The Right Steps of Performing Assalah

The Right Steps of Performing Assalah | Aliyu Y Abdulsalam
________________________________________________
Aliyu Y Abdulsalam
(Abdulsalam, 2016)
Bismillahi Arrahman Arraheem
And I have chosen you, so listen to that which

is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah!
There is none worthy of worship but I,
so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly
for My remembrance.
(Quran 20:13- 14)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

Between a person and disbelief is leaving the prayer.
(Muslim, Abu Dawood, Nasaa'ee)
Table of Contents
Opening Aya and Hadith
Introduction
The Obigatory (Fardh) Salah
Preparation for Assalah
Iqama
10
Intention (Niyya)
11
Takbeer
11
Opening Supplications
13
Recitation of Suratul Al Fatihah
14
Rukuh
15
Straightening up from Rukuh
17
Sujud
17
Rising from Sujud
18
Sitting
19
The Second Sujud
20
Al Tashahud
20
Salutation of Peace (The Tasleem)
23
Actions that Vitiate Salah
23
Conclusion
24
Gallery
26
3
Introduction
Assalah is an act of worship solely to Allah Subhanahu wa taala
(SWT) Glory to Him, the most high. Its not a custom or ritual, has no
equal and no alternative to mankind. It is compulsory to all mankind
and must be performed even when sick, on a journey or during war
time.
Salah is compulsory and obligatory to all Muslims, sound
minded and those who reach the age of puberty (recommended

beginning at the age of seven).
Assalah is a practical sign of our obedience to the command of Allah
(SWT), proof of Muslim faith in Islam, and believe in Allah (SWT). It
reminds Muslims of Allah (SWT) all the time in our life time, protects
us from sins and shameful deeds, purifies and brings us closer to Allah
(SWT). The Holy Quran says:
"Establish prayer, for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust
deeds." (Al-'Ankabut 29:45)
Assalah is one of the pillars of Islam that involves physical actions,
recitations of the Holy Quran, glorification of Allah (SWT) and
distinguishes
Muslims
from
non-Muslims.
The
Holy
Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) said:

"What stands between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of
prayer." (Muslim, Abu Dawod, Nasaae).
He also said "Know that among your duties, prayer is foremost."
It is also important to note that; salah should not be performed
carelessly as the Holy Quran says:
"Woe to praying ones who are heedless of their prayers." (Al-Ma'un 107:4-5)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "You should worship Allah as if you

see Him; because though you don't see Him, He surely sees you." (Ihsan
- Al Nawawi 2).
Assalah purifies the soul, refines the character and inculcates the
excellent virtues of truthfulness, honesty and modesty. It keeps one
who performs it from falsehood and from all forbidden acts. Salah
must be performed five times a day.
The Obligatory (Fardh) Salah

There are five formal prayers to be observed, said each day and an
obligatory duty for all Muslims. The timings of these salat are spaced
fairly evenly throughout the day that enables one to constantly be
reminded of Allah (SWT) and given opportunities to seek the guidance
and forgiveness of Allah (SWT).
Subh/Fajr; (Pre-dawn): The Fajr prayer starts off the day with the
remembrance of Allah performed before sunrise. It is between the very
beginning of dawn and sunrise; consist of 2 (nafila) rakaas (units)
before fardh (obligatory) and 2 obligatory rakaas.
Dhuhr; It begins between the declining of the sun and Asr, consist of 4
obligatory rakaas, 4 rakaas before and 2 rakaas after the fardh.
Asr; It starts when the shadow of an object is equivalent to its height
until (just before) the sunset; and consists of 4 obligatory rakaas.
Maghrib; It begins soon after the sunset until the disappearance of
the twilight, consists of 3 obligatory rakaas and 2 nafilas after fardh.
Isha; performed after dark, when there is no sun light outside, not
even a redness in the sky, when its completely dark in the horizon. It
consists of 4 obligatory rakaas and 2 nafilas after the fardh.
Salah must always be preceded by ablutions (wudu').
Assalah timings and its Rakaas (Units)
Salah
(Prayer)
Timing
Fardh
(Obligatory)
Raka'as
(Units)
FAJR
Between
the
very
beginning of dawn and
sunrise
DHUHR
Between the declining of

the sun & Asr
It starts when the shadow

of an object is equivalent
to its height until (just
before) the sunset.
MAGHRIB Soon after the sunset until
the disappearance of the
twilight
ASR
ISHA
Sunnah
Before
Fardh
2
Sunnah
After
Fardh
After the disappearance of

the twilight until
(Midnight)
Emphasized prayer (Witr)
after Ishaa
Preparation for Assalah

