assignment on namaz in english

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How to perform Salah according to the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

Allah Has made Prayer (Salah ) , which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam , compulsory on his slaves and ordered them to establish it and perform it well. The Prayer (Salah) is one of the most important things which our Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) had explained to the people, verbally and practically. He (S.A.W.) obligated us to copy him in his prayer, saying:  

” Pray as you have seen me praying” (Sahih Bukhari: 631)

Prerequisites (Shurut) of Prayer (Salah) :

Prerequisite means a condition that is required in order for something else to happen and if it is missing, the thing is invalid and unfulfilled e-g Ablution (Wuḍhu) is a prerequisite for Salah.

It is obligatory for a person who wishes to perform Prayer (Salah) to make sure that he or she satisfies the following Prerequisites before entering the Prayer (Salah):

1. Intention: (an-Ni yy ah) for Prayer: The person who is going to pray must have in his heart the intention to pray that particular Prayer. Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) used to say:

All actions are by intention , and every man shall have what he intended.” (Sahih Bukhari: 54)

The Prophet (S.A.W.) never instructed us to audibly or inaudibly state intentions for any act of worship, and the Companions (R.A.) did not do this either.

2. Purification (Taharah): One must make sure that the person’s Body , his/her Clothes and Place (ground on which offering Prayer) are clear from all kinds of impurity before he/she starts the Prayer.

3. Ablution (Wudu): Ablution is part of purification. Ablution (Wuḍu) is a one of the most important prerequisite for Salah (Click here to know about Prophet’s Sunnahs of Performing Wudu/Ablution).

  Our Prophet (S.A.W.) said:

"Allah does not accept the prayer of any of you when you are defiled until you performed ablution.” (Abu Dawud: 60)

4. Covering the Private Parts: Before starting prayer, man must cover his entire body and private parts including his shoulders. The same is evident from following Aya of Quran:

“O children of Adam, take your adornment [by wearing proper clothing and concealing the private parts (awrat)] for every masjid (for prayer)” (Surah Al-Araaf 7:31)

Most scholars agree on one point that during Prayer, it is highly recommended for a man to have his head covered during prayer.

However, it is mandatory for a woman to entire body except her face and hands.

5. Facing the Kabah / Qibla: Facing towards Qiblah (Kabah) is a very important condition of performing Prayer. Wherever a person is going to pray, he should face towards the Kabah. As Allah Says in Quran:

“…. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer] ….” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144)

It is obligatory upon everyone who can actually see the Kabah / Qibla to face it directly. As for those who cannot actually see it then they should face its direction.

However, if the person is in a place such as a desert, jungle, unknown strange city or a place where he does not know the direction of the Qibla, he should try his best to find out the direction of Qibla from others and if it is not possible then he should use his judgment and face in a direction which he thinks is that of Qibla and Allah will accept his Prayer.

It is important to start the Salat facing the direction of Qibla and it does not matter if his direction changes while he is praying e.g. in a ship, a train or an airplane, etc.

Note: Nowadays, a compass is available which gives the direction of Qiblah . In strange places and airplanes it is a useful instrument to possess.

The Essentials (Arkaan) of Prayer (Salah):

Essential is the property or characteristic of something that makes it what it is and if it is missing the thing is null and void. For instance, recitation of Surah Al-Fatḥiaḥ in each and every ‘Rakaat’ is an essential for Prayer.

  1. Standing (Qiyaam): It is obligatory that the person prays standing. As Allah Says in Quran:

“Be guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Allah .” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:238)

Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) said:

“ ……. then face the Qibla and say Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and then recite of what you know of the Quran, and then bow, and remain in this state till you feel at rest in bowing, and then raise your head and stand straight …. “ (Sahih Bukhari: 6667)

This is a pillar (rukn) for the one who is able to stand. If one cannot stand then he or she may offer Prayer sitting, lying on one’s side or whatever position he is capable of taking. The Prophet (S.A.W.) said:

"Pray standing. If you are not able to stand, then pray sitting. If you are not able to pray sitting, then pray (while lying) on your side." (Sahih Bukhari: 1117)

" I am one among you who is more informed of the way the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) prayed. ... When the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) stood up to pray, he raised his hands so as to bring them opposite his shoulders, and uttered the takbir (Allah is the greatest) …. " (Abu Dawud: 730)

According to the above-mentioned Hadith, the person should start his Prayer saying ''Allah-u-Akbar'' (Allah is the greatest), raising both of his hands to the level of his shoulders or ears then he should fold his hands over his chest right hand over the left hand. This applies equally to men and women.

As narrated by Tawus:

“The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) used to place his right hand on his left hand, then he folded them strictly on his chest in prayer.” (Abu Dawud: 759)

3. Looking at the Place of Prostration:

A person who is offering Prayer must have humility and attentiveness in his Prayer and should avoid everything that may divert his attention. Whilst standing, he or she should look towards the place of his prostration. He or she should not turn to the right or the left. It is also not allowed for the person offering prayer to raise his sight to the sky.

4. Opening Supplication: After Takbeer-e-Tehrima, person should begin by reciting one of the supplications established from the Prophet (S.A.W.) during first Rakaat/Rakat only. Following is one of many such supplications.

It was narrated that Abu Saeed (R.A.) said:

"When the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) started to pray, he would say:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَاسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ

  ( Subhanakallahumma, wa bihamdika tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk)

Translation: Glory is to You O Allah, and praise. Blessed is Your Name and Exalted is Your Majesty. There is none worthy of worship except You.

(An-Nasai: 900 & Abu Dawud: 775)

5. Reciting Surah Al-Fatiḥah: After starting with supplication, person should recite ‘Taawudh’

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطانِ الرَّجِيْمِ

(Audhu billahi mina shaitaan nir rajeem)

Translation: I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan.

(Surah Al-Nahl 16:98)

After ‘Taawudh’, recite ‘Tasmiyah’

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim)

Translation: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful.

[Sahih Muslim: 399 (a)]

It is noted that this (Taawudh ad Tasmiyah) should only be said silently during the first Rakat (opening unit of Prayer).

After Taawudh and Tasmiyah, a person has to recite the whole of Surah Al-Fatihah . This is a pillar (rukn) and the Prayer will not be correct without it . So it is obligatory upon even those who do not know Arabic that they memorize it.

The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:

“Every prayer in which the Ummul-Kitab (the Mother of the Book i-e Surah Al-Fatihah) is not recited is deficient.” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 889)

"Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid." (Sahih Bukhari: 756)

  (Click here for know about the importance of Surah Al-Fatihah)

It is obligatory for every person to recite Surah Al-Fatihah in every Rakaat (all units of Prayers whether obligatory prayers for Sunnah or Nafil Prayers).

6. Recitation after Surah Al-Fatihah: It is proven from the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) that after reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, one should recite another Surah from Quran or recite some Aayahs of Quran in the first two Rakaat of Fardh Salah (initial first two units of the obligatory prayers).

Abu Qatadah (R.A.) reported that:

The Prophet (S.A.W.) would recite Al-Fatihah and some surah in the first two Rakaat of the noon prayer, and only Al-Fatihah in the last two Rakaat. Sometimes he would recite some verses. The first Rakaat's recital would be longer than the second. That was how it was done in the afternoon and morning prayers. (Abu Dawud: 78)

The Sunnah is also to make the recitation in the first Rakaat longer than the recitation in the second Rakaat.

The length of recitation will vary according to the different Prayers. So generally, the recitation in the Dawn (Fajr) Prayer is longer than the recitation in any of the other Prayers. Next comes the Zuhr, then the Asr and the Maghrib, then the Isha.

7. The Bowing (Rukoo): After finishing the above steps, a person offering prayer should raise his hands, in the manner described previously with regard to the initial Takbeer (Takbeer-e-Tehrima) and also say the Takbeer (i.e., Allaahu Akbar), and this is obligatory.

Then a person will perform the Rukoo (bowing) in such a manner that all his joints are settled, and each part of the body is at rest. This is a pillar (rukn). (This is proven Sunnah from Hadith in Sahih Bukhari: 739)  

It was narrated that Abu Masud (R.A.) said that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:

“The prayer is not valid if a man does not bring his backbone to rest while bowing and prostrating." (An-Nasai: 1027)

The Sunnah way of performing Rukoo (bowing), the person should place his hands firmly upon his knees, spread his fingers, as if he were grasping his knees, stretch out one’s back and make it level and then it would settle upon it. Person should neither cause his head to droop lower than his back, nor should he raise it above it. Rather he should make it level with his back. Person should also keep his elbows (straight and) apart from his sides. After that, person should say, three times, or more, in the Rukoo:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

(Subhaana Rabbee al-Adheem)

Translation: Glory to my Lord the Exalted.

(An-Nasai: 1046)

  8. Straightening Up from the Rukoo (Qawmah) :   After above step , the person must raise up and straighten his back from the Rukoo (the standing after Rukoo is Called Qawmah in Arabic). He should say, while raising his back,

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

(Sami' Allaahu liman hamidah)

Translation: Allah heard those who sent praises to Him.

