Why do Muslims pray five times a day and what does it signify? (2024)

More than one and a half billion Muslims across the globe are obligated to participate in the ‘Salah’ or the daily five prayers. The obligatory prayers are spread throughout the day, beginning before dawn to and ending early at night. Here’s all you need to know about the Muslim prayers:

What is Salah?

Salah is a ritual taught by the Noble Prophet of Islam, where a Muslim faces the direction of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah al Mukarrama (Mecca). The prayer involves certain actions that form a cycle, during which the devotee recites verses from the Holy Qur’an and chants the Divine Names of Allah.

Name and Timing of the Five Prayers

• 1st Prayer - Fajr: The time for the Fajr salah begins at dawn and ends at sunrise. The se
• 2nd Prayer - Zuhr: The time for the Zuhr salah starts post-noon and ends at the beginning of the last part of the afternoon.
• 3rd Prayer - Asr: The time for the Asr salah begins during the later part of the afternoon and ends just before sunset.
• 4th Prayer - Maghrib: The time of the Maghrib salah begins at sunset and ends when the night begins.
• 5th Prayer - Isha: The Isha salah begins at night and ends just before dawn.

Why do Muslims Pray Five Times a Day?

Muslims are obligated to follow the Holy Qur’an’s commands and the Noble Prophet’s teaching. Praying five times was made mandatory following the Night Ascension when the Noble Prophet set on the night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then past the Seven Skies.

While in the Divine Presence of Allah, the Noble Prophet was commanded to inform the Muslims, Salah was made obligatory upon them. Initially, 50 daily prayers were commanded, which were subsequently reduced to five on the advice of Prophet Moses to the Holy Apostle.

Therefore, Muslims pray five times a day to fulfill the obligation bestowed upon them by the command of Allah through His Holy Messenger.

Significance of the five daily prayers in the life of Muslims:

• Submission to the Divine Will of Allah
• Fulfillment of religious duty
• Inculcation of moral values
• Teaching discipline to the youth
• Development of community
• Journey to spiritual upliftment

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