The five daily prayers contain 17 obligatory rakats in total: Fajr has 2, Dhuhr 4, Asr 4, Maghrib 3, and Isha 4. These numbers count only the fard (obligatory) units, not Sunnah or other voluntary prayers. In particular, Asr is four obligatory rakats; extra prayers sometimes listed around it do not change that count.
What is a rakat in salah?
A rakat is one unit of salah (the prescribed prayer). It has a sequence of standing, bowing, and prostration, followed by rising to begin another unit or sitting to complete the prayer. The number of rakats tells you how many of these units make up a particular prayer.
If you are learning the movements as well as the count, follow the step-by-step guide to wudu and prayer. For a wider explanation of prayer’s rules and place in Muslim life, see a broader guide to the rules and importance of salah.
How many obligatory rakats are in each of the five prayers?
The obligatory count is fixed as follows: **Fajr: 2; Dhuhr: 4; Asr: 4; Maghrib: 3; Isha: 4.** Together, these make 17 obligatory rakats each day. This is the clearest count to learn first because it excludes additional prayers that may be performed before or after a fard prayer.
The Qur’an connects the daily prayers with their appointed times: “Establish regular prayers – at the sun’s decline till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony.” (Surah Al-Israa, verse 78) The verse refers to the prayers and their times; the obligatory rakat counts above distinguish the units in each prayer from extra worship.
How to count the four rakats of Asr
Asr consists of **four obligatory rakats**. Count each complete unit once: after finishing the first, you move into the second; after the second, you sit; then you stand for the third and fourth, completing the prayer after the fourth. The exact details of the prayer’s movements are best learned as a sequence, but the key count is simple: the obligatory Asr prayer ends after four rakats.
Do not add a Sunnah or voluntary prayer to this number when answering how many rakats are obligatory in Asr. If you are praying behind an imam, follow the congregation and keep track of the units completed with the imam. The Qur’an calls special attention to guarding the prayers, including the Middle Prayer: “Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).” (Surah Al-Baqara, verse 238)
How Sunnah and voluntary rakats differ from fard
Sunnah prayers are additional prayers associated with the Prophet’s practice, while other voluntary prayers are offered beyond the obligatory prayers. They are not included in the fard totals: for example, the two obligatory rakats of Fajr remain two whether or not you pray additional rakats. The number and classification of recommended prayers can differ among schools of Islamic law, so lists that include extras may show different totals without disagreeing about the five obligatory counts.
The Qur’an commands believers to establish prayer: “And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).” (Surah Al-Baqara, verse 43) You can read Surah Al-Baqara, verse 43 in context. For an example of a voluntary night prayer, see how Tahajjud fits into voluntary night prayer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pray Sunnah rakats if I am new to Islam?
Learn and maintain the five obligatory prayers first; Sunnah rakats are additional, not part of the fard count. You can learn recommended prayers gradually, and the details of which are emphasised may vary among schools.
Remember the obligatory count: Fajr 2, Dhuhr 4, Asr 4, Maghrib 3, and Isha 4. Keep Sunnah and other voluntary rakats separate from these required units, and start by learning the five prayers’ obligatory counts.
Sources quoted
Every quotation was checked word for word against the Quran and hadith texts in our database.
The Al Muslim Plus editorial team · tested on October 16, 2026