Education Programs
Explore our educational offerings, including Qur'an studies, Islamic learning opportunities, and comprehensive prayer guides at Bagotville Masjid.
My Prayer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the proper way to perform Salah (prayer) in Islam with this comprehensive guide for both men and women.
The Importance of Salah (Prayer)
Salah (Prayer) is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. It was the first act of worship that was made obligatory by Allah ﷻ and it is the last thing to be taken away from the religion. When it perishes, Islam will perish.
Its obligation was revealed directly to the Prophet ﷺ, during his ascension to the heaven and it was made obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim. Salah is the first action that a believer will be questioned about, for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The first act that the slave will be accountable for on the Day of Judgement will be prayer. If it is good, then the rest of his acts will be good. And if it is deficient, then the rest of his acts will be deficient".
Ghusl: The Ritual Bath in Islam
What is Ghusl?
Ghusl (غُسْل) is the Islamic ritual washing of the entire body with water. It is an act of physical and spiritual purification that cleanses a Muslim from major ritual impurity (janaba), allowing them to perform acts of worship such as the daily prayers (salah) and touching or reciting the Quran.
The Importance of Ghusl in Islam
Purification is a central concept in Islam, as Allah ﷻ says in the Quran:
The importance of Ghusl can be understood through several aspects:
- Ritual Purity: Ghusl restores the state of ritual purity (taharah) required for various acts of worship.
- Spiritual Cleansing: Beyond physical cleanliness, Ghusl represents spiritual purification and renewal.
- Prerequisite for Worship: Certain acts of worship cannot be performed without first completing Ghusl when it is required.
- Physical Hygiene: Regular bathing promotes good health and hygiene, which is emphasized in Islamic teachings.
- Divine Command: Performing Ghusl is following Allah's command, as mentioned in the Quran.
When is Ghusl Required?
Obligatory (Fard) Occasions
- After sexual intercourse
- After ejaculation (for men)
- After menstruation (for women)
- After childbirth/postpartum bleeding
- When a non-Muslim embraces Islam
Recommended (Sunnah) Occasions
- Before Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer
- Before Eid prayers
- Before entering the state of Ihram for Hajj or Umrah
- After washing a deceased person
- After regaining consciousness
How to Perform Ghusl
The following steps outline the complete method of performing Ghusl according to the Sunnah:
Begin with the Intention (Niyyah)
Make the intention in your heart to perform Ghusl for purification. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Actions are judged by intentions."
Say "Bismillah" and Wash Both Hands
Begin by saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) and wash both hands up to the wrists three times, making sure to clean between the fingers.
Wash the Private Parts
Wash the private parts thoroughly with the left hand, removing any impurities. Then wash the hand again.
Perform Complete Wudu
Perform a complete Wudu (ablution) as you would for prayer, but you may delay washing the feet until the end of Ghusl if you're bathing in a place where water collects.
Tip:
If you're performing Ghusl in a shower or bath where water may accumulate, you can delay washing your feet until the end to ensure they remain clean.
Wet the Hair and Pour Water Over the Head
Pour water over your head three times, ensuring that water reaches the roots of your hair. Make sure to thoroughly wet all of your hair.
For Women:
It is not necessary to undo braids as long as water can reach the roots of the hair. The Prophet ﷺ told women they do not need to undo their braids for Ghusl, but should ensure water reaches the roots.
Pour Water Over the Right Side of the Body
Pour water over the right shoulder and the right side of the body, ensuring that water reaches all parts, including difficult areas like armpits and between folds of skin.
Pour Water Over the Left Side of the Body
Pour water over the left shoulder and the left side of the body, ensuring that water reaches all parts.
Ensure Water Reaches All Parts of the Body
Make sure that no part of the body is left dry. Pay special attention to areas that are often missed, such as:
- Behind the ears
- Inside the belly button
- Between the toes
- Armpits
- Folds of skin
Important Note:
The minimal obligatory requirement for a valid Ghusl is that water reaches every part of the body, including the hair. The steps outlined above represent the complete Sunnah method as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but a person in a hurry can fulfill the obligation by ensuring water reaches every part of the body at least once.
Common Questions About Ghusl
Yes, Ghusl can be performed in a shower, bath, or with any clean water source. The important thing is that water reaches every part of the body.
There is no specific amount required. The Prophet ﷺ used approximately one sa' (an old measurement, roughly 3 liters) for Ghusl. Use enough water to ensure thorough cleansing while avoiding waste, as excessive use of water is discouraged in Islam even during purification.
No, if you have performed Wudu during Ghusl, you do not need to perform it again for prayer. The state of Ghusl includes the state of Wudu.
If you realize you missed an area after completing Ghusl, simply wash the missed area. You do not need to repeat the entire Ghusl.
Wudu (Ablution): Step-by-Step Guide
What is Wudu?
Wudu (وضوء) is the Islamic procedure for cleansing parts of the body before prayer and handling the Quran. It is a prerequisite for the validity of prayer and represents both physical and spiritual purification.
Begin with Intention (Niyyah)
Make the intention in your heart to perform Wudu for the purpose of purification and prayer. While not spoken out loud, the intention is an essential internal step.
Say "Bismillah"
Begin by saying "Bismillah" (بِسْمِ اللهِ) meaning "In the name of Allah."
Wash Both Hands
Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, ensuring water reaches between the fingers.
Rinse the Mouth
Take water into your mouth and rinse thoroughly three times.
Clean the Nose
Sniff water into the nostrils and then blow it out three times, cleaning with the left hand.
Wash the Face
Wash the entire face three times from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
Wash the Arms
Wash the right arm, then the left arm, from the fingertips up to and including the elbows three times each.
