Description of the Prophet's prayer

All praise is due to Allah who sent the Messengers, bestowed heavenly books, initiated laws and enacted provisions and made for his people clear what is permissible and prohibited. And I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and his Prophet Muhammad is his Messenger and Slave, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him and all his family and companions.

I have collected some material related to the description of the Prophet’s way of praying as far as my knowledge and made my best in choosing and selecting in brief. I mentioned items about initiating to finishing prayer and disregarded the controversial issues that may cause confusion to many people.

Then I mentioned some of the most famous invocation said after each prayer, also in brief as well as some of the Prophet’s Sunnan which some brothers put them in order and asked permission to publish them and I permitted them to do so in an attempt to benefit people with, though there are many books on that field we thank Allah Lord of the Realms for that.

Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon our trusted Prophet Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions!



If a Muslim wants to pray he has to be clean of both the major and minor impurity, he’s to clean himself from the major one by washing (ghusl) and the minor one by ablution. He has to perform ablution very well as the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, used to do.

The worshipper can have a sutra (small barrier to screen the praying person from passing people) whether he is praying as an Imam or individually.

If he is praying as an Imam, then he turns right and left, seeking worshippers to align side-by-side and saying Istawu (line-up).

He then faces Qibla direction (Direction to Ka’ba) and initiates his prayer without uttering the intention in a loud voice, saying (I will pray for Allah so-and-so), because it is an innovation that the messenger and his companions didn’t do.

Then he says Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) when initiating his prayer, raising his erected finger-folded hands, facing Qibla, towards his shoulders or ears.

Our Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, used to raise his voice during “takbeer” (saying Allahu Akbar) so that worshippers behind him would hear him, raising his hands sometimes with takbeer and other times after and others before. If he is Imam, who is praying behind him says "Allahu Akbar.” And if standing he looks towards the place of Sujud (prostration).

Then he silences for few seconds before initiating the prayer to invoke the opening supplication of prayer. Among what has been narrated about the Prophet’s, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, prayer initiating, him saying:

“O Allah, distance me from my sins just as You have distanced The East from The West, O Allah, purify me of my sins as a the white cloth is purified of filth, O Allah, cleanse me of my sins with snow, water, and ice.” [Agreed upon]


Transliteration: Allahuma Ba’id Bayni wa bayn Khatayay Kama ba’adta Bay Alamshriqi Wal Maghrib, Allahuma Naqni Minal Khataya Kama Yunaqa Al-Thawb Al-Abyadu Minal Danas, Allahuma Ighsil Khatayay Bithalj Wal Ma’I Wal Barad.

And sometimes he used to say: “How perfect You are O Allah, and I praise You. Blessed be Your name, and lofty is Your position and none has the right to be worshipped except You.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani]


Transliteration: Subhanaka Allahuma Wa Bihamdik, Tabaraka Ismuk, wa Ta’ala Jaduk, Wala Illaha Ghayruk.

Or “O Allaah, Lord of Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel and Israafeel (great angels), Creator of the heavens and the Earth, Knower of the seen and the unseen. You are the arbitrator between Your servants in that which they have disputed. Guide me to the truth by Your leave, in that which they have differed, for verily You guide whom You will to a straight path." [Narrated by Muslim]


Transliteration: Allahuma Rab Jibreel, Wa Mika’eel, Wa Israfil, Fatiri Asamawati Wal ‘Ard, ‘Alimi il Ghaybi Washahda. Anta tahkumu Bayna ‘Ibadika feema Kanu fihi Yakhtalifun, Ihdini limaIkhtulifa feehi Minal Haqi Bithink, Inakka Tahdee Man tasha’u Ila Siraten Mustaqeem.

Other opening invocation narrated from the Prophet Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him. Therefore, it is better to vary between all of them.

Then he says: “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil, and from all his spurs, puffs, blowing” [Declared Hasan (good) by Ibn Hajar]


Transliteration: A’uthu Billahi Mina shaytan Arajeem Min hamzih wa Nafkhih wa Nafthih

or says: “I seek refuge in Allah The All-Hearing The omniscient from the accursed Satan.” [Narrated by Alt-Tirmizi and authenticated by Al-Albani]


Transliteration: A’uthu Billahi Asamee’ Al’Aleem Mina Shaytan Arajeem

Then he starts saying: “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” [Al-Fatiha 1:1]


Transliteration: Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheem

It’s said that the Prophet, Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was not used to say it out loud that only those near him could hear him.

