Learn to Pray (Salah)

Step-by-step guide to performing the daily Islamic prayer

Salah

What Is Prayer in Islam?

Salah is the daily prayer and one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. Muslims pray five times a day to remember Allah, seek guidance, build discipline, and keep the heart connected to its Creator. For beginners, prayer is learned step by step: the movements, the words, and the meaning behind standing humbly before Allah.

Prayer Steps

  1. Intention (Niyyah): Mentally prepare and know which prayer you're about to perform. Intention
  2. Takbir: Raise both hands and say "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great). Takbir
  3. Standing (Qiyam): Recite Al-Fatiha and another Surah. Standing (Qiyam)
  4. Ruku: Bow and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” three times. Ruku
  5. Standing after Ruku: Say “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” then “Rabbana lakal hamd.” Standing after Ruku
  6. Sujood: Prostrate and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times. Sujood
  7. Sitting and Second Sujood: Sit and then prostrate again. Sitting and Second Sujood
  8. Tashahhud and Ending: After final sitting, recite the Tashahhud and conclude with "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" to both sides. Tashahhud and Ending

How Many Rak'ahs Are in Each Prayer?

Prayer Obligatory Rak'ahs Simple beginner note
Fajr2The best prayer to learn first because it is short.
Dhuhr4Prayed after midday.
Asr4Prayed in the afternoon.
Maghrib3Prayed after sunset.
Isha4Prayed at night.

Prayer Times

Find today's prayer times using your location, coordinates, timezone, and preferred calculation method.

Open Times

What Do I Say in Salah?

Starting prayer:

Say: Allahu Akbar.

Standing:

Recite Surah Al-Fatiha. If you are still learning, read from a guide until you memorize it.

Ruku:

Say: Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem.

Sujood:

Say: Subhana Rabbiyal A'la.

Fajr Prayer Step by Step

  1. Make Wudu and face the Qiblah.
  2. Intend in your heart to pray Fajr.
  3. Say Allahu Akbar and begin the first rak'ah.
  4. Recite Al-Fatiha, then bow, stand, and make two prostrations.
  5. Stand for the second rak'ah and repeat the same movements.
  6. Sit for Tashahhud, then end with Salam to the right and left.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Trying to memorize everything in one day. Learn slowly.
Leaving prayer because of fear of mistakes. Pray and keep improving.
Moving too fast. Pause calmly in each position.
Forgetting Wudu. Make Wudu before prayer whenever needed.

It's recommended to start learning with the 2-unit (rak'ah) prayer, like Fajr.



Watch Step-by-Step Salah Tutorial