The pivotal role of prayer, or Salah, in Islam cannot be overstated, as it stands as a cornerstone of our faith and a fundamental pillar upholding the structure of Islam. This sacred practice serves as a defining characteristic, distinguishing Muslims from their non-Muslim counterparts. The revered words of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasize this significance:

Guarding Against Disbelief

The Prophet (peace be upon him) highlighted the critical connection between prayer and belief, stating, “What stands between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer.” Undeniably, neglecting this duty poses a threat to the very fabric of faith.

Foremost Among Duties

In his teachings, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) underscored the preeminence of prayer among one’s responsibilities, proclaiming, “Know that among your duties, prayer is foremost.” This reinforces the integral nature of Salah in a Muslim’s life.

The Essence of Prayer: Remembrance of Allah

At its core, prayer serves as a means to remember Allah, making it especially dear to the heart of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He affirmed, “He who gives up prayer has indeed disbelieved.” Such a profound connection with the divine underscores the spiritual essence of this practice.

Guarding Against Carelessness

The Quran warns against careless prayer, stating, “Woe to praying ones who are heedless of their prayers” [Al-Ma’un 107:4-5]. This serves as a reminder to approach prayer with sincerity and mindfulness.

Unveiling the Layers of Prayer

Understanding the various types of prayers enhances our commitment to this sacred act. Here are distinct categories:

FARD: Obligatory and Non-negotiable

Fard prayers, commanded by Allah, hold a paramount status. Failure to perform them without valid reasons designates one as a transgressor, even a potential disbeliever. It is imperative to uphold these prayers with unwavering dedication.

WAJIB: Almost as Crucial as Fard

Wajib prayers, nearly as obligatory as Fard, demand consistent observance. Denying a Fard renders one a non-believer, but neglecting a Wajib marks one as a major sinner. Making up any missed Fard or Wajib prayers is mandatory.

SUNNAH MUAKKADAH: Prophet’s Exemplary Prayers

These prayers, consistently performed by the Prophet (peace be upon him), carry significant weight. While omission incurs no sin, continuous neglect constitutes a transgression.

SUNNAH GHAIR MUAKKADAH: Voluntary and Optional

Unlike obligatory prayers, the Prophet (peace be upon him) occasionally omitted Sunnah Ghair prayers without repercussions. Opting out incurs no punishment, yet participating brings spiritual rewards.

NAFL: The Voluntary Offerings

In addition to obligatory prayers, the Prophet (peace be upon him) engaged in voluntary Nafl prayers. Voluntary worship, as highlighted in Hadith, serves as a means to draw closer to Allah.

The Daily Rhythm of Prayer

The five daily prayers, each comprising specific Rakaats, structure a Muslim’s day:

1. FAJR: 2 Rakaats (Sunnah Muakkadah) and 2 Rakaats (Fard)
2. ZUHR: 4 Rakaats (Sunnah Muakkadah), 4 Rakaats (Fard), 2 Rakaats (Sunnah Muakkadah), and 2 Rakaats (Nafl)
3. ASR: 4 Rakaats (Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah) and 4 Rakaats (Fard)
4. MAGHRIB: 3 Rakaats (Fard), 2 Rakaats (Sunnah Muakkadah), and 2 Rakaats (Nafl)
5. ISHA: 4 Rakaats (Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah), 4 Rakaats (Fard), 2 Rakaats (Sunnah Muakkadah), 2 Rakaats (Nafl), 3 Rakaats (Witr), and 2 Rakaats (Nafl)

Magnifying the Importance: A Call to Action

ALLAHU AKBAR!!

Let’s propagate this knowledge as an everlasting charity, Sadqa-e-Jaaria, ensuring blessings for both you and me. In the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): “Whoever directs someone to a good, then he will have the reward equal to the doer of the action.” [Muslim 1893].

Fajr prayer is the first prayer of the day. We wake up early in the morning, leave our sleep, and stand before Allah to seek His blessings and guidance.

