Fajr prayer, also known as Subuh prayer, is the very first of the five daily prayers in Islam. It is performed at dawn, a time when the world is still quiet and peaceful, reminding believers to begin their day with the remembrance of Allah. Many Muslims wonder how to perform Fajr prayer, how many rak‘ats it has, or even what time do I perform the Fajr? Learning the correct way to pray Fajr is essential, as it sets the tone for the rest of the day and carries immense spiritual rewards.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to pray Fajr at home, the Fajr prayer rak‘at, the role of Sunnah prayers, and even specific tips on how to pray Fajr for women. Whether you are just beginning your journey in prayer or looking to strengthen your practice, this step-by-step explanation will help you perform Fajr properly and consistently—so you never miss out on the blessings of this special prayer.
Table of Contents
Fajr Prayer Time: When to Pray
The Fajr prayer time is one of the most asked questions by Muslims, especially new learners: “What time do I perform the Fajr?” To understand this, it’s important to know the difference between dawn and sunrise.
Start of Fajr Time
Fajr begins at true dawn (Al-Fajr al-Ṣādiq)—when the first horizontal light appears in the sky across the horizon.
This is different from false dawn (Al-Fajr al-Kādhib), which appears as a vertical beam of light and does not spread across the horizon. Once the horizontal dawn appears, Fajr time has officially entered.
End of Fajr Time
The time for Fajr prayer ends at sunrise. Once the sun starts to rise above the horizon, Fajr is over, and the prayer is missed if not performed.
If dawn is at 5:00 AM and sunrise is at 6:15 AM, then the Fajr prayer time is from 5:00 AM until just before 6:15 AM.
It’s best to pray closer to the beginning of this time to gain more reward.
Fajr Prayer for Men and Women
Men are encouraged to pray Fajr in congregation at the mosque. Women may pray Fajr at home, and the time rules remain the same for both.
Importance of Praying on Time
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the ‘Isha and Fajr prayers, but if they only knew what they contain, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
This highlights the great reward of praying Fajr on time, as it is a sign of true faith and devotion.
Fajr Prayer Rak‘at (Units)
One of the most common questions Muslims ask is, “How many rak‘ats are in Fajr?” or “What is the structure of Fajr prayer rakat?”
The Fajr prayer is made up of two Sunnah rak‘ats followed by two obligatory rak‘ats (Fard).
1. Sunnah al-Fajr (2 Rak‘ats Sunnah)
These are highly recommended and were never missed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
He (ﷺ) said, “The two rak‘ats before the Fajr prayer are better than this world and all it contains.” (Sahih Muslim)
They should be prayed before the obligatory Fajr prayer.
It is Sunnah to recite short surahs in them, such as
- Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak‘at
- Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second rak‘at
2. Fard al-Fajr (2 Rak‘ats Obligatory)
These two rak‘ats are compulsory and must be prayed within the Fajr prayer time. Skipping them without a valid reason is a sin. In the Fard prayer, men should recite aloud, while women recite silently.
Total Number of Rak‘ats
So in total, the Fajr prayer rakat is
- 2 Sunnah rak‘ats (optional but highly emphasized)
- 2 Fard rak‘ats (obligatory)
- 4 rak‘ats in total
If you are praying Fajr at home, you should still perform both Sunnah and Fard rak‘ats. If you wake up late and only have time before sunrise for one set, you must pray the Fard rak‘ats first. The Sunnah can sometimes be prayed after sunrise (based on scholarly opinion).
So, The Fajr prayer consists of 4 rak‘ats: 2 Sunnah + 2 Fard. The Sunnah is of immense value, and the Fard is obligatory.
How to Perform Fajr Prayer Step by Step
If you are wondering how to perform Fajr prayer (or how to perform Subuh prayer), here’s a clear, step-by-step guide. The Fajr prayer consists of two Sunnah rak‘ats followed by two obligatory rak‘ats (Fard).
Step 1: Purification (Wudu)
Before starting, make sure you have performed ablution (wudu). Find a clean place, face the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Makkah), and prepare yourself.
Step 2: Make Intention (Niyyah)
Intend in your heart which prayer you are about to perform. Example: “I intend to pray two rak‘ats Sunnah of Fajr for the sake of Allah.”
The intention is in the heart, not spoken aloud.
Step 3: Start the Prayer (Takbir)
Raise your hands to your ears (men) or shoulders (women) and say, “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). Place your right hand over your left hand on your chest.
Step 4: Recite Opening Supplication & Surahs
Begin with Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening). Then recite another Surah (commonly Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, or Al-Kafirun).
Step 5: Ruku‘ (Bowing)
Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow. Keep your back straight and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great)” three times.
Step 6: Standing After Ruku‘
Rise from bowing while saying, “Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him). Then say: Rabbana wa laka al-hamd (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
Step 7: Sujood (Prostration)
Say “Allahu Akbar” and go into prostration. Place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Say: Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Step 8: Sitting Between Sujood
Sit up from sujood and say, “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me). Then go for the second sujood.
Step 9: Completing the Rak‘ah
This completes one rak‘ah. Stand up again and repeat steps 4–8 for the second rak‘ah.
Step 10: Tashahhud (Final Sitting)
After the second sujood of the second rak‘ah, sit down and recite the Tashahhud:
At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat… until the end.
Step 11: Ending the Prayer (Tasleem)
Finish by turning your head to the right and saying, “Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.” Then turn to the left and repeat: Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.
Order of Fajr Prayer
- 2 Sunnah rak‘ats (highly recommended).
- 2 Fard rak‘ats (obligatory).
