Explain the importance of prayer. For whom is the prayer a fardh? List the prayer times and the times when the prayer shall not be performed. How many types of prayer are there? How many fardhs of prayer are there? Explain the fardhs outside of the prayer. Explain the fardhs during the prayer. What are the wajibs and sunnahs of prayer? What are the things that invalidate the prayer? What are the makruh acts during prayer? What are the differences between how the four rakahs of fardh and how four rakahs of sunnah are performed? What are the differences between how a muakkadah sunnah and a ghair muakkadah sunnah are performed? What is recited during the witr prayer different from other prayers? What is recited after the prayer is completed?
Topics:
- The importance of prayer, Who is it fardh for?
- The times of prayers and the times when it is unlawful to pray
- Types of prayer
- The fardhs, wajibs and sunnahs of prayer
- The things that invalidate prayer and the makruhs of prayer
- How prayer is performed five times a day
- The fajr prayer
- The zhuhr prayer
- The asr prayer
- The maghrib prayer
- The isha prayer
- The witr prayer
- What is recited after prayer?
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
The second condition of Islam’s five pillars of faith is to perform prayer. The first duty of a person is to believe in the existence of Allah, His oneness and the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw). The most important fardh after faith is prayer. The five daily prayers were made fardh one and a half years prior to the Hijrah on the night of Mi’raj.
Prayer is a worship that cleans the spirit, enlightens the heart and increases the rank of a person in Allah’s presence.
Our beloved Prophet indicated that prayer is a very important kind of worship in our religion by stating, “Prayer is the pillar of religion.”[47] Prayer is a divine light that helps us achieve bodily and spiritual cleansing. As a result, Muslims purify themselves from sin and become worthy to enter paradise as a clean servant.
On this topic, our Prophet (saw) stated:
“If any one of you were to find a river in front of your door, and if you washed from that river five times a day, would there be any dirt left on you?”
The listeners answered:
“There would be no dirt left O Rasulullah!”
Our Prophet stated:
“Behold, prayer five times in a day is similar, Allah wipes away sins with prayer.” [48]
Prayer protects people from committing sin by placing the fear of Allah in their hearts. This truth is told in the holy Qur’an as, “Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.” [49]
The person who performs prayer justly prevents themselves from committing a sin, strengthens their faith and gains Allah’s pleasure. The road of the radiance of paradise opens to them. Just as a Muslim is liable to perform prayer, they are also required to teach their children. Our beloved Prophet commands the following: “Order your children to pray when they reach the age of seven.” [50]
If a mother and father teach their children to perform prayer at the age of seven, they get used to it by the time they reach puberty.
FOR WHOM IS PRAYER FARDH?
Three conditions should be fulfilled for prayer to be fard:
1) To be a Muslim.
2) To have reached puberty (bulugh).
3) To be sane.
TIMES OF PRAYERS
There are five times for prayer every day. These are fajr, zhuhr, asr, maghrib, and isha prayers. Each of these prayers has a specific time. It is required that all prayers are completed in its own set time. Just as it is not permitted to perform prayer before its appointed time, leaving it to later is a big sin. The holy Qur’an commands the following:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”[51]
The time of the fajr prayer: The period from the start of dawn until sunrise.
The time of the zhuhr prayer: From when the sun is right above us and the shade starts to stretch towards the east side (Except the shade that exists when the sun is right above) until the time when the shade of everything is one or two times its own length.
The time of the asr prayer: From the end of the time of the zhuhr prayer until the sun sets.
The time of the maghrib prayer: From sunset to the time when the redness of the sunset or the whiteness disappears.
The time of the isha prayer: Commences after the time of the maghrib prayer finishes and continues until the time of fajr prayer commences.
The time of the witr prayer: The time for the witr prayer is the same as the isha prayer. However, witr must be performed after the isha prayer.
The time of the jumu’ah prayer: The time of the zhuhr prayer.
The time of the tarawih prayer: The time for the tarawih prayer is the same as the isha prayer.
The time of the Eid prayer: Commences approximately 50 minutes from sunrise until the sun is right above.
THE TIMES NOT ALLOWED TO PRAY
There are some times during the day when no forms of prayer are permitted. There are three times when it is not allowed to perform prayer:
When the sun is rising,
1) When the sun is at the top point just before it turns to the western side,
2) When the sun is setting.
It is only permitted to pray the fardh of that day’s asr prayer when the sun is setting.
TYPES OF PRAYER
Prayer is divided into three main types:
1) Fardh (obligatory) prayers,
2) Wajib (required) prayers,
3) Nafilah (additional) prayers.
- A) FARDH PRAYERS:
These are the five daily prayers, jumu’ah and the janazah prayers.
