How to Pray Salah: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
2026-04-18 · 7 min read
Before You Begin
Before praying, you must perform Wudu (ablution). Wudu involves washing your hands, face, arms, and feet in a specific order.
Making Intention (Niyyah)
Stand facing the Qibla and make your intention in your heart for the specific prayer.
Opening Takbir
Raise your hands to your earlobes and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).
Standing (Qiyam)
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by any other Surah.
Bowing (Ruku)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow, saying "Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem" three times.
Prostration (Sujood)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and prostrate, saying "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" three times.
Use Nurlu App
Download Nurlu to get accurate prayer time notifications and Qibla direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must you do before praying?
Performing ablution (wudu) is obligatory before prayer. It consists of washing the hands, face, arms and feet in a set order. After that you face the qibla and form the intention for the prayer you are about to perform.
How do you make the intention (niyyah)?
The intention means being aware in your heart of which prayer you are performing. Saying it aloud is not required; the inward resolve is enough. You then raise your hands and say the opening takbir ("Allahu akbar") to begin.
What are the parts of one rakah?
A rakah consists of standing (qiyam, with Quran recitation), bowing (ruku) and two prostrations (sujud). This sequence repeats in every rakah; the number of rakahs depends on which prayer you are performing.
Where should a complete beginner start?
Start by learning to perform ablution correctly, then the order of the prayer (intention, takbir, standing, bowing, prostration). Rather than memorising everything at once, practise slowly step by step and begin with short surahs.