Wudu and salat

Fajr

The dawn prayer, prayed before the day begins. Its two sunnah rak’ahs are, in the Prophet’s ﷺ words, better than the world and everything in it.

When

From true dawn until sunrise.

Fard rak’ahs

2

Recitation

Aloud in both rak’ahs

Sunnah

2 rak’ahs before the fard, which the Prophet ﷺ never left

Step by step

1. Face the qibla and intend

   Stand facing the Ka’bah in Makkah, with your body and clothing clean and covered. Intend in your heart to pray the 2 fard rak’ahs of Fajr.

2. Begin with the takbir

   Raise your hands to your ears or shoulders and say:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

   Then place the right hand over the left on the chest or below it.

3. First rak’ah: recite

   Recite Al-Fatihah aloud, then another surah or a few verses. Read and listen to Al-Fatihah.

4. Bow (ruku’)

   Say Allahu akbar and bow, hands on knees, back straight. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِSubhana rabbiyal-‘azimGlory be to my Lord, the Magnificent

5. Rise

   Stand up straight, saying:

   سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُSami‘a Allahu liman hamidahAllah hears whoever praises Him

   رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُRabbana wa lakal-hamdOur Lord, to You belongs all praise

6. Prostrate (sujud)

   Say Allahu akbar and go down with forehead and nose, both palms, both knees and the toes on the ground. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىSubhana rabbiyal-a‘laGlory be to my Lord, the Most High

7. Sit briefly, then prostrate again

   Say Allahu akbar and sit up. It is sunnah to say:

   رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيRabbighfir liMy Lord, forgive me

   Then say Allahu akbar and make a second sujud as before. This completes the first rak’ah.

8. Second rak’ah

   Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah aloud, then another surah or a few verses. Then bow, rise and make two sujud, exactly as in the first rak’ah.

9. Sit for the tashahhud

   Sit and recite:

   التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

10. Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ

    Continue with:

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid.O Allah, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

11. End with the taslim

    Turn your face to the right and then to the left, each time saying:

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

Dhuhr

The midday prayer. On Fridays it is replaced by Jumu’ah for those who attend.

When

After the sun passes its highest point, until the time of Asr.

Fard rak’ahs

4

Recitation

Silent throughout

Sunnah

Commonly 4 before and 2 after; some schools pray 2 before

Step by step

1. Face the qibla and intend

   Stand facing the Ka’bah in Makkah, with your body and clothing clean and covered. Intend in your heart to pray the 4 fard rak’ahs of Dhuhr.

2. Begin with the takbir

   Raise your hands to your ears or shoulders and say:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

   Then place the right hand over the left on the chest or below it.

3. First rak’ah: recite

   Recite Al-Fatihah silently, then another surah or a few verses. Read and listen to Al-Fatihah.

4. Bow (ruku’)

   Say Allahu akbar and bow, hands on knees, back straight. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِSubhana rabbiyal-‘azimGlory be to my Lord, the Magnificent

5. Rise

   Stand up straight, saying:

   سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُSami‘a Allahu liman hamidahAllah hears whoever praises Him

   رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُRabbana wa lakal-hamdOur Lord, to You belongs all praise

6. Prostrate (sujud)

   Say Allahu akbar and go down with forehead and nose, both palms, both knees and the toes on the ground. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىSubhana rabbiyal-a‘laGlory be to my Lord, the Most High

7. Sit briefly, then prostrate again

   Say Allahu akbar and sit up. It is sunnah to say:

   رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيRabbighfir liMy Lord, forgive me

   Then say Allahu akbar and make a second sujud as before. This completes the first rak’ah.

8. Second rak’ah

   Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah silently, then another surah or a few verses. Then bow, rise and make two sujud, exactly as in the first rak’ah.

9. First sitting: the tashahhud

   Sit and recite the tashahhud:

   التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

   Then say Allahu akbar and stand for the third rak’ah, without the blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.

