Namaz, also known as Salah, is the second pillar of Islam and a compulsory act of worship performed five times daily. It was taught to Muslims by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the most direct way to connect with Allah. Each prayer has a unique number of units, called rakats, and specific actions that must be performed in sequence. In this detailed guide, you will learn what Namaz is, why it is important, its essential components, rakats, and the step-by-step process of offering Salah correctly.
What is Namaz (Salah)?
The word Salah in Arabic means “supplication” or prayer. Namaz is a physical and spiritual act of worship where Muslims stand, bow, and prostrate before Allah while reciting Quranic verses and glorifications. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is performed at five fixed times every day:
- Fajr – before sunrise
- Dhuhr – midday after the sun passes its zenith
- Asr – afternoon
- Maghrib – immediately after sunset
- Isha – at night
In the holy Quran, Allah mentions about salah.
إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَـٰبًۭا مَّوْقُوتًۭا
“Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers at the appointed times.” (surah Nisa: 103)
Why is Namaz Important in Islam?
The importance of Salah is emphasized repeatedly in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah commands Muslims to pray more than 700 times in the Qur’an, showing its central role in faith.
- Salah establishes a direct bond between a Muslim and Allah.
- It brings discipline, mindfulness, and structure into daily life.
- Praying five times daily keeps believers mindful of their purpose and accountable to their Creator.
- It purifies the soul and protects from wrongdoing, as Allah says in Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45: “Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.”
Essential Components of Salah
The action and movements carried out while performing salah are termed as components of Namaz. Without these components prayer will be invalid.
Niyyah (Intention)
Before starting prayer, make a sincere intention in your heart to pray for the sake of Allah.
Takbir al-Tahrimah
Begin Salah by raising both hands to the ears and saying “Allahu Akbar.”
Qiyam (Standing)
Stand upright while reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another Surah or verses from the Qur’an.
Ruku (Bowing)
Bend at the waist with hands on knees, back straight, and recite “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim.”
I’tidal (Standing after Ruku)
Rise from bowing and stand straight, saying “Sami‘ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd.”
Sujud (Prostration)
Place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground while saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la.”
Jalsa (Sitting Between Two Sujud)
Sit briefly between two prostrations before repeating Sujud.
Tashahhud (Sitting Posture with Recitation)
In the middle and last rakats, sit and recite Attahiyyat
Salam (Conclusion)
End Salah by turning your head to the right and then left, saying “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
Number of Rakats in Each Prayer
Each of the five daily prayers has a specific number of obligatory rakats, with some additional Sunnah prayers.
- Fajr: 2 Fardh + 2 Sunnah
- Dhuhr: 4 Fardh + 4 Sunnah before + 2 Sunnah after
- Asr: 4 Fardh
- Maghrib: 3 Fardh
- Isha: 4 Fardh + 2 Sunnah + Witr
Conditions for a Valid Salah
Before offering Namaz, certain conditions must be fulfilled:
Islam
Being on Islam is the first condition of prayer. It means that the person offering prayer must be a Muslim.
Sanity and Discernment
The worshipper should be of sound mind and able to distinguish between right and wrong.
Purity
Impurities must be removed from the body, clothes, and the place of prayer.
Covering the Awrah
Private parts must be covered properly according to Islamic guidelines.
Correct Time
Prayer must be performed during its prescribed time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pray Namaz
Perform Wudhu
Before prayer, make sure you are clean. Perform Wudhu by washing your hands, rinsing your mouth and nose, washing your face, arms up to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing your feet up to the ankles. Without Wudhu, Salah is invalid.
Face the Qibla
Stand straight and face the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah. This direction is called Qibla. In most places around the world, Muslims use a compass or mosque Qibla indicator to find the direction.
Make Niyyah (Intention)
Make a silent intention in your heart. Example: “I intend to pray two rakats Fard of Fajr for Allah.” Niyyah is not spoken out loud; it is in the heart.
Takbir al-Tahrimah (Opening Takbir)
Raise both hands up to your ears (men) or shoulders (women) and say: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). This officially begins the prayer.
Recite Sana
While standing, recite:
Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta‘ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruka
(“Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise; blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your Majesty, and there is no god but You.”)
Qiyam (Standing Recitation)
- First, recite Surah Al-Fatihah (the Opening chapter).
- After finishing Al-Fatihah, say “Ameen” softly.
- Then recite any Surah or verses from the Qur’an, such as Surah Ikhlas.
Ruku (Bowing)
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down.
- Place your hands on your knees with fingers spread, keep your back straight, and look at the ground.
- Recite at least three times: “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty).
I’tidal (Standing After Ruku)
- Rise up straight, raising your hands again (for men), and say: “Sami‘ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him).
- While standing fully, say: “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is due all praise).
Sujud (Prostration)
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and go down into prostration.
- Place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes firmly on the ground.
- Recite at least three times: “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
Jalsa (Sitting Between Two Sujuds)
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit briefly with your back straight, hands resting on your thighs.
- You may recite: “Rabbighfir li” (O Lord, forgive me).
- Then go back into the second Sujud.
Tashahhud (Sitting with Attahiyyat)
- After completing two rakats, sit in the Tashahhud position (kneeling with legs folded).
- Place hands on thighs, right index finger raised.
- Recite Attahiyyat:
Attahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat…
Read Darood
After Attahiyyat, recite Darood Shareef (Salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ).
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad, wa ‘ala aali Muhammad…
Read Dua
Then recite supplications, such as:
“Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar”
(O our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).
Salam (Ending the Prayer)
Then turn to the left and repeat: “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
This concludes the prayer.
To complete Salah, turn your head to the right and say: “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
Advice for a Peaceful Salah
Namaz is a kind of worship in which a servant communicates directly to his creator. Therefore, salah should be offered respectfully. Here are some tips for a tranquil namaz experience.
- Learn the Arabic pronunciations if you are non-native. It will help to recite namaz rakat properly.
- Start with the required Fard rakats. Then gradually include Sunnah or Nafl.
- Use a prayer mat with clean, uncluttered space.
- Recite the surah and verses slowly and understand the meanings of what you say.
Conclusion
Learning how to pray Namaz is essential for every Muslim. Salah is a combination of physical actions and heartfelt recitations that strengthen faith and discipline. Each rakat includes standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting in a prescribed order. By understanding these steps, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can perform your prayers with focus and devotion
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a rakat in Namaz?
A rakat is one full cycle of standing, bowing, and prostration.
How many rakats are in each prayer?
Fajr = 2, Dhuhr = 4, Asr = 4, Maghrib = 3, Isha = 4 (Fard rakats).
What is the difference between Namaz and Rakat?
Namaz is the entire prayer, while rakats are its units.
What if I miss a rakat?
You can perform Sujood as-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) before Salam.