Prayer (Namaz) Units
Namaz, also known as Salah, is the Islamic worship act performed five times a day. Each of these five prayers (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) consists of a specific number of Rakats (units of prayer). This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the Rakats for each Namaz.
What is a Rakat?
A Rakat is a unit of prayer that consists of a specific sequence of movements and recitations. Every Namaz has a designated number of Rakats, which can be categorized into:
- Fard (obligatory)
- Sunnah (recommended, divided into Sunnah Mu’akkadah – emphasized, and Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah – non-emphasized)
- Witr (specific to Isha prayer)
Let’s explore the Rakats for each Namaz step by step.
1. Fajr (Morning Prayer)
Fajr is the first prayer of the day, performed at dawn. It consists of two categories of Rakats:
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): 2 Rakats
- Fard (Obligatory): 2 Rakats
Total Rakats in Fajr: 4 Rakats (2 Sunnah Mu’akkadah + 2 Fard)
2. Zuhr (Noon Prayer)
Zuhr is the prayer performed in the early afternoon, and it contains both Sunnah and Fard Rakats.
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): 4 Rakats
- Fard (Obligatory): 4 Rakats
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah) After Fard: 2 Rakats
- Optional Nafl (Non-Obligatory): 2 Rakats (Optional)
Total Rakats in Zuhr: 12 Rakats (4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah Mu’akkadah + 2 Nafl)
3. Asr (Afternoon Prayer)
Asr is performed in the late afternoon and includes only Fard and optional Sunnah Rakats.
- Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah (Non-Emphasized Sunnah): 4 Rakats (Optional)
- Fard (Obligatory): 4 Rakats
Total Rakats in Asr: 8 Rakats (4 Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah + 4 Fard)
4. Maghrib (Evening Prayer)
Maghrib is the prayer offered just after sunset. It has fewer Rakats compared to other prayers.
- Fard (Obligatory): 3 Rakats
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): 2 Rakats
- Optional Nafl (Non-Obligatory): 2 Rakats (Optional)
Total Rakats in Maghrib: 7 Rakats (3 Fard + 2 Sunnah Mu’akkadah + 2 Nafl)
5. Isha (Night Prayer)
Isha is the final prayer of the day, performed at night. It includes a mix of Fard, Sunnah, and Witr Rakats.
- Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah (Non-Emphasized Sunnah): 4 Rakats (Optional)
- Fard (Obligatory): 4 Rakats
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): 2 Rakats
- Witr (Obligatory): 3 Rakats
- Optional Nafl (Non-Obligatory): 2 Rakats (Optional)
Total Rakats in Isha: 17 Rakats (4 Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah Mu’akkadah + 3 Witr + 2 Nafl)
Summary of Rakats in All Namaz:
| Namaz | Sunnah (Mu’akkadah) | Fard | Sunnah (After Fard) | Witr | Nafl | Total Rakats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | 4 Rakats |
| Zuhr | 4 | 4 | 2 | – | 2 | 12 Rakats |
| Asr | 4 (Ghair Mu’akkadah) | 4 | – | – | – | 8 Rakats |
| Maghrib | – | 3 | 2 | – | 2 | 7 Rakats |
| Isha | 4 (Ghair Mu’akkadah) | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 17 Rakats |
All five daily prayers (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) have a specific number of Rakats that include a combination of Fard, Sunnah, and optional Nafl prayers. Performing the Fard Rakats is important as they are obligatory, while the Sunnah and Nafl prayers are recommended for additional spiritual reward.
Also, read All about Tahajjud Prayer: Time, Dua, Method & More
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