“…but when ye are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: For such Prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.”

(Qur'an: Chapter 4, Verse 103)

It is obligatory to perform the following five prayers every day during the prescribed times:

   a. Salat al-Fajr (Dawn prayer), which consist of two units (each unit of prayer is called a rak`ah)

   b. Salat al-Zuhr (Midday prayer) consisting of four units

   c. Salat al-`Asr (Afternoon prayer) consisting of four units

   d. Salat al-Maghrib (Dusk prayer) which consist of three units

   e. Salat al-`Isha (Night prayer) consisting of four units.

Performing the Daily Prayers according to the Shi’ah Ja’fari school of law involves taking prescribed steps in order (tartib) and in regular succession without undue delay between them (muwalat). The person must first perform preliminary purification (ghusl, if necessary, or wudhu) and fulfil all other prerequisites.

Preparation

Stand upright facing the Qiblah (direction of Mecca) and recite the adhan and iqama. Please note that all the recitations during the prayer must be in Arabic. Although approximate transliteration has been given below for each recitation, it is best to try and learn the Arabic script and pronounciations.

Niyyah : Form the following solemn intention in your mind: “I offer this       (name of a particular prayer) prayer, of (number of units) rak`ah’s seeking closeness to God”.