Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are
performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and
God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers
are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation.
These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the
language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one's
own language.
Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset
and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is
preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere,
such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim
world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
God is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)!
Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.
Adhan
New Mexico, U.S.A. Prayer call from Abiquiu Mosque.
Courtyard of Great Mosque, Herat, Afghanistan.
