How to Pray Salah (Namaz) Step by Step for Beginners
Quick Overview
A complete, easy-to-understand guide for beginners on how to perform the obligatory Islamic prayer (Salah/Namaz), focusing on a standard 2-Rakat prayer.
The 7 Fard (Obligatory) Acts
If any of these are missed, the Pray is invalid.
- •Saying the opening Takbeer (Allahu Akbar).
- •Standing (Qiyam) during the prayer.
- •Reciting the Quran (at least Surah Al-Fatihah).
- •Bowing down (Ruku).
- •Prostrating twice (Sujud).
- •Sitting for the final Tashahhud (Qa'dah Akhirah).
- •Ending with the Salam.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1Intention & Takbeer (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Stand facing the Qibla. Make intention in your heart for the specific prayer. Raise your hands to your ears and say 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the greatest). This Takbeer is Fard.
The opening Takbeer (Takbeerat-ul-Ihram) is a core pillar (Fard) of Salah.
Step 2Standing (Qiyam) & Recitation (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Place your right hand over your left below the navel or on the chest. Recite the opening supplication (Subhanaka), then recite Surah Al-Fatihah. Standing and reciting are Fard.
Standing (for those physically able) and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah are obligatory pillars of prayer.
Step 3Bowing (Ruku) (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Say 'Allahu Akbar' and bow down, placing your hands on your knees. Keep your back straight. Say 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azim' (Glory to my Lord, the Greatest) 3 times.
Bowing until the hands reach the knees is a Fard pillar.
Step 4Rising from Ruku
Stand back up straight while saying 'Sami'allahu liman hamidah' (Allah hears those who praise Him). Once standing, say 'Rabbana lakal hamd' (Our Lord, all praise is to You).
Step 5First Prostration (Sujud) (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Say 'Allahu Akbar' and go down to prostration. Seven bones must touch the ground: forehead/nose, both hands, both knees, and toes of both feet. Say 'Subhana Rabbiyal A'la' 3 times.
Prostrating twice in every Rakat is a Fard pillar.
Step 6Sitting between Prostrations
Say 'Allahu Akbar' and sit up briefly on your left foot while keeping the right foot upright. Say 'Rabbighfir li' (Lord forgive me).
Step 7Second Prostration (Sujud) (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Say 'Allahu Akbar' and perform a second prostration exactly like the first. This completes one full unit (Rakat) of prayer.
The second Sujud is also a Fard pillar.
Step 8Final Sitting (Qa'dah Akhirah) (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)After completing all Rakats, sit and recite the Tashahhud (Attahiyyaat), followed by the Durood (Salawat on Prophet Ibrahim and Muhammad PBUH), and a final Dua.
Sitting at the end of the prayer for the duration of the Tashahhud is a Fard pillar.
Step 9The Salam (Ending the Prayer)
Fard (Obligatory)Turn your head to the right and say 'As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah', then turn your head to the left and repeat the same. Your prayer is now complete.
Exiting the prayer with at least one Salam is obligatory in the Hanafi madhab.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Rushing through the movements without pausing (lack of Khushu/stillness).
- ✕Looking around or looking up at the sky during prayer.
- ✕Not placing the nose and forehead firmly on the ground during Sujud.
- ✕Reciting out loud during silent prayers (Zuhr and Asr).
Scriptural Basis
Quranic Context
"Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times. (Quran 4:103)"