The Second Pillar of Islam is Salah, the ritual prayer that Muslims perform five times a day. Unlike general supplication (dua), which can be said in any language at any time, Salah is a structured form of worship with specific actions, Quranic recitations, and timings.
It is an obligatory duty for every adult Muslim who is physically and mentally capable. Salah is performed facing the Kaaba in Makkah, symbolizing unity and direction in worship.
The Five Daily Prayers
Muslims must perform five daily prayers at fixed times:
1. Fajr
2. Sunnah (Muakkadah)
2 Farz
Total: 4 Rakahs
2. Dhuhr (Noon)
4 Sunnah (Muakkadah) before Farz
4 Farz
2 Sunnah (Muakkadah) after Farz
2 Nafl (optional but rewarding)
Total: 12 Rakahs
3. Asr (Afternoon)
4 Sunnah (Ghair Muakkadah) (optional, recommended)
4 Farz
Total: 8 Rakahs
4. Maghrib (Sunset)
3 Farz
2 Sunnah (Muakkadah)
2 Nafl
Total: 7 Rakahs
5. Isha (Night)
4 Sunnah (Ghair Muakkadah) (optional, recommended)
4 Farz
2 Sunnah (Mu’akkadah) after Farz
2 Nafl
3 Witr (Wajib)
2 Nafl (optional)
Total: 17 Rak‘ahs
This daily cycle ensures that a Muslim’s entire day is woven with remembrance of Allah.
Special Prayers
- Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer): Weekly congregational prayer replacing Dhuhr.
- Taraweeh: Special night prayers during Ramadan.
- Eid Prayers: Performed on Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.
- Tahajjud: Voluntary night prayer for spiritual closeness.
Quran & Hadith on Salah
- Allah says:
“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater.” (Qur’an 29:45) - Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound.” (Tirmidhi)
How Salah is Performed
- Purification (Wudu): Ritual ablution before prayer.
- Facing Qibla: Standing in direction of the Kaaba.
- Postures: Standing, bowing (ruku), prostration (sujood), and sitting showing humility and submission.
- Recitation: Quranic verses, especially Surah Al-Fatiha, along with praises and supplications.
Why is Salah Important for Muslims?
- Obedience to Allah
- Salah is a direct command from Allah.
- Quran (4:103): “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
2. Daily Reminder of Faith
- Keeps Muslims connected to Allah throughout the day.
- Protects from negligence and forgetfulness of spiritual duties.
3. Spiritual Cleansing
- Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:
“The five daily prayers are like a river in which one bathes five times a day, leaving no dirt behind.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
4. Equality and Unity
- In congregational prayers, rich and poor, young and old, all stand together shoulder to shoulder.
5. Discipline and Focus
- Teaches time management, self-control, and patience.
6. Peace of Mind
- Salah provides spiritual comfort, reduces stress, and strengthens hope during difficulties.
What Science Says About Salah
Modern scientific studies show that the physical and psychological benefits of prayer align with what Islam has taught for centuries.
1. Physical Health Benefits
- Postures in Salah (standing, bowing, prostration, sitting) resemble mild yoga and stretching exercises.
- Improves blood circulation and helps maintain joint flexibility.
- The act of sujood (prostration) increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance concentration and reduce headaches.
- Regular movements in Salah burn calories, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
2. Mental and Emotional Benefits
- Repetition of Quran recitation and dhikr activates the relaxation response, lowering stress and anxiety levels.
- Studies on mindfulness and meditation show that focused rituals like Salah can reduce depression and improve emotional stability.
- The discipline of praying at fixed times helps regulate sleep patterns and reduces restlessness.
3. Neurological and Psychological Effects
- Research in neuroscience suggests that ritual prayer activates parts of the brain linked to self-control, empathy, and emotional regulation.
- Group prayer strengthens social bonds, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Spiritual and Moral Purification
Salah cleanses sins, protects against immoral behavior, and keeps the heart pure. The Prophet PBUH said:
“The five daily prayers are like a river running at your door in which you bathe five times a day.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Peace and Inner Comfort
Prayer brings tranquility, reduces stress, and helps a believer find strength during difficulties.
Conclusion
The Second Pillar of Islam: Salah is at the heart of a Muslim’s daily life. It is important because it:
- Connects the believer directly with Allah.
- Purifies the heart and soul.
- Promotes unity, discipline, and humility.
- Provides physical, mental, and spiritual health benefits supported by science.
For Muslims, Salah is both a religious obligation and a source of peace, strength, and balance. Science now confirms that the practices prescribed over 1,400 years ago not only nurture the soul but also support a healthy body and mind.
