SALAAH (PRAYER) FOR BEGINNERS

INTRODUCTION

After testifying that none is worthy of worship except Allaah alone, and that Muhammad is the Last of the Messengers of Allaah, then the most important principle for the new Muslim to learn is the "Salaah", or prayer. 5 Just as performing Salaah is obligatory, learning to perform it in the prescribed way is also obligatory so that one will know what he is saying to his Lord, and enjoy the full blessing and benefit of prayer. In the performance of Salaah all the prayers have to be said in Arabic and some verses of the Noble Qur'aan must be recited as well. Therefore, it becomes essential for a new Muslim to begin learning those prayers in Arabic, as well as some short Surahs (chapters) of the Noble Qur'aan. The best way to learn is from a Muslim teacher, which is a time- honored, Islaamic tradition. But for those who might find themselves in a non-Muslim environment where a Muslim teacher is not readily available, this booklet provides a useful alternative. This booklet is by no means an elaborate book on Salaah. It is only an attempt to supply the very basic information to a new Muslim to enable him to begin praying in Arabic as early as possible. Further information is necessary to perform Salaah under abnormal conditions (i.e. sickness, travel, etc.). Some concessions have been granted by Almighty Allaah in these conditions. Before starting the prayer, a person is required to make sure that certain preconditions are met, such as cleanliness of the body (Ghusl) if necessary, ablution (Wudhoo'), and cleanliness of the clothes and the place of prayer. Further study is recommended in order to understand all of these aspects of Salaah. Finally, acknowledgment is due to Abdul Basit Quraishi for compiling the book entitled "The Manner of Performing Prayer for beginners" upon which much of this helpful book is based.