(Sahih Bukhari: 795)

Person should raise his hands when he rises up, in the manner that has preceded (Takbeer-e-Tehrima). Then the person should stand straight up and remain still, such that every bone returns to its place and say while standing:

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ

(Rabbanaa wa lakal-hamd)

Translation: O our Lord! And all praise is for You.

This is obligatory upon everyone praying, even if a person praying behind Imaam.

9. First Prostration (Sajda): After the perfect ‘Qawmah’ the person praying should move to perform Sajdah (prostration). During prostration, the forehead and the nose - together, the two palms, the two knees and the toes of each foot should touch the ground. All the body parts should be in the direction of Qibla i-e hands, feet etc.

Person should say: "Allah-u-Akbar" while going for the prostration. In the prostration position, person should say (at-least three times):

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى

(Subhaana Rabbiyal-Alaa)

Translation: Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.

(Abu Dawud: 857)

10. Being Settled in the Prostration (Jalsah):

After performing one/first Prostration perfectly and calmly, the person praying should raise his head form Prostration saying "Allah-u-Akbar" bending the left foot and sitting on it while keeping the right foot propped up with its toes pointing towards the Qibla, the palms of his hands should rest on his thighs and knees, the back should be straight so that the joints go back in place. 

The Prophet (PBUH) used to say:

So, it is important to sit as straight as possible during two prostrations (Jalsah).  

11. Second Prostration (Sajda): Then the person should perform the second Sajdah saying "Allah-u-Akbar" and repeat what he did in the first Sajdah.

12. Sitting for Rest (Jalsah-e-Istarahat): After performing both prostration, person should raise his head up saying "Allah-u-Akbar" and sit for a short while as he did in ‘Jalsah’ (stay between prostrations). Person should do this before standing up for the second Rakaat (second unit of Prayer).

Narrated Malik bin Huwairith Al-Laithi (R.A.) said:

“I saw the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) praying and in the odd Rakaat, he (S.A.W.) used to sit for a moment before getting up.” (Sahih Bukhari: 823)

13. Second Rakaat (2nd Unit of Prayer) : After standing up for the second Rakaat, person should fold his hands over his chest as he did in the first Rakaat and start recitation by reciting “ Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” and Surah Al-Fatihah followed by any passage or a chapter of the Holy Quran. " Then he should complete his second Rakaat in the manner of the first one. 

14. Tashahud (sitting for the declaration of Faith) : When a person offers two, three or four Rakaat Prayer, he/she should sit after two Rakaats for Tashahud. If he/she offering two Rakaat Prayer than this will be his/her first and last Tashahud but if he/she performing three or four Rakaat Prayer, then this will be his/her first Tashahud and he/she will stand after two Rakaats to complete third (for three Rakaat Prayer) and fourth Rakaat (for four Rakaat Prayer).

So when a person finishes the second Rakaat, he/she sits to perform the Tashahhud. He/she sits upon the left foot laid flat, as preceded with regard to the sitting between the two prostrations. However, it is not allowed to sit upon the two heels for this sitting and also not allowed for him/her to sit whilst resting upon his hand, especially the left hand.

Abu Humaid As-Saidi (R.A.) said:

"I remember the prayer of Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) better than any one of you. …... On sitting in the second Rakaat, he (S.A.W.) sat on his left foot and propped up the right one; and in the last Rakaat, he pushed his left foot forward and kept the other foot propped up and sat over the buttocks." (Sahih Bukhari: 828)

Person should clench all the fingers of his/her right hand, placing his/her thumb onto his/her middle finger sometimes, he/she may make a circle with his/her thumb and middle finger together. He/She should point his/her forefinger towards the Qibla (Direction of Prayer) and fix his/her gaze upon his/her forefinger (it is Sunnah act to see forefinger while moving or pointing the forefinger in Tashahud). He/She should agitate (up and down) it, making supplication with it, from the start to the end of the Tashahhud.

[Sahih Muslim: 580 (b), An-Nasai: , 1160 & 1268 ]

So after completing two Rakaats, person offering prayer should sit in a position mentioned in the above Hadith and then recite the following:

التَّحِيَّاتُ للهِ، وَالصَّلَوَاتُ، وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ،السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُعَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللهِ الصَّالِحِينَ. أّشَْدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُوَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

(Attahiyyaatu lillaahi wassalawaatu , wattayyibaatu , assalaamu 'alayka 'ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu, assalaamu 'alaynaa wa 'alaa 'ibaadillaahis-saaliheen. 'Ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu)

Translation: All greetings of humility are for Allah, and all prayers and goodness. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.

(Sahih Bukhari: 7381)

If a person offering two Rakaat Prayer, then after reciting above, he/she should supplicate for blessing upon the Prophet (S.A.W.) by saying:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍكَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ،اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَوَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

(Allaahumma salli 'alaa Muhammadin wa 'alaa 'aali Muhammadin, kamaa sallayta 'alaa 'Ibraaheema wa 'alaa 'aali 'Ibraaheema, 'innaka Hameedun Majeed. Allaahumma baarik 'alaa Muhammadin wa 'alaa 'aali Muhammadin, kamaa baarakta 'alaa 'Ibraaheema wa 'alaa 'aali 'Ibraaheema, 'innaka Hameedun Majeed)

Translation: O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad as You have bestowed Your favor on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.

(Sahih Bukhari: 3370)

Then he may choose, in this Tashahud, any of the reported supplications that please him, and supplicate to Allaah with that. (Click here for Duas/Supplications after Tashahud)

15. The Third and Fourth Rakaats:

  If a person is offering three or four Rakaat Payer, then he/she will stand-up after first Tashahud (after reciting ‘Attahiyyaat’ only, without supplicate for blessing upon the Prophet (S.A.W.) and supplication after Tashahud). The person will Say “Allah-u-Akbar” while standing for the third Rakaat. Then he/she should complete his third and fourth Rakaat in the manner of the first and second one.

16. The Final Tashahud:   After completing the third and fourth Rakaats, person should sit for the final Tashahud, and both Tashahud are obligatory. Person should do in it what he/she did in the first Tashahud (with Attahiyyaat’ and supplicate for blessing upon the Prophet (S.A.W.) and supplication after Tashahud).

17. The Salutation (Tasleem) (Ending The Prayer): After completing the ‘Tashahud’, person should give salutations to his right side, turning his face such that the whiteness of his right cheek can be seen, by saying:

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله

(Assalam-u-alaykum wa raḥmatulllah)

Translation: Peace and blessings of Allah be unto you.

Then he/she will give salutations to his left side, turning his face such that the whiteness of his left cheek can be seen, by saying:

  It was narrated from Abdullah (R.A.) that:

“The Prophet (S.A.W.) used to say salam (Taslim) to his right and to his left: As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah, as-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah) until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen from here, and the whiteness of his cheek from here. (An-Nasai: 1324)

  Undoubtedly, the fulfillment of all the necessary conditions for the Prayer enhances its chances of receiving the best recognition and full reward of Allah.

May Allah accept Prayer, Supplications and all other good deeds of all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world.

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HOW TO PRAY SALAH ACCORDING TO QURAN AND SUNNAH OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD.

Assalamualaikum, we put together this easy to follow step by step guide for Muslim’s looking to learn how to properly perform salah (prayer) according to Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).  This article will not simply just list the steps, but rather will give you a detailed and comprehensive guide to learning ALL about salat.

Preparation Before Salah (checklist):

Before beginning to pray one must be in a state of cleanliness. This is done by performing Wudu (ablution). In other cases, Tayammum or Ghusl are also acceptable methods of purification.

Have the proper intention to pray salah and to know whether one is praying fardh, sunnah, or nafl.

To have completed wudu.

Covering of satr (private parts). For males, clothes should cover from the naval (bellybutton) to just below the knees. For females’ clothes should cover the whole body besides hands and face.

Praying at the prescribed times for salah.

Praying towards proper direction of the Qibla (Mecca).

“O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer” 7:31

How to Pray Fardh, Sunnah, and Nafl Salah / Namaz:

After going through the prerequisites of Salah we are now ready to begin our prayer.

1. Begin with the proper niyyah (intention) that you want to pray, this can be done in your mind or verbally. The purpose is so that you are not heedless in prayer but are aware of the kind of salat you are about to offer.

I intend to offer the _____ rakats of the ____ prayer. So you could say something along the lines, “I intend to offer the 4 rakats fardh of the Isha prayer” or “2 rakat nafl for zuhr prayer”.

2.  Ensure your praying area is clean, put down you prayer mat facing the direction of the Qiblah. Stand as you would normally with your feet around four inches apart. Direct your gaze towards the place of your sajdah. Now, with palms open, raise your hands to your ears and say the Takbir (Allahu Akbar) which means Allah is the greatest. Your prayer has now commenced. Women praying should raise their hands to their shoulders.

