How to pray Asr (Afternoon prayer)

Asr has 4 Fard rakats. In common Hanafi practice the full order is:

  1. Optional 4 Sunnah ghair muakkadah (Non-emphasized, optional)
  2. 4 Fard (Obligatory)

Asr: 4 Sunnah ghair muakkadah (optional)

Non-emphasized four-rakat Sunnah and four-rakat Nafl have some further Hanafi differences in the middle sitting and third-rakat opening; follow a local Hanafi teacher for these details rather than treating them exactly like Fard.

  1. Rakat 1: Stand and make your intention

    Stand facing the Qiblah and intend in your heart: "I am praying 4 rakats of Asr Sunnah ghair muakkadah."

  2. Rakat 1: Opening takbir

    Raise your hands for the opening takbir and say Allahu Akbar. Then fold your hands while standing.

    اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

    Allahu Akbar

    Meaning: Allah is Greatest.

  3. Rakat 1: Opening praise: Sana

    With hands folded, recite Sana. This is said in the first rakat only.

    سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ
    وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ جَدُّكَ
    وَلَا إِلَٰهَ غَيْرُكَ

    Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.

    Meaning: Glory and praise are Yours, O Allah. Blessed is Your name, exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god besides You.

  4. Rakat 1: Seek refuge, then say Bismillah

    Still standing, seek refuge and say Bismillah (first rakat).

    أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem. Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  5. Rakat 1: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha. It is recited in each rakat.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  6. Rakat 1: Recite another surah: Al-Ikhlas

    Recite another surah after Al-Fatiha. Al-Ikhlas is shown here.

    قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
    اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
    لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
    وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

    Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.

    Meaning: Say, Allah is One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him.

    Another memorized surah may be used instead.

  7. Rakat 1: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  8. Rakat 1: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  9. Rakat 1: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  10. Rakat 1: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  11. Rakat 1: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 1 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  12. Rakat 2: Rakat 2: stand up

    Stand saying Allahu Akbar and fold your hands. Recite Bismillah. Do not repeat Sana.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  13. Rakat 2: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha. It is recited in each rakat.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  14. Rakat 2: Recite another surah: Al-Ikhlas

    Recite another surah after Al-Fatiha. Al-Ikhlas is shown here.

    قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
    اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
    لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
    وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

    Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.

    Meaning: Say, Allah is One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him.

    Another memorized surah may be used instead.

  15. Rakat 2: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  16. Rakat 2: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  17. Rakat 2: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  18. Rakat 2: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  19. Rakat 2: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 2 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  20. Rakat 2: Middle sitting: Attahiyyat only

    Sit and recite Attahiyyat only, then stand up for the third rakat.

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
    أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
    وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

    At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. Assalamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Assalamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-saliheen. Ashhadu al-la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh.

    Meaning: All greetings, prayers and good things belong to Allah. Peace, mercy and blessings upon the Prophet. Peace upon us and righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

    Non-emphasized four-rakat Sunnah and four-rakat Nafl have some further Hanafi differences in the middle sitting and third-rakat opening; follow a local Hanafi teacher for these details rather than treating them exactly like Fard.

  21. Rakat 3: Rakat 3: stand up

    Stand saying Allahu Akbar and fold your hands. Recite Bismillah. Do not repeat Sana.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

    Non-emphasized four-rakat Sunnah and four-rakat Nafl have some further Hanafi differences in the middle sitting and third-rakat opening; follow a local Hanafi teacher for these details rather than treating them exactly like Fard.

  22. Rakat 3: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha. It is recited in each rakat.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  23. Rakat 3: Recite another surah: Al-Ikhlas

    Recite another surah after Al-Fatiha. Al-Ikhlas is shown here.

    قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
    اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
    لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
    وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

    Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.

    Meaning: Say, Allah is One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him.

    Another memorized surah may be used instead.

  24. Rakat 3: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  25. Rakat 3: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  26. Rakat 3: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  27. Rakat 3: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  28. Rakat 3: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 3 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  29. Rakat 4: Rakat 4: stand up

    Stand saying Allahu Akbar and fold your hands. Recite Bismillah. Do not repeat Sana.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  30. Rakat 4: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha. It is recited in each rakat.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  31. Rakat 4: Recite another surah: Al-Ikhlas

    Recite another surah after Al-Fatiha. Al-Ikhlas is shown here.

    قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
    اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
    لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
    وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

    Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.

    Meaning: Say, Allah is One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him.

    Another memorized surah may be used instead.

  32. Rakat 4: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  33. Rakat 4: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  34. Rakat 4: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  35. Rakat 4: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  36. Rakat 4: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 4 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  37. Rakat 4: Final sitting: Attahiyyat / Tashahhud

    Sit for the final sitting and recite Attahiyyat.

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
    أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
    وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

    At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. Assalamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Assalamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-saliheen. Ashhadu al-la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh.

    Meaning: All greetings, prayers and good things belong to Allah. Peace, mercy and blessings upon the Prophet. Peace upon us and righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

    In the common Hanafi practice, raise the right index finger at the negation in the testimony and lower it at the affirmation; other schools have different finger movements.

  38. Rakat 4: Durood Ibrahim

    Remain seated and recite Durood Ibrahim.

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
    كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
    إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
    اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
    كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
    إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

    Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala ali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedum Majeed. Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala ali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedum Majeed.

    Meaning: O Allah, send blessings and favor upon Muhammad and his family as You did upon Ibrahim and his family. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.

  39. Rakat 4: Dua before Salam

    Make this dua before ending the prayer.

    رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً
    وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

    Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar.

    Meaning: Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

  40. Rakat 4: Salam to the right

    Turn your face to the right and say:

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

    Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah

    Meaning: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.

  41. Rakat 4: Salam to the left

    Turn to the left and say the same. Your 4-rakat prayer is complete.

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

    Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah

    Meaning: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.

    Next in Asr: 4 Fard, started with a new intention.

Asr: 4 Fard

In rakats 3 and 4 recite Bismillah and Al-Fatiha only. After the second rakat sit for Attahiyyat only.

  1. Rakat 1: Stand and make your intention

    Stand facing the Qiblah and intend in your heart: "I am praying 4 rakats of Asr Fard."

  2. Rakat 1: Opening takbir

    Raise your hands for the opening takbir and say Allahu Akbar. Then fold your hands while standing.

    اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

    Allahu Akbar

    Meaning: Allah is Greatest.

  3. Rakat 1: Opening praise: Sana

    With hands folded, recite Sana. This is said in the first rakat only.

    سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ
    وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ جَدُّكَ
    وَلَا إِلَٰهَ غَيْرُكَ

    Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.

    Meaning: Glory and praise are Yours, O Allah. Blessed is Your name, exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god besides You.

  4. Rakat 1: Seek refuge, then say Bismillah

    Still standing, seek refuge and say Bismillah (first rakat).

    أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem. Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  5. Rakat 1: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha. It is recited in each rakat.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  6. Rakat 1: Recite another surah: Al-Ikhlas

    Recite another surah after Al-Fatiha. Al-Ikhlas is shown here.

    قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
    اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
    لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
    وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

    Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.

    Meaning: Say, Allah is One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him.

    Another memorized surah may be used instead.

  7. Rakat 1: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  8. Rakat 1: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  9. Rakat 1: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  10. Rakat 1: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  11. Rakat 1: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 1 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  12. Rakat 2: Rakat 2: stand up

    Stand saying Allahu Akbar and fold your hands. Recite Bismillah. Do not repeat Sana.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  13. Rakat 2: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha. It is recited in each rakat.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  14. Rakat 2: Recite another surah: Al-Ikhlas

    Recite another surah after Al-Fatiha. Al-Ikhlas is shown here.

    قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
    اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
    لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
    وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

    Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.

    Meaning: Say, Allah is One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him.

    Another memorized surah may be used instead.

  15. Rakat 2: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  16. Rakat 2: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  17. Rakat 2: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  18. Rakat 2: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  19. Rakat 2: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 2 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  20. Rakat 2: Middle sitting: Attahiyyat only

    Sit and recite Attahiyyat only, then stand up for the third rakat.

