The foundation of Islam lies in 5 pillars including Namaz (prayer). Namaz is a way to worship Allah and thank Him for His blessings on us. Every Muslim has to bow in front of the Almighty 5 times a day, whether he is a man or a woman. Learning Salah is obligatory since there is no space for mistakes while you make prayer. So, you must know how to pray namaz whether you are a man or woman. In this blog post, you will learn how to perform salah for women as beginners and get answers to different questions.
How To Perform Salah For Women? Namaz Step By Step!
You cannot start Namaz directly; there are specific protocols to follow. Failing to follow these protocols may result in your prayer not being accepted by Allah. Before we discuss how to perform Salah for women, understanding these agreements is indispensable. Here are some common points to consider before offering Prayer:
- Clean any filth on your dress
- Keep the praying area clean as well
- Perform ablution (Wudu)
- Stand facing the Holy Kaaba
- Feet should be attached
Make An Intention
Once you have fulfilled these requirements, you can start Namaz but how to offer prayer? Get the answer to this one here! The first step is to make Niyyat (intention) by saying:
"I intend to perform the Fajr prayer (name of the Salah), with two Rakaat Fardh (name the number of Rakaats of any prayer – Sunnah or Fardh)." It is not necessary to state the purpose aloud. Speaking from the heart is enough.
Say The Introductory Takbir Aloud
Recite "Allahu Akbar" (الله أكبَر) audibly enough to hear yourself. Pronouncing the beginning Takbir aloud enough to be able to hear oneself is recommended. This is a prerequisite for all forms of prayer, including the recital of the Qur'an and the Tashahud at each sitting.
Put Your Hands On Your Chest
With both hands lying on top of the chest and your eyes fixed on the spot of prostration, lay your right palm on top of your left without clasping it. When in Qayam, hold this stance.
Recite The Opening Dua
Say the opening supplication with a lowered voice. This also applies to the follower, providing that the imam has not started reciting.
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وبِحَمْدِكَ وتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ ولا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
"Glory be to You, O Allah (SWT), and all praises are due unto You, and blessed is Your name and high is Your majesty and none is worthy of worship but You."
Recite The Surahs
Recite the Surah al-Fatihah to continue Salah, and then another verse from the Qur'an. Whichever option you select is totally up to you. You must recite at least three short verses or one long verse equivalent to three shorter ones.
Ruku (Bowing)
After saying "Allahu Akbar," make a Ruku (bow). When doing a Ruku, both hands' fingers should be together and on the knees. The ankles of both feet should be together, and the arms should be firmly connected to the sides. A woman should ensure that her hands reach her knees while bowing.
Recite the tasbihat at least three times in a soft voice.
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي الْعَظِيْم
"Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty."
Assume the standing stance and utter this prayer in a subdued voice. The imam utters these words, and the disciple stays mute.
سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَه , رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ
"God hears those who praise Him. Oh our Lord, all praise is to You."
Sujood
After completing the Ruku, say "Allahu Akbar" and descend into Sajdah. In this position, women should keep their bodies more compact compared to men. Here’s how females should perform the Sajdah:
- Place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground.
- Keep your arms close to your body rather than spreading them like men do.
- Keep your elbows on the ground.
- The feet should remain close to each other, with the toes pointing towards the Qibla.
- Recite the following Tasbih at least three times in a soft voice:
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
"Glory is to my Lord, the Most High."
Sitting Between The Two Sajdahs
After the first Sajdah, say "Allahu Akbar" and rise into a sitting position known as Jalsa. In this position:
- Sit with your feet tucked underneath you, ensuring they remain close together.
- Rest your hands on your thighs with your fingers relaxed and pointing forward.
- Recite the following softly:
ربي اغفر لي وارحمني
"O my Lord, forgive me."
After completing the Jalsa, perform the second Sajdah by saying "Allahu Akbar" and repeating the same steps as the first Sajdah.
Tashahhud (Sitting After Two Rakaats)
After the first Sajdah, say 'Allahu Akbar' and move into a sitting position known as Jalsa. In this position, women should sit with their legs tucked underneath, the right foot upright, and the left leg beneath.
Recite the Tashahhud:
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
"All salutations, prayers, and pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger."
Final Rakaat & Dua
If you are praying a Salah with more than two Rak’ahs, rise to complete the additional Rak’ahs.
- Say "Allahu Akbar" after the Tashahhud and stand up.
- Perform the next Rak’ahs in the same way, reciting Surah al-Fatihah and another Surah.
In the final sitting (after completing all Rak’ahs), recite the Tashahhud again, followed by the Durood e Ibrahimi:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
"O Allah, send peace upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent peace upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious."
Quaood Posture Dua!
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلوةَ وَ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُوْمُ الْحِسَابُ .
"My Lord, make me establish the prayer and from my offspring. Our Lord, and accept our supplication. Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the day when the account is settled."
Conclusion Of Salah
After reciting the Tashahhud and Durood, conclude the Salah by turning your head to the right and saying:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ
"Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you."
Repeat the same action by turning your head to the left.
Conclusion
Salah is a fundamental responsibility for all Muslims, and women must follow the proper criteria for their prayers to be genuine. Salah, like the prayers of men, should be performed with sincerity, attentiveness, and reverence. These bits of advice will allow you to learn salah step-by-step and pray correctly as a female Muslim.
FAQs
Can women pray Salah in a seated position?
Yes! If a woman is ill or cannot stand for an extended time like Qayyam, she can pray in the seated position. She should sit on the ground with her knees crossed and follow Salah's motions to the best of her ability.
What should ladies wear for Salah?
Yes! Women must cover their whole body except for the face, hands, and feet since it is obligatory. Besides, the clothing should not be tight or transparent, and a headscarf is necessary to protect the hair and neck.
Can women recite the Quran aloud during Salah?
Women can recite the Quran in private prayers, but not aloud. During congregational prayers, ladies listen to the Imam's recital.
Can women offer Salah when traveling?
Yes, ladies can abbreviate their prayers when traveling, just like men. This is known as Qasr, in which a four-Rak'ah prayer is reduced to two Rakahs.
