Namaz Rakats
What is a Rak’ah?
In Islam, the ritual prayers performed by Muslims are referred to as namaz or salah. These prayers have units called rak’ahs. A specified progression or sequence is associated with each rak’ah, including standing, bowing down, falling prostration, and returning to a sitting position.
A rak’ah is a single unit of prayer in namaz. Each rak’ah includes:
Number of Rak’ahs in Each Prayer
The number may vary from prayer to prayer, depending on the time of its performance. There are:
Namaz Fajar
- 2 Rakat Sunnah
- 2 Rakat Fard
Total = 4 Rakats
Duhur
- 4 Rakat Sunnah
- 4 Rakat Fard
- 2 Rakat Sunnah
- 2 Rakat Nafl
Total = 12 Rakats
Asr
- 4 Rakat Sunnah
- 4 Rakat Fard
Total = 8 Rakats
Maghrib
- 3 Rakat Fard
- 2 Rakat Sunnah
- 2 Rakat Nafl
Total = 7 Rakats
Isha
- 4 Rakat Sunnah
- 4 Rakat Fard
- 2 Rakat Sunnah
- 2 Rakat Nafl
- 3 Rakat Witr
- 2 Rakat Nafl
Total = 17 Rakats
Jummah
- 4 Rakat Sunnah
- 2 Rakat Fard
- 4 Rakat Sunnah
- 2 Rakat Sunnah
- 2 Rakat Nafl
Total = 14 Rakats
Significance of Rak’ahs
Every rak’ah of prayer has value and serves as a means of approaching Allah. The number of rak’ahs to be performed in each prayer is the basic wajib or requirement of namaz. Every rak’ah, with its order and recitations, helps to focus one’s mind and heart on worship and devotion.
Keeping the correct number of rak’ahs and proper performance allows the Muslim to fulfill his religious obligations, whereby spiritual bondage is strengthened with Allah.
