How a New Muslim Offers the Dhuhr, Asr and Isha Prayers

The Importance of Prayer

One of the cornerstones of Islam is salah (prayer). It was the first act of worship that Allah SWT deemed necessary, and Islam will perish if it does. It was declared mandatory for every sane, adult Muslim during the Prophet’s ascent to heaven and was revealed to him immediately.

Salah is so crucial that it must be observed in all circumstances, including when one is healthy or ill, standing, sitting, or lying down to pray, traveling or living somewhere, and feeling secure or in danger. Our key to success in this life and the next is salah.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said,

« The first act the slave will be accountable for on the Day of Judgement will be prayer. If it is good, then the rest of his acts will be good. And if it is deficient, then the rest of his acts will be deficient ».

The Second Pillar of Islam

The second pillar of Islam is salah. After having faith in Allah’s Oneness and Muhammad’s prophethood, performing Salah comes first. Muslims are obligated to conduct this act of devotion without fail and in all circumstances because it is such a crucial pillar.

How to Perform Dhuhr Prayer

PERFORMING THE FIRST RAK’AH (UNIT) OF PRAYER.

After facing the Qiblah, the person should make an intention by thinking about the particular obligatory or optional prayer they intend to perform.

Step 1: In the standing position, raise both hands so that your fingertips align with the shoulders or ears. Your palms should be facing outward. Then say, Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

Step 2: Place your hands on your chest, with the right hand over the left. Then say: A’oothu billaahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem (I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed.)

Step 3: Recite Al-Fatiha

Step 4: Recite another chapter from the Qur’an.

Step 5: In the standing position, raise both hands as in Step 1. Then say: Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

Step 6: You should be in the bowing (rukoo’) position. Say (3 times): Subhaana rabbiyal ‘atheem (Glory be to my Lord the Supreme)

Step 7: Recite this as you come up from the bowing position. Sami’-Allaahu liman hamidah (Allah listens to the one who praises Him.

Step 8: At this point you should stand with arms by your side. Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd (Our Lord, and to You belongs the praise.

Step 9: Prostration

Go into the prostration (sujood) positions seen below. As you go into this position say: Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest). Then say (3 times): Subhaana rabbiyal ‘alaa (Glory be to my Lord Most High).

Step 10: While coming up to the sitting position say: Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest). Sit on the left thigh, with the left foot along the ground and the right foot upright. The toes of the right foot should be facing the Qiblah and the hands should be placed of the knees. Then say (3 times): Rabbighfirlee (Oh Allah, forgive me).

Step 11: Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest). Then say (3 times): Subhaana rabbiyal ‘alaa (Glory be to my Lord Most High).

The first unit is now complete. You should complete the second, third and fourth rak’ah (unit).

PERFORMING THE SECOND RAK’AH (UNIT) OF PRAYER

Step 1: Stand up and say: Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest).

Step 2: Repeat Steps 3 to Step 11 from the first Rak’ah (unit) of prayer.

Step 3: After completing Step 11 from the first Rak’ah (unit) prayer, say: Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest).

Then go into the sitting position. At this point, raise your index finger on your right hand. Now recite the following:

“All compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you Oh Prophet. (And the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and on the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is no God or deity worthy of worship except Allah. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.”

You would have completed the first and second rak’ah (units). Continue performing the 3rd and 4th units similar to the first unit.

Complete the prayer by reciting supplications.

Salah is our key to success in this world and the hereafter. Allah SWT says in His Glorious Book: “Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers,” and in another verse, “And who pay heed to their prayers. These are the heirs who will inherit Paradise. There will they abide.” (al-Mu’minun: 1-2, 9-11)