The five daily prayers:
1) FAJR PRAYER: 4 rakahs (cycle or unit)
2 rakahs of sunnah,
2 rakahs of fardh.
2) ZHUHR PRAYER: 10 rakahs
4 rakahs of the first sunnah,
4 rakahs of fardh,
2 rakahs of the final sunnah.
3) ASR PRAYER: 8 rakahs
4 rakahs of sunnah,
4 rakahs of fardh.
4) MAGHRIB PRAYER: 5 rakahs
3 rakahs of fardh,
2 rakahs of sunnah.
5) ISHA PRAYER: 10 rakahs
4 rakahs of the first sunnah,
4 rakahs of fardh,
2 rakahs of the final sunnah.
Fardh prayers besides the five daily prayers:
1) JUMU’AH PRAYER: 10 rakahs
4 rakahs of the first sunnah,
2 rakahs of fardh,
4 rakahs of the final sunnah.
2) JANAZAH PRAYER: Fardh al-kifayah.
- B) WAJIB PRAYERS:
1) WITR PRAYER: 3 rakahs
2) EID AL-FITR PRAYER: 2 rakahs
3) EID AL-ADHA PRAYER: 2 rakahs
NAFILAH PRAYERS:
“Nafilah prayers” are those which are performed other than fardh or wajib prayers.
Nafilah prayers in two: groups
1) Nafilah prayers that are performed in conjunction with fardh prayers:
These are the sunnah prayers that are performed before and after the fardh prayers, tarawih prayer performed during the nights in the month of Ramadan, which is sunnah al-muakkadah.
2) Nafilah prayer that are not in conjunction with fardh prayers:
These are called mustahab or mandub prayers. These are the prayers performed at certain times with the intention of gaining reward.
Some examples are the followings:
1) Ishraq prayer: It is a prayer performed after sunrise and after the makruh period has passed. It is a minimum of two and a maximum of twelve rakahs.
2) Tahajjud prayer: It is a prayer performed late in the night with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight rakahs.
3) Tahiyyat al-masjid prayer: It is a two-rakah prayer performed when entering masjids (if it is not a makruh time).
THE FARDHS OF PRAYER
The fardhs of prayer are twelve. Six of these are the outside of the prayer and are called the “conditions of prayer.” Six of these are inside of the prayer and are called the “pillars (rukns) of prayer.”
For prayer to be valid, the twelve fardhs must be completed in full.
The conditions of prayer:
1) Taharah min al-hadath:
To remove the spiritual dirt by performing wudu and if required by performing ghusl.
2) Taharah min al-najasah:
A person who is going to perform prayer must clean the body, clothes, and the place of prayer from dirt.
3) Satr al-awrah:
A person performing prayer must cover the required body parts.
Men: To cover the body between the knees (including the knees) and the belly button,
Women: To cover the whole body except the face, hands and feet.
4) Facing the Qiblah:
To perform prayer facing the qiblah. The location of the qiblah is the Ka’bah, the first sacred building that was built in Mecca for the purpose of worship. The Ka’bah was constructed by the Prophets Ibrahim and Isma’il.
5) Waqt: To perform prayers within their own periods. It is not allowed to perform prayer prior to its appointed waqt (time).
6) Niyyah: To know which prayer one will perform and to confirm it with one’s heart. It is sunnah to verbally state one’s intention as to which prayer one will perform.
The pillars (rukns) of prayer:
1) Takbir al-iftitah: To perform the takbir when commencing to pray.
2) Qiyam: To stand up during prayer.
3) Qira’at: To recite some Qur’an during prayer whilst standing.
4) Ruku: To bend over enough so the hands can reach the kneecaps.
5) Sujud: To place the feet, knees, hands and forehead on the ground.
6) Qa`dah akhirah: To sit down long enough at the end of prayer to recite “Al-taḥiyyāt”.
The wajibs of prayer
1) To commence prayer with the phrase “Allãhu Akbar”.
2) To recite Surah al-Fatiha during the first two rakahs of fardh prayers and all rakahs of nafilah prayers.
3) To recite a surah or an ayah after Surah al-Fatiha during the first two rakahs of fardh prayers and all rakahs of witr and nafilah prayers.
4) To recite Surah al-Fatiha prior to the surah.
5) To place the forehead together with the nose on the ground during sujud.
6) To sit in the second rakah during all three and four rakah prayers (this is called qa’dah ‘ula = the first sitting).
7) To recite the tashahhud (Al-Taḥiyyāt) during the first and final sitting.
