2. Prayer
Salat is the name for the obligatory
prayers which are performed five
times a day, and are direct link
between the worshipper and God.
There is no hierarchical authority
in Islam, and no priests, so the
prayers are led by a learned person
who knows the Quran, chosen by the
congregation. These five prayers
contain verses from the Quran, and
are said in Arabic, the language
of the Revelation, but personal
supplication can be offered in one's
own language.
Prayers
are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon,
sunset and nightfall, and thus determine
the rhythm of the entire day. Although
it is preferable to worship together
in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost
anywhere, such as in fields, offices,
factories and universities. Visitors
to the Muslim world are struck by
the centrality of prayers in daily
life.
Call
to Prayer:
