Here's how it works, step by step:
1. Start with the Takbir
Begin the prayer by saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). This is called the Takbirat al-Ihram, and it marks the formal start of the prayer. [Sahih Bukhari 757, Sahih Muslim 397]
2. Recite the Quran
After the Takbir, you recite Surah Al-Fatihah — which begins with "All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds" — followed by whatever else you can recite from the Quran. [Coran, Al-Fatiha:1; Sahih Bukhari 757]
3. Bow (Ruku')
Then bow until you are calmly and fully bowed. In this position, the Prophet ﷺ kept his head level — neither raised nor lowered, but in between. [Sahih Muslim 397]
4. Stand up straight
Rise from the bowing until you are standing completely upright before going down to prostration. [Sahih Muslim 397]
5. Prostrate (Sujud)
Prostrate until you are calmly and fully prostrated. When you prostrate, place your palms on the ground and raise your elbows (don't spread your arms out flat like an animal). [Sahih Bukhari 757; Sahih Muslim 494]
6. Sit up
Lift your head from prostration and sit up calmly before prostrating again. [Sahih Bukhari 757]
7. Repeat and finish
Do this consistently in every unit (rak'ah) of the prayer. After every two rak'ahs, you recite the Tashahhud (the greeting: "All greetings are for Allah, along with prayers and good things..."). When sitting, the Prophet ﷺ would spread his left foot and keep his right foot upright. He concluded the prayer with the Taslim (saying "As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah" to the right and left). [Sahih Muslim 397]
A key point about calmness
The Prophet ﷺ told a man who rushed through his prayer three times: "Go back and pray, for you have not prayed." The man then asked to be taught, and the Prophet ﷺ emphasized being at ease (tuma'ninah) in each position — bowing, standing, prostrating, and sitting. So prayer isn't just movements; it requires stillness and presence. [Sahih Bukhari 757]
If you're sick or unable to stand
Pray standing; if you can't, then sitting; if you can't, then lying on your side. If you can't prostrate on the ground, use head movements — making the prostration lower than the bowing. [Sahih Bukhari 1117; Al-Bayhaqi 10952]
Practical tip: To build this habit, start by learning one prayer (like Fajr, 2 rak'ahs) and practice it slowly with calmness. You can follow the prayer times in the Prayer Times section of your Al Muslim Plus app, and use the Qibla compass to make sure you're facing the right direction. For the exact wording of the Tashahhud and other recitations, check the Duas section of your app.