Prayer in Islam: Rules, Rakats, and Obligatory Prayers(নামাজের নিয়ম: কোন নামাজ কত রাকাত ও নামাজের ফরজ কয়টি)

Introduction: The act of worship known as "Namaz" or "Salat" in Islam holds profound significance, symbolizing direct communication with Allah. This post aims to explore the rules and essentials of prayer, shedding light on the number of obligatory prayers and the intricacies of rakats. Section 1: Understanding the Significance of Prayer: While the term "Namaz" is commonly used, it's essential to recognize that in Arabic, it is referred to as "Salat." This act of worship is more than a ritual; it's a method of connecting with Allah, mandated five times a day. Muslims, through prayer, experience a spiritual journey known as "Miraj," establishing a direct connection with the Divine. Section 2: The Obligatory Nature of Prayer: Prayer is not a choice but a mandatory aspect of a Muslim's faith. As per the commands of Allah, believers are obligated to perform five daily prayers. These prayers serve as a constant reminder of the servant's connection with the Creator and the submission required in the path of Islam. Section 3: Rules and Rakats in Prayer: Understanding the rules of prayer is crucial for every Muslim. Each of the five daily prayers consists of a specific number of rakats: Fajr (ফজর): 2 rakats Dhuhr (যোহর): 4 rakats Asr (আসর): 4 rakats Maghrib (মাগরিব): 3 rakats Isha (ইশা): 4 rakats These rakats include different postures such as standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting, each with specific recitations from the Quran. Conclusion: Prayer, whether called Namaz or Salat, transcends linguistic differences, embodying a universal act of devotion in Islam. The obligation to perform five daily prayers is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim's commitment to faith. Understanding the rules and rakats ensures that this worship is conducted with sincerity and adherence to Allah's prescribed method. Closing Thoughts: As Muslims, let us embrace the spiritual journey embedded in prayer. Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or questions about the rules and significance of prayer in the comments section. May our prayers be a source of guidance, reflection, and closeness to Allah. Rules of prayer There are different schools of thought regarding the rules of praying. However, the rules of every Madhhab are acceptable. In this text, I am only describing the rules of the Hanafi Madhhab. Because many people of our country and this subcontinent are followers of Hanafi Madhhab. How many rakats should be offered in any prayer? There is a discussion about the number of rakats for which prayer. First take the rules of prayer. Here the whole rules are declared briefly. First prepare for prayer by doing ablution properly. After that, you should make an intention to pray. It is not obligatory to say it verbally or in mind. The prayer that we stand for will be manifested as intention. Then tie hands with Takbeer. There are many common rules. However, the most common rule is to place the right hand over the left hand.It is obligatory to pray while standing. However, if there is a serious problem, it can be done sitting or lying down. But if the problem is not serious, it should never be done sitting or lying down. Then say (Bangla pronunciation): 'Subhanakallahumma wabi hamdika wa tabara kasmuka wa taala jadduka wa la ilaha gairuka.' [Nasa'i, Hadith: 889] Then read: 'Awzu billahi minash shaitanir rajim' [Tahabi: 1/347] Then read: 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim'. [Tahabi: 1/347] Now read Surah Fatiha.At the end of Surah Fatiha, recite one Surah or three short verses, which are at least equivalent to one verse in length. [Abu Dawud, Hadith: 695] Then say Allahu Akbar and go to Ruku. Bow down with your head next to your hips. [Abu Dawud, Hadith: 729] Grasp the knees with fingers spread in Ruku. [Muzame Sagir: 2/497] Recite 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azim' at least three times in Ruku. [Tirmidhi, Hadith: 242]Now raise your head from ruku saying 'Samiallahu Liman Hamidah'. If muktadi, just say 'Rabbana Lakal Hamad' in low voice. After saying takbeer i.e. Allahu Akbar go to prostration. [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith Number: 747] While going into sajdah, first place the knees, then the hands, then the forehead between both hands. Separate your stomach from the run and your arms from your sides. Keep your hands and toes facing the Qibla. [Bukhari, Hadith: 785]Recite 'Subhana Rabbiyal Ala' at least three times in Sajdah. [Tirmidhi, Hadith: 242] Then while getting up from Sijdah, first raise your head and sit with both hands on the run. Then do the second prostration with Takbeer. Recite the Tasbeeh at least three times in the second Sijdah also. Odd numbers can read more than that. Then without touching the ground with your hands and without sitting, stand directly saying Takbeer. So far the first rakat has been completed. Now start again like the first rakat. In this case, don't raise your hand, don't recite Chana and don't recite Auzubillah. Recite Surah Fatiha and another Surah as before and do Ruku-Sijdah. However, there is an additional task to be done here. After completing the second prostration, straighten the right leg and spread the left leg and sit on it. Then your hand will be on the run and the toes of the right foot will be facing the Qiblah. [Muslim, Hadith: 912] Then recite the following Tashahhud. Bengali pronunciation: 'Attahiyatu lillahi was salawatu wat tayyibat. Assalamu Alaika, Ayyu Hannabiyu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. As Salamu Alaina Wa Ala Ibadillahis Salihin. Ashhadu al-la ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa Rasuluh.' [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 788] While reciting Tashahhud, Shahadat will raise his finger while reciting 'Ashhadu al-la ilaha'. And when saying 'Illallahu', you will lower your finger. However, other rules regarding tashahhud words and pointing fingers are also seen in the statements of the imams. In this way your 2 rakat prayers have been performed. Now if the prayer consists of 2 rak'ahs, then some work has to be done to finish it now. Otherwise, in the case of 3 and 4 rakat prayers, the 3rd and 4th rakat should be performed in the same manner. In that rakat which will be the last rakat, tashahud should be recited after prostration according to the above rules. And, I said that at the end of all rak'ahs, after reading Tashahhud, there are some other things to do. Some things to do before finishing Namaz:Now recite Darud Sharif. Then recite any dua mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba, 1/298] Usually we recite Masura in supplication. Masura in prayer After saying 'Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah' turn your head to the right and left and salute twice. Remember the praying person and the angels beside you while returning the salam. In this way you will perform different prayers with 2, 3 and 4 rakats.