What is Rakat and How Many Rakat in Each Prayers?
At this point, it has been clear that Muslims have to perform the mandatory prayer five times per day. But, each mandatory prayer requires a different number of Rakat. Rakat is the term that refers to the series of movements performed during the Salah prayer. In simple terms, Rakat combines ritual bows and prostration during salah, in which the holy Quran is also recited.
The first Rakat of Salah begins when the Muslim worshiper says Allah is the Greatest, which is known in Arabic as ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ (read: Allahu Akbar) and is followed by surah Al-fatihah and a personal selection of any verses or chapters from the Quran. This action is then followed by a 90-degree angle bow and then back to the standing position. After that, the worshipper follows to do a full prostration on the ground. During prostration, the worshipper’s forehead and nose must be flat on the ground. While prostrating, the worshippers place their palms shoulder-width apart to the right and left of their ears. The fourth movement is when the worshipper returns from the prostration to the flat-legged sitting position, repeats the prostration, and finally returns to the standing position. This series of motions is considered one Rakat.
- The Fajr prayer consists of two rakat of Sunnah Muakidah and two rakat of Fard
- The Zuhr prayer, four rakat of Sunnah Muakidah, four rakat of Fard, two rakat of Sunnah Muakidah, and two rakat of Nafl
- The Asr, four rakat of Sunnah Ghair Muakidah, and four rakat of Fard Prayer.
- The Maghrib prayer, three rakat of Fard two rakat of Sunnah Muakida, and two rakat of Nafl
- The Isha prayer, four rakat Sunnah Ghair Muakidah, four rakat Fard, two rakat Sunnah Muakidah, two rakat Nafl and three rakat wajib.
Before performing any of the prayers, Muslims must conduct wudu, the Islamic practice of purification by cleansing the body parts.
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