The Prophetic Prayer (Salah): An Infographic Guide

The Prayer of the Prophet (ﷺ)

A Visual Guide to Performing Salah According to the Sunnah

The Foundation of Prayer

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Purity (Taharah)

Ensuring one's body, clothes, and place of prayer are clean, starting with Wudu (ablution) or Ghusl.

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Facing the Qibla

Directing oneself towards the Kaaba in Makkah, unifying all Muslims in worship.

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Intention (Niyyah)

A sincere, silent intention in the heart to perform a specific prayer for the sake of Allah.

The Anatomy of a Rak'ah

A Rak'ah is a single unit of prayer, consisting of a sequence of postures and recitations. Follow this flow to understand its structure.

1. Takbir & Qiyam (Standing)

Begin by saying "Allahu Akbar" while raising hands. Stand and recite an opening supplication, followed by Surah Al-Fatihah.

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2. Ruku' (Bowing)

Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow with a straight back, reciting "Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azim" at least three times.

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3. I'tidal (Standing after Bowing)

Rise while saying "Sami'allahu liman hamidah." Once standing, say "Rabbana wa lakal-hamd."

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4. Sujud (Prostration)

Say "Allahu Akbar" and prostrate, reciting "Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la" at least three times. This is a key moment for personal Du'a.

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5. Jalsah (Sitting)

Rise to a sitting position, saying "Allahu Akbar." Recite "Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li" or a longer supplication.

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6. Second Sujud

Perform a second prostration identical to the first, completing one full Rak'ah.

A Treasury of Supplications

The Prophet (ﷺ) taught various supplications for different parts of the prayer, offering a rich variety. This chart shows the number of common options available at each stage.

This chart illustrates that while some parts of the prayer have a primary supplication, stages like the Opening and Prostration have multiple authentic options, allowing for diversity in worship.

The Sitting of Witness & Closing

Components of the Final Tashahhud

The final sitting is a comprehensive conclusion to the prayer, composed of several key recitations before the final Taslim.

1. At-Tashahhud (The Witness)

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ...

A declaration of greetings and praise for Allah, and peace upon the Prophet and righteous servants.

2. As-Salawat (Blessings)

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ...

Sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his family, as was done for Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام).

3. Du'a of Refuge & Personal Supplication

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ جَهَنَّمَ...

Seeking refuge from Hellfire, the grave, trials of life and death, and the Dajjal, followed by any personal supplications.

Remembrance After Prayer

The connection with Allah doesn't end with the Taslim. The Prophet (ﷺ) would continue with specific remembrances (Dhikr).

The Tasbih of Fatimah (100 Remembrances)

This specific set of praises is highly recommended for its immense reward. The chart shows its composition.

Ayat al-Kursi

Reciting this verse (2:255) after every Fardh prayer is a means of protection and entry into Paradise.

Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)

Begin the post-prayer Dhikr by saying "Astaghfirullah" three times.

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