Step-by-step instructions with meaning, tips, and helpful reminders.
🟢 Introduction
Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the most direct way to connect with Allah ﷻ. As a new Muslim (or someone returning to the faith), learning how to pray might feel overwhelming — but don’t worry.
This guide will walk you through:
- What you need before you pray
- How to pray step by step
- What to say and why
- Printable resources and tips to make it easier
🌙 1. What Is Salah?
- Salah is the obligatory daily prayer performed 5 times a day.
- It consists of standing, bowing, prostrating, and reciting specific phrases in Arabic.
- It keeps your heart connected to Allah and cleanses your sins.
🧼 2. What You Need Before Salah
✅ a. Be Muslim
Only Muslims are required and allowed to perform Salah.
✅ b. Purity (Wudu – Ablution)
Before you pray, you must be in a state of physical purity.
🔗 Learn how to perform Wudu here → (link to Wudu guide)
✅ c. Clean Clothes and Place
Make sure your clothes and prayer area are clean and free of impurities.
✅ d. Face the Qiblah (Kaaba in Makkah)
Use a compass, an app like “Muslim Pro” or “Qibla Finder” to find the direction.
✅ e. Wear Modest Clothing
- Men: Cover from navel to knees (shirt and pants preferred).
- Women: Full-body covering (except face and hands).
🕰️ 3. The 5 Daily Prayers and Times
| Prayer | Name in Arabic | Units (Rak‘at) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | الفجر | 2 | Before sunrise |
| Dhuhr | الظهر | 4 | After midday |
| Asr | العصر | 4 | Afternoon |
| Maghrib | المغرب | 3 | Just after sunset |
| Isha | العشاء | 4 | Nightfall |
🙏 4. Step-by-Step Salah Guide (Example: 2 Rak‘at for Fajr)
This example will cover Fajr, which is 2 Rak‘at (units).
🟨 Before Starting
🔹 Make your intention in your heart:
“I intend to pray 2 Rak‘at of Fajr for the sake of Allah.”
🔹 Raise your hands and say:
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) — “Allah is the Greatest”
🟩 1st Rak‘ah
✅ Stand (Qiyam)
Recite:
- Surah Al-Fatiha (opening chapter)
- Another short surah (e.g., Surah Ikhlas)
✅ Bowing (Ruku)
Say:
Subhana Rabbiyal Azim (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ)
– “Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great”
✅ Stand up
Say:
Sami‘ Allahu liman hamidah
– “Allah hears those who praise Him”
Then:
Rabbana lakal hamd
– “Our Lord, to You belongs all praise”
✅ Prostrate (Sujood)
Say:
Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى)
– “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High”
✅ Sit briefly, then do second Sujood again.
✅ Stand up for the 2nd Rak‘ah.
🟩 2nd Rak‘ah
Repeat everything as above.
✅ After the second Sujood, sit for Tashahhud.
Say:
At-Tahiyyatu lillahi… (entire Tashahhud)
(you can learn it gradually, focus on memorizing in small parts)
✅ Finish Salah by turning head:
- Right side: “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”
- Left side: “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”
📌 5. Common Phrases You’ll Use
| Arabic Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Allahu Akbar | Allah is the Greatest |
| Subhana Rabbiyal Azim | Glory to my Lord, the Most Great |
| Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la | Glory to my Lord, the Most High |
| Sami‘ Allahu liman hamidah | Allah hears those who praise Him |
| Rabbana lakal hamd | Our Lord, to You is all praise |
| As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah | Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you |
🧠 6. Tips for New Muslims
- Don’t rush. Start with Fajr (2 Rak‘at) and build up slowly.
- Use a printed Salah guide or an app with audio.
- Pray in your own language while learning — Allah understands your sincerity.
- Ask a fellow Muslim to pray with you.
- Be consistent. Even imperfect Salah is better than none.
📥 7. Download Salah Guide (PDF & Chart)
🔗 [Download Step-by-Step Prayer PDF]
🕊️ Final Note
Salah is not about perfection — it’s about connection. Allah ﷻ loves that you are trying. Your first prayer may not be perfect, but He sees your heart.
“Indeed, Salah prevents immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is the greatest.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45)