Learning to Pray
Essential guidance for learning salah (prayer), one of the five pillars of Islam, following the authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Importance of Prayer
Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the most important act of worship after the shahada. It is the direct connection between a Muslim and Allah.
Quranic Evidence
"Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times." (Quran 4:103)
Prophetic Guidance
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The first thing for which a person will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection is prayer." (Abu Dawud)
The Five Daily Prayers
Fajr (Dawn)
2 rak'ahs
Before sunrise
Dhuhr (Noon)
4 rak'ahs
After sun passes zenith
Asr (Afternoon)
4 rak'ahs
Mid to late afternoon
Maghrib (Sunset)
3 rak'ahs
After sunset
Isha (Night)
4 rak'ahs
After twilight
How to Perform Prayer
1. Preparation (Taharah)
Ensure you are in a state of ritual purity. Perform wudu (ablution) if needed. Wear clean clothes and find a clean place to pray.
2. Intention (Niyyah)
Make the intention in your heart to perform the specific prayer (e.g., "I intend to pray Fajr prayer for Allah").
3. Takbir (Opening)
Raise your hands to your ears and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) while standing.
4. Standing (Qiyam)
Recite Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter) and another short chapter from the Quran while standing.
5. Bowing (Ruku)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow, placing your hands on your knees. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great).
6. Prostration (Sujood)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and prostrate, placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory to my Lord, the Most High).
7. Sitting (Jalsah)
Sit between prostrations and recite the tashahhud (testimony of faith) in the final sitting.
8. Closing (Tasleem)
Turn your head to the right and say "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah), then to the left.
Essential Duas for Prayer
Opening Dua (Istiftah)
"Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdik"
"Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You"
Tashahhud
"At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat"
"All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing through prayer
Take your time and perform each movement properly
Not learning the Arabic recitations
Learn the essential Arabic phrases even if you don't understand them initially
Praying without proper intention
Always make the intention for the specific prayer you're performing
Neglecting prayer times
Pray each prayer within its designated time window
Tips for New Muslims
Getting Started
- • Start with one prayer and gradually add others
- • Use prayer apps to learn prayer times
- • Practice the movements without recitation first
- • Find a patient teacher or mentor
- • Don't be afraid to make mistakes
Building Consistency
- • Set reminders for prayer times
- • Pray in congregation when possible
- • Learn the meanings of what you recite
- • Make dua for guidance and consistency
- • Remember that Allah is Most Merciful
Remember: Prayer is a journey of learning and improvement. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Pray as you have seen me praying." Focus on learning the correct way and be patient with yourself. May Allah make prayer easy and beloved to you.