How Many Rakats Is Each Prayer in Islam? Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, & Isha

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Plus, a step-by-step guide to praying in Islam

Co-authored by Mekaeel Mohsin and Devin McSween

Last Updated: May 30, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Fajr (Dawn)
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• Dhuhr (Noon)
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• Asr (Afternoon)
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• Maghrib (Sunset)
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• Isha (Night)
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• Summary Table
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• How to Pray
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• FAQs
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• Video

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The 5 daily prayers in Islam, called namaz or salah, are an important part of a Muslim’s faith that helps them connect to Allah. Each prayer is made up of multiple rakats, which are units of prayer that follow a series of movements and recitations. However, each namaz has a different number of rakats that Muslims are required to perform, as well as optional ones they can include. In this article, we’ll go over how many obligatory and optional rakats are in each namaz and explain how to pray—all with the help of Imam Mekaeel Mohsin. Read on to learn more!

The Number of Rakats in Each Salah

• Fajr: 2 obligatory (fard) and 2 recommended (sunnah)
• Dhuhr: 4 obligatory, 6 recommended, 2 optional (nafl)
• Asr: 4 obligatory and 4 recommended
• Maghrib: 3 obligatory, 2 recommended, 2 optional
• Isha: 4 obligatory, 6 recommended, 4 optional, and 3 witr (recommended)

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Section 1 of 8:

Number of Rakat in Fajr Namaz

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1. 
   Total number of rakats (obligatory and optional): 4 According to Mohsin, the Fajr prayer (also called the Dawn prayer) is performed at the “crack of dawn, once the light of the sun cracks the darkness of the sky.” The prayer consists of obligatory rakats, called fard, and recommended but optional rakats, called sunnah.

   • The rakats are performed in the following order:
     • 2 sunnah rakats
     • 2 fard rakats
   • Sunnah rakats are rakats the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always performed, which is why they’re recommended.
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Section 2 of 8:

Number of Rakat in Dhuhr Namaz

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1. Total number of rakats (obligatory and optional): 12 The Dhuhr or Zuhr prayer (also called the Noon prayer) is performed “once the sun is at the zenith” or in “the middle of the sky,” says Mohsin.[v162436_b01]. The prayer consists of fard rakats (obligatory), sunnah rakats (recommended), and nafl rakats, which are optional but beneficial to your spiritual practice.

   • The rakats are performed in the following order:
     • 4 sunnah rakats
     • 4 fard rakats
     • 2 sunnah rakats
     • 2 nafl rakats
   • While the nafl rakats are voluntary like the sunnah rakats, they aren’t highly recommended, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) isn’t said to have performed them. However, the nafl rakats can help you receive additional blessings.

Section 3 of 8:

Number of Rakat in Asr Namaz

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1. 
   Total number of rakats (obligatory and optional): 8 The Asr prayer (also called the Afternoon prayer) is completed later in the day, usually between noon and sunset. This prayer consists of fard and sunnah rakats.

   • The rakats are performed in the following order:
     • 4 sunnah rakats
     • 4 fard rakats
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Section 4 of 8:

Number of Rakat in Maghrib Namaz

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1. Total number of rakats (obligatory and optional): 7 The Maghrib prayer (also called the Sunset prayer) occurs just after the sun sets. It consists of fard rakats, sunnah rakats, and nafl rakats.

   • The rakats are performed in the following order:
     • 3 fard rakats
     • 2 sunnah rakats
     • 2 nafl rakats

Section 5 of 8:

Number of Rakat in Isha Namaz

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1. 
   Total number of rakats (obligatory and optional): 17 Mohsin says the Isha prayer (also called the Night prayer) occurs during the nighttime, once all twilight is gone.[v162436_b01]. This prayer consists of fard rakats, sunnah rakats, nafl rakats, and witr rakats, which are another type of recommended but optional rakat.

   • The rakats are performed in the following order:
     • 4 sunnah rakats
     • 4 fard rakats
     • 2 sunnah rakats
     • 2 nafl rakats
     • 3 witr rakats
     • 2 nafl rakats
   • Like the sunnah rakats, witr rakats were practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) so they’re highly recommended. However, they are only performed after Isha and before Fajr.
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Section 6 of 8:

Summary Table: Number of Rakats in Each Namaz

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1. Namaz or Salah (Prayer)	Sunnah (Recommended)	Fard (Obligatory)	Nafl (Optional)	Witr (Recommended)	Total Rakats
   Fajr	2	2	0	0	4
   Dhuhr	6	4	2	0	12
   Asr	4	4	0	0	8
   Maghrib	2	3	2	0	7
   Isha	6	4	4	3	17

