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Salat, sometimes translated as prayer, is the 2nd pillar of
Islam. Salat is the foundation of Islam and is a gift from ALLAH (Subhanahu
wa ta'ala). Salat was prescribed by ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) during the
Prophet (salla ALLAHu alaihi wa sallam)'s Night Journey and Ascension, when
he went from Makkah to Jerusalem, led all the Prophets in Salat, and then
ascended through the 7 Heavens. At the final stop, he received the 5 daily
Salawat (plural of Salat) from ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta'ala). Muslims are
required to perform Salat 5 times everyday at prescribed times. These times
are referred to as Fajr, Thuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, and 'Isha. (see the salat
timing below)
Before Salat is performed, one must be in a state of purity and cleanliness.
This requires performing Wudu, Ablution, in a specific manner and may
require a full shower or bath. Salat can be performed individually, but the
reward is greater if it is performed in a group, referred to as a Jama'ah,
with an Imam leading the group. Normally, the Jama'ah performs their Salat
in a Masjid, or Mosque, referred to as a House of ALLAH (Subhanahu wa
ta'ala). In addition, Muslims are encouraged to offer voluntary Salat at
most times during the day and night. (There are some times when Salat is not
allowed.) The voluntary Salat are offered in the same manner as the required
5 daily Salawat and can be offered in Jama'ah, but usually are offered
individually.
Salat combines recitations from the Quran, Glorifying ALLAH (Subhanahu wa
ta'ala), hand movements, bowing, prostrating and head movements. For more
information on Salat or any other aspect of Islam, please contact the
Islamic Foundation at (314)-394-7878.
SALAT TiMiNGS
The Fajr Salat time begins at dawn, about 90 minutes before sunrise and ends
at sunrise.
The Thuhr Salat time begins as the sun passes through the zenith, the
highest point in the sky, and ends when an object's shadow becomes equal in
length to the object. (Some schools of thought believe the time ends when
the object's shadow is twice the length of the object.)
The Asr Salat time begins at the end of the Thuhr Salat time, and ends at
sunset.
The Maghrib Salat time begins at sunset and ends when the redness of the
sunset has dissipated.
The Isha Salat time begins at the end of the Maghrib Salat and ends at
midnight. |
