How to Pray in Islam (Salah Guide)
Complete guide to the 5 daily prayers, rakah count table, step-by-step Wudu (ablution) and recited supplications.
5 Daily Prayers & Friday Prayer Rakah Breakdown
| Prayer | First Sunnah | Fard | Last Sunnah | Witr | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr Prayer | 2 | 2 | - | - | 4 |
| Dhuhr Prayer | 4 | 4 | 2 | - | 10 |
| Asr Prayer | 4 | 4 | - | - | 8 |
| Maghrib Prayer | - | 3 | 2 | - | 5 |
| Isha Prayer | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 13 |
| Jumu'ah Prayer | 4 | 2 | 4 | - | 10 |
💧 Step-by-Step Wudu (Ablution)
Formulate sincere intention in the heart and recite 'Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim'.
Wash both hands thoroughly up to the wrists 3 times, passing water between fingers.
Take water into the mouth with the right hand and rinse thoroughly 3 times.
Sniff water gently into the nostrils with the right hand and blow out with the left 3 times.
Wash the entire face from hairline to below chin, and ear to ear 3 times.
Wash right forearm including elbow 3 times, then left forearm 3 times.
Wipe wet hands over the top of the head from front to back once.
Wipe inside and back of ears, then wash both feet thoroughly including ankles 3 times starting with right.
🌅 How to Perform Fajr Prayer (2 Rakahs)
Face the Qibla, formulate intention and raise hands saying 'Allahu Akbar' to begin the prayer.
Place right hand over left upon chest, recite opening supplication, Surah Al-Fatiha and a short surah.
Say 'Allahu Akbar' and bow with back straight, saying 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem' 3 times.
Prostrate placing forehead, nose and palms on floor saying 'Subhana Rabbiyal A'la' 3 times twice.
Perform 2nd rakah similarly, then sit calmly for the final Tashahhud.
Recite At-Tahiyyat, Durood Ibrahim and supplications, then turn head right and left saying 'Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah'.
🤲 Essential Duas and Surahs Recited in Prayer
Subhanaka Supplication (Opening)
Transliteration: Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabaraka ismuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghayruk.
Meaning: Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is due to You, and blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty, and there is no deity besides You.
At-Tahiyyat (Tashahhud)
Transliteration: At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu. As-salamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh...
Meaning: All greetings, prayers, and pure good deeds are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
Rabbana Atina Supplication
Transliteration: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar.
Meaning: Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.