The preparation for salah consists of the ritual cleaning, wearing of
clean/pure clothes and finding a pure/clean place to perform the
prayers and must start by performing wudhu (ablution). Sometimes, it
requires the performance of ghusul, (ritual bath) for major impurity
and depending on the condition and situation as of the time of the
salah.
6
Ghusul simply refers to the full body washing ablution with water to
purify one for salah. It must be performed if one has sexual
intercourse, on discharge of any fluids (semen), at a completion of
mensuration by women and on release of blood after woman gives
birth.
When performing salah, you must wear pure and clean clothes. The
Holy Quran says For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly
and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean
(Al Baqara
222).
Cleanliness here simply refers to clothes that are not affected with
najasah (impurity).
This includes any semen, urine, stool, blood,
corpse, dogs, pig and alcohol. As a Muslim, you are expected not to
only wear clean from impurity and dirt, but clothes that are always
ready to perform salah with.
Attention and care must be paid here to when using the rest room
especially by men against the splash of the urine on the clothes. The
most important thing to note is to dress appropriately and by wearing
clean clothes that will cover the Awrah (from the navel to the knees and
above the ankles). The Holy Quran says; Take your adornment (by
wearing your clean clothes) while praying (Quran 7:31)
Men are recommended to wear long sleeve shirt that will also cover
their awrah. The appropriate dress for a Muslim woman is basically
her appropriate dress for salah. For salah, a woman must cover herself
completely in her khimar, hijab or jilbab the same way she does when
in the presence of non-mahram members of her opposite sex.
Allah (SWT) said to the believing women that: they should lower their
gaze and protect their private parts (from sins); and they should not
display their beauty and ornaments except what appear thereof
(Quran 24:31)
Ibn Abbas, Iban Umar and Aisha (RA) narrated that Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) said: Allah does not accept the prayer of an adult
woman unless she is wearing a head-covering (Khimar, hijab).
Fig 1
Muslim woman should be guided and note that her dress does not
announce arrogance, not tight in such that will display her figure,
shape, curves and not transparent. The clothes worn should also not
be intimidation of disbelievers and not to imitate the opposite sex.
Allah (SWT) said: O you children of Adam, indeed, we have sent
down to you garment covers your shame and provides protection and
adornment. But the finest of all is the garment of piety. That is one of
signs of Allah so that they may take. (Quran 7: 26).
8
Consideration must always be given to a place and location where to

perform salah. Masjid is surely the most suitable, designated and main
place for salah. The Holy Quran says that The Mosques of Allah shall
be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the last day;
perform assalah, give zakah and fear none but Allah. (Quran 9:18).
Praying in the Masjid enables congregation worship, which attracts
more rewards, increase love and unity among Muslims.
It also
increases the discipline to Allah (SWT) and enhance the prestige and
symbol of the power of the Muslim Ummah. Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) said:
Prayers offered in a group is twenty-five times better than prayer
offered at home or in the marketplace. (Al Buhari 465; Muslim 649)
However, situation and condition can force you to perform salah
elsewhere, not in the Masjid. A good place for salah must be pure and
clean. Wet places must be avoided as it may have urine mixed up. It is
always recommended that every Muslim uses prayer mat or clean
material spread on the ground to perform prayers especially if the place
is in doubt of purification.
When performing salah to Allah (SWT), you must stand erect; facing
the direction of the Kabah called the Qiblah. The body must be duly
covered as described above. For a woman, she must cover all the body
except her face and her hands. This standing is called Qiyam. He or she
must then make intention in the heart to perform the Salah. Recite the
Iqama (private call to prayer) as follows;
Iqamah
Iqama refers to the second call to prayer, said immediately before the
prayer begins. The words are similar to those of the adhan, but it is
said more quickly.
( 2x)

( 2x)

Allahu Akbar (2x)
Ashhadu an la ilaaha illa-Lah
Ash Hadu anna Muhamadar rasuulullah
Hayya alas Salaah
Hayya ala Falaah
Qad qaamitis Salaah
Allahu Akbar (2x)
Laa ilaaha illa-Lah
10
Meaning: God is the most great.

