10 Steps on How to Pray Fajr Namaz

10 Steps on How to Pray Fajr Namaz

Commence your spiritual journey with Fajr Namaz, the first prayer of the day, offering a profound connection with the divine. As the darkness of night surrenders to the dawn’s embrace, Fajr Namaz invites you to awaken your soul, invigorate your body, and align your intentions with the divine. With its transformative power, Fajr Namaz transcends mere rituals, becoming a transformative experience that sets the tone for a day filled with grace, tranquility, and purpose.

Like a gentle whisper amidst the silence of dawn, the adhan summons you to prayer. Its melodious call echoes through the ethereal expanse, beckoning you to leave behind the slumbering world and embrace the transformative embrace of Fajr Namaz. As you spread out your prayer mat, a sense of serenity washes over you, enveloping you in a sanctuary of peace amidst the bustling world. With each movement, each intonation, you connect deeper to your inner self, shedding the weight of earthly concerns and worries.

Fajr Namaz is not merely an act of obligation but a profound expression of gratitude and devotion. It is a time to reflect on your blessings, to seek forgiveness for your shortcomings, and to commit to a life grounded in righteousness. As you prostrate yourself before the divine, you acknowledge your humility and dependence on a power greater than yourself. With every prostration, you surrender your ego and invite divine guidance, grace, and protection into your life.

Waking up before dawn

Waking up before dawn for Fajr prayer is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. It is a time of peace and tranquility, when you can connect with your Creator and ask for forgiveness for your sins. However, waking up before dawn can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to it. Here’s a few tips to help you:

  1. Go to bed early: This is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that you wake up on time for Fajr. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  2. Set an alarm: Set your alarm for about 30 minutes before the time you want to wake up. This will give you enough time to wake up gradually and get ready for prayer.
  3. Make sure your alarm is in a place where you can hear it: Don’t put your alarm clock under your pillow or across the room. You need to be able to hear it easily when it goes off.
  4. Get out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off: Don’t hit the snooze button. The more you snooze, the harder it will be to wake up. Get out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off and start getting ready for prayer.
  5. Make wudu (ablution): This is the ritual washing that is performed before prayer. It helps to purify you both physically and spiritually.
  6. Pray Fajr: Fajr is the first prayer of the day. It is a two-rakah prayer that is prayed at dawn.

Waking up before dawn for Fajr prayer can be a challenge, but it’s definitely worth it. The rewards are great, and it’s a great way to start your day.

Helpful tips:

Here are some additional tips that may help you to wake up before dawn for Fajr prayer:

  • Try to go to bed at the same time each night, even on weekends.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you to fall asleep more easily.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
  • Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Pray for help from Allah. He is the One who gives us the strength to do what is right.

Performing Wudu (ablution)

Wudu, or ablution, is the ritual purification performed before offering prayers. It involves washing specific body parts in a prescribed order. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Wudu:

1. Niyyah (Intention)

Begin with the intention of purifying yourself for prayer. Say, “I intend to perform Wudu for the sake of Allah (SWT).” This sets the spiritual context for the ablution.

2. Washing the Limbs

a) Washing the Hands

Wet both hands thoroughly and rub them together. Clean between the fingers and around the nails. This removes any dirt or impurities.

b) Rinsing the Mouth

Rinse your mouth three times with water.Swish it around your mouth and spit it out. This removes any food particles or impurities.

c) Washing the Nose

Sniff water into your nose three times. Then blow it out gently. This clears the nasal passages of mucus or dirt.

d) Washing the Face

Wash your face three times. Start from the forehead and wash down towards the chin. Ensure the water covers your entire face, including around the eyes and under the chin.

e) Washing the Arms

Wash your arms three times, starting from the elbows and washing down towards the fingertips. Rub your hands over your arms to ensure thorough cleaning.

f) Wiping the Head

Wet both hands and wipe the top of your head, starting from the forehead and moving towards the back of the head. Then wipe the inside of each ear.

g) Washing the Feet

Wash your feet three times, starting from the ankles and washing down towards the toes. Rub your hands between the toes to remove any dirt or debris.

