[english]Islamic Prayer; the Rakah
Salat, or prayer, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The devout Muslim prays five times a day at set times. Each time he follows a prescribed sequence of ritual movements and words, known as the rakah. The number of rakahs he must perform varies with each prayer session. On each occasion, before beginning his prayers, the Muslim performs a ritual cleansing with water, known as wudu. He then lays out his prayer mat in a clean place, facing the kiblah—that is, in the direction of Mecca—and having declared his intent to pray with a statement known as the niyyah, he begins the rakah.
Takbir
First the believer stands upright with palms facing forward and level with his face, to signify putting aside the distractions of daily life. He then acknowledges the greatness of Allah with the words of the takbir: "Allahu Akbar" ("God is the Most High").
Fatihah
He then places his right hand over the wrist of the left hand, gripping it firmly against his chest. He says a short prayer offering praise and requesting Allah's protection, and then recites the Fatihah, the first Surah (chapter) of the Koran. This is sometimes followed by further verses from the Koran, after which the takbir is then spoken again.
Ruku
Bowing forward from the waist, with a straight back and hands resting on his knees, the believer demonstrates his humble respect for Allah. While his back is bowed, he offers a short prayer of glory and praise to Allah at least three times.
Qiyam
Standing upright again, he then says another short prayer. After this, he repeats the takbir, perhaps raising his arms once more.
Sujud
The believer then demonstrates submission to Allah by prostrating himself, with his fingers, knees, toes, nose, and forehead touching the floor, but with his elbows and heels raised. He proclaims the glory of Allah at least three times, but does not recite the Koran at this point.
Julus
He then says a further takbir and repeats the sujud, thus completing the first rakah. Further rakahs are performed as is necessary, and when these have been completed, he sits upright in the julus position, hands resting on his knees, to offer two formal prayers—the Tashahhud and the Salawat—followed by prayers regarding issues of personal concern.
Salam
Finally, the believer turns his head—first to the right, then to the left—pronouncing the salaam, a prayer of peace and blessing on those around him, on each turn of the head. He does this even if he is in fact alone. The prayers are then finished.[/english]
