In the realm of Islamic spirituality, the Subuh prayer emerges as a sacred ritual, beckoning the faithful to commence their day with divine connection. As the first prayer of the day, Subuh holds immense significance, setting the tone for a spiritually fulfilling journey ahead. Its meticulous performance, steeped in tradition and profound meaning, brings tranquility to the heart and aligns the soul with the divine.
To embark on the Subuh prayer, one must first prepare themselves both physically and spiritually. Purification through ablution is essential, symbolizing the cleansing of both body and mind. With hearts filled with reverence, worshippers don modest clothing, ensuring that their bodies are suitably covered. As they face the direction of the Kaaba, the sacred sanctuary in Mecca, they begin their journey of connection with the divine.
As the adhan, the call to prayer, echoes through the neighborhood, worshippers gather in mosques or designated prayer spaces. They stand in rows, aligned shoulder to shoulder, forming a unified congregation. With the commencement of the prayer, they raise their hands in unison, uttering the words “Allahu Akbar,” declaring the greatness of God. This marks the beginning of a spiritual odyssey that transcends time and space, connecting the worshippers directly with the divine presence.
Takbiratul Ihram and Niyat
The Subuh prayer begins with the Takbiratul Ihram, which involves raising both hands up to the ears and saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great). This is followed by the Niyat (intention) to perform the Subuh prayer. The intention can be expressed silently in the heart or verbally stated in Arabic as: “I intend to perform the Sunnah/Fardh Subuh prayer of two/four rak’ahs, facing the Qiblah, for Allah’s sake.”
Qiyam (Standing)
After reciting the Niyat, the worshiper stands and recites the opening Surah of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatihah. This is followed by the recitation of any other Surah or Ayahs of the Quran. The standing position should be maintained throughout the Qiyam, with the feet shoulder-width apart, the hands at the sides, and the gaze lowered.
| Ruku (Bowing) |
|---|
| From the standing position, the worshiper bows forward at the waist, placing their hands on their knees and saying “Allahu Akbar.” The back should be straight, parallel to the ground, and the gaze should be directed to the toes |
Subuh Prayer Rak’ah 1 and 2
The Subuh Prayer, also known as the Fajr Prayer, is the first of five daily prayers performed by Muslims. It is a two-rak’ah prayer, meaning it consists of two units. The rak’ahs are performed as follows:
Rak’ah 1
1. Stand facing the Qiblah (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
2. Raise your hands up to your ears, saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greater).
3. Recite the Opening Dua.
4. Recite Surah Fatihah (the first chapter of the Quran).
5. Recite another Surah or verses from the Quran (recommended).
6. Bow down and say “Allahu Akbar.”
7. Remain in the bowing position, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
8. Stand up straight and say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (God has heard the one who praises Him) when the Imam says “Allahu Akbar.”
9. Respond with “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Our Lord, and to You is the praise) when the Imam says “Rabbena lakal hamd.”
10. Prostrate (sajdah) and say “Allahu Akbar.”
11. Remain in prostration, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
12. Sit back on your heels and say “Allahu Akbar.”
13. Prostrate (sajdah) again and say “Allahu Akbar.”
14. Remain in prostration, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
15. Stand up and enter the second rak’ah.
Rak’ah 2
1. Recite Surah Fatihah.
2. Recite another Surah or verses from the Quran (recommended).
3. Bow down and say “Allahu Akbar.”
4. Remain in the bowing position, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
5. Stand up straight and say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (God has heard the one who praises Him) when the Imam says “Allahu Akbar.”
6. Respond with “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Our Lord, and to You is the praise) when the Imam says “Rabbena lakal hamd.”
7. Prostrate (sajdah) and say “Allahu Akbar.”
8. Remain in prostration, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
9. Sit back on your heels and say “Allahu Akbar.”
10. Prostrate (sajdah) again and say “Allahu Akbar.”
11. Remain in prostration, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
12. Sit back on your heels and say “Attahiyyatu lillahi…” (Peace be upon God…).
13. Recite the Darood (blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad).
14. Recite the Dua (supplication) for forgiveness and guidance.
15. Turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of God).
16. Turn your head to the left and say “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of God).
Rak’ah 3 and 4
In the third and fourth rak’ahs, the following steps are performed:
Takbiratul Ihram
Stand up straight again and raise your hands to your ears, saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).
Qiyam
Stand up straight and recite Surah Fatihah (the Opening Chapter of the Quran) and any other passages of the Quran you wish.
Ruku’
Bow down from your waist, keeping your back straight and your head in line with your spine. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Azeem” (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
Sujud
Go down into full prostration, placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Sitting Between the Two Prostrations
Sit back on your heels and place your hands on your thighs. Say “Rabbighfirli” (My Lord, forgive me) three times.
Second Sujud
Go down into full prostration again, as in step 5 above.
Tashhaud and Salawat
After completing the fourth raka’at, sit back on your heels and recite the Tashhaud. The Tashhaud is a declaration of faith that includes praising God, sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and asking for peace and forgiveness.
Tashhaud:
| Arabic | Translation |
|---|---|
| التحيات لله والصلوات والطيبات السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله | All compliments, prayers, and good things belong to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. |
After reciting the Tashhaud, turn your head to the right and say “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah). Then, turn your head to the left and repeat the same phrase.
Salawat:
Following the Tashhaud, recite the Salawat, which is a prayer for blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Salawat:
| Arabic | Translation |
|---|---|
| اللهم صل على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما صليت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم إنك حميد مجيد اللهم بارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما باركت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم إنك حميد مجيد | O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Abraham and the family of Abraham. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, grant blessings to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You granted blessings to Abraham and the family of Abraham. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. |
How To Perform Subuh Prayer
The Subuh prayer is one of the five daily prayers performed by Muslims. It is performed in the morning, just before sunrise. The Subuh prayer consists of two rak’ahs, or units of prayer. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the Subuh prayer:
1. Make sure you are in a state of purity. This means that you have performed wudu, or ritual ablution.
2. Face the Qiblah, or the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca.
3. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
4. Say the Niyyah, or intention to pray.
5. Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is the Greatest.”
6. Place your right hand over your left hand on your chest.
7. Recite the Surah Fatihah, or the Opening Chapter of the Quran.
8. Recite another Surah from the Quran.
9. Bow down and say “Allahu Akbar.”
10. Stand up and say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah.”
11. Prostrate yourself and say “Allahu Akbar.”
12. Sit up and say “Allahu Akbar.”
13. Prostrate yourself again and say “Allahu Akbar.”
14. Sit up and say “Attahiyyatu lillahi.”
15. Recite the Tashahhud, or declaration of faith.
16. Say “Allahu Akbar” and turn your head to the right.
17. Say “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” to the right.
18. Turn your head to the left and say “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” to the left.
19. Stand up and recite the Dua, or supplication.
People Also Ask About How To Perform Subuh Prayer
How many rak’ahs are in the Subuh prayer?
There are two rak’ahs in the Subuh prayer.
What is the Niyyah for Subuh prayer?
The Niyyah for Subuh prayer is “I intend to pray two rak’ahs of Subuh prayer, facing the Qiblah, for the sake of Allah.”
What is recited in the first rak’ah of Subuh prayer?
In the first rak’ah of Subuh prayer, the Surah Fatihah and another Surah from the Quran are recited.
What is recited in the second rak’ah of Subuh prayer?
In the second rak’ah of Subuh prayer, the Surah Fatihah is recited.
What is said after the Subuh prayer?
After the Subuh prayer, the Dua, or supplication, is recited.
