How to Pray in Islam

Co-authored by Mekaeel Mohsin

Last Updated: December 5, 2024 Approved

Prayer (salat; plural salah or "salawat") is one of the five pillars of Islam. Completing the five daily prayers in the way taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an obligation for all adult Muslims (those who have reached puberty), and should be strictly required of children aged ten and over. It is believed that communication with Allah is critical to strengthening the faith of the believer. Muslims believe that Allah speaks to us through the Qur'an, and salah is our means of responding to Allah. Whether you're just curious as to how Muslims pray or if you're looking to learn for yourself, it's never too early to start.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing for Prayer

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1
Ensure the area chosen for prayer is clean and free of impurities. This includes your body, your clothes, and the place of prayer itself.
- Perform wudu. You must be ritually pure before you go start praying. If you're not, it's required to perform wudu (ablution) before you do. If since your last prayer, you have urinated, defecated, passed gas, bled excessively, passed madhy (seminal fluid), or fallen asleep leaning/laying down, you need to perform wudu.^{[1]
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- If you are praying in a masjid (mosque), which is highly encouraged for men, enter quietly—other Muslims might still be praying and you don't want to disturb them.
- Many Muslims families keep a dedicated area for salah in their home. If you are unsure of the cleanliness of your area, spread a mat on the floor for good measure. This prayer rug is very important to Islamic culture.
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Perform ghusl (full shower) if needed. Certain circumstances will require that you perform ghusl instead of wudu to be fully cleansed by removing najas (impurities) before praying. You need to perform ghusl if you wish to pray after having sexual intercourse, ending your menstruation period or postpartum bleeding, giving birth, having a wet dream or ejaculating with sexual pleasure. ^{[2]
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- To perform ghusl, you must wash your entire body and hair with water. It is recommended that you wash 3 times, making sure every part of the skin has been run under water.
- Note that when you perform either wudu or ghusl, anything that prevents water from touching the obligatory areas of the body must be removed, including things such as nail polish, accessories, and waterproof mascara.^{[3]
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- If you do not perform wudu or ghusl when required by the Shariah then the prayer will not be valid and will not be accepted.
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Perform tayammum (dry purification) if needed. If a Muslim is unable to use water, he or she may choose to perform tayammum instead of wudu or ghusl. This rite involves using clean soil or dirt or a natural rock that has not been used before to perform tayammum.^{[4]
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Face the Qibla. This is the direction all Muslims face to turn in prayer towards the Holy Ka'bah. The Holy Mosque in Mecca is the most revered place of worship for Muslims around the entire world. All Muslims are required to face the Ka'bah five times every day when offering their prayers.
- If you are traveling on a ship or airplane and fear that the time of prayer will end before you reach someplace where you can determine the direction of Ka'bah then, in that case, you can offer Salat without facing Ka'bah. It is Mustahab (recommended) that one face the Ka'bah at least during the takbeer of ihram (saying "Allahu Akbar" at the beginning of Salat).^{[5]
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Pray at the proper time. The five prayers of each day take place at very specific times according to one's geographic location and the time of year.^{[11]
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"Indeed, the prayer is on the believers prescribed (at) fixed times." Quran 4:103} For each one, there is a brief period of time it can be performed, determined by the rising and falling of the sun. Each fard salah takes about 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish, but should never be hurried.
- Try to pray the prayers at the start of the appointed time, as Allah will appreciate your enthusiasm to pray.
- The five prayers are Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. They are at dawn, afternoon, in the mid-afternoon, at sunset, and at night, respectively. They are not at the same time each day, as they are timed by the sun, which changes path throughout the seasons.
- Each of the five salah contains a specified number of rak'ah (units), as follows: Obligatory prayers: - Fajr prayer (2 units (Rak'ah)) - Dhuhr prayer (4 units (Rak'ah)) - Asr prayer (4 units (Rak'ah)) - Maghrib prayer (3 units (Rak'ah)) - Isha prayer (4 units (Rak'ah))
- Additionally, many Muslims chose to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by praying additional optional prayers around the obligatory prayers, giving a daily cycle as follows:
  - Fajr - Two rak'ah sunnah mu'akkadah (optional but highly recommended), then two rak'ah fardh (obligatory);
  - Zuhr - Four rak'ah sunnah mu'akkadah (optional but highly recommended), then four rak'ah fardh (obligatory), then two rak'ah sunnah mu'akkdah (optional but highly recommended), then two rak'ah nafl (optional);
  - Asr - Four rak'ah sunnah ghayr mu'akkadah (optional but spiritually beneficial), then four rak'ah fardh (obligatory);
  - Maghrib - Three rak'ah fardh (obligatory), then two rak'ah sunnah mu'akkadah (optional but highly recommended), then two rak'ah nafl (optional);
  - Isha - Four rak'ah sunnah, then four rak'ah fardh (obligatory), then two rak'ah sunnah mu'akkadah (optional but highly recommended), then two rak'ah nafl (optional), then three rak'ah witr (optional but highly recommended), then two rak'ah nafl (optional).
- Whilst there is no penalty for not performing the sunnah and nafl prayers, they are a gift from Allah that should be embraced to improve one's connection with Allah and earn extra rewards.
EXPERT TIP

