How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of صلاة is الصلوات (the prayers).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /sˤa.laːh/ (ṣalāh).
When do people say it?
During the ritual prayer, several specific phrases are used: one says Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) to start, Subhana Rab-bi-yal Azeem (Glory be to my Lord, the Great) while bending at the waist and Subhana Rab-bi-yal A'la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) during prostration. While sitting upright between two prostrations, one says Rabbighfirli (O Lord, forgive me). To conclude the prayer, one turns the face to the right and says Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah). Other common daily prayers include Alhamdulillahillazi ahyana ba'da ma amatana w ilayhin-nushur for waking up, Bismillah before eating, Alhamdulillah after eating and Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya before sleeping.
Did you know?
- Arabic has different words for 'prayer', distinguishing between صلاة, which is the structured ritual prayer, and دعاء, which is a personal, spontaneous supplication.
- In many Arabic-speaking cities, the call to صلاة functions as a civic timekeeper for the entire community, regardless of their personal faith.
- While صلاة means 'prayer' in a religious context, the Arabic root also relates to the idea of a 'connection' or 'link' between the believer and the divine.
Example conversation
At home during the afternoon.
- ليلى Laylaهل حان وقت الصلاة؟hal hana waqt al-salat?Is it time for the prayer?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، حان وقت صلاة الظهر.na'am, hana waqt salat al-zuhr.Yes, it is time for the noon prayer.
- ليلى Laylaسأذهب لأداء الصلاة الآن.sa-adhhab li'ada' al-salat al-an.I will go to perform the prayer now.
- يوسف Youssefتقبل الله صلاتك يا ليلى.taqabbala Allah salataki ya Layla.May Allah accept your prayer, Layla.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry صلاة, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
