The Prayer of Need (Salat al-Hajah) is a special prayer in Islam that a Muslim can perform when they are in need of something, seeking help from Allah for a specific concern or problem. This prayer is a way to turn to Allah, ask for His assistance, and express one’s reliance on Him.

How to Perform Salat al-Hajah:

1. Intention (Niyyah):
• Begin by making a sincere intention in your heart to perform Salat al-Hajah for the specific need you have. Intention is an essential part of any act of worship in Islam.
2. Performing Wudu (Ablution):
• Perform a full wudu (ablution) to ensure that you are in a state of purity before you begin the prayer.
3. Pray Two Rakat (Units of Prayer):
• First Rak‘ah:
1. Takbir: Begin the prayer by saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
2. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: After the opening takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
3. Recite Another Surah: After Al-Fatiha, recite any other Surah or verses from the Qur’an that you are comfortable with, such as Surah Al-Ikhlas.
4. Ruku (Bowing): Perform ruku, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
5. Standing After Ruku: Stand back up, saying “Sami‘ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him).
6. Sujood (Prostration): Go into sujood, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
7. Sit and Prostrate Again: Sit briefly, then perform a second sujood.
8. Stand for the Second Rak‘ah: After the second sujood, stand up to begin the second rak‘ah.
• Second Rak‘ah:
1. Recite Al-Fatiha: Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
2. Recite Another Surah: Recite another short Surah or verses from the Qur’an.
3. Ruku: Perform ruku.
4. Sami‘ Allahu liman hamidah: Stand up from ruku.
5. Sujood: Perform the first sujood.
6. Sit Briefly and Sujood Again: Sit briefly, then perform the second sujood.
7. Tashahhud and Salam: After the second sujood, sit for the tashahhud (testification of faith). Then, end the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
4. Supplication (Dua) After the Prayer:
• After completing the two rak‘ahs, raise your hands and make a sincere dua (supplication) to Allah, asking Him for whatever need or help you are seeking. You can use your own words or recite a specific supplication related to Salat al-Hajah.
• One common dua for Salat al-Hajah is:
• Translation: “There is no god but Allah, the Forbearing, the Most Generous. Glory be to Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. I ask You [O Allah] for what brings Your mercy and Your forgiveness, and for a share of every good deed, and safety from every sin. Do not leave me with any sin unforgiven, any worry unrelieved, or any need with which You are pleased unfulfilled, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy.”
5. Trust in Allah’s Response:
• After making your dua, place your trust in Allah and have confidence that He will respond in the way that is best for you, even if the response is not immediate or exactly as you expect.

Additional Points:

• Salat al-Hajah can be performed at any time of the day or night, except during the prohibited times of prayer (e.g., when the sun is rising, at its zenith, or when it is setting).
• It is important to remember that this prayer is about sincerity and turning to Allah in times of need, showing dependence on Him alone.
• While performing Salat al-Hajah is recommended, it is not obligatory, and it serves as a means of seeking Allah’s help and mercy.

Summary:

Salat al-Hajah is a special prayer a Muslim can perform when in need of Allah’s assistance. It consists of two rak‘ahs of prayer followed by a heartfelt supplication. This prayer emphasizes sincerity, trust in Allah, and reliance on His mercy and power