Learn Namāz. Understand Every Step.
A clear and structured guide to learning Shia Namāz, from preparation and intention to recitation, rukūʿ, sujūd, tashahhud and salām.
Designed to help children, youth and adults learn the essentials of prayer with understanding, accuracy and confidence.
Learn the prayer with knowledge and understanding.
Namāz is one of the central acts of worship in Islam. Learning its essential components, recitations and correct sequence helps a learner develop confidence and greater awareness during prayer.
This guide introduces the main elements of daily prayer according to Shia Islamic jurisprudence and provides a structured foundation for further learning.
Know your daily obligatory prayers.
The five obligatory daily prayers consist of the following number of rakʿahs.
Fajr
2 RakʿahsMorning Prayer
Ẓuhr
4 RakʿahsMidday Prayer
ʿAṣr
4 RakʿahsAfternoon Prayer
Maghrib
3 RakʿahsPrayer after Sunset
ʿIshāʾ
4 RakʿahsNight Prayer
Understand the essential parts of Namāz.
The prayer contains eleven obligatory components. Each has an important place within the structure of the prayer.
Niyyah
Intention to perform the prayer as an act of worship and servitude to Allah.
Qiyām
Standing in prayer, including the required standing connected with the beginning of prayer and rukūʿ.
Takbīrat al-Iḥrām
Beginning the prayer with the prescribed declaration of “Allāhu Akbar.”
Qirāʾah
The prescribed recitation within the relevant rakʿahs of the prayer.
Rukūʿ
The obligatory bowing of the prayer together with its prescribed dhikr.
Sujūd
The two obligatory prostrations performed within each rakʿah.
Dhikr
The prescribed remembrance recited during rukūʿ and sujūd.
Tashahhud
The testimony recited in its prescribed positions during the prayer.
Salām
The prescribed salutation that concludes the prayer.
Tartīb
Performing the obligatory parts of prayer in their required sequence.
Muwālāt
Maintaining the required continuity between the parts of the prayer.
Qunūt
Qunūt is a recommended act performed before rukūʿ in the second rakʿah of the daily prayers.
Follow the prayer in its proper sequence.
Learn the major stages of prayer without reducing the complete fiqh rulings to a simple checklist.
Prepare for Prayer
Learn about purification, appropriate clothing, the place of prayer, qiblah and the required preparation before beginning.
Make the Intention
Understand niyyah as an intention of the heart. It is not necessary to verbally pronounce the intention.
Begin with Takbīrat al-Iḥrām
Learn the correct beginning of prayer and the requirements associated with standing and pronouncing “Allāhu Akbar.”
Recitation & Qirāʾah
Learn the prescribed Qur'anic recitation and understand the relevant rules of recitation in the daily prayers.
Rukūʿ & Dhikr
Learn the correct position of rukūʿ and the required remembrance associated with it.
Sujūd
Understand the essential requirements of the two prostrations and the prescribed dhikr.
Tashahhud & Salām
Learn the required testimony and the concluding salutation that completes the prayer.
Namāz involves detailed fiqh rulings.
The information on this page is an educational introduction to the major elements of prayer. Individual rulings can depend on circumstances, so learners should refer to their marjaʿ's detailed rulings when a specific fiqh question arises.
A practical foundation for every learner.
Children
Build an early foundation in prayer and learn its basic sequence in a structured way.
Teenagers
Strengthen understanding of daily Namāz and develop confidence in regular worship.
Adults
Refresh your knowledge or learn the essential components of Shia prayer systematically.
New Learners
Start with the foundations and gradually build familiarity with the structure of prayer.
Learn. Understand. Practise.
We believe learning Namāz should include both practical instruction and understanding. Students should know not only what to recite and do, but also understand the structure of the prayer.
Learn the Essentials
Understand the obligatory components and basic structure of prayer.
Practise Correctly
Practise recitations, postures and sequence with careful guidance.
Build Understanding
Connect the prayer's recitations and actions with their purpose and meaning.
Shia Namāz Guide FAQs
How many rakʿahs are in the five daily prayers? +
Fajr has 2 rakʿahs, Ẓuhr has 4, ʿAṣr has 4, Maghrib has 3, and ʿIshāʾ has 4 rakʿahs.
Does niyyah have to be spoken aloud? +
According to the cited rulings, niyyah is an intention of the heart and does not need to be verbally pronounced.
What are the obligatory components of Namāz? +
The cited source lists eleven obligatory components: intention, standing, Takbīrat al-Iḥrām, bowing, prostration, recitation, dhikr, tashahhud, salām, sequence and continuity.
Is Qunūt obligatory? +
Qunūt is recommended. It is performed before rukūʿ in the second rakʿah of the daily prayers.
Is this page a complete fiqh manual? +
No. This page is an educational guide to the major elements of Namāz. Detailed rulings and circumstances should be checked in the relevant authoritative fiqh source.
Learn the details from authoritative rulings.
For detailed rulings concerning prayer, purification, prayer times, qiblah, doubts, congregational prayer and other matters, consult the relevant official jurisprudential source.
Learn Namāz. Pray With Understanding.
Build a strong foundation in Shia Namāz through structured online Islamic education with Al Elm Quran Academy.
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