Introduction to Salah for Beginners
Salah (the prayer) is the greatest act of worship after the testimony of faith. It is the most constant connection between the servant and his Lord, performed daily at appointed times. It is the first obligation Allah placed upon this Ummah after belief itself.
The command to establish the prayer appears repeatedly throughout the Qur’an, indicating its central place in Islam. The scholars of the Salaf-us-Saliheen explained that establishing the prayer means performing it correctly, sincerely, and in accordance with what Allah and His Messenger ﷺ legislated.
The Unique Status of Salah
Salah holds a position unlike any other act of worship. It was obligated directly upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the Night Journey and Ascension, without any intermediary. This alone shows its lofty rank and importance.
It is a daily obligation that structures the believer’s life around remembrance, obedience, and discipline. It is also the first deed for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The first matter that the servant will be brought to account for on the Day of Resurrection is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is corrupt, then the rest of his deeds will be corrupt.”
Salah as the Pillar of the Religion
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ described the prayer as a pillar of Islam, without which the structure of a person’s practice cannot stand.
“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayer, giving zakah, fasting Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the House.”
Why Learning the Prayer Correctly Matters
Salah is an act of worship defined by revelation. It is not based on personal preference, habit, or emotion. It must be performed exactly as taught by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
“Pray as you have seen me pray.”
The Companions Radiyallahu anhum carefully observed the Prophet ﷺ and transmitted detailed descriptions of his prayer. The early scholars preserved these reports and taught them without addition or innovation.
The Methodology of the Salaf in Teaching Salah
The Salaf-us-Saliheen followed a clear and merciful approach when teaching the prayer. They focused first on what makes the prayer valid, then on what perfects it. They avoided overwhelming beginners with unnecessary disputes and emphasized adherence to authentic evidence.
The Purpose of This Book
This book aims to teach the prayer step by step as the Prophet ﷺ prayed, using only the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. It seeks to provide a clear and reliable foundation for beginners and new Muslims, without confusion or excess detail.
Allah is Gentle and Merciful. Learning the prayer takes time, patience, and consistency. What is required is sincerity, effort, and a commitment to follow what Allah has revealed.