Namaz Qaida: A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Islamic Prayers

Introduction

Namaz is an important religious practice in Islam, which involves the performance of certain prayers and recitations. It is believed that by performing this ritual, one can reach a closer connection with Allah and develop a deeper understanding of the faith. The components of Namaz Rakat include specific recitations, supplications, and physical movements and postures. 

This blog will overview Namaz Rakat, discuss its benefits, outline the different types of Rakat prayers, explain how to prepare for them properly, and answer some frequently asked questions.

• What is Namaz in Islam : The Path to Spiritual Peace and Fulfillment

Understanding Namaz

Namaz Rakat is an essential part of the Islamic faith and is practiced by Muslims worldwide. It is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an important part of the faith. Namaz Rakat is an integral part of the Prayer and involves a specific number of prostrations and recitations of prayers. The number of Rakat (cycles) can range from one to four depending on the time of day and the day of the week. In addition, each cycle contains various postures and movements performed in a certain order. 

Preparation for Namaz

Performing salah (namaz) is an integral part of the Islamic faith and is an important part of each Muslim’s day. The number of rakat performed in each Prayer varies according to the type of salah offered. It is important to understand the correct number of rakat for each Prayer so one can properly offer their salah. To prepare for Prayer, one should be properly wudu (ablution) and be in a clean, quiet place. When performing each Prayer, one should recite the appropriate verses from the Quran and recite the dhikr (remembrance of Allah) after each time the prostration is completed. To properly prepare for Prayer, one should clearly understand the rules and protocols for each salah.

Mu’adh bin’ Abdur-Rahman narrated that Humran bin Aban told him:

I came to ‘Uthman bin `Affan (رضي الله عنه) when he was sitting in al-Maqa’id. He did wudoo and did it well, and then he said: I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he was in this place; he did wudu and did it well, then he said: “Whoever does wudoo’ as I have done, then goes to the mosque and prays two rakats, his previous sins will be forgiven.” And he said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: `Do not become complacent.” 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 164, Book 4, Hadith 30)

Components of Namaz

The core components of Namaz Rakat include the Niyyah, The Takbir, the Qiyam, the Ruku, the Sujud, the Tashahhud, the Salaam, and the Tasbeeh. The Takbir is the proclamation of Allah’s greatness and is uttered aloud before the start of each Prayer. During the Qiyam, the worshipper stands in Prayer with hands raised, reciting from the Quran or memorized prayers. The Ruku is the bowing position in which the worshipper bends forward and places their hands on their knees. The Sujud is the prostrations which follow the Ruku and involve the worshipper kneeling and touching the ground with their forehead. The Tashahhud is the recitation of faith testimony, and the Salaam is the final greeting and conclusion. During the Tasbeeh, the worshipper also recites certain verses from the Quran. All these components are essential for a valid Namaz Rakat and form the basis of this important ritual.

Steps Involved in Namaz

Namaz Rakat is an essential part of Islamic Prayer. It consists of a series of prescribed postures and recitations. To perform a Namaz Rakat, several steps must be followed. 

The Intention (Niyyah)

The person who is going to pray must have the desire in his spirit to perform that specific Prayer, whether it is the Sunnah Prayers, the Obligatory Zuhr or ‘Asr Prayer.

Muhammad bin ‘Amr bin ‘Ata’ said:

“I heard Abu Humaid As-Sa’idi say: ‘When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up for prayer, he would face the prayer direction, raise his hands, and say: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Most Great).” 

(Sunan Ibn Majah 803, Book 5, Hadith 1)

Facing Qiblah, Saying Takbir

The Prophet (ﷺ) stood for Prayer, facing the Qiblah, raising his hands to his shoulders so that the palms were facing the Qiblah, and reciting the Takbir, “Allahu Akbar,” i.e. “Allah is the Greatest.”

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar:

“I saw that whenever Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) stood for the prayer, he used to raise both his hands up to the shoulders” and used to do the same on saying the Takbir for bowing and on raising his head from it and used to say, “Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah”. But he did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations. 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 736, Book 10, Hadith 130)

Placing the Hands

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) either holds his left hand in his right hand and places it on his breast or holds his left forearm in his right hand and places it on his chest.

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”. 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 759, Book 2, Hadith 369)

Opening Invocation

Then, Prophet (ﷺ) says the opening invocation.

Aishah narrated:

“When the Prophet opened the Salat he would say: (Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk)” ‘Glorious You are O Allah, and with Your praise, and blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your majesty, and none has the right to be worshipped but You.’ 

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 243,Book 2, Hadith 95)

Reciting Taawudh & Tasmiyah

After the invocation, Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite Taawudh & Tasmiyah.

