How to Learn Islamic Prayer by Yourself

Islamic prayer, known as Salah or Salat, is a core pillar of the Muslim faith. Salah serves as a direct means of communication and connection between individuals and Allah.

Whether you are a new Muslim or seeking to deepen your understanding and practice of salah, this comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information and insights to learn Islamic prayer on your own.

This article is part of a series of articles on learning Islam step by step by yourself. You can read the other articles here:

There are several types of Salah for different occasions, those are describe below. Each Salah comprises of multiple Rakats, which are units of prayer. The number of Rakats varies depending on the type of Salah being performed. Let's take a look at what to say during each Rakat of Salah, how to perform each Rakat, and dive into the types of Salah.

What Do You Say During Islamic Prayer?

Here are all the Arabic phrases with their English translations that are said during one Rakat of Salah.

Keep in mind there are differences in the steps, some added, some skipped, based on Madhabs (Islamic schools of thought) that may be slightly different.

Of course in addition to these phrases, there are also distinct physical movements that are performed during Salah. You can learn more about the physical movements of Salah here:

Step 0 Calling to Prayer - Adhan and Iqama

The adhan is the Islamic call to prayer, recited by the muezzin at the mosque five times a day. The Iqama is the second call to prayer, recited immediately before the beginning of Salah.

Adhan:

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Come to prayer, Come to salvation, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is no god but Allah.

Iqama:

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Come to prayer, Come to salvation, The prayer has begun, The prayer has begun, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is no god but Allah.

Step 1 Starting the Prayer - Takbiratul Ihram

Stand up, facing in the direction of the Qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca). Raise your hands to your ears, with your palms facing forward, and say:

Allah is the Greatest

Step 2 Standing in Prayer - Reciting the Quran

For the first Rakat only, recite the following:

O Allah, how perfect You are and praise be to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god but You.

Then, recite Surah Al-Fatihah, and an additional Surah. Surah Al-Fatihah is first chapter of the Quran.

Then, recite any Surah that you have memorized. Some short Surahs that you can memorize and recite are:

Recite Allahu Akbar again, and proceed to bowing in prayer.

Step 3 Bowing in Prayer - Ruku

Recite 3 times.

Glory be to my Lord Almighty

Step 4 Standing up from Bowing - Qauma

Stand up straight, and recite the following two phrases.

Allah listens to the one who praises Him.

Our Lord, to You is all praise.

Recite Allahu Akbar again, and proceed to sujood.

Step 5 Prostrating in Prayer - Sujood

Placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground, recite 3 times.

How Perfect is my Lord, the Highest.

Recite Allahu Akbar again, and proceed to sitting in prayer.

Step 6 Sitting in Prayer - Jalsa

Sit up straight, and recite the following phrase.

O my Lord! Forgive me.

If you are performing more than one Rakat, recite Allahu Akbar again, and proceed to repeat sujood. If you are performing the last Rakat, recite Allahu Akbar again, and proceed to the final step.

Step 7 Ending the Prayer - Tasleem

If you are performing the last Rakat, or the second rakat in most prayers, recite this phrase, the Tasleem, once.

Greetings, prayers and goodness belong to Allah. Peace be on you, O Prophet and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be on us and on the righteous servants of Allah I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

If this is the last Rakat, proceed to recite the Durood Ibrahim once.

O Allah, let Your mercy come upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You let it come upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.

Turning your head first to the right, then to the left, recite the following phrase each time.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.

What is a Rakat?

A Rakat is a unit of prayer in Islam. Each prayer consists of a specific number of Rakats, which vary depending on the time of day and the type of prayer being performed.

For example, Fajr consists of two Rakats, Dhuhr and Asr consist of four Rakats each, Maghrib consists of three Rakats, and Isha consists of four Rakats. The number of Rakats for each prayer is based on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

What are the Types of Islamic Prayers?

Islamic prayers can be categorized into different types based on their purpose and timing. They include Sunnah (recommended), Fard (obligatory), Nafl (voluntary), Witr (odd-numbered), Qada (make-up), Qasr (travel), and Jumuah (Friday congregational) prayers. Each type holds its significance and rewards, contributing to a comprehensive prayer practice.

What are the Five Daily Prayers in Islam?

