Performing Isha Salah, the night prayer in Islam, is a crucial act of worship that connects believers with their Creator. It marks the culmination of the day’s spiritual journey and provides a serene conclusion to the evening. The steps involved in performing Isha Salah are outlined in the following paragraphs, ensuring that the ritual is carried out with utmost reverence and devotion.
Firstly, gather your thoughts and intentions, ensuring that your heart is pure and focused on the prayer. Cleanse yourself through the ritual of wudu, washing your hands, mouth, nostrils, and other parts of the body. Find a clean and quiet place where you can pray without distractions. Face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which is indicated by the qibla indicator in mosques or determined through various methods.
Commence the prayer by raising your hands to your ears, uttering the words “Allahu Akbar.” This signifies the beginning of the prayer and marks the transition into a state of communion with God. Continue the prayer by reciting the opening chapter of the Quran, Al-Fatihah, followed by other verses or supplications from the Quran. Perform the bowing and prostrations as part of the prayer, following the prescribed movements and uttering the appropriate verses. Conclude the prayer by sitting in a relaxed position and reciting the final supplications, such as the Tashahhud and Salawat.
Initiating the Isha Prayer
Nightfall marks the commencement of the Isha Salah, the fifth and final obligatory prayer of the day. Prior to embarking on this spiritual journey, it is essential to ensure your physical and mental readiness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to initiating the Isha Prayer:
1. Determine the Time of Isha:
The exact timing of Isha varies depending on your geographic location. Typically, it begins after the completion of Maghrib, the fourth prayer of the day. To determine the precise time for your area, refer to an Islamic calendar or consult with a local mosque.
Time adjustments may be necessary during certain times of the year, such as Ramadan. It is advisable to confirm the exact timings during these periods to avoid any discrepancies.
The Isha prayer is considered valid until the break of dawn. However, it is highly recommended to perform it within the first hour of its commencement. This is known as the “first time” for Isha and is considered the most virtuous time to offer the prayer.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the time of Isha for your location. |
| 2 | Ensure you are in a state of purity (Wudu). |
| 3 | Face the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba). |
| 4 | Raise your hands to your ears, saying, “Allahu Akbar.” |
Performing the Rakat
The Isha prayer consists of four rakat, which are performed in the following order:
1. Niyyah
Intend to perform the Isha prayer with four rakat.
2. Opening Takbir
Stand facing the Qiblah and raise both hands to ear level, saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).
3. Qiyam
Recite the following while standing:
- Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening)
- Any other surah or verses from the Quran
4. Ruku’
Bow down from the waist, placing the hands on the knees and saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
5. Sujud
Prostrate by touching the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes to the ground. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’ala” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
6. Jalsah
Sit back on the heels, with the hands on the thighs.
7. Second Sujud
Prostrate again as in number 5.
8. Third Rakat
Repeat steps 3-7, but recite only Surah Al-Fatihah.
9. Fourth Rakat
Repeat steps 3-7, but recite any short surah or verses from the Quran.
10. Tashahhud
Sit on the left leg and recite the Tashahhud, which begins with “At-tahiyyatu lillahi” (All blessings are for Allah).
11. Salawat
Send blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by reciting the following:
| Arabic | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Allahumma salli ala Muhammad | O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad |
| Wa ala ali Muhammad | And on the family of Muhammad |
| Kama sallaita ala Ibrahima | As you sent blessings on Abraham |
| Wa ala ali Ibrahim | And on the family of Abraham |
| Innaka hamidun majid | Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious |
12. Salaam
End the prayer by turning the head to the right and saying “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) and then to the left, repeating the same.
Reciting the Opening Chapter (Surah Fatiha)
The Surah Fatiha, also known as the Opening Chapter, is the foundation of every prayer in Islam. It is recited aloud during the first two rak’ahs of Isha Salah. Follow these steps to recite Surah Fatiha correctly:
1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Raise your hands to your ears, saying, “Allahu Akbar.”