Narrated AbuSa’id al-Khudri:

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) got up to pray at night, he uttered the takbir and then said: “Glory be to Thee, O Allah,” and “Praise be to Thee” and “Blessed is Thy name,” and Exalted is Thy greatness.” and “There is no god but Thee.” He then said: “There is no god but Allah” three times; he then said: “Allah is altogether great” three times. “I seek refuge in Allah, All-Hearing and All-Knowing from the accursed devil, from his evil suggestion (hamz), from his puffing up (nafkh), and from his spitting (nafth)” He then recited (the Qur’an).

( Sunan Abu Dawood 775,
Book No. 2 Hadith No. 385 )

Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah

Then Prophet (ﷺ) recites in Arabic Al-Fatihah (the first chapter of the Qur’an), concluding with the word “Amin”. Without this, the Prayer won’t be accurate because it is a pillar (rukn).

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Say Amen when the Imam says ‘Ghairi l-maghdubi `alaihim wala d-daalleen’ (not the path of those who earn Your Anger (such as Jews) nor of those who go astray (such as Christians); all the past sins of the person whose saying (of Amin) coincides with that of the angels, will be forgiven”.

(Sahih Al-Bukhari 782,
Book No. 10 Hadith No. 177 )

Reciting a Supporting Surah

The Messenger (ﷺ) recites a surah from the Qur’an (a long, a short or a medium one). It is said that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to extend the reading of the Qur’an, particularly during the Fajr (Morning) prayer. The Prophet also used to recite aloud in the first two rak’ahs of the Fajr (Dawn), Maghrib (Twilight), and Isha (Night) Prayers and silently in the remaining rak’ahs. Furthermore, in every Prayer, the Messenger (ﷺ) used to make the first rak’ah last lengthier than the second.

It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said:

“We used to recite the Opening of the Book and a Surah behind the Imam in the first two Rak’ah of the Zuhr and the ‘Asr, and in the last wo Rak’ah (we would recite) the Opening of the Book.” 

(Sunan Ibn Majah 843, Book 5, Hadith 41)

Takbeer while going to bow (Ruku)

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say “Allahu Akbar” (i.e., “Allah is the Greatest”) while going to bow and raising hands to the shoulders.

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar:

I saw Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) opening the Prayer with the Takbir and raising his hands to the level of his shoulders at the time of saying the Takbir, and on saying the Takbir for bowing he did the same. 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 738, Book 10, Hadith 132)

Way of ruku

The Prophet (ﷺ) then bows, placing his hands solidly on his legs, separating his fingertips, and extending his back, making his head lined with his back, neither rising nor lowering it, and saying, “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” (i.e., “Praise be to my Lord, the Most Great”).

“then he bowed, placing the palms of his hands on his knees and keeping himself straight, neither raising nor lowering his head.” 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 730, Book 2, Hadith 340)

Narrated `Aisha:

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say in his bowing and prostrations, “Subhanaka l-lahumma Rabbana wa bihamdika; Allahumma ghfir li.’ (Exalted [from unbecoming attributes] Are you O Allah our Lord, and by Your praise [do I exalt you]. O Allah! Forgive me). 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 794, Book 10, Hadith 189)

Raising from Bowing Down

Then The Prophet (ﷺ) lifts his head and says, “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah,” which means “Allah responds to those who honour Him,” while lifting both his palms in the same manner as when bowing.

Then The Prophet (ﷺ) rises up straight and says, “Rabbana lakal Hamd,” which means “Our Lord, to You be (all) the honour.”

It is important to note that the Messenger (PBUH) used to remain for a longer period of time after bowing.

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When the Imam says, “Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah,” you should say, “Allahumma Rabbana laka l-hamd.” And if the saying of any one of you coincides with that of the angels, all his past sins will be forgiven.” 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 796, Book 10, Hadith 191)

Prostration (Sujud or Sajdah)

The Prophet (ﷺ) then says Takbir “Allahu Akbar” and prostrates (without lifting his palms this time). The Prophet (ﷺ) used to prostrate by placing his brow, nostrils, hands, knees, and the sole of his toes on the earth (or the site of supplication), with his fingertips and toes facing the Qiblah. During prostration, The Prophet (ﷺ)would lean on his palms, keeping his upper arms apart from his sides, his abdomen apart from his thighs, and his thighs apart from his legs, saying, “Subhana Rabbiyal Ala” (i.e., “Glory be to my Lord the Most High”); The Prophet (ﷺ) would make his prostration neither long nor short.

