Salah is an essential practice for Muslims as it serves as a direct way to keep a constant connection with Allah. It is a spiritual act that promotes inner peace and growth, reminding believers of the ultimate purpose of life and strengthening their faith. With its prescribed timings, Salah instils discipline and structure, encouraging time management and prioritizing spiritual obligations. Through recitation of Quran verses, glorification of Allah, and supplication, Salah continuously reinforces the remembrance of the creator and his mercy. 

When is salah performed? 
• Fajr: At dawn or any time before sunrise
• Zuhr: Midday, after the sun passes its highest
• Asr: The late part of the afternoon
• Maghrib: Dusk or just after sunset
• Isha: Between sunset and midnight
 
If you’re new to Islam or haven’t performed Salah before, this quick ten-step guide will give you all you need to feel more comfortable to pray Salah and build your relationship with Allah.
 
Do keep in mind, however, that this is just a simple guide. There are variations to Salah depending on which Salah and how many Raka’at you’re performing, so do be sure to look up any differences if you’re not sure.

A 10-Step Guide on How to Pray Salah
 
Whether If you’re new to Islam, haven’t performed Salah before, or want to perfect your Salah, this quick ten-step guide will give you all you need to feel more comfortable to pray Salah and build your relationship with Allah.
 
Do keep in mind, however, that this is just a simple guide. There are variations to Salah depending on which Salah and how many Raka’at you’re performing, so do be sure to look up any differences if you’re not sure.
 
Ten-Step Guide to Performing Salah
 
Step One: Preparation Is Key
 
It’s important to prepare for Salah. Set aside some time to set an alarm on your phone so you don’t miss any of the five daily prayers.
 
Firstly, you need to be in a state of purification (wudu) before wearing clothes to cover your awrah; men should cover themselves from their abdomen to knees, while women should cover everything except their hands, feet and face.
 
You should find a nice clean space to perform Salah, perhaps opting to use a prayer mat, and ensure you won’t be disturbed.
 
Step Two: Face Qibla
 
When performing Salah, you need to ensure you’re always facing the direction of the Ka’bah. So check precisely which direction it is depending on where you are in the world. For example, in the UK, Muslims should face South-East. Feel free to use an app or a compass to make sure you’re facing the right direction.
 
Step Three: Make Niyyah
 
Once you are set up and facing the qibla, start your Salah by making your intention (niyyah) to finish wudu and enter a true state of purification. It’s up to you how to make niyyah: it can either be said out loud or silently in your head; in Arabic or in your own language.
 
Step Four: Enter a State of Ihram
 
When you are ready to start Salah, raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is the greatest” in English. Men should raise their hands up to their ears while women raise their hands up to their shoulders.
 
At this point, you are in a state in which nothing should distract you, and your sole focus should be on praying to Allah.
 
Step Five: Begin Reciting for Salah
 
Reciting is a large part of performing Salah. Men place their right hand over their left on their abdomen while women place their hands over their chest and begin reciting Sana:
 
“Subhanaka Allah humma wa bihamdika, wa tabaraka ismuka, wa ta-‘aala jadduka, wa la ilaaha ghairuk.”
 
 “O Allah, praise and glory be to you. Blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your Majesty. There is no God but You.”
 
This is then followed by reciting Ta’awadh and Tasmiah:
 
“Auudhu bi Allah I mina ashaitan irrajeem.”
 
“I seek Allahs’ protection from the condemned Satan.”
 
“Bismillah irrahmani raheem.”
 
 “In the name of Allah, the most gracious and merciful.”
 
Step Six: Recite Surahs
 
Continue Salah by reciting the Surah al-Fatihah before reciting another verse from the Qur’an. It’s entirely up to you which one you choose. You have to read at least three verses or one long one that’s equivalent to three shorter verses.
 
Step Seven: Bow Down to Allah
 
After reciting your surah, say “Allahu Akbar” as you bow into the Ruku position with your hands on your knees and back straight.
 
Say “subhana rabbiya al-azeem” three times before straightening back up and saying “Samia Allahu liman hamdiah” three times as well.
 
Step Eight: Prostrate
 
After saying “Allahu Akbar” once more, get into the Sujud position with your face, palms, and knees all touching the floor and say “subhana rubbiyal a’alaa” three times.
 
Sit up as you say “Allahu Akbar” again and get into a sitting position. Return to the Sujud position before standing up once more, making sure to say “Allahu Akbar” each time you change position.
 