3. After Takbir, place cross your hands at chest level grabbing your left wrist with your right hand. [3]  Begin with the recitation of thana . [4]

سُبْحانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta’aalaa jadduka, wa laa ‘ilaaha ghayruka. Meaning: Glory and praise be to You, O Allah. Blessed be Your name and exalted be Your majesty, there is none worthy of worship except You.

Recite Tauz or Ta’awwudh and continue with saying bismillah .

اعوذ باللہ من الشیطان الرجیم auzu billahi minash shaitan rajeem Meaning: I seek Allah’s protection from Satan, the accursed.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم bismillah hir rahman nir Raheem Meaning: In the name of Allah who is kind and merciful.

4. After this recite Surah Al-Fatiha which is the first chapter of the Quran.

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیْنَۙ(۱) الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِۙ(۲) مٰلِكِ یَوْمِ الدِّیْنِؕ(۳) اِیَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَ اِیَّاكَ نَسْتَعِیْنُؕ(۴) اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِیْمَۙ(۵) صِرَاطَ الَّذِیْنَ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیْهِمْ غَیْرِ الْمَغْضُوْبِ عَلَیْهِمْ وَ لَا الضَّآلِّیْنَ۠ ۷)

Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem Maaliki Yawmid-Deen Iyyaaka na’budu wa lyyaaka nasta’een Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem Siraatal-lazeena an’amta ‘alaihim ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-daaalleen Meaning: Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

At the end of reciting Surah Fatiha say Ameen.

5. While praying the first two rakats, after saying ameen, recite any passage from the Qur’an. Surah Ikhlas is commonly taught first because it is one of the shorter surahs and for the great rewards associated with it. [11] For prayers which exceed two rakat, you only need to recite Surah Fatiha and can move onto step 6 without reciting any extra passage after fatiha.

Surah Ikhlas:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم قل هوا لله أحد،الله الصمد، لم يلد و لم يولد، و لم يكن له كفوا أحد

Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim Qul Huwallahu ahad. Allahussamad. Lam yalid wa lam yu-lad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad. Meaning: In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful. Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is Eternal and Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none co-equal unto Him.

6. Say Allahu Akbar, bend down for ruku. Ruku is the position where you keep your head and back aligned and put your hands on your knees. Here recite Tasbeeh three times or any odd number of times you like.

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ Subhana Rabbiyal Adhim Meaning: Glory be to my Lord Almighty

7. Next stand up from the bowing position saying [5] ,

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَه Sami’Allahu liman hamidah Meaning: Allah hears those who praise Him

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْد Rabbana lakal hamd Meaning: Our lord, to you be the praise.

According to Hambali Fiqh, you can raise both your hands up to your earlobes before entering ruku and after coming up from ruku. While coming up from ruku your hands should be at your side and not crossed at the chest.

8. Say Allahu Akbar and go down for sajdah (prostration). There should 5 points of contact with the ground, your forehead, nose, palms of hand, knees, and toes of the feet. Put your head between your palms such that your thumbs are aligned with earlobes. The elbows should be raised away from the ground. In this position recite Tasbeeh three or any odd number of times you like.

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى Subhana Rabbiyal A’la Meaning: How Perfect is my Lord, the Highest

9. Say Allahu Akbar, sit upright. It is sunnah to keep your right foot up and lay the left foot on the ground. [6] This position is called Jalsah Al-istiraha or the sitting position of the prayer. Rest your hands on the thighs with fingers reaching the knees. Recite the following, [7]

رب اغفر لي Rabbighfir li Meaning: O my Lord! Forgive me

Say Allahu Akbar and go for your second sujud, recite Subhana Rabbiyal A’la tasbeeh three times. After say Allahu Akbar and stand back up and cross your arms just as before. This represents one complete rakat of salah.

Perform the second rakat the same, except you do not need to recite subhanaka. When you complete the second sujood of the second rakat stay seated in position of Jalsah.

10. Here we recite Tashahhud silently:

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Attahiyat lillahi wa salawatu wa’t-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuha’n-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuhu. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘alaa ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen. ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu Meaning: All the best compliments and the prayers and the good things are for Allah. Peace and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be on you, O Prophet! Peace be on us and on the pious slaves of Allah, I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and I also testify that Muhammad is Allah’s slave and His Apostle.

When you read the shahada (testimony of faith – ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu) ball up your right hand into a fist and raise your index finger. This symbolizes the tawhid or oneness of Allah. At this point if the salat consists of more than two rakat you would say the takbir, i.e. Allahu akbar and begin the third rakat. If the salah only consists of two rakats then you would continue with the following supplication known as Salawat which is sends blessings and salutations towards the Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Ibrahim, may peace be upon them.

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin Wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin Kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima wa barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin Kama barakta ‘ ala Ibrahima Wa ‘ ala ali Ibrahima Fil a’lamina Innaka hamidun Majid.” Meaning: “O Allah, let Your mercy come upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You let it come upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.”

11. Turn your face towards looking over your right shoulder and then turn to left. Each time recite the following:

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah [8] Meaning: peace and the mercy of Allah be on you.

Importance of Salah:

Prayer as a source of patience: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” 2:153

Brings tranquility to the heart: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” 13:28

As a means of self-purification: “Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.” 29:45

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Warning: Arabic text written on this page is for your convinence only and not to teach you Arabic. It is your responsiblity to learn Arabic Tajveed properly from a local Alim. Remember you cannot learn proper Arabic Tajveed from internet or with help of any software, persense of an authentic teacher is a MUST. You must learn how to distinguish between similar sounding Arabic letters.

Salat Video Available now

Note 1: Sisters must read our "Difference between Men's and Women's Salah" article to make adjustments in their Salah as there is some differences in Salah between Men and Women.

Note 2: When you are asked to 'Say' or 'Recite' or 'Read' in the directions. The sound must not be loud and at the same time not totally silent. It should be loud enough just for your ears to hear it and not so loud that a person next to you would be able to hear your recitation clearly. If a person next to you could hear only a mimic from you, that's fine. If you are surrounded by noise such as a fan's noise and you are not able to understand your recitation, it is okay. In an utmost quite room you should be able to understand your recitation. In any case must say it lound enough as mentioned above.

How do we perform Salaat (prayer):

(Salat images will be available on Sept 30th 2006, Insha Allah)

When beginning salaat, men raise both hands. Tips of thumbs touch earlobes. Palms must be turned towards the Qibla. Saying of Allahu Akbar (Takbir) begins as hands leave ears and finished as they are folded under the navel.

NOTE: Women raise their both hands as high as their shoulders and say the takbir of beginning. Then they put their hands on their chest.

There are seven conditions for a salaat to be corrected. 1-Niyyat (intention) 2-Tahrima (To say Allah Akbar) 3-Qiyam (Standing) 4-Qiraat (Recitation of Quran by mouth gently) 5-Ruku (To bow) 6-Sajda (Prostration) 7-Qa'da-i- Akhira (Last sitting)

Niyyat (intention) is made while saying the takbir of begning. It is permissible to make niyyat before that, too.

(I) To make niyyat for salaat to pass through heart its name, time, qibla, to wish to follow the imam (when performing salaat in jama'at), to mean to perform salaat. Such as Say, "I pray two rakat (or as many required for that time) Fard (if its Fard or say Sunnat if its Sunnat or say Wajib if its Wajib or Say Nafil if its Nafil) for Allah Tala Face towards Kaba". (ii) Knowledge only, that is, knowing what is to done will not be niyyat. (iii) The niyyat made after the takbir of beginning is not correct and that salaat is not acceptable. (iv) When making niyyat for prayers that are fard or wajib, it is necessary to know which fard or wajib they are. For example, it is necessary to know the name of the fardand to say for instance, "To perform today's early afternoon prayer (Zuhr)," or, the time's fard."When performing the salaat of Eid or witr, it is necessary to think of its being wajib and its name. (v) It is good but not necessary to make niyyat for the number of rak'ats (cycles). (vi) When performing a sunnat the niyyat "To perform salaat will suffice." (vii) When beginning to worship, saying orally only is not called niyyat.Worships done without niyyat are not acceptable in all of four Madhhabs (Hanfi, Shaafi, Maliki and Hambli). Thus niyyat is done by heart

TAHRIMA means to say Allah Akbar when beginning salaat,and is fard.No other word to replace it is acceptable. If the takbir is said too long, like AA llah (with AA instead of one A) in the beginning or Akbaar (with aa instead of one a) at the end, salaat will not be accepted. If 'Takbir' is said before the imam does, salaat will not have started.

