Second Rukn of Prayer: Qiraa’ah

Q. What is meant by Qiraa’ah?

A. Qiraa’ah means recitation, specifically the recitation of the Qur’aan.

Q. How much Qiraa’ah of the Qur’aan is necessary in prayer?

A. Reciting at least one aayah is fard. Saying Surah Faatihah is waajib. Reciting a surah, or one long aayah, or three short aayaat in addition to Faatihah in the first two rak’aat of fard, and in all rak’aat of witr, sunnah, and nafl, is also waajib.

Q. Is Surah Faatihah waajib in all rak’aat of every namaaz?

A. Except in the third and fourth rak’aat of fard, reading Faatihah is waajib in all rak’aat of every prayer (fard, waajib, sunnah, nafl).

Q. What if one does not remember even one aayah?

A. One may recite “Subhaanallaah” or “Al-hamdu lillaah” instead. It is fard to memorize some Qur’aan aayaat necessary for fard prayers; failing to do so is sinful.

Q. In which salaah should the Qiraa’ah be read aloud?

A. Waajib for the imaam in first two rak’aat of Fajr, Maghrib, ‘Ishaa, Friday prayer, two ‘Eid prayers, and in Ramadan for witr and taraweeh prayers.

Q. In which prayers should the recitation be done in a low voice?

A. The imaam and munfarid recite low in Zuhr and ‘Asr; the munfarid recites low in witr prayers.

Q. How loud should the recitation be?

A. Lowest reading aloud = reaches ear of next person. Lowest reading low = audible to oneself.

Q. What do we call prayers recited aloud?

A. Jahri Namaaz — “Jahr” means reading aloud.

Q. What do we call prayers recited in a low voice?

A. Sirri Namaaz — “Sirr” means secret (not open), recited in a low voice.

Q. If one only thinks the words in mind, will it be proper?

A. Thinking alone does not complete salaah. Words must be pronounced with the lips.