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Regular Daily Prayer (Salat)

Conditions of wudu:
Ablution or wuzu in prescribed manner is necessary for a person who intends to say his prayers as the
Quran says, “O you who believe! when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands (and
arms) to the elbows, rub your heads (with water) and (wash) your feet to the ankles” (5:6)
• Making the intention or niyat of Wuzu, “I intend to perform the Wuzu for securing Allah’s good
pleasure and in compliance with His command” .
• If possible, one should sit facing the Qiblah.
• The water to be used for Wuzu should be absolutely clean.
• The wuzu should be in continuous process, without any break or interval. No part should be
allowed to dry up before the other is washed.
• each part being washed and cleaned in the prescribed order,
• Washing should start from the right side then left.
• No part should remain dry.
• It is recommended to brush ones teeth or use miswak before or after wudu.
Method of wudu:
The approved method of performing wuzu is
• to wash both hands upto the wrists thrice, the wet fingers should be passed in between each other.
If there are any bangles on the wrists or ring on the fingers, as in the case of females they should
be moved around so that the skin under them does not remain dry.
• After this rinse the mouth thrice.
• Next some water should be taken in the right hand and sniffed into the nostrils thrice and then
blown out. The left hand should be used for cleaning nose.
• Then the whole face should be washed with both hands, thrice from the forehead down to the
lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other.
• Thereafter, first the right arm and then the left arm up to the elbows should be washed thrice.
• After washing the arms wipe the head with wet hands and perform Masah from front to back, and
pass the back of wet hands over the nape of the neck. Clear the inner side of ears with forefingers
and outer with thumbs.
• Finally wash the feet right and the left upto the ankles.

Conditions/Preparations of Prayers
Before a person can say his regular prayers, the following conditions must be fulfilled; otherwise the prayers
would be void:
1. The body of the person must be clean. Salat requires purification through ablution (wuzu) or by taking
bath. Wuzu includes washing of hand, mouth, nostrils, face, arms, across the head, back of the neck,
and the feet. Quran says, “O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer wash your faces and
hands to the elbows; rub your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” [5:6]
2. Permission for resorting to Tayammum is granted on the grounds of illness, travelling and the non-
availability of water. It can be performed instead of wuzu (ablution).
3. The clothes worn must be clean and free from all impurities. The Quran says, “He loves those who
keep themselves pure and clean” (2:222). The Holy Prophet said, “Surely Allah does not accept
prayers without purification.”
4. The place where the prayers are to be said must be clean and free from all impurities. Prayers should
preferably be performed in the mosques because it carries 27 times more reward for men.
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5. The ‘SATAR’ (those parts of body which should be kept covered) must be properly covered. For a
male, the Satar consists of the portion of the body from the navel to the knees. For a female, her
entire body with the exception of her face, hands and feet is Satar.
6. It must be the time for the particular prayer to be offered otherwise it can be performed as Qaza.
7. The prescribed timing for farz prayers are, Fajr: this is an early morning prayer, Zuhr late afternoon
prayer, Asr late afternoon prayer, Maghrib evening prayer and Isha early night prayer.
8. It is prohibited to pray when the sun is in the Meridian or is rising or setting and this prohibition
applies to both fard and nafl prayers. The Quran says, “Prayers have indeed been enjoined on
believers at fixed times.” [4:103]
9. The Qiblah (direction of the Kaabah) must be faced while saying the prayer. The Quran says, “Turn
then your face in the direction of the sacred mosque, wherever you are, turn your faces in that
direction.” [2:150]w
10. Intention or niyat must be declared for saying the kind of prayer i.e., Farz, Sunnat etc., of the
particular prayer time i.e., Fajr, Zuhr etc. that one of offering.