How to Pray Fajr for Women
Many sisters ask, “How to pray Fajr for women? Is it different from men’s prayer?” The answer is simple: the steps of Fajr prayer for women are the same as for men in terms of rak‘ats, recitation, and actions. However, there are some practical guidelines related to modesty and the place of prayer.
1. Number of Rak‘ats
Fajr prayer consists of 2 Sunnah rak‘ats followed by 2 obligatory rak‘ats (Fard). Women should perform both, just like men.
2. Place of Prayer
According to Islamic tradition, women receive more reward for praying at home. However, it is also permissible for women to attend the mosque for Fajr if they wish, provided they observe modest dress and behavior.
3. Dress Code for Prayer
Women must cover their entire body except the face and hands (this is called ‘awrah in prayer). Clothing should be loose and non-transparent. Common options include a long jilbab, abaya, or prayer garment (khimar).
4. Voice in Prayer
When reciting aloud (since Fajr is a prayer where men normally recite aloud), women should recite quietly or in a soft voice, especially when praying in the presence of non-mahram men.
If praying alone at home, women can recite at a normal volume.
5. Steps of Fajr for Women
The method is the same as men’s:
- Perform wudu (ablution).
- Make intention (niyyah) in your heart.
- Pray 2 Sunnah rak‘ats (with Surah Al-Fatiha + another Surah in each rak‘ah).
- Pray 2 Fard rak‘ats (obligatory).
- Complete with Tasleem (saying Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah to the right and left).
6. Key Reminder
Even if you pray at home, pray at the correct Fajr prayer time: after true dawn and before sunrise.
Missing Fajr intentionally is a major sin, so try to pray it as soon as you wake up.
How to Pray Fajr at Home?
Many Muslims wonder: “Is it okay to pray Fajr at home? How to pray Fajr at home properly?” The good news is that Fajr prayer at home is valid and fully accepted by Allah (SWT) as long as it is performed within the correct time.
1. The Reward of Praying Fajr at Home
For men: It is more rewarding to pray in congregation at the mosque, but if there is a valid excuse (illness, work, travel, safety concerns), praying Fajr at home is permitted.
For women: It is more rewarding for women to pray Fajr at home, though they are welcome to attend the mosque if they wish.
2. Steps to Pray Fajr at Home
The method of how to perform Fajr prayer at home is the same as praying in the mosque:
Prepare for prayer
- Perform wudu (ablution).
- Find a clean and quiet place at home facing the Qibla.
Make Intention (Niyyah)
Intend in your heart that you are praying Fajr for Allah.
Pray the 2 Sunnah Rak‘ats
- Start with Takbir (Allahu Akbar).
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah (like Al-Kafirun or Al-Ikhlas).
- Complete the two rak‘ats with bowing, prostration, and Tasleem.
Pray the 2 Fard Rak‘ats
Repeat the same steps, this time to perform the obligatory Fajr prayer.
Optional Dhikr and Du‘a
After completing the prayer, sit and make du‘a or recite morning adhkar (remembrances), as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to do after Fajr.
3. Practical Tips for Praying Fajr at Home
Use a prayer rug to create a clean and peaceful atmosphere. Set alarms to avoid oversleeping and missing Fajr.
If possible, pray in congregation with family members at home to increase reward. Do not delay until close to sunrise—pray as early as possible after dawn arrives.
If you are asking how to pray Fajr at home, the process is the same as in the mosque: 2 Sunnah + 2 Fard rak‘ats before sunrise. The key is sincerity, purity, and praying within the proper Fajr prayer time.
Tips to Never Miss Fajr Prayer
One of the greatest struggles for many Muslims is consistently waking up for Fajr. Since Fajr comes at dawn, it requires discipline, preparation, and a sincere intention. If you often ask yourself, “How can I make sure I don’t miss Fajr prayer?”—these tips will help:
1. Sleep Early
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) disliked engaging in late-night conversations without purpose and encouraged sleeping early. Going to bed on time helps you wake up before dawn with energy.
2. Set Multiple Alarms
Don’t rely on just one alarm. Place your alarm clock or phone away from your bed so you have to physically get up to turn it off.
3. Make Du‘a Before Sleeping
Ask Allah sincerely to wake you up for Fajr. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When you go to bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi… and Allah will appoint a guardian over you, and no devil will approach you until morning.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
4. Sleep with Wudu and Intention
Go to bed in a state of wudu and with the firm niyyah (intention) to wake up for Fajr. Your intention itself brings Allah’s help.
5. Create a Morning Routine
Place your prayer mat and clothes ready before sleeping. This way, you won’t waste time or feel lazy when waking up.
6. Seek a Prayer Buddy
If possible, wake up with a family member or friend. Remind each other of the importance of Fajr, and encourage each other not to miss it.
7. Remember the Rewards of Fajr
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever prays the Fajr prayer is under the protection of Allah.” (Sahih Muslim)
Keeping this in mind strengthens your motivation to never miss it.
8. Avoid Heavy Meals Late at Night
Eating too much before sleeping makes it harder to wake up. Keep your dinner light so your body can rise easily for Fajr.
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Final Thoughts
Fajr prayer is a moment of peace and blessing that sets the tone for the entire day. Whether you are at home or in the mosque, whether man or woman, the method of praying is simple: 2 Sunnah rak‘ats + 2 obligatory rak‘ats before sunrise.
So, if you are asking, “How to perform Fajr prayer?” How to pray Fajr for a woman? How to pray Fajr at home? The answer lies in following the same blessed steps the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us.
Start your day with Fajr, and you will feel its spiritual light guiding you throughout the day.