Facing the Qiblah (direction towards Makkah)

Before commencing the Fajr prayer, it is crucial to ascertain the direction of the Qiblah, which is towards Makkah. This orientation aligns your physical presence with the spiritual center of Islam. To determine the Qiblah, you can utilize various methods:

  • Compass: Utilize a compass that accurately displays the direction of Makkah.
  • Qiblah App: Download a reputable Qiblah app on your smartphone to guide you precisely.
  • Local Mosque: If you are near a mosque, observe the direction of the mihrab (prayer niche), which always points towards Makkah.
  • Online Qiblah Finder: Utilize an online Qiblah finder website to obtain your specific Qiblah direction based on your location.

Determining the Qiblah Through Geographic Markers

In the absence of a compass or app, you can estimate the Qiblah based on geographic markers:

Location Estimated Qiblah Direction
United States (East Coast) Southeast to East-Southeast
United States (West Coast) South-southeast to East-southeast
Europe (Western) Southeast to East-southeast
Europe (Eastern) South-southeast to Southeast

Remember that these estimations are approximate and should be used only as a last resort.

Niyyah (declaring intention)

Before starting Fajr Namaz, it is essential to declare your intention (Niyyah) to perform the prayer. This is done silently in your heart or by uttering the following words in Arabic:

Arabic English Translation
اُصَلِّیْ فَرْضَ الفَجْرِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ مُسْتَقْبِلَ الْقِبْلَةِ اَدَاءً لِلهِ تَعَالَى I intend to pray the obligatory Fajr prayer of two rak’ahs facing the Qiblah for the sake of Allah Almighty.

While making your Niyyah, keep the following points in mind:

  1. Be clear and specific about the prayer you intend to perform (Fajr Namaz).
  2. Express your intention in the present tense, as if you are performing the prayer right now.
  3. Mention the number of rak’ahs (two) that you will be praying.
  4. Specify that you are performing the prayer for the sake of Allah Almighty.
  5. Ensure that your intention is sincere and free from any distractions or desires.

Opening Takbir (Allahu Akbar)

The Fajr prayer begins with the Opening Takbir, which declares the greatness of Allah (SWT). This is done by standing straight with the feet shoulder-width apart, and then raising both hands up to the level of the ears, palms facing the Qiblah. While doing so, recite “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) with conviction and sincerity.

Raising Hands

After the Opening Takbir, keep both hands raised to the level of the ears, with the palms facing the Qiblah. This signifies the readiness to receive Allah’s guidance and blessings.

Placing Hands on Chest

After a moment, gently lower the right hand and place it over the left hand on the chest, just below the collarbone. This symbolizes holding the heart in submission to Allah (SWT).

Seeking Refuge in Allah

While the hands are placed on the chest, recite the following duas:

  1. “A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytaanir rajeem.” (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.)
  2. “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.” (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)

Reciting Quran (Surah Fatiha)

Once the duas have been recited, begin reciting Surah Fatiha, the first chapter of the Quran. This is the most important part of the prayer and is recited while standing with the hands still placed on the chest.

Table: Quran Recitation

Verse Arabic Translation
1 Alhamdulillah, Rabbil ‘aalameen. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
2 Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
3 Maaliki yawmid deen. Master of the Day of Judgment.
4 Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
5 Ihdinass-siraatal mustaqeem. Guide us to the straight path,
6 Siraatal lazeena an’amta ‘alaihim, ghairil maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa la adh-dhaalleen. The path of those You have blessed,
not of those who have earned Your anger,
Nor of those who go astray.

Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah

Surah Al-Fatihah is the first chapter of the Quran and is considered one of the most important surah, as it serves as a comprehensive foundation for the entire Quran. Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah during Fajr Namaz is a crucial element of the prayer and carries immense spiritual significance.

Steps for Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah:

  1. Raise both hands to your earlobes, saying, “Allahu Akbar” (God is the greatest).
  2. Place your right hand over your chest, near your heart.
  3. Begin reciting Surah Al-Fatihah: “Al-hamdu lillahi Rabb al-‘alamin…”
  4. Continue reciting the surah until you reach the end, ending with “wa laa ad-daaleen.”
  5. Lower your hands to your sides.
  6. Pause briefly and reflect on the meaning of the surah (see table below for the meanings of each verse).
  7. Then, recite the next two surah or ayahs and proceed with the rest of the Fajr Namaz.
Verse Meaning
Al-hamdu lillahi Rabb al-‘alamin All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Ar-Rahman ar-Raheem The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Maliki yawm ad-deen Master of the Day of Judgment.
Iyyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’een You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Ihdina as-sirat al-mustaqeem Guide us to the straight path,
Sirat al-ladheena an’amta ‘alayhim The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor,
Ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim wa la adh-dhaalleen Not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who are astray.

Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas

After completing the third Rakat, stand up straight and recite Surah Al-Ikhlas once. This surah is a declaration of Allah’s oneness and uniqueness:

Verse 1:

“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, ‘

Verse 2:

“Allah, the Eternal Refuge, ‘

Verse 3:

“He neither begets nor is born, ‘

Verse 4:

“And there is none comparable to Him.”

After reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, continue with the fourth Rakat as usual, reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another short Quranic surah or verses.

Bowing (Ruku’)

After reciting the Fatihah and any additional surahs, the worshiper enters the bowing position (ruku’) by saying, “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).

The correct position for bowing is to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your back straight, and your head held high. Then, bend forward from your waist, placing your hands on your knees. Your elbows should be parallel to the floor, and your forehead should be in line with your feet.

While in the bowing position, recite the following dhikr (remembrance of God) three times:

Arabic Pronunciation Meaning
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Azim Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

Remain in the bowing position for at least three breaths, or for as long as you can comfortably hold it. Then, return to the standing position (qiyam) by saying, “Sami’a llahu li man hamidah” (God hears the one who praises Him).

Prostrating (Sujud)

After the second Ruku’, Muslims perform Sujud or prostration twice. The steps are as follows:

  1. Place Your Hands on the Ground: Move your hands forward while positioned on your knees and place them flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart and aligned with your shoulders.
  2. Position Your Forehead and Nose: Now, gently place your forehead on the ground, ensuring that your nose is also touching the floor. Your fingertips should be pointing toward the Qibla.
  3. Position Your Knees and Toes: Keep your knees on the ground and the tops of your feet flat against the floor, forming a right angle at your knees.
  4. Straighten Your Back: Ensure that your back is parallel to the ground while keeping your head in a neutral position. Your arms should be positioned perpendicular to the ground, with your elbows level with your shoulders.
  5. Focus Your Gaze: Close your eyes and direct your gaze towards the tip of your nose.
  6. Say the Prescribed Words: Recite the following words in Arabic: “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to My Exalted Lord), three times.
  7. Remain in Position: Hold this position for several seconds, allowing your body and mind to find peace and tranquility.
  8. Rise from the Ground: When you’re ready, slowly lift your forehead and nose from the ground, followed by your hands.
  9. Return to a Sitting Position: Sit back on your heels, with your feet together and your hands on your thighs, much like you did during the first Ruku’.
  10. Repeat the Process: Perform the second Sujud in the same manner as the first.

The final prostration (Tashahhud)

The final prostration, or Tashahhud, is performed after completing the two required units of Fajr prayer. It is a position of sitting with the right foot crossed over the left and the hands resting on the thighs. The following steps should be followed:

1. Sit on the floor with your legs crossed as described above.
2. Place your right hand on your right thigh, palm down, and your left hand on your left thigh, palm up.
3. Say the following words while seated:

“`
At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat.
Assalamu alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
Assalamu alayna wa ala ibadillah as-salihin.
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah.
“`
4. After completing the above words, raise your index finger of your right hand and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
5. Return your hand to your thigh and say, “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” twice, turning your head first to the right and then to the left.

Fajr Namaz: A Comprehensive Guide to Praying the Dawn Prayer

Fajr Namaz, also known as the dawn prayer, is one of the five obligatory prayers performed by Muslims daily. It is a spiritually uplifting and deeply meaningful ritual that holds immense significance in Islamic faith and practice.

This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to perform Fajr Namaz, ensuring that you establish a proper and fulfilling connection with the Almighty:

  1. Intention and Ablution: Begin by setting your intention to pray Fajr Namaz and perform ablution (wudu) to purify yourself.
  2. Takbir and Niyyah: Stand facing the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba) and raise your hands to your ears, uttering the takbir (Allahu Akbar). Then, recite the niyyah (intention) to pray two rak’ahs of Fajr Namaz.
  3. Qiyam and Surah Fatiha: Recite Surah Fatiha (the Opening Chapter of the Quran), which is obligatory for every rak’ah of prayer.
  4. Ruku’: Bow down, placing your hands on your knees and keeping your back straight. Recite Subhana Rabbiyal Azim (Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent) three times.
  5. I’tidal: Stand upright from ruku’ and recite Rabbana lakalhamd (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
  6. Sujud: Prostrate yourself by touching your forehead, nose, and two palms to the ground. Recite Subhana Rabbiyal A’la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
  7. Jalsa: Sit on your heels and recite the tashahhud (testimony of faith).
  8. Second Rak’ah: Repeat steps 4 to 7 to complete the second rak’ah.
  9. Salawat and Salam: After the second sujud, recite the salawat (blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad) and the salam (greetings of peace), turning your head right and left.

