In this article we will read how to Perform Asr Prayer: In Islam. The Asr prayer, the mid-afternoon prayer, holds a significant position in a Muslim’s daily spiritual routine.
Step-by-Step Performance of the Asr Prayer
The Asr prayer consists of four Rak’ahs (units) of obligatory (Fard) prayer. It is performed silently.
1. Prerequisite: Purification and Attire
Ensure you are in a state of ritual purity by performing Wudu (ablution). Before praying, make sure your place and clothing are clean. Then face toward the Ka’bah in the holy city of Makkah.
2. The Intention (Niyyah)
The intention is made in the heart. There is no need to verbalize it loudly. In your heart, firmly resolve to perform the four Rak’ahs of the Fard Asr prayer for the sake of Allah alone.
3. The First Rak’ah
Takbeer Tahrimah: Elevate your hands (to ears for men, chest for women) and proclaim “Allahu Akbar.” This act marks the official start of Salah.
Recitation of Opening Du’a (Sana): Silently recite:
All glory and praise belong to You, O Allah. Your Name is filled with blessings, Your power is elevated, and none is worthy of worship but You.
Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah: Silently say “A’oodhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajeem” (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan), then “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah: Recite the entire Surah Al-Fatihah, pausing briefly at the end of each verse. This is a pillar (Rukn) of the prayer and is obligatory.
Ameen: Silently say “Ameen” after finishing Al-Fatihah.
Recitation of a Surah: Recite another chapter or a few verses from the Qur’an (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Kawthar, or any other you have memorized).
Ruku’ (Bowing):
Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) while bending forward into the bowing position. Keep your back straight and level with your head, and grasp your knees firmly with both hands. In this humble posture of submission, say three times quietly:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem”
(Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.)
Rising from Ruku’ say:
“Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah.”
(Allah hears the one who praises Him.)
As you stand upright, silently say:
“Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.”
(Our Lord, and to you is all praise.)
Sujood (Prostration): Say “Allahu Akbar” and descend into prostration.
“Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la.”
(How perfect my Lord is, The Highest.)
Sitting between the Two Prostrations: Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit up from the first prostration. Sit in the resting position (Iftirash) and silently say:
(O my Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, strengthen me, elevate me, provide for me, guide me, and grant me health.)
Second Sujood: Say “Allahu Akbar” and perform the second prostration exactly like the first.
This completes the first Rak’ah.
4. The Second Rak’ah
Stand up for the second Rak’ah by saying “Allahu Akbar”.
Repeat the steps of the first Rak’ah: Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah, perform Ruku’, and the two prostrations.
After the second Sujood, remain seated for the Tashahhud (First Sitting).
Recite silently:
“At-tahiyyatu lillahi, was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. As-salamu ‘alalaina wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluh.”
Stand up for the third Rak’ah by saying “Allahu Akbar”.
5. The Third and Fourth Rak’ahs
For the third Rak’ah, recite only Surah Al-Fatihah (without an additional Surah afterwards).
Perform Ruku’ and Sujood as before.
Stand up for the fourth Rak’ah by saying “Allahu Akbar”.
In the fourth Rak’ah, again recite only Surah Al-Fatihah.
Perform Ruku’ and the two prostrations.
6. The Final Sitting (Tashahhud) and Tasleem
After the second Sujood of the fourth Rak’ah, remain seated for the final Tashahhud.
Recite the full Tashahhud (as mentioned in the second Rak’ah).
Add the Salawat (Blessings upon the Prophet):
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you sent blessings upon the family of Abraham. Indeed, you are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, bestow your grace upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You bestowed Your grace upon the family of Abraham. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
Recite a Supplication (Du’a) before Tasleem: You can recite any authentic du’a, for example:
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min ‘adhabi jahannam, wa min ‘adhabil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal.”
(O Allah, I seek refuge in you from the punishment of Hellfire, from the punishment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of the trial of the False Messiah.)
Tasleem (The Salutation): To end the prayer, turn your head to the right and say:
“Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
Conclusion:
To understand How to Perform Asr Prayer, must read this article. Perform Asr Prayer with a conscious adherence to the Sunnah transforms it from a mere ritual into a profound spiritual encounter.
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