3. Hold your hands crossed over your chest, with your right hand over your left. Face the Qiblah (direction of the Ka’abah in Mecca). Recite Surah Fatiha as follows:
| Arabic Text | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Alhamdulillah-ir-Rabbil-‘Alameen | All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds |
| Ar-Rahman-ir-Raheem | The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful |
| Maliki Yawmid-Din | Master of the Day of Judgment |
| Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een | You alone do we worship, and You alone do we implore for help |
| Ihdina-s-siratal-mustaqeem | Guide us to the right path |
| Sirata-lladheena an’amta ‘alayhim | The path of those You have favored |
| Ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alayhim wa la-ddalleen | Not the path of those who have earned Your anger nor of those who go astray |
4. End the recitation by saying, “Ameen.”
Declaring Intention (Niyyah)
Niyyah, or intention, is a fundamental aspect of Isha Salah. It is the inner declaration of one’s intention to perform the prayer for the sake of Allah. To declare Niyyah correctly:
1. Stand facing the Qiblah (direction of Mecca)
2. Raise both hands to the earlobes
3. Say aloud: “Uswalli fardal ‘Isha’ rak’atayn mustaqbilal qiblati lillahi ta’ala.”
Translation: “I intend to pray the obligatory Isha prayer, two rak’ahs, facing the Qiblah, for the sake of Allah Most High.”
This specific wording is preferred but not essential. The intent of the prayer is more important than the exact words used.
4. Lower your hands
There are two schools of thought regarding the correct timing of lowering the hands:
| School of Thought | Timing |
|---|---|
| Hanafi | Lower hands immediately after saying “ta’ala” |
| Other Schools | Lower hands after reciting the opening Takbir (“Allahu Akbar”) |
Reciting Other Quranic Chapters
After reciting Surah Fatihah, you have the option to recite other chapters from the Quran. Here are some popular choices:
- Surah Al-Baqarah: Verses 1-5
- Surah Al-Imran: Verses 1-10
- Surah Al-Baqarah: Verses 168-169
- Surah Al-Hashr: Verse 23
You can choose any of these or any other chapter that you prefer. However, it’s recommended to keep your recitation brief, as the focus of Isha Salah is on contemplation and reflection.
Additional Notes on Verse Choices
| Verse | Description |
|---|---|
| Surah Al-Baqarah: Verses 1-5 | The opening verses of the Quran, emphasizing the greatness of God and the need for guidance. |
| Surah Al-Imran: Verses 1-10 | Verses focusing on the unity of God and the importance of following His commands. |
| Surah Al-Baqarah: Verses 168-169 | Verses urging Muslims to remember God frequently and to seek His forgiveness. |
| Surah Al-Hashr: Verse 23 | A powerful verse that summarizes the attributes of God and highlights His supremacy. |
Bowing (Ruku’)
Bowing is the second position in the salah. To perform ruku’:
- After completing the recitation, place your hands on your knees.
- Slightly spread your fingers apart and bend forward at the waist, keeping your back straight.
- Your head should be in line with your spine.
- Recite the following three times: “Subhaana rabbiy-al-‘Azeem” (“Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent”).
- Remain in this position for a few moments, reflecting on the greatness of Allah.
- While in ruku’, make sure that your arms are close to your body and your elbows are slightly bent.
| Description | Timing |
|---|---|
| Place hands on knees | After recitation |
| Bend forward at waist | Immediately |
| Head in line with spine | During ruku’ |
| Recite “Subhaana rabbiy-al-‘Azeem” | Three times |
| Remain in ruku’ | For a few moments |
| Keep arms close to body and elbows slightly bent | Throughout ruku’ |
Prostrating (Sujud)
Prostrating (Sujud) is one of the most important parts of Isha Salah. It is during this time that Muslims humble themselves before Allah and express their complete devotion to Him. Here are the steps on how to perform the prostration:
1. Bowing (Ruku’)
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your hips and bend over at the waist, keeping your back straight. Your head should be level with your spine and your eyes should be looking at the floor.
2. Prostrating (Sujud)
From the bowing position, move forward onto your hands and knees. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart and your knees should be hip-width apart. Lower your forehead to the ground until your nose touches the ground. Your elbows should be off the ground and your toes should be pointing towards Mecca.
3. Reciting the Tasbih
While in the prostration position, recite the following tasbih three times:
| Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la | Glory be to my Lord, the Most High |
4. Raising Your Head
After reciting the tasbih, raise your head and return to the kneeling position. Keep your hands on the ground and lean forward until your forehead is about two inches off the ground.
5. Reciting the Tashahud
While in this position, recite the tashahud:
| Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|
| At-tahiyyatu lillahi, was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu. As-salamu alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu, wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu alayna wa ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh. | All greetings, prayers, and good words belong to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. |
6. Saluting (Taslim)
After reciting the tashahud, turn your head to the right and say, “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.” Then, turn your head to the left and say, “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
7. Leaving the Prayer
After saluting, you have completed the Isha Salah. You may now stand up and leave the prayer area.
