Introduction
Prayer (Salah) is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. It is the second pillar of Islam and serves as a direct connection between a believer and Allah. Muslims pray five times a day at specific times, and learning how to perform these prayers is an essential step for every new Muslim.
In this guide, we will explain the types of prayers, how to prepare for prayer, and a step-by-step process to perform it correctly.
1. Understanding the Structure of Prayer
Each prayer is made up of Rak‘ahs (units of prayer). A Rak‘ah is one complete cycle of prayer movements and recitations.
Each Rak‘ah consists of:
- Standing and reciting verses from the Quran
- Bowing (Ruku‘)
- Standing again after bowing
- Prostrating (Sujood) – touching the forehead to the ground
- Sitting briefly before performing another prostration
A prayer can have two, three, or four Rak‘ahs, depending on the time of day and type of prayer being performed.
2. Types of Prayers in Islam
A. Five Daily Obligatory Prayers (Fard Salah)
These are the five prayers that every Muslim must perform:
| Prayer | Time of Day | Number of Rak‘ahs |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | Before dawn | 2 Rak‘ahs |
| Dhuhr | Midday | 4 Rak‘ahs |
| Asr | Afternoon | 4 Rak‘ahs |
| Maghrib | Sunset | 3 Rak‘ahs |
| Isha | Night | 4 Rak‘ahs |
B. Additional Prayers
- Sunnah Prayers – Recommended prayers performed before or after the obligatory prayers for extra rewards.
- Witr Prayer – A special odd-numbered prayer performed after Isha.
- Tahajjud – An optional prayer before dawn for those seeking extra closeness to Allah.
- Friday Prayer (Jumu’ah) – Performed in congregation instead of Dhuhr.
3. Preparing for Prayer (Salah)
Before performing prayer, you must ensure the following:
Purification (Wudu) – Perform ablution to clean yourself.
Clean Clothing & Place – Your body, clothes, and prayer space must be clean.
Facing the Qiblah – Stand facing the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah.
Correct Intention (Niyyah) – Silently intend which prayer you are about to perform.
Time of Prayer – Each prayer must be performed at its designated time.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Salah
Step 1: Stand Facing the Qiblah & Make Intention
- Stand upright and silently intend the prayer in your heart. Example: “I intend to perform Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah.”
Step 2: Begin with Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
- Raise both hands to your ears (men) or shoulders (women) and say:
“Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
Step 3: Recite Surah Al-Fatihah (Opening Chapter of the Quran)
- Place your right hand over your left on your chest and recite:
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem” (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate). - Then recite Surah Al-Fatihah completely.
Step 4: Recite Another Short Chapter (Surah)
- Example: Surah Al-Ikhlas (Say, He is Allah, the One…).
Step 5: Bowing (Ruku‘)
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and bend forward, placing your hands on your knees.
- Keep your back straight and say:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
Step 6: Stand Up from Bowing
- Rise from bowing and say:
“Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him). - While standing, say:
“Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, all praise is for You).
Step 7: Prostration (Sujood)
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and lower yourself to the ground.
- Place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground and say:
“Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Step 8: Sit Between the Two Prostrations
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit with your hands on your thighs.
- Say “Rabbighfir li” (O my Lord, forgive me).
Step 9: Perform the Second Prostration
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and repeat Sujood.
Step 10: Stand Up for the Next Rak‘ah
- After completing one Rak‘ah, stand up and repeat steps 3 to 9 for the second Rak‘ah.
Step 11: Sitting in the Last Rak‘ah (Tashahhud)
- After the final Rak‘ah, sit and recite:
“At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu…” (All greetings, prayers, and good things belong to Allah). - In the final sitting of the prayer, also recite:
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad…” (O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad).
Step 12: End the Prayer with Salam
- Turn your head to the right and say:
“Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). - Turn your head to the left and repeat the same words.
Your prayer is now complete!
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Praying too fast – Ensure each movement is performed calmly.
🚫 Not reciting Surah Al-Fatihah properly – Learn the correct pronunciation.
🚫 Improper Sujood – Ensure all seven parts touch the ground.
🚫 Skipping obligatory prayers – These must never be missed without a valid excuse.
6. Struggles as a New Muslim & Tips to Improve
- Don’t worry if you don’t memorize everything immediately – Take your time to learn.
- Listen to audio recitations to improve your pronunciation.
- Use a guide or app to help until you feel comfortable praying on your own.
- Pray at your own pace – Focus on quality over speed.
7. Answering Common Questions & Misconceptions
New Muslims may have many questions, and unfortunately, misconceptions about Islamic prayer are sometimes spread by the media.
🔹 If you have any doubts, questions, or confusion, check our Common Questions and Common Misconceptions pages to find clear answers.
Conclusion
Salah is the foundation of a Muslim’s spiritual life. By praying regularly, you strengthen your connection with Allah and find inner peace. Take it step by step, and remember, Allah rewards effort, even if you are still learning.
May Allah bless and guide you on this journey.