Wipe the Head
With wet hands, wipe over the head from front to back once.
Wipe the Ears
Using the same water from wiping the head, use your index fingers to clean the inside of your ears and your thumbs to clean behind your ears.
Wash the Feet
Wash the right foot, then the left foot up to and including the ankles three times each, ensuring water reaches between the toes.
Important Note:
Wudu is broken by: natural discharges (urine, stool, gas, etc.), deep sleep, unconsciousness, intoxication, and directly touching the private parts.
Dua After Wudu:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluhu.
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger."
Understanding Prayer Times
The Five Daily Prayers
Allah has prescribed five daily prayers for Muslims. Each prayer has a specific time window during which it must be performed.
| Prayer | Time Period | Current Time (Bagotville) |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | Dawn until sunrise | 04:47 |
| Dhuhr | After midday until mid-afternoon | 11:59 |
| Asr | Mid-afternoon until just before sunset | 15:18 |
| Maghrib | After sunset until twilight ends | 18:11 |
| Isha | From end of twilight until dawn | 19:11 |
| Jumu'ah | Friday midday (replacing Dhuhr) | 12:20 |
Note on Prayer Times:
Prayer times vary based on geographical location and the time of year, as they are determined by the position of the sun. The times shown above are specific to Bagotville, Guyana.
Calculation Methods
Various calculation methods exist for determining prayer times, based on different scholarly opinions about the exact definition of twilight and dawn. At Bagotville Masjid, we follow the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) method.
Prohibited Times for Prayer
There are certain times when voluntary prayers are not recommended:
- After Fajr prayer until the sun has risen completely
- When the sun is at its zenith (directly overhead)
- After Asr prayer until the sun has set completely
Making up Missed Prayers:
If a prayer is missed, it should be performed as soon as one remembers it. There is no prohibited time for making up an obligatory prayer that was missed.
How to Perform Salah (Prayer)
Prerequisites for Prayer
Before beginning prayer, ensure:
- You have performed Wudu (ablution)
- Your body, clothes, and place of prayer are clean
- You are properly covered (for men: from navel to knees; for women: entire body except face and hands)
- You are facing the Qiblah (direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah)
- You have the intention (niyyah) for the specific prayer you are about to perform
Step 1: Standing Position (Qiyam)
Stand upright facing the Qiblah with feet slightly apart.
Make the intention for the prayer in your heart.
Raise your hands to your ears saying: Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).
Step 2: Standing Position Continued
Place your right hand over your left hand, wrist, and forearm.
Place your hands on your chest.
Recite the opening supplication (Istiftah):
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.
Step 3: Recite Al-Fatiha and a Surah
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening) followed by any other portion of the Quran.
Step 4: Bowing Position (Ruku)
Say Allahu Akbar and bow down.
Place your hands on your knees with fingers spread.
Keep your back straight and your head aligned with your back.
Say three times: Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem (Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent).
Step 5: Standing After Ruku
Rise from bowing, raising your hands to your ears saying: Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him).
Then say: Rabbana wa lakal hamd (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
Step 6: Prostration (Sujood)
Say Allahu Akbar and go down into prostration.
Touch the ground with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes.
Keep your elbows raised off the floor and away from your sides (men).
Say three times: Subhana Rabbiyal A'la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
Step 7: Sitting Between Two Prostrations
Rise from prostration saying Allahu Akbar.
Sit on your left foot with your right foot upright and toes pointing toward the Qiblah.
Say: Rabbighfir li, warhamni, wahdini, warzuqni (O my Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, and provide for me).
Step 8: Second Prostration
Say Allahu Akbar and prostrate again as in step 6.
Say three times: Subhana Rabbiyal A'la.
Step 9: Rising for Second Rak'ah
Say Allahu Akbar and stand up for the second Rak'ah.
Repeat steps 3-8 for the second Rak'ah.
Step 10: Tashahhud (Testimony)
After the second Rak'ah, remain seated after the prostration.
Recite the Tashahhud:
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu, as-salamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, as-salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu.
Step 11: Final Step for Two Rak'ah Prayers
If you are praying Fajr, Jumu'ah, or a two Rak'ah voluntary prayer, add the following after Tashahhud:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
Then turn your head to the right saying: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
Then turn your head to the left repeating the same.
Step 12: Third and Fourth Rak'ahs
For Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha prayers, stand up after Tashahhud for the third Rak'ah saying Allahu Akbar.
In the third and fourth Rak'ahs, recite only Surah Al-Fatiha.
Repeat steps 4-8, then sit for the final Tashahhud.
Complete the prayer with the final Tashahhud and the salutations to the right and left.
Important Note:
The number of Rak'ahs for each prayer:
- Fajr: 2 Rak'ahs
- Dhuhr: 4 Rak'ahs
- Asr: 4 Rak'ahs
- Maghrib: 3 Rak'ahs
- Isha: 4 Rak'ahs
Short Surahs and Verses for Prayer
Learning Short Surahs
These short surahs and verses are ideal for new Muslims or beginners to memorize for their prayers.
Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
Al-hamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alamin
Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim
Maliki yawmid-din
Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'in
Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqim
Siratal-ladhina an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dallin
Translation: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who are astray."
Note: Al-Fatiha is required in every prayer and every rak'ah. It is the most important Surah to memorize.
Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Sincerity)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
Qul huwa Allahu ahad
Allahus-samad
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad
Translation: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'"
Tips for Learning:
- Start by memorizing Al-Fatiha, as it is required in every prayer
- Listen to recitations by skilled reciters
- Practice regularly, reciting a few verses several times daily
- Learn the meaning to help with memorization
- Join Qur'an memorization classes at Bagotville Masjid