How to Pray Salah? My First Prayer Series

Salah is a special way Muslims talk to Allah. It’s like having a direct conversation with Him! When we pray, we feel closer to Allah, and our hearts become peaceful.

📖 Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And establish prayer and give zakah, and bow with those who bow [in worship].” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:
🕊️ “Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This means we should pray just like the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did. Let’s learn step by step!

Step-by-Step Salah Guide

As we already know about Wudu, let’s learn how to pray Salah!

🌙 Step 1: Make Your Intention (Niyyah)
Before we start, we should think in our heart that we are praying for Allah.

👐 Step 2: Raise Your Hands and Say ‘Allahu Akbar’
Stand facing the Qibla (towards the Ka’bah) and say:
الله أكبر (Allahu Akbar) – Allah is the Greatest

📖 Step 3: Read Surah Al-Fatiha
After saying ‘Bismillah’, recite Surah Al-Fatiha:

“Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘alamin, Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim…”

Then, read any other short Surah, like Surah Ikhlas:
“Qul huwallahu Ahad…”

🙏 Step 4: Bow Down (Ruku’)
Bend forward, keep your back straight, and place your hands on your knees. Say:
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ (Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Azim) – Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty (3 times)

🌿 Step 5: Stand Up Straight
Rise from Ruku’ and say:
سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ (Sami’Allahu liman hamidah) – Allah hears those who praise Him

Then say:
رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ (Rabbana lakal-hamd) – Our Lord, all praise is for You

🧎 Step 6: Go into Sujood (Prostration)
Go down on your knees and place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Say:
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى (Subhana Rabbiyal A’la) – Glory be to my Lord, the Most High (3 times)

🧎 Step 7: Sit and Then Do a Second Sujood
Sit for a moment, then do another Sujood the same way.

📖 Step 8: Stand Up for the Next Rak’ah
Now, stand up and repeat Steps 3 to 7 for the next Rak’ah (unit of prayer).

🙌 Step 9: Sitting for Tashahhud
After the second Rak’ah (or last Rak’ah), sit and recite:

“At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat…”

Then send Salam upon the Prophet:
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad…”

🕊️ Step 10: End the Prayer with Salam
Turn your head to the right and say:
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله (Assalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah)

Then turn your head to the left and say it again.

✨ Congratulations! You’ve finished your Salah! 🎉

How Many Rak’ahs in Each Salah?

🕰 Fajr – 2 Sunnah + 2 Fard = 4 Rak’ah
☀️ Dhuhr – 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah = 10 Rak’ah
🌇 Asr – 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard = 8 Rak’ah
🌆 Maghrib – 3 Fard + 2 Sunnah = 5 Rak’ah
🌙 Isha – 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah + 3 Witr = 13 Rak’ah

You don’t have to pray all the Sunnah prayers, but they give extra rewards!

Why is Salah Important?

✅ It brings us closer to Allah
✅ It makes us calm and happy
✅ It wipes away our sins
✅ It protects us from bad things

📌 Did you know?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Between a person and disbelief is leaving the prayer.” (Sahih Muslim)

That’s why Salah is the most important part of being a Muslim!

👉 Next blog: What is Adhan (The Call to Prayer)? Stay tuned!