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