2.3 Salah

Question 1

What is Salah?

Answer 1

Compulsory prayer

Question 2

What are some differences between the way that Sunni and Shi’a Muslims practice ‘Salah’?

Answer 2

• Sunni Muslims perform all five prayers separately, whereas Shi’as combine two pairs of prayer.
• Sunni Muslims touch their foreheads directly to the floor whereas Shi’as use a wooden plank.

Question 3

How do Muslims prepare for prayer?

Answer 3

Before prayer, Muslims must perform ‘wudu’, i.e. cleansing the body to show respect to Allah. The muezzin (crier) gives the adhan from a minaret.

Question 4

How do Muslims pray?

Answer 4

They face in the direction of the Ka’bah, the sacred shrine in Makkah, as indicated by the ‘mihrab’ in all mosques. All Muslims must stand shoulder to shoulder in rows to indicate equality & solidarity. Set prayers are repeated by the imam and everyone performs a set of movements called ‘rakahs’ to symbolize lowering themselves below Allah.

Question 5

What is Jummah prayer?

Answer 5

The community prayer that is an obligation for all Muslim men every Friday to replace the Zuhr prayer. The imam gives a sermon about current affairs.

Question 6

Why is prayer important?

Answer 6

• regular communication with Allah
• reminds Muslims to always submit to Allah
• it’s one of the pillars = a duty
• allows time to reflect on faith

Question 7

What is du’a?

Answer 7

A prayer of the heart, i.e. a personal prayer