8) For the imam to recite Surah al-Fatiha aloud on each rakah when performing prayer with the congregation during fajr, jumu’ah, Eid, tarawih and witr prayers and during the first two rakahs of the maghrib and isha prayers, and to recite quietly in the zhuhr and asr prayers.
9) The congregation that follows the imam must not recite Surah al-Fatiha and the surah. They must remain quiet.
10) To perform the Qunut takbir during the witr prayer and recite the duas of Qunut.
11) To take additional takbirs during Eid prayers.
12) Ta’dil al-arkan, namely to stand up straight when standing and be standing straight up during ruku (women stand a little slanted). To straighten thoroughly when arising from ruku, to sit down completely between the two sajdas.
13) To perform the salãm to the right and then to the left at the end of prayer.
14) To perform the Sajdah al-Sahw if there is an error during the prayer.
(The sajdah al-sahw is required if a fardh or wajib of the prayer is performed late or if one of the wajib acts is abandoned. If a wajib act is abandoned on purpose, the prayer must be performed again.)
THE SUNNAHS OF PRAYER
1) To raise the hands during takbir at the start of all prayers, during the Qunut takbir of the witr prayer and the additional takbirs of Eid prayers. (Men raise their thumbs to their earlobes; and women raise their hands with their fingertips in line with their shoulders).
2) To recite the adhan and iqama for the five daily prayers and jumu’ah prayer. (The adhan and iqama is not sunnah for women.)
It is mustahabb to listen to the adhan. A person who hears the adhan should repeat the recited sentences of the muazzin. However, they should state “la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil aliyyil’azim” when Hayya ‘ala s-salah and Hayya ‘ala ‘l-falah is recited.
The following dua is recited after giving salãtu wa salãm to our Prophet following the recitation of the adhan:
اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّ هٰذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّٓامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَٓائِمَةِ اٰتِ مُحَمَّدًا اَلْوَس۪يلَةَ وَالْفَض۪يلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا اَلَّذ۪ي وَعَدْتَهُ
“Allahumma Rabba hadhihidda’ watit-tammati was-salãtil qa’imati, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilata, wab’athhu maqaman Mahmudanilladhi wa ’addahu.
Meaning: O Allah! Lord of this perfect call and of the prayer that is going to be performed. Kindly give Muhammad (saw) the right of intercession and superiority (a high degree in jannah) and bestow upon him the ‘Maqam al-Mahmuda’ (the greatest position of intercession) which You promised him.
Our Prophet stated: “Whoever recites this dua at the end of the adhan will gain right to my intercession on the Day of Judgment.” [52]
ADHAN (CALL TO PRAYER)
Allãhu Akbar – Allãhu Akbar
Allãhu Akbar – Allãhu Akbar
Ash-hadu an-la ilaha illallah
Ash-hadu an-la ilaha illallah
Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan-Rasulullah
Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan-Rasulullah
Hayya ‘ala s-salah, Hayya ‘ala s-salah
Hayya ‘ala ‘l-falah, Hayya ‘ala ‘l-falah
As-Salãtu Khayrun-minan Nawm[53]
As-Salãtu Khayrun-minan Nawm
Allãhu akbar, Allãhu akbar
La ilaha illa-Allah
IQAMA
Allãhu akbar – Allãhu akbar
Allãhu akbar – Allãhu akbar
Ash-hadu an-la ilaha illallah
Ash-hadu an-la ilaha illallah
Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan-Rasulullah
Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan-Rasulullah
Hayya ‘ala s-salah, Hayya ‘ala s-salah
Hayya ‘ala ‘l-falah, Hayya ‘ala ‘l-falah
Qad qãma tis-salaah
Qad qãma tis-salaah
Allãhu akbar, Allãhu akbar
La ilaha illa-Allah
1) To recite Subhanaka.
2) To recite the Audhu Basmala after Subhanaka on the first rakah. To recite the Basmala before Fatiha during other rakahs.
3) To recite Subhanaka and Audhu Basmala silently.
4) For the congregation and the imam to say ‘Amin’ silently when the Fatiha is recited.
5) To pronounce all takbirs within the prayer apart from the iftitah takbir.
6) To state “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” when rising from ruku, and to say “Rabbana lakal hamd” after that.
7) To state “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times at ruku and at each sajdah state “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
8) For the distance between the feet to be four fingers apart during qiyam.
9) To hold the knees during ruku and to keep the fingers apart when holding. (Ladies do not keep fingers apart and do not hold their knees; they just put their hands on the knees.)
10) To keep the knees and elbows straight without bending it during ruku. (Ladies bend their knees and slant their backs up a little.)
11) To touch the ground firstly with the knees, then hands and then face when performing the sajdah. When rising from the sajdah, first face, then hands and later knees, with hands placed on them, should be raised.