QIYAM means to stand. (I) When standing, the two feet must be four finger's width apart from each other. (ii) In Fards,Wajibs and in the sunnat of fajr salat Qiyam is fard. It means a person who is healthy but performs the above mentioned salaat while sitting, is not acceptable, He must perform all of the mentioned Salats with qiyam for his salaat to be accepted. (iii) He who is too ill to stand, perform salaat sitting, and if too ill to sit he lies down on his back and performs it with his head (by moving,nodding his head,etc,). A pillow must be put under his head so that his face will be towards the qibla instead of towards the sky. He bends his knees, so that he will not stretch his legs towards the qibla rak'at of sunnats and of the witr and of the two ra'kts of the fard when performing salaat individually. It brings more thawab (reward) to say a short sura. (iii) As qirat, it is wajib to say the fatiha sura at these parts of prayers and to say also a sura or three ayats at every rak'at of sunnats and of witr prayer and at two rak'ats of the fard. (iv) In the fard (prayers of salaat that are obligatory), It is wajib to say the Fatiha and the other sura at the two first rak'ats.Additionally, it is wajib to sayFatiha before the sura.Furthermore, it is wajib to say the fatiha once at every rak'at.If one of these five wajibs is forgotten, it is necessary to make sajda-i-shaw. (v) At the third and the fourth rak'ats of the fard, it is sunnat for the imam as well as for a person who performs salaat individually to say the Fatiha. [Ibni Abidin shami, p 343]. (vi) A settled (resident) person who follows a traveling one stands up when the imam makes the salam after the second rak'at,and performs two more rak'ats,but he does not make the qirat.That is ,he does not say the Fatiha or the other sura.He does not say any prayer as if he were praying salaat behind the imam. (vii) In every prayer of salaat except Friday prayer and Eid prayer, it is sunnat for the imam that the sura he says in the first rak'at (after the Fatiha) be twice as long as the one he says in the second rak'at. (viii) It is makruh to say a sura in the second rak'at three ayats longer than the sura said in the first rak'at.It is always wajib to read the Quran's suras or ayats. (xi) A person who is too ill to stand, or feels dizzy or have headache or toothache or pain at some other part of his body or can not control wind-breaking or bleeding when he stands, perform salaat sitting.

QIRAT: Means to read (recite) by mouth gently. Reading gently means to read only as loud as him/herslef can hear.(I) The recitation is called Jahri, that is, loud if its heard by people who stand of each side of the recitor. (ii) It is fard to say an ayat (verse) of the Quran while in Qiyam (standing) at every Rakat and it must be in the order as they are written in the Quran. For example one cannot recite Surah Naas in first rakaat and Surah Ikhlas in second.

RUKU: After the sura you bend for the ruku saying takbir. (I) In ruku men open their fingers and put them on their knees. They keep their back and head leveled. in ruku as well arms and legs must be straight and then you say, "Subhana Rabbiyel Azeem" at least thrice. (ii) If the imam raises his head before you have said it three times you must raise your head, too. Must not wait to complete the ricitation thrice. In Ruku women do not open their fingers, they do not keep their head and back level, nor their arms and legs straight.

It is sunnat, for the imam as well as a person who is performing salaat alone, to say 'Sami' Allahu liman hamidah' while straighting up from the ruku. The jama'at does not say it. Right after saying it (if praying alone) or upon hearing the imam recite it (if with jama'at), must say: 'Rab'bana lakal hamd', and stand upright. Then, saying takbir (Allahu Akbar) start to kneel down for the Sajdah. First place the right knee and then the left knee, followed by the right and then left hand on the floor. Finally, the nose and the forehead bones are placed put on ground.

SAJDAH (prostration) (i) In Sajdah, fingers must be closed (no gap in between fingers), pointing towards the qibla in line with the ears, and the head must be between hands. It is fard to put the forehead on something clean, such a clean stone, clean ground, clean wood or clean cloth and it is wajib to put the nose down too. It is not permissible to put only the nose on the ground without a good excuse. It is makruh to put only the forehead on the ground. Thr nose should be pressured enough so that the bone of nose feel the ground, its very important to keep in account when perfoming salat on a soft carpet. (ii) In sajda, you say, 'Subhana Rabbiyal A'la' at least thrice. (iii) It is fard to put two feet or at least one finger of any foot on the ground. If both the feet are not placed on ground, salaat will be annulled and not be accepted. (iv) It is sunnat to bend the toes and turn them towards the qibla. (v) Men must keep their arms and thighs away from their abdomen. (vi) Sajda must be done on the ground on condition that you will press on them until you feel their hardness, that is until your forehead cannot move downward any more. Same applies for the nose. Special precaution is required on this issue when peroforming salat on a carpet. (vii) It is written in 'Halabi': "When going into sajda it is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to pull up the skirts of your loose long robe or your trousers, and it is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to fold them before beginning salaat. It is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to perform salaat with folded sleeves, cuffs or skirt." Sepcial attention is needed on this issue for the people of India and Pakistan who wear Shalwar and Kurta. If pulled or folded one must repeat the Salat . (viii) It is Makruh to perform salaat with a bare head because of laziness or without realizing the importance of performing salaat with a covered head. For, not to cover one's head means to disobey the ayat: "Take your ornamented clothes and cover yourself for salaat!" (xi) It is sunnat to wrap turban around the head whether in white or black color as Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam used these color or any other color. (x) Allama Ibne Abidin Shami Rehmatullahi Ta'ala Alaih said. : "Direction towards qibla is fard for salaat. That is, salaat is performed by turning towards the direction of Ka'ba. Salaat is performed for Allah. Sajda is done for Allah ta'ala only, but not for the Ka'ba. One who makes sajdah for the Ka'ba becomes a disbeliever."

QA'DA-I-AKHIRA: Means last sitting in the last rak'at, it is fard to sit as long as it takes to say the Athiyyat, "Atthayyato Lillahe Wassalawato Wat Tayyebato Assalamu Alaika Ayyohan Nabiyo Wa Rehmatullahe Wa Barakatoh Assalamu Alaina Wa Ala Ibadillahis Sualaiheen Ashadu An La ilaah illal Laho Wa Ashadu Anna Mohammadan Abdohoo Wa Rasooloohoo" When sitting, and men put their left foot flat on the ground with it toes pointing towards the right. They sit on this foot. The right foot should be upright, with the toes touching the grounds, bent and pointing towards the qibla.

NOTE 1: Women sit by Tawarruk. That is, they sit with their buttocks on the ground. Their thighs should be close to each other. Their feet should jut out from the right.

NOTE 2: When you reach at Ashadu An La raise your index finger of your right hand upward facing about 45 degrees by closing the fist, and drop it back and spread the hand to its original position at illal Laho.

KHUROOJ BI SUN'EEHI: To signify the completion of prayer by word or action. It means to finish out prayer by saying or doing something. Salaat is completed by saying, "Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rehmatullah" First by moving head towards right and saying it, then towards left and saying it.

PRAYER AFTER THE SALAAT: (i) It is mustahab (good) for the imam to turn right or left or towards the jama'at. (ii) It is stated in a hadith, 'If a person says, "Astaghfirullah Al'azim-il-llazi La ilaha illa Huw-al-hayy-ul-qayyuma Wa Atubu ilayh", after every prayer of salaat, all his sins will be forgiven. (iii) Imam and the followers raise their hands as high as their chest and pray (Dua) for themselves and for all muslims. Ahadith declares, 'Prayers (Dua) sent after the five daily fard will be accepted', Tirmidhi. But the prayers (Dua) must be done with a vigilant heart . Fingers are turned towards the qibla. Arms are not opened apart in the right-left direction. They are close each other, forward. (iv) While saying Dua, the fact is that it is mustahab (good) to say salaat and salaam for Rasulullah (salallahu alaihi wasallam), (v) After making your Prayers (Dua), it is sunnat to rub the hands gently on the face.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN PERFORMING SALAAT: (i) When beginning to perform salaat, a woman raises both hands up to the level of her shoulders. While standing she puts her right hand on the left hand. However, she does not grasp her left wrist the fingers of her right hand. She puts her hands on her breast. While making ruku, her hands are placed on the knees, but do not grasp them. She keeps her fingers close together. She does not keep her legs straight, nor her back level. While making sajda, she lowers herself, bringing her arms to her side while she keeps her abdomen placed over her thighs. She sits on the buttocks, her legs inclined towards right. (ii) A woman cannot be imam for men. If they follow a man as imam, they should be in last line of the jama'at. (iii) While performing salaat in jama'at, if a woman stands besides or in front of a man, the man salaat will be Fasid (nullified).

PAINFUL TORMENT AT THE TIME OF DEATH, IN GRAVE, ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT AND IN HELL. A hadith shareef, quoted in the book 'Qurratul'uyun,' declares, "If a person does not perform salaat though he has no good excuse, Allah ta'ala will give him fifteen kind of punishments. Six of them will come in the world, three will come at the time of death, three will come in the grave, and three will come when rising from the grave. The six plagues in the world are:

1-Person who does not perform salaat will not have barakat {blessings} in his life. 2-He will not have the beauty,the lovable ness peculiar to those who are loved by Allah ta'ala. 3-He will not be given reward for any good he does. 4-His supplications (duas) will not be accepted. 5-No one will like him. 6-Blessings that (other) Muslims invoked on him will do him no good.

