Quick answer: The five daily prayers are Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha. Their obligatory units (rak’ahs) are: Fajr 2, Dhuhr 4, Asr 4, Maghrib 3 and Isha 4. Each rak’ah follows the same pattern of standing, bowing and prostrating; learn the exact words and postures with a teacher.
The five prayers and their times
Fajr is prayed at dawn before sunrise; Dhuhr after midday; Asr in the afternoon; Maghrib just after sunset; and Isha at night. Praying each at its time is one of the most beloved acts in Islam.
How many rak’ahs in each prayer
The obligatory (fard) units are: Fajr 2, Dhuhr 4, Asr 4, Maghrib 3, Isha 4. Many Muslims also pray recommended (sunnah) units before or after some prayers, and witr after Isha — but the fard units above are the core requirement.
The pattern of a rak’ah
Every rak’ah follows the same shape: begin standing and recite Surah Al-Fatihah (and a short surah in the first units), then bow (ruku), rise, and prostrate (sujood) twice. After the final rak’ah you sit for the closing portion and end with the salam.
Before you pray
You need valid wudu, a clean place and clothing, to face the qibla, and to make the intention for the specific prayer. If you are new, learning to pray with a teacher — the words, the postures, and the order — takes only a few lessons and gives you lifelong confidence.
Frequently asked questions
How many rak’ahs are in the five daily prayers?
Obligatory units: Fajr 2, Dhuhr 4, Asr 4, Maghrib 3, Isha 4.
What are the names of the five daily prayers?
Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (after sunset) and Isha (night).
How do I learn to pray as a beginner?
Learn the words, postures and order with a certified teacher; most beginners master the basic prayer in just a few lessons.
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