How to Pray in Islam: A Step-by-Step Guide to Salah
How to pray in Islam is an act obligatory to every Muslim and is performed five times a day. It is the second pillar of Islam.
To pray in Islam, begin with ablution (wudu) to purify yourself.
Face the Kaaba in Mecca and begin with the intention (Niyah).
Recite prayers from the Quran, bow (ruku), and prostrate (sujud) in humility.
Perform five daily prayers with sincerity, following the steps taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Prayer, or Salah, is one of Islam’s most fundamental acts of worship. It is a direct connection between a Muslim and Allah, reinforcing faith, discipline, and spirituality.
Whether you’re a new Muslim seeking to learn how to pray in Islam or someone looking to refine your prayer.
This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to pray in Islam and the benefits it.
At Fajr Al-Quran Academy, a leading platform for Islamic education, we are dedicated to guiding how to pray in Islam correctly.
According to the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Let’s explore the complete guide to how to pray in Islam, from preparation to performance.
What is Salah?
The Pray in Islam is the obligatory form of prayer, performed five times a day.
It is the second pillar of Islam and a mandatory act of worship for every adult Muslim.
The Islamic prayers are performed at specific times: Fajr (dawn), Duhr, Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night).
Each prayer consists of units called Rakah, which include specific movements and recitations.
The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of Islamic prayer as a means of seeking Allah’s blessings, forgiveness, and guidance.
Importance of how to pray in Islam
Islamic prayer occupies a pivotal position in a Muslim’s life.
It is not just a ritual but a spiritual practice.
Islamic prayer has significance in this life and the hereafter, so we must teach our children how to pray in Islam.
Strengthens faith and devotion to Allah.
Provides discipline by structuring the day around the remembrance of God.
Purifies the heart and mind, fostering patience and humility.
Unites the Muslim community (Ummah) in worship, especially during Jumu’ah.
Serves as a constant reminder of the purpose of life and the hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad.” (At-Tabarani)
Preparing for Prayer: Purification and Intention
Before performing prayer, a Muslim must be in a state of purity. This involves:
- Wudu (Ablutions)
First step: Wash the hands up to the wrists.
Rinse the mouth and nose.
Clean the face and arms up to the elbows.
Wet the head and wash the feet up to the ankles.
- Clean Clothing and Prayer Space
Ensure clothes and the place of prayer are clean.
Face the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Makkah).
- Niyyah (Intention)
Make a sincere intention in your heart for the specific prayer you are about to perform.
How to Pray in Islam: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Solat
- Standing (Iqamah) and Opening Takbir Begin the Prayer with Takbir al-Ihram
Stand straight, facing the Qibla. Start with raising both your hands upwards while saying takbeer (Allah o Akbar): (Allah is the Greatest)
Place your right hand over the left on your chest.
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran)
In the Name of God, The Infinitely Good, the All-Merciful. Praise be to God, followed by another Surah or verses.
- Bowing (Ruku)
Bend forward, placing your hands on your knees, and say:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great)
- Rising from Ruku and Standing Again
Stand up straight and say:
“Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him)
Then say: “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is all praise)
- Prostration (Sujud)
Go down into prostration, placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet on the ground.
Say: “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High)
- Sitting Between Prostrations (Jalsa)
Sit briefly between the two sujud and say: “Rabbighfir li” (O Lord, forgive me)
- Final Sitting (Tashahhud)
In the last Rakah, sit and recite the Tashahhud:
“At-Tahiyyatu Lillah…” (All greetings belong to Allah…)
End with Durood Muhammad and Ibrahim (blessings upon the Prophet) and a dua.
Turn your head to the right and say: “Assal Amu alaikum we Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), then repeat to the left.
How to Pray in Islam: The Spiritual and Physical Benefits.
After we learned how to pray in Islam, prayer offers numerous benefits:
Mental Peace: Regular prayer reduces stress and anxiety.
Physical Health: The movements in prayer improve flexibility and blood circulation.
Discipline: Praying five times daily instills time management and self-control.
Community Bonding: Congregational prayers, especially Jumu’ah, strengthen the Muslim brotherhood.
The Names and Times of the 5 Daily Salah in Islam
Prayer Time with how many Rakah (Units)
Time Fajr Dawn two Units
Dhuhr Noon four Units
Asr Afternoon four Units.
Maghrib Sunset three Units.
Time Isha Night four Units.
Special prayers like Jumu’ah (Friday prayer) and Taraweeh (Ramadan night prayers) also hold great significance.
The Friday Prayer Jumu’ah
Performing Friday Prayer (Jumu’ah) is a weekly congregational prayer that holds immense significance in Islam, serving as a center of spiritual and communal gathering.
It is a communal prayer in Islam that takes place once a week on Fridays.
Performed in place of Dhuhr on Fridays, it is Fard (obligatory) for Muslim men and highly recommended for women.
The mosque (masjid) becomes a vibrant Centre of worship, where the adhan (call to prayer) and iqama signal the start of this sacred salat.
How to pray in Islam jummah prayer includes a khutbah (sermon), providing religious knowledge, fatwas, and guidance on current issues.
Many mosques also offer extra services, such as teaching sessions, Istikhara prayers, and cultural events, making it a time for the families to meet.
The largest gatherings occur in local mosques and Islamic centers, where the Almighty is praised and the Ummah unites in worship.
Some selected mosques even broadcast the khutbah in English for better understanding.
The timings align with sunrise and midday, ensuring Muslims worldwide combine faith and daily life.
Whether through video, book, or direct teaching online, Fajr Al-Quran Academy strives to serve the deen, keeping the tradition of Prophet Abraham alive.
Parents often bring their children to instill the habit of Jumu’ah, ensuring they stay connected to their faith.
With a structured schedule and calendar of events, mosques like those under the ICM (Islamic Cantres) send reminders.
To make it easier for Muslims to prioritize this sacred movement in their monthly routine
Conclusion:
Making Salah a Meaningful Habit
Prayer in Islam is more than just a daily obligation—it is a conversation with Allah, a source of guidance, and a means of attaining peace.
By understanding its steps, times, and deeper purpose, we can transform our prayers into a profound spiritual experience.
At Fajr Al-Quran Academy, we help Muslims worldwide learn and perfect their Salah through structured courses and Islamic teachings.
Whether you’re in London, the United States, or anywhere else, our online platform makes it easy to start your journey.
May Allah accept our prayers and keep us steadfast in worship. Ameen.
Would you like to learn more about prayer or join our Islamic learning community?
Visit Fajr Al-Quran Academy today and deepen your connection with the Quran and Sunnah.
