How To Perform The Fajr Prayer As Per Islamic Ritual?

Fajr prayer holds significant importance in Islam. It is a demonstration of a Muslim’s commitment and dedication to their faith. Some of the key reasons why Fajr prayer is essential are:

• It is a commandment from Allah: Fajr prayer is one of the five obligatory prayers prescribed in the Quran and Hadith. Muslims must perform it regularly to fulfil their religious obligations and maintain a strong connection with Allah.
• Spiritual benefits: Praying Fajr allows Muslims to start their day with a clean slate, seeking forgiveness and guidance from Allah. It is an opportunity to renew one’s intentions and seek blessings for the day ahead.
• Physical benefits: Waking up early for Fajr prayer instils discipline and helps maintain a regular sleep schedule. It also has numerous health benefits, such as improved concentration and productivity throughout the day.

Fajr prayer consists of two Rak’ahs (units) of Sunnah (voluntary) prayer, followed by two Rak’ahs of Fard (obligatory) prayer. The time for Fajr prayer begins at the break of dawn (when the first light appears on the horizon) and ends just before sunrise. It is crucial to perform Fajr prayer within this window to ensure its validity.

To determine the exact time for Fajr prayer, Muslims can refer to prayer calendars, local mosques, websites and mobile applications that provide accurate prayer times based on their location.

Before performing the Fajr prayer, a Muslim must fulfil specific conditions:

• Purity: Muslims must be in a state of ritual purity (Wudu) before performing any prayer, including Fajr. Wudu involves washing the face, arms, head, and feet with clean water.
• Intention (Niyyah): Muslims must make a sincere intention to perform the Fajr prayer for Allah’s sake. Intention is an act of the heart and does not require verbalisation.
• Covering the body (Awrah): Men must cover their body from the navel to the knees, while women should cover their entire body except for the face, hands, and feet. Proper clothing should be worn to ensure modesty during prayer.
• Facing the Qiblah: While performing the Fajr prayer, Muslims must face the Kaaba in Mecca, which is the Qiblah (direction of prayer). It is important to identify the correct direction of the Qiblah before starting the prayer.
• Prayer space: Ensure the area where you will perform Fajr prayer is clean and free from impurities. It should also be a quiet and peaceful space to help maintain focus during the prayer.

1. Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the Qiblah, and make the intention to perform Fajr prayer in your heart.
2. Raise both hands up to the level of your ears, with palms facing the Qiblah, and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). This action is called Takbiratul Ihram and marks the beginning of the prayer.
3. Place your right hand over your left hand, resting them on your chest. This is the standing position known as Qiyam.
4. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the first chapter of the Quran, followed by a short Surah or a few verses from the Quran. This is done in a low voice during Fajr prayer.
5. Perform another Takbir by saying “Allahu Akbar” and move into the bowing position called Ruku. In this position, bend at the waist, placing your hands on your knees with your back parallel to the ground. While in Ruku, say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty) three times.
6. Stand up straight from Ruku, saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him), followed by “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Our Lord, and to You be all praise).
7. Perform another Takbir and go into the prostration position called Sujood. In this position, place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Ala” (Glory be to my Lord, the Highest) three times.
8. Sit up from Sujood with your right foot resting on your left foot, and say “Rabbighfir li” (O Lord, forgive me). This sitting position is called Jalsah.
9. Perform a second Sujood and recite “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Ala” three times.
10. Stand up for the second Rak’ah, repeating steps 4-9.
11. After the second Sujood in the second Rak’ah, sit up for the Tashahhud. In this position, place your left hand on your left thigh and your right hand on your right thigh, with the right index finger pointing towards the Qiblah. Recite the Tashahhud:
12. “At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.”
    (All compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.)
13. After reciting the Tashahhud, say the Salawat:
14. “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid.”
    (O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory.)
15. End the prayer by saying “As-salaam ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) while turning your head to the right and then repeating it while turning your head to the left. This action is called Taslim and signifies the completion of the prayer.

• Skipping the two Rak’ahs of Sunnah prayer: Although the Sunnah prayer is voluntary, it is highly recommended to perform it before the Fard prayer, as it was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• Rushing through the prayer: Take your time and focus on each step and recitation, as the quality of the prayer is more important than the quantity.
• Incorrect recitation: Make sure to learn the correct pronunciation and meaning of the recitations, as incorrect recitation can affect the validity of the prayer.
• Not observing the proper order: Ensure that each step of the prayer is performed in the correct sequence, as any deviations may invalidate the prayer.

Fajr prayer is an essential aspect of a Muslim’s daily routine, offering spiritual and physical benefits while fulfilling one’s religious obligations. This comprehensive guide has provided you with the necessary information on the importance, timings, conditions, steps, and common mistakes related to Fajr prayer. By adhering to these guidelines and performing Fajr prayer with sincerity and devotion, you can begin each day with a strong connection to Allah and a renewed sense of purpose.

Also, check out our article on how to wear an Ihram for Haji/ Umrah Pilgrimage.