“then lowered himself to the ground (in prostration), keeping his arms away from his sides; then raised his head, bent his left foot and sat on it, and opened the toes when he prostrated: then he uttered: “Allah is most great”; then raised his head, bent his left foot and sat on it so that every bone returned to its place properly”. 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 730, Book 2, Hadith 340)

Narrated Muhammad bin `Amr bin `Ata’

“In prostrations, he placed both his hands on the ground with the forearms away from the ground and away from his body, and his toes were facing the Qibla.” 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 828, Book 10, Hadith 222)

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Be straight in the prostrations and none of you should put his forearms on the ground (in the prostration) like a dog.” 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 822, Book 10, Hadith 216)

Hudhaifa reported:

“He would then prostrate himself and say: Glory be to my Lord most High, and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing. In the hadith transmitted by Jarir the words are:” He (the Holy Prophet) would say:” Allah listened to him who praised Him, our Lord, to Thee i the praise.” 

(Sahih Muslim 772, Book 6, Hadith 242)

Raising from Prostration

Following the first prostration, the Prophet (ﷺ) lifts his head and says Takbir “Allahu Akbar”, putting his left foot on its side and sitting on it, leaving his right foot as it had been since the first prostration (i.e., resting on the bottom of its toes while the heel is up).

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas:

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, heal me, and provide for me.” 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 850, Book 2, Hadith 460)

“Then raised his head, bent his left foot and sat on it so that every bone returned to its place properly.” 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 730, Book 2, Hadith 340)

Duas of prostration

The Prophet (ﷺ) also places his hands on his thighs and recites dua.

Narrated `Aisha:

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say frequently in his bowing and prostrations “Subhanaka l-lahumma Rabbana wa bihamdika, Allahumma ghfir li” (Exalted [from unbecoming attributes] Are you O Allah our Lord, and by Your praise [do I exalt you]. O Allah! Forgive me). 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 817,Book 10, Hadith 212)

Second Prostration

The Prophet (ﷺ) then repeats the Takbir “Allahu Akbar” and prostrates twice, repeating the first prostration.

Raising from Second Prostration

After that, The Prophet (ﷺ) lifts his head and says Takbir “Allahu Akbar,” sits straight, and then stands tall, resting on his knees and thighs.

Narrated Abu Huraira:

“Then raise your head and stand up straight, then prostrate till you feel at ease during your prostration, then sit with calmness till you feel at ease (do not hurry) and do the same in all your prayers.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari-757)
Book No.10 Hadith No.151

Abu Qilabah said:

Abu Sulaiman Malik b. al-Huwairth came to our Mosque, and said: By Allah, I Shall offer Prayer, though I do not intend to pray; I only intend to show you how I saw the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) praying. The narrator said: (He then prayed and) he sat at the end of the first rak’ah when he raised his head after the last prostration. 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 843, Book 2, Hadith 453)

Second Rak’ah

When The Prophet (ﷺ) stands straight, he begins recitation, repeating the first rak’ah in the same manner.

First Tashahhud (the testimony of faith)

At the end of the second rak’ah, the Prophet (ﷺ) seats for the First Tashahhud, putting his left foot on its side and sitting on it, just as he does while sitting between the two prostrations. The Messenger (ﷺ) then puts his right hand on his right thigh and his left hand on his left thigh. The Prophet (ﷺ) also puts his right hand’s thumb on his middle finger, forming a ring, and continues looking at it while reciting the First Tashahhud.

It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said:

“I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) making a circle with his thumb and middle finger, and raising the one next to it (the index finger), supplicating with it during the Tashah-hud.” 

(Sunan Ibn Majah 912,Book 5, Hadith 110)

It was narrated from ‘Amir bin Abdullah bin Az-Zubair, from his father, that:

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sat to say the tashahhud, he placed his left hand on his left thigh and pointed with his forefinger, and his gaze did not go beyond he finger with which he was pointing.

(Sunan an-Nasa’i 1275, Book 13, Hadith 97)

Third & Fourth Rak’ah

After that, he stands upright and says Takbir, “Allahu Akbar”, while raising his hands to his shoulders, conducting the third and fourth rak’ahs in the same manner as the first two, but shorter.

Final Tashahhud (the testimony of faith)

the Prophet (ﷺ) sits for the Final Tashahhud by putting his left foot on its side and sitting on it, keeping his right foot in the same position as during prostration (i.e., resting on the tips of his toes with his heel up), or by placing his left calf under his right one, keeping his right foot vertical, and sitting on the ground or the location of Prayer.