Praying Fajr gives us a fresh start and positive energy for the whole day. When we make it a regular habit with true faith, we feel its power in bringing peace, light, and blessings into our life.

Benefits of Fajr Prayer

1- Fajr Prayer Shields Us From Hellfire

As stated in the Hadith:
“Whoever performs the Prayer before the rising of the Sun and the Prayer before its setting will not enter Hell.” – [Muslim] [Ref- Riyad as-Salihin 1048]

2- It Provides All-Day Protection of Allah SWT
“Whoever prays the dawn prayer, then He is under Allah’s protection. So beware, O son of Adam, that Allah doesn’t call you to account for being absent from His protection for any reason.” – [Muslim] [Ref-Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2164]

3- Angels Witness the Morning Recitations
“Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’an [i.e., recitation] of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.” –  [Al-Isra: 78]

4- It Is Better Than Any Worldly Blessing
“The two Sunnah cycles of Prayer preceding Fajr Salah are better than this world and all that it contains.” – [Tirmidhi] [Ref-Jami` at-Tirmidhi 416]

5. Morning Prayer Leads to Paradise
On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be questioned about their five daily prayers. To enter Jannah, we must not miss the Fajr prayer, even if it requires sacrificing our sleep and waking up early for the sake of Allah.

May Allah SWT bless us with the strength to make all five prayers a firm habit. Ameen.

When to perform Fajr prayer?

Narrated Muhammad bin `Amr:

We asked Jabir bin `Abdullah about the prayers of the Prophet (ﷺ) . He said, “He used to pray Zuhr prayer at midday, the `Asr when the sun was still hot, and the Maghrib after sunset (at its stated time). The `Isha was offered early if the people gathered, and used to be delayed if their number was less; and the morning prayer was offered when it was still dark(before rising sun). ” (Sahih al-Bukhari 565)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The time for Fajr prayer is from the breaking of dawn, so long as the sun has not started to rise.” (Narrated by Muslim, 612)

How Many Rak’ah are there in Fajr prayer?

How to pray 2 Rak’ah Farz:-

as you know the way of praying Farz is similar to all the 5 Farz Namaz.

Follow the below steps now to start your prayer.

1. Standing (Qiyam) :-

It is obligatory to a person to pray the Salah in Standing position as This is clearly mentioned in the Quran (Surah al-Baqarah verse 238) and many authentic hadiths (Sahih Bukhari: 6667)

Observe the ˹five obligatory˺ prayers—especially the middle prayer—and stand in true devotion to Allah. (Surah al-Baqarah verse 238)

And this is a Pillar of Salah for those who are able to stand if he or she is unable to stand due to physical disability or any other reason then he or she should pray while sitting if he or she is unable to sit then he or she should pray while lying on one side or any position whom he or she able to capable of praying. and this is mention in many authentic hadiths (Sahih Bukhari: 1117)

Narrated `Imran bin Husain:

had piles, so I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about the prayer. He said, "Pray while standing and if you can't, pray while sitting and if you cannot do even that, then pray Lying on your side." (Sahih Bukhari 1117)

2. Intension (an-Niyah) for Prayer

Intension of the Salah is basically that you have to know what you are doing because we have to know that what i am praying i.e. Zuhr, Asr etc. unlike we can not just directly say Allahuakbar and starts praying this is invalid. So, the Intension is very important.

"The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended." (Sahih al- Bukhari 54 and 1)

The Prophet (S.A.W.) never instructed us to audibly or inaudibly state intentions for any act of worship, and the Companions (R.A.) did not do this either. So we should make the intension(Niyyah) of the prayer in our hearts.