Sitting between Prostrations
The sitting position between prostrations is known as the “jalsa.” There are two types of jalsa in Isha Salah:
First Jalsa (Jalsa Ula)
After the first prostration (sujud), sit back on your heels with your feet flat on the ground. Your toes should point toward the qibla. Place your hands on your thighs, with your fingers pointing toward the qibla. Recite the following:
| Arabic | English |
|---|---|
| رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي، رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي، رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي | My Lord, forgive me, my Lord forgive me, my Lord forgive me |
Second Jalsa (Jalsa Thaniyya)
After the second prostration (sujud), sit back on your left foot, with your right foot bent under you. Your toes should still point toward the qibla. Place your hands on your thighs, with your fingers pointing toward the qibla. Recite the following:
| Arabic | English |
|---|---|
| اَتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَآ اِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ | All compliments, prayers, and good deeds belong to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. |
Terminal Tashahhud
Terminal Tashahhud, also known as the Final Salam, is the concluding portion of the Isha prayer. It consists of a series of supplications and salutations that mark the end of the prayer.
To perform the Terminal Tashahhud, follow these steps:
- After concluding the previous section of the prayer, sit back on your feet in a cross-legged position known as the “Tashahhud position.”
- Place your right hand on your right thigh and your left hand on your left thigh.
- Recite the following supplication:
Arabic English At-tahiyyatu Lillahi wassalawatu wat-tayyibat All perfect compliments, prayers, and pure words belong to Allah As-salamu ‘alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings As-salamu ‘alaina wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger - Raise your index finger of your right hand while saying, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.” (As-salamu ‘alaika wa rahmatullah.)
- Turn your head to the right while saying the first salam and then turn your head to the left while saying the second salam.
- Repeat the supplications and salutations twice.
- End the prayer by making supplications and prayers as desired.
- Turn to your right and say, “Peace be upon you.” (As-salamu ‘alaikum.)
- Turn to your left and say, “Peace be upon you.” (As-salamu ‘alaikum.)
- Make sure you are in a state of purity by performing wudu.
- Face the Qiblah, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Say the Niyyah (intention) to perform Isha Salah.
- Raise your hands up to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
- Place your right hand over your left hand on your chest.
- Recite Surah Fatihah (the Opening Chapter of the Quran).
- Recite another Surah from the Quran (optional).
- Bow down and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Stand up straight and say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Allah hears the one who praises Him. Our Lord, all praises are due to You).
- Prostrate and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Sit up and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Prostrate again and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Sit up and say “Attahiyyatu lillahi wassalawatu wattayyibatu, Assalamu alayka ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, Assalamu alayna wa ala ibadi Llahis salihin, Ash hadu an la ilaha illallah wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh” (All greetings, 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 god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger).
- Turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
- Turn your head to the left and say “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
Concluding the Isha Salah
To conclude the Isha Salah, follow these steps:
1. Make Dua (Supplication)
After the fourth rak’ah, raise your hands and make dua (supplication) to Allah (SWT). Ask for forgiveness, guidance, blessings, and anything else you desire from Him.
2. Recite the Tashahhud
After dua, recite the Tashahhud (testimony of faith): “Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluhu.”
3. Say “Salli wa Salam”
After the Tashahhud, say “Salli wa Salam” (blessings and peace) upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his family:
| Arabic | English |
|---|---|
| Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad | O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad |
| Kamaa sallayta ‘ala Ibraahima wa ‘ala aali Ibraahima | As you blessed Abraham and the family of Abraham |
| Innaka Hamidun Majeed | Verily, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious |
4. Recite the Salawat
Optional: You can also recite the Salawat (prayer for blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad.”
5. Turn Your Head to the Right
After Salli wa Salam, turn your head to the right and say, “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
6. Turn Your Head to the Left
Then turn your head to the left and say, “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
7. Conclude the Salah
This completes the Isha Salah. You may now stand up and continue with your activities.
How to Perform Isha Salah
Isha Salah is the fifth and final obligatory prayer of the day in Islam. It is performed at night, after sunset and before dawn. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Isha Salah:
Isha Salah is a beautiful and rewarding act of worship. By performing it regularly, we can connect with our Creator and earn His blessings.
People Also Ask About How to Perform Isha Salah
What is the time for Isha Salah?
Isha Salah is performed after sunset and before dawn.
How many rakahs are in Isha Salah?
Isha Salah consists of four rakahs.
Do I need to perform Isha Salah in congregation?
It is recommended to perform Isha Salah in congregation, but it is not obligatory.
What are the benefits of performing Isha Salah?
Performing Isha Salah regularly can help us connect with our Creator, earn His blessings, and achieve spiritual peace.
