How Many Rakats Are in Each Prayer?
Knowing how many rakats are in each prayer is essential for every Muslim. Whether you are a beginner, a new Muslim, or teaching your children, this guide will help you understand the number of rakats for Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha — including obligatory (fard) and optional (sunnah) prayers.
Quick Overview
Fajr: 2 Rakat | Dhuhr: 4 Rakat | Asr: 4 Rakat | Maghrib: 3 Rakat | Isha: 4 Rakat | Plus Sunnah and Witr
What Are Rakats?
Rakats are the units of prayer in Salah. Each rakat consists of specific movements and recitations: standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), prostrating (Sujood), and sitting (Tashahhud). Think of rakats as building blocks — when you put them together correctly, you complete your prayer with confidence and peace.
Fajr Prayer (Dawn Prayer)
Fajr is the prayer that starts your day. It is performed before sunrise and consists of 2 rakats. It is the shortest of the five daily prayers, but it carries immense spiritual reward.
- 2 rakats Sunnah Muakkadah — a highly recommended prayer that the Prophet (peace be upon him) never missed
- 2 rakats Fard — the obligatory prayer that every Muslim must perform
Total rakats: 4 rakats (2 Sunnah + 2 Fard)
Dhuhr Prayer (Midday Prayer)
Dhuhr is prayed when the sun begins to decline from its zenith. It is a longer prayer that gives you a peaceful break in the middle of a busy day.
- 4 rakats Sunnah Muakkadah — highly recommended before the fard prayer
- 4 rakats Fard — the obligatory prayer performed in congregation or alone
- 2 rakats Sunnah Muakkadah — highly recommended after the fard prayer
Total rakats: 10 rakats (4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah)
Asr Prayer (Afternoon Prayer)
Asr is the afternoon prayer, offered when the shadow of an object is equal to its length. It serves as a spiritual reset during the later part of your day.
- 4 rakats Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah — optional sunnah that is good to pray but not required
- 4 rakats Fard — the obligatory prayer that every Muslim must perform
Total rakats: 8 rakats (4 Sunnah + 4 Fard)
Maghrib Prayer (Sunset Prayer)
Maghrib is prayed immediately after sunset. It is the shortest of the obligatory prayers and marks the transition from day to night.
- 3 rakats Fard — the obligatory prayer performed right after sunset
- 2 rakats Sunnah Muakkadah — highly recommended after the fard prayer
Total rakats: 5 rakats (3 Fard + 2 Sunnah)
Isha Prayer (Night Prayer)
Isha is the night prayer, offered after twilight has disappeared. It is the last prayer of the day and a beautiful way to end your evening in remembrance of Allah.
- 4 rakats Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah — optional sunnah before the fard prayer
- 4 rakats Fard — the obligatory prayer performed at night
- 2 rakats Sunnah Muakkadah — highly recommended after the fard prayer
- 3 rakats Witr — the odd-numbered prayer that the Prophet (peace be upon him) strongly recommended
Total rakats: 13 rakats (4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah + 3 Witr)
Quick Reference Table
| Prayer | Sunnah (Before) | Fard | Sunnah (After) | Witr | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 | - | - | 4 |
| Dhuhr | 4 | 4 | 2 | - | 10 |
| Asr | 4 (optional) | 4 | - | - | 8 |
| Maghrib | - | 3 | 2 | - | 5 |
| Isha | 4 (optional) | 4 | 2 | 3 (recommended) | 13 |
Beginner Tip: If you are just starting, focus on learning the Fard (obligatory) rakats first. Once you feel comfortable, gradually add the Sunnah prayers. The most important step is to pray consistently — even if you only pray the obligatory rakats at first.
How NoorConnect Helps You Remember Rakats
Let's be honest — counting rakats while focusing on your recitation can be challenging, especially when you are new to Salah. You might find yourself asking: "Was that my second rakat or my third?"
That is exactly why NoorConnect was created. The NoorConnect Smart Prayer Mat works seamlessly with the NoorConnect app to guide you through every single rakat. The app shows you exactly which rakat you are on, what to recite, and when to move to the next position. You will never lose count again.
Whether you are praying Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, or Isha, the mat adapts to the prayer you have selected and walks you through step by step. It is like having a patient teacher right there with you in your home.
Pre-order NoorConnect Smart Prayer Mat →
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