format_quote Originally Posted by
wafiya
Salaam.
What is the best way to learn how to pray?
:wa:
The best way to learn how to pray is to get taught by a knowledgable sister. You can join a sisters circle in your local Masjid or local area and that way you can also meet other sisters in similar situation and circumstances as you. If you have a Masjid or Masjids in your local area then you should try and contact them.
Here are some resources for you:
How to make Wudu
http://youtu.be/3Y5Fj70b27M
http://youtu.be/hH14jeTG1Xc
How to pray Salaah for Women
http://youtu.be/M7ZySx-TMeY
The translation and meaning of what we pray in Salaah
Another thing which is very important especially for non Arabic speakers is to be able to know the meanings of what we read in our prayers. This will help us to be able to concentrate better in our prayers and imagine that Allah is in frontof us whilst we are in prayer. The following link provides the translation of what we recite in our prayers as well as the transliteration which is how to pronounce it in English:
The translation of Salaah (namaaz)
http://www.islamicboard.com/new-musl...ah-prayer.html
What do the 5 daily prayers consist of?
Regarding the prayers themselves then there are four types of prayers. One is the Fard prayers which are the obligatory prayers. Second are the Waajib prayers which are the compulsory prayers. These are almost as important as the obligatory prayers so still have to be made up. Thirdly are the Sunnah prayers and Fourth are the Nawafil prayers which are voluntary.
There are two types of Sunnah prayers:
One is Sunnah Mu'kaddah which are the emphasised Sunnah's so they should be prayed if one has no excuse and it is sinful if one makes a habit of missing them.
The other is Ghayr Sunnah Mu'kkadha which are the Sunnahs which are not so emphasised but still carry a lot of reward.
Then there are nawafil prayers which are voluntary prayers. These can be prayed as much as one wants throughout the day and night except for the forbidden times of prayer which are 3:
1. After the Fard of Fajr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise
2. When the sun is at its highest point (Zawwal) which is 20 minutes before Dhuhur begins
3. From after praying the Fard of Asr up until Maghrib begins.
Note: Qadha and Janaaza prayers can still be prayed at these times.
In Ramadan nawafil prayers carry the reward of a Fard prayer. Subhanallah. That is why during Ramadan we should aim to pray as many Sunnah's and Nawafil prayers as we can. The following is the structure of the daily 5 prayers:
Fajr:
2 Sunnah Mu'kaddah - The most emphasised Sunnah Mu'kaddah prayer of the day
2 Fard
Dhuhur:
4 Sunnah Mu'kaddah
4 Fard
2 Sunnah Mu'kaddah
2 Nawafil
Asr:
4 Sunnah Ghayr Mu'kaddah - Not so emphasised but still very rewarding
4 Fard
Maghrib:
3 Fard
2 Sunnah Mu'kaddah
2 Nawafil
Isha:
4 Sunnah Ghayr Mu'kaddah
4 Fard
2 Sunnah Mu'kaddah
2 Nawafil
3 Witr - Waajib prayer so is compulsory to pray and has to be made up if missed.
2 Nawafil
It is best to pray the 3 Witr as late as possible like just before bed or even after Tahajjud prayer in the latter part of the night just before dawn (Fajr).
Hope that helped. If you need any help with anything at all or any advice or resources, then please do not hesitate to ask.