The meaning of what we say in prayer

Many new Muslims learn the words of the prayer before they know what they mean. That is completely normal. But once you know the meaning, the prayer starts to change: it stops being a list of sounds and becomes a conversation with Allah. This lesson goes through the main phrases, one by one.

Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive

Quran 23:1-2 (Saheeh International translation of the meaning)

This humble, focused heart in prayer is called khushu. It grows slowly, as your understanding grows. Nobody starts with it complete, so be patient with yourself.

Allahu Akbar: Allah is greater

You say this to begin the prayer and with almost every movement. It reminds you that Allah is greater than everything on your mind: your worries, your plans, your phone. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that the key to prayer is purification, that it begins with the takbir, and that it ends with the taslim (Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud, hasan sahih). The opening Allahu Akbar closes the door on ordinary talk and activity, and the taslim at the end opens it again.

In ruku: glorifying your Lord

Subhana means declaring Allah far above every flaw and every weakness. The Prophet said, "While bowing, glorify the Lord" (Muslim). Your body bows in respect, and your words explain why: your Lord is the Most Great.

Rising: Allah hears you

The first phrase is good news: Allah hears whoever praises Him, meaning He responds to them. The second is your answer: you praise Him. The Prophet told his companions that when they answer in this way, "Allah will hear you" (Muslim).

In sujud: nearest to Allah

In prostration, your forehead is at its lowest point, and you praise Allah as the Most High. It is also the moment of greatest closeness. The Prophet said, "The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of supplication" (Muslim). He also said that in sujud you should strive in supplication, "for it is most likely that your supplications would be answered" (Muslim). After the glorification, this is a good moment to ask Allah for what you need.

The tashahhud and the taslim

In the tashahhud, you give all greetings of honor, all prayers, and all good things to Allah. You greet the Prophet with peace, ask for peace for yourself and for every righteous servant of Allah, and renew your shahada. Then comes the taslim.

You end the prayer with the same greeting Muslims give one another. Turning right and left, you wish peace and mercy on those around you, and you carry that peace back into your day.

Praying as if you see Him

When the angel Jibril (Gabriel), peace be upon him, asked the Prophet about ihsan (excellence in worship), the Prophet answered: "That you worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, He sees you" (Bukhari and Muslim). A few small habits help this grow:

• Learn one meaning at a time. This week, try to think of the meaning each time you say Allahu Akbar.

• Slow down. Calm, unhurried movements leave room for your heart to catch up with your words.

• If your mind wanders, gently bring it back. Every return is part of the practice.

Next, you will learn the adhan, the call that invites you to prayer five times a day, and what each of its words means.