Mekaeel Mohsin
Imam
Shaykh Mekaeel is an Imam at the Islamic Community of Salinas in Salinas, California. He is the founder of the Voyagers of Knowledge YouTube channel, which creates Islamic educational content. He attended the Islamic University of Madinah and earned a degree from the school of Da'wah and Usuluddeen.

Mekaeel Mohsin
Imam

Do not question rituals. Have you ever wondered why Islamic prayers happen when they do? It's not about what's convenient — it's about committing to your faith. Allah knows best when it's the right time. See them not as hassles but as a thoughtful plan for your spiritual health.
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Learn to say prayers in Arabic. Salah must be performed in the Arabic language because this is the language that the Qur’an was revealed in. It also allows Muslims outside of Arabic-speaking countries to recite the prayers and understand what is being said. Speaking all prayers in the same language avoids the confusion of translating words into other languages.^{[7]
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- Use online sources to help you pronounce the obligatory prayer words, such as Rosetta Stone^{[8]
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- Take a course in Arabic at your local college. Learn and practice the correct pronunciations with an Arabic speaker as the prayer may be invalid if it is not recited correctly.
- Non-Arabic speaking children will benefit from attending evening or weekend madrassa classes to learn Arabic and study the Qur'an.
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Cover yourself. Men and women must both cover themselves with material that covers the skin throughout the prayer. While women must cover everything but their faces and hands, men must keep the area between their navel and knees covered.^{[12]
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- The material must cover the body during prayer movements. So if, for example, bending causes a piece of material to slip and expose skin on a woman’s neck, she would need to ensure that her clothing is tucked in properly or put more clothing on before she can start her prayer.

Part 2

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Performing the Muslim Prayers

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1
Make your intention known in your heart. Before initiating the salat, it is important that you have the intention to pray. This can be in your own language.
- For example, you may say (in your heart, not out loud) "I intend to perform two rakats Fajr salah, seeking nearness to Allah, in obedience to Him".
2
Raise your hands up next to your ears and shoulders, then say Allāhu akbar (الله أَكْبَر). This translates to "Allah is the greatest." Do this while standing (or sitting if you can't stand).
- The fingers should be spaced when the hands are raised.
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Place your right hand over your left hand. Place your hands either on your navel, on your chest, or between the two; there's a difference of opinion between Islamic schools of thoughts. Keep your eyes focused on the ground. It helps to keep your sight fixed on where your head will rest when prostrating later. Do not let your eyes wander.
- Recite the optional Istiftah Du'a (opening prayer):
  
  Subhanakal-lahumma
  Wabihamdika watabarakas-muka wataaaala
  Jadduka wala ilaha ghayruk.
  A’auodu billaahi minash-shaytaanir rajeem
  Bis-millaahir rahmaanir raheem
- Follow it with Surah Al-Fatiha (this Surah is recited in each Rak'ah):
  
  Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
  Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen
  Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem
  Maaliki Yawmid-Deen
  Iyyaaka na'budu wa lyyaaka nasta'een
  Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem
  Siraatal-ladheena an'amta 'alaihim
  Ghayril-maghdoobi 'alaihim wa lad-daaalleen
- Recite any other surah or any part of the Qu'ran, such as Surah Ikhlas:
  
