Types of Swalat Swalah may be classified into Fardh (obligatory) and Sunnah (non-obligatory).

Fardh prayers are compulsory, the denial of its compulsory status and non-performance of it renders one a non-believer. Fardh prayers can be categorised into two, namely:

Fardh-ain, which means - Individual Obligation.

Fardh-Kifaya, which means - Communal Obligation.

i. Fardh-ain (Individual Obligation) A Fardh-ain swalah is what Allah requires from each responsible person. It is

an individual duty thus insufficient for someone to perform on another’s behalf. They are the five daily prayers and Jumua Prayer. (Q 238-239; Q11: 114; Q, 4:103)

ii. Fardh-Kifaya (Collective Obligation) A Fardh Kifaya act is what Allah requires from the collective effort of a number

of Muslims and not from each one of them. Such that if someone undertakes it, then the obligation is fulfilled and the sin is lifted on others but if no one undertakes it, then all the available Muslims are guilty of sin for neglecting this obligation. Examples include - praying over the dead. Significance of Swalat

Salat is a religious observance that believers are commanded to perform throughout the course of their lives, the times of which have been stipulated. There are no excuses, even when one is ill or on a journey; he has to pray as prescribed by Islam.

Prayer is a Muslim’s communication with Allah. Prayer purifies and cleans one’s mind five times a day, thus brings peace in life. Prayer is a man's way of thanking Allah, and reminds him that Allah is watching over his life, giving him the courage to face all odds.

Importance of Salah in the life of a Muslim

a) Salah is an act of worship and not a custom nor a ritual. It is very special and has no equal to it or alternative.

b) Salah is the second and most important pillar of Islam after shahada. c) It is a practical sign of faith and obedience to the commands of Allah. d) Salah is the only distinction between a true believer and a non-believer.

e) It reminds a person of Allah, from the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed.

f) Salah is a direct contact or link between the worshipper and Allah with no earthly intermediaries.

g) It builds a strong defence against evils which exist around a believer. It keeps a person away from indecency and evil.

h) It acts as an eraser of sins just like a person who washes his body five times a day, no filthy or dirt shall remain.

i) Prayer was the last will of the Prophet. As his soul departed, he said with his last breaths; As-Salah, As-Salah.

j) Salah is the first thing that a person is judged by on the Day of Judgement. If it was good, the rest of his deeds will be good. But if it was poor, the rest of his deeds will be poor.

Sunnah Prayers (Supererogatory)

Sunnah prayers are so important in that if there would be a mistake in obligatory prayers then the voluntary prayers will perfect them. Moreover, if the person will have no voluntary prayers then he will fail the exam of obligatory prayers. Some of the highly recommended Sunnah prayers include:

1. Tahiyyatul masjid

This is a two rakahs (units) prayer performed when first entering a mosque. Tahiyyat means greetings and just as it is highly recommended to say greeting upon entering a house, likewise Tahiyatul Masjid is considered a way of greeting the place of worship in order to draw nearer to Allah.

2. Qabliyya and Ba’adiyya (Before and After)

Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to regularly observe prescribed numbers of units, either before or after the five daily prayers.

Qabliya and Ba’adiya Table

Fajr Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha

Before 2 2 2 2

Salah 2 4 4 3 4

After 2 2 2

However, prayer is still accepted even without qabliya and ba’adiya, but it is highly recommended because of their great virtues. The Prophet (saw) said, “Whoever prays twelve rakat during the day and night will have a house built for him in Paradise: four rakat before dhuhr and two after it, two rakat after Maghrib, two rakat after Isha, and two rakat before Fajr.”

3. Taraweh

During the month of Ramadhan, special evening prayers are conducted during which long portions of the Qur'an are recited. This special prayer is known as Taraweh. The word Taraweh comes from an Arabic word ‘raha’ which means to rest or relax. This prayer can be long during which after each four cycles, one sits briefly to rest before proceeding. This is where the name Taraweh (relax) comes from. The total number of rakat varies, but with a minimum of eight.

It is recommended that Muslims, both men and women attend the Taraweh prayer in congregation in the mosque after Isha prayer. Though this prayer is voluntary, it is strongly recommended.

4. Dhuhaa (forenoon)

The time for Dhuha prayer begins when the sun is about a spear’s length above the horizon and it continues until the sun reaches its meridian. It is preferred to delay it until the sun has risen high and the day has become hot. The minimum number of rakahs is two, though one can perform up to twelve rakahs. The Prophet (saw) said, “Charity is required from every part of your body daily. Every saying of ‘Glory be to Allah’ is charity. Every saying of ‘Praise be to Allah’ is charity. Every saying of ‘There is no God but Allah’ is charity. Every saying of ‘Allah is the Greatest’ is charity. Ordering the good is charity. Eradicating the evil is charity. And what suffices for those (as a charity) are the two rakahs of Dhuha.” (Muslim)

Swalatul Jama’a (congregational prayers)

Salat Jama’a means praying in congregation, in the Mosque, with one person (Imam) leading, while others follow him (Ma'mumin) (plural). As for the daily prayers, the minimum amount of people needed for the congregation is two; an Imam and a Ma'mum.

Importance of Swalatul Jamaa Salah gives a believer both worldly and spiritual benefits. There is great

benefit when Salah is offered in congregation. Below are the significance of Salatul Jama’a.

i. Equality: During congregation prayers, the rich and the poor, high and low, all stand shoulder to shoulder. It is the best scene of mankind’s equality.

ii. Unity: In this Salah all have one intention, one language and identical actions, like rukuu, sijda, etc. This teaches the lesson that Muslims should be united at all times.

iii. Support and Co-operation: People meet with one another in the Mosque. They share the hardships and worries of one another and try to help each other.

iv. Mutual Love: People meet and the circle of friendship and love is widened. v. Discipline: While offering Salah in Jama’a, Muslims stand in rows, follow

the Imam and practice obedience to Allah, this is discipline. vi. Prestige of Islam: Mosques remain thriving – due to Salah in Jama’a. It

enhances the prestige of Muslims. vii. Great Reward: The Prophet (saw) states that the reward of Jama’a prayer is

worth 27 times more than that of an individual. viii. High Faith: A person who regularly attends to the jama’a prayers; it is a

testimony of his strong faith. ix. Source of Knowledge: Through Jama’a prayers, one learns new experience

or mistakes that needs to be avoided.