Tradition Muslim prayer is based on the movement of the sun. There are five times to pray throughout the day: before dawn, noon, in the afternoon, at sunset, and in the evening. Since the times of the day change in relation to the earth’s rotation, daylight savings time, and the like, the timing of the prayers can change so far as the clock is concerned. The point is to keep the prayer time accurate with the movement of the sun.
Islamic prayer rugs are placed on the area where the person intends to pray, thus ensuring the area is clean. The person must also come to prayer clean of body, washing beforehand if necessary. The rug should be placed with the top facing in the direction of Mecca, and the worshiper should face this way during prayer.
One of the most important parts of prayer is intention. Muslims do everything with clear intent. Clearing the mind and preparing to give thanks is one of the first and most important points of every prayer ritual.
Though prayer at any time is encouraged, the formal prayers are performed during those five set times every day. Each of them has a clear purpose:
Fajr. Performed right before sunrise, this prayer is meant to show remembrance of God, or Allah. It is meant to help start the day out on a clean slate and in the right mindset.
Dhuhr. At noon, this prayer is meant to offer a break from work during which thanks is given for the work, and remembrance of God is held strong.
Asr. This is the time to give thanks in prayer for the important parts of our lives, such as work, family, children, community, and all the other good parts that make up who we are.
Maghrib. As the day comes to a close, a time of remembrance is observed, again keeping God close to the heart.
Isha. The evening prayer is to give thanks for making it through another day, and to recognize God’s mercy and forgiveness.