Islam currently has approximately 1.57 billion adherents, which is almost a quarter (23%) of all people on our planet. High mobility and population migration have led to the fact that Muslims now exist in almost every country. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to get acquainted with the features of this religion. In particular, let us consider what prayer is, how it differs from Christian prayer.
The main prayer of Muslims
All those who profess Islam must certainly perform daily five-fold prayer (as-salat) - this is one of the basic rules of religion. Muslim prayer is obligatory (fard), necessary (wajib) and additional (namil). Despite the fact that the Qur'an does not have a clear description of how the appeal to Allah should be made, the order of prayer is quite strict. Violation of the sequence of poses and verbal formulas can lead to the fact that the Muslim prayer will be considered invalid. In addition to the five daily prayers of fards, there is also a funeral prayer of al-janaz and Friday salat al-juma. These prayers are also required. It is believed that the fivefold performance of this ritual saves the believer in Allah from neglect and forgetfulness, helps to maintain firmness of mind, will and purity of mind.
Muslim prayer time
The hour of the fulfillment of namaz is of great religious significance in Islam. Muslim morning prayer (Al-Fajr) is a symbol of the believer’s birth, early childhood and youth. Day prayer (Az-Zuhr) symbolizes mature youth, the maturity of a Muslim. It serves as a reminder that a person’s life is very short, the time allotted for earthly affairs is constantly being reduced. Muslim prayer (Al-Asr) again recalls the indefatigable and ruthless passage of time and the need to prepare for a meeting with the Almighty. Immediately after sunset, namaz (Maghrib) is performed again. As you might guess, he is a symbol of death. And finally, the fifth prayer of a Muslim (Isha) serves as a reminder that everything in our life will be temporarily and eventually converted to dust.
Conditions for Proper Reading of Namaz
- Najasa (purification from impurities). Before making the obligatory prayer, one should bring oneself into proper form. A prayer rug (a sheet, towel, etc. can be used instead) and clothing should be clean. It is recommended that women instinja, and men - Istira (purification of the corresponding organs after urination and coping with great need).
- Small and complete ablution. The first takes place after a person has satisfied his natural needs, and is necessary for the complete cleansing of the genitals. Complete ablution is performed in women during the menstrual cycle or after childbirth, and in men - with pollutions and sperm excretion.
- Covering specific parts of the body. In the Muslim faith, there is such a thing as aurat. This word denotes a prohibited part of the body. In men, this is all that is between the knees and the navel, and in women, almost everything except the face and hands below the wrist.
- Facing Mecca, which is located in Saudi Arabia. To be precise, you should look in the direction of the Kaaba. If necessary, use a compass or use other available landmarks.
- Fivefold prayer. A prayer made earlier than the set time is considered invalid. A mullah calls for prayer, but if there is no mosque nearby, you should be guided by the time schedule compiled for each specific area. All this is so important that entire computer programs are devised to help Muslims perform this ritual.