This guidebook provides step-by-step instructions for each prayer, including the obligatory prayers (Fardh), highly recommended prayers (Sunnah), and additional voluntary prayers (Nafl). It covers all five daily prayers: Fajr (morning), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and Isha (night).
The key features of “Prayer For Muslim In English” include:
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Muslim prayer, known as Salah or Salat, is a fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith. It is a form of worship that allows Muslims to connect with Allah (God) and seek His guidance, forgiveness, and blessings. The prayers consist of specific words and actions, which are performed in a prescribed manner. Understanding the words of the Muslim prayer is essential for every practicing Muslim.
The core prayer in Islam is known as the Shahada, and it is a declaration of faith. The words of the Shahada are: “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah,” which translates to “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” This declaration affirms the central belief in monotheism and the prophethood of Muhammad.
Muslim prayers are recited in Arabic, and while the Shahada is a fundamental part of the faith, it is not recited during the daily Salah. Instead, the daily prayers consist of specific verses from the Quran, glorifications of Allah, and supplications for guidance and forgiveness. These words are universal among Muslims and are performed in a set sequence and posture.
What is the simplest Muslim prayer?
The simplest Muslim prayer is often considered to be the Sunnah or Nawafil prayers. These are voluntary prayers that can be performed at any time of the day or night, and they serve as a way to enhance one’s connection with Allah. Unlike the obligatory daily prayers, the Sunnah prayers are optional, but they hold great significance in Islam.
The simplest of these optional prayers is the two Rak’ahs (units of prayer) offered before the Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer. These are known as the Sunnah Mu’akkadah, meaning they are highly recommended. The simplicity of this prayer lies in its brevity and the fact that it only involves two units of prayer, making it accessible for even the busiest of individuals.
What is the blessing prayer for Muslims?
The blessing prayer for Muslims, known as the Salat al-Ibrahimiyya or the Durood Shareef, is a beautiful and significant prayer. It is a way for Muslims to send blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad, and it is recited during the Tashahhud portion of their Salah. This prayer not only seeks blessings for the Prophet but also symbolizes the deep love and respect that Muslims have for him.
The words of the blessing prayer vary slightly but generally include phrases such as: “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima innaka hamidun majid.” This translates to “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Abraham and the family of Abraham. Verily, You are full of praise and majesty.”
The blessing prayer is a way for Muslims to express their gratitude to Allah for sending the Prophet Muhammad as a guide and mercy to all of humanity.
What is the powerful prayer of Muslims?
One of the most powerful prayers in Islam is known as the Dua, which is a personal supplication to Allah. While there is no specific set of words for a Dua, it is a heartfelt and sincere communication with Allah, where Muslims can ask for anything, seek guidance, and express their deepest desires and concerns.
The power of Dua lies in its direct and intimate connection between the believer and their Creator. Muslims believe that Allah is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing, and Most Merciful, and that He responds to the sincere supplications of His servants. Muslims can make Dua in any language, at any time, and in any situation, as long as it is sincere and made with a pure heart.
5 prayers of Islam in English
The five daily prayers in Islam, known as the Salah, are among the core pillars of the faith. These prayers are obligatory for every adult Muslim and serve as a means of maintaining a strong connection with Allah throughout the day. Here are the five daily prayers in English:
- Fajr: The pre-dawn prayer, performed before sunrise.
- Dhuhr: The midday prayer, offered after the sun begins to decline.
- Asr: The afternoon prayer, performed in the late afternoon.
- Maghrib: The evening prayer, offered just after sunset.
- Isha: The night prayer, performed after twilight has disappeared.
Each of these prayers consists of specific units, recitations, and postures, with the words being recited in Arabic. These daily prayers are a means of seeking Allah’s guidance, forgiveness, and blessings, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of faith in the life of a Muslim.
How to pray in Islam for beginners
Praying in Islam for beginners can be a daunting task, but it is also a profoundly rewarding experience. Here is a step-by-step guide for beginners on how to perform the Salah:
- Purification (Wudu or Ghusl): Before starting the prayer, ensure you are in a state of physical and spiritual purity. Perform ablution (Wudu) or a full body purification (Ghusl) if needed.
- Find a Clean and Quiet Place: Choose a clean and quiet location, free from distractions.
- Face the Qiblah: The Qiblah is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims should face this direction during prayer.
- Make the Intention (Niyyah): In your heart, sincerely intend the specific prayer you are about to perform.
- Stand Up: Begin the prayer by standing upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Recite the Opening Takbir: Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) while focusing on your intention.
- Recite Al-Fatihah: In every unit of prayer, recite Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran.