2. Takbeer-e-Tehrima (Opening Takbeer- saying Allahu akbar) :-

Now i am standing up, i do intension(niyyah) for prayer and now we say takbeer i.e. Allahu akbar (Allah is greatest) (Reference- Sahih Bukhari 6251) and raise our both hands up to the level of shoulders for women and upto ears for man and then fold our hands over chest, right hand over the left hand while in the standing position.(Reference- Sahih Bukhari 740, Sahih Muslim 401, ibn khuzaimah 1/243, Abu Dawood 726 and 759)

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d:
The people were ordered to place the right hand on the left forearm in the prayer. Abu Hazim said, "I knew that the order was from the Prophet (ﷺ) ."(Sahih Bukhari 740)

Wa'il b. Hujr reported:
He saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raising his hands at the time of beginning the prayer and reciting takbeer, and according to Hammam (the narrator), the hands were lifted opposite to ears. He (the Holy Prophet) then wrapped his hands in his cloth and placed his right hand over his left hand. And when he was about to bow down, he brought out his hands from the cloth, and then lifted them, and then recited takbeer and bowed down, and when (he came back to the erect position) he recited:" Allah listened to him who praised Him." And when he prostrated, he prostrated between his two palms.(Sahih Muslim 401)

Narrated Tawus:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to place his right hand on his left hand, then he folded them strictly on his chest in prayer.(Abu Dawood 759)

Some Questions you may have:-

3. Looking at the Place of Prostration:-

A person who is praying should have attentiveness in his prayer and should avoid everything that may divert his/her attention because we are facing Allah. And as it is ordered by our prophet Mohammad SAW that he or she should look towards the place of his prostration. He or she should not look to the right or the left.(Sahih Bukhari 3291, 750)

Narrated `Aisha(R.A.):
I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about one's looking here and there during the prayer. He replied, "It is what Satan steals from the prayer of any one of you."(Sahih Bukhari 3291)

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "What is wrong with those people who look towards the sky during the prayer?" His talk grew stern while delivering this speech and he said, "They should stop (looking towards the sky during the prayer); otherwise their eyesight would be taken away."(Sahih Bukhari 750)

4. Read Dua of Istiftah (Opening Dua):-

After holding Hand and seeing towards the place of prostration we have to read dua of Istiftah there are many dua of istiftah which you can read one of the most popular dua of istiftah is :-

سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ ، وَتَعَالَىٰ جَدُّكَ ، وَلاَ إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ

Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa bi-ḥamdika wa tabāraka-smuka wa taʿālā jadduka wa lā ilāha ghayruk.

How Perfect are You O Allah, and all praise is Yours. Your Name is most blessed, Your majesty is exalted and there is no god worthy of worship except You. (Tirmidhi 243)

There are a lot of dua of Istiftah, wanna read all Click Here…

Reading this dua of Istiftah is sunnah if you skip this your prayer will be valid.

5. Taawudh:-

After Reading dua of Istiftah you should recite Taawudh there are a lot of dua for Taawudh some of are following:-

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطانِ الرَّجِيْمِ

Audhu billahi mina shaitaan nir rajeem

I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan.

or

 أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ السَّمِيعِ الْعَلِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ مِنْ هَمْزِهِ وَنَفْخِهِ وَنَفْثِهِ 

A'udhu Bilahi As-Sami'il-Alimi min Ash-Shaitanir-Rajimi, min Hamzihi Wa Nafkhihi wa Nafthihi

I seek refuge in Allah the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing, from the cursed Shaitan, from his madness, his arrogance, and his poetry

Reference:-

Abu Sa’eeed Al Khudri narrated: After reciting dua of istiftah our prophet Mohammad SAW recites the [above dua]. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 242)

Reading this Taawudh is sunnah if you skip this your prayer will be valid.

6. Tasmiyah:-

After reciting the Taawudh you should recite Tasmiyah:-

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful.

Reference:-

Anas narrated: I observed prayer along with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and with Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with all of them), but I never heard any one of them reciting Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim loudly. (Sahih Muslim 399a)

It means you should recite the Taawudh and Tasmiyah silently (in your hearts).

Reading this Tasmiyah is sunnah some if you skip this your prayer will be valid.

