How to Pray Salah — Step by Step
To pray Salah, make your intention facing the Qibla, begin with the Takbir (“Allahu Akbar”), recite Surah Al-Fatihah while standing, then move through bowing (Ruku), standing, and two prostrations (Sujood) to complete one rak'ah. Repeat for each rak'ah, then finish sitting with the Tashahhud and the closing Salam. Below is the full beginner-friendly walkthrough with what to recite at each step.
Before You Pray
Perform Wudu
Make ablution to be in a state of purity before praying.
Face the Qibla
Turn toward the Kaaba in Makkah (use a Qibla finder if unsure).
Pray on time
Each of the five daily prayers has its own time window.
Clean place & clothes
Pray on a clean spot with your body and clothing covered appropriately.
The Steps of Salah
- 1
Make your intention (Niyyah)
Stand facing the Qibla and silently intend in your heart which prayer you are about to perform. The intention does not need to be said aloud.
- 2
Opening Takbir (Takbiratul-Ihram)
Raise your hands to your ears or shoulders and say the opening Takbir, then place your right hand over your left on your chest.
Recite: Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest)
- 3
Standing (Qiyam) — recite Al-Fatihah
While standing, recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another short surah (for example, Surah Al-Ikhlas).
Recite: Surah Al-Fatihah + a short surah
- 4
Bowing (Ruku)
Say 'Allahu Akbar', bow with your back straight and hands on your knees, and glorify Allah three times.
Recite: Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem ×3
- 5
Rising from Ruku (I'tidal)
Stand up straight from bowing.
Recite: Sami'Allahu liman hamidah — Rabbana wa lakal hamd
- 6
Prostration (Sujood)
Say 'Allahu Akbar' and prostrate with your forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes touching the ground. Glorify Allah three times.
Recite: Subhana Rabbiyal A'la ×3
- 7
Sitting, then second prostration
Sit up briefly saying 'Allahu Akbar', then say 'Allahu Akbar' again and perform a second Sujood the same way. This completes one rak'ah.
- 8
Stand for the next rak'ah
Rise saying 'Allahu Akbar' and repeat the standing, Fatihah, Ruku and two Sujood for each remaining rak'ah of the prayer.
- 9
Tashahhud (sitting)
After the prostrations of the final rak'ah, sit and recite the Tashahhud, followed by the salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Recite: At-tahiyyatu lillahi... (the Tashahhud)
- 10
Closing (Salam)
End the prayer by turning your head to the right, then to the left, giving the greeting of peace.
Recite: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah (right, then left)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a day do Muslims pray?
Muslims pray five times a day: Fajr (before dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (just after sunset) and Isha (night). Each prayer has its own time window.
What do I need to do before praying Salah?
Before Salah you should perform wudu (ablution), ensure your body, clothing and place of prayer are clean, cover your body appropriately, face the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba), and make sure it is the correct prayer time.
How long does it take to pray Salah?
A single prayer usually takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on how much Quran you recite. A two-rak'ah prayer such as Fajr is shorter than a four-rak'ah prayer such as Dhuhr.
Can I learn to pray Salah online?
Yes. Hafiz Academy's certified female tutors teach children and women how to pray Salah correctly online, including the positions, what to recite, and proper Tajweed for the recitation.
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