unitedstates-muslimThe five prayers are among the best acts of worship that the Muslim performs. Performing them is the best deed after having the correct belief in God and His Messenger. Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), was asked what the best deed was and he said it was performing the obligatory prayers at the beginning of their times.
Each of the 5 prayers have different number of units (Raka'at) daily.
Fajr (Dawn Prayer) is 2 units (Raka'at):This prayer starts off the day with the remembrance of God; it is performed before sunrise.
Dhor (Noon prayer) is 4 units (Raka'at):After the day's work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember God and seek His guidance.
Asr (Afternoon prayer) is 4 units (Raka'at):In the late afternoon, people take a few minutes to remember God and the greater meaning of their lives.
Maghrib (Sunset prayer) is 3 units (Raka'at):Just after the sun goes down, Muslims remember God again as the day begins to come to a close.
Isha (Night prayer) is 4 units (Raka'at):Before retiring for the night, Muslims again take the time to remember God's presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Besides the five daily prayers, other notable forms of salah include:
- Jumu'ah – Weekly congregational prayer (replaces dhuhr on Fridays two rakat along with khutba)
- Sunnah - These prayers are recommended to be performed as by the Prophet on a regular basis throughout the lifetime; missing once or twice so that it does not become fard is called Sunnat.
- 2 Rak'ats Sunnat for Fajr. (The Fajr sunnat is offered before Fajr prayers, and Duha prayer after sunrise.)
- 6 Rak'ats Sunnat for Zuhr. (The Zuhr sunnat is 4 rakats before Zuhr and 2 rakats after zuhur.)
- 2 Rak'ats Sunnat for Maghrib. (The sunnat for maghrib should be offered after Maghrib prayers.)
- 2 Rak'ats Sunnat for Isha. (The sunnat for Isha is 2 rakat after Isha and another 2 rakat named Chafa'a and followed by 1 rakat of Witr.)
- 4 Rak'ats Sunnat for Asr
Source: learnreligions.com & learnislam.com & allahsword
