Salat

Salat (also spelled Salah) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory for all adult Muslims except those who are physically or mentally incapable of performing it. It is a ritual prayer, having prescribed conditions, a prescribed procedure, and prescribed times.

Etymology

The word Salat is an Arabic term which directly translates to "prayer" or "blessing". It is derived from the Arabic root words Sīn-Lām-Wāw, which means to bow or to pray.

Ritual and structure

Salat consists of the repetition of a unit called a Rakat (pl. Rakatayn), consisting of prescribed actions and words. The number of obligatory (Fard) Rakats varies from two to four according to the time of day or other circumstances (like Friday congregational worship, which has two Rakats).

Times of Salat

The five daily prayers are obligatory upon every adult Muslim who is sane, male or female, whether at home or on a journey. The times of these prayers are determined by the position of the sun. The prayers are:

• Fajr – The pre-dawn prayer
• Dhuhr – The midday or afternoon prayer
• Asr – The late afternoon prayer
• Maghrib – The sunset prayer
• Isha – The night prayer

Significance

Salat is seen as a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Thus, a direct connection is established with God through prayer. The prayer is an expression of submission, humility, and servitude to God.

See also

• Islamic calendar
• Islamic views on sin
• Tahajjud
• Wudu