What are the rules of salah?

Salah, or Islamic prayer, has several key rules: it must be performed five times a day at prescribed times, facing the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca). Each prayer consists of specific units called rak'ahs, which include recitations and physical movements such as standing, bowing, and prostrating. Cleanliness is essential, requiring a state of ritual purity (wudu) before performing the prayer. Additionally, the intention (niyyah) to pray must be made in the heart before starting the prayer.