Learning
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Things to know about Prayer
Structure - Conditions - Importance
The most important part of learning how to pray is basic memorization and practice. Even more importantly especially for Muslim men to pray in Mosques in congregation. For women congregation is not as important since their praying at home holds more reward. The prayer is composed of different parts or components classified into: compulsory, essential, recommended and voluntary actions and parts. The compulsory acts are known as Fard, the essential acts are known as Wajib, the recommended parts are practices of the Prophet Mohammed and known as Sunnah, the voluntary parts are called the Nafal.
| Type | Significance |
| Fard | Compulsory |
| Sunnah | Practice of the Prophet - Recommended Optional |
| Nafal | Voluntary - Optional |
| Wajib | Essential without which the compulsory becomes void |
To better understand the importance of each component read the following definitions and commands concerning them:
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Some Definitions and commandments: |
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| Definition of Fard | Any act which is proved by a definitely assured evidence and admits of no doubt is called Fard. An evidence of this certainty is derived either from a Qur'anic verse or from Traditions of unbroken chain of narration, which are incapable of being interpreted differently. |
| Command concerning Fard | The command about Fard is that one who acts upon it is entitled to reward and the one who abandons it is entitled to punishment, but one who denies its obligatory nature is declared a Kafir (non believer). Fard is that part of an action that its violation violates the entire action. It is an element in an action whose validity or invalidity validates or invalidates the whole action. |
| Definition of Sunnah | That action or practice of the faith which is proved by the practice of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (saw). It is neither Fard nor Wajib. One who acts upon it is entitled to reward and one who abandons it is liable to punishment and censure and there is danger of his being deprived of the intercession of the Holy Prophet (saw). |
| Command concerning Sunnah | Its denier is an innovator and a sinner. If one considers it insignificant and is insulting towards it then one shall become an unbeliever. To abandon it involves slight repulsion. |
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Definition of Mustahab (Nafal) |
Mustahab is an action which the Holy Prophet (saw) has himself practiced from time to time and has said that it carries reward, provided that it is a form of worship and not an action of ordinary habit. |
| Command concerning Mustahab (Nafal) |
Its denier is neither an unbeliever nor a sinner, but one who acts upon it is entitled to reward and superiority. One who abandons it is deprived of great reward and virtue. |
| Definition of Wajib | Wajib is something which is based on a conjectural evidence derived from Traditions of broken chain of narration. It carries less reward than Fard. Similarly, the punishment of denying it is also less than that of fard. Neglecting to discharge this duty involves a repulsion which borders on prohibition. The action, in which Wajib is ignored, becomes void and it must be repeated as an obligation. |
| Command concerning Wajib | The denier of Wajib is a sinner and an errant person. It is a base which proves the existence of something, but its absence does not prove the non-existence of that thing. That is why the denier of a Wajib is not charged with disbelief. |
The
prayer is composed of components called "Rakah" which are basically "sets of
action". To get a proper understanding of what a "Rakah" is let us take an
example:
A man works at a post office, his job is to:
1. Take the envelope
2. Stamp the envelope
3. Put the envelope in a box
When the man completes this set of action it is equivalent to 1 Rakah (1
complete task or set of actions)
The same way in Salat (Prayer) The worshipper carries out sets of
actions known as Rakahs.
There are 5 daily compulsory prayers, each composed of different mixes of the above mentioned components or parts. The table below shows these 5 prayers listed on the left along with the components which make up each prayer listed on the right.
| Prayer Name | Number Of Rakah in Sequence & Type | |||||
| Fajr |
2 Rakah Sunnah |
2 Rakah Fard |
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| Zohar |
4 Rakah Sunnah |
4 Rakah Fard |
2 Rakah Sunnah |
2 Rakah Nafal |
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| Asr |
4 Rakah Sunnah |
4 Rakah Fard |
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| Maghrib |
3 Rakah Fard |
2 Rakah Sunnah |
2 Rakah Nafal |
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| Isha |
4 Rakah Sunnah |
4 Rakah Fard |
2 Rakah Sunnah |
2 Rakah Nafal |
3 Rakah Witar |
2 Rakah Nafal |
Fajr
(Dawn
Prayer) takes place before sunrise. At moderate latitudes, it begins
approximately one hour and twenty minutes before sunrise and ends
about ten minutes before sunrise.
Zhuhr
(Noon Prayer) begins just
after the sun has passed the meridian. It lasts until shortly before
the ‘Asr Prayer begins.
‘Asr
(Afternoon Prayer) begins
when the length of the shadow of an object is equal to the object’s
length plus the shadow’s length at noon. It ends about 10 minutes
before sunset.
Maghrib
(Sunset Prayer) begins
immediately after sunset. At moderate latitudes, it ends before
complete darkness approaches.
