What is Salah and why do we pray?

Whether you have recently converted to Islam or have been a Muslim for many years, I designed this guide just for you :) 

All of the lessons will be designed to help anyone who wants to learn how to pray salah. 

Before we look at how to pray let's first take a loom at what salah is and why we as Muslims pray.

What is Salah?

Salah is a special annd very important form of worship for Muslims and is the second pillar of Islam, after shahadah. Salah is compulsory (fardh) on every Muslim and is compulsory to pray 5 times a day, this is revealed to us in the holy Qu'ran and was taught to us by our Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon Him).

Let's take a look at some verses in the Qu'ran which tell us about prayer (salah).

But those who hold fast to the Book and establish prayer – indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of the pious.
Qur'an - Chapter 7, Verse 170

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.
Qur'an - Chapter 29, Verse 45
The salah involves a number of physical movements (which we will look at later on). Muslims face the holy Ka'ba (the sacred house of Allah in Makkah) whenever they perform prayer. Muslims stand, bow, prostrate, and sit during the prayer. It involves reciting verses from the holy Qu'ran in Arabic along with a number of du'aas (supplications). This is all done to show humility and submission to Allah. 
Why do we pray Salah?Muslims believe that we have one sole purpose in this life and that is to worship Allah (SWT) alone. Soon after our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) became prophet the performance of salah was one of the first commandments given to us by Allah. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) told us: “Between a man and polytheism and disbelief there stands his neglect of the prayer.”
Why do Muslims pray 5 times a day?This question is quite common and many people do not know the real reason of where the number five came from. When Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) became a Prophet at the age of forty one of the first things he was taught was how to pray. Allah sent the angel Gabriel (Jibreel) to teach him how to make wudu and perform the salah.Some 11 years after the beginning of prophethood a miraculous journey took place in which the angel Gabriel took Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to the first heaven. It was during this event that Allah commanded him and the Muslims to specifically pray five times a day. This event was recorded in the Holy Qur’an and we also have authentic narrations from the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself that he undertook this journey.
Next lesson we will look at how to make wudhu in shaa Allah (if god wills).