Salah requires purity of one’s body, clothes, and place where you want to perform Salah.

1. Perform Ghusl (Full body Bathing)
   You must perform Ghusl in the following cases:
   • After sexual intercourse or sexual discharge (for both men and women).
   • After the end of a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle.
   Make sure to have the neeyyah (intention) for Ghusl before starting the bath.
   It is Sunnah to:
   • Clean the private parts (Istinja)
   • Perform Wudu during Ghusl
   Performing Wudu During Ghusl

   Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in Sahih Muslim
   “The Prophet ﷺ used to perform Wudu for Salah while taking a Ghusl, and he would wash his body in a way that water would reach every part of his body.”

   This Hadeeth highlights that the Prophet ﷺ included Wudu as part of his Ghusl. While not obligatory, it is from his Sunnah to perform Wudu for thorough purification.
   Washing the Private Parts (Istinja)

   Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in Sahih al-Bukhari
   "Whenever the Prophet ﷺ performed Ghusl after sexual intercourse, he would begin by washing his hands and private parts."

   This Hadeeth shows that it was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ to begin by washing his private parts during Ghusl.
2. Perform ablution (Wudu) If you did not need a Ghusl, then perform Wudu.
   Refer to the Wudu section (mentioned in the previous menu) to learn about the obligatory and Sunnah acts of Wudu.
3. Dress properly for Salah
   As a Muslim, you are required to always dress properly—clothing that aligns with the Islamic dress code. This applies not only during Salah but in everyday life as well. When preparing for Salah, ensure the following:
   1. Your clothes are clean and free from any impurities, especially from human or animal waste.
   2. For males:
      Clothing should cover at least from the shoulders to below the knees.
   3. For females:
      Clothing should cover the entire body, except for the face and hands.

• Gaze: Keep your eyes focused on the place where you will prostrate.
• Hand Position: Place your right hand over your left hand, as shown in the image. Scholars have unanimously agreed that placing the right hand over the left in Salah is Sunnah (recommended), not obligatory. Evidence: This ruling is supported by the longer narration by the prophet found in Sahih al-Bukhari in which the Prophet ﷺ was teaching a man how to properly perform the prayer (salah). The Prophet ﷺ corrected him multiple times, saying:

  “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.”

  Yet he did not command him to place his right hand over the left, even though he was teaching him the obligations of the prayer.
• Making a supplication (Duaa) – Sunnah
  It is Sunnah to make a short supplication after the opening takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram) and before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, as part of what is known as Duaa al-Istiftah (the opening supplication). This practice is supported by an authentic Hadeeth in which the Prophet ﷺ heard a companion begin his prayer with a beautiful Duaa praising Allah:

  “O Allah, to You belongs all praise, filling the heavens, filling the earth, and filling whatever else You will besides that. You are most worthy of praise and majesty. The truest thing a servant can say, and we are all Your servants. O Allah, none can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold, and the might of the mighty will not benefit them against You.” The Prophet ﷺ said:
  “I saw over thirty angels competing to write it first.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadeeth No. 1380)

  The Prophet’s response shows the great virtue and immense reward of such a Duaa. It also demonstrates the flexibility in the wordings of Duaa Al-Istiftah, allowing for heartfelt praise of Allah before starting Al-Fatiha, making it a recommended Sunnah. Evidence:

  Abu Hurairah reported: "When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would say the takbir in prayer (to start the prayer), he would pause for a short moment before he began reciting (i.e reading Al-Fatiha). So I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you, what do you say during your pause between the takbir and the recitation?’
  He replied:
  ‘I say:
  

  • O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West.
  • O Allah, purify me of my sins as a white garment is purified of dirt.
  • O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail.’”