Kinds of torment he will suffer when dying are: 1-He will expire in an abhorrent, unsightly, repugnant manner. 2-He will die hungry. 3-Much water as he may have, he will die with painful thirst.

Kind of torment he will suffer in the grave are: 1-The grave will squeeze him. His bone will intertwine. 2-His grave will be filled with fire, which will scorch him day and night. 3-Allah ta'ala will send him a huge snake to his grave. It is not like terrestrial serpents. It will sting him at every prayer time each day. It will never leave him alone any moment.

Kinds of torment he will suffer after rising are: 1-Angels of torment that will drag him to hell will never leave him alone. 2-Allah ta'ala will meet him with wrath. 3-His accounts will be settled in a very vehement manner, and he will be flung into hell. (May Allah save us?) On the other hand, we see that one who performs salaat five times a day his sins are forgiven. As it is stated in the hadith, Rasulullah (salallahu alaihi wasallam) asked to his (salallahu alaihi wasallam) companions: "If there were a river in front of one's house and if he washed himself in this river five times every day, would there be any dirt left on him?" We (Jabir bin Abdullah and other sahaba present there) said, "No, O Rasulallah." Allah's most beloved Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Likewise minor sins of those who perform the five daily prayers are forgiven." Ibn Jawzi (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote in his tafsir Elmugni: Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, "When the time of a daily prayer of salaat comes, angels say, 'O the sons of Adam, stand up! Extinguish the fire prepared to burn human beings by performing salaat.

Contributed by: Maulana Babar Rehmani

Corrections made by Islamic Academy.

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Learn How to Perform Namaz (salat-prayer) Step By Step in English & Arabic Text

It is compulsory for all Muslims to make effort for understanding the meanings of recitation words in Namaz as it will help us to concentrate much better for getting benefits perfectly as though we see Allah in front of us or he sees us standing in front of him because during Salat, Muslims meet their God directly 5 times a day so if we know what we are saying in Namaz, it will enable us to feel much more humble and talk to the Master of Universe in modesty.  Wudu –Ablution   Tayammum –Dry Ablution   Ghusl –Full Ablution or Taharat.

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How to Offer salaat? Learn Namaz-Prayer with Translation

Make the intention of offering Namaz then raise hands to ears and say:

Step 1 : Say Takbeer-e-Tahrima:

Allaahu Akbar —•   Allah is the greatest!

Step 2a : Read Sana:

Subhaana Kal-lah hum-ma wabi hamdika watha-baara kasmuka watha’aala jad-duka walaa ilaaha ghayruk. —•   Glory be to you, O Allah, and all praises are due unto you, and blessed is your name and high is your majesty and none is worthy of worship but you.

Step 2b : Say Ta’awwudh (تعوذ) & Tasmiyya (تسمية)

A’udhu bil-laahi minash Shaythaa-nir-rajeem —•   I seek Allah’s protection from Satan who is accursed.

Bismillaah hir-Rahmaa nir-Raheem —•   In the name of Allah, the most Kind and the most Merciful.

Step 2c : Recite Surah Fatiha

Alhamdul lil-laahi rab-bil ‘aalameen —•   Praise is only for Allah, Lord of the Universe.

Ar rahmaa nir-raheem —•   The most Kind, the most Merciful.

Maaliki yawmid-deen —•   The master of the Day of Judgement.

Iyyaa-ka na’budu wa iyyaa-ka nasta’een —•   You alone we worship and to you alone we pray for help.

Ihdinas siraatal mustaqeem —•   Show us the straight way.

Siraatal Ladheena an’amta ‘alayhim —•   The way of those whom you have blessed.

Ghay-ril maghdubi ‘alayhim —•  Who have not deserved your anger.

Walad daal-leen. Ameen —•   Nor gone astray.

Note: We can read any Surah after reciting Surah Faatiha above, as long as it is a minimum of 3 verses or one long verse. The following is a short and popular Surah situated towards the end of the Qur’an called Surah Al Ikhlas:

Step   2d : Read Surah Al Ikhlas

Qul huwal laahu ahad. —•   Say: He is Allah, the only one.

Allaah hus-Samad. —•   Allah helps and does not need help.

Lam yalid walam yoolad. —•   He does not produce a child, and He was not born of anyone.

Walam yakul-lahu Kufuwan ahad. —•   There is no one equal to Him.

Step   3 : Perform Ruku

Say Allahu Akbar before bowing for Ruku. in Ruku, say.this dua at least 3 times and maximum 7 times.

Subhaana Rabbi’al Azeem —•   “Glory to my Lord the Exalted”.

Step   4 : Then stand up straight while saying this dua.

Sami Allaahu Liman Hamidah —•   “Allah listens to him who praises Him”

Rabbanaa lakal Hamd —•   “Oh our Lord, all praise is to you”.

Step 5 : Say Allahu Akbar

Step   6 : Perform the prostration (sajda)

Before going to sajda, we say Allahu Akbar and in Sajda, we say this dau at least 3 times, maximum 7 times.

Subhaana Rabbi yal A’alaa —•   “Oh Allah glory be to you, the most high.”

Step 7 : Rise to a sitting position

Rise to a sitting position, while saying Allahu Akbar (الله أَكْبَر).

Step 8 : Prostrate again

Prostrate again, saying Allahu Akbar (الله أَكْبَر). The second prostration is exactly identical to the first one. And repeat again that dua during prostration at least 3 times maximum 7 times.

Step 9 : Rise up to proceed to the second rakat

Rise up to proceed to the next raka’at, saying Allahu Akbar (الله أَكْبَر). The second raka’at is identical to the first one up till the second prostration, but without the Takbiratul Ihram.

Step 10a : Perform the Tashahhud at the end of the second rakat

After the second prostration, stay in a sitting position and recite the Tashahhud (also known as Athahiyyaatu ) and then Was Salawaatu

AthahiyyaatuLillahi Was Salawaatu Wattayyibatu —•  All compliments, all physical prayer and all monetary worship are for Allah.

Assalamu Alaika Ayyuhannabi ‘yu ‘Warahmatullaahi Wabarka’tuhu —•   Peace be upon you, Oh Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Assalamu Alaina Wa’alaa’Ibaadillaahis Saa’liheen, —•   Peace be on us and on all righteous slaves of Allah.

Ash’had’u’Allahaa ilaha illallahu —• I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah

Wa Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadun Abd’uhu Wa Rasooluh —•   And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger

Step 10b : Recite Durood Ibrahim in Tashahhud

when you are in last rakat then say Durude Ibrahim (durood shareef, darood pak) after reciting   Athahiyyaatu   Lillahi  Was Salawaatu   whether you have performed 2 rakat, 3 rakat or 4 rakat of any farz, sunnat, nafal namaz (salat, prayer, salah).

First part of Duroode -e- Ibrahim

Allaahumma Salleh Alaa Muhammadin Wa’alaa’ Aale Muhammadin —•   Oh Allah, send grace and honour on Muhammad (PBUH) and On the family and true followers of Muhammad (PBUH).

Kama Sallaiyta Alaa Ibraheema Wa’ Alaa Aale Ibraheema —•   just as you sent Grace and Honour on Ibrahim (a.s) and on the family and true followers of Ibrahim (a.s).

Innaka Hameedum Majeed —•   Surely, you are praiseworthy, the Great.

Second part of Duroode -e- Ibrahim

Allaahumma Baarak Alaa Muhammadin Wa’ Alaa Aale Muhammadin —•   Oh Allah, send your blessing on Muhammad (PBUH) and the true followers of Muhammad (PBUH),

Kama Baarakta Alaa Ibraheem Wa’ Alaa Aale Ibraheema —•   as you sent blessings on Ibrahim (a.s) and on the family and true followers of Ibrahim (a.s).

Step 10c : Duaa after DUROOD IBRAHIM

After durood-e- Ibrahim, we can read any Quranic Duaa such as:

1st Duaa:  Rabbij’alnee muqeemas salaati wa mindhur-riy yatee —•   Oh Lord, make me and my children keep up prayers.

rab-banaa watha qab-bal du’a, —•   Our Lord, accept our prayer,

rab-ba nagh-firlee wali waaliday-ya —•   Our Lord, forgive me and my parents

wa lil mu-mineena yawma yaqumul hisaab. —•   and all the Believers on the Day of Judgement.

2nd Duaa: Rabbana Aatina Fid Duniya Hasanataw Wafil Aakhirati Hasanataw —•   “Our Lord, grant us the good of this world and that of the Hereafter

Wa Qina Adhaaban Naar. —•   and save us from the torture of hell.”

3rd Duaa: allahumma inni a’udzubika min adzabil qabri……

“ ALLAAHUMMA INNII A’UUZUBIKA MIN ‘AZAABIL QABRI, WA A’UUZUBIKA MIN FITNATIL MASIIHID DAJJAAL, WA A’UUZUBIKA MIN FITNATIL MAHYAA, WA FITNATIL MAMAATI ALLAAHUMMA INNII A’UUZUBIKA MINAL MAASAMI WAL MAGHRAM.”

