How many rakats are in each prayer?
Answered with evidence from the Quran and authentic Hadith
Quick Answer
The five daily prayers are: Fajr (2 rakats), Dhuhr (4 rakats), Asr (4 rakats), Maghrib (3 rakats), and Isha (4 rakats). This totals 17 obligatory rakats per day.
Detailed Answer
The five daily obligatory prayers have a fixed number of rakats: Fajr has 2, Dhuhr has 4, Asr has 4, Maghrib has 3, and Isha has 4 — totaling 17 rakats per day.
In addition to the obligatory prayers, there are recommended sunnah prayers (rawatib): 2 before Fajr, 4 before and 2 after Dhuhr, 2 after Maghrib, and 2 after Isha. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said whoever prays 12 voluntary rakats daily will have a house built for them in Paradise.
Evidence from Quran & Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever prays twelve voluntary rakats in a day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four before Dhuhr and two after it, two after Maghrib, two after Isha, and two before Fajr."
Key Points
- ✦The five daily obligatory prayers have a fixed number of rakats: Fajr has 2, Dhuhr has 4, Asr has 4, Maghrib has 3, and Isha has 4 — totaling 17 rakats per day..
- ✦In addition to the obligatory prayers, there are recommended sunnah prayers (rawatib): 2 before Fajr, 4 before and 2 after Dhuhr, 2 after Maghrib, and 2 after Isha.
Related Questions
How do I pray Fajr (dawn prayer)?
Fajr prayer consists of 2 rakats (units) performed after dawn and before sunrise. It begins with the opening takbir (Allahu Akbar), recitation of Al-Fatihah and a short surah in each rakat, followed by ruku (bowing) and sujud (prostration).
Can I pray (make salah) in English instead of Arabic?
The obligatory parts of salah (Al-Fatihah, takbir, tashahhud) must be recited in Arabic. However, personal dua (supplication) can be made in any language. New Muslims who have not yet memorized Arabic recitations may recite what they can while learning.
What breaks your wudu (ablution)?
Wudu is broken by: passing gas or using the bathroom, deep sleep, loss of consciousness, touching private parts directly, and bleeding (according to some scholars). Eating, touching a spouse, or minor naps do not break wudu.
Can you shorten or combine prayers while traveling?
Yes. While traveling, you may shorten 4-rakat prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Isha) to 2 rakats. You may also combine Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha. Fajr stays at 2 rakats and Maghrib at 3.
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Note: This answer is based on the Quran and authentic Hadith for general guidance. For detailed rulings on your specific situation, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar. May Allah guide us all to the truth.