Spiritual and individual importance of Prayer

Prayer is the second pillar of Islam. Prayer was the first act of worship that that was made obligatory by
Allah. It is the first act that the person will be held accountable for on the day of judgment, the Messenger
of Allah Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “The first act that the slave will be accountable for on the day of judgment
will be the prayer.”
The word salat occurs 67 times in the Quran. It is obligatory on every adult, sane Muslim males or females
whether he is at home or traveling, in peace or war, healthy or sick. However, women are exempted from
offering salat during the menstruation period.
It is not obligatory for child to pray, however it is obligatory for the parents to order him to pray when he is
seven years old.
• Prayers instill self discipline in an individual. A Muslim pray five time a day at the fixed times. He learns
to be punctual at every prayer or he will be late and miss the congregation. This is repeated five times
a day which instills habit of regularly Allah says. “prayer at fixed hours has been enjoined upon the
believers (An- Nisa 4:103)
• Salat makes a person clean and pure both physically and spiritually. When a person prays regularly he
keeps his body clean by making ablution before every prayer while salat itself keeps him spiritually pure
the Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked his companions, “Do you believe that dirt can remain on a person bathing
five times a day in a stream running in front of his door? The companions replied that no dirt can
remain on his body. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) remarked so exactly similar is the effect of the prayer
offered five times a day. With the grace of Allah it washes away all sins. Ablution washes out physical
dirt while prayers wipe out spiritual.” (Agreed)
• A Muslim completely submits himself to Allah. He stands in humility in the presence of Allah with both
hands folded; he bows Kneels and prostrate. He shows his utter dependence on Allah. “Successful
indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers.” (Al-Muminun 23:1)
• Prayer develops piety and fear of Allah in a person and restrains him from evil, Allah says, “Established
regular prayers for it restrains from shameful and unjust deeds” (Al-Ankabut 29:45)
• Prayer develops patience, endurance, contentment, and perseverance in a person. Allah says,
“Therefore, be patient with what they say and celebrate the praises of your Lord before the rising of
the sun and before its setting.” (Ta-Ha 20:130)
Purpose/Benefits of congregational Prayer
Congregational prayer has a great reward, the messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h) said, “Prayer in congregational
is better than the prayer of a man by himself by twenty-seven times.” (Agreed)
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Muslims are enjoined to pray congregational prayers in a mosque. Only Fard are to be said in congregation.
The other rakats are said singly. One person with Imam will constitute a congregation even if the other
person is a child or a woman.
If the congregation is of two people then the follower will be on the right side, if a third person joins the
prayer, the imam will move forward, and if women form a congregation, then the woman who leads stands
in the middle if they are in odd numbers, if the number of women is even then more women will be on the
right hand side.
The best person to lead the prayers is one who is well acquainted with the Qur’an and Hadiths. Before the
congregation starts rows are straightened and the gaps are filled. The worshippers should stand shoulder to
shoulder, the iqama is said and after making the intention the prayer is read Women are allowed to join the
congregation but their prayer in their houses is better. Men are excused from congregation, only in case of
rain, extreme weather, or illness.
This was the Practice of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and his immediate successors who always led the
congregational prayers of the believers five times a day in the mosque at Madinah.
• Islam lays special stress on prayer in congregation. The Quran says: “And bow down your heads with
those who bow down (in worship).(2:43)
The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) is reported to have said:
“ If there are three persons in a village or even in a desert and they do not pray together, the devil would
surely over take them. So always pray Salat in congregation, for a wolf only injures a solitary sheep.”(Abu
Daud)
• Congregational prayer serves as a strong force in uniting the believers. The gathering of all people
living in a locality five times daily in the Mosque helps in the establishment of healthy social relations
between different sections of the Muslim community. This gathering becomes larger in the weekly
Friday service and still larger in the two Eid gatherings. This reaches its climax on the occasion of the
annual pilgrimage when Muslims from all parts of the world assemble in Makkah.
• Congregational prayer levels social differences and promotes an atmosphere of equality and
brotherhood. In the mosque, a king may stand shoulder to shoulder with his poorest lead subjects
and the white man with the black. Congregational prayer lead to the realization among the
worshipers that all men are equal before Allah.
• These lessons of equality, fraternity and brotherhood, when put into practice, serve as a foundation
for the unification of the human race. However much Islam may have preached the equality of
mankind and the brotherhood of Muslims, it would have been purposeless without being put into
practice through the institution of congregational prayer.