‘Isha’ (Night Prayer) begins, at moderate latitudes, when the sky is completely dark and ends just before the Dawn Prayer.
When praying in congregation it is enough for the person to follow the imam (person leading the prayer). Some of the congregational Prayers are read out aloud while some are silent. Only the Fard part of the prayer is said in congregation. It is the worshippers duty to pray the rest (sunnah, Nafal, Witar) by themselves to complete the Salah. The prayers which are read aloud and silent are listed as follows:
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Summary of the Five Daily Prayers |
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Name |
Number of Rak‘ahs |
Silent/Aloud |
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Fajr (Dawn) |
2 |
Aloud |
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Zhuhr (Noon) |
4 |
Silent |
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‘Asr (Afternoon) |
4 |
Silent |
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Maghrib (Sunset) |
3 |
First 2 aloud, third
silent |
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‘Isha’ |
4 |
First 2 aloud, last two silent |
Prophet Mohammed
said "Pray as you have seen me praying" so it is very important for us
to learn of the way the prophet instructed us to pray and the conditions
for those prayers to be accepted.
Pillars of Salat
Conditions for prayers to be valid
Acceptance of
Islamic faith
- The one who is Muslim is required to offer Salat
Niyah
- The
intention must be made before starting the prayer
Cleanliness
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This includes doing the wudu (ablution) and having clean clothes and a
clean place to pray in.
Clothing
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This includes being dressed properly. A mans body must be covered
between the naval and knees and the shoulders. Women must be dressed
fully with non transparent cloth, revealing no shape, figure or hair at
all with only the face and hands apparent.
Facing the
Kiblah -
The Kiblah is the prescribed direction in which all Muslim must face
when praying. The Kiblah is the Kabah.
Forgotten
Prayers
- Prayers which may have been missed must be done even when
late.
Invalidation
of the Salat occurs when:
You talk during the prayer
Do acts outside of the acts of prayer
To purposely and significantly change direction from the Kiblah
To eat or drink or laugh during prayer
To do an act which may invalidate your ablution (check article on
ablution for details)
Understanding the Postures of Prayer
In the prayer there are certain basic postures which are repeated in sequence. Following is an illustrated explanation of those postures.
 Niyah & Tas-meeh (To Praise) This posture occurs at 2 points in the prayer: - When making intention (niyah) right at the beginning - When standing up from Ruku (Tah-meed or genefluction) |
 Takbir This posture marks the start of the prayer This posture occurs: 1 times in a 2 Rahah prayer 2 times in a 3 Rakah prayer & Witr Prayers 1 times in a 4 Rakah prayer |
 Standing in Prayer Keeping the gaze fixed to the ground, men should place their right hand over the left one in the following manner: Grab the wrist of the left hand by forming a ring with the LITTLE FINGER (pinky) and the THUMB around it placing the palm of the right hand on top of the left hand and extending the 3 middle fingers over the left arms wrist. This posture occurs: 2 times in a 2 Rahah prayer 3 times in a 3 Rakah prayer & Witr Prayers 4 times in a 4 Rakah prayer |
 The method for men to wrap the hands. Place the right hand over the left one in the following manner: Grab the wrist of the left hand by forming a ring with the LITTLE FINGER (pinky) and the THUMB around it placing the palm of the right hand on top of the left hand and extending the 3 middle fingers over the left arms wrist |
 Ruku or Genefluction While in this state men should bow as low as possible to bring the back to level keeping their elbows and arms separate from the body. Also while the hands are on the knees men should keep the fingers apart. This posture occurs: 2 times in a 2 Rakah prayer 3 times in a 3 Rakah prayer & Witr Prayers 4 times in a 4 Rakah prayer |
 Sajdah or Prostration For the men it is important to keep the thighs and the stomach apart as shown and to keep the forearms raised off the ground. This posture occurs: 4 times in a 2 Rakah prayer 6 times in a 3 Rakah prayer & Witr Prayers 8 times in a 4 Rakah prayer |
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 Saying Shadah in Ta-Shah-hud position The difference between Jalsah and Ta-Shah-hud is that in the Jalsah position the worshipper stays silent and this is in-between sajdahs. Whereas the Ta-Shah-hud position marks the end of 2 rakahs and in this position the worshipper recites. In the second and fourth rakah we recite during which we utter the shadah, while saying the shadah one is required to raise the index finger of the right hand as shown. This posture occurs: 1 times in a 2 Rakah prayer 2 times in a 3 Rakah prayer & witr prayer 2 times in a 4 Rakah prayer |
 The Salam When ending the prayer the head is first moved to the right hand side keeping the gaze on the right shoulder and then to the left keeping the gaze on the left shoulder. Saying As Salam Alaikum Wa Rahmat Alllah both times. This posture occurs: 1 times in a 2 Rahah prayer 1 times in a 3 Rakah prayer & Witr Prayers 1 times in a 4 Rakah prayer |
 Dua or Supplication When the prayer has ended we are free to ask Allah for anything we wish. This is done through Dua. Both hands are joined together at the palm and raised up and then the worshipper may ask to their hearts content. |
Sequence of carrying out the above postures
2 Rakah Prayer
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3 Rakah Prayer &
Witar Prayer
3 Rakah Witar Prayer is exactly
the same except two additional steps are included as shown below.
