How to Perform Salah Perfectly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Salah connects a believer with Allah. It is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgment.

Prerequisites (Shuroot)

• Wudu (Ablution): Being in a state of purity.
• Cleanliness: Body, clothes, and place must be clean.
• Covering Awrah: Modest clothing.
• Time: Performing the prayer within its fixed time.
• Qibla: Facing the Kaaba.
• Intention (Niyyah): Intending to pray for the sake of Allah.

The Steps

1. Takbir: Raise hands and say "Allahu Akbar".
2. Qiyam: Stand and recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah.
3. Ruku: Bow down with hands on knees, back straight. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem" (3 times).
4. Itidal: Stand up straight.
5. Sujud: Prostrate on 7 bones (forehead/nose, hands, knees, toes). Say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (3 times).
6. Sitting: Sit between two Sujuds.
7. Tashahhud & Salam: In the final sitting, recite Tashahhud and end with Salam to the right and left.

Focus (Khushu)

Pray as if you are seeing Allah, or at least know that He sees you. Avoid distractions.

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Related: The Importance of Surah Al-Fatiha: The Opening of the Quran