Friday Prayer
Friday ( jummah) means to congregate, gather or get together. All Muslim men in a community
should try to gather for this prayer. In some communities women are also encouraged to attend. It is
obligatory on every Muslim male.
Quran says,
“O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed on Friday (the day of assembly) hasten
earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic) that is best for you if ye
but knew.”
Prophet pbuh said, “performing Friday prayer is obligatory on every Muslim adult male.”
• There are special preparations for this prayer. Muslims should try to take bath and put on fresh
clothes and should attain purification by ablution or by taking a bath. The Quran says, “O you who
believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and hands to the elbows; rub your heads;
and wash your feet to the ankles.”
• There are two azans for congregational prayers. Muslims should try to reach the mosque on the first
azan. On reaching the mosque, they should offer Tahayyat-ul-Masjid prayers and then four pre-farz
Sunnats. The second azan is called before the sermon.
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• The Imam then preaches two sermons, which are compulsory to hear. These sermons always consist
of advice based on the Holy Quran and Hadith about living a Muslim life. In non Arab countries an
additional sermon is delivered in the native language.
• People should not speak, pray or use mobiles during the sermon, and listen attentively. Even the
recitation of Quran is not allowed during the sermons.
• After the Sermons, Iqamat is called and people arrange themselves in rows.
• Friday prayer takes place of Zuhr prayer therefore, Thefarz are prayed in two rakats, not four.
• This farz prayer can’t be prayed alone or after the set time. Muslims should say the prayer together
behind the Imam.
• If someone is unable to perform this prayer in congregation within the prescribed time then he must
offer the Qaza for Zuhr prayer.
• Some people are exempt from Friday prayers, e.g. travellers, the sick, women and children.

The Friday sermons include:

• Glorification and praise of God, confirming the aspect of tawhid
• Praise and blessings on the Prophet (pbuh) as the greatest example to follow and sending peace
and blessings on him
• Reflection /reinforcement of the Quranic verses that have been selected for the particular sermon
• Referring to an authentic hadith to elaborate the topic and demonstrate the implementation of the
injunction by the Prophet (pbuh)
• The imam reminds the whole congregation about their duties towards God and their fellow beings,
he warns the people against the consequence of doing evil and reminds them of the hereafter
• Prays for the welfare of the community.

Eid Prayers
▪ The two main festivals in Islam are Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. Eid means recurring happiness or
festivals. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal which follows Ramazan or the month of
Fasting. Eid-ul-Azha falls on the tenth day of Zil Hajj and follows the completion of Hajj.
▪ The prayers of two Eids were prescribed in the first year after migration. It is a sunnah
Mu’kakkadah as the Prophet (P.B.U.H) performed these prayers and he ordered the men and
women to go out to attend them. These are congregational prayers and cannot be said
individually. Eid prayers are not a substitute for the obligatory Fajr prayer and there is no Qaza
for Eid prayer.
▪ It is preferred to take a bath, perfume oneself and put on one’s best clothes on the occasion for
both ‘Id’s. It is sunna to eat an odd number of dates before going for salah on ‘id ul fitr whilst for
‘Id ul adha eating is delayed till after the ‘Id prayers and then the believer may eat of his sacrifice,
if he has sacrificed an animal. ‘Id prayers can be performed in the mosque but it is preferred to
perform it in a place outside the city or in an open ground. The Prophet (pbuh) would pray the
two ‘Id prayers on the outskirts of Madina, in fact he only offered I’d prayers once in his mosque
when it was raining.
▪ The time for Eid prayer is anytime after sunrise but before noon. Usually, Eid-ul-Azha prayers are
held a little earlier than the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. No Azaan or Iqamat is required
▪ Eid is a day of thanksgiving during which Muslims assemble in a brotherly and joyful atmosphere
to offer their thanks to Allah for helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations.
▪ Both Eids are the days of rejoicing and celebration. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, The days of
Tashriq (the days in which the Eid is celebrated) are days of eating and drinking and of
remembering Allah, the Exalted”
▪ Eid ul Adha is celebrated in the memory of great sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail. The
Prophet Ibrahim had a dream in which Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son.
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▪ It is desirable to congratulate each other on Eid, Jabir ibn Abdullah reported, “When the
companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) met each other on the day of Eid they would say to each
other, ‘taqqabbal minna wa minka’ (may Allah) accept it from us and you”
▪ The Eid day starts with congregational prayer in the morning. During the prayer, the Muslims
remember and glorify Allah’s name, and ask for His forgiveness and for strength of faith.

