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Salah, the five daily prayers, is a fundamental practice in Islam. It's a way for Muslims to connect with Allah, seek His guidance, and strengthen their faith. This guide will walk you through the steps of performing Salah and explain how to make up for missed prayers, with references from the Quran and Hadith.
The five daily prayers consist of Fajr (Dawn Prayer), Dhuhr (Noon Prayer), Asr (Afternoon Prayer), Maghrib (Sunset Prayer), and Isha (Night Prayer). To find your Salah times, please check the prayer timetable here.
Understanding the importance of Salah is essential. Knowing how to perform it correctly is just as crucial. In this guide, we will walk through the proper steps of praying Salah. We will also explore the different Salah positions and what each one means.
To make your prayer more comfortable, cushioned prayer mats are a great choice. They provide extra support, especially during sujood and long prayers. You can find some beautiful padded prayer mats on Riwaya.
Before performing Salah, one must be in a state of ritual purity, achieved through wudu (ablution). The Quran says:
"O you who believe, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles"
If you want to learn more about how to make wudhu, read here
Muslims face the Kaaba in Mecca during Salah. This direction is called the Qiblah.
"So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer]"
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 144)
Before starting Salah, silently make the intention to pray. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Actions are but by intentions and every man shall have only that which he intended"
(Bukhari)
Begin the prayer by raising your hands to your ears and saying, "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). This marks the official start of the Salah.
After raising your hands and saying Takbir, lower your hands and place them over your navel, with your right hand placed over your left hand.
Then, recite Surah Al-Fatiha. Following Al-Fatiha, recite another short Surah or a few verses from the Quran, such as Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Bend at the waist, keeping your back straight, and place your hands on your knees. Say, "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
Stand up straight and say, "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him), followed by "Rabbana lakal hamd" (Our Lord, to You is due all praise).
Prostrate with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground. Say, "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Sit back on your legs with your right foot upright and your left foot flat, sitting on the left foot. Place your hands on your thighs and say, "Rabbighfir li" (My Lord, forgive me).
Prostrate again, repeating "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times (or more, if desired).
Now, you have completed one full rak’ah. The first rak’ah of every prayer is performed with these twelve steps. If you want to continue to the next rak’ah, return to the standing position and say "Allahu Akbar."
When you reach the end of the second rak’ah, you will perform the tashahud, or Step 12.
Perform the tashahud at the end of every two rak’ahs. Instead of standing up after the two sujud, you will sit on your legs and knees again. Raise your right index finger and recite the tashahud.
Arabic:
At Tahiyyaatu lilaahi was Salawaatu wat tayibaatu
Assalaamu ‘alaika ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakaatuh
Assalaamu ‘alaynaa wa ‘alaa ‘ebaadillaahis saaliheen,
Ash hadu allaa ilaha illa Allah Wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhuu wa rasuuluh
Translation:
All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah.
Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
Peace be upon us, and on the righteous slaves of Allah.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
If this is the final rak’ah in the prayer, then you will add this part to the tashahud:
Arabic:
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammad
Kamaa salayta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim
Innaka Hameedun Majeed
Wa baarik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammad
Kamaa baarakta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim
Innaka Hameedun Majeed
Translation:
O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family (or followers) of Muhammad,
Just as You sent prayers upon Ibrahim and the family (or followers) of Ibrahim.
Verily, you are full of Praise and Majesty.
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family (or followers) of Muhammad
Just as You blessed Ibrahim and the family (or followers) of Ibrahim.
Verily, you are full of Praise and Majesty.
Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying, "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) to the angels and anyone on your right, then turn your head to the left and repeat the phrase to the angels and anyone on your left.
Sunnah and Fardh prayers are both important parts of our daily worship, but they serve different purposes.
Fardh prayers are the compulsory prayers that every adult Muslim must perform. They are a direct command from Allah. Leaving them is considered sinful. These prayers form the foundation of our daily connection with our Creator. They keep our hearts grounded, our routine steady, and our faith strong.
Sunnah prayers are the extra prayers that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us through his actions and guidance. They are not compulsory, but they carry great reward. Sunnah prayers beautify our Salah. They reflect our love for the Prophet (PBUH) and our desire to follow his example. They also bring peace, protection and blessings into our lives.
A simple way to remember the difference is this. Fardh prayers are the duties we owe to Allah. Sunnah prayers are the gifts we offer out of love.
If you want to learn about other prayers, such as Sunnah prayers, check the article here.
Praying becomes much easier when you have the right support. My Salah Mat is designed to help you focus, stay comfortable, and enjoy a calmer prayer experience. It guides kids, beginners, and even adults who want to improve their salah in a simple and practical way.
Whether you’re learning, teaching, or building a stronger routine, their high-quality premium mats (such as interacive mats and padded mats) make every prayer feel easier and more meaningful.
It’s also a thoughtful gift for families and new Muslims who want to strengthen their connection with Allah. Explore My Salah Mat collection Now!
Performing Salah is a daily act of worship that requires sincerity, focus, and devotion. If a prayer is missed, it's essential to make it up as soon as possible, following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). By maintaining regular prayers and making up missed ones, Muslims strive to stay connected with Allah and strengthen their faith.
If you want to learn about other prayers, such as Sunnah prayers, check the article here.
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