People Also Ask About Fajr Namaz How to Pray

When is the Time for Fajr Namaz?

The time for Fajr Namaz begins at the break of dawn, when the horizon begins to brighten, and ends at sunrise. It is generally the shortest of the five daily prayers.

What are the Benefits of Praying Fajr Namaz?

Praying Fajr Namaz brings numerous spiritual and practical benefits, including:

  • Seeking forgiveness for sins
  • Protecting oneself from evil
  • Increasing sustenance and blessings
  • Gaining the reward of praying the night prayer (Tahajjud)

What are Some Tips for Praying Fajr Namaz Consistently?

To establish consistency in praying Fajr Namaz, consider the following tips:

  • Go to bed early and get enough sleep.
  • Set an alarm and place it far from your bed.
  • Make it a habit to pray Fajr Namaz with a friend or group.
  • Remember the rewards and blessings associated with Fajr Namaz.

5 Easy Steps to Perform Fajr Salah

Fajr Salah
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Performing Fajr Salah, the first prayer of the day, holds immense significance in Islam. It is a beautiful act of devotion, connecting us with the Divine and setting the tone for the day ahead. As the darkness surrenders to the break of dawn, immersing ourselves in Fajr Salah offers a sense of tranquility, grounding us for the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.

To begin Fajr Salah, we prepare our body and mind for the spiritual journey. We perform Wudu, the ritual purification, to cleanse ourselves both physically and spiritually. As we turn towards the Qiblah, aligning ourselves with the direction of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, we enter a state of reverence and focus. With a sincere heart, we declare our intention to offer Fajr Salah, connecting ourselves to the vast community of believers across time and space.

The Fajr Salah comprises of two obligatory units, known as rak’ahs, and an additional two recommended units called Sunnah. Each rak’ah consists of specific recitations, movements, and postures. We begin by standing with our feet shoulder-width apart, our gaze lowered, and our hands raised to our ears, glorifying Allah with the words, “Allahu Akbar.” As we recite the opening chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatihah, and other prescribed verses, we immerse ourselves in the profound meaning of these words, connecting our hearts to the Divine message. The graceful bowing and prostrations symbolize our humility and submission to Allah, reminding us of our place in the vastness of creation.

Overview of Fajr Salah

Fajr Salah, also known as the Dawn Prayer, is one of the five obligatory prayers in Islam. It is performed during the pre-dawn period, before sunrise. This prayer is particularly significant as it marks the beginning of the Muslim devotional day and sets the tone for the believer’s daily spiritual journey.

The time frame for Fajr Salah begins with the first appearance of true dawn, which is characterized by a whitish hue in the sky. It extends until sunrise, when the sun’s disc appears above the horizon. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to offer Fajr Salah as early as possible, ideally within the first hour of dawn.

Fajr Salah consists of two units (rak’ahs) of prayer, which involve a series of prescribed postures and recitations. These include standing, bowing, prostrating, and reciting specific verses from the Quran. Fajr Salah also includes an additional recitation called the Qunut, which is performed after rising from the second prostration.

Performing Fajr Salah on time and with sincerity brings numerous spiritual and physical benefits. It is believed to purify the soul, strengthen the connection with God, and provide divine protection throughout the day. Additionally, scientific studies have shown that the pre-dawn period offers optimal conditions for deep sleep and hormonal balance, making it an ideal time for spiritual reflection and connection.

Preparation for Fajr Salah

Before performing Fajr Salah, there are several important preparations to make:

Intention

Firstly, it is essential to set the intention to pray Fajr Salah. This involves mentally focusing on the act of prayer and expressing one’s intention to fulfill the obligation.

Purification

Perform Wudu, the ritual washing of the face, hands, arms, and feet, to achieve physical purity. Ensure that all exposed parts of the body are thoroughly cleaned.

Clothing

Put on clean and modest clothing that covers the body from the navel to the knees for men and from head to toe for women. Clothing should be loose-fitting and made from breathable materials.

