A Simple Guide to the Four-Raka’at Prayer
For those seeking clarity, and for those returning to the path
Prayer is the foundation of the seeker’s journey. For some, the steps are familiar; for others, the details become blurry over time. There is no shame in refreshing the basics. In fact, humility in learning is itself an act of worship. Here is a clear and simple guide to performing a standard four-raka’at salat (such as Zuhr, Asr, or Isha), along with the meanings we recite so that the tongue and heart may move together.
🌿 1. Beginning with Intention (Niyyah)
The intention is silent, held in the heart.
Simply know what you are about to perform:
“I intend to pray four raka’ats of ___ prayer for Allah.”
The sincerity of intention is the soul entering the doorway.
🌿 2. Takbir al-Ihram (Opening the Prayer)
Raise both hands to the ear or shoulder level and say:
“Allāhu Akbar” — Allah is the Greatest.
This moment is a declaration that you leave the world behind and enter His presence.
🌿 3. Qiyam (Standing) & Recitation
Surah Al-Fātiḥah
The prayer begins with the Mother of the Book.
A brief meaning:
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In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate.
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All praise is for Allah, Lord of all worlds.
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Master of the Day of Judgement.
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Only You do we worship, and only from You do we seek help.
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Guide us on the straight path —
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the path of those You have blessed,
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not those who earned Your anger nor those who went astray.
After Fātiḥah, recite a short surah (only in the first two raka’ats).
🌿 4. Rukūʿ (Bowing)
Bend with your hands on your knees, back straight, and say:
“Subḥāna rabbiyal-ʿaẓīm” — Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.
Meaning: you bow your ego, not just your body.
🌿 5. Returning to Standing
Rise and say:
**“Samiʿallāhu liman ḥamidah” — Allah hears the one who praises Him.
“Rabbanā wa laka al-ḥamd” — Our Lord, to You belongs all praise.”
Gratitude lifts the heart.
🌿 6. Sujūd (Prostration)
Lower yourself to the ground — forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching.
Recite:
“Subḥāna rabbiyal-aʿlā” — Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.
This is the closest a human being comes to Allah.
It is the moment of surrender and intimacy.
🌿 7. Sitting Between the Two Sujoods
Sit briefly and say:
“Rabbi ighfir lī, warḥamnī, wahdinī.”
My Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, and guide me.
A beautiful reminder: even in prayer, we pause to seek mercy.
🌿 8. Second Sujood
Repeat the prostration and the same recitation.
This completes one raka’at.
🌙 The Structure of the Four Raka’ats
Raka’at 1 & 2
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Fātiḥah
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Short Surah
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Rukūʿ
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Two Sujoods
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Sitting for Tashahhud after the second raka’at
Tashahhud Meaning
All greetings, prayers, and goodness belong to Allah.
Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Peace be upon us and upon all righteous servants of Allah.
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah,
and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.
Stand for raka’at 3.
Raka’at 3 & 4
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Fātiḥah only
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Rukūʿ
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Two Sujoods
After the fourth raka’at, sit for the final tashahhud, adding the Salawat:
O Allah, send Your peace and blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad,
as You sent peace upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim.
And bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad,
as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim.
Truly, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
You may add a personal du’a here — the heart speaks softly in this moment.
🌿 Ending the Prayer (Taslim)
Turn your head to the right:
“As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh.”
Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.
Then to the left:
“As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh.”
With that, the prayer is complete — but the state of presence continues.
🌙 A Closing Reflection
Prayer is not a performance.
It is not a ritual of perfection.
It is a return — a homecoming — repeated five times a day.
Every movement, every phrase, every pause is designed to soften the heart and align the soul with its Source. Even if one forgets, hesitates, or struggles, the prayer remains an open doorway. And Allah is always ready to receive the one who turns back, even slowly, even imperfectly.
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