Prayer Guide
Learn how to perform the Islamic prayer (Salah) step by step
What is Salah?
Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the most important act of worship. Muslims are required to pray five times a day at specific times. Prayer is a direct connection between the worshipper and Allah.
إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا
"Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at specified times."
Quran 4:103
Before Prayer
Clean Place
The place of prayer must be clean. Use a prayer mat if available.
Proper Clothing
Cover the awrah (parts that must be covered). For men: navel to knees. For women: entire body except face and hands.
Daily Prayers
| Prayer | Sunnah Before | Fard | Sunnah After | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 | - | 4 |
| Dhuhr | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Asr | 4 | 4 | - | 8 |
| Maghrib | - | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Isha | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
Note: Sunnah prayers are recommended but not obligatory. Fard prayers are obligatory.
How to Pray
Intention (Niyyah)
Stand facing the Qibla. Make the intention in your heart for the specific prayer you are about to perform. The intention does not need to be spoken aloud.
Takbiratul Ihram
Raise your hands to your ears (or shoulders for women) and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). This begins the prayer.
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Allahu Akbar
Opening Supplication (Thana)
Place your hands on your chest (right over left) and recite the opening supplication. Then seek refuge in Allah from Satan and say Bismillah.
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghayruk
Recite Al-Fatiha and a Surah
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (required in every rak'ah) followed by another surah or verses from the Quran (in the first two rak'ah).
Ruku (Bowing)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow with your back straight, hands on knees. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal Azim" (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ
Subhana Rabbiyal Azim (3 times)
Rising from Ruku
Rise from bowing while saying "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him), then "Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (Our Lord, and to You is the praise).
سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ، رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ
Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd
First Sujud (Prostration)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and prostrate with forehead, nose, both palms, knees, and toes touching the ground. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
Subhana Rabbiyal A'la (3 times)
Sitting Between Prostrations
Rise from prostration saying "Allahu Akbar" and sit briefly. Say "Rabbighfir li" (Lord, forgive me) once or twice.
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي
Rabbighfir li
Second Sujud
Perform the second prostration exactly as the first, saying "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times.
Tashahhud
After the second rak'ah (and in the final sitting), recite the Tashahhud (testimony of faith). In the final rak'ah, also recite Salawat upon the Prophet.
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin
Taslim (Closing)
End the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying "As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), then to the left.
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ
As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah
Essential Surahs for Prayer
Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening)
Recited in every rak'ah of prayer
Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Sincerity)
A short surah commonly recited after Al-Fatiha
Prayer Tips
Focus and Concentration
Clear your mind and focus on the meaning of what you recite. Pray as if you see Allah, and if you cannot see Him, know that He sees you.
Pray on Time
Try to pray as soon as the prayer time enters. The Prophet (PBUH) said the best deed is prayer at its proper time.
Be Consistent
Establish a regular prayer routine. Consistency is key to developing a strong connection with Allah.
Learn Gradually
Start with the basics and gradually learn more surahs and duas. Do not be discouraged if you make mistakes.