How does a Muslim pray?
Here is a simplified guide to performing the Islamic prayer (Salah) in an organized, easy-to-follow format.
Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer:
Step 1: Make Your Intention to Pray
Begin your prayer by setting a sincere intention in your heart to pray solely for the sake of Allah. At this moment, let go of all distractions and center your focus entirely on the prayer, committing your mind and heart to worship.
Step 2: Raise Your Hands and Say “Allahu Akbar”
Lift your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar,” which officially begins the prayer. From this point onward, devote your full attention to the prayer, setting aside all distractions.
Fun Fact: The phrase “Allahu Akbar” is often translated as “Allah is the Greatest.” However, it more accurately means “Allah is Greater,” reminding us that Allah is greater than anything else—our thoughts, worries, and worldly concerns. When starting the prayer, this declaration serves as a reminder to focus fully on Allah above all else.
Step 3: Place Your Hands Over Your Stomach
After saying “Allahu Akbar,” gently lower your hands and place them over your navel. Position your right hand over your left hand, keeping them relaxed and focused on the prayer.
Step 4: Focus Your Gaze on the Ground
During prayer, keep your eyes focused on the spot where you will place your forehead in prostration, as recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This practice helps maintain concentration and humility in prayer.
Additionally, after saying “Allahu Akbar,” it is encouraged (though not required) to recite a brief supplication (dua) to help center your focus and prepare for the rest of the prayer.
subhanakal-lahumma wabihamdika
watabarakas-muka
wataa ‘ala jadduka
wala ilaha ghayruka. How perfect you are, O Allah. I praise you
How blessed is Your name
How lofty is Your position
And none has the right to be worshipped but You
Step 5 – Recite the Opening Chapter of the Qur’an
The prayer continues with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Qur’an. Begin this recitation with the phrase:
A’auodu billaahi minash-shaytaanir rajeem
‘I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan (devil).’
And then begin to recite the chapter verse by verse in Arabic:
Bismillaahir ar-Rahmani ar-Raheem
Al hamdu lillaahi rabbil ‘alameen
Ar-Rahmani ar-Raheem
Maaliki yawmid deen
Iyyaaka na’aboodu wa iyyaaka nasta’een
Ihdeenas siraatal mustaqeem
Siraatal ladheena an ‘amta’ alayhim
Ghayril maghduubi’ alayhim waladawleen
Here is a summarized meaning of the verses from Surah Al-Fatihah:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
All praise is for Allah, Lord of all worlds,
The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,
Master of the Day of Judgment.
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
The path of those You have blessed—not of those who have incurred Your wrath or have gone astray.”
After completing Surah Al-Fatihah, it’s optional to recite another chapter or verses from the Qur’an. However, at a minimum, Surah Al-Fatihah must be recited in every unit (rak’ah) of the prayer.
Step 6 – Bow Down: This is known as the ‘Ruku’
In this step, you will bow down into the position known as the ‘ruku.’ As you begin to lower your body, say “Allahu Akbar” to signify the transition. While in the ruku position, it is essential to maintain proper posture. Keep your back straight and level, ensuring it forms a right angle with your thighs. Your hands should be placed firmly on your knees with your fingers spread out, and your elbows should be raised to avoid touching your sides. It is important to keep your eyes focused on the spot on the ground where you will soon be prostrating.
Once you are in the ruku position, you will begin to recite the following phrase three times:
Subhanna rabbeeyal adheem
“How perfect is my Lord, the Magnificent.”
This phrase reflects humility and reverence for the greatness of Allah. By saying it three times, you express your acknowledgement of Allah’s absolute perfection and majesty. Keep your focus and remain in the ruku position for a moment of devotion before you proceed to the next step in your prayer.
Step 7 – Return to Standing Up Again
After you have completed the ruku position, it’s time to rise back to a standing position. As you begin to straighten your body, first bring your hands up to your ears and say the following:
Samee Allahu leeman hameeda
“Allah hears those who praise Him.”
