Introduction to Prayer: Definition

Introduction | Definition

We’ll start our series on Prayer by defining it both Linguistically and Legally (in Arabic and Islamic terms).

Linguistic definition: The Arabic word for prayer is Salaah, which means supplication or Dua. This is referenced in the Quran in surat At-Tawbah, verse 103 “…and pray for them; indeed your prayer is tranquility for them.

Legal definition: A term for a set of well-known actions that starts with Takbeer, or the action of saying ‘Allahu akbar’ which means ‘God is great’ and ends with Tasleem, or saying ‘assalamu alaikum’ which means ‘peace be upon you’.

Ibnul Qayyim explains that servitude to Allah (swt) is only truly realized by the Prayer.  This is because among all of the acts of worship, prayer is where we achieve true sincerity and humility. It’s nourishment for our soul and it teaches us the discipline we need to preform our obligations and avoid doing what we’re prohibited.

Our Prayer is when we as servants of Allah stand in front of Him, we turn to Him and seek His guidance and help. Prayer is our chance to have a one-on-one with Allah (swt). We ask for Allah’s help and commit to worship Him several times a day, when we recited the verse in Surat Al-Fatihah that says, “It is You we worship and You we ask for help.” verse #5.

This Prayer serves as a light to guide us through life, it helps us have the resolve to do what’s right avoid what’s wrong. As Muslims we have been instructed to pray in a certain way, shown to us by the Prophet (pbuh) as he told us in a hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari (#631) “Pray as you have seen me pray.”