7. Surah-al-Fatiha:-

After reciting Taawudh and Tasmiyah you should recite Surah-al-Fatiha and it is the pillar od Salah(Namaz) so if you don’t read Your Salah will be invalid.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ اَلْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ. الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ. مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّيْنِ . إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِيْنُ. اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيْمَ. صِرَاطَ الَّذِيْنَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوْبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّآلِّيْنَ

Bismi-llāhi-r-Raḥmāni-r-Raḥīm Alḥamdu-lillāhi Rabbi-l-ʿālamīn, ar-Raḥmāni-r-Raḥīm, Māliki yawmi-d-dīn, iyyāka naʿbudu wa iyyaka nastaʿīn, ihdina-ṣ-Ṣirāṭa-l-Mustaqīm, ṣirāṭa-ladhīna anʿamta ʿalayhim ghayri-l-maghḍūbi ʿālayhim wala-ḍ-ḍāllīn.

In the name of Allah, the Extremely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. All praises and thanks are for Allah, The Extremely Merciful, The Especially Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement. You Alone we worship, You Alone we ask for help. Guide us on the Straight Path, the path of those whom You have favoured, not of those who incur (Your) anger nor of those who have gone astray. (Quran 1:1-7)

Reference:-

Narrated ‘Ubada bin As-Samit: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 756)

8. Recite Any Surah or verse:-

After reciting the Surah al-Fatiha you should recite any Surah from Quran or any verse of the Quran. this is a sunnah from Prophet Mohammad SAW but if you don’t recite any Surah and directly gone to Ruku then Your prayer will be valid.

And The Sunnah is also to make the recitation of surah in the first Rakaat longer than the recitation in the second Rakaat.

Reference:-

‘Ata’ narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira who said that one should recite (al-Fatiha) in every (rak’ah of) prayer. What we heard (i. e. recitation) from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we made you listen to that. And that which he (recited) inwardly, we (recited) inwardly for you. A person said to him: If I add nothing to the (recitation) of the Umm al Qur’an (Surat al-Fatiha), would it make the prayer incomplete? He (AbuHuraira) said: If you add to that (if you recite some of verses of the Qur’an along with Surat at-Fatiha) that is better for you. But if you are contented with it (Surat al-Fatiha) only, it is sufficient for you. (Sahih Muslim 396b)

Abu Qatadah (R.A.) reported that: The Prophet (S.A.W.) would recite Al-Fatihah and some surah in the first two Rakaat of the noon prayer, and only Al-Fatihah in the last two Rakaat. Sometimes he would recite some verses. The first Rakaat’s recital would be longer than the second. That was how it was done in the afternoon and morning prayers. (Abu Dawud: 78)

9. Rukoo (The Bowing) :-

After reading the Surah a person offering prayer should raise his hands, in the manner described previously with regard to the initial Takbeer (Raful-yadain) and also say the Takbeer (i.e., Allaahu Akbar)(while moving).

Then a person will perform the Rukoo (bowing) in such a manner that all his joints are settled, and each part of the body is at rest. This is a pillar of Salah.

The Sunnah way of performing Rukoo (bowing), the person should place his hands firmly upon his knees, spread his fingers, as if he were grasping his knees, stretch out one’s back and make it level and then it would settle upon it. Person should neither cause his head to droop lower than his back, nor should he raise it above it. Rather he should make it level with his back. Person should also keep his elbows (straight and) apart from his sides. After that, person should say, three times, or more, in the Rukoo:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhaana Rabbiyal-'Adheem

Glory to my Lord the Exalted.
(An-Nasai: 1046)

Reference:-

For Raful-Yadain

Narrated Nafi`: Whenever Ibn `Umar started the prayer with Takbir, he used to raise his hands: whenever he bowed, he used to raise his hands (before bowing) and also used to raise his hands on saying, “Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah”, and he used to do the same on rising from the second rak`a (for the 3rd rak`a). Ibn `Umar said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to do the same.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 739)

Palms Grabbing your knees

‘Amr al-Amiri said: When he(Prophet Mohammad SAW pbuh) bowed he clutched his knees with his palms, and he opened his fingers; (Abu Dawud 731)

For Straight Back

It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The prayer is not valid if a man does not bring his backbone to rest while bowing and prostrating.’” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 1027)

