Namaz or Prayer is 2nd pillar of Islam. The Quran mentions it 700 times. Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W gave great importance to this pillar.
He never missed any prayer in his whole life. This shows how important this act is.
Muslims have to offer prayers five times a day. Prayers start with Fajr before sunrise, then perform the Duhr prayer at midday. When the sun cools, they offer the Asar prayer. They offer the Maghrib prayer after sunset and the Isha prayer after the stars appear.
Quran says in 4th Chapter:
“Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers at the appointed times” [Surah Al-Nisa 4:103]
In another verse the spiritual function of Salah is mentioned:
“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, genuine prayer should deter one from indecency and wickedness. Remembering Allah is an even bigger deterrent. And Allah fully knows what you all do”
[Surah Al-Nisa 4:103]
Namaz is an obligation that requires cleanliness. Muslims perform Wudu/ablution before every Namaz. This helps a person to stay clean and fresh throughout the day. Allah SWT mentions it in chapter 5 of Quran:
“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer. Wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.
And if you are in a state of janābah,1 then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey. or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women. then you do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it.
Allāh does not intend to make difficulty for you. but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful”
[Surah Al-Maidah 5:6]
Muslims need to wear neat clothes and choose a clean place for prayer.Each salat is divided into Rakats. Every Rakat has actions of standing(qiyam), binding(rukuh), prostration (sajdah) and sitting(qa’dah).
Daily prayers help muslim community to stay disciplined and connected.
(learn how to perform Namaz here)