Then the Prophet (ﷺ) recites the Final Tashahhud, which is the same as the First Tashahhud with the addition of Durude Ibrahimi

It was narrated that Hakam said:

“I heard Ibn Abi Laila say: ‘Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah met me and said: “Shall I not give you a gift? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out to us and we said: ‘We know what it means to send greetings on you, but what does it mean to send peace and blessings upon you?’ He said: ‘Say: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid; Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid (O Allah, send your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your grace, honour and mercy upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious).’” 

(Sunan Ibn Majah 904, Book 5, Hadith 102)

After Final Tashahud

Following the Final Tashahhud, he (PBUH) finds shelter with Allah from the torment of the Fire, the pain of the grave, the trial of life and death, and the evil of the trial of Satan.

Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying:

When one of you finishes the last tashahhud, he should seek refuge in Allah from four things: the punishment in Hell, the punishment in the grave, the trail of life and death, and the evil of Antichrist. 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 983, Book 2, Hadith 594)

Taslim

Lastly, he (PBUH) concludes Prayer with Taslim, turning to the right and saying, “As-salamu ‘alaikum wa ramatullah” (i.e. “Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon you”), then turning to the left and repeating the same. He (PBUH) would begin saying Taslim while facing the Qiblah and conclude it when he turned his head to the right or left.

Narrated `Itban bin Malik:

We prayed with the Prophet (ﷺ) and used to finish our Prayer with the Taslim along with him. 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 838, Book 10, Hadith 231)

Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ud:

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to give the salutation to his left and right sides until the whiteness of his cheek was seen, (saying: "Peace be upon you, and mercy of Allah" twice. 

(Sunan Abi Dawud 996,Book 2, Hadith 607)

Benefits of Observance

Observance of namaz is an important practice in Islam. It is believed that performing namaz has numerous spiritual and physical benefits. It is recommended that Muslims pray five times daily to receive the maximum benefit of this practice. During namaz, Muslims are required to perform a set of prayers called namaz rakat, which involve standing, bowing, and prostrating. By performing these prayers, the worshipper can experience a closer communion with God and increased mental and physical well-being. Studies have indicated that people who pray regularly experience heightened positivity, improved concentration, and a better sense of overall well-being. Furthermore, regular Prayer can reduce stress and anxiety, as it provides a means of spiritual reflection and contemplation. Thus, observance of namaz can benefit those who wish to foster a deeper relationship with God and improve their overall mental and physical health.

Benefits of Namaz

Namaz Rakat is an important ritual performed by Muslims around the world. It is a form of Prayer performed five times daily and is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. The components of Namaz Rakat include standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting. Each component has significance, and performing Namaz Rakat can benefit those who practice it.

Namaz Rakat helps to foster spiritual growth and can bring a sense of peace and serenity. It can also help strengthen the connection between the believer and God and promote a sense of gratitude. Additionally, Namaz Rakat can be used as a form of contemplation or meditation, allowing believers to clear their minds and focus on their relationship with God.

Finally, Namaz Rakat is a great way to connect with the community. As Muslims gather to perform Namaz Rakat in their mosques and homes, it is an opportunity to bond with other believers and share in the blessings of faith. 

In summary, Namaz Rakat is an important ritual for Muslims and can benefit those who practice it. By understanding its components and engaging in the ritual, believers can experience spiritual growth, strengthen their connection with God, and connect with the community.

Conclusion

Namaz Rakat is an important part of the Islamic faith and involves specific steps and components. It includes standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting to recite specific verses from the Quran. Namaz Rakat is highly beneficial to one’s spiritual and physical health, providing physical and mental relaxation, inner peace, and a way to connect to God. Namaz Rakat is also a way of expressing a commitment to the Islamic faith and developing one’s relationship with Allah. Therefore, Muslims need to understand the components and steps involved in Namaz Rakat to benefit from it and appreciate its spiritual and physical health benefits. With Proper practice and dedication, it is easy to achieve namaz rakat. And as its compulsion for Muslims to follow namaz (Prayer). It purifies their soul and bring them closer to Allah.

In conclusion, Namaz Rakat is an important pillar of faith for Muslims and provides many spiritual and physical benefits. A variety of Rakat prayers and preparations must be carried out to ensure that one is properly and properly prepared for each Prayer. By studying and understanding the various types of Prayer and their purpose, one can be better prepared to observe their faith and reap the rewards. 

• Life Insurance In Islam | Is it Permissible in Islam and Concept of Takaful
• Top 200+ trending beatiful muslim boys name with meaning ( A to Z )
• All 12 Islamic months name list in sequence | Islamic calendar 2023
• What is Takaful insurance in Islam | The Islamic perspective to insurance

Frequently Asked Questions