12) To place the hands on the thighs when sitting.
13) When sitting, to spread the left foot on the ground and sit on it and to keep upright the right foot and make the toes face the qiblah. (Ladies spread their feet to the right side and sit on their buttocks.)
14) To recite “Allahumma Salli” and “Allahumma Barik” after Al-taḥiyyāt during the final sitting and recite a dua (dua of “Rabbana atina”).
15) To turn your head firstly to the right and then the left when performing the salãm.
16) To state “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” during the salãm.
The Etiquettes of Prayer:
When performing prayer, to look at:
- b) The place of sajdah when standing,
- c) Your feet at ruku,
- d) Your lap when sitting,
- e) Both sides of your nose at sajdah, and
- f) The shoulders when performing salãm.
THE THINGS THAT INVALIDATE PRAYER
1) To speak during prayer.
2) To eat or drink anything.
3) To laugh loud enough that you are able to hear it. (If people next to you can hear you laughing, then your wudu would also be invalidated.)
4) To either give or receive a salãm from someone.
5) To turn your chest away from the qiblah.
6) To cry in relation to a pain of this world or say “Ah”. (To cry due to a fear of Allah will not invalidate the prayer.)
7) To try and cough when you do not need to. (Normal coughing which you cannot do anything about will not invalidate your prayer.)
8) To try to do another task during prayer.
9) To blow at something.
10) To recite the Qur’an incorrectly enough to change its meaning.
11) To recite the verses by looking at the Qur’an.
12) To invalidate your wudu during prayer.
13) A person who has performed tayammum to see water during prayer, and for the masah period to end during prayer.
14) The sun rising during the fajr prayer.
15) For women and men to perform prayer in congregation side by side in a row without a curtain or barrier in between.
16) For the parts that require covering during prayer to open and for this uncovering to remain long enough to perform a rukn.
THE MAKRUHS OF PRAYER
1) To play with your body or clothing during prayer, to crack your knuckles, to interconnect your fingers together and to place your hands by your side.
2) To yawn or stretch.
3) To close your eyes, to look left, right or above. (to turn your chest away from the qiblah when looking will invalidate prayer)
4) To commence prayer with your sleeves rolled up. (women’s prayer will be invalidated if they do this)
5) During prayer, to sit as cross-legged, and to crouch or sit with your knees upright without an excuse.
6) To perform prayer facing towards a person’s face or a burning ember. (Performing prayer towards a lamp, candle or light is not makruh.)
7) To wipe sweat or dust from your face, to scratch, to place rocks at the place of sajdah. (It is not makruh if these are done due to an illness.)
8) To abandon the tasbih during ruku and sajdah or to recite them less than three times.
9) For there to be pictures of a living creature in front of or to the sides of a person performing prayer, or to perform sajdah on top of the picture of a person or an animal. (There is no objection to pictures of inanimate or abstract things such as a scenery or trees.)
10) To lean on something during prayer.
11) To place only your forehead on the ground without putting your nose on it.
12) To put your hands on the ground before your knees when performing the sajdah. To raise the knees before the hands when rising from the sajdah. (It is not makruh if it is done due to an illness.)
13) To perform prayer on the road where people or vehicles pass through, somewhere dirty, on a grave, somewhere close to dirt, or to perform prayer in a place without the owner’s permission.
14) To recite a longer verse or surah in the second rakah than in the first.
15) To recite the same surah or verse in the two rakahs even though they know other surahs by heart.
16) In the second rakah, to recite a preceding surah or verse of the one recited in the first rakah.
We shall recite the surahs in accordance with their order during the prayer. For example, it is correct to recite Surah al-Quraysh in the second rakah after reciting Surah al-Fil in the first rakah after al-Fatiha. However, it is makruh to recite in reverse, Surah al-Quraysh in the first rakah and Surah al-Fil in the second rakah.
17) To skip one surah in the second rakah compared to the first.
Namely, it is makruh if Surah al-Fil is recited in the first rakah and then Surah al-Maun in the second by skipping Surah al-Quraysh. However, it is not makruh to skip two or more surahs.
18) To place your jacket or coat on your shoulders whilst performing prayer.
19) To close your eyes during prayer.
20) To perform prayer in an row behind whilst there is an gap in the front row in a masjid.
HOW TO PERFORM THE FIVE DAILY PRAYERS
For a prayer to be complete and in accordance with religious rulings, its fardhs, wajibs and sunnahs must be properly performed. One needs to avoid things that invalidate prayer and things that are makruh.
THE FAJR PRAYER
Fajr prayer is four rakahs with two as the sunnah and two as the fardh. Firstly the sunnah is performed and then the fardh.