4th Duaa:  Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran —• “O Allah, I have greatly wronged myself

wa la ya’ghfirudh dhunuuba illa anta —•  and You alone can forgive sins,

fa’ghfir li ma’ghfiratan min ‘indika warhamni —•  so grant me forgiveness from you and have mercy on me.

innaka antal ‘ghafurur rahim. —•  You are the forgiving and Merciful One.

Step 11 : Say Salam two times

After reading all masnoon duaa when you want to finish your namaz then say:  Assalamu Alai’kumWarah’matullaah by looking at right shoulder and then then say agian by looking on left shoulder.

Assalamu Alai’kumWarah’matullaah —•  “Peace and mercy of Allah be on you”.

Step 12 : Say —• Allahu Akbar and astaghfirullah

After completing namaz, say Allahu Akbar 1 time then 3 times Astaghfirullah .

Note: Namaz is completed after performing 12 steps in order then you can read Islamic Duaas which our Beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to read everyday after each Salat.

Click Here: Learn to Read Azkar, Wazaif, Tasbeeh, Duain, Prayers After Fard Namaz

Dua qunoot  to be recited in the last rakat of the Witr Prayer of Isha Salah( namaz, salat)

Dua al-Qunoot  Transliteration:

Allah humma inna nast’eenuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu’minu bika wa natawak-kalu ‘alayka wa nuthne ‘alayk-al khayr. Wa nashkuruka wa laaa nakfuruka wa nakhla’u wa natruku man-y yafjuruka. Allah humma iyyaka na’budu wa laka nusal-lee wa nasjudu wa ilayka nas’a wa nahfidu wa narju rahmataka wa nakhsha ‘azabaka inna ‘azabaka bil kuf-fari mulhiq.

Dua al-Qunoot  Translation:

Oh Allah, we ask you for help and seek your forgiveness, and we believe in You and have trust in You, and we praise you in the best way and we thank You and we are not ungrateful to you, and we forsake and turn away from the one who disobeys you. O Allah, we worship You only and pray to You and prostrate ourselves before You, and we run towards You and serve You, and we hope to receive your mercy, and we fear your punishment. Surely, the disbelievers will receive your punishement.

Dua Qunoot Arabic in Witr:

Dua Qunut (to be recited in Witr Prayer)

Dua Qunoot  Transliteration:

Allah hum mahdinee feeman hadayta, Wa ‘afinee feeman ‘afayta, wata wal-lane feeman twal-layta wa barik lee feema a’taita, waqinee shar-ra ma qadayta, fa-innaka taqdee wala yuqda ‘alayk, innahu laa Yazil-lu man walayt, wala ya’iz-zu man ‘adaita, tabarakta rabbana wata ‘alaita, nastaghfiruka wanatubu ilayka, Wa sal-lal lahu alan-nabee.

Dua Qunoot  Translation in English:

Oh Allah, make me among those whom You have guided, and make me among those whom You have saved, and make me among those whom You have chosen, and bless whatever you have given me, and protect me from the evil which you have decreed; verily, You decide the things and nobody can decide against You; and none whom You have committed to Your care shall be humiliated and none whom You have taken as an enemy shall taste glory. You are blessed, our Lord, and Exalted, we ask for Your forgiveness and turn to You. Peace and mercy of Allah be upon the Prophet.

Words of Salat (prayer) with English translation

• Words of Salat in English

Warning: Arabic text written on this page is for your convenience only and not to teach you Arabic. It is your responsibility to learn Arabic Tajveed properly from a local Alim. Remember you cannot learn proper Arabic Tajveed from internet or with help of any software, presence of an authentic teacher is a MUST. You must learn how to distinguish between similar sounding Arabic letters.

Takbeer "Allah Hoo Akbar" Allah is Great

SANAA "Subhana Kalla Humma Wa Bee Hamdeeka Wata Baara Kasmooka Wa Ta'ala Jaddoo Ka Wa La ilaha Ghairuka" O'Allah! All glory is due to You, I praise You, Your name is the Most Blessed, Your Majesty is highly exalted and there is none worthy of worship You.

TA'AWUZ "Aaoo Zoo Billahee Minash Shaitaanir Rajeem" I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil.

TASMIYAH "Bimillah Hir Rahmaanir Raheem" Allah, in whose name I begin, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful.

SURAH FAATEHA "Alhamdo Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen Ar Rahamaanir Raheem Maaliki Yaomid Deen iyya Kana Budoo Wa iyya kanastaeen Ihdinas Siratual Mustaqeem Siratual Lazeena An Amtaa Alaihim Ghairil Maghdoobe Alaihim Walad Dualleen" All praise is due to Allah, the Sovereign Lord of all the universes. The Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful. The Owner of the Day of Retribution. O' Allah! You alone do we worship and You alone do we beseech for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those whom You have Favoured. Not of those who earned Your wrath and nor of those who went astray.

SURAH IKHLAAS "Qul Huwal-Laahu Ahad. Allaa-hus Samad Lam Yalid Walam Yoolad Walam Yakul Lahoo Kufuwan Ahad. " Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is All Independent. Neither He begot anyone nor He was begotten. And none is equal to Him in any way.

RUKOO "Subhaana Rabbi-yal Azeem" Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most Great

TASMEE "Samee Allahoo Layman Hamidah " Allah listens to him who praises Him.

TAHMEED "Rabbana Lakal Hamd" O' our Sustainer! All praise is due to You alone.

SAJDAH "Subhaana Rabbi-yal 'Alaa" Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most High

TASHAH-HUD "Atthayyato Lillahe Wassalawato Wat Tayyebato Assalamu Alaika Ayyohan Nabiyo Wa Rehmatullahi Wa Barakatoh Assalamu Alaina Wa Ala Ibadillahis Sualaiheen Ashadu An La ilaah illal Laho Wa Ashadu Anna Mohammadan Abdohoo Wa Rasooluhoo" O' Allah! You alone deserve all veneration, worship and glory. O'Prophet! Peace be on you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and on virtuous servants of Allah. I bear witness that none is worthy of worship save Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His chosen servant and His Messenger.

DUROOD-E-IBRAAHEEMI "Allah Humma Salle Ala Mohammadiyon Wa Ala Ale Mohammadin Kama Sallaita Aala Ibharima Wa Ala Aalay Ibarhima Inna Ka Hameedum Majeed. Allah Humma Baarik Aala Mohammadiyon Wa Ala Ale Mohammadin Kama Barakta Ala Ibrahima Wa ala Ale Ibarhima Inna Ka Hameedum Majeed." O' Allah! Send blessings on our master (Hadrat) Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the progeny of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as You did send on our master (Hadrat) Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and the progeny of Ibraaheem(peace be upon him). You are, indeed, Praised, Glorified. O' Allah! Bless our master (Hadrat) Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the progeny of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as You did bless our master (Hadrat) Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and his progeny. Undoubtedly, You are Praised, Glorified.

DU'AA "Allaa-humma Innee Zalamtu Nafsee Zulman Kaseeran wa Innahu Laa Yaghfiruz-Zunooba Illaa Anta Faghfirlee Maghfiratam Min 'Indika Warhamnee Innaka Antal Ghafoorur Raheem. " O' Allah! I have oppressed my soul and undoubtedly there is no forgiver of sins but You alone. O' Allah! Forgive me and have mercy on me. Undoubtedly, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Or this one:

"Allah Humma Rabbana Aatina Fid Dunya Hasanah Wa Fil Akhirate Hasanah Wa Qina Azaban Naar." O' Allah! Our Sovereign Lord, grant us good in this world and the world hereafter and protect us. from the torment of hell.

DU'AA-E-QUNOOT Allaa-humma Innaa Nasta'eenuka wa Nastaghfiruka wa Nu'minu Bika wa Natawakkalu 'Alaieka wa Nusnee 'Alaiekal Khaier. Wa Nashkuruka walaa Nakfuruka wa Nakhla'u wa Natruku Maien Yafjuruk. Allaa-humma Ei-yaaka Na'budu wa Laka Nusallee wa Nasjudu wa Ilaieka Nas'aa wa Nah-fidu wa Narjoo Rahmataka wa Nakhshaa 'Azaabaka Inna 'Azaabaka Bil-Kuffaare Mulhiq. O' Allah! We implore You for help and beg forgiveness of You and believe in You and rely on You and extol You and we are thankful to You and are not ungrateful to You and we alienate and forsake him who disobeys You. O' Allah! You alone do we worship and for You do we pray and prostrate and we betake to please You and present ourselves for the service in Your cause and we hope for Your mercy and fear Your chastisement. Undoubtedly, Your torment is going to overtake infidels.