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
    أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
    وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

    At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. Assalamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Assalamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-saliheen. Ashhadu al-la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh.

    Meaning: All greetings, prayers and good things belong to Allah. Peace, mercy and blessings upon the Prophet. Peace upon us and righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

    In the common Hanafi practice, raise the right index finger at the negation in the testimony and lower it at the affirmation; other schools have different finger movements.

  21. Rakat 3: Rakat 3: stand up

    Stand saying Allahu Akbar and fold your hands. Recite Bismillah. Do not repeat Sana.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  22. Rakat 3: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha only in this rakat, then go straight to Ruku.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  23. Rakat 3: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  24. Rakat 3: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  25. Rakat 3: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  26. Rakat 3: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  27. Rakat 3: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 3 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  28. Rakat 4: Rakat 4: stand up

    Stand saying Allahu Akbar and fold your hands. Recite Bismillah. Do not repeat Sana.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.

    Meaning: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  29. Rakat 4: Surah Al-Fatiha

    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha only in this rakat, then go straight to Ruku.

    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
    الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
    مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
    إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
    اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
    صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

    Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem. Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-'alameen. Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem. Maliki yawmid-deen. Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem. Siratal-ladheena an'amta 'alayhim, ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-dalleen. Ameen.

    Meaning: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, Most Merciful, Master of Judgment Day. You alone we worship and ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not those who incurred anger or went astray.

    "Ameen" follows Al-Fatiha; it is not a verse of the surah in this reading.

  30. Rakat 4: Ruku: bow

    Say Allahu Akbar, bend forward, place hands on knees, keep your back reasonably straight, and say three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azeem

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.

    Recite 3 times.

  31. Rakat 4: Stand up from Ruku

    Rise upright saying Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. When fully upright say Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ
    رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

    Sami'Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana lakal-hamd.

    Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him. Our Lord, to You is all praise.

    This is the individual-prayer form; imam/follower details vary.

  32. Rakat 4: First Sujood: prostrate

    Say Allahu Akbar. Place forehead and nose on the ground, with palms, knees and toes grounded appropriately. Recite three times:

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  33. Rakat 4: Sit between the two Sujoods

    Say Allahu Akbar, sit briefly and steadily. You may say Rabbighfir li.

    رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

    Rabbighfir li

    Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.

  34. Rakat 4: Second Sujood

    Say Allahu Akbar and perform a second Sujood, reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times again. Rakat 4 complete.

    سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَىٰ

    Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la

    Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

    Recite 3 times.

  35. Rakat 4: Final sitting: Attahiyyat / Tashahhud

    Sit for the final sitting and recite Attahiyyat.

    التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
    أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
    وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

    At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. Assalamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Assalamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-saliheen. Ashhadu al-la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh.

    Meaning: All greetings, prayers and good things belong to Allah. Peace, mercy and blessings upon the Prophet. Peace upon us and righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

    In the common Hanafi practice, raise the right index finger at the negation in the testimony and lower it at the affirmation; other schools have different finger movements.

  36. Rakat 4: Durood Ibrahim

    Remain seated and recite Durood Ibrahim.

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
    كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
    إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
    اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
    كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
    إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

    Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala ali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedum Majeed. Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala ali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedum Majeed.

    Meaning: O Allah, send blessings and favor upon Muhammad and his family as You did upon Ibrahim and his family. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.

  37. Rakat 4: Dua before Salam

    Make this dua before ending the prayer.

    رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً
    وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

    Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar.

    Meaning: Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

  38. Rakat 4: Salam to the right

    Turn your face to the right and say:

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

    Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah

    Meaning: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.

  39. Rakat 4: Salam to the left

    Turn to the left and say the same. Your 4-rakat prayer is complete.

    السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

    Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah

    Meaning: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.

    That was the last part of Asr.

This is an educational guide, not a replacement for in-person instruction. Small variations in posture, recitation, and Sunnah prayer patterns are normal among recognized schools of Islamic law. Ask a trusted local teacher to check your posture and Arabic pronunciation; transliteration is a learning aid, not a substitute for listening to Arabic.