10. Qawmah (Straightening Up from the Rukoo):-

After above step,the person must raise up and straighten his back from the Rukoo (the standing after Rukoo is Called Qawmah in Arabic). He should say, while raising his back,

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami' Allaahu liman hamidah

 Allah heard those who sent praises to Him. (Sahih Bukhari: 795)

Person should raise his hands when he rises up,(Sahih Muslim 390) in the manner that has preceded (Takbeer-e-Tehrima). Then the person should stand straight up and remain still, such that every bone returns to its place and say while standing:

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbanaa wa lakal-hamd

O our Lord! And all praise is for You. (Sahih Bukhari: 795)

you can say many things in Arabic, one of them is given above (Sahih Bukhari 789, Sahih Muslim 415, Sahih bukhari 795)

This is obligatory upon everyone praying, even if a person praying behind Imam.

11. First Prostration (Sajda):-

After the perfect ‘Qawmah’ the person praying should move to perform Sajdah (prostration).

Condition of Prostration–

Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I have been ordered to prostrate on seven bones i.e. on the forehead along with the tip of the nose (1 Bone) and the Prophet (ﷺ) pointed towards his nose, both hands (2 Bones), both knees (2 Bones) and the toes of both feet (2 Bones) and not to gather the clothes or the hair.” (Sahih Bukhari 812)

Way of Prostration–

During prostration, the forehead and the nose both should touch the surface of place where you are praying your hand’s fingers should be facing towards the direction of Qiblah(Abu Dawood 732), you can place your palms either next to your shoulders or little bit close to your ears (Sahih Muslim401), your knees should not be so close and your toes (that are bendable) should be facing towards Qiblah (Sahih Bukhari 828), Arms should be wide and spread (should not touch your body) (Sahih Bukhari 390) and your stomach should not touch your thighs (Abu Dawood 735) and famous mistake that your feet should not dangling.

Person should say: “Allah-u-Akbar” while going for the prostration. In the prostration position, person should say (at-least three times):

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى

Subhaana Rabbiyal-Alaa

Glory is to my Lord, the Most High. (Abu Dawud: 857)

After performing one/first Prostration perfectly and calmly, the person who is praying should raise his head form Prostration saying “Allah-u-Akbar” bending the left foot and sitting on it while keeping the right foot propped up with its toes pointing towards the Qiblah, the palms of his hands should rest on his thighs and knees, the back should be straight so that the joints go back in place. (Sunan An Nasai 1159)

“The prayer is not valid if a man does not bring his backbone to rest while bowing and prostrating.” (An-Nasai: 1027)

So, it is important to sit as straight as possible during two prostrations

Jalsah(Sitting between two prostration):-

And between two prostration you should say(minimum 1 time):

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي، رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي ‏”‏ ‏.‏

“Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li

O Lord forgive me, O Lord forgive me(Sunan Ibn Majah 897)

There are also many other Duas which you can read.

12. Second Prostration (Sajdah):-

Then the person should perform the second Prostration(Sajdah) saying “Allah-u-Akbar” and repeat what he did in the first Prostration(Sajdah).

13. Jalsah-e-Istarahat (Sitting for Rest):-

After performing both prostration, person should raise his head up saying “Allah-u-Akbar” and sit for a short while as he did in ‘Jalsah’ (stay between prostrations). Person should do this before standing up for the second Rakaat (second unit of Prayer).

Reference:-

Narrated Malik bin Huwairith Al-Laithi (R.A.) said:“ I saw the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) praying and in the odd Rakaat, he (S.A.W.) used to sit for a moment before getting up.” (Sahih Bukhari: 823)

14. Second Rakaat (2nd unit of prayer) :-

 After standing up for the second Rakaat, person should fold his hands over his chest as he did in the first Rakaat and start recitation by reciting “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” and Surah Al-Fatiha followed by any surah or a verse of the Holy Quran.” Then he should complete his second Rakaat in the manner of the first one. 

