Farz — Obligatory
Compulsory for every Muslim. Intentionally missing a Farz prayer is a major sin. Missed prayers must be made up (Qada).
"And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow."
Surah Al-Baqarah · 2:43 · The Quran
Reference Guide
How many Rakats in each Salah, and which are obligatory, Sunnah Muakkadah, Witr, or voluntary.
| Prayer | Sunnah Before | Farz | Sunnah After | Nafl | Witr | Nafl | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr فجر Dawn | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 4 |
| Zohr ظهر Midday | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 12 |
| Asr عصر Afternoon | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — | 8 |
| Maghrib مغرب Sunset | — | 3 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 7 |
| Isha عشاء Night | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 17 |
| Jumuah جمعة Friday | 4 | 2 | 4+2 | 2 | — | — | 14 |
Prayer Types
Compulsory for every Muslim. Intentionally missing a Farz prayer is a major sin. Missed prayers must be made up (Qada).
Prayers the Prophet ﷺ performed consistently. Strongly encouraged — regularly omitting them without valid reason is blameworthy.
Optional prayers earning extra reward and closeness to Allah. No sin for leaving them, but great virtue in performing them.
Prayed after Isha. Wajib in the Hanafi school — 3 Rakats including Dua Qunoot recited in the final Rakat.
Common Questions
Fajr has 4 Rakats total: 2 Sunnah Muakkadah before and 2 Farz.
Isha has 17 Rakats total: 4 Sunnah (non-Muakkadah) before, 4 Farz, 2 Sunnah Muakkadah after, 2 Nafl, 3 Witr (Wajib), and 2 Nafl.
Farz prayers are obligatory and missing them intentionally is a major sin. Sunnah prayers are based on the practice of the Prophet ﷺ — Sunnah Muakkadah are strongly emphasised while Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah are recommended but less so.
Witr means "odd" and refers to the 3-Rakat prayer performed after Isha. It is Wajib (necessary) in the Hanafi school and includes the recitation of Dua Qunoot in the final Rakat.
There are 5 obligatory (Farz) daily prayers: Fajr (dawn), Zohr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). On Fridays, Jumuah prayer replaces Zohr.