The Qur’an tells us that Allah took His servant by night from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. This journey is called Al-Isra. It was a special sign from Allah and showed the honour Allah gave to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

For young learners, explain it simply: Allah took the Prophet ﷺ on a special night journey and showed him great signs.

Source: Qur’an 17:1

After the Night Journey, the Prophet ﷺ was taken up through the heavens. This is called Al-Mi’raj. In the authentic hadith, he met several prophets. One of them was Prophet Musa عليه السلام.

This part of the story helps learners understand that Salah was not simply invented later. It was given as a special command from Allah during this great journey.

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 349

At first, fifty prayers were given for each day and night. When the Prophet ﷺ met Musa عليه السلام, Musa advised him to ask Allah to make it lighter for the people. The Prophet ﷺ returned and asked Allah. This happened until the prayers became five each day and night.

Allah, in His mercy, kept the reward very great: five prayers in action, but fifty in reward. This teaches children that Salah is both a duty and a mercy from Allah.

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 349

The Prophet ﷺ did not choose the prayer times by himself. Jibril عليه السلام came and demonstrated the prayers. He prayed Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, and the Prophet ﷺ followed him.

The Qur’an also teaches that prayer has appointed times. That means each prayer belongs to a part of the day: Fajr at dawn, Dhuhr after midday, Asr in the afternoon, Maghrib after sunset, and Isha at night.

Sources: Sahih al-Bukhari 521/522; Qur’an 4:103