotiate, but needs to replace when healthier.
* Covering the [[awrah]]
* Clean clothes, body, place of prostration
* Pure from hadath ([[wudu]], [[tayammum]], [[ghusl]])
==Articles of Prayer==
There are 13 articles:<ref>Ismail Kamus (1993). ''Hidup Bertaqwa'' (2nd ed.). Kuala Lumpur: At Tafkir Enterprise. ISBN 9-839990-20-9.</ref>
[1] '''Reciting intention for prayer in the heart'''
<blockquote>E.g.: I intend to offer 2 [[raka'ah]] obligatory prayer of [[Fajr]] for [[Allah]] Almighty.<br>It is done simultaneously with [2] ''Takbeeratul-Ihram'' (below).</blockquote>
[2] '''''Takbeeratul-Ihram'''''
<blockquote>Saying <font size=3>'''الله أَكْبَر'''</font> (God is The Greatest).</blockquote>
[3] '''Standing right'''
<blockquote>For the abled, leaning until it's deemed not standing right invalidates prayer. If one is incapable of standing, he may sit, lay on his right, lay on his left, lay on his back or as he is able to do.</blockquote>
[4] '''Reciting [[Al-Fatiha]]'''
<blockquote>Recitation of [[Al-Fatiha]] is obligated for every [[raka'ah]].<br>Reading another [[surah]] after [[Al-Fatiha]] is also obligatory for the first 2 [[raka'ah]] for Farz namaz and in a Witr, Sunnat or Nafl Namaz in all the Rakats..</blockquote>
[5] '''[[Ruku']] and stopping'''
<blockquote>''[[Ruku']]'' is bowing the body until the palms is on the knees. Stopping means all major body parts including arms, wrists, head, legs stop - as long as saying "''subhanallah''". If the body still moves, stopping is not done. An additional option is to read 3 times <font size=3>'''سبحان ربى العظيم و بحمده'''</font> (Glory to my Lord, the Most Magnificent Most Praiseworthy).</blockquote>
[6] '''''I'tidal'' and stopping'''
<blockquote>''I'tidal'' is standing again after ''[[ruku']]''. While the body is raising up, an additional option is to read <font size=3>'''سمع الله لمن حمده'''</font> ([[Allah]] Listens to him who praises Him). During standing, an additional option is to read <font size=3>'''ربنا لك الحمد ملء السموات وملء الأرض وملء ما شئت من شئ بعد'''</font> (Our Lord, to You is due all praise...). The body must stop as long as saying "''subhanallah''".</blockquote>
[7] '''Prostration'''
<blockquote>Prostration involves putting these body parts - the bare forehead, 2 palms, 2 knees, the base of both feet's fingers - on the place of prostration. The forehead must be bare, a covered forehead invalidates prayer. An additional option is to read 3 times <font size=3>'''سبحان ربى الأعلى و بحمده'''</font> (Glory to my Lord, the Most High Most Praiseworthy). There are 2 prostrations, the second is done after sitting between 2 prostrations (as [8] below).</blockquote>
[8] '''Sitting between 2 prostrations'''
<blockquote>During the sitting between the two prostrations, an additional option is to recite:<br><font size=3>''' رب اغفرلى وارحمنى واجبرنى وارفعنى وارزقنى واهدنى وعافنى واعف عنى'''</font><br>
(O my Lord, please forgive me, have mercy on me, fulfill my needs, raise me, provide for me, guide me, protect me from sickness and forgive me). The sitting should not be too long. After sitting, proceed to do the second prostration.</blockquote>
[9] '''Final ''Tasyahhud'''''
<blockquote>Reciting the final ''tasyahhud'':<br><br><font size=3>'''التحيات المبركات الصلوات الطيبات لله<br>السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته<br>السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين<br>أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدا رسول الله'''</font><br><br>All greetings, blessings and good acts are from You, my Lord.<br>
Greetings to you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.<br>
Peace be unto us, and unto the righteous servants of Allah.<br>
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah.<br>
And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.</blockquote>
[10] '''Sitting for Final ''Tasyahhud'''''
<blockquote>The final ''tasyahhud'' must be done while sitting.</blockquote>
[11] '''Greetings for Prophet Muhammad'''
<blockquote>At least by saying <font size=3>'''اللهم صلى على محمد'''</font>.<br>At best<font size=3><b><br>اللهم صلى على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما صليت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم
<br>وبارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما باركت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم
<br>فى العالمين إنك حميد مجيد</b></font><br><br>O Allah, bless our Muhammad and the people of Muhammad; As you have blessed Abraham and the people of Abraham.<br>O Allah, be gracious unto Muhammad and the people of Muhammad; As you were gracious unto Abraham and the people of Abraham.<br>Surely you are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.</blockquote>
[12] '''First greeting'''
<blockquote>Greeting "peace be upon you" to the right side. At least with <font size=3>'''السلام عليكم'''</font>, at best <font size=3>'''السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته'''</font></blockquote>
[13] '''Following the Prayer Sequence'''
<blockquote>Prayer not in its rightful sequence is invalidated.</blockquote>
From [3] standing right to the [8] second prostration makes one [[raka'ah]]. These are repeated for every [[raka'ah]]. At the last [[raka'ah]], the rest [9] to [12] is completed. (Note: For more than 2 [[raka'ah]] prayers, an additional option is to sit for ''tasyahhud'' on the second [[raka'ah]].)