15. Tashahud (sitting for the declaration of Faith):–

So when a person finishes the second Rakaat, he/she sits to perform the Tashahud. He/she sits upon the left foot laid flat, as preceded with regard to the sitting between the two prostrations. However, it is not allowed to sit upon the two heels for this sitting and also not allowed for him/her to sit whilst resting upon his hand, especially the left hand.(Allowed in some cases if you are not comfortable due to injury or anything else)

Reference:-

Abu Humaid As-Saidi (R.A.) said: "I remember the prayer of Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) better than any one of you. …... On sitting in the second Rakaat, he (S.A.W.) sat on his left foot and propped up the right one; and in the last Rakaat, he pushed his left foot forward and kept the other foot propped up and sat over the buttocks." (Sahih Bukhari: 828)

Person should clench all the fingers of his/her right hand, placing his/her thumb onto his/her middle finger sometimes, he/she may make a circle with his/her thumb and middle finger together. He/She should point his/her forefinger towards the Qibla (Direction of Prayer) and fix his/her gaze upon his/her forefinger (it is Sunnah act to see forefinger while moving or pointing the forefinger in Tashahud). He/She should agitate (up and down) it, making supplication with it, from the start to the end of the Tashahud.

Reference:-

Wa'il bin Hujr said: "I am going to watch the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and see how he prays. So, I watched him." And he described (his prayer): "Then he sat and lay his left foot on the ground, and placed his left hand on his left thigh and knee. He put his right elbow on his right thigh, then he made a circle with two fingers of his (right) hand, then he raised his finger and I saw him moving it, supplicating with it." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 1268 &1160&890, Sahih Muslim 580b, Abu Dawood 726)

So after completing 2nd Rakaats, person offering prayer should sit in a position mentioned in the above Hadith and then recite the following:

التَّحِيَّاتُ للهِ، وَالصَّلَوَاتُ، وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ،السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُعَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللهِ الصَّالِحِينَ. أّشَْدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُوَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Attahiyyaatu lillaahi wassalawaatu , wattayyibaatu , assalaamu 'alayka 'ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu, assalaamu 'alaynaa wa 'alaa 'ibaadillaahis-saaliheen. 'Ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu

All greetings of humility are for Allah, and all prayers and goodness. 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 none worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. (Sahih Bukhari 7381)

then after reciting above, he/she should supplicate for blessing upon the Prophet (S.A.W.) by saying below dua

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍكَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ،اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَوَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

Allaahumma salli 'alaa Muhammadin wa 'alaa 'aali Muhammadin, kamaa sallayta 'alaa 'Ibraaheema wa 'alaa 'aali 'Ibraaheema, 'innaka Hameedun Majeed. Allaahumma baarik 'alaa Muhammadin wa 'alaa 'aali Muhammadin, kamaa baarakta 'alaa 'Ibraaheema wa 'alaa 'aali 'Ibraaheema, 'innaka Hameedun Majeed

O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad as You have bestowed Your favor on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. (Sahih Bukhari 3370)

Then you may choose, in this Tashahud, any of the reported supplications , and supplicate to Allah with that.

Click Here for All the Duas.

17. The Salutation (Tasleem) (Ending The Prayer):-

After completing the ‘Tashahud’, person should give salutations to his right side, turning his face such that the whiteness of his right cheek can be seen, by saying:

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله

Assalam-u-alaykum wa raḥmatulllah

Peace and blessings of Allah be unto you.

Then he/she will give salutations to his left side, turning his face such that the whiteness of his left cheek can be seen, by saying:

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله

Assalam-u-alaykum wa raḥmatulllah

Peace and blessings of Allah be unto you.

Reference:-

It was narrated from Abdullah (R.A.) that: “The Prophet (S.A.W.) used to say salam (Taslim) to his right and to his left: As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah, as-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah) until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen from here, and the whiteness of his cheek from here. (An-Nasai: 1324)

Undoubtedly, the fulfillment of all the necessary conditions for the Prayer enhances its chances of receiving the best recognition and full reward of Allah.

May Allah accept Prayer, Supplications and all other good deeds of all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world.