How the sunnah of the fajr prayer is performed:
The First Rakah:
1) Face your feet towards the qiblah when standing and there should be a distance in four finger wight between the feet.
The Niyyah:
2) State the niyyah: “I intend to perform the sunnah of today’s fajr prayer for the consent of Allah.”
The Iftitah Takbir:
3) Make the takbir by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
(When men make the takbir, the front of the hands face the qiblah while holding the fingers normally apart. The hands are raised so that the thumbs are raised to the height of the ear lobes.)
(When women make the takbir, the front of the hands face the qiblah while holding the fingers normally apart and raising the hands on a level so that the fingertips reach shoulder height.)
Qiyam:
4) Clasp your hands after the takbir. Look at the place of sajdah whilst standing.
(Men; place the palm of your right hand on top of your left hand and wrap your thumb and little finger of the right hand around the left wrist placing the hands just below the belly button.)
(Women; place the right hand over the left hand and place on your chest. Women do not wrap their fingers around the wrist like men).
Qira’at:
5) Recite in order whilst standing a) Subhanaka, b) Audhu Basmala, c) Surah al-Fatiha, d) A surah from the Qur’an.[54]
Ruku (Bowing down):
6) Bow down for ruku by saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times. Look at your feet while performing the ruku.
(Men hold their knees while the fingers are kept apart and the back is straight during ruku. They must keep the knees and elbows straight.)
(In ruku, women bend their backs slightly whilst bending less than men do in ruku. They place the hands (without keeping the fingers apart) on the knees whilst bending the knees slightly.)
Rising from ruku:
7) Rise from ruku by saying, “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
Sajdah (Prostration):
8) The sajdah position is taken by saying “Allãhu akbar.” The sajdah is performed with the knees firstly touching the ground, then hands and then forehead. During the sajdah, the head is placed in alignment between both hands. The feet are not raised while performing the sajdah. During the sajdah, you look at the sides of your nose. Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is recited three times.
(Men; Keep the elbows away from the sides during the sajdah and keep the arms up above the ground. The feet are placed upright with the toes facing the qiblah.)
(Women; Keep the hands by the sides during the sajda. The feet are placed upright with the toes facing the qiblah.)
Sitting between the sajdahs:
9) You sit on your knees by raising your head from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar.” When sitting, the fingers are placed to the same level with the knees with the hands on the upper knees whilst looking at your lap. Here, you sit for a period short enough to at least say “Subhanallah.”
(Men: When sitting, spread their left foot on the ground, sit on it, keep the right foot uprights and make the toes face the qiblah.)
(Women: spread their feet to the right side and sit like that.)
10) The second sajdah is performed after saying “Allãhu akbar”, and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
11) By saying “Allãhu akbar”, stand (to commence the second rakah) and clasp your hands.
When rising from the sajdah, you first raise your face, then hands and later your knees with your hands placed on them.
Everything done to this point from the iftitah takbir is called one rakah.
The Second Rakah:
1) Whilst standing, recite these in order: a) The Basmala, b) Surah al-Fatiha, c) A surah from the Qur’an.
2) Bow down for ruku by saying “Allãhu akbar” just as in the first rakah saying “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) Go down to sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar.” And, recite “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar.” And, sit for a period short enough to say “Subhanallah.”
6) The second sajdah is performed after saying “Allãhu akbar”, and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
Qa’da al-Akhirah (Sitting at the end of prayer):
1) Sit up on your knees from sajdah saying “Allãhu akbar.” While sitting, the fingers are placed to the same level with the knees with the hands on the upper knees whilst looking at your lap.
(Men: when sitting, spread the left foot on the ground, sit on it, keep the right foot upright and make the toes face the qiblah.)
(Women: spread their feet to the right side and sit like that.)
2) Recite the duas in order during the sitting; a) Al-Tahiyyāt, b) Allahumma Salli, c) Allahumma Barik, d) Rabbana atina.
3) Saying Assalamu alaikum to the right:
First, turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” Look at the shoulder during the salãm.
4) Saying Assalamu alaikum the left:
Then, turn your head to the left by saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” Thus, the second rakah of prayer is completed.
How the fardh of the fajr prayer is performed:
Performing the fardh of the fajr prayer is the same as the sunnah. However, the difference between the sunnah is to state the niyyah for the fardh and for the men to recite the iqama.
The niyyah is stated for the fardh of the fajr prayer as follows;
“I intend to perform the fardh of today’s fajr prayer for the consent of Allah.” [55]
THE ZHUHR PRAYER
The zhuhr prayer is ten rakahs with four the first sunnah, four fardh and two rakahs as the final sunnah.