I bear witness that there are not gods but God.
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.
Come to prayer.
Come to felicity.
Prayers is now ready.
God is the most great.
There is no deity save God.
Intention (Niyya)
The intention is the object for which a prayer is offered. Narrated by
Abu Hafs Umar ibn Al Khattab (RA) The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
said:
All actions are by intention, and every man shall have what he
intended (Buhari & Muslim - Hadith 1).
Start with a sincere intention to perform the salah purely for the sake
of Allah (SWT) alone. Say to yourself (in any language) that you intend
to offer ---- Salah. NB: The intention should be made in the
heart only not loud.
Takbeer
Assalah starts with takbeer, Allah Akbar (salutation) to Allah (SWT)
and ends with tasleem, As-Salamu 'alaykum wa Rahmatullah
(peace and mercy of Allah upon you).
The Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) said: The key to prayers is purification and is entered by saying

the takbeer and exited by taslim (Abu Dawud, Taharah, 31: Tirmidhi, Taharah, 39)
Allah Akbar (God is Great)
11
Raise your two hands while saying the takbeer.
Place your right arm over the left and on over chest.
Place the right arm on the back of the left palm, wrist and
forearm.
Incline your head during prayer and fix your sight towards the
ground as The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did.
Do not look at the sky, it is forbidden. The Prophet

Muhammad (SAW) said:
People must refrain from looking up at the sky in prayer, or their

sight will not return to them (and in one narration: or their sight
will be plucked away)
See figure 2 below
Fig 2
By reciting the takbeer of Ihram, you thus enter into a state of worship
and is at that point required to call to mind the greatness and glory of
Allah (SWT) and to dedicate your intentions, recitations and actions to
Him alone until the end of the salah.
12
Opening Supplications
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to say one of the following
supplications during salah:

Subhanaka allahumma wa bi hamdika wa tabara asmuka wa
ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuka
Meaning:
You are Glorified, O Allah, and Praised; Your Name is
Blessed; Your Majesty is Exalted, and none has the right to be

worshipped but You.

Allah humma ba'id baynee wa bayna khatayaya kama ba'adta
baynal
mashriqi wal
maghribi,
Allah
humma
naq-qinee min
khatayaya kama yunaq-qath thuwabul abyadu minad danasi, Allah

hum maghsilnee min khatayaya bil maee wath thalji wal bardi
Meaning:
O Allah! Separate me (far) from my sins as you have
separated (far) the East and West. O Allah! Cleanse me of my sins as

white cloth is cleansed from dirt. O Allah! Wash me of my sins with
water, ice and snow.

Auudhu billaahi minash shaitaan ar-Rajeem
Meaning: I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed.
13
Recitation of Suratul Al Fatihah

Narrated Ubada bin As-Samit (RA) that The Prophet Muahmmad
(SAW) used to say:
No prayer is acceptable without the recitation of sura Al Fatihah
(Hadith No. 756, Book of Adhan, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1).
Bismillaah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

Al hamdu lillaahi rabbil alameen
Ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
Maaliki yaumid Deen
Iyyaaka naabudu wa iyyaaka nastaeen
Ihdinas siraatal mustaqeem
Siraatal ladheena an amta alaihim
Ghairil maghduubi alaihim waladaaleen
Aameen
14
In the name of Allah, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds.
The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those who have received your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those
who wander astray. Amen.
After the recitation of the sura Al Fatihah, you will then recite any
other sura of your choice from the Holy Quran correctly.
-
In Zuhr and Asr prayers, suras are to be recited quietly as

