Salah

• In Islamic prayer, men and women pray separately but at the same time
• Carpets in mosques look like rows of prayer mats
• Importance of having prayer at a mosque: unites Muslims and brings them closer to God
• Prayer in Islam requires the right intention (niyah) and set sequences of actions (rakah) performed during prayer
• Before prayer, Muslims must perform wudu, a ritual washing, which can be done using sand or dust if water isn't available
• During prayer, Muslims face the city of Mecca and use a special compass on prayer mats to ensure they are facing the correct direction
• In a mosque, the imam leads the prayer, and after the prayer, the imam leads a sermon
• Jummah is a special communal prayer held every Friday at midday, considered the most important day in the Islamic week
• Shi'a Muslims pray three times a day, while Sunni Muslims pray five times a day
• The call to prayer is known as the adhan, reminding Muslims to focus on God and that they are commanded to pray by God
• Prayer is the second pillar of Islam, and it is a way for Muslims to fully focus on God during their daily lives
• In mosques, there is a mihrab (niche in the qiblah wall) showing the direction of Mecca for prayer
• Muslims believe in only using natural elements during prayer and structuring their day around faith, stopping work and school at prayer times
• Prayer in Islam spiritually cleanses individuals and helps them maintain a connection with God