How to pray asr
Asr is one of the five mandatory daily prayers that all Muslims are required to perform. It takes place in the afternoon, between the time when the sun begins to decline from its zenith until it gets close to sunset. This article will guide you on how to properly perform the Asr prayer.
First, it is important to remember that prayer is a way of connecting with Allah (SWT). It is a means of seeking His guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. Before starting the Asr prayer, it is recommended to perform ablution (wudu) to purify oneself both physically and spiritually.
Once you have completed the wudu, find a clean and quiet place to perform the prayer. Face towards the qibla, which is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. The qibla can be determined by using a compass or by referring to local Islamic centers or mosques for accurate direction.
Begin the Asr prayer by raising both hands up to the level of your shoulders and standing upright. Recite the opening supplication silently in your heart, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance. Then, lower your hands and place your right hand over your left hand on your chest.
Now, you are ready to begin reciting the Qur’an. Begin by reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Qur’an. Then, recite an additional portion of the Qur’an, known as a surah or verses. It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas or other shorter chapters of the Qur’an.
Steps for Performing Asr Prayer
The Asr prayer is one of the five daily prayers that Muslims must perform. It is offered in the afternoon, after the sun has passed its zenith. Here are the steps for performing Asr prayer:
1. Make Niyyah (Intention)
Before beginning the Asr prayer, you should have the intention in your heart to perform this particular prayer. This is known as niyyah.
2. Perform Wudu (Ablution)
Next, you need to perform wudu, which is the ritual purification of the body before prayers. This involves washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet.
3. Find a Clean Place
After performing wudu, find a clean and quiet place to pray. It is important to have a clean space for prayer to maintain purity and focus.
4. Face the Qibla
Stand facing the qibla, which is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. This is the direction that Muslims face during their prayers.
5. Begin the Prayer
The Asr prayer consists of different physical positions and recitations. Here is the order of the actions:
- Start by raising your hands to shoulder level and saying Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest) to begin the prayer.
- Place your right hand over the left hand on your chest as you recite the opening supplication.
- Continue by reciting the Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran) silently or aloud.
- Recite additional verses or chapters from the Quran.
- Perform the rukoo (bowing) position by bending down, placing your hands on your knees, and reciting a supplication.
- Return to the standing position and say Sami Allahu liman hamidah (God hears those who praise Him).
- Perform the sujood (prostration) position by placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground while reciting a supplication.
- Raise your head and sit up, saying Allahu Akbar.
- Repeat the sujood position again.
- Raise your head and sit up, saying Allahu Akbar.
- Sit straight and recite the Tashahhud, a prayer during the sitting position.
- Finish the prayer by turning your face to the right and left, saying As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah (peace be upon you, and God’s mercy) to conclude the prayer.
6. Make Du’a (Supplication)
After completing the prayer, take a few moments to make du’a, which involves personal supplication and communication with Allah.
By following these steps, you can fulfill your obligation of performing the Asr prayer properly and get the spiritual benefits associated with it.
Prepare for Asr prayer
The Asr prayer is one of the five daily prayers performed by Muslims. It is the afternoon prayer, which is offered in the late afternoon before sunset. It is important to prepare properly for this prayer in order to approach it with the necessary reverence and concentration.
1. Perform ablution (Wudu): Before praying Asr, it is important to perform ablution (Wudu) to purify oneself. This involves washing the hands, face, mouth, nose, arms, head, ears, and feet. Following this spiritual cleansing ritual will help create a state of purity and attentiveness for prayer.
2. Choose a clean place: Find a clean and quiet place to perform Asr prayer. It can be a designated prayer area at home, at a mosque, or any other peaceful location. Ensuring cleanliness and tranquility in the prayer space helps create an atmosphere conducive to focus and spiritual connection.
3. Face the Qibla: Before starting the prayer, ensure you are facing the Qibla, which is the direction towards the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This direction is important for all Muslims when praying as it symbolizes unity and solidarity in worshipping Allah.
4. Perform the Takbir: Begin the Asr prayer by raising your hands to your ears and saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest). This is called the Takbir and it signals the start of the prayer. Remember to say it softly and not loudly.
5. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and a Surah: After the Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, and then recite another short Surah (chapter) from the Quran. This is an integral part of offering the Asr prayer.
6. Perform the Ruk’ahs: The Asr prayer consists of four Ruk’ahs (units of prayer). Each Ruk’ah includes standing, bowing, and prostrating. Follow the movements of standing, bowing (Ruku), and prostration (Sujood) according to the proper order and duration as prescribed in the Islamic teachings.
7. Offer heartfelt supplications: During the prayer, take a moment after the prostrations to offer personal supplications (dua) to Allah. This is an opportunity to communicate with our Creator and seek His guidance, forgiveness, and blessings. Use this time to reflect on personal needs, express gratitude, and seek spiritual growth.
