How to perform Salah-For new Muslims (prayer, Rahman, language)
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This is to be considered a very basic introduction. The videos are the basics for males and in accordance with the Hanafi madhab. There are slight difference for Females and other madhabs. For specifies it is best to ask a local Imam or an older Muslim of your gender.
One of the most beautiful sounds to a Muslim is the Athan that is called before each Salah.
You will find very many spellings of Athan as the exact pronunciation can not be made with English letters so approximations to the pronunciation are used some common ones being Athan, Adzan, Adhan
Here is the Athan for Fajr with a written English
Translation.
Last edited by Woodrow LI; 05-25-2015 at 01:00 PM..
This might be a good time to speak of the difference between Salah and Du'a, both translate into English as Prayer. The Salat (Plural of Salah) are the 5 daily prayers we are obligated to do. they are to be said at very specific times of the day and we are to face the Qiblah when doing them. As you can see from the Videos they are more like a "Religious Service" than the Christian concept of Prayer. Many non-Muslims are under the impression that we only pray 5 times a day and we can only pray in Arabic and it has to be at a specific time.
Du'a are our personal prayers they can be said when and where we desire, they can be said in any language and they can be in our own words. Even a smile can be a Du'a if our intent is to Plese Allaah(swt) Even simple one word supplications can be a Du'a.
While Du'a can be in our own words there are numerous ones that have been said for specific reasons and have become traditional, but not an obligation.
Keep in mind these are not obligatory and can be said in Arabic or any language. If said in Arabic they are usually considered to be Sunnah.--Muhammad(saws) was witnessed saying such.
Some suggestions for saying Du'a (Personal Prayers)
Every Action, thought and word we do or say is known to Allaah(swt). For that reason we should treat all things as our prayers. Before begining any thing we should say Bismillah (In the name of Allah) or Bismillah ir Rahman ir Raheem (In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful)
The primary purpose is to lead the Prayer. Salah is a time for prayer, not sermons or preaching. However an Imama is permitted to give a short sermon before Salah, he may begin about 30 minutes before the Athan is called and must be finished before the Athan is Called. The sermon is to be related to local issues.
2. How long does Salat last?
Usually 10 to 20 minutes. But it depends on what recitation the Imam chooses to recite during the Rakkats. The Imam must have the recitation memorized and is not to use any notes or prompts It has to be a minimum of 9 consecutive lines or the full surah if he chooses to recite one of the short Surah, typically all the Surah after 74 are considered short.
3. Does the Mosque offer any lessons about Islam or the Qur'an?
That typically is the function of a Madrassas (Islamic School) not a function of a Mosque.
Some of the larger mosques do offer a few very basic classes, if they have the facilities and people capable of doing such.. Typically what is offered are Arabic lessons, Proper pronunciation of the Qur'an Tajweed. How to perform each of the steps of Salat. Very few if any Mosques will have anyone qualified to give Qur'an interpretations or opinions (Fatwas)
The vast majority of American Mosques are a single room with no decorations or furnishings. They may or may not have facilities for doing wadu, depending on if the Imam can afford to provide such.
Answer: We perform Salah 5 times a day. Which are our obligatory prayers and more like a religious service. We can and do say Du'a, (Personal Prayers) as often and whenever we desire. We are encourged to say du'a before starting or finishing any action or thought. We also frequently say Du'a to Praise Allah(swt) or to give Thanks or to ask for forgiveness.
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