Learning how to pray Salah is one of the most important steps for every new Muslim and every beginner in Islam. Salah (Islamic prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the strongest daily connection between a servant and Allah. It is performed five times a day and brings peace, discipline, spiritual strength, and closeness to Allah.
This beginner-friendly guide explains how to pray Salah step by step, in a clear, simple, and easy-to-follow way. It is designed especially for beginners, children, and new Muslims who want to learn prayer correctly and confidently.
What You Need Before Starting Salah
Before starting the prayer, there are a few essential preparations that must be completed:
1. Purification (Wudu)
You must perform ablution (wudu) before praying. Wudu cleanses the body and prepares the heart for worship.
2. Clean Clothes and Place
Your clothes and the place of prayer must be clean.
3. Covering the Awrah (Private Parts)
- Men: from the navel to the knees
- Women: entire body except the face and hands
4. Facing the Qiblah
Face the Qiblah (direction of the Ka‘bah in Makkah).
5. Intention (Niyyah)
The intention is in the heart, not spoken aloud. For example: “I intend to pray Fajr for the sake of Allah.”
How to Pray Salah Step by Step (Example: Two-Rak‘ah Prayer Like Fajr)
Below is a complete step-by-step explanation of Salah for beginners using a two-rak‘ah prayer as an example.
Step 1: Opening Takbir (Takbiratul Ihram)
Raise your hands to the level of your shoulders or ears and say:
Allahu Akbar
(Allah is the Greatest)
This officially begins the prayer.
Step 2: Standing and Recitation (Qiyam)
Place your right hand over your left on the chest.
Recitation:
- Opening supplication (optional)
- Surah Al-Fatihah (mandatory)
- Another short surah or verses from the Qur’an (easy for beginners)
Step 3: Bowing (Ruku‘)
Say Allahu Akbar and bow.
Position:
- Hands on knees
- Back straight
- Head level with the back
Say three times:
Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem
(Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great)
Step 4: Rising from Bowing
Rise up and say:
Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah
(Allah hears those who praise Him)
Then say:
Rabbana wa lakal hamd
(Our Lord, and to You belongs all praise)
Step 5: First Prostration (Sujood)
Say Allahu Akbar and go into prostration.
Seven points touch the ground:
- Forehead and nose
- Two hands
- Two knees
- Toes of both feet
Say three times:
Subhana Rabbi al-A‘la
(Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)
Step 6: Sitting Between Two Prostrations
Sit and say:
Rabbi ighfir li
(My Lord, forgive me)
Step 7: Second Prostration
Prostrate again and repeat:
Subhana Rabbi al-A‘la (three times)
Step 8: Second Rak‘ah
Stand up and perform the same steps as the first rak‘ah:
- Recitation
- Ruku‘
- Standing
- Sujood
- Sitting
- Sujood
Step 9: Tashahhud
After the second rak‘ah, sit and recite the Tashahhud:
At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat…
(All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah…)
Step 10: Taslim (Ending the Prayer)
Turn your face to the right and say:
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
(Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you)
Then turn to the left and repeat:
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
This ends the prayer.
How to Pray 3 or 4 Rak‘ahs
Maghrib (3 Rak‘ahs)
- Sit for Tashahhud after 2 rak‘ahs
- Stand for the 3rd rak‘ah
- Final Tashahhud
- Salawat Ibrahimiyyah
- Taslim
Dhuhr, Asr, Isha (4 Rak‘ahs)
- Sit after 2 rak‘ahs for Tashahhud
- Stand for 3rd and 4th rak‘ah
- Final Tashahhud
- Salawat Ibrahimiyyah
- Taslim
Why Salah Is Important for Beginners
- Builds discipline and routine
- Strengthens faith (iman)
- Connects the heart to Allah
- Protects from sins
- Brings peace and calmness
- Teaches patience and humility
Tips for Beginners Learning Salah
- Learn slowly and consistently
- Start with short surahs
- Practice daily
- Use audio recordings for pronunciation
- Learn meanings of the words
- Pray with someone experienced
Conclusion
Learning how to pray Salah step by step is a beautiful journey that brings a Muslim closer to Allah and adds peace, discipline, and purpose to daily life. Even if you start slowly or make mistakes, remember that sincerity matters more than perfection, and every effort to improve your prayer is rewarded. By following these 10 simple steps and practicing regularly, Salah will soon become a natural and cherished part of your day. Keep learning, stay consistent, and always ask Allah to help you establish your prayers with humility and focus, for Salah is not just an obligation, but a gift that connects your heart to your Creator.