10. Third rak’ah

    Recite Al-Fatihah silently, and nothing more. Then bow, rise and make two sujud as before.

11. Fourth rak’ah

    Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah silently, and nothing more. Then bow, rise and make two sujud.

12. Final sitting: the tashahhud

    Sit and recite the tashahhud again:

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

13. Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ

    Continue with:

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid.O Allah, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

14. End with the taslim

    Turn your face to the right and then to the left, each time saying:

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

Asr

The afternoon prayer, which the Quran singles out as “the middle prayer” (Al-Baqarah, 2:238), according to many scholars.

When

Mid-afternoon until sunset. Don’t delay it until the sun turns yellow.

Fard rak’ahs

4

Recitation

Silent throughout

Sunnah

4 before is recommended; none is prayed after Asr

Step by step

1. Face the qibla and intend

   Stand facing the Ka’bah in Makkah, with your body and clothing clean and covered. Intend in your heart to pray the 4 fard rak’ahs of Asr.

2. Begin with the takbir

   Raise your hands to your ears or shoulders and say:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

   Then place the right hand over the left on the chest or below it.

3. First rak’ah: recite

   Recite Al-Fatihah silently, then another surah or a few verses. Read and listen to Al-Fatihah.

4. Bow (ruku’)

   Say Allahu akbar and bow, hands on knees, back straight. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِSubhana rabbiyal-‘azimGlory be to my Lord, the Magnificent

5. Rise

   Stand up straight, saying:

   سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُSami‘a Allahu liman hamidahAllah hears whoever praises Him

   رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُRabbana wa lakal-hamdOur Lord, to You belongs all praise

6. Prostrate (sujud)

   Say Allahu akbar and go down with forehead and nose, both palms, both knees and the toes on the ground. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىSubhana rabbiyal-a‘laGlory be to my Lord, the Most High

7. Sit briefly, then prostrate again

   Say Allahu akbar and sit up. It is sunnah to say:

   رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيRabbighfir liMy Lord, forgive me

   Then say Allahu akbar and make a second sujud as before. This completes the first rak’ah.

8. Second rak’ah

   Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah silently, then another surah or a few verses. Then bow, rise and make two sujud, exactly as in the first rak’ah.

9. First sitting: the tashahhud

   Sit and recite the tashahhud:

   التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

   Then say Allahu akbar and stand for the third rak’ah, without the blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.

10. Third rak’ah

    Recite Al-Fatihah silently, and nothing more. Then bow, rise and make two sujud as before.

11. Fourth rak’ah

    Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah silently, and nothing more. Then bow, rise and make two sujud.

12. Final sitting: the tashahhud

    Sit and recite the tashahhud again:

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

13. Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ

    Continue with:

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid.O Allah, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

14. End with the taslim

    Turn your face to the right and then to the left, each time saying:

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

Maghrib

The sunset prayer, and the only fard prayer with three rak’ahs.

When

Just after sunset, until the red glow leaves the sky. The window is short, so pray promptly.

Fard rak’ahs

3

Recitation

Aloud in the first two rak’ahs, silent in the third

Sunnah

2 rak’ahs after

Step by step

1. Face the qibla and intend

   Stand facing the Ka’bah in Makkah, with your body and clothing clean and covered. Intend in your heart to pray the 3 fard rak’ahs of Maghrib.

2. Begin with the takbir

   Raise your hands to your ears or shoulders and say:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

   Then place the right hand over the left on the chest or below it.

3. First rak’ah: recite

   Recite Al-Fatihah aloud, then another surah or a few verses. Read and listen to Al-Fatihah.