Step Nine: Recite Tashahud
 
Return to the sitting position mentioned earlier and recite Tashahud:
 
“Attahiyatu lil Allah, was-salawaatu wat-tayyibaat. Assalamu’alayka aiyohan nabiyyu wa rahmatu Allah wa barakaatu. Assalamu’alayana wa’alaa ‘ibaadi-llahi saliheen.”
 
“All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon us and the righteous servants of Allah.”
 
Then, while keeping your hand on your knee, raise just the index finger of your right hand as you continue reciting:
 
“Ashhadu alla ilaaha illa Allahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluh.”
 
“I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
 
Step Ten: Do Salaam
 
To finish Salah, turn your head over both your right and then left shoulder, each time reciting:
 
“Assalamu a’laykum wa rahmatu Allah.”
 

Salah is an integral part of Islam and holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. It’s a profound act of devotion that strengthens the bond between you and Allah.
 
Whether you’re just beginning your journey into Islam or are looking to deepen your understanding, Salah is a source of peace, guidance, and a reminder of Allah’s mercy and love.
[16/02/2025, 9:24:26 PM] Temitayo: *Practical Guide of performing Ghusl*

There are three classifications based on circumstances that require to do ghusl. These instances highlight the importance of cleanliness and spiritual preparedness in various significant moments and events in a Muslim’s life.

*Obligatory Ghusl*

The following are the cases in which taking a bath is obligatory. One is not allowed to perform any worship without performing the obligatory Ghusl. These are the 5 circumstances when Ghusl is obligatory.
• Ghusl after intercourse
• Experiencing a wet dream.
• Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
• Ghusl after menstruation cycle completed
• End of postnatal bleeding (nifas)

*Sunnah Ghusl*
In the following cases, bathing is Sunnah.
• For the Friday prayer. (Bukhari)
• For the Eid prayers. (Ibn Abi Shaeba-tul-Mussanif)
• When wearing the Ihram for Hajj or Umrah. (Tirmidhi)
• On the Day of Arafah. (Ibn Abi Shaeba-tul-musanif)

*Mustahabb Ghusl*
It is recommended (not compulsory) to perform Ghusl in the following situations:
• When a person converts to Islam in a state of purity.
• When a child reaches the age of puberty.
• When a person recovers from insanity.
• After cupping (hijama) or bloodletting.
• After giving a ghusl to the deceased.
• For worship on the night of mid-Sha’ban.
• For special worship during Laylat al-Qadr.
• Before entering Mecca.
• Before entering Medina.
• For the stay at Muzdalifah during the days of sacrifice.
• For performing the Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
• For the prayer during a solar eclipse.
• For the Salat al-Istisqa (prayer for rain).
• During times of fear.
• During periods of intense darkness during the day.

*Intention (Niyyah)*

Before commencing Ghusl, making a clear intention in your heart is crucial. Niyyah doesn’t need to be spoken, but it must be a firm decision to perform Ghusl for purification, aligning your action with Islamic teachings.

Privacy and Cleanliness

Find a private space where you won’t be disturbed. Ensure the water you use is clean and pure, free from any impurities, as cleanliness is the essence of Ghusl.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Ghusl
• Begin with Niyyah: Internally declare your intention to perform Ghusl for purification.
• Wash Your Hands: Start by washing your hands three times, ensuring cleanliness.
• Rinse Your Mouth and Nose: Use water to rinse your mouth and nose three times, purifying these orifices.
• Wash Your Face: Thoroughly wash your entire face three times from the forehead to the chin and from one ear to the other.
• Wash Your Arms: Cleanse your arms, starting with the right, up to and including the elbows, three times.
• Perform Wudu: As you would for prayer, but you may delay washing your feet until the end of Ghusl.
• Pour water Over Your Head: Three times, ensuring it reaches the roots of your hair and covers your scalp.
• Wash the Rest of Your Body: Begin with the right side, then the left, pouring water over your body to ensure every part is washed. It’s essential that water reaches every part of your body, including behind the ears and under the arms.
• Wash Your Feet: Conclude your Ghusl by washing your feet, right then left, making sure water cleanses between the toes.

“O Believers! If you are in a state of major impurity [that requires ritual bath], then purify yourselves.”

*Surah Al-Ma’idah, Quran 6 verse 5*