Salah, or Islamic prayer, is one of the five pillars of Islam and the cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith. It is the direct connection between the believer and Allah (SWT), offering spiritual fulfillment, discipline, and a constant reminder of submission to the Creator. The Quran and Sunnah—the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)—provide extensive guidance on Salah, detailing its obligation, method, timings, and rewards. This article compiles all the key references to Salah from the Quran and authentic Hadith (classified as Sahih or Hasan), presenting them in a structured and accessible manner for students, researchers, and every sincere seeker of knowledge.
Salah is more than a ritual; it is an act of worship that engages the body, mind, and soul. Prayed five times a day, it reinforces a Muslim’s commitment to Allah (SWT) and instills discipline, peace, and purpose in everyday life. The Quran establishes Salah as a fundamental duty, while the Sunnah provides detailed explanations on its correct performance. Together, these sources form an inseparable framework for practicing Salah in its purest form.
The Holy Quran explicitly mentions Salah in over 67 verses. These verses cover its obligatory nature, spiritual benefits, and detailed instructions. For clarity and ease of study, the references have been categorized by theme.
These verses command Muslims to establish Salah regularly and with sincerity.
Surah | Verse Numbers |
Al-Baqarah (2) | 3–4, 43, 45, 83, 110, 153, 177, 238, 239, 277 |
An-Nisa (4) | 36, 43, 77, 101, 102, 103, 142–143, 162 |
Al-Ma’idah (5) | 6, 12, 49, 55, 58, 91, 106 |
Al-An’am (6) | 72, 92, 162 |
Al-A’raf (7) | 31, 170 |
Al-Anfal (8) | 3 |
At-Taubah (9) | 5, 11, 14, 18, 54, 71 |
Yunus (10) | 57, 87 |
Hud (11) | 87, 114 |
Ar-Ra’d (13) | 22 |
Ibrahim (14) | 31, 37, 40 |
Al-Isra (17) | 78, 79, 82, 110 |
Maryam (19) | 30–32, 55, 59–60 |
Ta-Ha (20) | 14, 130, 132 |
Al-Anbiya (21) | 73 |
Al-Hajj (22) | 26, 35, 41, 78 |
Al-Mu’minun (23) | 1–2 |
An-Nur (24) | 37, 41, 56, 58 |
An-Naml (27) | 3 |
Al-Ankabut (29) | 45 |
Ar-Rum (30) | 17–18, 31 |
Luqman (31) | 4, 17 |
Al-Ahzab (33) | 33, 56 |
Fatir (35) | 18, 29–30 |
Ghafir (40) | 66 |
Ash-Shura (42) | 38 (and, in some compilations, up to 40) |
Al-Mujadilah (58) | 13 |
Al-Jumu’ah (62) | 9, 10 |
Al-Ma’arij (70) | 22–23, 34–35 |
Al-Muzzamil (73) | 20 |
Al-Muddaththir (74) | 43 |
Al-Bayyina (98) | 5 |
Al-Ma’un (107) | 4–6 |
Example:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43) states, “And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship].” This verse not only enjoins the performance of Salah but also underlines its communal nature and connection to other acts of worship.
These verses emphasize the inner peace, guidance, and protection that come from regular prayer.
Surah | Verse Numbers |
Al-Baqarah (2) | 45, 153 |
Al-Mu’minun (23) | 1–5 (emphasizing the believers’ attributes including regular prayer) |
Al-Ankabut (29) | 45 |
Al-Ma’arij (70) | 19–23, 34–35 |
Example:
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45) reminds us, “Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing…” This highlights Salah as a means of spiritual purification.
These verses detail the timings, conditions, and methods of performing Salah.
Surah | Verse Numbers |
An-Nisa (4) | 43, 101, 102, 103 |
Al-Ma’idah (5) | 6, 91 |
Al-Isra (17) | 78, 110 |
An-Nur (24) | 58 |
Al-Muzzammil (73) | 20 |
Example:
Surah Al-Isra (17:78) instructs, “Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [until] the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’an [recitation] at dawn.” This verse provides clear guidelines on the prayer timings, ensuring that believers perform Salah within its designated periods.
For further reading and detailed exegesis on these verses, you may visit trusted Islamic websites such as myislam.org.
The Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) complements the Quran by providing detailed instructions and clarifications on Salah. The following authentic Hadith are drawn from collections that are universally recognized as Sahih (sound) or Hasan (good).
Key Examples:
These narrations underscore both the importance and the precise method of performing Salah as guided by the Prophet’s example.
For additional details and further exploration, scholars and students can visit Sunnah.com, which provides access to these collections.
Salah is the fundamental pillar of Islam, derived from the authentic teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. The Quranic verses not only command its performance but also outline its spiritual benefits and proper execution. Meanwhile, the authentic Hadith in Sahih and Hasan collections clarify every detail—ensuring that our practice of Salah remains pure and in line with the prophetic tradition.
I urge every Muslim to study these references carefully and integrate them into daily worship. By adhering strictly to these authentic sources, we ensure that our Salah is performed correctly and that our connection with Allah (SWT) is continually strengthened.
May this comprehensive guide serve as a reliable resource for deepening your understanding and practice of Salah. Insha’Allah, by following the authentic teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, our worship remains pure and our connection with Allah (SWT) ever strong.
We have strived to make this guide a valuable resource for understanding the foundations of Salah in the Quran and Sunnah. If you find anything missing, incorrect, or in need of updating, please do let us know in the comments below, and Insha Allah (God willing), we will review and update this article accordingly to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness
Discover the pivotal roles of Khadijah, Aisha, and other remarkable women who shaped Islamic history through their leadership, intellect, and… Read More
Explore Islam's core beliefs, practices, and views on modern issues through answers to frequently asked questions. Dispel myths and gain… Read More
Discover how modern Muslims can balance faith and contemporary life using the Salaf methodology. Tackle cultural integration, identity, and staying… Read More
Discover how forgiveness in Islam, guided by the Quran and Hadiths, can heal your heart and bring peace to your… Read More
Discover the astonishing scale, state-of-the-art facilities, and meticulous organization of Masjid Haram—a true marvel of faith and modern ingenuity Read More
Explore detailed Fitrana rulings and issues of Sadaqat al-Fitr with comprehensive guidelines, references, and practical insights for Ramadan charity Read More