How to Pray Salah Step by Step According to the Quran and Sunnah

Performing Salah (Islamic prayer) is a cornerstone of every Muslim’s life. It is not merely a ritual, but a direct link between the servant and their Creator. Learning how to pray Salah correctly according to the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is crucial for spiritual development and religious devotion. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and practical implementation.

Understanding the Importance of Salah in Islam

Salah is the second pillar of Islam and a clear sign of a believer’s submission to Allah. It is performed five times a day and is emphasized throughout the Quran and Hadith. This daily act is far more than a religious obligation—it is a source of peace, discipline, and a deep spiritual connection to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

“Verily, Salah prevents from shameful and unjust deeds” (Quran 29:45)

Different Types of Salah Explained

Muslims perform different types of prayers depending on religious rulings and occasions. Understanding the categories of Salah is essential for offering the correct number of rakats and following the prophetic way.

• Fardh (Obligatory): Must be performed. Missing it is a major sin.

• Wajib (Necessary): Required, but slightly less obligatory than Fardh.

• Sunnah: Acts of worship regularly practiced by the Prophet. These are:

  • Sunnah Muakkadah (Emphasized)

  • Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah (Optional)

• Nafl (Voluntary): Optional prayers that offer spiritual rewards.

Each daily prayer has a specific number of rakats divided among these types, and memorizing them helps maintain consistency in worship.

How to Prepare for Salah: The Checklist

Before you begin prayer, certain conditions must be met to ensure your Salah is valid:

1. Purification (Wudu or Ghusl): Ensure physical cleanliness.

2. Proper Intention (Niyyah): Be conscious of the prayer type and purpose.

3. Clothing Requirements: Covering of awrah (private parts). Men: navel to knees. Women: the entire body except the face and hands.

4. Timely Performance: Offer Salah within its prescribed time.

5. Facing the Qiblah: Always pray facing the Kaaba in Mecca.

6. Clean Area: The Prayer space should be clean and suitable.

“O Children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid…” (Quran 7:31)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pray Salah Properly

Let’s go through the correct way to perform Salah, incorporating both physical and verbal actions as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

1. Intention (Niyyah)

Start by forming the intention in your heart or stating it softly:

“I intend to perform 2 Rakats Sunnah of Fajr”

2. Takbir al-Ihram

Raise both hands to your ears (shoulders for women) and say:

Allahu Akbar
(“Allah is the Greatest”)

This marks the beginning of your prayer.

3. Qiyam (Standing Position)

Place your hands on your chest:

• Right hand over left

• Focus your eyes on the spot of sujud (prostration)

Now, begin with the opening supplication:

Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika…
(“Glory and praise be to You, O Allah…”)

Follow with:

• Ta’awwudh: A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytaan ir-rajeem

• Basmala: Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem

4. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha

This chapter is obligatory in every rakat.

“Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘alamin…”
(“All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds…”)

Say Ameen after finishing.

5. Recite Another Surah (Optional in First Two Rakats)

Example:

Surah Al-Ikhlas
“Qul huwallahu ahad…”

6. Ruku (Bowing)

Say Allahu Akbar and bow with hands on knees and back straight. Recite:

Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem (3 times)
(“Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great”)

7. I’tidal (Standing after Ruku)

Straighten up, saying:

Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah
(“Allah hears the one who praises Him”)
Rabbana lakal hamd
(“Our Lord, to You is all praise”)

8. Sujud (Prostration)

Say Allahu Akbar, go down making 7 points touch the ground: forehead, nose, hands, knees, toes.

Subhana Rabbiyal A’la (3 times)
(“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High”)

9. Jalsah (Sitting between Sujud)

Say Allahu Akbar, sit on your legs and recite:

Rabbighfir li
(“O my Lord! Forgive me”)

Then perform a second Sujud as before.

This completes one rakat.

10. Repeat the Second Rakat

Perform the second rakat the same way, but omit Subhanaka and begin directly with Basmala and Surah Fatiha.

After the second sujud, remain seated.

Tashahhud: The Seated Testimony

Recite:

Raise your right index finger during the Shahada to symbolize Tawheed (oneness of Allah).

If your prayer has:

• Two Rakats: Continue to Salawat

• More than two Rakats: Say Allahu Akbar and stand for the next rakat(s)

Sending Blessings on the Prophet (Salawat)

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

This follows the Tashahhud and is recited before ending the prayer.

Tasleem: Ending the Salah

Turn your head to the right, then to the left, each time saying:

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah
(“Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you”)

This completes your prayer.

Post-Salah Supplication (Dua After Salah)

After completing your prayer, it’s recommended to engage in Dua:

Allahumma a’inni ‘ala dhikrika…
(“O Allah, help me to remember You, thank You, and worship You in the best way”)

You may also recite Ayat al-Kursi and other authentic duas as practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ).

Additional Tips for Effective Salah

• Concentrate during prayer; eliminate distractions.

• Learn the meanings of Arabic phrases to increase khushu (humility).

• Offer voluntary (Nafl) prayers for extra reward.

• Encourage children and new Muslims by praying together regularly.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Salah

Salah is not just a ritual—it is your daily conversation with Allah, your spiritual anchor, and your moral compass. When performed with understanding and sincerity, it elevates your heart and disciplines your soul.

Whether you’re a new Muslim or looking to strengthen your connection with Allah, mastering how to pray Salah step by step according to the Quran and Sunnah is a life-changing commitment to faith.

Read more: How to Perform Ghusl According to the Islamic Way