صلاة
ṣalāh/sˤa.laːh/
salah is the Arabic word for prayer, specifically referring to صلاة (ṣalāh).
The word صلاة refers specifically to the formal, ritual prayer performed by Muslims, rather than the general concept of prayer.
Which one should you use?
While صلاة refers to the prescribed ritual prayer, it is distinct from دعاء (du'ā'), which is used for general supplication or personal communication with God.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /sˤa.laːh/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word صلاة is actually a linguistic relative of the Aramaic word ṣəlōṯ, which was used in Classical Syriac. This connects the Arabic term for formal prayer to the ancient liturgical traditions of the Levant.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, people use the phrase salah al-istikhara when they are undecided about a major life choice. This is a specific prayer performed to ask for divine guidance in making a decision.
- In some contexts, the word salat can refer to a greeting or blessing sent upon a prophet, rather than the physical act of bowing and prostrating.
Examples in context
- أُقِمِ الصَّلاَةَEstablish the prayer
- كُنتُ فَى الصَّلاَةِI was in the prayer
- أنا رايح أصلي الصلاةI am going to pray salah
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam are talking at home before leaving.
- أحمد Ahmedيا مريم، هل حان وقت صلاة العصر؟Ya Maryam, hal hana waqt salat al-asr?Maryam, is it time for the afternoon prayer?
- مريم Maryamنعم، لقد بدأ الأذان للتو.Na'am, laqad bada' al-adhan lil-taw.Yes, the call to prayer just started.
- أحمد Ahmedسأذهب للتوضؤ من أجل الصلاة.Sa-adhhab lil-tudu' min ajl al-salat.I will go perform ablution for the prayer.
- مريم Maryamحسناً يا أحمد، سأنتظرك هنا.Hasanan ya Ahmad, sa-antaziruka huna.Okay Ahmed, I will wait for you here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry صلاة, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries صلاة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