4. Bow (ruku’)

   Say Allahu akbar and bow, hands on knees, back straight. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِSubhana rabbiyal-‘azimGlory be to my Lord, the Magnificent

5. Rise

   Stand up straight, saying:

   سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُSami‘a Allahu liman hamidahAllah hears whoever praises Him

   رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُRabbana wa lakal-hamdOur Lord, to You belongs all praise

6. Prostrate (sujud)

   Say Allahu akbar and go down with forehead and nose, both palms, both knees and the toes on the ground. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىSubhana rabbiyal-a‘laGlory be to my Lord, the Most High

7. Sit briefly, then prostrate again

   Say Allahu akbar and sit up. It is sunnah to say:

   رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيRabbighfir liMy Lord, forgive me

   Then say Allahu akbar and make a second sujud as before. This completes the first rak’ah.

8. Second rak’ah

   Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah aloud, then another surah or a few verses. Then bow, rise and make two sujud, exactly as in the first rak’ah.

9. First sitting: the tashahhud

   Sit and recite the tashahhud:

   التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

   Then say Allahu akbar and stand for the third rak’ah, without the blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.

10. Third rak’ah

    Recite Al-Fatihah silently, and nothing more. Then bow, rise and make two sujud as before.

11. Final sitting: the tashahhud

    Sit and recite the tashahhud again:

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

12. Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ

    Continue with:

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid.O Allah, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

13. End with the taslim

    Turn your face to the right and then to the left, each time saying:

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

Isha

The night prayer. Witr, an odd number of rak’ahs, is prayed after it and closes the day’s prayers.

When

After the twilight has gone, ideally before midnight.

Fard rak’ahs

4

Recitation

Aloud in the first two rak’ahs, silent in the last two

Sunnah

2 rak’ahs after, then Witr, most commonly 3 rak’ahs

Step by step

1. Face the qibla and intend

   Stand facing the Ka’bah in Makkah, with your body and clothing clean and covered. Intend in your heart to pray the 4 fard rak’ahs of Isha.

2. Begin with the takbir

   Raise your hands to your ears or shoulders and say:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

   Then place the right hand over the left on the chest or below it.

3. First rak’ah: recite

   Recite Al-Fatihah aloud, then another surah or a few verses. Read and listen to Al-Fatihah.

4. Bow (ruku’)

   Say Allahu akbar and bow, hands on knees, back straight. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِSubhana rabbiyal-‘azimGlory be to my Lord, the Magnificent

5. Rise

   Stand up straight, saying:

   سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُSami‘a Allahu liman hamidahAllah hears whoever praises Him

   رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُRabbana wa lakal-hamdOur Lord, to You belongs all praise

6. Prostrate (sujud)

   Say Allahu akbar and go down with forehead and nose, both palms, both knees and the toes on the ground. Say three times:

   سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىSubhana rabbiyal-a‘laGlory be to my Lord, the Most High

7. Sit briefly, then prostrate again

   Say Allahu akbar and sit up. It is sunnah to say:

   رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيRabbighfir liMy Lord, forgive me

   Then say Allahu akbar and make a second sujud as before. This completes the first rak’ah.

8. Second rak’ah

   Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah aloud, then another surah or a few verses. Then bow, rise and make two sujud, exactly as in the first rak’ah.

9. First sitting: the tashahhud

   Sit and recite the tashahhud:

   التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

   Then say Allahu akbar and stand for the third rak’ah, without the blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.

10. Third rak’ah

    Recite Al-Fatihah silently, and nothing more. Then bow, rise and make two sujud as before.

11. Fourth rak’ah

    Say Allahu akbar and stand. Recite Al-Fatihah silently, and nothing more. Then bow, rise and make two sujud.

12. Final sitting: the tashahhud

    Sit and recite the tashahhud again:

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAt-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.All greetings, prayers and good things 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

13. Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ

    Continue with:

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid.O Allah, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

14. End with the taslim

    Turn your face to the right and then to the left, each time saying:

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

Witr

Witr means “odd.” It is an odd number of rak’ahs prayed after Isha and before Fajr, and it closes the night’s prayers. The Prophet ﷺ never left it, even when travelling. In the Hanafi school it is wajib (necessary); in the other schools it is a strongly emphasized sunnah.

