How to Perform Salah Step by Step Guide

Perform Salah (Namaz) Step by Step

Salah (Namaz) is the second pillar of Islam and the most important act of worship after faith (Shahadah). It is the way a Muslim connects with Allah five times every day, showing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and finding peace of heart.

If you are new to Salah or want to learn it correctly step by step, this guide will help you understand each part clearly, from making wudu (ablution) to reciting the final salaam. Every movement and every word in Salah has deep meaning and brings you closer to Allah.

Let’s begin your journey to performing Salah properly, with love, focus, and understanding.

See Also: Salah in Islam: Meaning, Importance Guide

Step 1: Make Wudu (Ablution) to Perform Salah

Before prayer, ensure you are clean and in a state of wudu (ablution).
Wudu includes:

1. Washing hands up to wrists
2. Rinsing mouth (3 times)
3. Rinsing nose (3 times)
4. Washing face (3 times)
5. Washing arms up to elbows (3 times)
6. Wiping head (Masah)
7. Washing feet up to ankles (3 times)

Without Wudu, Salah is not valid.

See Also: Dua for after Wudu in Arabic, English

Step 2: Facing the Qiblah

Before starting to Perform Salah, the first step is to face the Qiblah, the direction of the Ka‘bah in Makkah.

Purpose of Facing the Qiblah

Facing the Qiblah is not just a direction; it symbolizes unity among Muslims worldwide. Wherever a Muslim prays, they turn in the same direction, showing harmony and submission to Allah.

How to Find the Qiblah

• In a mosque, the Qiblah direction is usually pre-marked.
• At home or a new location, use a Qiblah app, compass, or mosque signs.
• Small deviations due to location are acceptable; the key is intention and effort.

How to Stand

• Stand straight, feet slightly apart.
• Face the Qiblah with your body upright.
• Keep your eyes on the place where you will prostrate (Sujood).
• Keep in mind that you are standing directly before Allah.

📖 Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“When you stand for Salah, stand as if you are seeing Allah. If you cannot see Him, then know that He sees you.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

See Also: Tahajjud Prayer: Best Time, Dua Guide

Step 3: Making the Niyyah (Intention)

Before starting Salah, you must make a Niyyah (intention) in your heart. This is essential for the validity of Salah, because actions are judged by intentions.

“Actions are judged by intentions.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

Meaning of Niyyah (Intention)

Niyyah means — to make the intention in your heart regarding which prayer you are about to perform and for whose sake.

It is also part of the Niyyah that you are performing the prayer for Allah alone, and not for show (riya).

Example Niyyah for Each Prayer

If you are performing Fajr prayer, the intention in your heart would be:

Fajr: “Niyyat ki maine 2 rak‘at namaz farz, vaste Allah ke, waqt Fajr ka, muh mera Qiblah ki taraf, Allahu Akbar.”

Similarly:

• Dhuhr: “I intend to perform 4 rak‘ahs of Dhuhr prayer for Allah.”
• Asr: “I intend to perform 4 rak‘ahs of Asr prayer for Allah.”
• Maghrib: “I intend to perform 3 rak‘ahs of Maghrib prayer for Allah.”
• Isha: “I intend to perform 4 rak‘ahs of Isha prayer for Allah.”

Notes on Niyyah

• Niyyah is for Allah alone, with sincerity.
• If you accidentally say it aloud, there is no harm, but the intention in the heart is what counts.
• Every act of worship — fasting, zakat, hajj, dua — also requires sincere intention.

Step 4: Begin Salah – Takbeer al-Ihram

Takbeer al-Ihram marks the official start of Salah. From this moment, your prayer begins, and worldly actions are set aside.

Raising Hands

• Raise both hands up to the level of your ears or shoulders (ears for men, shoulders for women according to most scholars).
• Fingers should be together and pointing upwards.
• This shows readiness and respect to begin the prayer.

Saying “Allahu Akbar”

• While raising your hands, say aloud (or quietly if praying alone):

ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ

Allahu Akbar – “Allah is the Greatest.”

• This phrase transitions your focus from worldly matters to Allah.
• Once this is said, all worldly actions are left, and Salah becomes binding.

Hand Placement After Takbeer

• After saying “Allahu Akbar,” place your right hand over the left hand.
• Position both hands on your chest (upper chest for men; slightly below for women according to some scholars).
• Keep your elbows relaxed, shoulders down, and maintain a calm, humble posture.
• This position indicates submission and concentration.

