Steps of Shia Prayer vs. Steps of Sunni Prayer

Attribute	Steps of Shia Prayer	Steps of Sunni Prayer
Number of Rakats	2-4 rakats for each prayer	2-4 rakats for each prayer
Position of Hands	Hands are placed on the sides	Hands are placed on the chest
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha	Recited in every rakat	Recited in every rakat
Recitation of Additional Surah	Optional to recite additional surah after Al-Fatiha	Optional to recite additional surah after Al-Fatiha
Tashahhud	Recited in every rakat	Recited in the final rakat
Position of Prostration	Forehead touches a piece of clay or stone	Forehead touches the prayer mat

Introduction

Prayer is an essential aspect of both Shia and Sunni Islam, with each sect having its own specific way of performing the ritual. While both Shia and Sunni prayers share some similarities, there are also distinct differences in the steps involved in each prayer. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the steps of Shia prayer and Sunni prayer.

Steps of Shia Prayer

Shia Muslims perform their prayers in a slightly different manner compared to Sunni Muslims. In Shia prayer, there are five obligatory prayers to be performed each day, namely Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. The steps involved in Shia prayer include the following:

• Takbiratul Ihram: This is the opening takbir, where the worshipper raises their hands to their ears and says "Allahu Akbar" to signify the start of the prayer.
• Qiyam: The worshipper stands upright and recites Surah Al-Fatiha and another chapter from the Quran.
• Ruku: The worshipper bows down with their hands on their knees, reciting praises of Allah.
• Sujood: The worshipper prostrates on the ground with their forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground.
• Tashahhud: The worshipper sits and recites the Tashahhud, a declaration of faith.

Steps of Sunni Prayer

Sunni Muslims also perform five obligatory prayers each day, following a slightly different method compared to Shia Muslims. The steps involved in Sunni prayer include the following:

• Takbir: The worshipper raises their hands to their ears and says "Allahu Akbar" to begin the prayer.
• Qiyam: The worshipper stands upright and recites Surah Al-Fatiha and another chapter from the Quran.
• Ruku: The worshipper bows down with their hands on their knees, reciting praises of Allah.
• Sujood: The worshipper prostrates on the ground with their forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground.
• Tashahhud: The worshipper sits and recites the Tashahhud, a declaration of faith.

Comparison of Steps

While the steps of Shia and Sunni prayers may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two. One notable difference is in the recitation of the Tashahhud. In Shia prayer, the Tashahhud is recited while sitting down, whereas in Sunni prayer, it is recited in the final sitting position before ending the prayer.

Another difference is in the way the hands are positioned during prayer. Shia Muslims keep their hands by their sides during prayer, while Sunni Muslims fold their hands across their chest. This difference in hand positioning is a distinct feature of each sect's prayer practice.

Additionally, Shia Muslims perform the Qunoot supplication during the Fajr prayer, while Sunni Muslims do not include this supplication in their prayer. The Qunoot supplication is a special prayer recited during times of hardship or calamity, and its inclusion in Shia prayer sets it apart from Sunni prayer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Shia and Sunni prayers share common elements such as the Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sujood, and Tashahhud, there are also notable differences in the way each sect performs their prayers. These differences in the steps of Shia and Sunni prayer reflect the unique practices and traditions of each sect within Islam. Understanding these differences can help foster greater appreciation and respect for the diversity within the Muslim community.