Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential part of a Muslim’s daily life. It is a direct connection between a believer and Allah. Muslims perform five obligatory prayers every day at their appointed times.
Learning how to pray may feel difficult at first, especially for a new Muslim. However, with regular practice, the words and movements become easier. What matters most is sincerity, humility, and the desire to worship Allah correctly.
This guide explains the general method of performing Salah. Some minor details may differ among Islamic schools of thought, but the main parts of the prayer remain the same.
What to Do Before Salah
Before beginning the prayer, make sure the following conditions are fulfilled:
- Perform Wudu if you are not already in a state of purification.
- Make sure your body, clothes, and place of prayer are clean.
- Cover the parts of the body that must be covered during Salah.
- Face the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah, known as the Qiblah.
- Make sure the correct prayer time has started.
- Form the intention in your heart for the prayer you are about to perform.
The intention does not have to be spoken aloud. It is enough to know in your heart which Salah you are offering.
How to Perform Two Rak’ahs of Salah
A rak’ah is one complete unit of prayer. The Fajr prayer contains two obligatory rak’ahs. The following method also helps explain the first two rak’ahs of other prayers.
1. Begin with Takbir
Stand facing the Qiblah.
Raise your hands and say:
Allahu Akbar
This means:
Allah is the Greatest.
You have now entered the prayer. Place your hands in the appropriate position according to the method you follow.
Look towards the place where your forehead will touch the ground during prostration.
2. Recite the Opening Supplication
You may recite the opening supplication:
Subhanak Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.
This means:
Glory and praise belong to You, O Allah. Blessed is Your name, exalted is Your majesty, and no one has the right to be worshipped except You.
The opening supplication is recommended. If someone does not know it yet, they may continue with the prayer.
3. Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
Say quietly:
A’udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajim.
Then say:
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim.
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah completely.
After finishing Surah Al-Fatihah, say:
Ameen.
Surah Al-Fatihah is an essential part of every rak’ah of Salah.
4. Recite Another Portion of the Quran
After Surah Al-Fatihah, recite another short Surah or a few verses from the Quran.
For example, you may recite Surah Al-Ikhlas:
Qul huwallahu ahad.
Allahus-samad.
Lam yalid wa lam yulad.
Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.
5. Perform Ruku
Say:
Allahu Akbar
Bow down by placing your hands on your knees. Keep your back reasonably straight and remain calm in this position.
Say at least three times:
Subhana Rabbiyal Azim
This means:
Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.
6. Stand Up from Ruku
Rise from the bowing position and say:
Sami Allahu liman hamidah
This means:
Allah hears the one who praises Him.
When you are standing upright, say:
Rabbana wa lakal hamd
This means:
Our Lord, all praise belongs to You.
Pause briefly and stand calmly before going into prostration.
7. Perform the First Sajdah
Say:
Allahu Akbar
Go down into Sajdah. Place your forehead and nose on the ground. Your hands, knees, and toes should also be placed appropriately on the ground.
Say at least three times:
Subhana Rabbiyal A’la
This means:
Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.
Sajdah is one of the most special moments in Salah. A person is closest to Allah while in prostration, so it is also a good time to make personal supplications.
8. Sit Between the Two Prostrations
Say:
Allahu Akbar
Rise from Sajdah and sit calmly.
You may say:
Rabbighfir li
This means:
My Lord, forgive me.
9. Perform the Second Sajdah
Say:
Allahu Akbar
Go into Sajdah again and say:
Subhana Rabbiyal A’la
Repeat it at least three times.
This completes the first rak’ah.
10. Begin the Second Rak’ah
Say:
Allahu Akbar
Stand up for the second rak’ah.
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another short Surah or some verses from the Quran.
Then perform Ruku, stand upright, and complete the two prostrations in the same way as the first rak’ah.
11. Sit for Tashahhud
After completing the second Sajdah of the second rak’ah, remain seated.
Recite:
At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat.
As-salamu alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
As-salamu alaina wa ala ibadillahis-salihin.
Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.
This means:
All greetings, prayers, and pure words belong to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that no one has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
12. Recite Salawat Upon the Prophet
After the Tashahhud, recite Salat Ibrahimiyyah:
Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammad, kama sallaita ala Ibrahima wa ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidum Majid.
Allahumma barik ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahima wa ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidum Majid.
You may then make a short supplication before ending the prayer.
13. End the Prayer with Salam
Turn your face to the right and say:
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah
Then turn your face to the left and say:
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah
This completes a two-rak’ah Salah.
How to Perform a Three-Rak’ah Prayer
Maghrib contains three obligatory rak’ahs.
After completing the second rak’ah, sit and recite the Tashahhud. Then stand for the third rak’ah.
In the third rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatihah. Then perform Ruku and the two prostrations.
After the second Sajdah, sit again and recite the Tashahhud, Salat Ibrahimiyyah, and a supplication. End the prayer by saying Salam to the right and left.
How to Perform a Four-Rak’ah Prayer
Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha each contain four obligatory rak’ahs.
After completing the second rak’ah, sit and recite the Tashahhud. Then stand for the third rak’ah.
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah in the third and fourth rak’ahs. Complete Ruku and the two prostrations in each rak’ah.
After the fourth rak’ah, sit and recite the Tashahhud, Salat Ibrahimiyyah, and a supplication. End the Salah with Salam to both sides.
The Five Daily Obligatory Prayers
The five daily prayers are:
- Fajr: Two obligatory rak’ahs
- Dhuhr: Four obligatory rak’ahs
- Asr: Four obligatory rak’ahs
- Maghrib: Three obligatory rak’ahs
- Isha: Four obligatory rak’ahs
There are also Sunnah and voluntary prayers connected with the daily prayers. A Muslim should learn and perform them gradually.
Pray with Calmness and Concentration
Salah should not be performed in a hurried manner. Each position should be completed calmly. Try to understand the words you recite and remember that you are standing before Allah.
It is normal for the mind to become distracted. Whenever this happens, gently bring your attention back to the prayer.
Do not become discouraged if you make mistakes while learning. Continue practising and seek guidance from a qualified scholar or an experienced Muslim who can teach you the movements and pronunciation correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid rushing through Ruku and Sajdah.
Do not begin the next movement before becoming settled in the current position.
Make sure Surah Al-Fatihah is recited correctly.
Try not to look around during the prayer.
Do not allow your clothes or surroundings to distract you unnecessarily.
Remember that small differences in hand position or other details may exist among recognised Islamic schools of thought. These differences should not become a reason for arguments.
Final Thoughts
Salah is not simply a collection of words and movements. It is an act of worship, gratitude, submission, and remembrance of Allah.
A person may not feel perfect concentration from the beginning, but sincerity and regular practice bring improvement. Learn the prayer step by step, perform it on time, and ask Allah to help you establish Salah correctly.
The more carefully a Muslim protects their prayers, the stronger their connection with Allah becomes.