Then he, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him says, reads Surat Al-Fatiha which says: {“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds - (2) The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, (3) Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. (4) It is You we worship and You we ask for help. (5) Guide us to the straight path - (6) The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.} [Al-Fatiha: 2-7]


Translation: Alhamdu lillahi rabbi al’alameena (2) Alrrahmani alrraheemi (3) Maliki yawmi alddeeni (4) Iyyaka na’budu waiyyaka nasta’eenu (5) Ihdina alssirata almustaqeema (6) Sirata allatheena an’amta ‘alayhim ghayri almaghdoobi ‘alayhim wala alddalleena

He used to pause at the beginning of each verse and didn’t connect it to the one next one.

Then after reading Al-Fatiha, he, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, used to say “Ameen” out loud, were the Masjid shook from it.

Then he used to pause for a while after reading Al-Fatiha but not for so long.

Then he read some of the Qur’an after Surat Al-Fatiha, and a whole Surah in almost every Rak’a or in two and sometimes part of a Surah, pausing after each verse and not linking it to the one after.

Prophet Muhammad, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, used to recites loudly in Al-Fajr (dawn) prayer, the first two Rak’a of Al-Maghrib (sunset) prayer and ‘Isha (evening prayers), while reading in Duhr (noon) prayer and ‘Asr (afternoon) in silence.

After he finishes reciting, he then paused as much as he thought he should before Ruku’ (Bowing).

Then he kneels after he raises both hands towards his shoulders and ears, prayers do the same and kneeling with hands raised whether he is following an Imam or praying individually. This is what is mentioned in the Sunnah, and we should not take into consideration what has been stated about not raising hands, no matter how prevalent it is.

The Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, used to straighten his back while kneeling making it parallel to the head, to the extent that if a pot is placed over his back, it would be settled, and placed his fingers on his knees, keeping his arms and elbow away from his sides. He would sometimes bow for so long and denied whoever didn’t follow the right pillars or pray quickly.

In Ruku’ he ordered to Magnify Allah and praise Him saying “Glory to my Lord The great.’ (three times)”


Transliteration: Subhana Rabya Al-‘Atheem


for three times or more, sometimes he used to say "Glory and praise to my Great Lord " [Authenticated by Al-Albani]


Transliteration: Subahna Rabya al’Atheemi wa Bi Hamdih


, and “Perfect and Holy (He is), Lord of the angels and the Ruuh (i.e. Jibraa’eel).” [Narrated by Muslim]


Transliteration: Subuhun Qudus Rabil Mala’kati Wa ruh

He used to read a lot of invocations other than that, he forbade reciting Qur’an in Ruku’(bowing) and Sujud (prostration)”

Then after Ruku’ he raises his hands towards his shoulders or ears saying “May Allah answer he who praises Him” [Al-Bukhari]


Transliteration: Sami’a Allahu Liman Hamidah


whether alone or accompanied by an Imam then after standing saying “All praise is due to you ,O Lord” [Al-Bukhari]


Transliteration: Rabana walaka Al-Hamd


and sometimes the Prophet, peace and prayers be upon him, said “All praise is due to you ,O Lord and The heavens and the Earth and all between them abound with Your praises, and all that You will abounds with Your praises....” [Authenticated by Al-Bizar, Ibn Al-Qayyim and Al-Albani]


Transliteration: Rabana walaka Al-Hamd, Mil’a Asamawati Wal ‘Ard, Wa Mil’a Ma Shi’ta Min Shay’in Ba’d

And sometimes he would add "O Possessor of praise and majesty, the truest thing a slave has said (of You) and we are all Your slaves. O Allaah, none can prevent what You have willed to bestow and none can bestow what You have willed to prevent, and no wealth or majesty can benefit anyone, as from You is all wealth and majesty.” [Muslim]


Transliteration: Ahl Athana’i Wal Majd, Ahaqu Ma Qal Al ‘Abd wa Kuluna Laka ‘Abd, Allahuma La Mani’a Lima A’tayt Wala Mu’tya Lima Mana’t Wala Yanfa’u Thal Jadi Minkal Jad

People led in prayer (in congregation) must not say “May Allah answer he who praises Him”, only the Imam does. They only repeat the praise.


They only repeat the praise, and that follows rising from Ruku’ Fully. Prophet Muhammad, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said “when he (Imam) says “May Allah answer he who praises Him, repeat after him saying “All praise is due to you, O Lord.” [Al-Bukhari]



And there’s no proof for repeating “May Allah answer he who praises Him”.

