Hello. Can I perform salat (prayer) even if I am not muslim?

Question

I am very interested in Islam and I was thinking if I can do that or do I have to become muslim first. I want to see how being muslim feels before I decide. Thank you.

Answer 1

Yes you can perform Salat even if you are Muslim. Remember that the most important aspect of the Salat, is communication with God! Yes it is necessary to learn the steps of the Salat, what to say and what to do, but what is more important is the spiritual part of it. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said "The prayer is communication between the servant and his Lord". He also said that the prayer is the "Miraj" (ascension) of the believer. Which compares between the Salat and his night journey to heaven. There are so many spiritual benefits of the Salat, and this is what one should try to concentrate on while praying. Try to think about the spiritual meaning of every phrase you say, and every movement you do. Always remember that during the Salat, you are giving the chance to talk to God directly, without mediators, and with Him watching you and listening to you and giving you all the attention that you give Him! Enjoy it as much as you can.

With due respect to other contributors, it is not right that you will not receive reward for praying. Prayer is not about accumulating points. It's about talking to God. God will listen to you no matter what you are.

Finally, if you are convinced that Islam is the truth, then take my advice: you don't need to check every detail. Just make your shahadah and ask Allah to guide you through your steps. Nobody is perfect as a Muslim, and nobody knows all about Islam, even those who were born Muslim and have lived in Islam for 50 years. Yet Allah is Merciful and if He opened for you the road and gave you the chance to learn about Islam, it is because He wants the best for you.

Take care, and Salaam!

Answer 2

I feel very happy. May Allah Guide to the right path.

First of learn how to perform salat through books or any web site and practice salat before converting to Islam. But you will not get any reward for your salat till you become a Muslim.

Answer 3

How do I Revert (Convert) to Islam?
If anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah for all human-beings, then, one should pronounce the "Shahaadah", the testimony of faith, without further delay. The Holy Qur‘an is explicit on this regard as Allah states:

"The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 19.

In another verse of the Holy Qur'an, Allah states:

"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the hell fire)." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 85.

In addition, Islam is the only religion prevailing over all other religions. Allah states in the Holy Qur'an:

"He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion. And Allah sufficeth as a Witness." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 48, Verse 28.

Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), said: The superstructure of Islam is raised on five (pillars):

1. Testifying that there is no God (none truly to be worshiped) but Allah, and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah,

2. Performing the prayer (meaning the formal obligatory daily prayer of a Muslim, other non-formal prayers are not obligatory and may be performed when the person wishes),

3. Paying the Zakat (poor-due, an annual 2.5% {amount varies depending upon what is the nature of the wealth, e.g. gold, money, livestock etc} portion of your wealth which is to be distributed amongst the poor),

4. Fasting the month of Ramadhaan (fasting from dawn to sunset),

5. Performing Hajj (a pilgrimage to the Ka’bah (sacred house built by Aadam and rebuilt by Ibraaheem) in Makkah, at least once in a lifetime for the person who is able to).

The Shahaadah can be declared as follows:

"ASH-HADU ANLA ILAAHA ILL-ALLAH WA ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADAN RASOOL-ALLAH".

The English translation is:


"I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshipped) but, Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah",

However, it would not be sufficient for anyone to only utter this testimony orally either in private or in public; but rather, he should believe in it by heart with a firm conviction and unshakeable faith. If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person. This will move him to strive more and more to improve his character and draw nearer to perfection. The light of the living faith will fill his heart until he becomes the embodiment of that faith.

What would be next after declaring oneself a Muslim? One should then know the real concept underlying this testimony which means the Oneness of Allah and meet its requirements. One must behave accordingly, applying this true faith to every thing one speaks or does.

What do the words of the "Shahada" signify?
http://islam.thetruecall.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15

Answer 4

Its really not a major task. It take 5010 minutes of your time and its a bit like a drug really. Life feels reenergized after each prayer.

Answer 5

how it can be muslim u dont become a muslim it means u dont believe in allah so to whom u are praying. Frist u have to say kama la iaha illallaho mohammadur rasullah then u will become muslim and after that u can do the things whatever quran and hadith says.
Check it out
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-g4_D.ikodLPvffnvNVnPtbUUlMOjFiw-?cq=1

Answer 6

Yes, you can practice salah before becoming a Muslim ..

Here is flash for the beginners:
http://english.islamway.com/flashpage.php?id=2&cat=1&file_name=PrayerBeg&width=782&hight=438

Answer 7

You can perform salaat before reverting to Islam, but will not receive any reward for it. When prostrating in salaat ask Allah/God for guidance.

take care

Answer 8

My dear you can practice islam to understand yourself andwhen u feel the light you can do it.

Answer 9

Yes of course you can.
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ASH-HADU ANLA ELAHA ILLA-ALLAH WA ASH-HADU ANNA MOHAMMADAN RASUL-ALLAH
"I bear witness that there is no deity other than Allah(SWT)
and that Muhammad(PBUH) is his servant and Messenger."