  (Sahih Muslim, Hadeeth 598)

  This confirms that the Prophet ﷺ would begin his prayer with a Duaa after the takbir and before Al-Fatiha, not before entering into the prayer itself. Note: There is no evidence that the Prophet ﷺ used to make Duaa before beginning the salah (i.e., before saying "Allahu Akbar").
• Recite Surah Al-Fatiha – Obligatory in every Rak‘ah It is Sunnah to recite any additional verses (ayahs) or short Surahs from the Quran that you have memorized — in the first two Rakahs only. If you haven’t memorized Al-Fatiha yet: It is permissible to read from a piece of paper or mobile device during prayer. Note: Use the Prayer Card to read the transliteration of Al-Fatiha and other recitations for prayer. The link is provided at the end of this page. If someone has just entered Islam and the time for prayer comes but they do not yet have enough time to learn how to read Al-Fatiha to pray properly, Islam provides a temporary concession until they learn the proper recitation of Al-Fatiha. This is based on an authentic Hadeeth:

  A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
  “O Messenger of Allah, teach me something from the Qur’an that will suffice me, for I cannot read.” The Prophet ﷺ replied:
  “Say: Subhan-Allah, wal-hamdu lillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.” Audio The man then made a grabbing motion with his hand, indicating that he had taken in and memorized what was taught. He said: “This is for my Lord. What is there for me?” The Prophet ﷺ responded:
  “Say: Allahumma ighfir li, warhamni, wahdini, warzuqni, wa ‘afini.” Audio The man made another grabbing gesture with his other hand and stood up. (Narrated by al-Nasa’i, 924; Abu Dawud, 832)

  Summary of What a New Muslim Can Say in Prayer as the Prophet’s Direction
  Until a new Muslim learns Surah al-Fātiḥah, they can follow the Prophet's guidance by reciting the following in their prayer:
  1. Subḥānallāh Audio Translation: Glory be to Allah
  2. Al-ḥamdu lillāh Audio Translation: Praise be to Allah
  3. Lā ilāha illallāh Audio Translation: There is no god but Allah
  4. Allāhu akbar Audio 1 Translation: Allahu Akbar
  5. Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh Audio Translation: There is no power and no strength except by Allah
  For the second part of the Hadeeth, here is a summary of the Prophet's reply to the man's question, "What is there for me?" The Prophet directed the man to say:
  1. Allāhumma ighfir lee Audio Translation: O Allah, forgive me
  2. wa erḥamnī Audio Translation: and have mercy on me
  3. wa ehdinī Audio Translation: and guide me
  4. wa urzuqnī Audio Translation: and provide for me
  5. wa ‘āfinī Audio Translation: and grant me well-being

Note: If you are unable to say the transliteration, it is permissible to say the English translation instead. I design a card for new Muslims to read the transliteration of Al-Faitha and what to else to read during a prayer. Important Reminder:
ASAP, try to practice reading and memorizing Surah al-Fātiḥah as it is an essential part of the prayer and must be recited during the Salah. The sooner it is learned, the better it will be for your prayer. Practice / Memorize Quran

1. Transitioning from Standing (Qiyam in Arabic):
   After completing the recitation while standing, move into the bowing position (Ruku) while saying "Allahu Akbar."
2. Bowing position:
   Once in the bowing position, say at least once:
   Subhana Rabbiyal 'Atheem Audio Translation: "How perfect is my Lord, the Magnificent." Saying this once is obligatory, and repeating it three times is Sunnah. You may repeat the phrase more than three times if desired. Evidence:

   On the authority of Uqbah bin Amir, who said: "When the verse (Fasabbih bismi rabbika al-‘azeem) (Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most Great) was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Make it part of your bowing (ruku).' And when the verse (Subh' ism rabbika al-a'la) (Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High) was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Make it part of your prostration (sujood).'" This was narrated by Abu Dawood. Ibn Majjah. and Al-Darrami. It has been classified as Hasan (Good) by Al-Albani.

3. Additional Phrases (Optional):
   You may also say the following, though these are not obligatory:
   1. Subhhaana, All-Quddoos, Raabbell Mala'ikati waall-Rooh Audio Translation: "Glory is to the Most Holy, the Lord of the Angels and the Spirit."
   2. Subhhaana, thiell-Jabbarooti, waall-Mulkki, waall-Kibriyaai, waall-Athhamaah Audio Translation: "Glory be to the One who possesses Power, Sovereignty, Greatness, and Majesty."

