Q 3: In our country, some Muslims do not know the rules of Salah (Prayer) or reciting the Qur'an; they offer Salah silently without reciting Ayahs (Qur'anic verses), as there is no one to teach them. Is their Salah valid?

A: A Muslim must offer Salah, even if they do not know anything of the Qur'an, based on Allah's Statement: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If you memorize anything of the Qur'an, recite it. Otherwise, praise Allah, say "there is none worthy of worship but Allah", say "Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)" and then perform Ruku` (bowing)." However, they should learn Surah Al-Fatihah, as it is one of the pillars of Salah. It is also Mustahab (desirable) to learn more short Surahs (Qur'anic chapters). If they are unable to learn Surah Al-Fatihah, it is enough to pronounce Tasbih (saying: ''Subhan Allah [Glory be to Allah]''), Tahlil (saying ''La Ilah Illa Allah [there is no god worthy of worship but Allah]''), Tahmid (saying ''Praise be to Allah''), Takbir (saying ''Allah is the Greatest) and "La Hawla wala quwwate illa billah (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)". It was authentically reported that "A man told the Prophet (peace be upon him) man that he could not memorize anything of the Qur'an. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told him, 'Say: Subhan Allah, Al-Hamdulillah, (Part No. 5; Page No. 348) La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, La Hawla wala Quwwata illa billah Al-`Aliyy Al-`Azhim.'" May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.