==Performance==
{{main|Raka'ah}}
[[Image:Mosque.Qibla.01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Muslims performing salat]]
Salat is performed in "units" of prayer called ''raka'ah''. One ''raka'ah'' consists of a series of positions (and movements from one position to the next), along with specific supplications and verses from the [[Qur'an]] which are read in each position. A ''raka'ah'' begins in a standing position called ''qiyaam'' and ends with the ''musallee'' in a prostrate position (''[[sujud]]''). Different salat have different numbers of prescribed ''raka'at''.
The salat must be performed with sincere devotion (''[[khushoo]]''), otherwise it is considered invalid. Salat is performed facing the direction of [[qibla]] (i.e. towards the [[Kaaba]] in [[Mecca]]), to the best estimation of the ''musallee'' if there is no certain way to determine the correct direction.
The ''musallee'' begins the prayer by standing in ''qiyaam'', facing qibla and silently reciting the ''[[niyyah]]'' (intention to pray) for the specific salat he is about to make. He then raises his hands and speaks aloud the ''[[takbir]]''.
For fard as-salat, the first raka'ah commences with the optional recitation of one of the opening supplications followed by the first [[sura|chapter]] of the Qur'an, [[al-Fatihah]]. For subsequent raka'at and other types of salat, each raka'ah commences with al-Fatihah. During the first two raka'ah, following the recitation of al-Fatihah any other chapter or several verses of the [[Qur'an]] are additionally recited (''[[qira'at]]'') while in the standing position before the ''musallee'' moves into the bowing position (''[[ruku']]'').
After one ''raka'ah'' is complete (and on every subsequent odd raka'ah), the musallee returns from the prostrate position (''sujud'' ) back to the standing position to begin another ''raka'ah''. On every second ''raka'ah'', he first moves from ''sujud'' to an upright sitting position (''[[Jalsa (Arabic term)|jalsa]]'') and recites the first portion of a supplication known as the ''[[tashahhud]]'', before returning to the standing position to begin the next ''raka'ah''.
On the final ''raka'ah'' the ''musallee'' moves to the ''jalsa'' from the ''sujud'' position and recites the complete ''tashahhud''. Sunni Muslims then conclude the prayer by turning their face toward the right shoulder and then toward the left shoulder, each time saying a salutation (''[[taslim]]'') to the [[Kirama Katibin|angels]] that take note of your good (right shoulder) and evil (left shoulder) deeds.
After the salat is completed it is common (but not compulsory) for Muslims to offer a supplication (''[[du'a]]'') to God. This supplication, which essentially gives Muslims an opportunity to ask God for forgiveness and blessings, can be offered in any language.
==Types of salah==
Salah may be classified into four categories of obligation: [[fard]], [[wajib]], [[sunnah]] and nafl.
* ''Fard salah'' are compulsory, non-performance of which renders one a non-Muslim according to the Hanbali Sunni School, for the other Sunni schools it renders one a sinner. The denial of its compulsory status however is agreed upon by all Sunni schools to render the denier outside the fold of Islam.
