Now that we have made wudu (ablution) properly, we are ready to proceed and begin our salah (prayer). Salah is a sacred connection between a servant and Allah, and it is performed in a structured way consisting of physical movements, spiritual reflection, and Qur’anic recitation.
The Basic Steps of Salah
Each prayer consists of rakat (units of prayer), and every rakah has a consistent sequence of steps. Here’s a breakdown of the core components that are included in each rakah:
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Standing (Qiyam) – Begin by standing and facing the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba). Raise your hands and say Takbir: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
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Recitation (Fatihah and Quran) – While standing, recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another surah or a few verses from the Qur’an.
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Ruku (Bowing) – Bow down with your hands on your knees, keeping your back straight, and say: “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great).
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Standing after Ruku – Return to the standing position and say: “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him), followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
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Sujud (Prostration) – Prostrate on the ground with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the floor. Say: “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High).
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Sitting between Sujud – Sit up briefly and say: “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me), then perform a second sujud.
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Tashahhud (Sitting at the End) – After completing the final sujud of the last rakah, remain seated to recite the Tashahhud, and in longer prayers, the Salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) and final supplications.
Repeationg Rakat
Each prayer includes multiple rakat, and the steps above are repeated accordingly:
• Fajr – 2 Rakat
• Dhuhr – 4 Rakat
• Asr – 4 Rakat
• Maghrib – 3 Rakat
• Isha – 4 Rakat
Some prayers are recited out loud (like Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha), while others are performed silently (like Dhuhr and Asr).
Completing the Prayer
At the end of the final rakah, after the Tashahhud and any additional supplications, you complete the salah by turning your head to the right and saying:
“As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), and then repeating it to the left.