See the Entire Prayer in 60 Seconds
Watch this simple video to understand the prayer cycle first
This video shows the core of Muslim prayer.
Let's Learn the Complete Prayer- Step by Step
There are only 2 Parts to learn. Below, you’ll find a quick checklist to prepare, followed by a detailed, step-by-step guide..
PART 1: Getting Ready for Prayer
Before You Start Your Prayer: Your Quick Checklist
1.
Clean Yourself (Wudu)
1. Wash hands → Risen mouth → Risen nose (3x each)
2. Wash face → Wash both arms up to elbows, start with right (3x each)
3. Wipe head → Risen ears (1x)
4. Wash both feet up to the ankles, start with right (3x each)
2.
Wear Clean & modest clothes. Use a Clean Space.
• Wear clean clothes
• Men: Cover navel to knees at least (recommend full modest clothing)
• Women: Cover entire body except hands, face, and feet
• Use a clean prayer area, use a prayer mat, clean sheets, or any clean carpet
3.
Face Prayer Direction & Set Intention.
• Face towards Mecca, Saudi Arabia (use a “Qibla Finder” app)
• Make intention in your heart to pray
Now you are ready for prayers, let’s go
PART 2: Prayer Actions & Steps (Follow Along)
Lets Pray the short Prayers Step-by-Step
Just follow this sequence. Each prayer is a cycle of these positions.
(Visual: A simple circular diagram showing: Standing → Bowing → Prostrating → Sitting)
1.
Stand (Qiyam)
Say “Allahu Akbar“ (God is Greatest), while raising hands to ears, palms facing forward, then place hands on chest, right over left.
– Recite Surah Al-Fatihah (only 7 small verses, will cover in the next section)
– Recite any short chapter (like Surah Ikhlas-only 3 small verses, will cover in the next section)
2.
Bow (Ruku)
Say “Allahu Akbar” → Bow with straight back (women slightly bent), hands on knees → Say “Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Adheem” (Glory to my Lord the Supreme) (3x) → Rise while saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) → Say “Rabbana wa lakal-hamd” (Our Lord to You is all praise)
3.
Prostrate (Sajood)
Say “Allahu Akbar” → and go down to the ground (Place your knees first, then hands, then forehead and nose)→ Say “Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la” (Glory to my Lord the Most High) (3x) → Sit up briefly → Say “Allahu Akbar” → Prostrate again (same words). →
First Unit (Rak’ah) completed → Stand up for the second Rak’ah (say “Allahu Akbar” without raising hands) & repeat the cycle of Standing, Bowing, and Two Prostrations.
4.
Final Sitting (Tashahhud)
After 2nd prostration of 2nd Rak’ah: Sit briefly (rest on legs as shown in the video) → Place hands on thighs (palms facing down near knees) → Recite full Tashahhud (Testimony + prayers upon Prophet) (see next section) → After Tashahhud, turn head right & say “As-salamu ‘alaykum…” → Turn head left & repeat “As-salamu ‘alaykum…”
→ Prayer complete!
Congratulations! You have now learned the foundation of all Muslim prayers. This 2-unit prayer is performed for Fajr. The other daily prayers simply add more units. Here’s the complete schedule:
| Prayer Name | Time Window | Units (Rak'ah) |
|---|---|---|
Fajr |
Dawn to sunrise |
2 |
Dhuhr |
After midday until afternoon |
4 |
Asr |
Late afternoon until sunset |
4 |
Maghrib |
Just after sunset until dusk |
3 |
Isha |
Dusk until dawn |
4 |
Here’s how to pray the 3 and 4-unit prayers:
For a 3-unit prayer (Maghrib): Perform the first 2 units as learned, but with one change: after the 2nd prostration, sit and recite the Tashahhud only up to the testimony. Then, stand up (say “Allahu Akbar” without raising your hands) and place your hands on your chest for the 3rd unit. In this unit, only recite Surah Al-Fatiha (no extra chapter), then bow and prostrate. End with the full Tashahhud and Salam.
For a 4-unit prayer (Dhuhr, Asr, Isha): Perform the first 2 units with the same change. Then, stand up (say “Allahu Akbar” without raising your hands, and place your hands on your chest) for 2 more units. In these units, only recite Surah Al-Fatiha (no extra chapter), then bow and prostrate. After the 4th unit, end with the full Tashahhud and Salam.
Prayer Texts Arabic and Its Translation:
Here are the full prayers and recitations you need. Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation at first—sincerity is what matters most.
1. Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening)
(Recited in every unit of every prayer)
Arabic: [Text]
Transliteration: Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm. Al-ḥamdu lillāhi Rabbil-‘ālamīn…
Translation: In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds…
2. A Short Chapter (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas)
*(Recited after Al-Fatihah in the first 2 units of a prayer)*
Arabic: [Text]
Transliteration: Qul huwallāhu Aḥad. Allāhuṣ-Ṣamad…
Translation: Say, “He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge…”
3. What to Say in Bowing (Ruku)
Arabic: سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ
Transliteration: Subḥāna Rabbiyal-‘Aẓīm
Translation: Glory to my Lord, the Supreme
4. What to Say in Prostration (Sujood)
Arabic: سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
Transliteration: Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A’lā
Translation: Glory to my Lord, the Most High
5. The Full Tashahhud (Final Sitting)
(Includes the testimony AND prayers upon the Prophet)
Arabic: [Text]
Transliteration: At-taḥiyyātu lillāhi… Ash-hadu an lā ilāha illallāhu… Allāhumma ṣalli ‘alā Muḥammadin…
Translation: All compliments, prayers… I bear witness that there is no god but Allah… O Allah, send Your grace upon Muhammad…