Jaabir said: We used to recite behind the Imam in Zuhr and
'Asr: surah Al-Fathiha and another surah in the first two
rak'ahs, and surah al-Fathiha in the last two."
If you are praying in Jama'a then you should raise your voice
when you are saying "Ameen
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) finished a prayer in which he was

reciting loudly (in one narration: it was the dawn prayer) and said:
Were any of you reciting with me just now?! A man said: "Yes, I
was, O Messenger of Allah". He said: I say, why am I contended
with? ... (All it means that do not recite when the Imam is reciting).
Rukuh
The rukuh in salah is basically the act of bowing as performed by the
Prophet Muhammad (SAW). After reading verses of your choice
from the Holy Quran while standing, you are to bow, eyes looking
downward. This supplication is to be said 3 times when performing
the rukuh.
15
Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem

How perfect is my Lord, the Supreme.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to say;
Verily, I have indeed been forbidden from reciting the Quran in rukuh'
or sujud. In the rukuh', therefore, glorify the Supremacy of the Lord,
Mighty and Sublime, in it; as for the sujud, exert yourselves in
supplication in it, for it is most likely that you will be answered ...so it
is forbidden to read Quran in Rukuh' or Sujud.
See Figure 3 for proper position
Fig 3
In rukuh, you must keep the head in line with the back, and look
downward to the place of sujud (prostration).
16
Straightening up from Rukuh

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
when the Imam says:
Sami' Allah hu liman hamidah

Meaning: Allah listens to the one who praises Him Then... While he
is still standing he would say.
Rifea bin Rafi, (RA) reported; We used to observe prayer behind the
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would straighten up his back out of rukuh
saying:

Rabbana wa
mubaarokan fiih
lakal
hamd,
hamdan
katsiiron
thoyyiban
Our Lord, to You is the praise due, the praise in abundance,

pure and blessed.
When you straightening up from Rukuh': you would raise your hands
like what we described early in the Takbeer.
Sujud
Sujud is prostration to Allah (SWT) in salah. The position involves
having the forehead, nose, both hands, knees and all toes touching the
ground together. Its the most recommended time to praise and glorify
Allah (SWT). You will recite the following supplication 3 times on each
sujud.
Subhana Rabbiyal A`ala

How perfect is my Lord, the Highest.
17
You will support yourself on your palms, spread them and put
the fingers together.
Put the fingers towards the Qibla.
Your nose should be touching the ground. The
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: There is no prayer for the

one whose nose does not feel as much of the ground as the
forehead
Place your knees and toes down firmly with the front of the
toes towards the Qibla. Keep the heels together and feet
upright.
These are the seven limbs which Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

would prostrate; the palms, the knees, the feet and the
forehead and nose.
See figure 4 below
Fig 4
Rising from Sujud

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would raise his head from this
position saying:
Allah Akbar (God is Great)
18
Sit and say:

Rabbighfirli warhamni
O my Lord! Forgive me, and have mercy on me.
The sujud must be performed twice before sitting.
Sitting
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would lay his left foot along the
ground and sit on it in relax manner. He stays a while in this sitting
position and straight on his left foot, upright, until every bone returned
to its position.
Fig 5
19
The Second Sujud

You are to repeat the same process as in the first Sujud position
including all the supplications.
Al Tashahud
Tahiyyat are the salutations which we say after the two prostrations in
the second and last rak`ah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would sit
for Tashahud after the second rak'ah and say;
At-Tahiy-yatu lil-lahi Was-salawatu wat-tay yibatu, As-Salamy 'alika

ay-yuhan-nabiy-yu Wa rahma tullahi wa barakatu, As salamu 'alayna
Wa 'ala 'ibadil-la his-saliheen , Ash hadu al la ilaha illal lahu, Wa ash
hadu an-na Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh.
Meaning:
All compliments, all physical prayer, and all monetary
worship are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah's mercy
and blessings. Peace be on us and on all righteous slaves of Allah. I
bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah. I bear
witness that Muhammad (SAW) is his slave and Messenger
20
Fig 6
Note:
-
In the Fajr salah, there is only one tashahud and the position
remain the same as described and shown in the sitting position above.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to sit by laying his left foot along
the ground and sit on it in a relax manner.
-
While reading: " Ash-hadu .......... to: Abduhu wa rasuluh" a person
should raise the index finger of the right hand slightly and return to
it previous position after he had finished saying it.
The Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) would sit for the second tashahud after finishing
the last rak'ah and would say the first tashahud which is in step as
described above and say;
21