The method of prayer for Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha is the same. The prayer consists of two Raka’at with the
Imam reciting in each, Surah Fatihah and another passage from the Quran in an audible voice.
• The intention for prayer is in these words:
“I intend to offer two Raka’at Wajib of Eid-ul-Fitr/Eid-ul-Azha (as the case may be) with six additional
Takbirs, behind this Imam and I am facting Holy Ka’abah.”
When the Imam recites Takbir-e-Tahrima, Allahu-Akbar in a loud voice, the Muqtadis (followers) should also
say the Takbir in a low voice, and fold their hands as in other prayers. After reciting Sana, the Imam raises
both hands upto the ears and says, the Takbir i.e., Allahu Akbar in a loud voice. The Muqtadis also raise their
hands upto the ears and say the Takbir in a low voice. The Imam and the Muqtadis should then lower their
hands and keep them hanging by their sides. They should repeat this twice. After the third Takbir, the hands
to be folded in the usual manner. They shall now recite Tasmiyah, Surah Fatihah and some other Surah.
After this, the first Rakat should be completed in the usual manner.
In the second Rakat, the Imam recite Tasmiyah, Surah Fatihah and some other Surah. After this, the Imam
raises his hands and recites the Takbir in a loud voice. The Muqtadis also raise their hands and say the Takbir
in low voice. They should now bring their hands down and keep them hanging by their sides. The hands
should be raised and lowered and the Takbir said more two times. Both the Imam and the Muqtadis now say
one more Takbir without raising their hands and bow down for Ruku. The second Rakat should be completed
in the usual manner.
After the two Raka’at of prayer are over, the Imam delivers the Khutba in two parts, with a short break in
between. The Khutba is Sunnat and should be heard attentively.
In the sermon of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Imam must draw the attention of the audience to Sadaqah-ul-Fitr. This is a
charity, which is obligatory on every Muslim who can afford it. This charity is more rewarding and preferable
if it is distributed before the prayers, so that the poor may also be able to celebrate the day in a festive and
cheerful spirit.
In the sermon of Eid-ul-Azha, the Imam should draw attention to the duty of sacrifice, which is to be
observed by every Muslim with means. It is preferable to Slaughter the animal of sacrifice on Eid day after
prayers. The sacrifice of an animal on second on third day of Eid is also acceptable.
Private Prayer (Dua)
• Invocation (duʿāʾ) is a prayer of supplication or request. Muslims regard this as a profound act of
worship. Prophet Muhammad pbuh said, "Dua is the very essence of worship.” The word dua in
Arabic means calling. It is the act of remembering Allah and calling out of Him.
• Aside from the obligatory five daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to call upon Allah for
forgiveness, guidance, and strength throughout their lives.
• Dua is a way to keep in touch with Allah and thanks to Dua, we are getting closer to our Lord. Thus,
Dua is a source of rapprochement of the supplicant to Allah the Almighty.
• It is considered a way by which we can change our situation by asking the help of Almighty Allah.
Dua can change destiny so try Dua in all situations because with Dua, you will always get closer to
Almighty Allah.
• Dua is essentially a submission to the Creator and a demonstration of a person’s need for Allah.
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “When my servants ask you about me, (tell them), I am really close
to them, I listen to the prayer of each supplicant when he invokes me.” (2: 186).
• These personal supplications or prayers (dua) can be made in their own words and in any language.
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• One can pray privately for one’s own affairs, to protect, guide, help, bless a relative, friend or even
the entire Ummah.
• Allah is not a distant or remote Being, uncaring or indifferent to the calls of His Creation. In fact, He
is Rahman and Raheem, and One who answers the sincere and true prayers of His believers.
• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, “Allah does not turn away, empty-handed, the one
who calls upon Him in prayer.”
• Muslims can call upon and supplicate their Creator wherever and however they may be, but it is
recommended that one supplicating in earnest, it is better to be in a state of wudu, facing the
qiblah, and, ideally, while in sujood (prostration), in humility before Allah.
• Muslims may recite dua before, during and or after formal prayer, or may recite them at various
times throughout the day. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever desires that Allah respond
to his Duas under adverse and difficult conditions, he should make Dua abundant in the days of
ease and comfort.”
There are few specific moments in life, when a Muslim’s dua is especially accepted. These opportune
moments of the acceptance of dua are given blow:
• While travelling.
• While sick or visiting the sick.
• Late at night (last third of the night).
• While prostrating (sujood)
• Between the Azaan and the iqamat.
• While experiencing injustice or oppression.
• On the Day of Arafat.
• During Ramadan/or during nafl fasts.