- Additional Quranic Verses: Recite additional verses or chapters of the Quran in each unit, as desired.
- Ruku (Bowing): Bend at the waist, keeping your back straight and your hands on your knees, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty).
- Sujood (Prostration): Lower yourself to the ground, touching your forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes to the ground. While in this position, say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
- Tashahhud: Sit on your knees with your index finger pointing and recite the Tashahhud, bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.
- Salam: Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) to both sides.
Praying in Islam may seem complex at first, but with practice, it becomes a natural part of a Muslim’s daily routine. Beginners can seek guidance from more experienced Muslims or utilize instructional materials to aid in learning the specific words and postures of the Salah.
Prayer for Blessing in Islam
In Islam, there are various prayers and supplications that Muslims can recite to seek blessings from Allah. One such prayer is the “Du’a for Blessing.” This prayer is an essential part of a Muslim’s life and can be recited in various situations, including after a meal, when entering or leaving the home, and during other moments of gratitude.
The Du’a for Blessing is a beautiful and simple prayer that expresses thanks to Allah for the sustenance and blessings He provides. The words of the prayer may vary, but a common phrasing is: “Allahumma barik lana fi ma razaqtana” (O Allah, bless us in what You have provided us).
This prayer serves as a reminder for Muslims to be thankful for the sustenance and blessings they receive and to seek Allah’s blessings and protection in all aspects of life. It’s a way of acknowledging that all good things come from Allah, and by seeking His blessings, Muslims hope to receive His continued favor and guidance in their lives.
Dua After Fard Prayer
Solat is a beautiful act of worship that strengthens the spiritual connection between a servant and our Lord. It is an act of submission to Allah s.w.t, where the believer puts our total unconditional faith in Him s.w.t.
In the Quran, Allah s.w.t. says:
إِنَّنِىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدْنِى وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِكْرِىٓ
“Verily I am Allah; there is no God except Me, therefore worship Me, and perform prayer to remember Me.”
(Surah Taha, verse 14)
Read: How to Perform Solat, Step-by-Step
One of the best times to pray to Allah s.w.t. is after performing our obligatory prayers. Whenever possible, we should take the time to reflect on, contemplate and utter our needs before Allah s.w.t.
The companions reported many instances where the Prophet encouraged and offered his companions Dua to be invoked after the prayers. Allah s.w.t. says in the Quran:
وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ
“And your Lord says: “Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)”
(Surah Ghafir, 40:60)
Here are some of the duas that we can recite after praying:
1. Dua to praise Allah s.w.t.
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيءٍ قًدِيرٌ. اَللَّهُمَّ لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْطَيتَ، وَلَا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ، وَلَا يَنْفَعُ ذَا الْجَدِّ مِنْكَ الْجَدُّ
Lā ilāha illallāhu wahdahu lā syarika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘alā kulli shay-in Qadir. Allāhumma lā māni’a limā a’tayta, wa lā mu’tiya limā mana’ta, wa lā yanfa’u zal-jaddi minkal-jaddu.
There is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him, His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent. O Allah! None can deny that which You bestow and none can bestow that which You hold back, and the greatness of the great will be of no avail to them against You.
(Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
A companion, Al-Mughirah Ibn Shu’bah r.a, reported that the Prophet s.a.w. used to recite this Dua after every prayer. It is also a good reminder for us that before we make our Dua to ask Allah for our needs, we should start with words of praise and recentre ourselves by recognising our need for The Highest and Absolute.
2. Dua for peace and blessings from Allah s.w.t.
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلاَمُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلاَلِ وَالإِكْرَامِ
Allāhumma Antas-Salām wa minkas-salām. Tabārakta yā Zal-jalāli wal- ikrām.
O Allah, You are As-Salam (Peace), From You is all peace, blessed are You O Possessor of majesty and honour.
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
Thawban, one of the companions r.a, reported that the Prophet s.a.w. would recite the istighfar (seeking forgiveness) three times before reciting this Dua after every prayer.
3. Dua for the remembrance of Allah s.w.t.
اللَّهُـمَّ أَعِـنِّي عَلـَى ذِكْـرِكَ وَشُكْـرِكَ وَحُسْـنِ عِبَـادَتِـكَ
Allāhumma a’innī ’alā zikrika wa syukrika wa ḥusni ‘ibādatik
O Allah, help me to remember You, expressing gratitude towards You, and to worship You in the best manner.
(Sunan Abi Daud)
This is one of the Dua that the Prophet s.a.w. encouraged to read after our prayers. In fact, its significance can be seen when the Prophet himself told his beloved companion, Muaz Ibn Jabal r.a. to never leave this Dua after prayer, as a sign of his love for Muaz.
