The Prayer
The Prophet has commanded us:
“Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The following is a simple procedure for performing the formal prayer for beginners. You will learn more, later.
Also, you may find Muslims praying slightly differently. There is no reason to worry. Do not focus on little details at this moment. Learn the basics first as presented over here.
Description of a 2 unit prayer (like the Fajr prayer)
1. Standing straight
·Stand straight facing the qiblah (direction of prayer).
2. The Opening Takbir (pronouncing of Allahu Akbar)·Raise both hands up to the earlobes or shoulders and say: Allahu akbar |
Figure 1 |
·Place your right hand and arm on top of your left and place them both on your chest. ·Do not look around. Keep your eyes focused on the spot where you will prostrate. |
Figure 2 |
3. Seeking refuge with Allah from Satan·Say: A'udhu billahi minash-shaytaanir-rajeem 4. Reciting Surah al-Fatihah,Begin with saying: Bismilla-hir-rahma-nir-raheem ·Then recite Surah al-Fatihah. Alhamdu lil-lahi rab-bil 'alameen Ar-rahma-nir-raheem Maliki yawmid-deen Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een Ihdinas-siratal mostaqeem Siratal-lazeena an'amta 'alayhim ghayril maghdubi 'alayhim wa-lad-daa-leen ·Finally, say: Aameen |
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5. Bowing·Raise your hands up to the earlobes or shoulders (as you did in 2. The Opening Takbeer) and say: Allahu akbar ·With your back straight, bend in the bowing posture as shown in the picture, and repeat in a low voice three times: Subhana rabbi-yal-'azeem |
Figure 3 |
6. Standing up from the bowing posture·As in the picture, stand up straight from the bowing posture till your back comes to its normal upright position. ·While rising up from the bowing posture, raise your hands up to the earlobes or shoulders again and say: Sami' allahu liman hamidah ·Then, say: Rab-bana wa lakal hamd |
Figure 4 |
7. First prostration·Then go down on the ground to prostrate. While going down, say: Allahu akbar ·Your forehead, nose, both hands, knees, and feet should be touching the ground while in prostration. If doing it for the first time, it may be slightly uncomfortable, depending on how flexible your body is! You will get used to it pretty soon. Remember the person is closest to Allah in prostration. ·Repeat in a low voice three times: Subhana rabbi-yal-a'laa |