When

Any time after Isha until Fajr; the last thing you pray at night

Rak’ahs

Odd: most commonly 3; as few as 1, or up to 11

Recitation

Aloud in Ramadan behind the Imam; otherwise at a level you can hear

Qunut

A supplication in the last rak’ah

Step by step: three rak’ahs

1. Intend and begin

   Intend to pray Witr, then begin with the takbir:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

2. First rak’ah

   Recite Al-Fatihah and a surah. The Prophet ﷺ often recited Al-A’la in the first rak’ah. Bow, rise and make two sujud as in every prayer.

3. Second rak’ah

   Recite Al-Fatihah and a surah, often Al-Kafirun. Bow, rise and make two sujud. Then sit for the tashahhud.

   Here practice differs. In the Hanafi school, after the tashahhud you stand straight up for the third rak’ah. Many in the other schools end with the taslim after these two rak’ahs, then stand and pray the third as a single rak’ah.

4. Third rak’ah

   Recite Al-Fatihah and a surah, often Al-Ikhlas.

5. The qunut supplication

   In the Hanafi school, say Allahu akbar and raise your hands before bowing, then recite the qunut (the Hanafi wording begins Allahumma inna nasta‘inuka). In the other schools, the qunut is made after rising from the bow, with hands raised. A widely taught qunut, which the Prophet ﷺ taught his grandson al-Hasan:

   اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ، وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَAllahumma-hdini fiman hadayt, wa ‘afini fiman ‘afayt, wa tawallani fiman tawallayt, wa barik li fima a‘tayt, wa qini sharra ma qadayt, fa innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alayk, wa innahu la yadhillu man walayt, tabarakta rabbana wa ta‘alayt.O Allah, guide me among those You have guided, keep me well among those You have kept well, take me into Your care among those You have cared for, bless me in what You have given, and protect me from the harm of what You have decreed. You decree, and nothing is decreed over You. No one You befriend is ever humbled. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.

6. Finish the prayer

   Complete the bow and the two sujud, sit for the tashahhud and the blessings on the Prophet ﷺ, and end with the taslim.

   السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

Jumu’ah, the Friday prayer

Jumu’ah is obligatory for adult men who are not travelling. Women are welcome to attend; if a woman attends, Jumu’ah counts in place of her Dhuhr, and if she doesn’t, she prays Dhuhr as usual.

When

Fridays, in place of Dhuhr. Here at 1:00 pm.

Fard rak’ahs

2, after the khutbah

Recitation

Aloud in both rak’ahs

Sunnah

2 on entering the masjid; commonly 4 (or 2) after

Step by step

1. Prepare

   It is sunnah to take a full bath (ghusl), wear clean, good clothes, use perfume (men) and come early. At Masjid Abubakar the khutbah begins at 1:00 pm.

2. Greet the masjid

   On entering, pray two rak’ahs before sitting down (tahiyyat al-masjid), even if the Imam has started.

3. Listen to the khutbah

   The Imam gives two short sermons with a brief sitting between them. Listen in silence; don’t talk or use your phone, even to tell someone else to be quiet.

4. Pray two rak’ahs behind the Imam

   After the iqamah, pray two rak’ahs following the Imam, who recites aloud in both. The steps are the same as Fajr: see the Fajr tab. Jumu’ah replaces Dhuhr, so you don’t pray Dhuhr as well.

5. Afterwards

   Pray the sunnah after Jumu’ah: commonly 4 rak’ahs in the masjid or 2 at home; schools differ.

Eid al-Fitr

The festival that ends Ramadan, on the 1st of Shawwal. The prayer itself is the same on both Eids.

When

In the morning, from about 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise until before midday. The masjid announces the time.