* ''Wajib As-salat'' are compulsory, non-performance of which renders one a sinner and the denial of its obligatory nature renders one a 'fasiq' a transgressor whose witness would not be accepted in an Islamic court. There are some who believe that as the 5 prayers are obligatory, it automatically renders all other prayers optional.
* ''Sunnah salah'' are optional and were additional voluntary prayers performed by [[Muhammad]]—they are of two types—the 'Sunna Muakaddah', those practiced on a regular basis which if abandoned cause the abandoner to be regarded as sinful by the Hanafi School and the 'Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah' those practiced on a semi-regular practice by Muhammad which all are agreed upon that its abandonment doesn't render one sinful.
* ''Nafl salah'' are optional and regarded as extra prayers which bring more reward.
==Fard As-salat==
The '''fard As-salat''' are the five compulsory daily prayers, the Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) ("Cuma" in Turkish) and the funeral prayer (Janazah)("Cenaze" in Turkish). Fard prayers (as with all [[fard]] actions) are further classed as ''[[fard|fard al-ayn]]'' (obligation of the self) and ''[[fard|fard al-kifayah]]'' (obligation of sufficiency). Fard al-ayn are those actions which are obligatory on each individual; he or she will be held to account if the actions are not performed. Fard al-kifayah are actions obligatory on the Muslim community at large, so that if some people within the community carry it out no Muslim is considered blameworthy, but if no one carries it out all incur a collective punishment.
Men are required to perform the fard salah in [[Wiktionary:congregation|congregation]] (''jama'ah'') ("cemaat" in Turkish), behind an [[imam]] when they are able. According to most Islamic scholars, performing salat in congregation is obligatory for men, when they are able, but is neither required nor forbidden for women.
===The five daily prayers===
Muslims are commanded to perform salah five times a day. These prayers are obligatory on every Muslim above the age of puberty, with the exception being those who are mentally ill, too physically ill for it to be possible, menstruating, or experiencing post-partum bleeding. Those who are ill or otherwise physically unable to offer their prayers in the traditional form are permitted to offer their prayers while sitting or laying, as they are able. The five prayers are all given certain [[salat times|prescribed times]] (''waqt'')("vakit" in Turkish) in which they must be performed, unless there is a compelling reason for not being able to perform them on time.
Some Muslims offer voluntary prayers immediately before and after the prescribed fard prayers. Sunni Muslims classify these prayers as sunnah, while Shi'a Muslims consider them nafil. The number of raka'ah for each of the five obligatory prayers as well as the voluntary prayers (before and after) are listed below:
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 80%"
! rowspan=2 width=13% | Name
! rowspan=2 width=22% | Prescribed time period (''waqt'')
! rowspan=1 colspan=2 | Voluntary before fard<sup><small>1</sup></small>
! rowspan=2 width=13% | Fard
! rowspan=1 colspan=2 | Voluntary after fard<sup><small>1</sup></small>
|-
|-
! width=13% | Sunni
! width=13% | Shi'a
! width=13% | Sunni
! width=13% | Shi'a
|-
| [[Fajr]] ('''فجر''')
| [[Dawn]] to [[sunrise]]
| 2 Raka'ah<sup><small>2</small></sup>
| 2 Raka'ah<sup><small>2</sup></small>
| 2 Raka'ah
| -
| -
|-
| [[Dhuhr]] ('''ظهر''')
| After true noon until Asr
| 2-4 Raka'ah<sup><small>2</small></sup>
| 2-4 Raka'ah
| 4 Raka'ah<sup><small>4</small></sup>
| 2 Raka'ah<sup><small>2</small></sup>
| -
|-
| [[Asr]] ('''عصر''')
| See footnote<sup><small>5</small></sup> and<sup><small>6</small></sup>
| 2-4 Raka'ah
| 2-4 Raka'ah
| 4 Raka'ah
| -
| -
|-
| [[Maghrib]] ('''مغرب''')
| After [[sunset]] until [[dusk]]
| 2-4 Raka'ah
| 2-4 Raka'ah
| 3 Raka'ah
| 2 Raka'ah<sup><small>2</small></sup>
| 2 Raka'ah<sup><small>3</small></sup>
|-
| [[Isha'a]] ('''عشاء''')
| Dusk until dawn<sup><small>6</small></sup>
| 4 Raka'ah
| 4 Raka'ah
| 4 Raka'ah
| 2 Raka'ah <sup><small>2</small></sup><br />+ 3 Raka'ah [[Witr]]
| 2 Raka'ah <sup><small>3</sup></small><sup> and <small>7</sup></small>, 8 raka'ah (4 x 2 Raka'ah) [[Tahajjud|Salat al-Layl]]<sup><small>3</small></sup>
|}
*Sunni often pray 2 Raka'ah [[Nafl salat|Nafl]] after Dhuhr, Maghrib and Isha'a.
