Isha prayer, the night prayer, is the fifth obligatory prayer in Islam. Muslims perform it daily after sunset. It holds great significance in their daily life. To perform Isha prayers, start with wudu and make the niyyat for 4 rak’ahs Isha Namaz. Say “Allahu Akbar,” then recite Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Ikhlas, followed by ruku and two sujoods.
Repeat this for the second rak’ah, then recite Tashahhud. In the third rak’ats, follow the same steps. In the last rakat, after sujood recite Tashahhud, Salawat, and conclude Isha Salah with tasleem by saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” to both sides.
Isha prayer is performed the same way as other four-rakat prayers. It is the four rakat of the obligatory (fard) prayer. Isha sunnah prayers consist of four and two rak’ahs of sunnah, Nafl prayers and three rak’ahs of witr prayer for additional blessings.
What is Isha Prayer?
Isha prayer, known as “Salat al-Isha” in Arabic, is the fifth and final daily prayer. It is performed after the night has completely set in, following the Maghrib prayer. The time for Isha typically starts about an hour and a half after sunset and extends until midnight or even just before dawn, depending on local Islamic guidelines.
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The Importance of Isha Prayer in Islam
Performing Isha prayer is more than just a routine; it’s an act of worship that brings immense rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of this prayer, as it helps to keep one’s faith intact and offers a means to attain Allah’s blessings. Isha prayer serves as a way to conclude the day with gratitude and humility, reinforcing a Muslim’s connection to Allah (SWT).
Conditions for Performing Isha Prayer
Before performing Isha, there are several prerequisites to ensure that the prayer is valid:
- Cleanliness (Wudu): Performing Wudu, or ablution, is a requirement for all prayers. It involves washing specific parts of the body in a prescribed manner.
- Appropriate Clothing: Modesty is key. Men should cover from the navel to the knees, while women should cover their entire body except for the face and hands.
- Direction of Prayer (Qibla): Muslims must face the Kaaba in Mecca while performing their prayers. This direction is known as the Qibla.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Isha Prayer
Intention (Niyyah)
Before starting the prayer, one must make the intention (niyyah) to perform the Isha prayer sincerely for the sake of Allah.
First Rakat
- Start with Takbir:
Raise both hands and say “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer.
- Recite Opening Supplication:
Recite opening supplication (Du’a al-Istiftah). Say “Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk”
‘Glorious You are O Allah, and with Your praise, and blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your majesty, and none has the right to be worshipped but You’.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah:
This is the opening chapter of the Quran and is recited in every rak’ah.
“Auzu billahi minash shaitan rajeem Bismillah hir rahman nir Raheem
lhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem Maaliki Yawmid-Deen Iyyaaka na’budu wa lyyaaka nasta’een Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem Siraatal-lazeena an’amta ‘alaihim ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-daaalleen”
Meaning: I seek Allah’s protection from Satan, the accursed. In the name of Allah who is kind and merciful.Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.
At the end of reciting Surah Fatiha say Ameen.
- Recite a Surah:
It is recommended to recite any other Surah or portion of the Quran after Al-Fatihah. You can recite surah Ikhlas:
“Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim. Qul Huwallahu ahad. Allahussamad. Lam yalid wa lam yu-lad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.”
Meaning: In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful. Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is Eternal and Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none co-equal unto Him.
- Ruku (Bowing):
Bow down and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” three times.
Meaning: Glory be to my Lord Almighty.
- Stand Up (Qiyam):
Return to the standing position, saying “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
Meaning: Allah hears those who praise Him. Our lord, to you be the praise.
- Sujood (Prostration):
Go into prostration and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
Meaning: How Perfect is my Lord, the Highest
- Sit Between Sujoods:
Sit briefly, Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit upright. Keep your right foot up and your left foot flat on the ground. Place your hands on your thighs with fingers pointing toward your knees. This position is known as Jalsah Al-istiraha. Then, recite “Rabbighfir li”. O my Lord! Forgive me. Then perform the second sujood.
This indicates that you have completed the first rakat..
Second Rakat
Repeat the steps from the first rak’at. After the second sujood, stand seated in Jalsah position and recite the Tashahhud before standing up for the third rak’ah.
Third Rakat
Follow the same steps as the first two rak’ats but don’t recite Tashahhud.
Fourth Rakat
Complete the steps as before. Conclude the prayer by reciting the full Tashahhud, including the Salawat (sending blessings upon the Prophet), and end with Tasleem by turning the head to the right and left, saying “As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.”
Dua After Salam:
Allahumma a’innee alaa dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibaadatika
Meaning: O Allah, help me to remember You and thank You and help me to the best manner of worshipping You.
Conclusion: How to Perform Isha Prayers
Learning to perform Isha prayer might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s actually a beautiful and straightforward way to end your day. By following these steps, you’re not just completing an obligation, but actively strengthening your connection with Allah (SWT) and finding a moment of peace in the day’s quiet.
Each part of the prayer, from the initial intention to the final “As-Salamu Alaikum,” brings you closer to a sense of spiritual fulfillment. As you practice regularly, you’ll find that Isha prayer becomes a comforting routine that not only fulfills a religious obligation but also enriches your life with calm and purpose.
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