How to pray 2 Rak’ah Sunnat :-

If you want to pray 2 Rak’ah Sunnat according to hadith follow the same step given above

Deciphering Sajdah Sahw: 

Sajdah Sahw, a commendable facet of devotion, empowers the individual to implore clemency from Allah and redress inaccuracies or omissions inherent in the pivotal facets of the prayer. It functions as a conduit to uphold the sanctity and entirety of Salah. 

Optimal Instances for Executing Sajdah Sahw:

Sajdah Sahw finds its manifestation in the ensuing scenarios: a. Upon inadvertent omission or forgetfulness of a requisite action during the prayer. b. In cases where a superfluous action is mistakenly executed during the prayer. c. When uncertainty shrouds the accurate tally of prayer units (rak’ahs) performed. 

Also check >> Salah << >> Wudu (Ablution)<<

Steps to Perform Sajdah Sahw:  (How to perform sajda sahu)

These steps for the execution of Sajdah Sahw:

A. Culmination of the Prayer:

● Conclude the prayer in the customary manner, encompassing the recitation of the Tashahhud and the Tasleem (uttering “Assalamu alaikum” towards the right and left).

 B. Maintaining Seated Posture:

            ● Post-Tasleem, persist in the seated stance without altering position.

C. Enunciation of Takbeer:

● Utter the Takbeer (proclaiming “Allahu Akbar”) to initiate the Sajdah Sahw. 

 D. Prostration (Sajdah):

            ● Execute two supplementary Sajdahs (prostrations) subsequent to Takbeer articulation.

            ● During each Sajdah, firmly place forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes upon the ground.

            ● Within the prostration phase, articulate customary invocations, like “Subhanallah” (Exalted is Allah), thrice, or any other validated supplications. 

E. Reverting to Seated Position:

● Following each Sajdah, return to the seated posture with serenity and composure.

 F. Reiteration of Tasleem:

            ● Post completion of the twin Sajdahs, reiterate the Tasleem, expressing “Assalamu alaikum” to the right and left. 

 Opportune Timing for Sajdah Sahw: ● Immediate performance of Sajdah Sahw post the conclusion of the prayer takes precedence, precluding engagement in other activities. 

 Intent for Sajdah Sahw: ● The internalized intention for Sajdah Sahw takes root, a yearning for divine forgiveness from Allah, coupled with rectification of any prayer-related inadvertencies or omissions. 

The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘When a person performs Wudu (Ablution)and washes his hands, the sins of his hands are washed away; when he washes his face, the sins of his face are washed away; when he wipes his head, the sins of his head are washed away and when he washes his feet, the sins of his feet are washed away.’” (Musnad Imām Aḥmad, pp. 130, vol. 1, Ḥadīš 415)

How to Make Wudu (ablution), Step by Step

Step 1 – Make your intention to perform wudu (ablution)

The first step is to understand that you are about to begin the process of wudu so that you can perform salah. There are no words or special statements that need to be said here. Creating the intention is a matter of the heart and mind. Make intention as, “I am performing Wuḍū in order to fulfil the commandment of Allah “ﷻ” and to attain purity.

Step 2 – Say Bismillah

Before we begin to our wash ourselves we need to say Bismillah ( بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ) (In the Name of Allah).  as it is also a Sunnah, rather say (بسم الله، الحمد لله) You can say it silently to yourself.

Step 3 – Wash Your Hands Three Times

Wash both hands up to the wrists three times each and afterwards do Khilāl (to intermix fingers of both hands to dampen the gaps) of the fingers (with the tap closed)

Step 4 – Rinse Your Mouth Three Times

Now rinse your mouth three times with handfuls of water (closing the tap each time) using right hand making sure that water reaches all parts of the mouth and gargle as well if you are not in fasting.

Step 5 – Sniff Water Into Your Nostrils Three Times

Now sniff water three times in nose up to soft flesh using three handfuls (now half handful is sufficient) of right hand and if not in fasting, snuffle water up to the inside end of the nose. Now clean the nose by left hand and insert small finger inside holes of the nose.