Tips for Beginners:

• Do not fidget after raising hands; remain calm and focused.
• Keep your eyes on the place of prostration (Sujood).
• Take a brief moment to settle your mind before reciting the opening supplication.

See Also: Adhan in Arabic, English Translation

Step 5: Recite the Opening Supplication – Dua al-Istiftah

The Dua al-Istiftah is a short opening supplication that praises Allah and prepares your heart for Salah. It is Sunnah, meaning it is recommended but not obligatory.

What to Recite

سُبْحَانَكَ ٱللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ ٱسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَىٰ جَدُّكَ، وَلَا إِلَـٰهَ غَيْرُكَ

Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta‘ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk.

(Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your Majesty, and there is no god but You.)

• This acknowledges Allah’s greatness and purity.
• It distinguishes Salah from ordinary speech, making your focus solely on worship.

How to Recite

• After placing your hands on the chest, recite the dua slowly and clearly.
• Focus on the meaning of each word:
  • Subhanaka – “Glory be to You”
  • wa bihamdika – “and praise belongs to You”
  • wa tabarakasmuka – “Blessed is Your Name”
  • wa ta‘ala jadduka – “Exalted is Your Majesty”
  • wa la ilaha ghayruk – “There is no god but You”

Optional Variations

• Some scholars allow other short opening supplications, e.g., “A’udhu billahi minash-shaytaanir-rajeem” (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan).
• The goal is mental focus, not exact wording.

Tips for Beginners:

• Do not rush; recite the dua slowly with meaning.
• Keep hands on the chest and avoid moving unnecessarily.
• After this, you move on to Surah Al-Fatihah, the core recitation of Salah.

Step 6: Recite Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening Surah)

Surah Al-Fatihah is the most important part of every rak‘ah in Salah. It is obligatory (Fard) to recite it correctly, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“There is no Salah for the one who does not recite Al-Fatihah.”

(Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

How to Position Yourself to Perform Salah

• Hands remain on your chest after Takbeer and opening dua.
• Stand straight, feet slightly apart, and eyes on the place of prostration.
• Focus your heart and mind on Allah, understanding that these words are a direct conversation with your Lord.

The Arabic Recitation

Recite slowly and clearly:

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ۝١ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ۝٢ مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ ۝٣ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ۝٤ ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ۝٥ صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ ۝٦ آمين

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem
Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘alamin
Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem
Maliki yawmi ad-deen
Iyyaka na‘budu wa iyyaka nasta‘een
Ihdina-s-sirata-l-mustaqeem
Sirata-l-ladhina an‘amta ‘alayhim, ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim wa la-d-dalleen
Ameen

Meaning in Simple English

• Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem – “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
• Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘alamin – “All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
• Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem – “The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
• Maliki yawmi ad-deen – “Master of the Day of Judgment.”
• Iyyaka na‘budu wa iyyaka nasta‘een – “You alone we worship, and You alone we seek help from.”
• Ihdina-s-sirata-l-mustaqeem – “Guide us to the straight path.”
• Sirata-l-ladhina an‘amta ‘alayhim, ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim wa la-d-dalleen – “The path of those You have blessed, not of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who go astray.”
• Ameen – “O Allah, accept (our prayer).”

Tips for Beginners

• Recite slowly and clearly, even if you don’t understand every word immediately.
• Try to memorize the meaning gradually — understanding strengthens focus (khushu).
• Maintain humility and stillness while reciting.

See Also: The 6 Farz in Namaz

Step 7: Recite Another Short Surah

After Al-Fatihah, it is Sunnah to recite any short Surah from the Quran. This makes your prayer complete and follows the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Common Surahs for Beginners

• Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) – very short, easy to memorize.
• Surah Al-Falaq (113) or Surah An-Naas (114) – also simple and recommended.

Surah Al-Ikhlas

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ۝١ ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ ۝٢ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ۝٣ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌۢ ۝٤

Qul huwa Allahu Ahad
Allahu-s-Samad
Lam yalid wa lam yoolad
Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad

Meaning:

• “Say: He is Allah, the One.
• Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
• He neither begets nor is born.
• And there is none comparable to Him.”

How to Recite

• Stand calmly, hands on chest.
• Recite slowly and clearly.
• Focus on the meaning, even if briefly.
• Once finished, you move on to the Ruku (bowing).

