Method of Saying Namaaz

A. When intending to pray, first clean your body from hadath-e-akbar, asghar, and all visible uncleanliness. Wear neat clothes and stand at a clean place facing the Qiblah. Keep feet apart about the width of four fingers.

Then say the niyyah of the prayer you want to offer. Example: “I intend to pray four rak’aat fard of Fajr for Allah, facing the Ka’bah.” It is better to say it in mind and softly.

Raise both hands to ear lobes, palms facing Qiblah, fingers open. Say Allaahu akbar and fold hands below the navel (right palm on left). Keep eyes fixed at place of sajdah. Recite thanaa, ta’awwudh, tasmiyah, Surah Faatihah, and another surah or aayah (silent if following an imaam). Say Aameen in low voice.

Go into rukuu’ saying takbeer. Hold knees, back straight, head level, hands away from ribs. Say tasbeeh 3–5 times. Stand up erect, saying tasmi’ah and tahmeed.

Then go into sajdah, placing knees, hands, nose, forehead in order. Fingers together, elbows away from ribs (men). Say tasbeeh 3–5 times. Get up, say takbeer, perform second sajdah, then stand again.

In the second rak’ah, sit after second sajdah, left foot sideways, right vertical. Put hands on thighs and recite at-Tahiyyaat. Close right hand thumb and middle finger, raise first finger at “laa ilaaha” and drop at “illallaah”.

For two rak’aat, recite darood shareef and du’aa, then salaam: first right, then left. Three/four rak’aat: stand up after second rak’ah and complete the remaining rak’aat.

After salaam, sunnah du’aas:

• O Allah! You are the bestower of peace, and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Lord of Glory and Honor.
• O Allah! Help me towards performing Your remembrance, showing gratitude, and the best worship.
• There is no god except Allah, the One Who has no partners; For Him is the dominion, all praise, and He is able to do all things.
• O Allah! No one can hold back what You have given, nor give what You have withheld. No wealth saves from Your punishment.