Then he, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, puts his right hand on his left hand’s palm and the wrist and the elbow as he did before Ruku’ while reciting.

He used to lengthen this pillar to the point that sometimes it was thought that he forgot. He denied who lightens it; he asks for not rushing this pillar and forbids people praying from rising before him or his face will be distorted into a donkey’s face.

He used to say “Allahu Akbar” on kneeling but it wasn’t proved that the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him raised his hands when getting down for Sujud. “This isn’t done in sujud,” maybe he did it so once or twice to show its possibility.

On Sujud, his knees used to precede his hands kneeling to the ground, prostrating on seven parts of his body “face, hands, knees, toes with forehead and nose touching the ground, forearms raised and departs his sides from the upper arm, his belly was distant from his thighs, and his thighs distant from his legs. He used to rest on his foot slightly stretching up with toes directed towards Qibla, partly resting on ground, leaning on his hands, folding his fingers directing them towards Qibla, placing them on the ground aligned to his shoulders, or forehead or the tip of his ears. This is all sunnah and denied the posture of praying person to completely rest his arms on the ground during Sujud likening it to a dog’s position.

He says in his Sujud “Praise be to my lord The Most High” [Muslim]


Transliteration: Subhan Rabya Al-A’la

For three times, and it is preferable to say “All Glory be to You O Allah, our Lord, and I praise You. O Allah, forgive me.” [Agreed upon]


Transliteration: Subhanaka Allahuma Wa Bi Hamdik, Allahuma Ighfir lee

And would continue saying “Perfect and Holy (He is), Lord of the angels and the Ruuh (i.e. Jibraa’eel).” [Muslim]


Transliteration: Subuhun Qudus Rabil Mala’kati Wa ruh

He, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, emphasized on supplication during sujud, and forbade reading Qur’an during Ruku’ and sujud, and forbade rushing the prayers but rather take it quietly.

He raised his head in when saying takbeer sitting between the two sujuds, raising his hands sometimes with takbeer spreading his left leg resting on it and pointed his right one with the tip of his toes in the ground pointed towards the Qibla, putting his hands on thighs with fingers released. He would sometimes sit on his heels pointing up by his forefinger in that position and if he did, it was to show possibility saying, “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy upon me, guide me, enrich me, give me health, grant me sustenance and raise my rank.’” [Ahmad]


Transliteration: Rabi Ighfir lee, Warhamni, Warfa’ani, Wahdini, Wa’afini, Warzuqni.

Or “‘My Lord forgive me, My Lord forgive me.’.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani]


Transliteration: Rabi Ighfir lee, Rabi Ighfir Lee


He spent a lot of time in that posture to the point it was thought that he forgot, and urged to lengthen this part of praying.

20- He then went for the second Sujud saying “Allahu Akbar” as it was done before in the first Sujud. In that way he was over with the first Rak’a.



Then he stands up with “takbeer” resting on his knees not on the ground, he prays the second Rak’a as the first one without “takbeer” or the first initiation or seeking refuge from Satan.

It was not approved of the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, the so called “resting time” after first Rak’a or after the third one but rather probably towards the last years of his life (Getting Old).

Then he repeats in the second Rak’a what he did in the first one except that the second one is shorter.

Then he sits after the second Rak’a for the first “tashahud” if there is two of it like in “noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening prayers” sitting as in the two Sujuds. Then he reads the first tashahud “ Al-Tahiyyaat (All best greetings) is for Allah. All acts of worship and good deeds are for Him. Peace and the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you O Prophet. Peace be upon us and all of Allah’s righteous servants. I bear witness that none has there is god except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’”. [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majjah and authenticated by Al-Albani]


Transliteration: Atahyatu Lilah wasalawatu wa taybat, Asalamu ‘Alaika Ayuha Anabyu Wa Rahamtu Allahi Wa Barakatuh, Asalamu ‘Alayna Wa ‘Ala ‘Ibadi Ilahi Asalheen, Ash-Hadu Allah Ilaha Ila Allah Wa Ash-Hadu an Mohamadan ‘Abduhu Wa rasuluh.

Our Prophet Muhammad, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, used to place his left hand on his left knee and close his right hand, pointing with his index finger when mentioning Allah the Exalted or in the time of reciting tashahud, sometimes he closes both his little finger, ring finger, joining the middle finger with thumb (in a circle) and raising the index finger.