Place of Prayer

Choose a clean and quiet place for prayer. It is recommended to use a prayer mat or rug to provide a sense of separation between oneself and the ground.

Direction

Determine the direction of the Qibla, the direction towards the Kaaba in Mecca. This can be done using a compass, a prayer app, or by observing the position of the sun or moon.

Timing of Fajr Salah

True Dawn (Sadiq al-sadiq)

The time for Fajr Salah begins with the appearance of true dawn, known as Sadiq al-sadiq. True dawn marks the transition from night to day and is characterized by a visible streak of light on the horizon. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The time for Fajr is when the true dawn appears, and the time for Maghrib is when the true night appears.” (Sahih Bukhari)

False Dawn (Sadiq al-kadhib)

Before true dawn, there may be a false dawn, known as Sadiq al-kadhib. False dawn is a faint light that appears before the horizon and may resemble the true dawn. However, it is not the actual time for Fajr Salah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Do not pray Fajr until the true dawn has appeared.” (Sahih Bukhari)

When the Sun Rises

The time for Fajr Salah ends when the sun begins to rise. Once the sun has fully risen, it is no longer permissible to pray Fajr Salah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There is no prayer after the sunrise.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Summary of Fajr Salah Timing

Time Description
True Dawn (Sadiq al-sadiq) Beginning of Fajr Salah time
False Dawn (Sadiq al-kadhib) Not the time for Fajr Salah
Sunrise End of Fajr Salah time

Sunnah and Fard Rak’ahs

Fajr prayer consists of 12 rak’ahs, which are divided into two categories: sunnah and fard. The sunnah rak’ahs are voluntary and recommended, while the fard rak’ahs are obligatory.

Sunnah Rak’ahs

There are four sunnah rak’ahs in Fajr prayer. These are divided into two sets of two rak’ahs each. The first set is known as the "Qiyamul-Layl" prayer and is performed before the obligatory rak’ahs. The second set is known as the "Tahiyyatul-Wudu" prayer and is performed after the obligatory rak’ahs.

Fard Rak’ahs

There are eight fard rak’ahs in Fajr prayer. These are divided into four sets of two rak’ahs each. The first two sets are performed consecutively, while the third and fourth sets are performed with a short break in between.

Detailed Description of the Fourth Set of Fard Rak’ahs

The fourth set of fard rak’ahs is the final part of Fajr prayer. It consists of the following steps:

  1. Ruku’ (Bowing): After completing the third rak’ah, stand up and bow down your head and back, keeping your hands on your knees. Say the following: "Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Adheem" (Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent).
  2. Sujud (Prostration): From the bowing position, place your forehead, nose, and both hands on the ground. Say the following: "Subhana Rabbiyal-A’ala" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
  3. Sitting After Sujud: After the first sujud, sit back on your heels with your hands on your thighs. Say the following: "Astaghfirullah" (I seek forgiveness from Allah).
  4. Second Sujud: From the sitting position, perform a second sujud as described in step 2.
  5. Sitting After the Second Sujud: After the second sujud, sit back on your heels again and recite the following: "At-Tahiyyatu li-llahi wa ‘s-salawatu wa ‘t-tayyibatu. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadil-lahi ‘s-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh." (All compliments, prayers, and good words belong to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.)
  6. Salam (Greetings of Peace): Finally, turn your head to the right and say "As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah" (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah). Then, turn your head to the left and repeat the greeting.

Sajdah and Jalsa

After reciting the Surah Fatiha and other recommended verses, you will enter the second part of the Salah, which consists of two cycles of ruku’ and sujud (bowing and prostration).

Sajdah

  1. Transition while still standing, say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).

  2. Gently bend your knees and bring your hands to your knees, keeping your gaze downward.

  3. Slowly lower your body into a prostration position, ensuring that your forehead, nose, both palms, knees, and toes are touching the ground.

  4. Place your palms flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart, with your elbows slightly away from your body.

  5. Bring your nose and forehead to the ground, keeping your gaze at the point where your nose touches the ground.

  6. Remain in this position and recite the following supplication three times: “Subhaana rabbiyal a’laa wa bihamdih” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High, and all praise is due to Him).

  7. Gently rise to a sitting position with your body weight resting on your knees, while saying “Allahumma aghfir li” (O Allah, forgive me).

