Definition
Obligatory ritual prayer performed five times a day at appointed times: Fajr, Ẓuhr, ‘Aṣr, Maghrib, ‘Ishā'. The first thing every Muslim will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement — if it is sound, the rest of the deeds are sound.
Pronunciation: ṣa-LĀH
Etymology & Root
From ص-ل-و (ṣ-l-w), connected to du‘ā' (supplication). Ṣalāh is, at its essence, a structured supplication and standing before Allah.
Usage in the Qur'an
'Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.' (al-‘Ankabūt 29:45)
Usage in the Sunnah
'Between a man and disbelief and shirk is the abandonment of prayer.' (Muslim 82)
Scholarly Notes
The Salaf were unanimous that one who denies the obligation of ṣalāh is a disbeliever. They differed about one who abandons it out of laziness — the strongest position, per a body of Companions, is that he too is a disbeliever.
Practical Application
Pray with the congregation in the masjid (for men) — every step is a degree, every step removes a sin.
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Related Terms
More from Fiqh Terms
Ritual ablution before prayer.
The lesser pilgrimage — performed any time of year.
Permissible in the Sharī‘ah.
The principles by which fiqh rulings are derived.
Obligatory annual charity — third pillar of Islam.
Following a scholar's ruling without knowing the evidence.