| When do Muslims pray? | Muslims pray three times if they are Shi’a or five times if they are Sunni, a day, from sunrise to sunset, that differs slightly each day, so Muslims refer to prayer timetables for the correct times. |
| What is Rak’ah? | Rak’ah is a set sequence of actions and recitations performed in daily prayer that depend on the type of prayer |
| What do recitation and prostration refer to? | Recitation refers to repeating a passage of text, from memory, while prostration refers to a sequence of movements in ritual prayer. |
| How do the actions in Rak’ah influence Muslims to actively submit themselves to Allah? | The actions in Rak’ah influence Muslims to actively submit themselves to Allah through their specific meanings. The action of bowing is performed in response to God’s greatness while the action of prostration is performed to show complete submission to Allah. Therefore not only does Rak’ah remind Muslims of Allah’s greatness like Shahadah, but it forces them to physically remind themselves and show submission, creating an even greater awareness. |
| How does Salah compliment Shahadah? | Although Salah also forces Muslims to physically remind themselves of God’s greatness, which the Shahadah does not, Salah and Shahadah complement each other as the declaration of faith is an expression of God’s greatness and uniqueness, while the recitations in Rak’ah are reminders of God’s greatness, - “God is the greatest”, and him being the ultimate God, “How perfect is my Lord the most high”. Therefore Shahadah drives the pillar of Salah into action. |
| What are Du’a prayers? | Du’a prayers are a personal prayer added to the end of the final Rak’ah, which Muslims believe God answers with the best of his intentions. Unlike the Rak’ah, Du’a prayers do not have to be in Arabic or follow a set form. |
| What is the Jummah Prayer? | The Jummah Prayer is a special midday prayer said every Friday. The Jummah Prayer requires all male Muslims to attend a mosque, though women are free to also attend. Then after the prayer, an imam will deliver a sermon, reminding Muslims of their obligations and duties to Allah. |
| How does the Qur’an explain the importance of the Jummah Prayer? | Qur’an teaches Muslims are expected to leave their work or close their businesses on Friday in order to attend Jummah Prayer. The Qur’an quote, “When the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hurry towards the remainder of God and leave off your trading”, explains the importance of the Jummah Prayer, by Allah demanding Muslims to put their public lives on hold, so they can truly focus on Islam. |
| How does the Quran suggest Muslims should pray? | The Qur’an suggests Muslims should pray with full intention behind their words. The Qur’an quote, “So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer”, infers Allah wants Muslims to pray with full intention behind their words if their thoughts wander elsewhere or their words are not of genuine intention. This failure to focus on Allah causes Muslims to wander a path of ruin or “woe”, therefore Muslims should pray will full intention of their words. |
| How do Muslims pray at home? | To perform prayer at home Muslims must perform wudu before prayer, although they do not need a special room in their home to pray, given the room is clean, it is suitable. And when praying at home Muslims use a prayer mat and face Mecca, like they would in a mosque. |
| Who would praying at home benefit? | Praying at home would benefit the disabled, Muslim mothers, that need to look after children, who could cause disturbance in a mosque, and those who are too poor to afford transportation to a mosque. |
| Why is prayer important for Muslims? | Prayer is important for Muslims because it is one of the five pillars of Islam and God has commanded them to pray. Prayer creates a greater awareness of God, motivating Muslims to obey God’s will. |
| How does prayer unite Muslims? | Prayer unites worldwide Muslims as they all pray in the same way. Muslims may enter a mosque anywhere in the world to participate with fellow Muslims, while they remind themselves God is greater and more important than them by bowing and prostrating. |