Jalsa

Remain in the sitting position with your buttocks resting on your ankles and your hands on your thighs. This position is known as jalsa. While in jalsa, recite the following supplication:

Arabic Translation
“At-tahiyyaatu lillahi wassalawaatu wat tayyibaat” “All greetings, prayers, and good deeds belong to Allah.”
“As-salaamu alayka ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu” “Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.”
“As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibaadillahis saaliheen” “Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.”
“As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu” “Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.”

Witr Prayer

The Witr prayer is a highly recommended sunnah prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr. It consists of an odd number of rak’ats, typically one or three.

To perform the Witr prayer with three rak’ats:

  1. Make the intention to pray Witr and perform the takbir al-ihram.
  2. Recite Surah al-Fatihah and any other surah.
  3. Perform ruku’ and sujud.
  4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the second rak’at.
  5. In the third rak’at, after reciting Surah al-Fatihah and any other surah, perform qunut. This involves raising both hands to supplicate to Allah.
  6. After qunut, complete the rak’at with ruku’ and sujud.
  7. Make the taslim to end the prayer.

In the table below, you can find a summary of the key differences between the obligatory prayers and the Witr prayer.


Obligatory Prayers Witr Prayer
Number of Rak’ats 2 or 4 3 (usually)
Time of Performance Specific times for each prayer After Isha and before Fajr
Obligatory Status Fard Sunnah
Qunut Not performed Performed in the third rak’at

Invocations and Supplications

After removing any impurities and performing ablution, Muslims recite a series of invocations and supplications to prepare their hearts and minds for prayer:

  1. Niyyah: The intention to perform Fajr Salah.
  2. Takbir al-Ihram: “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest) to mark the beginning of the prayer.
  3. A’udhu: “A’udhu billahi min ash-Shaytani ar-Rajeem” (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan).
  4. Basmalah: “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
  5. Surah al-Fatihah: The opening chapter of the Quran.
  6. Surah al-Ikhlas: “Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad” (Say: Allah is One).
  7. Dua after Surah al-Fatihah: “Allahuma inni as’aluk bi-asma’ika al-husna…” (O Allah, I ask You by Your beautiful names… Prayer for guidance, protection, and paradise).
  8. Ruku’: Bowing down and saying “Subhana Rabbi al-Azeem” (Glory to my Lord, the Great) three times.
  9. Sujud: Prostrating and saying “Subhana Rabbi al-A’ala” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Invocations/Supplications Meaning/Description
“Allahumma inni as’aluk bi-asma’ika al-husna…” Prayer for guidance, protection, and paradise
“Allahuma inni as’aluk al-hidayah…” Prayer for guidance
“Allahuma inni as’aluk al-‘afw wa al-‘afiyah…” Prayer for forgiveness and well-being

Benefits of Performing Fajr Salah

Performing Fajr prayer, the first obligatory prayer of the day, holds immense spiritual and practical benefits. Here are some key advantages of establishing this habit:

10. Strengthening Iman:

Fajr Salah is a testament to one’s unwavering belief in Allah (SWT) and the importance of connecting with Him at the start of the day. It reinforces our faith and bolsters our resolve to live righteously throughout the day.

How to Perform Fajr Salah

Fajr salah is the first prayer of the day in Islam. It is performed between dawn and sunrise. Fajr salah consists of two rakats (units of prayer). Here are the steps on how to perform Fajr salah:

  1. Make sure you are clean and free from any impurities by performing wudu (ablution).
  2. Face the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
  3. Say the Niyyah (intention) in your heart to perform Fajr salah.
  4. Raise your hands up to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (God is the greatest).
  5. Recite the Surah Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran).
  6. Recite any other surah or ayahs (verses) of the Quran.
  7. Bow down by bending forward at the waist, placing your hands on your knees and saying “Allahu Akbar”.
  8. Return to the standing position and say “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him).
  9. Prostrate by going down on your hands and knees, touching your forehead to the ground and saying “Allahu Akbar”.
  10. Return to the sitting position and say “Allahu Akbar”.
  11. Repeat steps 7-10 for the second rakat.
  12. After completing the second rakat, sit down and recite the Tashahhud (testimony of faith) and Durud (salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad).
  13. Turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you) and turn your head to the left and repeat the same.

People Also Ask

What time is Fajr salah performed?

Fajr salah is performed between dawn and sunrise.

How many rakats are in Fajr salah?

Fajr salah consists of two rakats.

What does Niyyah mean?

Niyyah is the intention in one’s heart to perform a specific act of worship.