How to Pray Salah: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Salah is the second pillar of Islam and the first deed a person will be asked about on the Day of Judgement. Praying five times a day connects the heart to Allah and brings peace, discipline and mercy into daily life. This guide walks a beginner through one complete unit of prayer, called a rakah.

Starting the Prayer

Stand facing the qiblah, make the intention in your heart, then raise your hands and say Allahu Akbar. Place the right hand over the left on the chest and recite Surah al-Fatihah followed by any other surah you know, such as Surah al-Ikhlas.

Bowing and Prostrating

Say Allahu Akbar and bow (ruku), placing your hands on your knees and saying Subhana Rabbiyal-Adheem three times. Rise and say Sami Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd. Then prostrate (sujud), saying Subhana Rabbiyal-Ala three times, sit briefly, and prostrate again.

Completing the Rakahs

That is one rakah. Fajr has two, Maghrib three, and Dhuhr, Asr and Isha four each. In the final sitting, recite the tashahhud and send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Ending with Salam

Finish the prayer by turning the face to the right and then the left, saying As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah each time. Consistency is the goal: pray with humility and your salah will steadily grow in beauty.