Praying namaz (Salah) is a fundamental practice in Islam and involves a specific set of physical postures, recitations, and intentions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform the obligatory daily prayers:
- Purity (Taharah): Before you begin the Namaz, ensure that you are in a state of physical and ritual purity. This involves performing ablution (Wudu), which includes washing your hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet. If you're not in a state of purity, perform wudu first.
- Intention (Niyyah): In your heart, make a sincere intention to perform the specific prayer. While intentions are internal, they guide your actions and focus during the prayer.
- Standing (Qiyam): Stand facing the qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca) with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed at your sides.
- Opening Takbir (Takbir al-Ihram): Raise both hands to the level of your shoulders and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). This marks the beginning of the prayer.
- Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha: Lower your hands and recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran. It's recited in every unit (Rak'ah) of the prayer.
- Recitation of Additional Verses (Optional): After reciting Al-Fatiha, you can recite any other verses or a full surah from the Quran in each unit, depending on the time of prayer. This is known as the "Qira'ah."
- Ruku (Bowing): Raise your hands to the level of your shoulders and bow down, placing your hands on your knees. Keep your back straight and head level with your back. This position is known as Ruku.
- Sujood (Prostration): From the bowing position, straighten up and then go down into prostration, placing your forehead, nose, both hands, both knees, and toes on the ground. Keep your elbows off the ground. This is the Sujood position.
- Tashahhud: After the first prostration, sit back on your heels and recite the Tashahhud, a testimony of faith that affirms the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is recited in the final unit of the prayer.
- Salutation (Salam): Turn your head to the right, saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) to end the prayer. Then, turn your head to the left and repeat the salutation.
- Completing the Prayer: If you are performing a Namaz with multiple units (Rakat), stand up after the salutation and repeat the above steps for the remaining units. If you've completed all units of the prayer, you can make additional supplications (dua) while sitting or after the prayer.
Remember that this is a basic guide to performing the daily prayers. The specific number of units and recitations can vary depending on the time of prayer and the type of prayer. It's important to seek guidance from knowledgeable sources or learn from someone who is experienced in performing Salah. Practice and consistency will help you become comfortable with the different postures and recitations involved in the prayer.
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