Being able to feel grateful is a gift and we should be grateful for this feeling. It calls us to make Dua for gratefulness, in hopes that Allah increases His grace upon us because of our gratitude.
4. Dua to be steadfast in the religion
يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ
Yā Muqallibal-qulūbi, thabbit qalbī ‘alā dīnik.
O Controller of the hearts, make my heart steadfast in Your religion.
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
Many of the companions, including the mothers of the believers, Aisyah and Ummu Salamah r.a. reported that the Prophet s.a.w. used to recite this Dua abundantly. This reveals to us the importance of this Dua in our lives.
When the Prophet was asked why, he replied that the heart is between the fingers of his Lord. This is a figurative way to explain that the heart can change at any point in time. Allah can deviate hearts or reaffirm them with steadfastness and conviction. This is why it is important to always pray that Allah strengthens our heart with conviction and not let us go astray.
5. Dua to seek refuge against harm
اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِن عَذَابِ جَهَنَّمَ، وَمِنْ عَذَابِ القَبْرِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ المَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ المَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ
Allāhumma inni a’ūzu bika min ‘azābi jahannam, wa min ‘azābil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahyā wal-mamāt, wa min syarri fitnatil-masīhil-dajjāl.
O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the torment of Hell, and I seek refuge with You from the torment of the grave, and (I seek refuge with You) from the trials of life and death, and (I see refuge with you) from the evil of tribulation of Masih Ad-Dajjal (antichrist)
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
As much as we recite our Dua to ask Allah of our needs, we are also encouraged to seek refuge from that which we want to avoid or be protected from. This Dua comprises four things that the Prophet encouraged us to seek refuge from.
The Prophet mentioned in this hadith that when we have finished performing the tasyahhud and before giving the salam, we may recite this Dua. We can also recite this Dua after the prayer itself.
6. Dua to seek forgiveness
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
Allāhumma inni zalamtu nafsī zulman kathīran, wa lā yaghfiruz-zunūba illā Anta, faghfirlī maghfiratan min ‘indika warhamnī, innaka Antal-Ghafūrur-Rahīm
O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly and no one forgives sins but You, so grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy on me, for You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq r.a. once asked the Prophet s.a.w. to teach him a Dua to recite in prayer. The Prophet s.a.w. then taught his beloved companion this Dua.
We can learn so much from this Dua. It starts with acknowledging our shortcomings and deficiency before humbly asking Allah s.w.t. for all that is good. This Dua ends with praising Allah s.w.t. with His beautiful divine names.
7. Dua for parents
رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Rabbir-hamhumā kamā rabbayāni sagheerā
“My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.”
(Surah Al-Isra’ 17:24)
It is also important that we continue to include Dua for our parents especially in blessed times such as the times after prayer. In a hadith, the Prophet s.a.w. attributed the quality of a child praying for his/her parents to be virtuous.
إذا مات ابن آدم انقطع عمله إلا من ثلاث: صدقة جارية ،أو علم ينتفع به، أو ولد صالح يدعو له
“When a son of Adam (human) dies, his deeds will cease except for three: ceaseless charity, knowledge that is benefitted (by others), or a virtuous descendant who prays for him”
(Sahih Muslim)
In fact, it is even better if we could include others, our loved ones, those who have asked us to make Dua for them and all believers in our Dua.
8. Dua for good in this world and the next
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْأخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
“Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201)
If we’re unsure of what to pray, this is another Dua that is encouraged to be recited. This Dua comprises all that is good in this world and the Hereafter.
There are many other Duas or forms of Zikir that we may recite after prayers, such as the Ayatul-Kursi and many more. In conclusion, we may recite any heartfelt Dua from the depths of our heart, in any language that we know, by uttering profoundly or silently between the lips.
These Duas as taught by the Prophet s.a.w. teaches us what are the best things to pray for. Although we may have a long wishlist of what to ask in Dua, we can learn so much from the Prophet s.a.w, the chosen one who is given revelation and wisdom.
May Allah s.w.t. guide us to all that which pleases Him and accept all our prayers.
And Allah knows best.
In conclusion, understanding Muslim prayers is crucial for every practicing Muslim. Whether it’s learning the words of the Shahada, the simplicity of Sunnah prayers, seeking blessings for the Prophet Muhammad, the power of personal supplication, or the five daily prayers, prayer is an integral part of the Islamic faith. For beginners, it may take time and practice to become familiar with the rituals, but it’s a journey of spiritual growth and a source of comfort, guidance, and connection to Allah.