8. Stay focused and complete the prayer: Throughout the Asr prayer, maintain focus and concentration, ensuring that the mind is not distracted by worldly thoughts. Complete the four Ruk’ahs with tranquility and reverence before offering the concluding Salutation (Taslim) by turning the head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah) and then to the left, repeating the same words.
By following these steps, you can prepare yourself for the Asr prayer, allowing you to engage in sincere worship and connect with Allah. Remember that prayer is a blessed act that provides spiritual nourishment and inward tranquility, so approach each prayer with a humble heart and sincere intentions. May Allah accept your prayers.
Perform Wudu (ablution) for Asr prayer
Before performing Asr prayer, it is necessary to perform Wudu, which is the process of cleansing certain parts of the body. Following are the steps to perform Wudu for Asr prayer:
1. Intention:
Make a sincere intention in your heart to perform Wudu for Asr prayer and seek purification in order to worship Allah.
2. Begin with Bismillah:
Start by saying Bismillah (In the name of Allah) to seek blessings and start the Wudu process.
3. Wash Hands:
Begin by washing your hands up to the wrists three times, making sure to rub between the fingers and ensuring that water reaches all areas.
4. Rinse the Mouth:
Take a mouthful of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly three times, ensuring you gargle and swill the water inside your mouth.
5. Cleanse the Nose:
Inhale water into your nostrils by using your right hand, and then exhale it while removing any dirt or impurities from the nostrils. Repeat this process three times.
6. Wash the Face:
Splash water on your face three times, from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear, ensuring that all areas of the face are thoroughly washed.
7. Wash the Arms:
Starting with the right arm, wash it thoroughly from the fingertips up to the elbow, ensuring that all areas are washed, including the inside. Repeat the same process for the left arm. Wash each arm three times.
8. Wipe the Head:
Wipe the entire head with your wet hands, starting from the forehead to the back of the head and back to the forehead. This action is performed only once.
9. Wipe the Ears:
Use your index fingers to wipe the inside and outside of the ears once, making sure to use water from the previous step.
10. Wash the Feet:
Start with the right foot, wash it up to the ankle, making sure to wash between the toes, and ensuring that water reaches all areas. Repeat the same process for the left foot. Wash each foot three times.
Once you have completed these steps, you have successfully performed Wudu for Asr prayer, and you are prepared to commence your prayer.
Note: It is recommended to recite the following dua (supplication) after completing Wudu:
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-llah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.)
Start the Asr Prayer
Before starting the Asr prayer, it is important to first fulfill the prerequisites known as the Wudu. Perform the ablution by washing your hands, mouth, nose, face, forearms, and feet. Ensure that you have a clean and pure intention in your heart as you prepare to communicate with Allah during the Asr prayer.
Find a clean and quiet place where you can concentrate without distractions. Begin by facing the Qibla, the Kaaba in Mecca, which is the direction Muslims face during their prayers.
Recitation of Takbeerat-ul-Ihram
Start the Asr prayer by reciting “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “Allah is the Greatest,” while raising your hands to the level of your ears. Place your hands on your abdomen or fold them below your navel as you continue with the Salah.
Standing Position
- Stand upright and make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart.
- Place your right hand over your left hand, just above your navel.
- Keep your eyes focused on the place of prostration, the Sajdah area.
Now, you are ready to begin the Asr prayer and embark on this spiritual journey. Remember to continue with the actions of the Salah, such as the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and other verses from the Holy Quran.
Complete the Asr prayer
To complete the Asr prayer, follow these steps:
1. Make sure you are in a clean state (wudu) before beginning the prayer.
2. Stand facing the qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
3. Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to start the prayer.
4. Place your right hand over your left hand on your chest.
5. Recite the opening supplication: “Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuka.” (Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your Majesty. There is no god but You.)
6. Recite the Surah Al-Fatiha (the Opening Chapter of the Quran).
7. Recite another chapter (Surah) from the Quran, or a portion of a chapter.
8. Perform ruku (bowing) by bending from the waist and placing your hands on your knees, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
9. Return to the standing position and raise your hands to your ears, saying “Allahu Akbar” as you do so.
10. Prostrate yourself on the ground, placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the floor. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
11. Rise from the prostration and sit back on your heels, saying “Allahu Akbar.”
12. Repeat steps 8-11 for the second unit (rakah) of the Asr prayer.
13. After the second unit, sit back on your heels and recite the Tashahhud (a supplication praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad).
14. Say the Taslim (salutation) by turning your head to the right and saying “As-Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah), then turning your head to the left and saying the same phrase again.
15. You have now completed the Asr prayer. May your prayers be accepted by Allah.
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