Rak’ahs

2, in congregation, with extra takbirs

Recitation

Aloud in both rak’ahs

No adhan

There is no adhan or iqamah, and no sunnah prayer before or after it

Before the prayer

• Eat first. Eat something before leaving, traditionally an odd number of dates.
• Zakat al-Fitr. Pay it before the prayer, so those in need can celebrate too. The masjid announces the amount.
• Takbir. Say the Eid takbir from the sighting of the moon until the prayer begins.
• Prepare. Take a bath (ghusl), wear your best clothes, and if you can, go by one route and return by another.
• Bring everyone. The Prophet ﷺ told women, including those not praying, to come out for Eid and share in the gathering (Sahih al-Bukhari).

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُAllahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil-hamdAllah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

The prayer, step by step

1. Intend and begin

   Intend to pray the two rak’ahs of the Eid prayer behind the Imam, and begin with the opening takbir:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

2. Extra takbirs in the first rak’ah

   Before the recitation, the Imam says extra takbirs and the congregation repeats each one. In the Hanafi school there are three, raising the hands each time; in the other schools there are six or seven. Follow the Imam either way.

3. Recitation

   The Imam recites Al-Fatihah and a surah aloud; Surah Al-A’la and Surah Al-Ghashiyah are often chosen. Then bow, rise and make two sujud as usual.

4. Extra takbirs in the second rak’ah

   In the Hanafi school, three extra takbirs come after the recitation, just before bowing. In the other schools, five come at the start of the rak’ah, before the recitation. Again, follow the Imam.

5. Finish the prayer

   Bow, prostrate, sit for the tashahhud and the blessings on the Prophet ﷺ, and end with the taslim, as in any prayer.

   السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

6. Stay for the khutbah

   On Eid the khutbah comes after the prayer. Stay and listen, then greet one another: Eid mubarak, or Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum, “may Allah accept from us and from you.”

Eid al-Adha

The festival of sacrifice, on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, while the pilgrims are at Hajj. The prayer itself is the same on both Eids.

When

In the morning, from about 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise until before midday. The masjid announces the time.

Rak’ahs

2, in congregation, with extra takbirs

Recitation

Aloud in both rak’ahs

No adhan

There is no adhan or iqamah, and no sunnah prayer before or after it

Before the prayer

• Eat after. Don’t eat until after the prayer; it is sunnah to eat first from your sacrifice.
• Qurbani. The sacrifice (udhiyah) is made after the Eid prayer, not before.
• Takbir. Say the takbir after every fard prayer from Fajr on the Day of Arafah until Asr on the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
• Prepare. Take a bath (ghusl), wear your best clothes, and if you can, go by one route and return by another.
• Bring everyone. The Prophet ﷺ told women, including those not praying, to come out for Eid and share in the gathering (Sahih al-Bukhari).

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُAllahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil-hamdAllah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

The prayer, step by step

1. Intend and begin

   Intend to pray the two rak’ahs of the Eid prayer behind the Imam, and begin with the opening takbir:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

2. Extra takbirs in the first rak’ah

   Before the recitation, the Imam says extra takbirs and the congregation repeats each one. In the Hanafi school there are three, raising the hands each time; in the other schools there are six or seven. Follow the Imam either way.

3. Recitation

   The Imam recites Al-Fatihah and a surah aloud; Surah Al-A’la and Surah Al-Ghashiyah are often chosen. Then bow, rise and make two sujud as usual.

4. Extra takbirs in the second rak’ah

   In the Hanafi school, three extra takbirs come after the recitation, just before bowing. In the other schools, five come at the start of the rak’ah, before the recitation. Again, follow the Imam.

5. Finish the prayer

   Bow, prostrate, sit for the tashahhud and the blessings on the Prophet ﷺ, and end with the taslim, as in any prayer.

   السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

6. Stay for the khutbah

   On Eid the khutbah comes after the prayer. Stay and listen, then greet one another: Eid mubarak, or Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum, “may Allah accept from us and from you.”

