Adab al-Salah (Prayer Etiquette)

Adab al-Salah (Arabic: آداب الصلاة) refers to the etiquette of prayer — the outward actions and inner attitudes that enrich the prayer beyond its obligatory requirements. Adab al-Salah is the dimension that transforms prayer from a mere duty fulfillment into a spiritual experience.

Islamic scholars have identified several levels of prayer perfection: (1) Performing the outward actions of prayer correctly, (2) Understanding the meaning of what one recites, (3) Achieving the heart's presence (hudur al-qalb), (4) Achieving khushu (humility), and (5) Achieving fana' (self-annihilation in Allah's presence).

Outward adab include: praying in clean, neat clothes, wearing fragrance (for men), praying in a clean and quiet place, turning toward the qibla with the entire body, lowering one's gaze toward the prostration spot, praying slowly and calmly, reciting clearly and beautifully, and observing a silent pause between the parts of prayer. Imam al-Sadiq said: "Straighten your clothes when you want to pray, for Allah says: 'Take your adornment at every place of worship'" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3, referencing Surah Al-A'raf 7:31).

Inner adab include: purifying the heart from worldly worries, imagining that one stands before Allah, reciting as if hearing the Quran for the first time, praying with fear and hope, and concluding the prayer with humility and gratitude. Imam Ali said: "Pray as if it is your farewell prayer — a prayer after which you will not pray again." Adab al-Salah is the lifelong journey toward perfecting one's prayer.