Tips for Beginners:

• Choose one Surah you can memorize easily and recite it every prayer.
• Don’t rush; quality is more important than speed.
• Maintain concentration and humility, remembering that Salah is a conversation with Allah.

Step 8: Ruku (Bowing)

Ruku is the act of bowing during Perform Salah. It symbolizes humility and submission to Allah.

How to Perform Ruku

1. After reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another short Surah, say “Allahu Akbar” while moving into Ruku.
2. Bend from the waist, keeping your back straight — do not bend your head down or lift your buttocks too high.
3. Your head should be in line with your back, forming almost a horizontal line.
4. Place your hands on your knees, fingers spread comfortably.
5. Keep your eyes on the place of your feet.

What to Recite in Ruku

• Recite 3 times (or more):

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem
(Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great)

• You can also say it more than 3 times if you wish. Focus on meaning and humility.

Additional Tips

• Ensure your back is flat and not rounded.
• Keep your elbows slightly bent; don’t lock them.
• Don’t move your feet during Ruku; remain still.
• Concentration (khushu) is key — remember that you are bowing before Allah.

See Also: How to do Ghusl: Steps for Ghusl

Step 9: Standing Up from Ruku (Qiyam After Ruku)

After Ruku, you stand up straight before moving into the next posture to Perform Salah.

How to Stand

• Say “Sami‘allahu liman hamidah” as you rise:

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

“Allah hears those who praise Him.”

• Stand straight, with hands on your sides or right hand over left on chest (follow your previous style).
• Look at the place of prostration (Sujood) while standing.

What to Say While Standing

• After standing, say:

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana wa lakal-hamd
(Our Lord, to You belongs all praise)

• This expresses praise to Allah and acknowledges His greatness.

Key Points for Beginners

• Move smoothly and calmly; do not rush.
• Keep your mind focused on Allah rather than the motion.
• Maintain humility and stillness while transitioning between Ruku and standing.

Summary:

• Ruku = Bow down, back straight, hands on knees, say Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem.
• Standing up from Ruku = Rise smoothly, say Sami‘allahu liman hamidah and then Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.

Step 10: Sujood (Prostration)

Sujood is the most humble position in Salah, where a Muslim is closest to Allah.

How to Move Into Sujood

1. After standing up from Ruku and saying Rabbana wa lakal-hamd, say:

Allahu Akbar – “Allah is the Greatest.”

2. Move down gently so that your knees touch the ground first, followed by your hands.
3. Then place your forehead and nose on the ground.

Proper Placement

• Forehead and nose must touch the ground.
• Both palms flat on the floor, fingers together, pointing towards Qiblah.
• Both knees on the ground.
• Toes bent and facing the Qiblah.
• Elbows should be slightly lifted from the sides (not resting on the ground).
• Keep bottom raised slightly, forming a small triangle between knees, hands, and forehead.

What to Recite in Sujood

• Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la
(Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)

• You can add extra supplications here, such as asking Allah for forgiveness or guidance.

Tips for Beginners

• Maintain calmness and humility; do not rush.
• Keep mind focused on Allah, not on the motion.
• Sujood is a time of closeness to Allah, so try to reflect on His greatness.

See Also: Dua-e-Qunoot in Arabic, English

Step 11: Sitting Between Two Sujoods (Jalsa)

After completing the first Sujood to Perform Salah:

How to Sit

1. Say Allahu Akbar while rising from Sujood.
2. Sit upright on your legs, keeping your left foot under you and right foot upright (toes facing Qiblah).
3. Hands rest on your thighs or knees, fingers together.

What to Recite

• Say quietly:

Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li
(My Lord, forgive me, my Lord, forgive me)

• This is a moment to ask for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

Second Sujood

• After sitting briefly, say Allahu Akbar and go down for the second Sujood.
• Repeat Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la at least 3 times.

Tips for Beginners

• Sit calmly and respectfully; this is a reflective moment.
• Focus on your relationship with Allah, asking for guidance and forgiveness.
• Don’t rush; maintain humility and concentration throughout both Sujoods.

Summary:

• Sujood: Knees, hands, forehead, nose, and toes on the ground; recite Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la.
• Sitting (Jalsa): Sit upright briefly, ask for forgiveness; then perform second Sujood.
• Sujood is the closest moment to Allah in Salah, so focus on sincerity and humility.

