Both Sunni and Shia Muslims believe in praying five times a day. This is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, known as Salah or Salat. The five daily prayers are obligatory for all Muslims, regardless of their sect.
However, while both Sunni and Shia Muslims pray five times a day, the way they perform their prayers is different. The differences lie mainly in the way the prayers are conducted and some minor variations in the actions and recitations.
1. Rituals and Actions:
– Sunni Prayer: Sunni Muslims pray with their hands folded on their chests during the standing position. They place their hands on their knees during the bowing position and keep their hands on their sides during prostration. They also perform the prostration with their feet together.
– Shia Prayer: Shia Muslims, on the other hand, pray with their hands resting at their sides during the standing position. They place their hands on their thighs or knees during the bowing position and keep their hands at their sides during prostration. They perform the prostration with their feet apart.
2. Recitations:
– Sunni Prayer: Sunni Muslims recite the opening chapter of the Quran, known as Al-Fatiha, in every unit of their prayer. They also recite additional verses from the Quran or supplications during different positions of the prayer.
– Shia Prayer: Shia Muslims recite the Al-Fatiha only once in each unit of prayer. They also recite additional supplications, known as Du’a, which may differ from those recited by Sunni Muslims.
3. Congregational Prayers:
– Sunni Prayer: Sunni Muslims generally pray in straight rows, with a single imam leading the prayer. The imam is often chosen based on their knowledge and piety.
– Shia Prayer: Shia Muslims have a more hierarchical structure for congregational prayers. They have a specific leadership hierarchy, with a prayer leader known as a “Maulana” or “Imam” leading the prayer. This prayer leader is usually a knowledgeable and respected individual within the Shia community.
It is important to note that despite these differences, the core essence of the prayers remains the same for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. They both seek to establish a connection with Allah and seek His guidance and blessings through their devotion and submission in prayer.
While the differences in the way Sunni and Shia Muslims pray may be noticeable, they both share the common belief in the importance of performing the five daily prayers as prescribed in Islam.