How the sunnah of the zhuhr prayer is performed:
The First Rakah:
1) State the niyyah as: “I intend to perform the sunnah of today’s zhuhr prayer for the consent of Allah.”
2) Make the takbir by saying “Allãhu akbar” and clasp your hands.
3) Recite in order whilst standing; Subhanaka, Audhu Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha, and a surah from the Qur’an.
4) Bow down for the ruku by saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times in the ruku.
5) Rise from the ruku by saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
6) Go down to sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar” and recite “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit on your knees from the sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Go down to the second sajdah after saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
9) After saying “Allãhu akbar”, stand to commence the second rakah by clasping your hands.
The Second Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order whilst standing.
2) Bow down for the ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and after that, pronounce “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed by saying “Allãhu akbar.” Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is pronounced three times.
5) Sit on your knees from the sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar.”
6) Go down to second sajdah after saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit on by saying “Allãhu akbar” and recite “Al-Taḥiyyāt” (this act is called the first sitting).
8) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand to commence the third rakah by clasping your hands.
The Third Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order.
2) Bow down to the ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar”. In sajdah, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
5) Sit on your knees from the sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Again, the sajdah is performed for the second time by saying “Allãhu akbar” and after “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand (to commence the fourth rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Fourth Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order.
2) Perform the ruku by saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku by saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed by saying “Allãhu akbar.” Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is recited three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Once again, the second sajdah is performed by saying “Allãhu akbar” and after “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina in order during the sitting.
9) First, turn the head to the right and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”. Then, turn the head to the left and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”.
How the fardh of the zhuhr prayer is performed:
The First Rakah:
1) Recite the iqama. (for men)
2) State the niyyah by saying: “I intend to perform the fard of today’s zhuhr prayer for the consent of Allah.”
3) Make the iftitah takbir by saying “Allãhu akbar” and clasp your hands.
4) Recite Subhanaka, Audhu Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order.
5) Bow down for ruku by saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
6) Rise from the ruku by saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
7) The sajdah is performed by saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
8) Sit on your knees from the sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
9) The second sajdah is performed after “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
10) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the second rakah) and fold your hands.
The Second Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order whilst standing.
2) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar”. Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) The second sajdah is performed after “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
7) Sit by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) “Al-Taḥiyyāt” is recited while sitting.
9) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the third rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Third Rakah:
1) Recite whilst standing Basmala and Surah al-Fatiha.
2) Bow down for ruku by saying “Allãhu akbar” and repeat “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed by saying “Allãhu akbar.” In sajdah, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is pronounced three times.
5) Sit on your knees from the sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Once again, the sajdah is performed for the second time after saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is pronounced three times.
7) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the fourth rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Fourth Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala and Surah al-Fatiha while standing.
2) Bow down for ruku by saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar”. In sajdah, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
5) Sit on your knees from the sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Once again, the second sajdah is performed by saying “Allãhu akbar” and after “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina in order during the sitting.
9) Firstly, turn the head to the right and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”. Then, turn your head to the left and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”.
Thus, the fardh of the zhuhr prayer is completed.
How the final sunnah of zhuhr prayer is performed:
State the niyyah by saying: “I intend to perform the final sunnah of today’s zhuhr prayer for the consent of Allah”.
Then, perform the two rakahs in exactly the same way as the sunnah of the fajr prayer.
THE ASR PRAYER
The asr prayer is eight rakahs with four the first sunnah and four the fardh.
How the sunnah of asr prayer is performed:
The First Rakah:
1) State the niyyah by saying: “I intend to perform the sunnah of today’s asr prayer for the consent of Allah”.
2) Make the iftitah takbir saying “Allãhu akbar” and clasp your hands.
3) Respectively recite Subhanaka, Audhu Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order whilst standing.
4) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and say “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
5) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
6) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
7) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) The second sajdah is performed after “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
9) After “Allãhu akbar” , stand up to commence the second rakah by clasping your hands.
The Second Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order whilst standing.
2) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar”. Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) The second sajdah is performed after saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
7) Sit by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Respectively recite the followings during the sitting: a) Al-Taḥiyyāt, b) Allahumma Salli, c) Allahumma Barik.
9) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand up(to commence the third rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Third Rakah:
1) Recite Subhanaka, Audhu Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order whilst standing.
2) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and pronounce “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from the ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar”. Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is pronounced three times.
5) Sit on your knees from the sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Again, the sajdah is performed for the second time after saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the fourth rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Fourth Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah while standing.
2) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from the ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar”. Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is pronounced three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Once again, the second sajdah is performed after saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Recite the duas in order during the sitting; Al-taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik, Rabbana atina…
9) Firstly, turn your head to the right and state “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”. Then, turn the head to the left stating “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”.
