Salat – The Obligation of Prayer in Islam

Salat, or prayer, is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam and serves as a direct connection between the worshipper and God. Muslims perform five obligatory prayers throughout the day, at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall. These prayers form the spiritual rhythm of a Muslim's daily life.

Islam does not have a hierarchical clergy or priests. Instead, prayers are led by a learned individual chosen by the congregation, someone who is well-versed in the Qur’an. While the prayers are recited in Arabic, the language of the Qur'an, Muslims are encouraged to offer personal supplications in their own language.

Though it is encouraged to pray together in the mosque, Muslims can perform Salat in any clean place whether in fields, offices, factories, or universities. Visitors to the Muslim world often remark on how central and visible Salat is in the daily lives of Muslims.

A translation of the Call to Prayer is:

God is most great. God is most great. 
God is most great. God is most great. 
I testify that there is no god except God. 
I testify that there is no god except God. 
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. 
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. 
Come to prayer! Come to prayer! 
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)! 
Come to success! 
God is most great. God is most great. 
There is no god except God.