Intoduction
This booklet is published to guide and help Muslim Brothers and Sisters,
who have accepted ISLAM , after uttering "The Shahadah ," declaration of faith,
or Kalima, to learn the glorious principle of Praying five times a day.
By uttering "The Shahadah" , a Muslim confirms his or her faith
in the Oneness of God and declare his or her total submission to His Commandments,
as revealed to His Last Prophet, Muhammad, Peace be upon him. Shahadah
is the first of the Five Fundamental Principles of Islam.
Next in importance is the principle of Praying five times daily in a prescribed
manner, called "Salat" (also called Namaz in Urdu &
Persian). The other three principles of Islam being,
- Hajj - Pilgrimage to Kabah, atleast once in a life time for
those who can afford.
- Zakat - Dues payable once a year, on total saving at 2.5 percent.
- Fasting - during the month of Ramadan.
In the performance of Salat, all the prayers have to be said in Arabic,
which includes recitation of short verses "surah" of the Holy
Quran.
Therefore it becomes essential to start learning the prayer in arabic with
the correct pronounciation , so that Salat can be performed in the proper
manner. A seperate chapter details the prescribed manner for Women , which
differs slightly.
This booklet is by no means an elaborate book on Salat, futher reading
is recommended to study the Salah under other conditions, such as travel,
sickness etc.