Section 7 of 8:

How to Pray Namaz or Salah

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1. 
   1
   Perform wudu. Before you start to pray any of the namaz, perform wudu. This is a cleansing ritual that’s meant to purify you for prayer. Start by setting your intention to perform wudu and say “Bismillah” (“in the name of Allah”). Then:

   • Wash your hands 3 times with water.
   • Rinse your mouth 3 times with water.
   • Rinse your nose 3 times with water.
   • Wash your face 3 times with water.
   • Wash your arms up to the elbows 3 times with water.
   • Wet your hands and wipe your head from the forehead to the back. Then, wipe towards the front.
   • Wet your hands and wipe the inside and outside of each ear.
   • Wash your feet up to the ankles 3 times with water.
   • Recite the Shahada: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh” (“I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I also testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”)
   • Recipe the dua: “Allahuma j‘alnee mina tawabeen waj-‘alnee minal mutatahireen” (“O Allah, make me among those who seek repentance and make me among those who purify themselves.”)
2. 2
   Stand and face the qibla, then set your intention to pray. Find the qibla, which is the direction of Mecca (Islam’s holiest city). Then, set your intention to pray, which is called niyyah. In your mind, say which namaz you are going to pray and specify how many rakats you plan on performing.

   • For instance, say “I intend to offer 4 rakats for Fajr.”
   • Tip: Use Google’s Qibla finder to find the direction of Mecca.
3. 
   3
   Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar.” Keep your palms open and raise your hands about ear level. Then, say “Allahu Akbar,” which means “Allah is greater.” This phrase is called takbir.

   • This process officially starts the prayer.
   • Note: These steps are a general explanation of how to complete 1 rakat. The steps might vary slightly depending on the namaz you’re praying.
4. 4
   Lower your hands and recite the optional dua. Drop your hands to your navel and place your right arm over your left arm. Then, most Muslims choose to recite the optional, but highly recommended, dua; this dua was recited by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

   • “Subhanakal-lahumma wabihamdika watabarakas-muka wataa ‘ala jadduka wala ilaha ghayruka.”
   • Translation: “How perfect you are, O Allah. I praise you, how blessed is Your name, how lofty is Your position. And none has the right to be worshipped but You.”
   • While you pray, keep your eyes lowered onto the ground in front of you.
5. 
   5
   Recite the first chapter of the Quran. While still standing with your arms crossed, say the first chapter of the Quran, which is called the Surah Al-Fatiha:

   • “A’auodu billaahi minash-shaytaanir rajeem. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem Maaliki Yawmid-Deen Iyyaaka na’budu wa lyyaaka nasta’een Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem Siraatal-lazeena an’amta ‘alaihim ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-daaalleen.”
   • Translation: “In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master on the Day of Recompense (Judgement Day). You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, The path of those who You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked Your anger or of those who are astray.”
6. 6
   Recite another chapter from the Quran. While in the same position, say another chapter from the Quran other than the Surah Al-Fatiha. For instance, recite a short chapter like the Surah Al-Ikhlas:

   • “Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Qul huwal laahu ahad Allah hus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yoolad, Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.”
   • Translation: “In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate Say: ‘He is God, the One God the Eternal and Besought of all, Neither begetting nor begot, Nor is there anything comparable or equal to Him.”
7. 
   7
   Enter ruku and say “Subhanna rabbeeyal adheem.” Ruku is the bowing position, where you lower your head to hip level and keep your back straight. As you get into this position, say “Allahu Akbar.” Once you’re in ruku, say “Subhanna rabbeeyal adheem” 3 times, which means “Glorified is my Lord, the Great.”
8. 8
   Stand back up and say 2 new phrases. Return to the standing position and raise your hands to your ears. In this position, say “Samee Allahu leeman hameeda” (“Allah hears those who praise him.” Then, drop your hands by your sides and say “Rabbana walakal hamd” (“Our Lord, to You is all praise”).
9. 
   9
   Enter sujud and say “Subhanna rabbeeyal ‘alaa.” Sujud is the prostration position, where you get down on your knees and bow your head to the floor. As you move into this position, say “Allahu Akbar.” Then, once you’re in sujud, say “Subhanna rabbeeyal ‘alaa” (“Glory to Allah, the Exalted") 3 times.

   • While in sujud, make sure your forehead, nose, palms of your hands, knees, and toes touch the ground.
10. 10
    Enter juloos and ask Allah for forgiveness. Juloos is the sitting position, where you sit on your legs, keeping your left foot on the floor while raising your right foot. As you get into this position, say “Allahu Akbar.” Then, take the opportunity to say a quick dua and ask Allah for His forgiveness.

