What is the meaning of Salah?

Salah is the central and second pillar of Islam. This obligatory act is for every Muslim who has reached it. Puberty. It is more than Salah, as it fosters closeness to Allah Almighty, inner peace of heart, and guidance of the right path to Muslims. Salah is the pathway to seek expiation of sins and protects us from temptations, anger, stress and depression. It reminds us of the presence of the creator and reinforces the sense of humility, mindfulness, and gratitude. According to a verse of the Quran,

Indeed, prayer prohibits immortality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater.

(Quran 29:45)

Historical background of Salah

Salah was made mandatory on the miraculous occasion of Isra and Miraj when our Prophet (PBUH) was first taken to Jerusalem and from there to the seven heavens. On this night, our prophet received the spiritual prescription of fifty prayers, but at the repeated request of Hazrat Musa (A.S.), the number of prayers was reduced and became obligatory: five prayers daily. These five prayers give a reward equal to fifty prayers.

Importance of Salah

Salah is an important part of Muslims' lives. In prayers, Muslims recite verses of the Quran, their hearts fill with the remembrance of Allah Almighty, and their faith is renewed. The daily habit of offering prayer five times a day helps Muslims to get closer to Allah Almighty, increasing their trust in Allah's blessings and reminding them of the real purpose of life.

Types of Salah

There are different types of Salah, depending on the importance and obligatory status. It includes Fardh salat and Nafl salah. We will discuss it one by one.

Obligatory Salah/Fard

This is the most important type of Salah. The obligatory Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam. It consists of five prayers mandatory for all adult Muslims. These five obligatory prayers (Fajar, Zuhr, Asr, Magrib and Isha) are mandatory for us to perform at specific times throughout the day. These prayers are not only a fard duty but also connect us with our Creator and make us punctual in our daily tasks. We will discuss these obligatory prayers in detail.

• Fajr prayer/dawn prayer: Fajr time starts from true dawn and is valid until sunrise. Muslims offer two rakah of Sunnat and two rakah of Fard in the Fajr prayer and start their day with positivity.
• Zuhr (Non-prayer): Zuhr prayer is performed when the sun reaches its highest point in the middle of the day. The four Fard rak'ahs of Zuhr prayer give Muslims a break from their busy routine and make their focus on Allah's blessings and on their faith.
• Asr (Afternoon Prayer): Time for Asr is late afternoon. It includes four Fardh rak'ahs. It reminds Muslims of the real purpose of life as the day goes towards evening.
• Maghrib (Evening prayer): Maghrib is prayed after sunset. Three fard rakah of Magrib give us a chance to thank Allah and ask for His forgiveness.
• Isha (Night Prayer): The four fardh rakhas of Isha are prayed when it's dark. Muslims end their day with a mindful act and in remembrance of Allah Almighty.

Voluntary Salah/Nafl

The other type of Salah is optional. Muslims can perform it at any time of the day to get extra blessings and closeness to Allah Almighty. Muslims recite Ishraq, Chashat, Tahajjud, Tasbih, and Hajjat Salat at Tauba.

Benefits of Salah

There are many benefits to Salah. It is an important duty for every Muslim ordered by Allah to get His mercy. Allah said in one verse:

"Truly, I am God; there is no god but I. So, worship Me and perform the prayer for the remembrance of Me."

(Taha 20:14)

If we perform Salah with pure intention, we get many rewards given below.

Direct line of communication with Allah

Salah serves as a direct line of communication between our Creator and us. It is a way to ask for His guidance, mercy and seek forgiveness from past sins. Through prayer, we can come into direct contact with our Almighty without any reference.

Illuminates our life

Salah acts as a light to illuminate our lives. It encourages us to face the challenges of life with patience. It saves us from the conspiracy of the devil and protects us from disappointment. The light of Salah not only benefits in worldly life but also lights up our body after death.

Gift of paradise

Salah opens the pathway to paradise. It protects us from the anger of Allah and from the punishment of Hell.

Means of redemption 

Salah grants us redemption and expiation from our past sins by guiding us to the right path.

Physical Benefits 

Salah also gives us physical benefits. When we offer five prayers in a day, standing, bowing and sitting involve us in physical activity which increases whole-body strength.