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4 Rakah Prayer
After understanding the Rakah concept you are now ready to move on to learn more about the different prayers and what to recite in them. The table below shows the different prayers and the number of rakahs they hold of each type of component (fard, sunnah, etc)
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Five Daily Compulsory Prayers |
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Fajr Morning prayer 2 Rakah Sunnah 2 Rakah Fard |
Duhr Afternoon prayer 4 Rakah Sunnah 4 Rakah Fard 2 Rakah Sunnah 2 Rakah Nafal |
Asr Late after noon prayer 4 Rakah Sunnah 4 Rakah Fard |
Maghrib Evening prayer 3 Rakah Fard 2 Rakah Sunnah 2 Rakah Nafal |
Isha Night time prayer 4 Rakah Sunnah 4 Rakah Fard 2 Rakah Sunnah 2 Rakah Nafal 3 Rakah Witr 2 Rakah Sunnah 2 Rakah Nafal |
The Prayers listed below are special prayers which are only said on certain occasions. To learn more about them click on their names.
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Occaisional Compulsory Prayers |
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Janazah Prayer for death procession |
Eid-ul-Fitr Prayer for Eid after Ramadan |
Eid-ul-Adha Prayer for Eid of sacrifice |
Jummah Friday compulsory Congregational Prayer |
| Optional Prayers | |||
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Isthikara Prayer of guidance |
Taraveeh Prayer in the nights of Ramadan |
Tahajud |
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Learning what to recite in the Prayer
First thing to know is that between changing postures always say:
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When Changing Postures |
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with the exception of when you get up from ruku then say:
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Rising up from Ruku say |
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making: Intention or Niy-yah
The intention can be made in any language. Facing the
Kab'ah, make the following intention in your heart:
- How many Rakats (e.g. 2 Rakat or 4 Rakat)
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Which kind (e.g. Fard, Sunnat, Nafl, Witr)
- Offering only for the sake
of Allah.
- Facing the Kab'ah.
- Time of Prayer (e.g. At the time of
Fajr, Zuhur, Asr, etc)
An example:
A person about to start the Fajr, Fard prayer
will make the following intention:
2 Rakat prayer
Fard,
For the
Sake of Allah,
Facing the Kab'ah,
At the time of Fajr.
Another Example:
A person saying the Sunnat part of the
Fajr prayer will make the following intention:
2 Rakat prayer
Sunnah,
For the Sake of Allah,
Facing the Kab'ah,
At the time of Fajr.
What to say when making: Takbir
Raising the
hands in such a way that the palms face the direction of the Kab'ah say
the Takbeer:
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Takbir |
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This marks the beginning of the prayer and now the worshipper MUST NOT: talk, eat, think of worldly things, laugh, play with the clothes or body, look around the room, respond to others around, indulge in any activity that requires them to use both hands, face away from the Kab'ah, jump or do any such acts as to violate the prayer. The worshipper now stands in front of God in his court and must pay full attention and submit themselves before God and worship God. Therefore Sincerity, concentration and a sense of complete submission must be maintained at all times.
What to say when making: Recitation
The following
Sequence is followed in Recitation:
The first thing recited is known as
Ta-auw-wuz and is as follows:
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Seeking refuge from Satan |
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The second thing recited is known as Tas-mi-yah and is as follows:
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Bismillah |
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The third part to be recited is known as Sana and is as follows:
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Sana |
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The fourth part to be recited is the opening chapter of the Qur'an Surah Al-Fatiha and is as follows:
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Al-Quran, Chapter 1 Al-Fatiha |
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Saying Ameen is very
important since the Prophet (sa) said that when the believers
recite Al-Fatiha, the angels say "ameen" at the end of it, and
when the believer says ameen as well, all their past sins are
forgiven by Allah.
The fifth
thing to recite is
Any one other Surah from the Qur'an
OR
One long verse from the Qur'an
OR
Three short verses from the Qur'an
Recite
any of the Surahs from the Quran. we recommend to recite the shorter ones
for beginners:
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Al-Quran, Chapter 114 An-Nas |
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Al-Quran, Chapter 112 Ikhlas |
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There are many other smaller surahs or chapters as well, it is recommended that a person new to Islam learn the smaller ones to begin with for ease.