<sup>1</sup>According to [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]], these are to be performed in sets of two raka'ah each.</br>
²Prayed daily by [[Muhammad]] ([[Sunni]]s)<br>
³[[Mustahab]] (praiseworthy) to do everyday. ([[Shia]]s)</br>
<sup>4</sup>Replaced by [[Jumu'ah]] on Fridays, which consists of two raka'ah.<br>
<sup>5</sup>According to [[Imam Abu Hanifa]], "''Asr starts when the shadow of an object becomes twice its height (plus the length of its shadow at the start time of Dhuhr).''" For the rest of Imams, "''Asr starts when the shadow of an object becomes equal to its length (plus the length of its shadow at the start time of Dhuhr).''" Asr ends as the sun begins to set.</br>
<sup>6</sup>According to [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]], 'Asr prayer and 'Ishaa prayer have no set times but are performed from mid-day. Zuhr and 'Asr prayers must be performed before sunset, and the time for 'Asr prayer starts after Zuhr has been performed. Maghrib and 'Ishaa prayers must be performed before midnight, and the time for 'Ishaa prayer can start after Maghrib has been performed, as long as no more light remains in the western sky signifying the arrival of the true night.</br>
<sup>7</sup>According to [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]], this prayer is termed nawafil.
==Jumu'ah==
{{main|Jumu'ah}}
{{citation}}
Salat al-Jumu'ah is a congregational prayer performed on Friday which replaces the dhuhr prayer. It is compulsory upon men to perform it in congregation, while women may perform it so or may perform dhuhr salat instead. Salat al-Jumu'ah consists of a sermon (''khutba'') given by the speaker (''khatib'') after which two raka'ah are performed. There is no Salat al-Jumu'ah without a khutba. Giving a khutba is task assigned specifically to men, and women cannot perform this task. This does not imply superiority of men to women, but it is done in compliance with what Muslims have been commanded to do by God.{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
===Istikhaarah===
{{main|Salaat-ul-Istikhaarah}}
Salat al-Istikhaarah is a prayer performed when a Muslim needs guidance on a particular matter, such as whether they should marry a certain person. In order to perform this ''salah'' one should perform a normal two [[raka'ah|raka'at]] ''salah'' to completion. After completion one should say the ''[[du'a]]'' which is called [[Salaat-ul-Istikhaarah|Istikhaarah]]. The intention for the ''salah'' should be in ones heart to perform two [[raka'ah|raka'at]] of ''salah'' followed by [[Salaat-ul-Istikhaarah|Istikhaarah]]. The ''salah'' can be performed at any times where ''salah'' is not forbidden.
===Exceptional circumstances===
Dr. [[Muhammad Hedayetullah]], scholar in comparative [[religion]], in his book ''Dynamics of Islam'' ([[2006]]), stresses that even though ''salah'' is compulsory, flexibility in the specifics is allowed depending on the circumstances: For example, in the case of [[sickness]] or a lack of space, a worshipper can offer ''salah'' while sitting, or even lying down, and the [[prayer]] can be shortened when travelling. The ''salah'' must be performed in the [[Arabic language]].
====Qada====
In certain circumstances one may be unable to perform one's prayer within the prescribed [[time]] period (''waqt''). In this case, the prayer must be performed as soon as one is able to do so. These prayers performed after the prescribed ''waqt'' are called ''qada''. It is not permissible to deliberately miss performing the ''salat'' within its ''waqt'' with the intention of performing it afterwards.