Janazah, the funeral prayer

A prayer asking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for a Muslim who has died. It is prayed standing the whole time, with four takbirs, and has no bowing, prostration or sitting. It is a communal obligation: when some of the community pray it, the duty is fulfilled for all, and the reward for attending is great.

When

When the funeral is held, usually soon after death; often right after a fard prayer

Rak’ahs

None: four takbirs, all standing

Recitation

Silent throughout

No adhan

There is no adhan or iqamah; the Imam announces it

Step by step

1. Stand in rows and intend

   Stand in rows behind the Imam, with the deceased in front of him. Intend to pray the funeral prayer for this person, for the sake of Allah.

2. First takbir

   Raise your hands with the Imam and say:

   اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُAllahu akbarAllah is the Greatest

   Place the right hand over the left and recite Al-Fatihah silently. In the Hanafi school, the opening praise (thana) is said here instead of Al-Fatihah.

3. Second takbir

   Say Allahu akbar and send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ, the same words as in the final sitting of every prayer:

   اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid.O Allah, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

4. Third takbir: pray for the deceased

   Say Allahu akbar and make du’a for the person who has died. A du’a the Prophet ﷺ said at a funeral (Sahih Muslim 963) begins:

   اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ، وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ، وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ، وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُAllahummaghfir lahu warhamhu, wa ‘afihi wa‘fu ‘anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi‘ mudkhalahuO Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, keep him safe and pardon him, honor his place of rest and make his entrance wide.

   For a woman, say laha in place of lahu (“her” for “him”). Any sincere du’a in your own words is also fine.

5. Fourth takbir and taslim

   Say Allahu akbar, pause briefly, then end with the taslim to the right, and to the left as most do:

   السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِAs-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahPeace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

If a family member has passed away, call the masjid at 480-986-4883. The community will help with the washing (ghusl), the prayer and the burial.

Taraweeh

The night prayer of Ramadan, prayed in congregation after Isha. Many masjids aim to recite the whole Quran over the month’s Taraweeh. It is a sunnah, and women and children are welcome.

When

Every night of Ramadan, after Isha

Rak’ahs

In pairs of two; commonly 8 or 20, as the masjid follows

Recitation

Aloud, led by the Imam

Followed by

Witr in congregation

Step by step

1. Pray Isha first

   Taraweeh begins after the fard of Isha and its two sunnah rak’ahs.

2. Pray in pairs

   Intend to pray Taraweeh and follow the Imam in two rak’ahs at a time, each pair ending with the taslim. Each pair is prayed like Fajr, with the Imam reciting aloud: see the Fajr tab for the steps.

3. Rest after every four

   After every four rak’ahs there is a short pause. That rest, tarwihah, gives the prayer its name.

4. Close with Witr

   Taraweeh ends with Witr in congregation, led by the Imam: see the Witr tab.

Tahajjud

Voluntary prayer in the night after waking from sleep. After the obligatory prayers, the Prophet ﷺ called it the best prayer (Sahih Muslim 1163).

When

After sleeping, best in the last third of the night before Fajr

Rak’ahs

Any number, two at a time

Recitation

Aloud or quietly, as you prefer

Ruling

Voluntary (nafl), and greatly rewarded

Step by step

1. Intend before you sleep

   Go to bed intending to wake for it. Even if you oversleep, the intention is rewarded.

2. Wake and make wudu

   Rise in the last part of the night, before Fajr, and make wudu: see the Wudu tab.

3. Pray two rak’ahs at a time

   The Prophet ﷺ said the night prayer is prayed in twos. Pray each pair like Fajr, as on the Fajr tab, with as long a recitation as you are able. Pray as many pairs as you wish; the Prophet ﷺ usually prayed eleven rak’ahs in all, including Witr.

4. Make du’a

   The last third of the night is a time when du’a is answered. Ask Allah for whatever you need, in any language.

5. End with Witr

   If you didn’t pray Witr after Isha, make it the last prayer of your night: see the Witr tab.