What to say when making:
Ruku (Genuflection)
Once in this position keep the gaze fixed on the feet and
say the following either 3, 5 or 7 times:
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In Ruku |
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Then say once:
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Rising up from Ruku say |
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After standing straight with the hands on the side and the gaze fixed to the ground say the following:
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After standing up from Ruku say: |
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What to say when making:
Sajdah (Prostration)
While in this state of Prostration or Sajdah the following
words should be said 3, 5 or 7 times:
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In Sajdah say |
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What to say when in the intermediate Ta-shah-hud (when you have more rakahs remaining):
After getting up from the Sajdah the Ta-Shah-hud (At-ta-heeyaatu) is recited as follows:
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At-taheeyaatu |
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All verbal, practical and financial acts of worship are for Allah. O Nabeey! (Prophet) May peace and Allah's mercy and his blessings be upon you. May peace be upon us and on the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no God but God. I bear witness that Mohammed is His servant and His Prophet. |
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Note about: Ta-Shah-hud
(At-ta-heeyaatu)
While reciting the At-ta-heeyaatu, towards
the end the index finger MUST be raised to TESTIFY to the following words
as they are said:
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Shadah in At-ta-heeyaatu |
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Ash-ha-du Allah i-laa ha ill Allah wa ash
ha du an na Muhammad an ab-du-hoo wa rasool
lu-hoo |
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What to say in the last rakah of a
specific prayer in ta-shah-hud:
After getting up from
the Sajdah the following is recited:
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At-taheeyaatu |
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All verbal, practical and financial acts of worship are for Allah. O Nabeey! (Prophet) May peace and Allah's mercy and his blessings be upon you. May peace be upon us and on the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no God but God. I bear witness that Mohammed is His servant and His Prophet. |
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Sacred Darood |
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O Allah! Send down mercy on Mohammed and the household of Mohammed as you sent down mercy on Ibrahim and on the household of Ibrahim. You are Magnificent and Highly praise worthy. O Allah! Send down blessings on Mohammed and the household of Mohammed as you sent down blessings on Ibrahim and on the household of Ibrahim. You are Magnificent and Highly praise worthy. |
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Dua |
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O our Lord! Make me and my progeny regular in offering prayer. O Our Lord! Accept my supplication. O our Lord! Forgive me and my parents and the believers on the day of Judgment. |
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What to say when making: Salam
Salam towards the right
The person should
turn their head to the right with their gaze fixed on the shoulder and
say:
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Salam to the Angel on the right shoulder |
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Salam towards the left
After completing the Salam to the right turn the head to
the left keeping the gaze on the shoulder and say:
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Salam to the Angel on the Left Shoulder |
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What to say when making: Dua (Supplication)
Ok now the
prayer is concluded, now recite the following (though not compulsory but
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
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Astaghfar - Repentance |
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then:
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Dua |
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O our Lord! Grant us in this world virtue and in the hereafter virtue and protect us from the Punishment of the Hellfire |
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Then say the Tasbeh-e-Fatimah as follows:
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Tasbih-e-Fatimah |
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You may now
ask God in personal supplication anything you wish. And if God wills, it
shall be granted to you. And God knows what is best for us and we know
not, so we submit to Gods will.
Raising the hands in front of the
face and ask what you wish in any language concluding the supplication
by
placing the hands on the face and run them over it as if washing the face.
The Difference when doing Witr Prayer (In
Isha)
HOW TO DO THE WITR PRAYER
The WITR prayer in the ISHA prayer which is a VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE PRAYER OF ISHA is composed of 3 Rakat. However in the 3rd Rakat there are a few additions. After the person has entered the 3rd Rakat and recited everything instead of going into ruku or genuflexion you say the TAKBEER again raising your hands (to the ears) and then folding your hands again you then recite the following Du'a known as the Du'a-e-Quonoot:
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Dua-e-Quonoot |
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O Allah! We seek help from You and beg forgiveness from You and believe in You and we place our reliance upon You and praise You the best prayer. And we thank You and are not ungrateful to You and we cast off and give up that person who disobeys You. O Allah! we worship only You and only to You we pray and prostrate ourselves and towards you we hurry up and rush up and hope for mercy and fear your punishment. Surely, Your punishment is to overtake unbelievers. |
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Then say Allah Hu Akbar and go into ruku or genuflexion and complete the prayer as you normally would for a 3 Rakat prayer.
We hope that this tutorial page on how to pray was beneficial for you. You may post us your questions, if you have any, using the contact page. Please refrain from e-mailing us to argue about sectarian methods of praying or differences in schools of thoughts. This method of praying is the one prescribed by Allah and his messenger for Muslims.
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