What Is the Difference Between Dua and Salah?

Salah and dua are both forms of worship. The words describe different practices that can come together in a Muslim’s day.

Salah has a prescribed form

The five daily Salah prayers have set windows and a form that includes standing, bowing and prostration as a person is able. A prayer timetable helps you know when the next Salah begins. In this context, the English word prayer refers to the ritual prayer.

Dua is supplication

Dua is turning to Allah in supplication. You can ask for guidance, express a need or seek forgiveness. It can be made at many moments in your day. If you are learning what may be said within Salah, ask your teacher or imam about the practice you follow. Quran 2:186 is a useful starting point for reflecting on supplication.

Read the passage on Quran.com

Hajo’s introduction to making dua