We used the word “sniff” here to give you an idea of what this means. You will need to snort or inhale the water into your nose and then blow it out, three times. Try not to take in too much water or you may hurt yourself.

Step 6 – Wash Your Face Three Times

Wash the whole face three times such that water must flow on every part from the top of the forehead (the point where the hair naturally begins to grow) to the bottom of the chin and from one earlobe to the other.

If one has beard and he is not in the state of Iḥrām (Special state for Ḥaj / ‘Umraĥ) then do Khilāl (with the tap turned off) of beard by inserting the fingers into the beard from the neck and bringing them out towards the front

Step 7 – Wash Your Arms Three Times

Now wash the right arm from the tips of the fingers up to (and including) the elbow three times and then wash the left arm in the same manner. Make sure that no part is left dry.

Step 8 – Wipe Your Head Once

Did you notice that step 8 says to “wipe” your head instead of “wash.” The choice of words here was intentional.

Now perform moistening of the head. This should be done by joining the tips of the three fingers, other than the index fingers and thumbs, of both hands and placing them on the top of forehead. Move back.
These fingers from forehead to the back of the neck without letting the palms touch the head

Step 9 – Clean Your Ears Once

This step should be performed with the same water from step 8. Using your wet hands you will use your index fingers to clean the inside of your ears and your thumb to clean the area behind your ears.

This is done only once.

Step 10 – Wash Your Feet Three Times

Now wash both feet three times, first the right and then the left, beginning from the toes up to the top of the ankles. It is Mustaḥab to wash up to halfway up the shin. To do Khilal between the fingers of both feet is Sunnah.

Step 11 – Recite the Shahada and the Dua

Ḥujja-tul-Islām Imām Muḥammad Ghazālī says, “While washing each organ, one should hope that the sins of that organ are being washed away.” (Iḥyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 183, vol. 1)

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) would complete his wudu he would say the shahada:

“Ash-hadu an la ilaha  illal lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.”

This means “I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I also testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”

After this statement he would make the following dua:

“Allahuma j‘alnee mina tawabeen waj-‘alnee minal mutatahireen”

Which means “O Allah, make me among those who seek repentance and make me among those who purify themselves.”

At this point your wudu is complete and you can begin to pray.

Benefits of Keeping Wudu (ablution)

1. Angels will be enthusiastic to avail his company.

2. The holy pen will keep on writing good deeds for him.

3. His organs will perform Tasbīḥ of Allah “ﷻ”

4. He will never miss his Takbīr-e-Taḥrīmaĥ (first Takbīr of Ṣalāĥ). 

5. When he sleeps, Allah “ﷻ”  sends Angels who will protect him from the evils of jinns and human beings.

6. He will feel easiness in severe fits of death.

7. He will remain in the safeguard of Allah “ﷻ” as long as he is in the state of Wudu (ablution) .” (ibid, pp. 702, 703)

Eyesight Never Goes Weak

If a person looks up to the sky after Wudu (ablution)  and reads Sūra-e-Qadr, ان شاءاللہ his eyesight will never become weak. (Masāail-ul-Qurān, pp. 291)

The Excellence of Reciting Sūra-e-Qadr after Wudu (ablution)

One sacred Ḥadīš (Hadith) mentions, “If a person reads Sūra-e-Qadr once after
Wudu (ablution), he will be amongst the Ṣiddiqin and if he reads it twice he will
be amongst the Shuhada and if he reads it three times, Allah “ﷻ” will keep him with His prophets on the Day of Judgement.” (Kanz-ul- ’Ummāl, pp. 132, vol. 9, Ḥadīš 26085, Al-Ḥavī-lil-Fatāwa-lis-Suyūṭī, pp. 402, 403, vol. 1)

All Eight Portals of Heaven get Open

One Ḥadīš (Hadith) mentions, “If a person does Wudu (ablution) properly and reads kalima e shahadat, all 8 portals of Heaven are opened for him and he may enter through any one he desires.” (Sunan Dārimī, pp. 196, vol. 1, Ḥadīš 716)