====Qasr and Jam' bayn as-Salaatayn====
When travelling over long distances, one may shorten some prayers, a practice known as ''qasr''. Furthermore, several prayer times may be joined, which is referred to as ''Jam' bayn as-Salaatayn''. ''Qasr'' involves shortening the obligatory components of the [[Dhuhr]], [[Asr]], and [[Isha'a]] prayers to two [[raka'ah]]. ''Jam' bayn as-Salaatayn'' combines the ''Dhuhr'' and ''Asr'' prayers into one prayer offered between [[noon]] and [[sunset]], and the [[Maghrib]] and ''Isha'a'' prayers into one between sunset and [[Fajr]]. Neither ''Qasr'' nor ''Jam' bayn as-Salaatayn'' can be applied to the ''Fajr'' prayer.
There is no reference to ''Qasr'' during travel within the [[Qur'an]] itself; the Qur'an allows for ''Qasr'' only when there is fear of attack.
==Wajib salat==
The '''wajib salat''' are considered compulsory and not performing them is considered a sin.
===Witr===
{{main|Witr}}
Witr is performed after the salah of isha'a (dusk). Some Muslims consider witr wajib while others consider it optional. It may contain any odd number of raka'ah from one to eleven according to the different [[madhab|schools of jurisprudence]]. However, Witr is most commonly offered with three raka'ah.
To end prayers for the night after isha'a, the odd numbered raka'ah must have the niyyah of "wajib-ul-Lail", which is mandatory to "close" one's salat for that day.
===Eid===
{{main|Salat al Eid}}
Eid salat is performed on the morning of [[Eid ul-Fitr]] and [[Eid ul-Adha]]. The Eid prayer is most likely an individual obligation (''[[Fard|fard al-ayn]]''), though some Islamic scholars argue it is only a collective obligation (''fard al-kifayah'').<ref>{{cite web | title=Ruling on Eid prayers | work=Islam Question and Answer | url=http://www.islamqa.com/index.php?ref=48983&ln=eng | accessdate=2007-01-02}}</ref> It consists of two ''[[Raka'ah|raka'at]]'', with seven ''takbirs'' offered before the start of the first ''raka'ah'' and five before the second. After the salat is completed, a sermon (''[[khutbah]]'') is offered. However, the khutbah is not an integral part of the Eid salat.<ref>{{cite web | work=Islam today | title=Islam Today | url=http://www.islamtoday.net/english/show_detail_section.cfm?q_id=871&main_cat_id=25}}</ref> The Eid salat must be offered between sunrise and true noon i.e. between the time periods for ''[[Fajr]]'' and ''[[Dhuhr]]''.
==Sunnah salat==
{{main|Sunnah salat}}
Sunnah salat are those prayers that are performed to emulate the practices of [[Muhammad]].
Certain sunnah prayers have prescribed ''waqts'' associated with them. Those ordained for before each of the ''fard'' prayers must be performed between the first call to prayer (''[[adhan]]'') and the second call (''[[iqama]]'') which signifies the start of the ''fard'' prayer. Those sunnah ordained for after the fard prayers can be performed any time between the end of the ''fard'' prayers and the end of the current prayer's ''waqt''. Any amount of extra ''[[raka'ah]]'' may be offered, but most ''[[Madh'hab|madha'ib]]'' prescribe a certain number of ''raka'ah'' for each sunnah salah.
==Nafl salat==
{{main|Nafl salat}}
Nafl salat ([[supererogatory]] prayers) are voluntary, and one may offer as many as he or she likes almost any time. There are many specific conditions or situations when one may wish to offer nafl prayers. They cannot be offered at [[sunrise]], [[noon|true noon]], or [[sunset]]. The prohibition against salat at these times is to prevent the practice of [[sun worship]].
==Prayer in congregation==
Prayer in [[congregation (worship)|congregation]] (''[[Jamia|jama'ah]]'') is considered to have more social and spiritual benefit than praying by oneself. When praying in congregation, the ''musallees'' stand in straight parallel rows behind the chosen [[imam]], facing [[qibla]]. The imam, who leads the congregation in salat, is usually chosen to be a scholar or the one who has the best knowledge of the [[Qur'an]], preferably someone who has memorised it (a [[Hafiz (Quran)|''hafiz'']]) . In the first row behind the imam, if available, would be another ''hafiz'' to correct the imam in case a mistake is made during the performance of the salat. The prayer is performed as normal, with the congregation following the actions and movements of the imam as he performs the salat.