  Qul huwal laahu ahad
  Allah hus-samad
  Lam yalid wa lam yoolad
  Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad
- Reciting a surah after Al-Fatiha is only done in the first 2 units (Rakaa's) of fardh salat while in sunnah mu'akkadah it is done in all units (Rakaa's).^{[13]
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Say "Allahu Akbar" and bend down. Bend your body so that your back and neck are as straight as possible and level with the ground, keeping your eyes focused on the ground and keep your fingers and palm on the knees. Your back and head should be at a 90° angle with your legs. You don't need to make a perfect angle; your body should be relaxed. This position is called ruku.
- While bowing, say, Subhanna Rabbiyal Adheem three times. This translates to, "Glorious is my Lord the most great."
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Stand back up (raise from ruku). While rising up recite Samiallah Huliman Hamidah with your arms beside you. This means "Allah hears those who praise Him".
- While standing up, recite Rabana Walakal Hamd (Our Lord, all praise is for you) once. You can also add Hamdan Katheeran Tayyiban Mubaarakan Feeh" (praise which is abundant, excellent and blessed) after.^{[14]
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Say Allahu Akbar and prostrate. Place your head, knees and hands on the floor. While "sujood" (prostration) make sure that your forehead and nose touch the ground. This is the position called "sajdah."
- When you are positioned fully, say Subhanna Rabbiyal A'laa (Glorious is my Lord, the most High) three times.
- Your forearms should not be on the floor.^{[15]
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- Your fingers should be together.^{[16]
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Rise from sajdah and sit on your knees. Place your left foot from ball to heel on the floor. Your right foot should be toes on the floor only. Place your hands flat on your knees. You can recite Allahumma-ghfir lee warhamnee wajburnee, warfa’nee, wa 'aafinee war'zuqnee (O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, strengthen me, raise me in status, pardon me and grant me provision), or If its easier you can say "Rabirghfirlee" (Lord, forgiveme) three times.
- There are other du'as that you can recite in this position, such as Allahuma-ghfirlee twice (O Allah, forgive me).
- Return to sajdah and say Subhanna Rabbiyal a'laa three times.
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Say Allahu akbar and stand up. You have completed one rak'ah. Depending on the salah, you may need to complete up to three more.
- In every second rak'ah, after the second sajdah, sit on your knee again. Recite:
- Tashahhud: At-tahiyyaatu Lillaahi was-salaawaatu wat-tayyibaatu. As-salaamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu. As-salaamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibaad-illaah-his-saaliheen. Ash-hadu al-aa ilaaha ill-Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluhu
  - "All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger".
- Durood: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad, wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibraaheem, wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, fil aalameen innak hameedun majeed, wa baarik ‘ala Muhammad, wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama baarakta ‘ala Ibraaheem, wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, fil aalameen innak hameedun majeed
  - "O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibraaheem and the family of Ibraaheem, You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibraaheem and the family of Ibraaheem, You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory".
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Finish the prayer with tasleem. After the tashahhud, durood, and any du'a

(in Arabic) you wish to recite, end the prayer by:

1
- Turning your head to the right and saying, As-salamu alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu. The angel who records your good deeds is to this side.
- Turning your head to the left and saying, As-salamu alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu. The angel who records your wrongful deeds is to this side. The prayers have ended!
- Another variation of the tasleem is by saying As-salamu alaykum wa Rahmatullah.

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Where can I find Islamic prayers in English?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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You can find many translations online, or use a book such as Ṣalāt: The Muslim Prayer Book by Islam International Publications Ltd.

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What are the 5 daily prayers in Islam?

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The 5 prayers are Fajr, the dawn prayer; Zhuhr, the early afternoon prayer; Asr, the late afternoon prayer; Maghrib, the sunset prayer; and Isha’a, the night prayer.

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How can I stop myself from avoiding prayer because of laziness?

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You may need to look within yourself to find motivation to pray. Ask yourself why you pray, what you hope to get out of it, etc. Reminding yourself of your reasons for prayer might encourage you to be more mindful about it.

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Try your best to pray all your salah every day, especially if you're mature - you are accountable for your deeds. If you're at school or work, and there are no provisions for you to pray there, you can catch up the prayer when you return home.

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Consider using a smartphone or computer app to prevent missing prayers.

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There are different terms to describe rak'ahs. A fardh rak'ah refers to one that is compulsory; a sunnah rak'ah is one that was done by the Prophet and is highly recommended; a nafl rak'ah is one that is rewardable but not obligatory; and witr refers to the highly recommended prayer performed after Isha.

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Warnings

Plan your daily life around the five salaah, not the other way round.

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Don't talk during your salah and always maintain focus.

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Make sure your body and cloth are clean and smells good before going to mosque or practicing salah. It is disliked to have an unpleasant smell while praying and if this smell is so bad to the extent that it annoys other worshippers, this is forbidden. In particular, garlic is disliked.

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Don't disturb others if they are praying or stand/walk in front of someone who is praying. The Prophet (PBUH) forbade that. You may keep a Sutrah (barrier) in front of a praying Mumin so that people can pass in front of praying Mumin if need be.^{[17]
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Never talk loudly in a mosque; this might disturb others in prayer. In fact, it is disliked to speak about worldly matters because that defeats the purpose of the mosque, which is for worship, obedience, and seeking knowledge.^{[18]
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