The difference between the first sunnah of the zhuhr prayer and asr prayer is:
The first sunnah of zhuhr prayer is a sunnah muakkadah. Only Al-taḥiyyāt is recited during the sitting at the second rakah and when commencing the third rakah, Basmala, Fatiha and a surah is recited.
The sunnah of asr prayer is a sunnah ghair muakkadah. At the sitting of the second rakah, Al-taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli and Allahumma Barik are recited. You first recite Subhanaka when you rise for the third rakah and then, Audhu Basmala with Fatiha and a surah.
How the fardh of asr prayer is performed:
1) The iqama is performed. (for men)
2) State the niyyah saying: “I intend to perform the fard of today’s asr prayer for the consent of Allah.”
The fardh of asr prayer is performed exactly the same as the fardh of zhuhr prayer. The difference is just the niyyah.
THE MAGHRIB PRAYER
The Maghrib prayer is five rakahs with three as the fardh and two rakahs as the sunnah. The fardh is performed first.
How the fardh of maghrib prayer is performed:
The First Rakah:
1) The iqama is recited. (for men)
2) State the niyyah saying: “I intend to perform the fardh of this evening’s maghrib prayer for the consent of Allah”.
3) Make the iftitah takbir saying “Allãhu akbar” and clasp the hands.
4) Recite in order whilst standing: Subhanaka, Audhu-Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah.
5) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and repeat “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
6) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and pronounce “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
7) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
8) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
9) The second sajdah is performed after “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
10) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the second rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Second Rakah:
1) Whilst standing, recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah.
2) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and state “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) The second sajdah is performed after “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
7) Sit after thee sajdah saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) “Al-Taḥiyyāt” is recited while sitting.
9) By saying “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the third rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Third Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala and Surah al-Fatiha whilst standing.
2) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and state “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) The sajdah is performed saying “Allãhu akbar”. Here, “Subhana rabbi al ala” is repeated three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Again, the second sajdah is performed by saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) On this sitting, recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik and Rabbana atina.
9) Firstly, turn the head to the right and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” Then, turn the head to the left and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.”
How the sunnah of maghrib prayer is performed:
State the niyyah by saying, “I intend to perform the sunnah of this evening’s maghrib prayer for the consent of Allah.” The sunnah of the maghrib prayer is performed exactly like the two-rakah sunnah of the fajr prayer.
THE ISHA PRAYER
The isha prayer is ten rakahs, with four as the first sunnah, four as the fardh and two as the final sunnah.
How the first sunnah of the isha prayer is performed:
State the niyyah by saying: “I intend to perform the first sunnah of tonight’s isha prayer for the consent of Allah”.
After the niyyah, it is performed identically to the sunnah of the asr prayer. Both are sunnah ghair muakkadah. The difference between them is just the niyyah.
How the fardh of the isha prayer is performed:
1) The iqama is recited. (for men)
2) State the niyyah by saying, “I intend to perform the fard of tonight’s isha prayer for the consent of Allah”.
After the niyyah, it is performed identically to the fard of the zhuhr prayer.
How the final sunnah of the isha prayer is performed:
State the niyyah by saying: “I intend to perform the final sunnah of tonight’s isha prayer for the consent of Allah”.
After the niyyah, it is performed identically to the sunnah of the fajr prayer.
THE WITR PRAYER
The three-rakah witr prayer to be performed after the isha prayer has a difference when compared to the other prayers. The ruku is not performed immediately after reciting the Fatiha and a surah in the third rakah. When “Allãhu akbar” is stated, the hands are raised for the takbir, clasped again and then Qunut duas are recited. After this, the ruku is performed.
Let’s see how the witr prayer is performed after this explanation:
The First Rakah:
1) State the niyyah by saying, “I intend to perform tonight’s witr prayer for the consent of Allah.”
2) Make the iftitah takbir by saying “Allãhu akbar” and clasp your hands.
3) Recite in order whilst standing: Subhanaka, Audhu-Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah.
4) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and pronounce “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
5) Rise from ruku stating “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and say “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
6) Go down to sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar” and pronounce “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Go down to second sajdah after saying “Allãhu akbar” and repeat “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
9) After “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the second rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Second Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah in order whilst standing.
2) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
3) Rise from the ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and pronounce “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
4) Go down to sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar.” Here, repeat “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
5) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
6) Go down to the second sajdah after saying “Allãhu akbar” and pronounce “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit by stating “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Recite Al-Taḥiyyāt while sitting.