Step 12: Complete the Second Rak‘ah to Perform Salah

After completing the first rak‘ah (Surah Al-Fatihah, another short Surah, Ruku, Sujood, and sitting briefly):

1. Stand up for the second rak‘ah by saying:

Allahu Akbar (ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)

2. Repeat the same steps as in the first rak‘ah:

• Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
• Recite another short Surah
• Go into Ruku (bowing)
• Stand up from Ruku
• Perform the first Sujood
• Sit briefly
• Perform the second Sujood

3. After the second Sujood of the second rak‘ah, instead of standing up, sit for Tashahhud.

• This is a sitting position for reciting testimony and prayers for the Prophet ﷺ.

Step 13: Tashahhud (Sitting after 2 Rak‘ahs)

How to Sit

• Sit comfortably on your left foot with the right foot upright (toes facing Qiblah).
• Keep your hands on your thighs or knees, fingers together.
• Maintain calmness and focus.

What to Recite

Recite the Tashahhud:

ٱلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَٱلصَّلَوَاتُ وَٱلطَّيِّبَاتُ، ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَن لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahi as-salihin.
Ashhadu alla ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.

Meaning in simple English:

• All greetings, prayers, and goodness belong to Allah.
• Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
• Peace be upon us and on the righteous servants of Allah.
• I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His servant and Messenger.

What to Do Next

• For 2 rak‘ah prayers (like Fajr), end the prayer here by turning your head to the right and saying:

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ

As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah

• Then turn your head to the left and repeat:

As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah

• This is called the final Salaam — it ends the Salah.
• For 3 or 4 rak‘ah prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha):
  1. Stand up after Tashahhud by saying Allahu Akbar.
  2. Perform the remaining rak‘ahs following the same steps (recitation, Ruku, Sujood, etc.).
  3. After the final rak‘ah, sit for final Tashahhud and complete the prayer with final Salaam.

Tips for Beginners:

• Maintain humility and focus while sitting for Tashahhud; this is a reflective part of Salah.
• Recite slowly and understand the meaning if possible.
• Don’t rush through the final Salaam; it is the official end of the prayer.

See Also: When is Sajda-e-Sahw performed

Step 14: Final Tashahhud (After the Last Rak‘ah)

After completing all rak‘ahs of your prayer (2, 3, or 4 rak‘ah prayers), you sit for the final Tashahhud. This is a special sitting position for reciting testimony and prayers for the Prophet (ﷺ).

How to Sit

• Sit on your left foot, with your right foot upright (toes facing Qiblah).
• Keep your hands on your thighs or knees, fingers together.
• Maintain calmness, humility, and focus on Allah.
• Your eyes should look at the place of prostration (Sujood).

What to Recite

1. Tashahhud (Testimony):

ٱلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَٱلصَّلَوَاتُ وَٱلطَّيِّبَاتُ، ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَن لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahi as-salihin.
Ashhadu alla ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.

Meaning:

• All greetings, prayers, and goodness belong to Allah.
• Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
• Peace be upon us and the righteous servants of Allah.
• I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His servant and Messenger.

2. Sending Salawat (Blessings) on the Prophet (ﷺ):

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad, wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibraheem, wa ‘ala aali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedun Majeed.
Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad, wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibraheem, wa ‘ala aali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedun Majeed.

Meaning:

• O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his family, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and his family. Truly, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
• O Allah, bless Muhammad (ﷺ) and his family, just as You blessed Ibrahim and his family. Truly, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

Tips for Beginners

• Sit calmly and steadily, with humility and focus on Allah.
• Recite slowly and clearly, understanding the meaning if possible.
• Remember, this is a special moment to honor the Prophet (ﷺ) and seek closeness to Allah.

Step 15: Ending the Perform Salah (Tasleem)

After completing the final Tashahhud and sending blessings on the Prophet (ﷺ), you end the Salah with the Tasleem.

How to Perform Tasleem

• Turn your head to the right, and say:

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah
(Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you)

• Then turn your head to the left, and say again:

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah
(Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you)

Key Points

• This signals the completion of Salah.
• Turn your head calmly, do not rush.
• Keep humility and focus until the end.

Congratulations! Your Salah is Complete

Tips for beginners to Perform Salah:

• Perform Salah slowly, focusing on meaning and humility.
• Gradually memorize each step and recitation.
• Remember that Salah is a direct connection with Allah, so sincerity and concentration matter most.