Unseen topics
Tayammum (Dry Ablution)
In the case of water not being available for the performance of wudu or a person being bed-ridden due to
illness, Tayammum (dry ablution) should be done. Regarding tayammum the Quran says, “If you are ill or
on a journey…And you find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth and rub therewith
your faces and hands. Allah does not wish to place you in a difficulty , but to make you clean.” (5:6)
From the ayat above, Muslim come to know the permission for tayammum is given by Allah in case of non-
availability of water, or on grounds of illness.
However, it must be noted that as soon as the restrictive reason for not doing wudu is removed
tayammum becomes void.
This approved traditional method of performing tayammum is
• to recite Tasmiah
• and then to make the intention to perform tayammum.
• After this both hands should be struck on some clean and pure earth or sand or stone.
• Next, the excessive sand should be blown off.
• Then both hands are rubbed on the face in such a way that no part of the face which has to be
washed by wudu, is left out.
• In the case of males with beards, it is desirable to pass the figures through the beard.
• Then both hands should be struck again on the clean earth or sand and, after blowing off the
excess dust, they should be passed over first the right and then the left arm upto the elbows. This
completes the tayammum.
• A dry stone free of dust, a brick or an earthen pot may also be used for this purpose.
• The acts which nullify wudu also nullify tayammum.
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Times of Prayer:
1. Fajr is an early morning prayer. The time of this prayer commences after the break of dawn and ends
just before sunrise. It is makruh or undesirable to say prayers when the sun is rising. No nafl prayer
is to be said till the sun has risen well.
2. Zuhr is an Early afternoon prayer.The time of this prayer commences when the sun begins to decline
and the shadows of things cease to decrease. It ends when the shadows of everything become equal
to twice the size of its shadows at noon or mid-day. No prayer is to be said or the Quran recited at
the time of the decline of the sun.
3. Asr is a Late afternoon prayer. The time of this prayer commences immediately after the end of the
time for Zuhr prayers and ends before sunset.
4. Magrib is an evening prayer. The time of this prayer commences immediately after sunset and ends
on the fading of twilight.No prayer is to be said or the Quran recited at the time of the setting of the
sun.
5. Isha is an early night prayer.The time of this prayer commences after the fading of twilight and ends
before dawn but it is desirable to say this prayer before midnight.
Method of Prayer:
The approved traditional method of Prayer is to stand straight with the face towards the kaabah and with
hands hanging down the sides of the body , the worshipper makes the intention (Niyyat) for the
(Farz/sunnah/Nafl) prayer that is to be offered. He then raises his hands to his ears and recites “Takbir-e-
Tahrima” that is “Allah is the Greatest”. In this standing position which is known as “ Qiyam” he first recites
Sana, then he recites Ta’awuzi.e
“I betake myself to Allah for refuge from the accursed Satan”.
and then the Tasmiyahi.e“ In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.”then after reciting surah al
Fatiha some other surah or at least three verses are recited, which is known as Qirat.
➢ The Qiyam is followed by Ruku. In this posture, while standing, bows forward and places both his
hands on his knees and recites Tasbih-e-Rukui.e, “Glory to my Lord, the Great” at least three times.
After this he recites Tasmi and Tahmid while standing straight. He stands erect for a short while
which is known as “Qaumah”.
➢ The worshipper then bends down for Sajdah or Prostration while reciting Tabir. In this position the
Tasbih-e-Sajdahi.e,
“Glory to my Lord , the Most High” is recited at least three times.
➢ After performing two prostrations, he stands to perform the second Rakat in the same way, except
that the Sana is not recited in the position of Qiyam.
After the second Rakat, he assumes the sitting position known as Qa’adah. In which he first recites Tahiyya
and Tashhaud and then the Durud and a prescribed prayer. After this, he ends his prayer with Taslim. For
this, he turns his face to the right and looking over the right shoulder, he says:“Peace be upon you and the
mercy of Allah.”Then turning his face to the left looking over the left shoulder, he repeats the same words.
Delayed Prayer – Qaza
The believers are enjoyed to offer their prayers at the appointed times. Failing to do so is a sin unless there
is a reasonable excuse for delay. With the exception of prayers missed by woman in childbirth or
menstruation and any Muslim who is insane or is unconscious for some time, every Muslim must offer the
delayed obligatory prayer. These prayers have to be offered as soon as possible except at time at time when
prostration is forbidden. In the Niyat, the word Qaza should be added.
If severel prayers have been missed in a day, then the Qaza should be offered in proper order. For example
if prayers have been missed beginning from Fajr then FajrQaza should be offer first, then Zuhr and Asr and
so on. If the missed prayers are too numerous to remember or if the time available is not enough for both
missed and present prayers, then the present prayer should be offered first. The missed prayer should be
offer later.
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Qaza can be offered for only the Farz and Witr prayers. Except for the pre-FarzSunnats of Fajr for which Qaza
may be offered before sunset the same day, no Qaza of other Sunnats is to be offered.
If Zuhr, Asr or Isha prayers become Qaza While travelling, one should, when he returns home, offer the Qaza
of these as if he was still a traveler that is, two Raka’ateach.If however, the prayers become Qaza before a
journey, he should offer the full four Raka’at of the three prayers.

