Introduction
Learning how to perform Namaz (Salah) is one of the most important aspects of a Muslim’s spiritual development. Salah is the second pillar of Islam and a daily obligation that strengthens the relationship between a believer and Allah. Whether you are a new Muslim, a student, or someone refreshing their knowledge, this guide will help you perform Salah correctly, step by step.
This blog covers:
- Proper preparation for prayer
- Each step of Salah in detail
- The 13 obligatory acts (Fard) of Salah
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Tips to improve concentration in prayer
Presentation Available Below:
View the presentation at the end of this blog for a visual guide to Salah.
1. Preparing for Salah
a) Purification (Wudu)
Perform ablution to be in a state of ritual purity.
b) Clean Clothing and Place
Ensure that the body, clothes, and prayer area are clean and free from impurities.
c) Facing the Qiblah
Face the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah.
d) Confirm the Prayer Time
Perform Salah only within its specified time.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Namaz
Step 1: Niyyah (Intention)
Make a sincere intention in your heart for the specific prayer.
Step 2: Takbir e- Tahrema
Raise your hands and say:
Allahu Akbar — Allah is the Greatest
Step 3: Qiyam (Standing)
While standing:
1 Recite Sana
2 Recite tauz and Tasmia
3 Recite Surah Al-Fatih
4 Then recite any other Surah, such as Surah Al-Ikhlas
Step 4: Ruku (Bowing)
Then Say Allahu-Akbar
Bend at the waist and say:
Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem (three times)
Step 5: I’tidal (Standing After Ruku)
Stand upright and say:
Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah
Rabbana lakal hamd
Step 6: Sujood (Prostration)
Prostrate on the ground and say:
Subhana Rabbiyal A’la (three times)
Step 7: Jalsa (Sitting Between Sujood)
Sit back and say:
Rabbighfir li ( 3 Times)
Step 8: Second Sujood
Repeat the prostration as before.
Step 9. Completing the Rak’ah and Final Sitting
After completing two rak’ahs, sit and recite:
At-tahiyyatu lillahi… Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah…
Step 10. Durood Ibrahim:
In the final rak’ah, also recite Durood Ibrahim:
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad…
Step 11 Dua for protection.
There is many duas to recite in it you can read one of the following.
Step 12. End Salah (namaz) with Salam
Then conclude the Salah with:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah
(First to the right, then to the left)
5. Salah Times and Raka’at Summary
| Prayer | Time | Raka’at Details |
| Fajr | Dawn | 2 Fard (+ 2 Sunnah) |
| Dhuhr | Midday | 4 Fard (+ Sunnahs) |
| Asr | Afternoon | 4 Fard |
| Maghrib | Sunset | 3 Fard (+ Sunnahs) |
| Isha | Night | 4 Fard (+ Witr and Sunnahs) |
6. Tips to Improve Salah
- Understand the meaning of the words you recite
- Eliminate distractions before prayer
- Perform each movement calmly and with sincerity
- Strive for presence of heart (Khushu’)
- Maintain punctuality and consistency
7. Common Mistakes in Salah
- Rushing through actions
- Omitting Fatiha or other essential recitations
- Poor posture in Ruku or Sujood
- Forgetting Tashahhud or final Tasleem
- Praying outside the allowed time
8. Who Must Pray Salah?
Salah is obligatory upon every:
- Adult Muslim
- Sane and conscious person
- Individual in a state of ritual purity
- Woman not in menstruation or postnatal bleeding
9. The 13 Fard (Obligatory Acts) of Salah
These are the 13 essential elements of Salah. Missing any one of them invalidates the prayer if not corrected.
Conditions Before Salah (5 Fard Outside the Prayer):
- Taharah (Purity) – From impurities on body, clothes, and place of prayer
- Covering the Awrah – Proper Islamic dress
- Facing the Qiblah – Direction of the Kaaba
- Correct Timing – Each Salah must be offered in its proper time
- Niyyah (Intention) – Internally committing to the specific prayer
Actions Within Salah (8 Fard Inside the Prayer):
- Takbir al-Ihram – Opening with “Allahu Akbar”
- Qiyam (Standing) – For able individuals, during Fard Salah
- Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha – In every rak’ah
- Ruku (Bowing) – With calmness and proper posture
- Sujood (Prostration) – On all seven body parts
- Final Sitting (Qa’dah Akhirah) – In the last rak’ah
- Tashahhud – Declaration in the final sitting
- Tasleem – Concluding with greetings of peace on both sides
Every Muslim must learn and preserve these obligations to ensure their Salah is valid and accepted.
Conclusion
Salah is the daily discipline that transforms the heart and purifies the soul. It is not merely a duty, but a gift from Allah that brings peace, structure, and meaning to our lives. Every step in Salah carries a message, a purpose, and a path to spiritual growth.
By learning and practicing the correct method of Salah, and fulfilling its 13 Fard elements, you align yourself with the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and draw nearer to your Creator.
Learn Salah with Qualified Teachers at JH Quran Academy
If you or your family members are looking to learn how to pray Salah correctly, improve your Tajweed, or understand the meanings of each prayer step, JH Quran Academy is here to support your journey.
We offer:
- One-on-one online classes for all ages
- Male and female qualified Islamic teachers
- Salah lessons with Tajweed, translation, and explanation
- Flexible scheduling and personalized plans
- Free trial class for new students
Start your spiritual journey today with JH Quran Academy.
Visit our website or contact us directly to book your free trial class.
Learn Salah (namaz) Practical
This visual guide will help reinforce the steps and make learning easier for beginners, students, and families learn Namaz (salah) Practical Click On the Link below
Frequently Ask Question
Salah (Namaz) is the second pillar of Islam and an obligatory act of worship performed five times a day. It strengthens the bond between a Muslim and Allah, purifies the soul, and brings peace and discipline to life.
Muslims pray five times daily: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Each prayer has a specific number of rak’ahs (units).
Before Salah, a Muslim must:
Perform Wudu (ablution) for purity.
Wear clean clothes and ensure the prayer area is pure.
Face the Qiblah (Kaaba in Makkah).
Confirm that it is the correct time for that prayer.
The main steps of Salah include:
Niyyah (intention)
Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
Qiyam (standing, reciting Surah Fatiha & another Surah)
Ruku (bowing)
I’tidal (standing after bowing)
Sujood (prostration)
Jalsa (sitting between sujood)
Final sitting with Tashahhud and Durood Ibrahim
Concluding with Tasleem (Salam)
The 13 Fard of Salah are divided into two categories:
Before Salah (5): Purity, covering awrah, facing Qiblah, correct timing, and intention.
Inside Salah (8): Opening Takbir, Qiyam, Surah Fatiha, Ruku, Sujood, final sitting, Tashahhud, and Tasleem.
Missing any Fard invalidates the prayer.
Salah is obligatory for every adult, sane, and conscious Muslim who is in a state of purity. Women are exempt during menstruation and postnatal bleeding.
Some common mistakes include:
Rushing through prayer.
Skipping Surah Fatiha or essential recitations.
Incorrect posture in Ruku or Sujood.
Forgetting Tashahhud or Salam.
Praying outside the allowed time.
To improve focus in Salah:
Understand the meaning of what you recite.
Eliminate distractions before prayer.
Perform movements calmly and sincerely.
Remind yourself you are standing before Allah.
Yes. You can learn Salah step by step online with qualified Islamic teachers. Platforms like JH Quran Academy offer one-on-one classes, Tajweed lessons, translation, and guidance for learners of all ages.
Learning Salah correctly ensures that your prayer is valid, accepted by Allah, and performed as taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him). It brings spiritual growth, peace, and closeness to Allah.