Top Prayer Tips For Mums, What is salah?
Dec 14, 2023
Introduction
Observing Salah is a central aspect of a Muslim's life, and it is meant to be a continuous, conscious effort to strengthen one's faith and maintain a connection with the Creator throughout the day.
- Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with the spiritual obligations of performing daily prayers, or Salah, can be a delicate and intricate challenge for many Muslim mothers. The demanding and often unpredictable nature of caring for children, managing households, and attending to familial duties can create hurdles in adhering to the prescribed prayer times.
- In the midst of hectic schedules, mothers find themselves navigating a terrain where devotion to their children and commitment to their religious obligations sometimes seem to collide.
- This delicate balance requires thoughtful consideration and practical strategies to ensure that the spiritual well-being of Muslim mothers is not overshadowed by the demanding roles they play within their families. In this context, understanding the unique challenges that Muslim mothers face in performing prayers on time becomes crucial in fostering a supportive and empathetic community.
What is salah?
In Islam, Salah, commonly known as prayer, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a fundamental act of worship. Muslims are required to perform Salah five times a day as a way of maintaining a strong and direct connection with Allah. These five daily prayers are obligatory and serve as a means of spiritual purification, discipline, and guidance.
Here are the five daily prayers in Islam:
- Fajr: This prayer is performed before dawn.
- Dhuhr: This midday prayer is performed after the sun has passed its zenith.
- Asr: This afternoon prayer is performed in the late afternoon.
- Maghrib: This prayer is performed just after sunset.
- Isha: The evening prayer is performed after the twilight has disappeared.
The performance of Salah involves a set sequence of physical and verbal actions, including standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. Each prayer consists of a series of units called "Rak'ahs," and in each Rak'ah, specific verses from the Quran are recited. The prayers are performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca, which is considered the holiest site in Islam.
How can we make it easier in offering the salah? One way is to think about the importance of salah itself.
The importance of Salah
Salah serves multiple purposes in the life of a Muslim:
- Spiritual Connection: Salah is a direct means of communicating with Allah. It provides spiritual nourishment and serves as a reminder of one's purpose in life — to worship and obey Allah.
- Discipline: Performing Salah at specific times throughout the day instills a sense of discipline and order in a Muslim's life. It encourages regularity, punctuality, and self-control.
- Community Bond: Muslims pray in congregation whenever possible, especially for the Dhuhr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. This fosters a sense of community and unity among the Muslim Ummah (community).
- Purification: Salah is considered a form of purification for the soul. It serves as a way to seek forgiveness for sins and to cleanse oneself spiritually.
- Remembrance of Allah: Through the recitation of Quranic verses and supplications during prayer, Muslims remember and reflect upon the teachings of Allah, seeking guidance and mercy.
- Now that we know all the benefits of Salah itself, by thinking about these, it can help us to prioritise it in our daily lives. What else can Mums in particular do to increase their productivity around their Salah?
Involve Your Children:
Encourage your children to pray with you. This not only sets a good example for them but also creates a bonding experience. Start teaching them about the importance of prayer from a young age. If you have younger children, try to schedule your prayers around their nap times. This can give you uninterrupted time for your Salah. Let them stand or sit next to you on the prayer mat. You could even have little prayer mats for them. Children learn best through watching what they see adults model. This is the perfect way to teach Salah, through letting them observe at first.
Dua (Supplication):
Take a few moments during your prayer to make personal supplications. Ask Allah for guidance, patience, and blessings for your family. This is an intimate time to connect with Allah on a personal level.
Seek Help from Family
Don't hesitate to seek help from your spouse or family members in managing household responsibilities. Having support allows you to find time for your prayers without feeling overwhelmed. If there are chores to be done make sure you delegate them to your children and spouse, even young children can be given age appropriate tasks to do.
Create a Quiet Space
Designate a quiet and clean space for your prayers. This could be a corner in your home where you feel comfortable and focused. Make it a habit to retreat to this space for your daily prayers.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key. Try to perform your prayers at the same time each day. This routine helps in making prayer a natural part of your daily life. You could organise certain regular activities around each prayer for example after Fajr will you be having breakfast, journaling or getting things ready for your children?
Educate Your Children
Teach your children about the importance of prayer and involve them in understanding the significance of each prayer. This not only benefits them but reinforces your own understanding and commitment.
Stay Connected to a Community
Join a local mosque or community group where you can meet other Muslim mothers. This provides a support system and opportunities for collective prayers or activities. It maybe that the local Mosque/masjid has facilities for ladies on Jumma (Fridays) in Ramadan for Taraweeh or for other events. If they do, get involved!
Remember that being a mother is a noble and challenging role, and incorporating these prayer tips can help you find spiritual strength and balance in your daily life.
If you found this blog useful why not share it with family and friends?
