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Every unit of salah follows the same sequence. This step walks you through the complete flow — position by position — so you can see how prayer moves from beginning to end.
A rak'ah (رَكْعَة) is one complete unit of salah. Every prayer consists of a fixed number of rak'ahs. Each rak'ah follows the same sequence: stand, recite, bow, rise, prostrate twice. The prayers differ only in how many rak'ahs they have.
Quran 22:77
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) taught salah to his companions through demonstration and instruction. His command to us is direct:
Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari
This is why learning the correct physical sequence matters. The words are in the next step. First: learn the movements.
| Prayer | Rak'ahs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 rak'ahs, recitation aloud |
| Dhuhr | 4 | 4 rak'ahs, recitation silent |
| Asr | 4 | 4 rak'ahs, recitation silent |
| Maghrib | 3 | 3 rak'ahs, first 2 aloud |
| Isha | 4 | 4 rak'ahs, first 2 aloud |
These are the obligatory (fard) rak'ahs only. Each prayer also has recommended (sunnah/nafl) rak'ahs performed before or after — learn these after you have mastered the obligatory ones.
Quran 29:45
Stand and Face the Qiblah
Stand upright facing the direction of the Kabah in Makkah (the qiblah). Make your intention (niyyah) in your heart for which prayer you are about to perform.
Takbir al-Ihram — Opening Takbir
Raise both hands to your earlobes and say: "Allahu Akbar" (ALLAH is the Greatest). This phrase opens the prayer. You are now in salah — worldly thoughts should be left behind.
Qiyam — Standing Recitation
Place your right hand over your left on your chest. Recite the opening supplication (du'a al-istiftah) silently, then seek refuge from Shaytan, then recite Surah Al-Fatiha. After Fatiha, recite any other surah or verses from the Quran. The next step covers exactly what to say.
Ruku — Bowing
Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow forward with your back flat, hands resting on your knees. In this position, say three times: "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory to my Lord the Magnificent).
I'tidal — Rising from Ruku
Rise back to standing while saying: "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (ALLAH hears those who praise Him). Once standing fully, say: "Rabbana wa lakal-hamd" (Our Lord, to You belongs all praise).
First Sujud — Prostration
Say "Allahu Akbar" and go down into prostration: forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and both feet touching the ground. In sujud, say three times: "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory to my Lord the Most High). This is the position of greatest closeness to ALLAH.
Julus — Sitting Between the Two Prostrations
Say "Allahu Akbar" and rise to a sitting position. Sit briefly and say: "Rabbighfir li" (My Lord, forgive me).
Second Sujud — Prostration
Say "Allahu Akbar" and go down into prostration again. Repeat "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times.
Rise for the Next Rak'ah
Say "Allahu Akbar" and rise back to standing. Steps 03–08 make one complete rak'ah. Repeat from step 03 for each remaining rak'ah.
Tashahhud — Final Sitting
After the last rak'ah, remain seated. Recite the Tashahhud, then send salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him), then make any du'a. The full text is in the next step.
Tasleem — Closing Salutation
Turn your head to the right and say: "As-Salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of ALLAH be upon you). Then turn to the left and repeat. The prayer is now complete.
For a four-rak'ah prayer like Dhuhr, the full sequence is:
For Fajr (2 rak'ahs): there is only one sitting at the end. For Maghrib (3 rak'ahs): there is a short sitting after rak'ah 2, then a final sitting after rak'ah 3.
Quran 2:43
Sujud — prostration — is the closest a human being gets to ALLAH in prayer. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating.” When you put your forehead on the ground, make du'a. Ask ALLAH for anything — in your own language, from your own heart. This is one of the most powerful moments in salah.
Next Step
Now that you know the sequence, learn the exact Arabic phrases said at each position — including Surah Al-Fatiha, the phrases in ruku and sujud, and the tashahhud.
Continue to Step 06 — What to Say in PrayerNote: This is an introductory overview of the salah sequence. For detailed rulings — including differences between madhabs, the correct method for each position, and how to handle mistakes in prayer — consult a qualified scholar or a certified prayer instructor.