Namaz Rakat Guide: How Many Rakats in Each Prayer?
For Muslims, Islam has made five daily prayers obligatory, which must be performed on time and according to the prescribed number of Rakats. The prayer, which is called “Salah” or “Salat” in Arabic, prevents indecency and evil deeds and serves as a means of communication with ALLAH (SWT).
For new Muslims, the most confusing aspect is often the number of Rakats in each prayer. Keeping this in mind, and as a practicing Muslim, we will guide you through a comprehensive article that includes a Namaz Rakats chart, a table, and detailed explanations of all five daily prayers Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. We will also cover their structure and recitations based on authentic narrations.
namaz rakats table
By looking at the prayer chart below, you can easily understand the total number of Rakats for each prayer:
| Namaz | Sunnah | Fard | Sunnah | Nafl | Witr | Nafl | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Dhuhr | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | – | – | 12 |
| Asr | 4 | 4 | – | – | – | – | 8 |
| Maghrib | – | 3 | 2 | 2 | – | – | 7 |
| Isha | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 17 |
| Jumah | 4 | 2 | 4+2 | 2 | – | – | 14 |
This chart provides a clear breakdown of the Rakats for each prayer. May Allah guide us all to perform our prayers consistently. Here is the chart in image format also.
What Is Rakat in prayer?
Rakat is a unit of measuring prayer, and no prayer exists without Rakats. In each Rakat, the one performing Salah goes through specific actions: standing and reciting verses from the Quran (called Qiyam), bowing while reciting specific phrases (called Ruku), and performing prostrations (called Sujood or Sajda).
By performing these actions step by step, a person completes each Rakat and progresses through the prayer.
Every action and movement in Salah glorifies and magnifies Allah (SWT). Each obligatory prayer (Fard) consists of a different number of Rakats, performed within a designated time. These Rakats determine how Muslims perform their daily prayers.
Now, let’s go through the number of Islamic prayer Rakats, identifying which ones are obligatory (Fard) and which are optional.
Fajr Namaz Rakats (Dawn Prayer)
The first prayer is Fajr, which holds great significance according to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is performed before sunrise.
Total number of Rakats in Fajr: 4
- 2 Sunnah Rakats (Sunnat-e-Muakkadah) – These are prayed before the Fard and are highly emphasized.
- 2 Fard Rakats (Obligatory) – These are the most essential; without them, Fajr prayer is incomplete and invalid.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
The two rakats of Fajr are better than this world and all it contains.” (Muslim)
Source : Muslim
Dhuhr ( Zuhr) Namaz Rakats (Midday Prayer)
The Dhuhr prayer time begins when the sun passes its zenith, meaning when the sun starts descending from the middle of the sky towards the west and it is the second prayer. This prayer provides spiritual peace, allowing a person to take a short break in the middle of the day, find rest, and attain tranquility through the remembrance of Allah.
Total number of Rakats in Dhuhr: 12
- 4 Sunnah Rakats (Sunnat-e-Muakkadah): These are mandatory, and they hold great significance. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to perform them regularly.
- 4 Fard Rakats (Obligatory): These are essential; without them, the prayer remains incomplete.
- 2 Sunnah Rakats (Sunnat-e-Muakkadah): These also have great virtue and should not be missed.
- 2 Nafl Rakats (Optional): If performed, it is better as it increases the reward of the prayer.
Asr Namaz Rakats (Afternoon Prayer)
The Asr prayer comes third in order and is performed in the late afternoon or halfway between noon and sunset. It is the middle prayer among all five daily prayers and holds great significance.
Total Number of Rakats in Asr: 8
- 4 Sunnah Rakats (Sunnat-e-Muakkadah): These are not mandatory; if someone skips them, there is no sin, but if performed, they bring great reward and virtue.
- 4 Fard Rakats (Obligatory): These are essential, and without them, the Asr prayer has no validity.
Magrib Namaz Rakats (Sunset Prayer)
The Maghrib prayer is a quick and time-sensitive prayer that must be performed promptly comes on second last. Its time begins right after sunset, and it should ideally be offered before complete darkness sets in.
Total Number of Rakats in Maghrib: 7
- 3 Fard Rakats (Obligatory): These are the foundation of the Maghrib prayer; without them, the prayer is incomplete.
- 2 Sunnah Rakats (Sunnat-e-Muakkadah): It is recommended to pray these after the 3 Fard.
- 2 Nafl Rakats (Optional): These are optional, but performing them increases the reward and virtue of the prayer.
Isha Namaz Rakats (Night Prayer)
The Isha prayer is the fifth and final daily prayer, and its time begins when the night has fully set in, meaning complete darkness has fallen. It remains valid until before the Fajr prayer. This prayer holds great importance for Muslims, as performing it brings peace to sleep and relaxation to the heart.
Total Number of Rakats in Isha: 17
- 4 Sunnah Rakats (Sunnat-e-Muakkadah): These are optional, but performing them is beneficial.
- 4 Fard Rakats (Obligatory): These are essential; without them, the prayer remains incomplete.
- 2 Sunnah Rakats (Sunnat-e-Muakkadah): These are recommended after the 4 Fard.
- 2 Nafl Rakats (Optional): These are optional but hold great virtue.
- 3 Witr Rakats (Mandatory): These are obligatory, and without them, the Isha prayer is incomplete. In the third Rakat, the Dua-e-Qunoot is recited after a Quranic Surah.
- 2 Nafl Rakats (Optional): These are optional, but performing them increases the reward.
Namaz Rakat: Final Thoughts
Performing the correct number of Rakats in prayer instills discipline in a Muslim’s life, shaping one’s character and strengthening faith. It deepens a person’s trust and reliance on Allah. Following the prescribed number of Rakats is essential, as these numbers were determined beforehand and were the same as those observed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
One can understand the imprtance of salah by this Hadith:
“Allah will build a house in Heaven for whoever is diligent in observing 12 Sunnah Rak’at (as follows): 4 Rak’at before and 2 after the Zhuhr (Midday) Prayer, 2 after the Maghrib (Sunset Prayer), 2 after the ‘Isha (Evening) Prayer and 2 before the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer.”
Source : (Tirmdhi)
After reading this guide, I hope you have gained valuable insight and that any confusion regarding the actual number of Rakats has been cleared. May Allah grant all of us the ability to perform our five daily prayers regularly.
