Glossary

The ritual washing (face, arms, head, feet) required before Salah — without it, or if it's broken, the prayer isn't valid.

The direction of the Kaaba in Makkah, faced during every prayer, anywhere in the world.

The call to prayer, announcing that a prayer's time has begun.

A second, shorter call recited immediately before the prayer actually starts, once everyone has lined up.

One complete unit of prayer — standing, bowing, and two prostrations — repeated a set number of times per prayer.

Praying in congregation, led by one Imam — considered more rewarding than praying alone, though not required.

The person leading a congregational prayer, whose movements the rest of the row follows.

A small physical barrier (a wall, a bag, a chair) placed ahead of where one prays, to mark personal space during Salah.

The calm, unhurried stillness required in each position before moving to the next — prayer performed too fast is considered invalid.

Obligatory — the core raka'at of each of the five daily prayers, which every Muslim past puberty must pray.

Additional raka'at the Prophet ﷺ regularly prayed around the obligatory ones — strongly recommended, not obligatory.

Entirely voluntary extra prayer, prayed for its own reward, beyond both the obligatory and the regular Sunnah raka'at.

An odd-numbered prayer (commonly three raka'at) prayed after Isha, closing out the night's voluntary prayer.

Focused, humble presence of mind during Salah — the inward quality the outward movements are meant to carry.