Learning How to Pray in Islam

How to Perform the Islamic Daily Prayers Using the Internet and Multimedia

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At one time, newcomers to Islam had a difficult time learning the proper practices for the various daily prayers (Salat) prescribed by the faith. In the days before the internet, if an individual was not part of a Muslim community, resources for learning Islamic traditions were limited. Believers living in remote, rural locations, for example, struggled on their own. Bookstores offered prayer books, but these were often rather inadequate at the details of pronunciation or descriptions of how to perform the various movements. Beginners had to rest assured in the faith that ​Allah knew their intentions and that He forgave their many mistakes.

Today, there is no need for you to stumble along with a prayer book, confused. Even isolated Muslims can use websites, software and even television streaming services that provide audio, slideshow and video instruction on how to perform the daily Islamic prayers. You can listen to the Arabic pronunciation and follow along step-by-step with the movements of the prayer.

A simple web search using the search phrase "Performing Islamic Prayers" or "How to Perform Salat" will yield many results that will assist you. Or, you can search for instructions on the individual Salat prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.

Some Websites for Learning the Prayers

  • Learn How to Pray - Arab Academy presents each of the Muslim prayers individually in an interactive audio/video format. An animated figure shows the positions of prayer, while a speech bubble shows the Arabic words of the prayer with English translation. A voice-over recites the words of the prayer, and an icon keeps track of the cycles of prayer. A very complete and easy-to-follow multimedia presentation of the prayers.
  • The Right Way to Pray - IslamicFinder presents the Muslim prayer on this informative, interactive web page. This site provides more introductory text which may be educational for some but distracting to others. One may repeat certain parts of the prayer, or proceed to the next stage. A comprehensive tutorial on the Muslim prayer.
  • How Do I Pray - This animated tutorial runs through each of the​ daily Muslim prayers, with audio in Arabic, and text in both English and transliterated Arabic (to help you learn the Arabic words). Intended for beginners, it does not include a lot of explanation or variation. While you're learning, you can open this on your computer and follow along while you pray. 
  • My Prayer Project - This website offers many different videos segments. The modules explore various aspects of Islamic worship, including the value of prayer, mental and physical preparation for prayer, key actions, and meanings, establishing routines and how to establish a personal prayer relationship with the Almighty. Far from being just a list of steps to follow or words to recite, the videos touch on both the inner and outer dimensions of Islamic prayer. Great for those who want to dig deeper.
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Huda. "Learning How to Pray in Islam." Learn Religions, Apr. 5, 2023, learnreligions.com/how-to-pray-2004507. Huda. (2023, April 5). Learning How to Pray in Islam. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/how-to-pray-2004507 Huda. "Learning How to Pray in Islam." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/how-to-pray-2004507 (accessed March 28, 2024).