Namaz is Fard for everyone, it is the first thing you will be asked about on the day of judgement
Salah is the second pillar of Islam, it is practical proof of our faith in Allah and Islam.
In the Qur'an it say's
Quote:
"Indeed, I am Allah; there is no god except Myself; so worship Me and establish Salah to remember me" (20:14)
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There are five salah a day and they are prayed at certain times
Fajr: from down, until just before sunrise.
Zuhr: After midday until afternoon
'Asr: From late afternoon unitl just before sunset.
Maghrib: After sunset until daylight ends
Isha: Night until midnight or dawn
Quote:
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"Salah at fixed times has been enjoined on the believers" (4:103)
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There are 3 types of Salah the Fard which are compulsory, Sunnah which are extra rak'ahs Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prayed in addition to Fard prayer and nafilah which are optional.
There are 17 rak'ahs of fard prayers a day.
Fajr: 2 rak'ahs
Zuhr: 4 rak'ahs
'Asr: 4 rak'ahs
Maghrib: 3 rak'ahs
Isha: 3 rak'ahs
In addition to these 17 Fard rak'ahs Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also prayed 3 witr after Isha Salah- these are also considered Fard.
Times when you must NOT pray:
1. From the beggining of sunrise until 15-20 minutes after full sunrise.
2. When the sun is at its height (senith or meridian)
3. From the beginning of sunset until it is fully set.
4. For women during menstruation, and for upto 40 days during post childbirth bleeding.