How do Shias pray?

Shia Muslims follow the same basic principles of Islam as Sunni Muslims, but there are some differences in their beliefs and practices, including how they pray.

Shia Muslims generally follow the same basic steps for performing salat, the daily prayers that are an important part of Islam. These include:

1. Make the intention to pray: Before beginning the prayer, a Shia Muslim should make the intention to pray. This can be done silently to oneself, and it involves saying something like, “I intend to perform the Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah.”
2. Perform the ablution: Before praying, it is important to perform the ablution, which involves washing certain body parts in a specific order. This includes washing the face, arms, and feet. It is recommended to use water for the ablution, but if water is not available, sand or dirt can be used.
3. Face the direction of the Kaaba: Muslims pray facing the Kaaba, a cubed-shaped structure located in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Shia Muslims should orient themselves to face the Kaaba when they pray.
4. Recite the opening prayer: The opening prayer, or “takbirat al-ihram,” is the first thing recited in the salat. It involves saying “Allahu akbar,” which means “God is the greatest.” This is said while raising the hands to the ears.
5. Recite the first chapter of the Quran: After the opening prayer, Shia Muslims recite the first chapter of the Quran, known as the “Fatihah.”
6. Bow and prostrate: During the salat, Shia Muslims perform a series of movements, including bowing and prostrating. When bowing, the head is brought down to the level of the hands, and when prostrating, the hands’ forehead, nose, and palms are placed on the ground.
7. Recite additional prayers and passages from the Quran: After the bowing and prostrating, Shia Muslims may recite additional prayers and passages from the Quran. The specific prayers and passages that are recited may vary depending on the specific Shia community or individual.
8. Perform the final tashahhud and salutation: The final part of the salat involves the tashahhud, a series of prayers that are recited while sitting on the ground. The tashahhud is followed by the salutation, which involves saying “As-salamu alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.”

It is worth noting that these steps may vary slightly depending on the specific Shia community or individual, and some Shia Muslims may have their own customs and traditions when it comes to praying.