Salah (Prayer) – The Five Daily Prayers
Introduction & Foundations: Section 1.4
Names and Timing
Islam prescribes five daily prayers, each with specific names and time windows based on the position of the sun:
- Fajr — Dawn, starting from the beginning of true dawn until just before sunrise.
- Dhuhr — Midday, after the sun passes its zenith until the shadow of an object is equal to its length.
- Asr — Afternoon, from the end of Dhuhr time until just before sunset.
- Maghrib — Sunset, Immediately after sunset until the twilight disappears.
- Isha — Night, starting when twilight disappears until midnight (some scholars extend it until dawn).
Number of Rakʿahs
Each prayer consists of a set number of rakʿahs (units):
- Fajr: 2 rakʿahs
- Dhuhr: 4 rakʿahs
- Asr: 4 rakʿahs
- Maghrib: 3 rakʿahs
- Isha: 4 rakʿahs
Qur’anic Command
The obligation of these prayers is established in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah says:
«Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers at the appointed times.» (Qur’an 4:103)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The first deed for which a person will be called to account on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is corrupted, then the rest of his deeds will be corrupted.” (Al-Tabarani)
Significance
These five daily prayers structure a Muslim’s day around remembrance and worship of Allah. They serve as regular moments to pause, reflect, and renew one’s spiritual focus.
Overview
| Prayer | Arabic Name | Time Range | Rakʿahs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dawn | Fajr | From true dawn until just before sunrise | 2 |
| Midday | Dhuhr | After sun passes zenith until shadow = object | 4 |
| Afternoon | ʿAsr | After Dhuhr until just before sunset | 4 |
| Sunset | Maghrib | After sunset until twilight disappears | 3 |
| Night | ʿIsha | After twilight disappears until midnight | 4 |