9) After saying “Allãhu akbar”, stand up (to commence the third rakah) and clasp your hands.
The Third Rakah:
1) Recite the Basmala, Surah al-Fatiha and a surah while standing.
2) Raise your hands by stating “Allãhu akbar” and then clasp again.
3) Recite the duas of Qunut. (Those who do not know the Qunut duas can recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar” instead.)
4) Bow down for ruku saying “Allãhu akbar” and repeat “Subhana rabbi al azeem” three times.
5) Rise the ruku saying “Sami Allãhu liman hamidah” and pronounce “Rabbana lakal hamd” when standing upright.
6) Go down to sajdah by saying“Allãhu akbar”. Here, repeat “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
7) Sit on your knees from sajdah by saying “Allãhu akbar”.
8) Again, go down to second sajdah after saying “Allãhu akbar” and repeat “Subhana rabbi al ala” three times.
9) Sit by saying “Allãhu akbar” after the sajdah.
10) Recite the duas Al-Taḥiyyāt, Allahumma Salli, Allahumma Barik, Rabbana atina in order while sitting.
11) Firstly, turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”. Then, turn your head to the left and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”.
WHAT TO RECITE AFTER THE PRAYER
After performing the salãm during the fardh prayer:
“Allahumma anta-s-salãmu wa minka-s-salãm tabarakta ya dhal jalali wal ikram” is recited.
If there is no sunnah prayer after a fard prayer, (such as the Fajr and Asr prayers)
After that, by stating “Allahumma salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin wa `ala ali sayyidina Muhammad”, so we ask Allah confer blessings and peace upon the Prophet. If there is a sunnah prayer after a fardh prayer (such as zhuhr, maghrib, Isha) then, salatu salam is recited after the sunnah prayer is performed.
After the salatu salam:
“Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar wala hawla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azeem” is recited.
After this, Ayat al-Kursi is recited after Audhu-Basmala.
Ayat al-Kursi:
Allahu la illaha illa hu wal Hayyul Qayyum. La te’ khudhuhu sinetun wala nawm. Lahu ma fissamawati wa ma fil’ard. Men dhalladhiy yeshfe’u ’indehu illa bi iznih. Ya’lemu ma bayna aydiyhim wa ma khalfahum. Wa la yuhiytune bi shey’in min ’ilmihi illa bima sha-a. Wasi’a kursiyyuhu-s-samawati wal’ard. Wa la yauduhu hifzuhuma. Wa hu wal ’aliyyul aziym.
Meaning:
Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them. They encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the most High, the most Great.
After, repectively:
33 times,
سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ
“Subhanallah”
33 times,
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ
“Alhamdulillah”
33 times,
اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ
“Allahu akbar”
are recited.
Following these:
لَٓا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَر۪يكَ لَهُ،
لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَد۪يرٌ
“La illaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, Lahul-mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala Kulli shay’in Qadeer” is recited and the hands are raised chest high for the dua.
The following duas with their meanings included, which were recommended by our Prophet, are recited:
“All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace and blessings be upon our Prophet (saw), those observing him and his Companions.
Oh Allah! We seek refuge in You from any difficulties that we cannot tolerate, from the shortages of this world and the Hereafter, from destiny that will give us sadness and from grief that will please our enemies.
Oh Allah! Forgive our sins and protect us, be content with us, accept our worships, place us in jannah, save us from the hellfire, straighten all our works in this world and the Hereafter. Help us to remember You, to give thanks to You and to make good worship.
Oh Allah! Make good the end for our all tasks and protect us from the sadness of this world and the torment of the Hereafter.
Oh Allah! We seek the things that will take us to Your forgiveness and things that are a cause for Your mercy and we seek to stay away from all sins, we wish to acquire all the good and eventually enter jannah and be saved from hell.
Oh Allah! Please forgive all our sins without leaving any unforgiven, do not leave any sorrow, make us rejoice, give us the power and strength to pay our debts, meet all our requirements in this world and in the Hereafter in complince with Your consent. The most gracious of all graciousness!
Oh Allah! Give us goodness and beauty in this world, give us goodness and beauty in the Hereafter and forgive us with Your mercy, protect us from the torment of hell. The most gracious of all graciousness!
Oh Our Lord! Forgive me, my mother, my father and all believers on the Day of Judgment with Your mercy. The most gracious of all graciousness!
May salãm be upon all prophets, praise only to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
We end our dua with the following verse and wipe our hands over our face:
“Subhana rabbika rabbil izatti ama yasifun wa salamun alal mursalin walhamdu lillahi rabbil alamin.”
Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, Basics of Islam, Seyfettin Yazıcı
All About Ablution And Cleanliness in Islam
