Describe a complete Rak;ah with its recitations.

Answer Details

Meaning: A rak'ah is one complete unit of the Islamic prayer (salat), made up of standing, bowing and prostrating, each accompanied by its recitations. A description of a complete rak'ah, taking the first unit of prayer, is given below.

1. Standing (qiyam) and opening takbir: The worshipper stands facing the qiblah and, forming the intention, raises his hands and says the opening takbir, Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).
2. Opening supplication: He then recites the opening du'a quietly, such as Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika... praising Allah, followed by seeking refuge (ta'awwudh) and the Basmalah.
3. Recitation of al-Fatihah: He recites Suratul-Fatihah, the opening chapter, which is obligatory in every rak'ah, ending with Amin.
4. Recitation of another portion of the Qur'an: In the first two rak'ah he adds another surah or some verses of the Qur'an, for example Suratul-Ikhlas.
5. Bowing (ruku'): Saying Allahu Akbar, he bows, placing his hands on his knees with the back straight, and says three times Subhana Rabbiyal-'Azim (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great).
6. Rising from ruku' (i'tidal): He straightens up saying Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him), then Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (Our Lord, to You is due all praise).
7. First prostration (sujud): Saying Allahu Akbar, he prostrates with the forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes touching the ground, saying three times Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la (Glory to my Lord, the Most High).
8. Sitting between the two prostrations (jalsah): He rises to sit saying Allahu Akbar and supplicates Rabbighfir li (My Lord, forgive me).
9. Second prostration: He prostrates again saying Allahu Akbar, repeating Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la three times.

With the completion of the second prostration one full rak'ah is finished. The worshipper then rises for the next rak'ah, and after the required number of units he sits for the tashahhud and ends the prayer with the taslim (salam) to the right and left.

Conclusion: A complete rak'ah thus comprises standing with recitation, bowing, rising, two prostrations and the sitting between them, each with its fixed words of glorification and praise of Allah.