When the worshippers consist of men and women combined, a man is chosen as the imam. In this situation, women are typically forbidden from performing this role. This point, though unanimously agreed on by the major schools of Islam, is [[women as imams|disputed by some groups]], based partly on a ''[[hadith]]'' whose interpretation is controversial. When the congregation consists entirely of women and pre-pubescent children, one woman is chosen as imam.
When men, women, and children are praying, the children's rows are usually between the men's and women's rows, with the men at the front and women at the back. Another configuration is where the men's and women's rows are side by side, separated by a curtain or other barrier, with the primary intention being for there to be no direct line of sight between male and female worshippers, following a Qur'anic injunction toward men and women each lowering their gazes (Qur'an 24:30-31).
==Further reading==
*{{cite book|author=Muhammad Hedayetullah|title=Dynamics of [[Islam]]: An Exposition|year=2006|publisher=Trafford Publishing|isbn=978-1553698425}}
*{{cite web|title=When to Perform the Daily Prayers|work=pray-in-time.org | url=http://pray-in-time.org}} Muslim Prayer Time and Calendar
*{{cite book|author=Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaani|title=The Prophet's Prayer Described | publisher=[[University of Southern California]] Muslim Students' Association|url=http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/pillars/prayer/albaani/prayer_1.html|accessdate=2007-01-03}}
*{{cite web|title=Salah: Step by Step Instructions, According to Quran and Sunnah|work=interactiveislam.com|url=http://www.interactiveislam.com/elessons/salah/|accessdate=2007-01-25}}
*{{cite web|title=Rules of Namaz|work=majalla.org|url=http://majalla.org/books/law/rulesnamaz.htm|accessdate=2007-01-02}}
*{{cite web|title=How to Perform the Daily Prayers|work=Al-Islam.org|url=http://al-islam.org/nutshell/files/prayers.pdf|accessdate=2007-01-03}} How to pray according to Shi'a Ja'fari School of law
*{{cite web|title=CyberSalat|work=studyislam.com|url=http://www.studyislam.com/isp/jsp/downloads.jsp|CyberSalat}} A reference for description of how to perform Salat.
*{{cite web|title=Beginners guide to performing Islamic prayers |work=howdomuslimspray.com|url=http://www.howdomuslimspray.com}} Detailed Instructions for Performing Islamic Prayers
==References==
{{Refimprove|date=May 2008}}
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://i-keighley.com/the-five-pillars.php#salat The Five Pillars]
*[http://qss.org/articles/salat/toc.html "The Prophet's Prayer"]
*[http://abdurrahman.org/salat/index.html Various articles related to different rulings on Salah]
* [http://islam.org/Video/iis/salat.ram Salat presentation in video, including how to perfrom salat in detail.]
* [http://www.islamicity.com/prayertimes Worldwide prayer time calculation.]
* [http://www.howdomuslimspray.com Quran and Science.]
{{Islam topics|state=collapsed}}
[[Category:Salat| ]]
[[ar:صلاة (إسلام)]]
[[az:Namaz]]
[[ba:Намаҙ]]
[[bs:Namaz]]
[[ca:Pregària salat]]
[[cs:Salát (islám)]]
[[da:Salah]]
[[de:Salat (Gebet)]]
[[dv:ނަމާދު]]
[[es:Salat]]
[[fa:نماز (اسلام)]]
[[fr:Salat (islam)]]
[[hr:Namaz (islam)]]
[[id:Shalat]]
[[it:Ṣalāt]]
[[he:צלאה]]
[[jv:Shalat]]
[[ml:സലാ]]
[[ms:Solat]]
[[nl:Salat]]
[[ce:Ламаз]]
[[no:Salah]]
[[pl:Salat]]
[[ru:Намаз]]
[[sd:نماز]]
[[sq:Namazi]]
[[sr:Намаз (молитва)]]
[[fi:Salat]]
[[sv:Salah]]
[[th:ละหมาด]]
[[tr:Namaz]]
[[uk:Салят]]
[[ur:نماز]]