Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 177
177 silently after him. It is recited silently by each worshipper in the other two services. This is followed by a brief recitation from some other part of the Quran in the same manner. These recitations are made in the standing posture. The congregation then bows and proceeds to make two prostrations. While bowing and prostrating, the worshippers glorify God and silently praise Him. These three postures constitute a rak’a. The different services comprise two, three, or four rak’as. After every second rak’a and after the final rak’a , the congregation prays while seated. In this posture, among other prayers, Allah’s blessings are invoked on the Prophet (33:57). Prayers may be selected from the Quran or out of those taught by the Prophet, or may be framed by each worshipper individually in his own words. They may be in Arabic as, for instance, those from the Quran and those taught by the Prophet, or they may be in the worshipper’s own language or in any other language that he may prefer. Except the recitations that are made by the Imam, nothing else is recited aloud during the service. At each change of posture, the Imam indicates the change by proclaiming: “Allah is Great” or “Allah hearkens to him who utters His praise”. At the conclusion of the service, the Imam turns his face to the right, saying: “Peace be on you and the blessings of Allah,” and then to the left, repeating: “Peace be on