Wudu (ablution) is required before every Salah. It purifies the body and prepares the heart for prayer. Use clean water and perform each step in order.
Form the intention in your heart to purify yourself for prayer. Say Bismillah — "In the name of Allah."
Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, cleaning between the fingers.
Take water into your mouth, swirl it around thoroughly, and spit it out — three times.
Sniff water gently into your nostrils and blow it out — three times.
Wash your entire face three times — from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear.
Wash the right arm up to and including the elbow, three times. Then wash the left arm the same way.
Wet both hands and pass them once over your head — front to back, then back to front.
With the same wet hands, wipe the inside of the ears with index fingers and the outside with thumbs, once.
Wash the right foot up to and including the ankle, three times, cleaning between the toes. Then wash the left foot.
Wudu is broken by using the bathroom, passing wind, deep sleep, or losing consciousness. A full Ghusl (ritual bath) is required after intimacy, menstruation, or post-natal bleeding.
Salah is performed five times daily. Each prayer is made up of units called Rakats. Ensure you have performed Wudu and are facing the Qibla (direction of Mecca) before you begin.
| Prayer | Sunnah Before | Fard | Sunnah After |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌅 Fajr | 2 | 2 | — |
| ☀️ Dhuhr | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 🌤️ Asr | — | 4 | — |
| 🌇 Maghrib | — | 3 | 2 |
| 🌙 Isha | — | 4 | 2 + 3 Witr |
Stand upright facing the Qibla. Raise your hands to ear level and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). This marks the beginning of the prayer.
Place your right hand over your left on your chest. Silently recite Surah Al-Fatiha, then any short surah or verses from the Quran (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas).
Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow with your back flat, hands on knees. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
Stand upright saying "Sami Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him). Then say "Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (Our Lord, all praise is for You).
Say "Allahu Akbar" and lower yourself so your forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes all touch the ground. Say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Say "Allahu Akbar" and rise briefly to a seated position between the two prostrations.
Say "Allahu Akbar" and prostrate again, repeating "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times. This completes one Rakat.
Rise for the next Rakat (say "Allahu Akbar", repeat from Step 2). After every 2 Rakats sit for Tashahhud. In the final Rakat, recite Tashahhud → Durood Ibrahim → Du'a, then conclude with Tasleem: turn right saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah", then left.
Fajr and Asr are prayed silently throughout. In congregation, Maghrib and Isha's first two Rakats are recited aloud by the Imam; the remaining Rakats are silent.
Tarawih (تراويح) is a special Sunnah prayer performed every night during Ramadan, after Isha. Its name means "rest" — a short break is taken after every four Rakats.
When: Every night of Ramadan, after the Isha prayer
Rakats: 8 Rakats (widely practiced) or 20 Rakats (traditional), always prayed in pairs of 2
Where: At the masjid in congregation (recommended) or at home alone or with family
Recitation: The Imam traditionally recites portions of the Quran each night, completing the entire Quran over 30 nights
Complete the full Isha prayer (Fard and Sunnah). Tarawih begins immediately after.
Intend in your heart to pray Tarawih for the sake of Allah. Stand facing the Qibla.
Pray 2 Rakats at a time, following the same steps as regular Salah. After each pair, complete Tasleem to end that set.
After every 4 Rakats (two pairs), take a brief rest. Use this time for dhikr (remembrance of Allah) or personal du'a.
End the night with Witr prayer (1, 3, 5, or 7 Rakats). When praying 3 Rakats of Witr, recite Du'a Qunut in the final Rakat before Ruku or after rising from it.
The last 10 nights of Ramadan are especially blessed. Pray extra earnestly on the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th) in search of Laylatul Qadr — the Night of Power, better than a thousand months.
1st of Shawwal — marks the end of Ramadan. Eat a few dates (odd number) before heading to the prayer.
10th of Dhul Hijjah — honors Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice. Eat after the prayer, following the sacrifice.
Perform Ghusl (full ritual bath) before the Eid prayer
Dress in your best, cleanest clothing — perfume is Sunnah for men
Recite the Eid Takbir on the way to prayer: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd"
Make the Takbiratul Ihram — raise hands to ear level and say "Allahu Akbar" — to begin the prayer. Fold your hands on your chest.
Before reciting Al-Fatiha, say "Allahu Akbar" seven additional times, lowering hands between each one. You may say "Subhanallah wal hamdulillah wa la ilaha illallah wallahu akbar" quietly between each Takbir.
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by a surah (the Imam typically recites Surah Al-A'la). Complete the Rakat with Ruku and two Sujoods as in regular prayer.
Stand for the second Rakat. Before reciting Al-Fatiha, say "Allahu Akbar" five additional times in the same manner.
Recite Al-Fatiha and a surah (the Imam typically recites Surah Al-Ghashiyah). Complete with Ruku, Sujood, Tashahhud, and Tasleem.
After the prayer the Imam delivers two Khutbahs. It is Sunnah to remain seated and listen attentively.
Greet fellow Muslims with "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) or "Taqabbal Allahu Minna wa Minkum" (May Allah accept from us and from you). Visit family, give to charity, and spread joy.