Allah humma sal-li 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala aali Muhammadin, Kama
sal-layta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala aali ibraheema innaka hameedum
majeed, wa barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala aali Muhammadin, Kama
barakta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala aali ibraheema innaka hameedum
majeed.
Meaning: O Allah, send Grace and Honour on Muhammad (SAW)

and on the family and true followers of Muhammad (peace be upon
him) just as you sent Grace and Honour on Ibrahim (peace be upon
him) and on the family and true followers of Ibrahim (peace be upon
him). Surely, you are praiseworthy, The Great. O Allah, send blessings
on Muhammad (SAW) and on the family and true followers of
Muhammad (SAW) just as you sent blessings on Ibrahim (SAW) and
on the family and true followers of Ibrahim (AS) Surely, you are
praiseworthy, The Great.
22
Salutation of Peace (The Tasleem)

Each prayer ends with the tasleem (salutation) by turning to the right
and saying assalamualaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barokaatuh, then
turning to the left while saying, assalamualaikum wa rahmatullaah.
Narrated by Wail bin Hujr, (RA): I prayed with the Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) and he would finish the prayer saying tasleem to
his right and left saying,

As-Salamu 'alikum wa Rahmatullah
Peace be on you and the mercy of Allah
Actions that Vitiate Salah

Assalah as mentioned in many places, is a vital act of worship to Allah
(SWT). Therefore, serious care must be made to avoid anything that
will nullify it. These are some major things that nullify the salah:
Reciting the Holy Quran wrongly or omission of any verse that
alter or change the meaning
Turning away from the qiblah to a large extent.
All that spoil wudhu also spoils the salah.
Omitting a fardh (obligatory parts) of the salah, such as rukuh or
sujud.
Uncovering the awrah deliberately.
Fidgeting or excessive movement during the salah for no
essential reason.
Deliberate presence of najasah (impurity) on the body, clothes, or
the place for the salah.
23
Invalidating ones ablution, such as passing gas or urine.

Intentionally adding or doing an extra pillar of the salah.
Deliberately doing some pillars of salah before others.
Intentionally saying the taslem before completing the salah.
Terminating the salah before the desirable rakaahs.
Talking and laughing out loud deliberately.
Eating and drinking.
Conclusion
Assalah is the strongest pillar of Islam that the Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) mentioned after mentioning the testimony of faith. One of the
major differences between a believer and non-believer is salah. The
importance of prayer is described and demonstrated in many of the
Prophets statements. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated that:
The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the
Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds
will be sound. And if it is incomplete, then the rest of his deeds will be
incomplete (Al-Tabarani Sahih Al-Jami, Vol 1, page 503).
Allah (SWT) mentioned in the Holy Book that Verily, the prayer
keeps one from the great sins and evils deeds (Quran 29:45).
It is important to know that throughout history, salah was
communicated to the Prophets and made compulsory by Allah (SWT)
to their respective peoples, and have been role models for all believers
by abiding by this observance in the best and most correct manner.
Some verses on this subject read:
24
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) said "My Lord! Make me and my descendants

people who establish salah. My Lord! Accept my prayer." (Surah Ibrahim,
40).
Prophet Isma'il (AS): Mention Isma'il in the Book. He was true to his
promise and was a messenger and a Prophet. He used to command his
people to do salah and give the alms and he was pleasing to his
Lord. (Surah Maryam, 54-55)
Prophet Musa (AS): I am Allah. There is no God but Me, so worship
Me and establish salah to remember Me (Surah Ta Ha, 14).
Prophet Isa (AS) said "I am the servant of Allah, He has given me the
Book and made me a Prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I am
and directed me to do salah and give the alms as long as I live." (Surah
Maryam, 30-31)
25
Gallery
The three Holy Masjids
Al Masjid Mukarramah, Makkah
Al Masjid Munawwarah, Madinah
Al Masjid Al Aqsa, Jerusalem

26
Assalah, possible anywhere.
Whatever I said and written in this book of truth and benefit is only due to Allah SWT assistance
and guidance, and whatever error is on me alone, Allah SWT knows best.
27

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