    • For instance, say “Rabbigh-fir lee” (“O my Lord, forgive me”) or “Astaghfirullaaha rabbee wa atoobu ilayh” (“I ask forgiveness of God, my Lord, and turn towards him”).
11. 
    11
    Return to sujud. Lower your head to the ground again. Once you’re in the prostration position, say “Subhanna rabbeeyal ‘alaa” (“Glory to Allah, the Exalted") 3 times.
12. 12
    Return to the standing position and say “Allahu Akbar.” To complete the rakat, stand up straight and fold your right arm over your left arm. Then, say “Allahu Akbar.” You’re now ready to begin your next rakat.

    • Follow the same general steps for your next rakat.
    • After every 2 rakats, you perform the tashahud. After the second sujud in the rakat, rise to juloos and say:
      • “At-tahiy-yatu lil-lahi was-salawatu wat-taiyibatu. Assalamu 'Alaika aiyuhan-Nabiyu wa-rahmatul-lahi wa-barakatuhu. Assalamu alai-na wa-'ala i-ba-dil-lahis-sali-hin. Ash-hadu al-la ilaha il-lal-lahu wa ash-hadu an-na Muhammadan 'abdu hu wa Rasuluh.”
      • Translation: “All the compliments are for Allah and all the prayers and all the good things (are for Allah). Peace be on you, O Prophet, and Allah's mercy and blessings (are on you). And peace be on us and on the good (pious) worshipers of Allah. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Apostle.”
13. 
    13
    End your prayer with the tasleem. Once you’ve finished all of your intended rakats, get into the juloos position. Turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatu Allah (“May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you”). Then, turn your head to the left and say “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatu Allah” again.
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Section 8 of 8:

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. 
   1
   What is a rakat? A rakat is a unit of prayer in Islam that involves making a series of specific movements and recitations. Each of the 5 daily prayers consists of different amounts of rakats that you are obligated to perform to complete the prayer properly.

   • There are also optional rakats you can add to your prayer.
2. 2
   What are the different types of rakats? There are 4 different types of rakats:

   • Fard or mandatory. You have to perform all of the fard rakats in each namaz in order to complete it properly.
   • Sunnah or recommended. These are optional prayers that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) completed. While they’re technically optional, they’re highly recommended as they can help you strengthen your faith.
   • Nafl or optional. These are voluntary prayers that you can add to some namaz. While they aren’t highly recommended like sunnah rakats, they can help you get closer to Allah.
   • Witr or recommended. Like the sunnah rakats, witr rakats were performed by the Prophet (PBUH), making them a recommended practice. These rakats are only done in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, etc.) and offered between the Isha and Fajr prayers.
3. 3
   What do I do if I miss a rakat? If you miss a rakat or an important element of a rakat and you haven’t finished the prayer yet (i.e., haven’t said the tasleem), most Islamic scholars say to add another rakat to cancel out the one you did wrong (or missed). Then, prostrate once or twice for your forgetfulness.

   • For instance, if you forgot to enter ruku in your second rakat, your third rakat will now become your second.
   • If you finished the prayer (said tasleem), do another rakat, say the tashahhud, recite the tasleem, and prostrate 1 to 2 times.
   • It’s okay if you make a mistake while praying, as everyone is bound to make a mistake now and again. Mohsin agrees, saying, “Allah created us, knowing that we're going to be not perfect.” Remember that Allah is merciful and “he still wants us to come back and repent and to try again and again and again and again.”
4. 4
   How long does it take to perform a rakat? In general, it takes about 1 to 3 minutes to complete 1 rakat. However, it might take you longer or shorter depending on how long you’ve been praying, the namaz you’re performing, and the pace you’re going.

   • It usually takes people 10 to 15 minutes to complete each namaz (including wudu).
5. 5
   Why is prayer important in Islam? Mohsin says there are “no other acts of worship that we have to do daily, multiple times a day” besides the 5 daily prayers. “There's a reason for that,” he continues, because the “world that we are living in today, it's very fast-paced.” Stopping and praying 5 times each day allows you to take a “spiritual break” and form a “spiritual connection” with Allah.

   • The 5 daily prayers are one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Besides helping you connect to your faith and Allah, praying also helps you:
     • Ask for forgiveness and receive mercy.
     • Seek guidance, navigate challenges, and receive support on your path.
     • Become more disciplined and keep you away from sinful behavior.
     • Develop important virtues, like charity and forgiveness, and become a better Muslim.
     • Connect with other Muslims and build a supportive, helpful community.
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