When transitioning back to the standing position during prayer, one should do so with a sense of reverence and focus. As you rise, say: Sami'a Allahu Liman Hamidah Audio Translation: Allah Hears Those Who Praise Him This acknowledges that Allah is fully aware of the praise and worship offered.
Once upright, gently lower your hands to your sides and say:
Rabbana Wa Laka-Alhamd Audio Translation: Our Lord, to You is all praise
Important:

1. If you are praying alone, you need to say:
   Sami'a Allahu Liman Hamidah
   followed by
   Rabbana Wa Laka-Alhamd
2. If you are praying behind a prayer leader (called Imam), you need to say:
   Rabbana Wa Laka-Alhamd
   After hearing the Imam saying:
   Sami'a Allahu Liman Hamidah
   Evidance:

   The Prophet ﷺ said:
   "The imam is appointed to be followed. So, when he says 'Allahu Akbar,' say 'Allahu Akbar.' When he bows, bow. When he says, 'Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah' (Allah hears the one who praises Him), say, 'Rabbana lakal hamd' (Our Lord, to You is all praise). When he prostrates, prostrate. And when he prays sitting, all of you should pray sitting together." Narrated by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih from several companions of the prophet.

This phrase is an expression of gratitude, recognizing that all praise belongs to Allah alone—a moment of humility and devotion in prayer. The physical act of standing, coupled with these words, serves as a reminder of Allah's greatness and mercy, reinforcing the connection between the worshiper and the Creator. Additional Recommended Statements:
First:

After the Prophet ﷺ raised his head from bowing (ruku), he said,
"Sami'a Allahu Liman Hamidah"
Translation: Allah hears the one who praises Him. A man behind him responded, "Rabbana wa laka al-hamdu hamdan kathīran ṭayyiban mubārakan fīh" Audio Translation: Our Lord, to You is all praise, a praise that is abundant, good, and blessed. After the prayer, the Prophet ﷺ asked, "Who said that?" The man replied, "I did." The Prophet ﷺ then said, "I saw more than thirty angels competing to see which one would write it first." Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari

This beautiful incident emphasizes the significance of praising Allah in such moments, highlighting the reward and honor of this act of devotion. Additionally:

The Prophet ﷺ used to say when he raised his head from bowing:
O Allah, our Lord, to You is all praise, as much as fills the heavens and as much as fills the earth, and as much as is between them, and as much as You will beyond that. You are the Master of all praise and glory. There is no one who can withhold what You give, and no one can give what You withhold. The wealth of the mighty will not benefit him against You. Reported in Sahih Muslim

This supplication further exemplifies the boundless nature of Allah’s praise and reminds us of His supreme power and mercy, emphasizing that all blessings come from Him alone.

Movement into Sujūd:
As you move down into the prostration position, say:
"Allāhu Akbar" Translation: Allah is the Greatest Proper Positioning:
Ensure the following seven body parts touch the ground
The Prophet was ordered (by Allah) to prostrate on these seven parts and not to tuck up the clothes or hair (while praying). Those parts are:

• (1) Forehead alone with Nose
• (2 & 3) Palms of both hands
• (4 & 5) Knees
• (6 & 7) Toes of both feet
  

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“I have been ordered to prostrate on seven bones and not to tuck up the sleeve the clothes or the hair.”
Reported in Sahih Bukhari

Thikker in prostration (Sujūd):
Recite at least once:
"Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā" Audio Translation: How perfect is my Lord, the Most High The Virtue of supplication in Sujūd
While in prostration (sujūd), try to make any supplication you like after finishing the recitation of:
Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of du‘ā (supplication).” Reported in Sahih Muslim

Example of some supplication in Sujūd:

1. Rabbi-ighfir lee Audio
   Translation: My Lord, forgive me
2. Allāhumma ajirnī mena an-nār Audio
   Translation: O Allah, save me from the Hellfire
3. Rabbana ātinā fed-dunyā ḥasanatn wa fel-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qeenā ‘athāban-nār Audio
   Translation: Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire
4. Yā Allah, I ask You for Your mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.

