Pathway to Paradise — Page 9
PATHWAY TO P ARADISE 9 remembrance of Allah is the greatest virtue. ” (29:46) The most important form of prayer in Islam is the salaat, the ritualistic daily prayer. Salaat has been prescribed five times a day, with set times for each prayer. Adherence to salaat with all its prescribed rituals is the most repeated injunction of the Holy Qur’an. The five daily prayers of salaat are: 1. Morning (Fajr). This prayer should be offered in the morning about one hour before sunrise. It is forbidden to pray while the sun is rising, because that may give the appearance of sun worship. 2. Midday (Zuhr). The time for this prayer is early afternoon, starting with the decline of the sun to mid afternoon. 3. Afternoon (Asr). Prayer is said in late afternoon but no later than half an hour before sunset. 4. Sunset (Maghrib). This prayer should be observed shortly after sunset. It must not be said while the sun is setting. 5. Nighttime (Isha). Isha prayer should be offered after nightfall when it is dark. It can be said up to midnight. These prayers should be performed at their appropriate times and preferably in congregation. However if it is impossible for the afternoon prayers to be offered at their proper times, it is permissible to combine the Zuhr and Asr prayer. The Maghrib and Isha prayers may also be combined if necessary. For more