Essential Arabic Terms Every Muslim Should Know for Prayer
11 Feb 2025
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1. Salah (صلاة)
- Meaning: Prayer
- Significance: The second pillar of Islam, referring to the five daily obligatory prayers
2. Wudu (وضوء)
- Meaning: Ablution
- Significance: The ritual purification performed before prayer
3. Qibla (قبلة)
- Meaning: Direction
- Significance: The direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer
4. Rak'ah (ركعة)
- Meaning: Unit of prayer
- Significance: Each prayer consists of a specific number of rak'ahs
5. Sujud (سجود)
- Meaning: Prostration
- Significance: The act of placing the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground during prayer
6. Dhikr (ذكر)
- Meaning: Remembrance
- Significance: Phrases or prayers to remember and praise Allah
7. Imam (إمام)
- Meaning: Leader
- Significance: The person who leads the congregational prayer
8. Adhan (أذان)
- Meaning: Call to prayer
- Significance: The vocal announcement that it's time for prayer
9. Iqamah (إقامة)
- Meaning: The second call to prayer
- Significance: Announced just before the congregational prayer begins
10. Tashahhud (تشهد)
- Meaning: Testimony
- Significance: A specific recitation in the sitting position of prayer
11. Fard (فرض)
- Meaning: Obligatory
- Significance: Refers to the mandatory aspects of prayer
12. Sunnah (سنة)
- Meaning: Prophetic tradition
- Significance: Recommended but not obligatory acts in prayer
13. Khushu (خشوع)
- Meaning: Humility, concentration
- Significance: The state of mind and heart during prayer, focusing solely on Allah
14. Niyyah (نية)
- Meaning: Intention
- Significance: The mental intention to perform a specific prayer
15. Takbir (تكبير)
- Meaning: Magnification
- Significance: Saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), which marks transitions in prayer
Understanding these terms enhances the prayer experience and deepens one's connection to the ritual. It's important to learn both the pronunciation and meaning of these words to fully engage in the act of prayer.
