How to Pray Salah/Namaz Step by Step

Praying Salah (Namaz) involves purification (Wudu), facing the Qibla, making intention (Niyyah), starting with “Allahu Akbar,” reciting Surah Fatiha & another chapter, bowing (Ruku), prostrating (Sujud), sitting between prostrations (Jalsa), repeating these actions for each Rakah (unit), and concluding with Taslim (peace be with you) to the right and left, ensuring clean clothes and place, and praying at prescribed times

Before You Begin (Prerequisites)

  1. Purity: Perform Wudu (ablution) or Ghusl if needed; ensure clothes and prayer area are clean.
  2. Intention (Niyyah): Decide in your heart which prayer (e.g., Fajr, Dhuhr) you are praying.
  3. Face Qibla: Stand facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
  4. Cover: Cover your private parts (men: navel to knee; women: whole body except face/hands). 

The Prayer Steps (One Rakah)

  1. Start (Takbir): Raise hands to ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
  2. Stand (Qiyam): Place right hand over left on your chest/navel; look at the spot where you’ll prostrate.
  3. Recite: Silently say the opening supplication, then Surah Al-Fatiha Quran recitation (first chapter of Qur’an), followed by another short chapter.
  4. Bow (Ruku): Say “Allahu Akbar,” bow down, place hands on knees, and say, “Subhana Rabbiyal Adhim” (How Perfect is my Lord, the Supreme) three times.
  5. Stand Up: Rise from Ruku saying, “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) and “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, praise be to You).
  6. Prostrate (Sujud): Say “Allahu Akbar,” prostrate with forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground; say, “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (How Perfect is my Lord, the Most High).
  7. Sit (Jalsa): Say “Allahu Akbar,” sit up briefly, say, “Rabbighfirli” (O Allah, forgive me).
  8. Second Prostration: Repeat step 6.
  9. Stand: Say “Allahu Akbar” and stand up for the next Rakah, repeating steps 3-8.