What to Say in Salah: Complete Prayer Recitation Guide

Learning what to say in Salah is an important part of learning how to pray correctly. For beginners, the different words and supplications used during prayer can seem difficult at first.

This guide explains the main recitations Muslims say during Salah in a simple step-by-step format. It covers the opening takbir, Al-Fatihah, additional Quran recitation, words said during bowing and prostration, tashahhud, salawat, and salam.

What Do You Say When Starting Salah?

Salah begins with the opening takbir. The worshipper raises the hands according to the established practice and says:

Allahu Akbar

This means "Allah is the Greatest." The opening takbir marks the beginning of the prayer.

What Is Said After the Opening Takbir?

Many Muslims recite an opening supplication, known as Du'a al-Istiftah, after the opening takbir and before beginning the Quran recitation.

There are several authentic supplications reported from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The exact supplication may vary depending on the narration and the school of jurisprudence followed.

For beginners, learning one authentic opening supplication with a qualified teacher can be a practical approach.

What Do You Say During Al-Fatihah?

Surah Al-Fatihah is recited in Salah. It contains seven verses and is one of the most important recitations in the prayer.

After the opening supplication, the worshipper recites:

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem

Then Surah Al-Fatihah is recited.

At the end of Al-Fatihah, the worshipper says:

Ameen

The details concerning whether the basmalah is recited aloud or quietly, and some other aspects of recitation, can differ among Islamic schools of jurisprudence.

What Do You Say After Al-Fatihah?

In many prayers, a person recites another portion of the Quran after Al-Fatihah during the appropriate rak'ahs.

This can be a short surah, such as Surah Al-Ikhlas, or another passage from the Quran.

In later rak'ahs, the required recitation may differ depending on the prayer and the school of jurisprudence.

What Do You Say When Bowing (Ruku)?

When moving into ruku, the worshipper says:

Allahu Akbar

While in ruku, one commonly says:

Subhana Rabbiyal-Azeem

This means:

"Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great."

The tasbih is commonly repeated three times or more.

What Do You Say When Rising From Ruku?

When rising from ruku, the imam or a person praying alone commonly says:

Sami'Allahu liman hamidah

This means:

"Allah hears the one who praises Him."

After standing upright, the worshipper says:

Rabbana wa lakal-hamd

There are also authentic variations of this praise.

What Do You Say During Sujood?

When moving into sujood, the worshipper says:

Allahu Akbar

While prostrating, one commonly says:

Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

This means:

"Glory be to my Lord, the Most High."

The tasbih is commonly repeated three times or more.

What Do You Say Between the Two Sujoods?

After the first prostration, the worshipper sits briefly before making the second prostration.

A well-known supplication is:

Rabbighfir li

which means:

"My Lord, forgive me."

There are also longer authentic supplications that can be learned.

What Is Tashahhud in Salah?

Tashahhud is recited while sitting during the appropriate part of the prayer. It includes testimony of faith and greetings upon the Prophet ﷺ.

The commonly taught beginning is:

At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat...

The complete wording can be learned from a qualified Quran or Islamic studies teacher, especially when learning Salah for the first time.

What Do You Say in the Final Sitting?

In the final sitting of Salah, the worshipper recites the tashahhud followed by salawat upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

One commonly taught form is known as Salat Ibrahimiyyah.

After the tashahhud and salawat, the worshipper may make appropriate supplications before ending the prayer.

How Do You End Salah?

The prayer is concluded with salam.

The worshipper turns to the right and says:

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah

Then the salam is repeated toward the left.

This means:

"Peace and the mercy of Allah be upon you."

Quick Salah Recitation Checklist

Learn Salah Step by Step

Knowing what to say in Salah is only one part of learning prayer. Beginners should also learn the correct movements, prayer times, number of rak'ahs, and conditions of valid Salah.

You can continue learning with these related guides:

• Prayer in Islam: Complete Guide to Salah
• How to Pray Salah Step by Step
• The Five Daily Prayers in Islam
• Prayer Times in Islam
• How Many Rak'ahs Are in Each Prayer?
• How to Make Wudu Step by Step
• Conditions of Salah
• Common Salah Mistakes