The Prophet forbade sitting in a posture like a dog (ik’aa’), is to rest the buttocks on the floor while spreading the legs outwards like a dog. The previous is what is possible to be practiced between the two Sujuds.

He, Prayers and Peace be of Allah be upon him, used to recite tashahud so lightly as if he was sitting on a burning stone.

Then he stands up saying “Allahu Akbar” for the third Rak’ah, depending on his knees not on the ground.

He recites only Al-Fatiha and nothing after it, because it wasn’t proved to read another surah after Fatiha. Then he goes for the fourth Rak’ah as in the third, easing them than the first 2 ones.

After the fourth Rak’a of Duhr, ‘Asr, ‘Isha or the third of Maghrib prayer or the second one as the Fajr prayer, Friday prayer and the two Eids. He recites the last tashahud saying the first part of the tashahud followed by saying “O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and the followers of Muhammad, just as You sent prayers upon Ibrahim and upon the followers of Ibrahim. Verily, You are full of praise and majesty. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are full of praise and majesty”. [Agreed upon]


Transliteration: Allahuma Saly ‘Ala Muhammad Wa ‘Ala Aly Muhammad, Kama salayta Ala Ibrahim WA ‘Ala Ali Ibaraheem Inaka Hameedun Majeed. Allahuma Barik ‘Ala Muhammad Wa ‘Ala Aly Muhammad, Kama Barakta ‘Ala Ibrahim WA ‘Ala Ali Ibaraheem Inaka Hameedun Majeed


He used sometimes to slightly bend his left side on the ground with one foot out, placing the left foot under his leg, sometimes pointing or stretching the right one sitting on his knees. Sometimes placing his left hand on his knees cupping it where he leans on it.

Then after finishing the last tashahud he says “O Allah, I take refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, from the torment of the Fire, from the trials and tribulations of life and death and from the evil affliction of the Al-Maseeh Ad-Dajjaal.’”. [Muslim]


Transliteration: Allahuma, Iny A’uthu Bika Min ‘Athabi Jahanam, Wa Min ‘Athabil Qabr, Wa Min Fitnat AlMahya wal Mamat, Wa fitnat AlaMaseeh Adajjal.

He prays for himself before “taslim” saying: “O Allah, I have indeed been unjust to myself excessively and none can forgive sin except You, so forgive me a forgiveness from Yourself and have mercy upon me. Surely, You are The Most-Forgiving, The Most-Merciful.”


Transliteration: Allahuma Ini Thalamtu Nafsi Thulman Katheeran, Wala Yaghfir Athunuba Ila ‘Ant, Fa Ighfir lee Maghfiratan Min ‘Indik Warhamni, Inaka Antal Ghafour Araheem

Another supplication he used to say, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, “O Allah make my account by you easy” [Al-Albani reported it with a good chain of transmission]


Transliteration: Allahuma Hasibni Hisaban Yaseeran

He also used to ask for heaven, seek refuge from hell, and recite other well-known prayers.

He concludes his prayer with “taslim” turning right saying “peace, mercy be upon you”, to the point that those around saw the edges of his cheeks, and the same while turning left. [Narrated by Al-Bukhari]


Transliteration: Asalamu ‘Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah, Wa Bara katuh

It was once narrated about him that he added to the taslim "and His blessings,” perhaps to demonstrate its permissibility.

After “taslim” he asks forgiveness from God three times saying “O Allaah, You are As-Salaam(Bestower of Peace) and from You is all peace, blessed are You, O Possessor of majesty and honour.’”


Transliteration: Allahuma Anta Asalam Wa Minka Asalam, Tabarakt Ya tha Jalali Wal Ikram

Before he turns to prayer performers if he is the Imam, and he would sit towards Qibla while saying this.

He used to turn to face people praying from the right side usually, and sometimes from the left.

Our Prophet legitimized invocations after prayer like;
“There is no god except Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise and He is over all things omnipotent. There is no might or power except with Allah, there is no god except Allah and we worship none except Him. For Him is all favour, grace, and glorious praise. There is no god except Allah and we are sincere in faith and devotion to Him although the infidels detest it.” [Narrated by Muslim]


Transliteration: La Ilaha Ila Allahu Wahdah La Shareeka Lah, Lahu Al Mulk Walahu Al Hamd Wahuwa ‘Ala Kuli Shay’in Kadeer, La Hawla wala Quwata Ila Bilah, La Ilaha Ila Allah, Wala Na’budu ila Iyah, Lahu Ani’ma Wa Lahu Al Fadl, Wa Lahu Athana’ Al Hassan, La Ilaha Ila Allah Mukhliessen Lahu Deena Walaw Kariha Al Kafirun.

