English: Salat is one of the "five pillars" of the faith of Islam and an obligatory religious duty for every Muslim. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual act of worship observed five times every day at prescribed times. Salat consists of a set of prescribed postures during which certain verses, phrases, and prayers are recited. In this ritual, the worshiper stands facing the Kaaba, kneels, bows, and concludes sitting on the ground. To a certain extent, salat is similar to yoga, but it is performed at a faster pace. For centuries, salat has been known as the "five daily Muslim prayers." Not until recently did it come to the world's attention that the prescribed times for each salat create a synchronized global formation-a global phenomenon.

The word "Islam" has several meanings, including peace, surrender, and submission, among others. A person peacefully surrenders and submits to the will of God by observing Islam's five obligatory duties. Those five duties include salat; fasting during the month of Ramadan; donating to specific charity causes; making a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the city of Makkah (if financially able); and, most importantly, declaring belief in the One God (Allah).

Muslims believe that God created human beings to serve and worship Him, and Salat is a constant reminder of this purpose and obligation. Muslims, including those living in the fast lane, fighting in battlefields, or lying sick in bed, routinely interrupt whatever they are doing to serve the purpose of their existence by performing this ritual. Salat postures and duration can be adjusted to accommodate special needs or circumstances. Patients, for example, can perform Salat while resting in bed and without moving at all. Preparing for Salat by washing one's face, arms, feet, etc. has a refreshing, cooling, and relaxing effect. Once a person stands in a clean and quiet or secluded place, he or she is mentally ready to whisper prayers to his creator. If performed according to the traditions, the concentration, recitations, and prayers during the various postures bring tranquility, inner peace, and humility to the individual, Muslims believe. "God is most Great" are the first words a person utters in Salat and "May peace and God's compassion and blessings be with you" are the last words.