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Asr Prayer (Salat): A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide

Asr prayer (Salat), also known as the mid-afternoon prayer, is one of the five daily prayers (Salah) that Muslims must perform. It is prayed in the late afternoon and serves as a crucial reminder to pause and remember Allah Almighty during the busy part of the day. 

Read on to learn more about Asr Prayer.

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Time for Asr Namaz

Asr prayer, often referred to as the afternoon prayer, begins when the time for Zuhr prayer ends and the shadow of an object becomes equal in length to the object itself. This marks the start of Asr. This prayer time continues until the sun begins to turn yellow, signaling the approach of sunset.

Asr Prayer Rakat

The Asr prayer consists of four obligatory (Fard) rakats. In addition to these, it is recommended to offer four voluntary (Sunnah) rakats before the mandatory ones, although these are not required.

The Significance of Asr Prayer

The Asr prayer is mentioned in several places in the Quran and Hadith, emphasizing its importance. One of the key verses highlighting its significance is Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238), where Allah (SWT) says: 

“Observe the ˹five obligatory˺ prayers—especially the middle prayer.”

Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned that missing the Asr prayer intentionally could lead to a person’s good deeds being nullified, underscoring the gravity of this prayer.

Wudu or Ghusl Before Asr Prayer

Before performing the Asr prayer, it’s essential to ensure cleanliness. You can perform wudu (ablution) if you’re in a state of minor impurity. However, if you have experienced major impurity, a ghusl (full ritual washing) is required. Being clean is essential before starting any prayer.

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Asr Prayer: How to Pray

The Asr prayer consists of four Fard (mandatory) rakats. Here’s a breakdown of how to perform each rakat step by step:

1st Rakat:

  1. Make Niyyah (Intention): Begin by making the intention in your heart to pray four rakats of Asr prayer for the sake of Allah.
  2. Takbir (Allahu Akbar): Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar,” signaling the start of the prayer.
  3. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: While standing, recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
  4. Recite Another Surah: After Al-Fatiha, recite a short surah, such as Surah Al-Ikhlas.
  5. Ruku (Bowing): Bow down while saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
  6. Stand Up (Qaumah): Rise from bowing and say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
  7. Sujud (Prostration): Go into sujud (prostration) while saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
  8. Sit Between Sujuds: Sit briefly between the two sujuds while saying “Rabbighfir li.”
  9. Second Sujud: Perform a second sujud while again saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.

2nd Rakat:

  1. Stand Up for the Second Rakat: After the second sujud, rise to begin the second rakat.
  2. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: Repeat Surah Al-Fatiha.
  3. Recite Another Surah: After Al-Fatiha, recite another short surah.
  4. Ruku (Bowing): Bow again, repeating “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
  5. Stand Up (Qaumah): Rise from bowing and say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah,” followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
  6. Sujud (Prostration): Perform sujud again, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
  7. Sit Between Sujuds: Sit briefly and say “Rabbighfir li.”
  8. Second Sujud: Perform the second sujud.
  9. Tashahhud (Sitting): After the second sujud, sit and recite the Tashahhud, “Attahiyatu lillahi… wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.”

3rd Rakat:

  1. Stand Up for the Third Rakat: Rise again after the Tashahhud to begin the third rakat.
  2. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: Recite only Surah Al-Fatiha (no additional surah is needed in the third and fourth rakats).
  3. Ruku (Bowing): Bow, repeating “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
  4. Stand Up (Qaumah): Rise from bowing, saying “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
  5. Sujud (Prostration): Perform sujud, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
  6. Sit Between Sujuds: Sit briefly and say “Rabbighfir li.”
  7. Second Sujud: Perform the second sujud.

4th Rakat:

  1. Stand Up for the Fourth Rakat: Rise again after the second sujud to begin the fourth and final rakat.
  2. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: Recite only Surah Al-Fatiha.
  3. Ruku (Bowing): Bow, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
  4. Stand Up (Qaumah): Rise from bowing, saying “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
  5. Sujud (Prostration): Perform sujud, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
  6. Sit Between Sujuds: Sit briefly, saying “Rabbighfir li.”
  7. Second Sujud: Perform the second sujud.
  8. Tashahhud and Dua: After the second sujud, sit and recite the full Tashahhud, followed by the Salat Ibrahimiyyah (“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin…”), and make any personal duas you wish to include.
  9. Tasleem (Ending the Prayer): End the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah,” then to the left and repeating the same.

Is There Any Sunnah Before Asr?

Yes, there are Sunnah prayers recommended before the Asr prayer. It is highly encouraged to perform two or four rakats of Sunnah before the obligatory four rakats of Asr. 

These Sunnah prayers help enhance your spiritual connection and provide an opportunity for reflection and devotion. Engaging in these Sunnah rakats is a way to follow the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and gain additional rewards.

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Conclusion of Asr Prayer

In summary, the Asr Prayer (Salat) is a vital part of a Muslim’s daily worship that offers a moment to pause and connect with Allah Almighty during the busy afternoon. Understanding its timing, rakats, and significance enhances your spiritual practice. 

Performing the recommended Sunnah rakats before the obligatory ones adds extra blessings to your worship. By following this guide, you can confidently perform  the Asr Namaz, fulfilling your spiritual obligations and experiencing the peace that comes from sincere devotion. 

May your prayers be accepted. Ameen.