The Fajr prayer, also known as the morning prayer, marks the beginning of a Muslim’s day and is one of the five obligatory daily prayers in Islam. It holds great spiritual significance, symbolizing light over darkness and faith over neglect. Performing Fajr on time brings blessings, peace of mind, and divine protection throughout the day. This guide explains how to perform the Fajr prayer step by step, including recitations, intentions, and recommended supplications — making it ideal for beginners or anyone wishing to strengthen their worship.
{inAds}
🌙 1. The Time and Structure of Fajr Prayer
The Fajr prayer is performed after true dawn (Fajr al-Sadiq) and ends just before sunrise. Once the sun rises, the time for Fajr is over. It consists of a total of four Rak‘ahs (units of prayer), divided into two parts:
- Two Rak‘ahs Sunnah: These are highly emphasized (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) and were regularly performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Two Rak‘ahs Fard: These are obligatory (Fard) and must be performed by every adult Muslim who is able to pray.
In total, the Fajr prayer includes two Sunnah Rak‘ahs followed by two Fard Rak‘ahs, making it a brief yet deeply significant act of worship that begins a believer’s day with remembrance and peace.
🙏 2. Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Fajr Prayer
🟢 A. The Two Sunnah Rak‘ahs
First Rak‘ah
- Intention (Niyyah):“I intend to perform two Sunnah Rak‘ahs of the Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah.”
- Raise hands and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Recite Subhanaka Allahumma…
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by a short surah such as Al-Kafirun or Al-Ikhlas.
- Perform Ruku‘ (bowing) saying “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Azim” three times.
- Rise from Ruku‘ and perform two Sujoods (prostrations) saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” three times each.
- Stand up for the second Rak‘ah.
Second Rak‘ah
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another short surah (e.g., Al-Falaq or An-Nas).
- Perform Ruku‘ and Sujood as before.
- Sit for Tashahhud (At-Tahiyyat) and recite: At-Tahiyyatu lillahi… Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad… Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad…
- End by saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” to the right and left.
🟣 B. The Two Fard Rak‘ahs
First Rak‘ah
- Intention (Niyyah): “I intend to perform two Fard Rak‘ahs of the Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah.”
- Say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Recite Subhanaka, then Surah Al-Fatiha and a short surah.
- Perform Ruku‘ and two Sujoods.
- Stand up for the second Rak‘ah.
Second Rak‘ah
- Recite Al-Fatiha and a short surah.
- Perform Ruku‘ and Sujood.
- Sit for Tashahhud and recite the final prayers.
- End with two Taslims to complete the Fajr prayer.
🌸 3. Recommended Supplications After Fajr Prayer
After completing the prayer, Muslims are encouraged to engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Dua (supplication).
Recommended Dhikr:
- Say Subhanallah 33 times
- Say Alhamdulillah 33 times
- Say Allahu Akbar 34 times
It is also recommended to recite Ayat al-Kursi and the last three surahs of the Qur’an (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas) for protection and spiritual strength.
{inAds}
🌞 4. Virtues and Benefits of the Fajr Prayer
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever performs the Fajr prayer, he is under the protection of Allah.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Performing Fajr consistently nurtures discipline, mindfulness, and peace. It is a moment of spiritual connection that sets a positive tone for the entire day.
✨ Conclusion
The Fajr prayer is more than just an obligation; it is a profound act of devotion that opens one’s day with light, peace, and purpose. By understanding and performing it correctly, Muslims strengthen their bond with Allah and align their day with blessings and serenity.
 Prayer Step by Step){kind=link}