What Is Prayer (Salah) In Islam?

Prayer, known as Salah in Arabic, is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Salah is an act that muslims do daily (five times) to connect directly with Allah (God). It is not just a physical movement (stand, bow, prostrate), but a spiritual practice that involves reciting verses from the Quran, supplications, and praising Allah.

Salah is the second pillar of Islam after Shahada, the declaration of faith. Allah commanded it, and then Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught it.

When praying salah, specific verses from the Quran are recited in conjunction with a series of movements: standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting, all while facing the Kaaba in Makkah. 

It is a moment for Muslims to pause their daily activities and turn their focus to Allah.

Each prayer takes just a few minutes, but it is deeply meaningful. The main goal of Salah is to remember that life is temporary and that everything is under Allah’s control.

Importantly, Salah is obligatory (fard) for every adult Muslim.

Children are encouraged to pray from a young age to develop the habit, but it becomes obligatory once a person reaches the age of maturity, typically around puberty.

When a muslim performs Salah regularly, it brings discipline and inner peace. It is a constant reminder to avoid wrongdoing and live a life of kindness, honesty, and obedience to Allah.

How Many Prayers Are In A Day In Islam? What Are Their Types?

Muslims are required to pray five fard prayers, five times a day. These prayers are spread throughout the day and night to ensure a Muslim remains connected to Allah regularly.

Here are the five daily prayers with their details:

1. Fajr (Dawn/Morning Prayer)

Performed before sunrise

Consists of 2 rakats (units)

A peaceful time when the day begins with the remembrance of Allah.

2. Dhuhr (Midday Prayer)

Performed after the sun has passed its zenith (midday)
Consists of 4 rakats
Often done during work or school hours. It serves as a reminder of Allah amidst a busy day.

3. Asr (Afternoon Prayer)

Performed in the late afternoon
Consists of 4 rakats
It helps refocus and prepares the mind for the evening.

4. Maghrib (Evening Prayer)

Performed just after sunset

Consists of 3 rakats

A prayer of gratitude after the end of the day’s work.

5. Isha (Night Prayer)

Performed at night after twilight has disappeared
Consists of 4 rakats
A prayer that brings the day to a peaceful close before sleep.
 

NOTE: Some optional (nafl) prayers and Sunnah prayers are also there and recommended. These were practiced regularly by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

However, the five mentioned above are the required (fard) ones that every adult Muslim is obligated to perform daily.

How Are Prayer Timings Decided In Islam?

Praying or namaz timings are based on the position of the sun in the sky. 

Because these times are based on the sun, they differ from city to city and from day to day. 

In addition, different schools of thought can have slight variations in calculating prayer times, especially for Fajr and Isha, due to differences in defining twilight.

How Is It Announced To Muslims That Now Is The Time To Pray?

Muslims are informed about the azan time Dubai (and all around the world) by something called the Adhan (also called Azaan). The Adhan is a call to prayer.

The Adhan is recited in Arabic and serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that the time for prayer has arrived. It consists of phrases that remind Muslims of their duty to worship Allah.

It is traditionally called out loud from a mosque by a person known as a Muazzin. However, now it is broadcast through loudspeakers from mosques and can be heard throughout neighborhoods, especially in Muslim-majority countries.

The Adhan says these phrases:

• “Allahu Akbar” (Allah “God” is the Greatest)

• “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah)

• “Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah” (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)

• “Hayya 'alas-Salah” (Come to prayer) 

• “Hayya 'alal-Falah” (Come to success)

• “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest)

• “La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but Allah) 

For the Fajr prayer, an extra line is added:

 "As-salatu khayrun min an-naum" (Prayer is better than sleep).

After the Adhan, Muslims perform wudu (ablution) and head to pray—either at home or in congregation at the mosque.

Why Is It Important To Follow Prayer Timings?

Following the exact prayer time Dubai is very important because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the best of deeds is to pray at its prescribed time. 

[Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 7534 | In-book reference: Book 97, Hadith 159]

Other than that, it shows that we obey the specific times set by Allah to get the maximum level of peace, calmness, and self-control. 

Delaying or missing prayers intentionally without a valid reason is considered sinful. When Muslims pray on time, it shows that they prioritize Allah in their life.

What If Someone Misses A Prayer’s Time?

Sometimes, despite the best efforts, a person can miss a prayer.

Islam understands human weakness, and Allah is Merciful.

If a prayer is missed due to forgetfulness, sleep, or unavoidable circumstances, the person should perform it as soon as they become aware of it. This is called Qada, which involves making up for missed prayers.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“If anyone forgets a prayer he should pray that prayer when he remembers it. There is no expiation except to pray the same.”

[Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 597 | In-book reference: Book 9, Hadith 72]

However, if someone intentionally misses a prayer without a valid reason, it is considered a serious matter, often regarded as a sin. The person should repent, seek forgiveness from Allah, and still make up for the missed prayer.