Namaz Rakats Explained: How Many Rakats in Each Prayer?

For any Muslim learning to pray, understanding the structure of Namaz Rakats is essential. A "rakat" is a single unit or cycle of prayer that includes standing, bowing, and prostrating.

Every daily prayer (Salah) is composed of a specific number of these rakats. However, not all rakats fall under the same category. Some are obligatory (Fard), while others are highly recommended traditions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sunnah), or additional voluntary prayers (Nafl and Witr).

Here is a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of the namaz rakats for the five daily prayers.

The 5 Daily Prayers Rakat Chart

1. Fajr (Dawn Prayer)

Fajr is the shortest prayer of the day but carries immense spiritual weight, as it starts your morning with the remembrance of Allah.

• 2 Rakats Sunnah (Highly recommended to pray before the Fard)
• 2 Rakats Fard (Obligatory)
• Total: 4 Rakats

2. Dhuhr (Midday Prayer)

Prayed when the sun passes its highest point.

• 4 Rakats Sunnah
• 4 Rakats Fard
• 2 Rakats Sunnah (After the Fard)
• Total: 10 Rakats (often followed by 2 Nafl)

3. Asr (Afternoon Prayer)

The middle prayer of the day, specifically highlighted in the Quran for its importance.

• 4 Rakats Sunnah (Optional/Ghair Mu'akkadah)
• 4 Rakats Fard (Obligatory)
• Total: 8 Rakats

4. Maghrib (Sunset Prayer)

Prayed immediately after the sun sets. The obligatory portion is done first.

• 3 Rakats Fard (Obligatory)
• 2 Rakats Sunnah
• Total: 5 Rakats (often followed by 2 Nafl)

5. Isha (Night Prayer)

The final prayer of the day, which includes the special Witr prayer.

• 4 Rakats Sunnah (Optional)
• 4 Rakats Fard (Obligatory)
• 2 Rakats Sunnah
• 3 Rakats Witr (Necessary/Wajib in some schools of thought, highly recommended in others)
• Total: 13 Rakats

Fard vs. Sunnah Rakats: What is the Difference?

• Fard: These are the obligatory rakats commanded by Allah. If you miss a Fard prayer, you must make it up (Qada).
• Sunnah Mu'akkadah: These are the emphasized voluntary prayers that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed consistently. While not strictly obligatory, missing them without a valid reason is strongly discouraged.
• Witr: A unique prayer performed after Isha, consisting of an odd number of rakats (usually 3). It seals the night prayers.

By understanding how many namaz rakats belong to each prayer, you can structure your daily worship with confidence and precision.

Complete Rakat Breakdown Table

Here is the full breakdown of obligatory (Fard), emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah), non-emphasized Sunnah, and optional (Nafl) prayers:

| Prayer | Sunnah Before | Fard | Sunnah After | Witr | Nafl | |--------|--------------|------|-------------|------|------| | Fajr | 2 Sunnah | 2 Fard | — | — | — | | Dhuhr | 4 Sunnah | 4 Fard | 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl | — | — | | Asr | 4 Sunnah (non-emph.) | 4 Fard | — | — | — | | Maghrib | — | 3 Fard | 2 Sunnah | — | 2 Nafl | | Isha | — | 4 Fard | 2 Sunnah | 3 Witr | 2 Nafl |

Total Fard per day: 17 Rakats Total Sunnah Mu'akkadah: 12 Rakats (Fajr 2, Dhuhr 2+2, Maghrib 2, Isha 2)

How to Perform Each Rakat

Each Rakat consists of:

1. Qiyam (Standing): Recite Al-Fatihah + another Surah
2. Ruku (Bowing): Say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" 3x
3. I'tidal (Rise from Ruku): Say "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd"
4. First Sujud (Prostration): Say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" 3x
5. Jalsah (Sitting between Sujuds): Brief sit
6. Second Sujud: Repeat Sujud

What Happens in the 2nd and 4th Rakats?

After the 2nd Rakat, you sit for Tashahud (At-Tahiyyat): "At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat..."

In the final Rakat, you also send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ and make Du'a before the final Tasleem (Salam).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Rushing the Ruku: Ensure your back is straight and parallel to the floor
2. Forgetting Al-Fatihah: Every Rakat requires it — it is the pillar of Salah
3. Missing Tuma'ninah: Each position must be held with stillness; rushing invalidates the prayer
4. Wrong Tashahud position: In the Hanafi school, the index finger is raised and held up during the Shahadah