• Dawat-e-Islami
• Arkan E Islam

Arkan e Islam

December 06,2017 - Published 6 years ago

Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ created the mankind for His worship and worship done by human being is a relationship between Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and mankind. There are two aspects of worship , one involves the special acts which are sources for the direct relationship between Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His bondsman, the other is the obedience of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ in affairs of life such as respecting the parents, avoiding RIBA etc. In this blog we will discuss the first aspect which basically involves the five Arkan e Islam .

The Beloved Prophet  Hazrat Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ said:

بُنِيَ الإِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلاَةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ

Translation: Islam is structured on five pillars: Testifying that there is none worthy of worship but Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ , that Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ is His bondsman and Messenger, the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakah, Pilgrimage to the House (Ka'ba) and the fast of Ramadan.

(Sahih Muslim)

In the light of this blessed Hadith we come to know that there are five basic obligations in Islam. These five basic obligations are called Arkan e Islam or five pillars of Islam. These five include the utterance of the testimony that there is no worthy of worship but Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and that Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ is the Rasool of Allah. Secondly, the establishment of the prayer by the individual and the community with all of its rules and prerequisites. Thirdly, the payment of Zakat, an annual financial obligation paid by Muslims on specific wealth or capital they possess, exceeding a specific limit, to categories explained in the Quran. Fourthly, fasting during the month of Ramadan and fifthly, the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) once in a lifetime for those who have means to do so. Here is a brief detail of all these pillars of Islam :

1. Shahadah (Testimony of Faith)

The first is testifying that there is no God except Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ is His Prophet. In fact this is the basis of once belief. If someone does not testify this reality then he is not entered in Islam and this utterance creates zeal to act upon Islamic teachings, to follow Holy Prophet صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ and to follow Holy Quran . This utterance enables one to avoid from sins and to do good deeds. This utterance creates a sense of love of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ .

2. Namaz (Obligatory Prayers)

The second rukan of Islam is “Namaz”. Namaz or prayer is the act done by Muslims by bowing their heads in the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ . Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ obligated Namaz five times a day . It is a gift of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ to Muslims which he gave on the night of Mairaaj when the Beloved Prophet صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ went to the skies and higher than skies. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ orders the Muslims to offer Namaz in Holy Quran in these words:

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

“And keep the prayer established, and pay the zakah, and bow your heads with those who bow (in prayer).”

(Baqarah 2:43)

The importance of Namaz or prayer can be easily realized by the fact that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ commands approximately seven hundred times in the Holy Quran to establish prayer. The five prayers are named as Fajar, Zohr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Offering Namaz keeps the Muslims close to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ throughout the day. As they start their day by offering Namaz (Fajar) and also end the day with Namaz (Isha). Not only the start and end of day but also during the day Muslims offer Namaz which strengthens our relationship to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ . Offering Namaz in the Masjid with jamaat creates a sense of equality and brotherhood among the Muslims. Offering Namaz regularly also makes a man punctual and his life becomes regular and neat.

3. Zakat (Compulsory Charity)

The third rukan among Arkan e Islam is paying Zakah. Zakah is the donation of 2.5% of one’s belongings when these approach to a specific limit. As Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ permitted his bondsman to earn money by Halal sources and spend it to fulfill their needs but along with this permission Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ orders hid bondsman to donate their money to poor and needy people. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ ordered thirty two times in the Holy Quran to pay Zakah. Zakah in fact shows the beauty of the Islamic social system that money circulates among the rich and poor and it is not only bounded in the hands of rich people. It does not mean that the rich people give money to poor by sacrificing their needs but it’s the rule that they have to pay Zakah after fulfilling their basic needs.

4. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)

The fourth rukan of Islam is  Hajj , the pilgrimage to Makkah in the last month of Islamic year. Hajj is obligatory upon Muslims to do once in their life if they are fulfilling the conditions required. The occasion of Hajj is a symbol of unity and brotherhood of Muslims. They gather at the same day by uttering same words, wearing same dresses and all of them having belief at one God, the creator of all of them, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ . This example of faith, unity and brotherhood can not be found anywhere in the world.

5. Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)

The fifth rukan of Islam is fasting in the month of Ramadan. It is obligatory upon Muslims to fast in this month and fast means not to eat, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset. The main objective of fast is to attain pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and to attain piety in our hearts. The fast of the holy month improves our connection with Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ . A person who controls his wish and physical need of prohibited acts during fast realizes the plight of those people who remain deprived without choice and it creates a sense of piety and zeal to help those people. These Arkan e Islam are simple and easy way to worship Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ the main benefit of these five Arkan e Islam is that Muslims attain the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ through these which is the supreme goal of every Muslim.

May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ enable us to act upon these pillars of Islam! Ameen

Copyright © by I.T Department of Dawat-e-Islami.

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As the Muslim prayer is under attack again, with Noida police banning religious congregations at parks in Sector 58, ThePrint brings you a lowdown on namaz and its importance.

New Delhi: The Muslim prayer, namaz , is under scrutiny once again after the Noida police caused a furore by issuing an order that directed multinational companies in the city’s Sector-58 region to ensure that their Muslim employees do not offer Friday prayers in a community park.

The notice also warns the companies that they will be held liable for any violation by their employees. This follows an earlier row, in May this year, when Hindutva groups in Haryana’s Gurgaon stopped Muslims from offering Friday prayers in several open spaces.

What is the namaz ?

Salaah or namaz is an obligatory prayer performed by a practising Muslim five times a day. The namaz is performed early in the morning, afternoon, evening, near sunset and late evening. Each namaz lasts for between five to 10 minutes, and so cumulatively the prayers take up around 30 minutes in a day.

Muslims face towards the city of Mecca and specifically to the Ka’abah while offering namaz and this direction is called the qibla.

The namaz is one of the five obligatory pillars of Islam, with the other four being faith in the oneness of God, performing charity, fasting in the Islamic month of Ramzan and undertaking a pilgrimage to Haj (Mecca) once in a lifetime.

“Through namaz , a Muslim is standing before the sight of Allah and in attendance, submitting to Allah’s will,” noted historian Rana Safvi told ThePrint. “Islam is all about submission to Allah’s will and namaz is a way when a Muslim considers herself closest to the lord.”

According to the Quran, namaz can be performed at any clean place except bathrooms and graves. The primary purpose of the mosque is to serve as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer, as praying together holds great importance in Islam.

Women can’t offer namaz in a Mosque is a myth, Islam allows both men and women to offer namaz at the same place. However, the condition is that women should pray in separate safs or lines formed during praying.

“The biggest example of women praying in a mosque is when they go for Haj which is one of our five pillars. Men and Women pray in Masjid Nabuwi, the mosque of Prophet Mohammad,” said Mohammad Irfan, a Delhi-based Maulvi. “There is no segregation between them in Masjid Nabuwi while in other masjids across the world, women pray in separate enclosures.”

Also read:   Politics over namaz inside historic Taj mosque likely to survive beyond 2019

Why are Friday congregational prayers important?

Besides the fact that the Quran specifically mentions about the namaz in a “congregational form”, the Friday namaz in the afternoon is a part of the Sunnah or the way of Prophet Mohammad’s life. It is the longest namaz , which alone takes around 30 minutes.

Friday is considered an auspicious day of the week and even those Muslims who are otherwise not regular with namaz try to attend prayers in mosques or participate in any open congregation.

Religious scholars say that “congregation” became an important part of Muslim prayers because in medieval times a lot of emphasis was laid on brotherhood.

“This was a religion that stood against slavery and racism. The core message of Islam is universal brotherhood,” Safvi said. “By standing in a congregation, the differences of status, class and rank disappear. Congregational prayers are a way of strengthening the brotherhood.”

“ Ek hi saf mein khare ho gaye Mahmood-o-Ayaz, no koi banda raha aur na koi banda nawaz (Mahmood the king and slave Ayaz, in a line, as equals, stood arrayed, The lord was no more lord to slave while both prayed to the one master),” Safvi refers to Pakistani poet and scholar Allama Iqbal’s poem Shikwa to buttress her point.

The congregational prayer

Congregational prayers are also held on the two Eid festivals during the year. And it is not just these two occasions when Muslims are seen hugging each other. Safvi said after every Friday prayer, Muslims greet each other “ Jummah Mubarak ”.

In a digital age when people are socially becoming isolated, some Muslims say coming together through namaz gives them a chance to check on each other’s well-being.

Abdul Rashid, who performs the namaz regularly, said the congregations help in building strong social bonds.

“If we notice someone is absent from the mosque, we check with him whether he is fine the next day,” said Rashid, a businessman in Delhi. “Coming together is a way to help the society you are living in. Friday sermons are also about discussing the social problems.”

The Supreme Court observation made in the 1994 Ismail Faruqui case that a mosque is not an essential part of Islam and that namaz can be offered anywhere, even in open areas, leave another question mark on where Muslims should pray.

Safvi argues that the solution to the worries of those stopping namaz outdoors is to “build enough mosques”.

“Most of the historical mosques are under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) so one cannot pray there. Those praying in open areas are mainly workers or labourers,” she said. “If praying outside a problem, the solution is to build enough mosques for Muslims to pray.”

Also read:   A naked Jain monk spoke in Haryana assembly, but a Muslim can’t offer namaz in public?

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It’s very readable and concise article. However I shall like to give some suggestions. Congregational prayers were always practiced by the Prophet himself. During Makkah priod these prayers were offered in seclusion due to prosecution of Muslims. After coming to Madina, Prophet and his companions offered it openly. Juma or Friday afternoon prayers are always in congregational from from the Prophet time. It is fallacy to call it of medieval origin. However other five-times prayers may also be read individually, but not the Juma Namaaz.

This is amazing as I am a Muslim I like it tooooooooooo muchhhhhhh

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More recently, however, these moments have proved elusive.

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In the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final at home against Atalanta of Italy on April 11, Salah mistimed his run and had a ‘goal’ – which would have halved a 2-0 deficit – ruled out for offside; three days later, he had the chance to salvage a point at home to Crystal Palace but his close-range shot got blocked by Tyrick Mitchell ; and finally, having scored an early penalty to seemingly light the touchpaper for an unlikely Liverpool comeback in the return with Atalanta, he then missed a golden chance late in the first half, with his team’s European campaign duly fizzling out after the interval.

Perhaps most significant of all, with Liverpool needing to get their season back on track in the Premier League at Fulham on Sunday, manager Jurgen Klopp… left his talisman out of the starting XI.

The question is obvious — why are things not clicking for Salah?

The Briefing: Atalanta 0 Liverpool 1 (3-1 agg) - Are Klopp's side out of gas? Should Salah be dropped?

If anything, the fact Salah has appeared human in recent weeks is a compliment to a player who – even when he is ‘struggling’ – still tops Liverpool’s scoring charts in all competitions this season (23 goals, 12 assists).

There are mitigating circumstances that can help explain why there is such discussion over his form.

Partly, he is a victim of the absurd standards he has set for himself over his first six seasons at Anfield. He is also coming off a prolonged injury layoff, something he has rarely experienced in his career. His share of 73 per cent of the available minutes played this season is the lowest it has been since his transfer from Roma.

He picked up the hamstring injury in January during Egypt ’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Salah only appeared in his country’s opening game of the tournament and without him they were knocked out in the last 16, after getting fortunate to progress from the group stage.

Unsurprisingly, Salah’s form has tended to be affected by his fortunes at AFCON. In 2021, Egypt lost on penalties to his then Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane ’s Senegal in the final. When both returned to Anfield, Mane’s form was excellent, yet Salah managed just eight goals in his next 25 appearances – a low return by his levels.

This season, he did not make his comeback until February 17 against Brentford . It was an exceptional cameo in a 4-1 victory, with Salah registering a goal and an assist, but an injury recurrence then ruled him out until mid-March. Since then, he has five goals in 11 games – far from a crisis, but a definite dip in standards.

We need to talk about Mohamed Salah

Looking at his attacking output per season since he joined Liverpool, Salah’s expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes this season is the highest it has been in the Premier League. His 0.77 xG per 90 suggests he is getting chances worthy of approximately three goals in four games, although his seven penalties — the most he has had in a Premier League season — might inflate those numbers slightly.

For all his brilliance as a footballer, Salah has never been the most clinical chance converter. He is a player who relies on high volume rather than deadly finishing — only four Premier League players are averaging more shots this season than his 3.6 per 90.

What is noteworthy in the graphic below — which provides a 900-minute rolling average of non-penalty goals and xG over time — is that Salah will typically experience a spike of overperformance during a Premier League season.

Last season, it came late on. In 2018-19 and 2021-22, it happened more in the middle. In 2017-18, Salah’s goalscoring return was unsustainably above expectation across the whole season.

By comparison, his 2023-24 output does not have a spike. If anything, there have been more periods where he is underperforming in front of goal than snatching something out of nothing.

The conclusion? Well, simply that his superhuman output cannot last forever.

Last Thursday’s decider against Atalanta typified Salah’s recent form. Despite his penalty, his failed effort to lob the ball over goalkeeper Juan Musso when one-on-one showed a player who might be suffering from a rare lack of confidence.

“I’m not particularly concerned,” Klopp said after the game in Bergamo. “That’s what happens to strikers. We have to go through this, he has to go through this — he is the most experienced one.

“It’s not that Mo didn’t miss chances before in his life, that’s part of the game. The penalty was super-convincing. Then the next chance, obviously, it was unlucky, but it’s not the first time he missed a chance like that. I won’t make a bigger story out of it.”

Alexander-Arnold stepped up for Liverpool - Salah and Szoboszlai need to do the same

One of the reasons Klopp may have been more sanguine about Salah’s form is that his game is about far more than scoring goals now. Instead, he has become more creative at the top end of the field this season — and for multiple reasons.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting into central areas, Joe Gomez lacking his predecessor’s same attacking instincts, and Conor Bradley still establishing himself, Liverpool’s right side has seen Salah take on more responsibility to provide for those ahead of him — primarily Darwin Nunez , who has had 21 chances created for him by Salah in all competitions, which is comfortably more than any other player.

Accounting for the injury absence of Alexander-Arnold, no Liverpool player this season has created more chances than Salah across the four competitions they have competed in. His rate of 0.4 expected league assists (xA) — which measures the xG value of the shot that is created — per 90 minutes is his best as a Liverpool player.

The right-sided relationship between Salah and Alexander-Arnold has been crucial to Liverpool’s success, but they have only started twice together in 2024 – on New Year’s Day against Newcastle United and that trip to Italy last week.

Alexander-Arnold’s technical quality is matched by few players in world football. Bradley and Gomez performed admirably in his absence, but the pair are not facilitators in the way he is. Bradley is aggressive in possession and more of a runner in transition than a deep ball-player, while long-time centre-half Gomez is not a natural attacking full-back.

That is not to say Salah cannot function without Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool’s right-sided trio were excellent against Brighton & Hove Albion, with Salah, Bradley and Alexis Mac Allister imperious. Salah had 12 shots that day, and despite scoring the winner, he wasted multiple opportunities as he clawed to regain his form. But that was a relatively rare occurrence this season.

Beyond the output at the business end of the field, there are justifiable reasons to be discussing Salah’s relative slump.

Sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint, but his general play is suffering and his decision-making has not been as sharp as usual.

Take this example from that recent defeat against Palace.

As Ibrahima Konate plays the ball out wide, Dominik Szoboszlai makes a seam run behind Palace’s back line. As Salah receives the ball, we have grown accustomed to him playing a first-time forward ball into space (black line). However, with him looking down at the ball, his only option is to play a return pass to Konate as Palace step out.

Something similar happened less than 10 minutes later.

Here, Konate finds Salah and there are two first-time options to keep the attack moving — a square ball to Mac Allister or another hooked ball for Szoboszlai to run onto (both black arrows). Instead, a heavy first touch results in a Salah ball back to goalkeeper Alisson and another attack breaks down.

Here, in the final 15 minutes, Liverpool regain possession from a Palace attack and spring forward to punish the transitional moment. As Salah receives and turns into the centre of the pitch (slide 1), he has two team-mates in space — Andy Robertson , or a more aggressive ball into the path of Cody Gakpo (black arrows, slide 2).

Whether as a result of low confidence or simply poor execution, he instead plays it straight into the path of opponent Daniel Munoz as the potential of another promising attack evaporates.

Salah has evolved in his years under Klopp.

In the past, he was a dynamic and skilful dribbler, capable of beating multiple opponents in the same sequence. This season, that side of his game has dropped off: his volume of 2.9 take-ons — attempting to dribble past a player — per 90 minutes is lower than his previous two campaigns and, notably, this is the first season he has been playing without either Mane or Roberto Firmino alongside him up front.

There are mitigating factors why this might be, as the return of Liverpol’s right-sided triangle has seen Salah moved into more congested areas inside the pitch, but lower volume has also been met with less success in those take-ons.

Having boasted a 63 per cent take-on success in his 2017-18 debut season, Salah has a success rate of just 34 per cent in this one. A hamstring injury such as the one he suffered in January is likely to influence that explosiveness, and the numbers highlight a style that has become less swashbuckling during this campaign.

By contrast, Luis Diaz has taken the mantle as Liverpool’s take-on king from their left wing — able to drive upfield and wriggle out of trouble with his close control. Add the speed that Nunez, Gakpo and Diogo Jota offer and there is less need for Salah to assume responsibility for always dragging his side into the final third with his pace and trickery.

Salah’s game is built on efficiency and the reputation that he has created over the years means we have come to expect him to be an “output monster” in goals and assists. When team performances suffer at such a crucial time of the season, the natural response is to look to the guy who has bailed you out so many times before.

Taking Salah out of the firing line for that trip to Fulham on Sunday might have been the best strategy from Klopp.

History suggests that a return to form – perhaps as early as the Merseyside derby tonight (Wednesday) at Goodison Park – is unlikely to be far away.

(Top photo: Benjamin Cremel/AFP via Getty Images)

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