Most Muslims pray five times a day. They pray early in the morning, in the middle of the day, in the afternoon, when it becomes dark and just before going to bed.

Sometimes Muslims pray in their house, where they work, in the street or at the mosque. A mosque is a special place where Muslims meet together to pray and read the Qu'ran. All Muslims try to pray in the mosque on Friday. This is a special day for prayer in the mosque.

Before praying, Muslims have a wash. They want to make themselves fit to pray to Allah, who is holy. Muslims always pray with bare feet, and with their head covered. During their prayers, Muslims stand, kneel and lie down. This is all done on a special mat. Sometimes, they use a string of 99 beads to help them praise Allah.

Muslims always pray facing towards Mecca, the city where Muhammad was born. If they pray outside the mosque, they can use a special compass to work out the correct way to face.

Praying is one of five important rules by which Muslims lead their lives. These rules are called the Five Pillars.

A Primary Vision resource provided by Stockport Christians in Schools Trust