Salah (Prayer), the second pillar of Islam, is a central act of worship that demonstrates a believer's devotion and submission to Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. In the Hanafi school, the method of offering Salah follows a structured and spiritual process, reflecting the importance of sincerity and mindfulness in worship. Each step of the prayer, from the opening Takbir to the final Salaam, is a reminder of our dependence on Allah’s guidance and mercy. This guide will help you understand the essential steps of how to pray Salah with Best Qira'at according to the Hanafi tradition, enriching both your faith and your connection to the Divine. The Importance of Salah in the Hanafi Method The obligation to perform Salah, the second pillar of Islam, is among the most emphasized duties for all Muslims. Regardless of one’s age, gender, or status, the act of performing Salah at its prescribed times is crucial in demonstrating one’s commitment to Allah. In the Hanafi method, as in all schools of thought, Salah is performed with both reverence and precision, aligning the physical actions with the heart’s intention to seek closeness to Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. Before each prayer, it is mandatory to perform Wudu (ablution), a ritual purification that prepares both the body and soul for this sacred act. Each of the five daily prayers – Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha – must be performed at their designated times as instructed by Sharia. This regular worship nurtures a constant connection with Allah, serves as a reminder of our purpose, and shields the believer from sinful acts, maintaining their spiritual and moral purity. Virtues of Salah Salah holds countless virtues in Islam, serving as a spiritual cleanser and source of immense rewards for believers. It is not only a way to fulfill one’s duty to Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ but also a means of attaining inner peace and guidance in this life. Through regular prayers, Muslims are granted patience, perseverance, and a constant connection with their Creator. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that Salah is the first act of worship believers will be judged upon on the Day of Judgment. When performed with sincerity and focus, Salah elevates one’s status, forgives sins, and brings them closer to Allah's mercy. Upon Whom Is Salah Fard? Salah is obligatory (Fard) upon every mature Muslim, male or female, who has reached the age of puberty(Baaligh) and is of sound mind. The duty to perform the five daily prayers applies to all Muslims, except for those who have valid exemptions, such as illness or travel, in which case alternative allowances are provided by Islamic law. However, even in these cases, the obligation of Salah remains significant, and one should make every effort to fulfill this pillar as per the allowances given in Sharia. Washes Away Sins – Benefits of Prayer One of the profound benefits of Salah is its ability to wash away sins. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ likened Salah to a river in which a person bathes five times a day, emerging purified from sin. Each prayer serves as a renewal of one’s faith, an opportunity to seek forgiveness, and a way to cleanse oneself of past wrongdoings. By performing Salah regularly and with sincerity, a believer not only pleases Allah but also strengthens their moral compass, staying away from harmful actions and maintaining a state of spiritual purity. Learning How to Pray Salah(Hanafi Method): One Rakah at a Time Performing Salah with Tajweed is a beautifully structured process that deepens a believer's connection to Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. Each step is significant and should be carried out with mindfulness and reverence. Below is a detailed guide on how to pray one Rakah: Step 1 – Make Your Intention to Pray Before beginning your prayer, silently make the intention (Niyyah) in your heart to pray. This conscious decision reflects your sincerity and dedication to Allah. I intend to offer four Rak'at for today's Fard Zuhar Salah. If your are in a Jama'at, add the words : Following this Imam. Step 2 – Raise Your Hands to Your Ears and Say "الله أكبر" Stand upright and raise your hands to your ears (or shoulders) while saying "الله أكبر" (Allah is the Greatest). This marks the commencement of your Salah. Step 3 – Place Your Hands below navel After saying "الله أكبر" lowering your hands and fold them below navel with right palm on the back of the left wrist joint, three middle fingers Straight on the back of left forearm and thumb and small finger making a loop on either side of wrist. Step 4 – Keep Your Eyes Focused on the Ground Maintain your gaze on the place where you will prostrate. This helps minimize distractions and keeps your mind centered on your connection with Allah and recite Sana like this: Step 5 – Recite the Opening Chapter of the Qur’an Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Qur'an) with sincerity. This is an essential part of the prayer, and it expresses your praise and worship of Allah. Step 6 – Perform the Ruku (Bowing Down) Bend at the waist, keeping your back and head level, while saying "سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ" (Glory to my significant Rab عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ). This gesture of bowing signifies humility before Allah. Step 7 – Return to Standing Up Again Straighten your back and return to the standing position, saying "سمع الله لمن حمده, ربنا لك الحمد" (Allah Heared whoever Praised Him; O Allah ! O our Rab are praises are for you only.). Step 8 – Perform the Sujud (Prostration) Go down into prostration, placing your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. While in this position, say "سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى" (Ya Allah forgive me). This is the closest position to Allah. Step 9 – Rise Up from Sujud and Sit for a Moment Sit on your legs for a brief moment, reflecting on your prayers and the greatness of Allah. This posture symbolizes humility. Step 10 & 11 – Perform Sujud Again and Then Return to a Standing Position Go back into prostration for a second time, repeating the phrase "سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى" (Ya Allah forgive me). After completing the second prostration, rise back to the standing position for the next Rakah. Step 12 – Perform the Tashahud In the final Rakah, after completing the second prostration, sit and recite the Tashahud (the declaration of faith) with sincerity and focus. Step 14 – Do Salaam To conclude the Salah, turn your head to the right and say "السلام عليكم ورحمة الله" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). Repeat this to the left side as well. This act signifies the end of your prayer and returns your attention to the world around you. Quranic Verses: In several places in the Holy Quran, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has commanded Muslims to offer Prayer. It is stated in verse 14 of Surah Ta-Ha, in the 16th Juz: “And establish Salah for My remembrance.” Ahadis: The Honourable Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated: “Salah is the light of a believer’s heart, face, grave, and resurrection,” (Sharh Muslim-lil-Nawawi, vol. 2, p. 101, derived from; Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 1, p. 232, derived from). How to join Salah Course online? In addition to these traditional courses, if you’re looking for personalized guidance and support in your Salah practice, I offer tailored services to help individuals enhance their prayer experience. Visit my website Learn Quran Now Academy to learn more about our offerings, including one-on-one sessions and resources designed to strengthen your connection with Salah and Islam. Enroll Now By taking this initiative, you not only improve your Salah but also strengthen your connection to your faith and community. Recommended Reading For those looking to deepen their understanding of Salah, how to pray salah and its significance in Islam, I highly recommend the book "Laws Of Salah - Hanafi" by Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri. This book offers insightful explanations and practical guidance on performing Salah, along with its spiritual benefits and importance in a Muslim's life. You can find the book here: Laws Of Salah - Hanafi Feel free to modify the link and author name as needed!