There are three main sitting postures observed during various parts of the Islamic prayer (Salah). Here is the Juloos step-by-step: First sitting position (Juloos)

1. Move to sitting position after Sujūd while saying "Allāhu Akbar."
2. Sit on your legs with both feet upright, or with your left leg sitting flat and your right foot upright. Place your hands on your knees.
   
3. Say "Rabbiّ~ighfir~lee" once or more Audio
   Translation: O Allah, forgive me
   Evidence:
   The majority of scholars agree it is Sunnah (recommended) and not obligatory. One of the pieces of evidence for this is a well-known Hadeeth in which the Prophet ﷺ corrected a man on how to pray but did not mention this supplication.

   The Prophet ﷺ once entered the mosque, and a man came in, offered the prayer, and greeted the Prophet. The Prophet ﷺ returned his greeting and said, "Go back and pray, for you have not prayed." This happened three times. The man finally said, "By Him Who has sent you with the truth! I do not know a better way to pray. Please teach me."
   
   The Prophet ﷺ then taught him:

   • Say Takbir, then recite from the Qur'an what you know.
   • Bow with calmness until you feel at ease.
   • Stand straight after bowing.
   • Prostrate calmly until you feel at ease.
   • Sit with calmness until you feel at ease.
   • Then prostrate again and repeat this in your prayer.

   Narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari 793, Book 10, Hadeeth 188

   Since the Prophet ﷺ did not mention the specific phrase "Rabbighfirli" in this essential teaching, scholars conclude that it is not obligatory, although it is recommended based on other authentic narrations.

Second Sitting Position

1. Move to the second prostration position while saying "Allāhu Akbar." See the slide of "prostration" for more detail for what to say during prostration.
2. Move back to sitting position after Sujūd while saying "Allāhu Akbar."
   
3. Sitting for Tashahhud
   During Tashahhud in Salah, you may sit in one of the following two Sunnah positions, depending on which part of the prayer you are in:
   1. Iftirash:
      • How to sit: Sit on your left leg with the left foot flat on the ground and the right foot upright. Place your hands on your knees.
      • When it's used: During the first Tashahhud in 3 or 4 rakʿah prayers, or in the final sitting of a 2-rakʿah prayer like Fajr.
   2. Al-Tawarruk:
      • How to sit: Sit with your left leg extended under your right leg, resting on your left hip. The left foot lies flat and the right foot is upright. Place your hands on your knees.
      • When it's used: In the final sitting of 3 or 4 rakʿah prayers (e.g., Maghrib, Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha).
   
4. In the sitting position after the second Rak'ah, place both hands on your knees. Form a fist with your right hand and raise your index finger, pointing it upward. This entire action is Sunnah, and some scholars also recommend moving the finger slightly up and down, as illustrated in the image below.
   
5. Recite the Tashahhud. Audio
   
6. If there are more Rakaāt, return to standing while saying "Allāhu Akbar".
7. In the final sitting, recite the Tashahhud + AlSalatu Al-Ibrahimiyyah
   Tashahhud AlSalatu Al-Ibrahimiyyah
   To memorize the Tashahhud and al-Ṣalātu al-Ibrāhīmiyyah, click the 'Tashahhud - Ṣalāt al-Ibrāhīmiyyah' button under the 'Practice Reading' section in the main menu.

End your Salah by saying the 'Tasleem.' - this is Obligatory The Tasleem involves saying:
"As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh" Audio
Moving your head to the right and then to the left while saying "'As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh'" is Sunnah, and most Muslims, if not all, do this when ending their Salah. For what to say after ending your salah - Sunnah Tasbeeh After Salah