I mean salah or salat or whatever it's called, I see two spellings and don't know which is correct.
I haven't got the hang of it yet. When I'm in congregation I'm fine with it though I don't think it's accepted because I have a tough time memorizing lines, so I can't remember what to say. But when I'm trying to do it at home I'll take a little longer than usual because I'll be looking at a book every so often (again I don't expect it to be accepted because I'm making mistakes and have to pick up a book every so often). Anyway when doing it alone at home I feel nauseous, and I get a slight headache that lasts for a while after I'm finished giving prayer.
I was wondering if this is normal and this is supposed to happen?
Asalaamu Alaikum, take things easy and do not over do things. Allah only wants you to do what is in your capacity so take things slow. It is clear that you are causing yourself stress and that is why you are feeling this way. Take time out to learn the Salaah properly and keep practising it for practise makes perfect. So keep at it and know you will eventually get there inshallah.
In regards to whether it is Salaah or Salaat:
In the Arabic language when the sentence stops, there are cases where a word ending with 't' sound becomes 'h' sound.
For example,
Salaat at the middle of a sentence : As salatu khairun minan naum.
Salaat at the end of a sentence: Hiya 'Alas salah.
Middle ------------------ End
Salat---------------------Salah
Zakat--------------------Zakah
Shariat----------------Shariah
Ekamat--------------Ekamah
Zannat----------------Zannah
Both are correct in their appropriate places.
In regards to Jamaat(congregation) then know that it is in fact very easy. Even more so than praying alone.
Firstly you make intention in your heart that you are going to pray this Salaah for the pleasure of Allah. Secondly when the Imam does Takbeer tahreem which is the first takbeer where he says 'Allahu Akbar' then you also say it with him raising your hands touching the top of your thumb on the bottom of your ear lobes.
Then you recite: 'Subhanakallahumma' until 'A'udhobillahi minashaythanirajeem Bismillahirahmaniraheem'. Then keep silent and let the Imam do the rest. You only recite this at the beginning of the first rakah and not again after the first rakah.
When the imaam says Allahu akbar and goes down then repeat the same and go down with him. Just follow what he does. When going down to Ruku say 'Subhaanarabiyal Adheem' 3 times and then when going up say with the imaam 'Sami Allah huliman hamida rabbaana lakal hamd' and then go down to sajdah with the imaam and in the sajdah(prostration) you say the 'Subhaanarabiyal A'ala' 3 times.
For the second rakah when you are standing with your hands folded you don't have to recite anything at all for the imaam is reciting for you and for all those who are in the congregation.
Then when you go down after the second sajdah (prostration) of the second rakah you stay kneeled on the floor with the imaan and recite 'Athahiyaathu lillahi' upto 'Ash hadu allah' when you raise your finger. If you are praying Fajr then you continue and finish it with the durood and the dua after the durood but if you are praying the othr prayers with the imaam which have more rakah's then you get up with the imaam and do exactly the same with the rest of the prayer.
Towards the end of the Salaah when you stay kneeled you recite the same 'Athahiyathu' and continue until after the durood and the dua after the durood and then say salaam with the imaam.
You will get used to it do not despair. It will take time and practise but Allah understands and knows you are making effort. He will reward for your efforts inshallah so do not think that he won't. He is most understanding and generous and wants you to be closer to him and that is why he has given you an inclination to fulfill your obligatory prayers.
Take things a day at a time and take things slowly and gradually build up. Do not worry if you forget or make mistakes for we all make mistakes even those who have been praying for years. Allah knows you are trying and he never wants to burden anyone beyond their capacity. You will get there eventually inshallah and you have our support to so please continue to ask us if you have any questions or need any help at all.
Here is a very beneficial Islamic E book which i would like you to read which is for beginners and tells you how to pray with English transliteration and also tells you of how to do proper Wudhu, ghusl etc as well as of the basics of Islam and much more. It is a very easy read and a brilliant book to start off with:
http://www.islamicbulletin.org/free_downloads/kids/islam_children.pdf
If you have any questions or help that you are wanting with anything at all then please do not hesitate to ask. Please remember me in your dua's.