This phrase is a declaration of Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge and hearing. It serves as a reminder that Allah listens to the supplications and praises of His servants. As you say this, feel a sense of connection with Allah, knowing that your praise is heard and appreciated by Him.
Once you have fully risen and are standing upright again, lower your hands to your sides or to your waist and say:
Rabbana walakal hamd
“Our Lord, to You is all praise.”
This statement is an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty and perfection. You are praising Him for His greatness and recognizing that all praise belongs to Him alone. This is a moment to reflect on Allah’s blessings and mercy, and to offer your thanks as you stand in His presence, fully upright, in a position of submission and humility.
Step 8 – Go Down to Perform Prostration: This is Known as ‘Sujud’
The next step in your prayer is to move into the position of sujud, or prostration, which is one of the most profound acts of submission and humility before Allah. As you move down into the prostration, say “Allahu Akbar” to mark the transition from standing or bowing into sujud.
It is important to ensure that every part of your body is in proper alignment as you lower yourself to the ground. Your forehead and nose should make direct contact with the floor, symbolizing complete submission to Allah. The palms of both hands should be placed flat on the ground, with your fingers spread out. Your knees must touch the ground as well, ensuring that your legs are bent at the knees. Lastly, both toes should be pointed and touch the ground, with the soles of your feet facing upward. This position represents your utmost humility, as you place your entire being on the ground in reverence to Allah.
Step 9 – Say This Phrase While in Sujud (Prostration)
While you are in the state of sujud, you will recite a special phrase three times to reflect your devotion and acknowledgment of Allah’s greatness. The phrase is:
Subhanna rabbeeyal ‘alaa
“How perfect is my Lord, the Most High.”
As you repeat this phrase, focus on the profound meaning it holds. The term “Subhanna” signifies the perfection and purity of Allah, while “rabbeeyal ‘alaa” reminds you that Allah is the Most High, exalted above all creation. In this moment, you are acknowledging His greatness and absoluteness, and through this act of prostration, you are submitting fully to His will. The position of sujud is one of the closest moments to Allah during prayer, and it is a time to pour out your heart in humility, praising Him for His perfection and seeking His mercy.
Step 10 – Rise Up from Sujud and Sit for a Moment
After completing the first sujud, you will now rise up, transitioning to a sitting position. As you begin to lift yourself from the ground, say “Allahu Akbar” to mark this shift in posture. When you are in an upright position, sit down on your left leg. Your left foot should rest flat on the floor while your right foot remains upright, with the toes pointing towards the qibla. Your right knee should be slightly bent, and your right foot should be positioned so that the toes are touching the ground. Place both of your hands on your knees, with your fingers relaxed and spread out, maintaining a composed posture.
In this sitting position, it is highly recommended to take a moment for reflection and supplication. This is an opportune time to seek forgiveness from Allah for any shortcomings or mistakes. You may make any personal supplication, but a simple and easy dua that can be recited is:
Rabbigh-fir lee
“O my Lord, forgive me.”
This short but powerful dua is an expression of humility and repentance, asking Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. It is a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our mistakes and seeking Allah’s pardon, especially during these quiet moments in prayer when we are closest to Him. Use this opportunity to reflect on your actions, ask for forgiveness, and seek a fresh start in your relationship with Allah.
Step 11 – Return to the Position of Sujud
Once you have completed the sitting position, it is time to return to the position of sujud once more. As you lower your body again, say “Allahu Akbar” and move back into the prostration position, just as you did before.
While in sujud, repeat the phrase:
Subhanna rabbeeyal ‘alaa
“How perfect is my Lord, the Most High.”
Say this phrase three times, focusing on its meaning and the depth of its significance. This second sujud serves as an additional moment to humble yourself before Allah, acknowledge His perfection, and express gratitude for His mercy and guidance. The act of returning to sujud after a brief pause demonstrates both your reverence and your constant yearning to draw closer to Allah in every part of your prayer.