The five daily prayers, also known as Salah al-Khams, are obligatory for Muslims and serve as a regular means of worship. They include Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and Isha (night). Each prayer has specific time frames within which it must be performed.

These 5 prayers are obligatory for Muslims, and are known as Fard prayers.

Fard prayers have prescribed Rakat counts and specific requirements that must be fulfilled for the prayer to be valid. Fulfilling the obligation of Fard prayers demonstrates submission and devotion to Allah.

The number of rakats for each Fard prayer is as follows:

- Fajr: 2 Rakats

- Dhuhr: 4 Rakats

- Asr: 4 Rakats

- Maghrib: 3 Rakats

- Isha: 4 Rakats

What is Wudu? How do I Prepare to Pray in Islam?

Wudu is the ritual ablution performed before Salah to attain physical and spiritual purity. It involves washing specific body parts, including the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, wiping the head, and washing the feet.

Following the prescribed order and conditions, Wudu cleanses the body and prepares the individual for prayer.

What is a Sunnah Prayer?

Sunnah prayers are voluntary prayers that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed. They are highly recommended but not obligatory. Sunnah prayers offer additional opportunities for reward, spiritual growth, and closeness to Allah. Sunnah prayers can be performed before or after the obligatory prayers.

- Fajr sunnah is 2 Rakats before Fard.

- Dhuhr sunnah is 4 Rakats before Fard and 2 Rakaht after.

- Asr sunnah is 4 Rakats before Fard.

- Maghrib sunnah is 2 Rakats after Fard.

- Isha sunnah is 4 Rakats before Fard.

For more recommendedations, refer to your local Imam or Sheikh as these may differ based on madhab.

What is a Nafl Prayer?

Nafl prayers are voluntary prayers that hold great reward but are not obligatory. They are performed to seek additional blessings and closeness to Allah. Nafl prayers can be offered at any time and in any number, allowing individuals to engage in extra worship and spiritual devotion.

There are a few types of Nafl prayers, a few examples are the following.

Tahaajud

Performed after Isha and before Fajr. It is typically performed in the last third of the night and consists of at least two Rakats.

Ishraaq

Performed after sunrise and before Dhuhr. It is typically performed 15-20 minutes after sunrise and consists of at least two Rakats.

Duha

Performed after sunrise and before Dhuhr. It is typically performed 20 minutes after sunrise and consists of at least two Rakats.

Awwabeen

Performed after Maghrib and before Isha. It is typically performed 10-15 minutes after Maghrib and consists of at least six Rakats.

What is a Witr Prayer?

Witr prayer is a voluntary prayer performed after the Isha prayer and before the start of a new day. It typically consists of an odd number of Rakats, with a minimum of one Rakat and a maximum of eleven Rakats.

Witr prayer holds great significance and is considered a means of seeking forgiveness, protection, and blessings.

What is a Qada Prayer?

Qada prayers are makeup prayers performed to compensate for missed or omitted prayers.

If a person has missed any obligatory prayers, they are required to make them up as soon as possible. Performing Qada prayers demonstrates a sincere effort to fulfill missed obligations and seek forgiveness from Allah.

What is a Jumuah Prayer?

Jumuah prayer is the congregational prayer that Muslims offer every Friday in place of the Dhuhr prayer. It holds special significance as a weekly communal gathering where Muslims come together to worship Allah, listen to the sermon (khutbah), and pray in congregation.

Attending the Jumuah prayer is highly recommended for Muslim men and provides an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of the Muslim community.

What is Qasr Prayer?

Qasr prayer, also known as Kasr prayer, is a shortened form of prayer performed by travelers. When traveling a certain distance, it becomes permissible to abbreviate the regular four-Rakat prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha) to two Rakats.

This concession aims to accommodate the practical challenges faced during travel.

The criteria for qualifying as a traveler may vary among Islamic schools of thought, and it is advised to consult reliable sources or local scholars for specific guidelines.

Conclusion

Learning and practicing Islamic prayer is a sacred and personal endeavor. By familiarizing yourself with the steps, types, and concepts of prayer, you can embark on a meaningful journey of worship and devotion.

Remember to seek knowledge from authentic sources and engage with the Muslim community for guidance and support. May your journey of prayer be filled with sincerity, tranquility, and closeness to Allah.

Aman Azad

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