Prayer
Will Allah accept my prayer if I don't understand Arabic?
Yes, Allah rewards sincere effort even if you don't understand Arabic yet. Learn why sincerity matters and how to understand your prayer step by step.
Topic
Prayer
How to pray, what to say, missed prayers and praying at work, school or while travelling. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.
Prayer
Why do Muslims turn their heads at the end of prayer?
Mostly it's a greeting of peace: Muslims turn their heads right and left to say the taslim, which ends the prayer and greets those beside them.
Prayer
Why do Muslims raise their hands before praying?
Muslims raise their hands with the opening "Allahu akbar" because the Prophet did, to mark starting the prayer. Learn how high and when to raise again.
Prayer
Why do Muslims bow and prostrate during prayer?
Muslims bow and prostrate to show humility before Allah alone, not a person, statue or the Kaaba. Prostration is the moment of greatest closeness to Him.
Prayer
Why do I get bad thoughts during prayer?
Bad thoughts in prayer don't mean weak faith. They are often whispers from Satan, and Allah forgives thoughts you don't act on. Here is what to do.
Prayer
Which prayer time calculation method should I use?
Use the method your local mosque follows. MWL, ISNA and Umm al-Qura differ mainly in the Fajr and Isha angles, and each is a reasonable choice.
Prayer
Which prayer should I start with as a beginner?
Mostly, start with the prayer whose time has arrived, then add the rest. A realistic learning order for beginners so you reach all five prayers in weeks.
Prayer
Where do I put my hands during prayer?
It depends on your school: most Muslims fold the right hand over the left, below the navel or on the chest. Some Malikis keep their arms at their sides.
Prayer
When does Asr time start?
Asr time starts when an object's shadow equals its height, or twice its height in the Hanafi school. See why prayer apps show different Asr times.
Prayer
What is the tashahhud?
In most cases the tashahhud is the sitting recitation in prayer with the testimony of faith. Learn its words, meaning and when you say it.
Prayer
What is the opening dua in prayer?
Usually it's a short praise like "Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika", said silently after the first takbir. It is optional and the schools differ.
Prayer
What is sujud as-sahw?
Sujud as-sahw is two extra prostrations at the end of prayer to make up for forgetting, adding or doubting. Learn when and how to do it.
