By the end of this lesson
Connect the movements and recognize the two prostrations.
One rak‘ah follows a movement pattern. Notice that prostration happens twice, with a settled sitting between the two. Recitations belong to particular parts of this pattern.
- 1
Stand & recite
Read al-Fatihah and the recitation appropriate to this unit.
- 2
Bow
Settle into bowing.
- 3
Rise
Return to a settled standing position.
- 4
First prostration
Prostrate calmly.
- 5
Sit
Pause between the two prostrations.
- 6
Second prostration
Prostrate again.
This map explains the movement pattern, not the complete wording or every school-specific detail. The opening, later sittings and closing depend on where the unit falls in the prayer.
Rehearse one rak‘ah →A rak‘ah is one unit of prayer. Learn the shared movement pattern before combining units. Witr follows its own school-specific sequence →
Prayer terms, in plain language
- Rak‘ah
- One unit of prayer containing standing, bowing and two prostrations.
- Qiblah
- The direction of the Ka‘bah in Makkah.
- Takbir
- Saying “Allahu akbar”: Allah is greater.
- Ruku‘
- Bowing in prayer.
- Sujud
- Prostration in prayer.
- Tashahhud
- The testimony recited while sitting in prayer.
TRY TO RECALL · OPTIONAL
How many prostrations are in one rak‘ah?
A study check, not an assessment of your prayer.