How to Recite Namaz Step by Step: A Beginner's Guide

Performing the five daily prayers (Salah/Namaz) is the second pillar of Islam. For beginners, remembering the physical postures while also learning how to recite namaz in Arabic can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to say in every step of the prayer, complete with Arabic transliteration and English meanings.

Step 1: The Intention and Opening

Before beginning, ensure you have Wudu (ablution) and are facing the Qibla (Mecca).

1. Intention (Niyyah): Make a quiet, internal intention in your heart for the specific prayer you are about to perform (e.g., "I intend to pray 2 rakats for Fajr"). You do not need to say it aloud.
2. Takbeer: Raise your hands to your ears/shoulders and say:
   • Say: Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest).

Step 2: Standing (Qiyam)

Place your right hand over your left across your chest.

1. Opening Supplication (Sana):
   • Say: Subhanakal-lahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakas-muka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk.
   • Meaning: "Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty, and there is no deity besides You."
2. Seek Refuge: A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem. (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast).
3. Surah Al-Fatiha: You must recite Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening Chapter) in every single rakat. (e.g., Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil-'aalameen...)
4. Additional Surah: In the first two rakats only, recite another short chapter or verse from the Quran (such as Surah Al-Ikhlas or Surah Al-Kafirun).

Step 3: Bowing (Ruku)

Say Allahu Akbar and bow forward, placing your hands on your knees with a straight back.

• Recite (3 times): Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem
• Meaning: "Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty."

Step 4: Standing Back Up (I'tidal)

As you rise from bowing to a standing position:

• Recite: Sami' Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him).
• Once fully standing, say: Rabbana walakal-hamd (Our Lord, to You be all praise).

Step 5: Prostration (Sujud)

Say Allahu Akbar and go down into prostration. Your forehead, nose, both palms, knees, and toes must touch the floor.

• Recite (3 times): Subhana Rabbiyal A'la
• Meaning: "Glory be to my Lord, the Most High."

Step 6: Sitting (Jalsa)

Say Allahu Akbar and rise into a brief kneeling position.

• Recite: Rabbighfir lee (O my Lord, forgive me).

Then, say Allahu Akbar and go down for a second prostration, reciting the same words as the first. This completes one full cycle (Rakat).

Step 7: The Final Sitting (Tashahhud)

At the end of your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th rakat (depending on the prayer), you sit and recite the Tashahhud.

• Attahiyat: At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat... (All greetings, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah...)
• Durood (Blessings on the Prophet): Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala aali Muhammad... (O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad...)

Step 8: The Conclusion (Tasleem)

Turn your head to the right and say:

• As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). Turn your head to the left and repeat the same phrase.

Your prayer is now complete!

Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Each Movement

Standing (Qiyam)

• Stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart
• Place right hand over left hand on the chest (Hanafi: below the navel)
• Eyes looking at the spot of prostration (Sujud)
• Recite Al-Fatihah obligatorily in every Rakat

Bowing (Ruku)

• Bend at the waist until back is parallel to the floor
• Hands grip the knees with fingers spread
• Head aligned with back (not raised or dropped)
• Recite "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great) 3+ times
• Rise saying "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him)

Prostration (Sujud)

• Lower to the ground — knees first, then hands, then forehead and nose
• Seven limbs touch the ground: forehead (including nose), both hands, both knees, both feet
• Fingers pointing toward Mecca
• Recite "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) 3+ times

Sitting (Tashahud Position)

For a 2-Rakat prayer: sit after 2nd Rakat For 4-Rakat prayer: sit briefly after 2nd (first Tashahud), then again after 4th (final Tashahud)

Recite: "At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu. As-Salamu 'alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-Salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh."

The Pillars (Arkan) of Prayer

If any of these are missing, the prayer is invalid:

1. Opening Takbeer (Allahu Akbar)
2. Standing (Qiyam) when able
3. Reciting Al-Fatihah in every Rakat
4. Ruku with Tuma'ninah (stillness)
5. Rising from Ruku completely
6. Two Sujuds with Tuma'ninah
7. Final Tashahud
8. Closing Tasleem (As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah)