Meaning, Types, Significance and Performance of Salat for Primary 4

Salat (Prayer)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of Salat;
2. state the types of Salat;
3. state the significance of Salat;
4. describe how to perform Salat.

Memory Verse

The Qur’an teaches Muslims about the importance of Salat. A key verse to remember is:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Ayah 43:

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

Meaning: “And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].”

Qur’an Reading

The Holy Qur’an guides Muslims in all aspects of life, including how to perform Salat. The memory verse from Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 43, is one of the many passages that encourage Muslims to establish prayer and worship Allah.

Reading and understanding such verses helps Muslims to appreciate the importance of Salat in their daily lives.

Meaning of Salat

Salat is the formal prayer performed by Muslims five times a day.

It is one of the five pillars of Islam and a direct way for a Muslim to communicate with Allah (God). Salat involves specific words, actions, and postures that show humility and devotion to Allah.

Types of Salat

Salat can be divided into two main types:

1. Obligatory (Fard) Salat: These are the five daily prayers that every adult Muslim must perform. They are a command from Allah and are essential for a Muslim’s faith. Missing these prayers without a valid reason is a major sin.
2. Supererogatory (Nawafil or Sunnah) Salat: These are extra prayers that Muslims can perform to gain more rewards from Allah. They are not compulsory, but they are highly recommended. Examples include the two Rak’ahs before Fajr prayer or the Witr prayer after Isha.

Significance of Salat

Salat is very important in Islam. It brings many benefits to Muslims and the community:

1. Spiritual Upliftment: Salat helps a Muslim feel closer to Allah. It is a time to remember Allah, ask for His guidance, and thank Him for His blessings. Performing Salat regularly cleanses the heart and strengthens faith.
2. Brotherhood: When Muslims pray together in a mosque, they stand side by side, showing that everyone is equal before Allah. This creates a strong feeling of brotherhood and unity among Muslims, regardless of their background or wealth.
3. Love and Affection: Praying together and meeting in the mosque helps Muslims to know each other better. It encourages them to care for one another, share their joys and sorrows, and build strong bonds of love and affection within the community.

How to Perform Salat

Performing Salat involves a series of steps, actions, and recitations. These steps are performed in units called Rak’ahs. The number of Rak’ahs varies for each of the five daily prayers. Here are the basic steps for one Rak’ah:

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Before starting Salat, make a sincere intention in the heart to perform the specific prayer for Allah. For example, intend to pray the Fajr prayer.
2. Facing the Qiblah: Stand facing the Ka’bah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This direction is called the Qiblah.
3. Takbiratul Ihram: Raise both hands to the level of the shoulders or ears, with palms facing the Qiblah, and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
4. Qiyam (Standing) and Recitation: Place the right hand over the left hand on the chest or navel. Stand calmly and recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another short Surah from the Qur’an.
5. Ruku’ (Bowing): Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down from the waist, keeping the back straight and hands on the knees. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
6. I’tidal (Standing up from Ruku’): Stand up straight from Ruku’, raising hands to the shoulders or ears, and say “Sami’allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him). Once standing straight, say “Rabbana walakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You be all praise).
7. Sujud (Prostration): Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate on the ground. The forehead, nose, palms of both hands, knees, and toes of both feet should touch the ground. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
8. Julus (Sitting between two Sujuds): Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit up from prostration, resting on the left foot, with the right foot upright. Place hands on the thighs.
9. Second Sujud: Say “Allahu Akbar” and perform a second prostration, just like the first one, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
10. Standing for the next Rak’ah: Say “Allahu Akbar” and stand up for the next Rak’ah, if the prayer has more than one Rak’ah. Repeat steps 4 to 9.
11. Tashahhud (Sitting for Testimony): After the second Rak’ah (and for the final Rak’ah of any prayer), sit down as in Julus and recite the Tashahhud (a prayer of testimony and greetings).
12. Taslim (Saying Salaam): After reciting the Tashahhud, turn the head to the right and say “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). Then turn the head to the left and say the same words. This marks the end of the Salat.