Then he says Subahana Allah “Praise Allah” for thirty three times, Alhamdu lilah “thank Allah” for 33 times, Allahu Akbar“Allah the Greatest” for 33 times, and finally to complete 100 times he adds “There is no god except Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise and He is over all things omnipotent.”


Transliteration: La Ilaha Ila Allahu Wahdah La Shareeka Lah, Lahu Al Mulk Walahu Al Hamd Wahuwa ‘Ala Kuli Shay’in Kadeer

Then he reads Ayat-ul-Kursî: “Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.} [Al-Baqarah 2:255]


Transliteration: Allahu la ilaha illa huwa alhayyu alqayyoomu la takhuthuhu sinatun wala nawmun lahu ma fee alssamawati wama fee alardi man tha allathee yashfa’u ‘indahu illa biithnihi ya’lamu ma bayna aydeehim wama khalfahum wala yuheetoona bishayin min ‘ilmihi illa bima shaa’ wasi’a kursiyyuhu alssamawati waalardi wala yaooduhu hifthuhuma wahuwa al’aliyyu alAAatheem

Then he {Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One, (1) Allah, the Eternal Refuge. (2) He neither begets nor is born, (3) Nor is there to Him any equivalent.} [Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4].


Transliteration: Qull Huwa Allahu Ahadun(1) Allahu Asamad(2) Lam Yalid Walam yulad(3)Walam Yakun lahu Kufwan ‘Ahad.

Then he reads {Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak (1) From the evil of that which He created (2) And from the evil of darkness when it settles (3) And from the evil of the blowers in knots (4) And from the evil of an envier when he envies.} [Al-Falaq 113:1-5]

Transliteration: Qull A’uthu bi rabi al-Falaq (1) Min shar ma khalaq (2) Wa min shari Ghasiqen Itha Waqab (3) Wa min Shari al –nafathat fil Uqad (4) Wa Min Shari Hasedin Itha Hassad (5)

Then finally he said {Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, (1) The Sovereign of mankind. (2) The God of mankind, (3) From the evil of the retreating whisperer - (4) Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind - (5) From among the jinn and mankind.} [An-Nas 11:1-6]


Transliteration: Qul A’uthu bi rabi Al Nas(1) Maliki Al Nas(2) Illahi Al nas(3) Min shar Al Weswas Al Khanas(4) Allathi Yuwaswiso Fi Sudor Al Nas(5) Min Al Jinati Wal Nas (6)

He reads these previous verses and surahs after each prayer and is preferable to repeat each surah three times after Fajr and ‘Asr prayer.

34- Prophet Muhammad, Prayers and Peace of Allah be Upon him, legitimized to pray Nawafel (supererogatory prayers) before the main 5 daily prayers and mostly after them. Amongst them the Sunan Al-Rawatib (Supererogatory prayers associated with the obligatory prayers) of which he said “Whoever observes 12 Rak’as per day, Allah would build him a house in heaven.” [Muslim]




· Two Rak’as before the Fajr (dawn) prayer
· Four Rak’as before Duhr (noon) prayer and two after it
· Two after the Maghrib (sunset) prayer
· Two after the ‘Isha (night) prayer

It is preferable to pray four Rak'as before the ‘Asr prayers, two before the Maghrib, and two before the ‘Isha’ prayers, as it was proved from the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him.

The Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, recommended supererogatory praying as much as possible like night prayer, (duha) forenoon prayer, night prayers in Ramadan and many others which are traced back to the Prophet.

Some prayer particularities apply to women as to men except for few things, like type of clothes that cover ‘Awra, reciting Quran; the man is allowed to recite loudly while women rather do it in silence.

This was some of the Prophet’s description from initiation to finishing, and then it was proved that the Prophet used to say “pray the way you saw me praying”. [Al-Bukhari]

Our Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, also assured that praying the cooling of his eyes making him always comfortable.

So a Muslim observe and preserve prayers the way prescribed, so it would be your light and means of safety on the Day of Resurrection, by the will of Allah.

And Allah knows best, and Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

 

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