Prayer 101
Islamic prayer (Salah) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to pray five times daily, facing the direction of Mecca (Qiblah).
The Five Daily Prayers
- Fajr — Dawn prayer, before sunrise
- Dhuhr — Midday prayer, after the sun passes its zenith
- Asr — Afternoon prayer
- Maghrib — Sunset prayer, immediately after sunset
- Isha — Night prayer
How Prayer Works
Each prayer consists of a set number of units (rak'ah). Before praying, Muslims perform ritual purification (Wudu). Prayer can be performed individually or in congregation.
The Friday congregational prayer (Jumu'ah) holds special importance in Islam.