Prayer (salah) is one of the pillars of Islam. These are the basic religious requirements enjoined on all Muslims by God.

Worship in Islam includes ritualistic acts such as prayer and fasting but it is also broadly understood as any thoughts and activities one does in worship of God.

Prayer in particular is considered an essential practice which Muslims are obliged to do because it puts faith into action, is a distinctive mark of a believer and its purpose is to channel communication with God. Muslims are directed to pray five times a day, giving them the opportunity to communicate with God at regular intervals, express their submission to God and re-affirm their faith.

Praying therefore cultivates a deep relationship between the individual and God, it is a visible, ritual act of submission and allows Muslims to fulfil their obligation to worship God. Praying at set times throughout the day alongside other Muslims in a mosque or prayer room unites the Muslims community in collective submission, worship, faith and practice.

Muslim prayer is done in a specific way in particular circumstances, so it requires a suitable place. Muslims are also directed to wash (wudu or wudhu) in a specific way before the daily prayers. Washing promotes cleanliness and respect before entering the mosque, prayer room or approaching the prayer mat and the action of washing is symbolic of the internal spiritual cleansing when one prepares and performs the prayers. One washes hands, mouth, nasal passages, face, forearms, wipes the head, and washes the feet. Washing the feet and nasal passages can be difficult or embarrassing in standard basins in shared washroom or toilet facilities. Ideally dedicated washing facilities could be provided for this requirement.

Prayer times are not at set minutes, but are 'windows' of a period of time during which the prayer is undertaken. Although Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day, they might not always find it easy to pray during these specific times. Some Muslims feel they should pray at the set times regardless of other activities, so they might choose to leave lectures early or arrive late. Many Muslims who try to pray at the specified times, yet recognise it is not always possible due to a lecture, will pray either before or after; they may consider the prayer itself more important than the time it is done.

Muslims gather communally at a masjid (mosque) to pray together at midday on Fridays. This can require consideration in scheduling lectures or seminars.