Step 12 – Arise from the Sujud to Return to the Standing Position and Say Allahu Akbar
After completing the second prostration (sujud), you will now rise up to return to the standing position, preparing for the next part of your prayer. As you begin to lift your body, say “Allahu Akbar” to mark this transition. This is a moment of movement from one position to another, but it should still be done with reverence and mindfulness. The act of rising from sujud symbolizes renewal and is a reminder of the constant need to return to Allah in every aspect of life.
At this point, you have successfully completed one full rakah. The first rakah of every prayer consists of these twelve steps, which include the standing, bowing, and prostrating positions. These movements are not merely physical actions, but spiritual acts of submission, reflection, and devotion to Allah. After completing the first rakah, you will continue with the second rakah, which follows the same structure and order. When you reach the end of the second rakah, you will perform the tashahud, which marks Step 13.
Step 13 – Perform the Tashahud at the End of Every Two Rakah
Instead of rising to stand after the two sujud in the second rakah, you will remain seated on your legs and knees. This sitting position is called “jalsa,” and it allows you to take a brief moment of pause before continuing with the next part of the prayer.
While seated, you will raise your right index finger. This is a symbolic gesture of bearing witness to the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). As you raise your finger, recite the tashahud, which is a declaration of faith and an affirmation of your submission to Allah.
The words of the tashahud are:
At-tahiyyatu lillahi wa as-salawatu wa at-tayyibatu. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhal-nabiyy, wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluh.
“All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and He is One with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
This declaration is a reminder of your unwavering faith and devotion to Allah and His Messenger. It is a moment of reflection, where you acknowledge the greatness of Allah and the honor of following the path laid out by His Messenger.
At Tahiyyaatu lilaahi was Salawaatu wat tayibaatu
Assalaamu ‘alaika ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakaatuh
Assalaamu ‘alaynaa wa ‘alaa ‘ebaadillaahis saaliheen,
Ash hadu allaa ilaha illa Allah Wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhuu wa rasuuluh
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 on the righteous slaves of Allah.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger
If this is the final rakah in the prayer then you will add this part to the tashahud:
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammad
Kamaa salayta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim
Innaka Hameedun Majeed
Wa baarik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammad
Kamaa baarakta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim
Innaka Hameedun Majeed
O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family (or followers) of Muhammad, Just as You sent prayers upon Ibrahim and the family (or followers) of Ibrahim,
Verily, you are full of Praise and Majesty.
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family (or followers) of Muhammad as You blessed Ibrahim and the family (or followers) of Ibraaheem,
Verily, you are full of Praise and Majesty.
The ‘Tasleem’: After Reciting the Second Part of the Tashahud
Once you have completed the tashahud at the end of the second rakah, there is one final step to conclude your prayer, known as the “tasleem.” This marks the end of your prayer and signifies that you are now leaving the sacred conversation with Allah, having completed all the movements and recitations. The tasleem is an important final gesture that symbolizes peace and the return to the world after having spent time in worship.
To perform the tasleem, you begin by turning your head to the right. As you turn, you say:
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatu Allah
“Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.”
This greeting is not only a salutation, but also a prayer of peace for those around you. It signifies that you are wishing peace, blessings, and mercy upon yourself and others. The act of turning your head to the right and saying this prayer represents your acknowledgment of the peace and protection Allah provides, both in this world and in the hereafter.
Also read: Who Are the Sahabah (Companions)?
After completing this, you will then turn your head to the left and repeat the same phrase:
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatu Allah
“Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.”
By turning to the left and reciting the same greeting, you extend the peace to the other side, symbolizing balance and harmony in your prayer and in your life. It’s a reminder that the peace of Allah encompasses all directions, and that the blessings and mercy of Allah are boundless, reaching everyone around you.
Once you have said the tasleem to both the right and left, your prayer has come to an end. This marks the completion of the entire prayer ritual, and you have just engaged in a sacred act of worship, humility, and devotion. The tasleem is a final expression of peace, and as you finish, you return to the world, but with the tranquility that comes from having connected with your Creator through prayer.