How do I do Salah?

[Canadian23]

I want to practice Salah before becoming a Muslim. Can someone let me know what prayers to say for the first prayer in the morning. then the prayers I say later in the day. I will do the minimum prayers to start. Is it ok for me to hold a piece of paper while saying the prayer? Because I won't be able to memorize them right away. I already know which direction the Ka'bah is located from me and have a clean towel to use as a carpet till I can get one. I know about Wudu already so that's not a problem.

Thanks.

 

[Ümit]

I want to practice Salah before becoming a Muslim. Can someone let me know what prayers to say for the first prayer in the morning. then the prayers I say later in the day. I will do the minimum prayers to start. Is it ok for me to hold a piece of paper while saying the prayer? Because I won't be able to memorize them right away. I already know which direction the Ka'bah is located from me and have a clean towel to use as a carpet till I can get one. I know about Wudu already so that's not a problem.

Thanks.

That is not possible. Short before ending your salaat, you must say the "profession of faith" (shahada)...so technically, you will become a muslim before the ending of your first salaat.
Piece of paper is no problem. you can do that.
How to pray, you can find here:
https://www.mymasjid.ca/beginners-guide-learn-pray-salah/chapter-4/

Good luck.

 

[Tawheed]

Have you learned al Fatihah?...

 

[Canadian23]

Thanks for the link I will start reading it. I'm going to take my Shahada soon if I can get into the Mosque when it is quiet. I have a serious anxiety problem which makes it hard to be around people. So I will mostly pray at home and go to the Mosque when its quiet or just pray at home. I want to do it before Ramadan so I can take part in that. Theres a small Mosque up the street from me so that's very handy. Not a lot of Muslims in my city, Vancouver Canada. Oct 7th got me interested in Islam and thats what drove me to revert. I watched a lot of videos on Youtube talking about the difference between Judaism and Christianity and Islam seems like the best way to worship God. I will look into al Fatihah.

 

[Muhammad]

Hello Canadian23,

Thanks for the link I will start reading it. I'm going to take my Shahada soon if I can get into the Mosque when it is quiet. I have a serious anxiety problem which makes it hard to be around people. So I will mostly pray at home and go to the Mosque when its quiet or just pray at home. I want to do it before Ramadan so I can take part in that. Theres a small Mosque up the street from me so that's very handy. Not a lot of Muslims in my city, Vancouver Canada. Oct 7th got me interested in Islam and thats what drove me to revert. I watched a lot of videos on Youtube talking about the difference between Judaism and Christianity and Islam seems like the best way to worship God. I will look into al Fatihah.

Try to take your Shahadah as soon as you can - if going to the Mosque is too difficult, it can be done anywhere and doesn't require a lot of people to be present. Having a Mosque close by is very useful because as a new Muslim you will need support and people to guide you. Let us know how things go.

 

[Canadian23]

Hello Canadian23,

Try to take your Shahadah as soon as you can - if going to the Mosque is too difficult, it can be done anywhere and doesn't require a lot of people to be present. Having a Mosque close by is very useful because as a new Muslim you will need support and people to guide you. Let us know how things go.

Thank you. I am fasting since the start of Ramadan. I am going to take the Shahadah on March 17th since I'm Irish and this is a big holiday for us. I want it to be a date I don't forget so I can always remember the exact date when people ask. I've been watching how to pray on youtube which is easier than reading for me. Once I'm there I will ask the Iman to show me how to pray as well and get his email for any future questions I may have in case my anxiety problem keeps me from going to the Mosque. Thanks for all the help.

 

[ismet]

I know this is an old thread but I thought I’d leave this here in case someone finds it in the future with the same questions.

There are lots of good resources online for learning salah, including videos on YouTube. Here’s a good one to check out: how to pray salah.

If you prefer a written guide or want something to refer back to while working through the details: I recommend the step-by-step salah guide on OpenQuran.app. You can choose which of the five prayers you’re learning and it takes you through each rakah in order. It shows the movements, the Arabic words, how to pronounce them and what they mean. Having everything broken down into small steps makes it easier to go at your own pace and go back to anything you’re unsure about.

It is also translated to over 10 languages if I remember correctly which is useful if English isn’t your first language. I’ve recommended it to many friends who speak little English for that reason.

I hope this helps anyone getting started. Take it one step at a time and ask a knowledgeable teacher or someone at your local mosque if you need help with the details. May Allah make it easy for you.

 

[Wood Pigeon]

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Islam is a religion of mercy and ease. Allah does not place upon a person a duty beyond his or her ability.

As people grow older, or when they experience back, knee, hip, or other health problems, they may no longer be able to stand, bow, prostrate, or perform the movements of Salah in the usual manner.

In such circumstances, a person may pray according to his or her ability. If standing is difficult or would cause pain or harm, one may pray while sitting on a chair.

If sitting is also not possible, due to physical issues, or weakness, one may pray while lying on the bed, facing the Qiblah as much as possible.

The important thing is that Salah should not be abandoned as long as a person is able.

The Qur’an reminds us:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
— Qur’an 2:286

“So be mindful of Allah as much as you are able…”
— Qur’an 64:16

Allah also says:

“He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.”
— Qur’an 22:78

These verses teach us that Islam does not demand what is beyond a person’s strength or ability. The form of the prayer may change due to illness, age, or physical weakness, but the obligation and importance of Salah remain.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught that a person should pray standing if able; if unable, then sitting; and if unable to do that, then in whatever position he or she is capable of.

Therefore, elderly people and those with medical conditions should not feel ashamed or guilty for praying on a chair or in bed. They should do their best, face the Qiblah when possible, and trust in the mercy of Allah.

Allah knows best.
Wood Pigeon