How to Pray Salah Like the Prophet ﷺ
Course Information
- Target Audience: Absolute beginners / new Muslims
- Course Duration: 4–6 weeks (adjustable)
- Format: Lessons with videos, readings, demonstrations, and practice exercises
Course Objectives
- Understand the obligatory and voluntary prayers in Islam.
- Perform Salah correctly according to the Sunnah.
- Learn the sequences, positions, and recitations authentically.
- Recognize and correct common mistakes.
- Develop consistency and mindfulness in prayer.
Module 1: Introduction to Salah
Lesson 1.1 – Importance of Salah
Objective: Understand why Salah is central to Islam.
- Qur’anic injunctions (e.g., 2:43, 4:103)
- Statements of the Prophet ﷺ on prayer’s significance
Lesson 1.2 – Conditions & Requirements
Objective: Know the prerequisites of valid prayer.
- Taharah (purity) – wudu and ghusl
- Covering ‘awrah
- Prayer times
- Cleanliness of place
Module 2: Basic Movements & Positions
Lesson 2.1 – Standing (Qiyam) & Intention (Niyyah)
Objective: Learn how to stand properly and form the intention.
- Correct posture
- Internal vs. verbal intention
Lesson 2.2 – Bowing (Ruku) & Prostration (Sujud)
Objective: Execute bowing and prostration correctly.
- Correct hand, back, and head positions
- Number of prostrations
- Sunnah supplications during Ruku and Sujud
Lesson 2.3 – Sitting (Jalsa) & Tashahhud
Objective: Perform sitting positions and recitations accurately.
- Short sitting (between sujuds)
- Final sitting (Tashahhud)
- Salat-al-Ibrahimiyya
Module 3: Recitations & Surahs
Lesson 3.1 – Opening Supplication & Al-Fatihah
Objective: Memorize and recite key Qur’anic portions.
- Du’a al-Istiftah (opening supplication)
- Surah Al-Fatihah in prayer
Lesson 3.2 – Short Surahs & Sunnah Recitations
Objective: Recite additional Qur’an chapters in prayer.
- Examples: Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas
- When to recite in prayer
Textual References
- Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Riyad-us-Saliheen
- Classical fiqh manuals on prayer (Ibn Qudamah, al-Nawawi)
Audio / Video
- Step-by-step demonstrations
- Correct recitation audio (Qira’at)
Printable Handouts
- Prayer diagrams
- Step-by-step checklists
- Common mistakes & corrections
Interactive Tools
- Practice tracker
- Quizzes and self-assessments
Module 4: Completing the Prayer
Lesson 4.1 – Salam & Ending the Prayer
Objective: Correctly conclude the prayer.
Topics: Saying salam to the right and left; Etiquettes after prayer.
Resources: Demonstration video, textual references
Lesson 4.2 – Common Mistakes & Corrections
Objective: Identify and correct frequent errors.
Topics: Improper posture; Incorrect recitations; Forgetting positions.
Resources: FAQ sheet, illustrated “dos and don’ts”
Module 5: Integrating Salah into Daily Life
Lesson 5.1 – Scheduling & Consistency
Objective: Build a consistent prayer routine.
Topics: Prayer timings (Adhan & Iqamah); Combining Sunnah and obligatory prayers.
Resources: Printable timetable, mobile app guidance
Lesson 5.2 – Mindfulness (Khushu’) in Prayer
Objective: Enhance focus and spiritual presence.
Topics: Understanding meanings of recitations; Tips from the Salaf.
Resources: Reflective exercises, guided audio
Optional Module 6: Advanced Topics for Beginners
Advanced Topics
Topics: Witr prayer and night prayers; Praying while traveling; Prayers for special occasions (Eid, Janazah).
Resources: Reference guides
Course Resources
- Textual References: Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Riyad-us-Saliheen; Classical fiqh manuals on prayer (Ibn Qudamah, al-Nawawi)
- Audio/Video: Step-by-step demonstrations; Correct recitation audio (Qira’at)
- Printable Handouts: Prayer diagrams; Step-by-step checklists; Common mistakes & corrections
- Interactive Tools: Online quizzes, practice tracker, progress dashboard