Masjid (the place of prayer)

Masjid, the Arabic word for mosque, means a place of prostration (sujood). Prayer establishes the
connection between the believer and his/her Lord and prostration symbolizes complete submission.
Throughout Islamic history, the mosque has remained the centre of Muslim community, and towns have
grown around this pivotal building. Mosques come in all shapes and sizes, and Muslims in the past, and
even today, have made use of local artisans and architects to create beautiful mosques.
There are , however, certain features that are typically common to all mosques. externally, every
mosque has a dome and minarets, which are visible from afar. The minarets are tall towers used to call
believers to prayer. Within, every mosque has a mihrab, a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of
Makkah; most mosques have a minber, a tall chair-like pulpit from which the imam is able to deliver a
sermon. The interior of the mosque is decorated usually with calligraphy of Allah’s 99 names and Quranic
verses around the walls, or with intricate geometric swirling design, known as Arabesques. Many mosques
have big courtyards to accommodate more people during large congregations. There are never any images
of people or animals nor any statues in mosques, for this is strictly forbidden in Islam.
(b) How do the prayers (salat) help keep the community united. [4]
• Muslims perform the prayers at the same time.
• In mosques they congregate together and can meet.
• Even when praying alone they know others are praying with them.
• All have a sense of performing the same task. All the Muslims, rich and poor, white and black, stand
together, shoulder to shoulder, before Allah in congregational prayer and perform the same acts together.
This gives a sense of togetherness.
• All are reminded of their membership of one community.
• Communal prayers give opportunity to help each other and solve problems.
(No marks for descriptions of prayers)

(b) Explain the importance to the community of Muslims of mosques. [4]

• They are centres especially dedicated for collective worship.
• They enable the community to meet together which encourages healthy social relations and promotes
brotherhood.
• They provide facilities for education and joint learning.
• By their appearance they remind the community that it is united.
• Their presence symbolises the community’s unity and strength.
• Muslims sometimes withdraw to mosques for the conclusion of Ramadan.

(b) Explain the main differences between regular daily prayer (salat) and personal prayer (du`a').
[4]
• Regular prayer is always performed according to the pattern set by Qur'an and Sunna.
• It is obligatory, whereas personal prayers are voluntary.
• It has set timings, whereas du`a' prayers can be performed at any time.
• It is directed towards the Ka`ba,
• It consists of set formulas and actions, but du`a’ prayers are not necessarily said according to a pattern.
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• It is always in Arabic, but Du`a' prayers can be offered in any language.

• For regular prayers you need purification, but it is not obligatory for du`a’ prayers.
• Regular prayer is worship to God but du`a’ prayers comprise requests for oneself or others.
• They (personal prayers) are free, in that anyone or anything can be mentioned.
• They often consist of prayers spoken by the Prophet.