Hanafi · Asr Prayer

How to Pray Asr (Hanafi)

Asr is the afternoon prayer — 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah followed by 4 Farz. A critically emphasised prayer not to miss.

In the Hanafi school, Asr time begins when the shadow of an object is twice its length. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The one who misses Asr prayer is as if he has lost his family and wealth." (Bukhari). The 4 Sunnah before Asr are non-obligatory but carry great reward.

Optional Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah

Step 1

Niyyah (Intention)

Make the intention in your heart. It is not necessary to say it aloud.

I intend to pray 4 Sunnah rakats of Asr, for the sake of Allah, facing the Qiblah.

Step 2

Takbeer-e-Tahreema

Raise both hands up to your earlobes, palms facing the Qiblah, then place right hand over left hand below the navel.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Allah is the Greatest

Step 3

Thana (Sana)

Rakat 1

Recite Thana silently:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ

Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk

Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise. Blessed is Your name and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god but You.

Step 4

Ta'awwudh

Rakat 1

Recite Ta'awwudh silently:

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem

I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.

Step 5

Tasmiyah

Rakat 1

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 6

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 1

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

Alhamdu lillahi rabbil-'aalameen
Ar-rahmanir-raheem
Maliki yawmid-deen
Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een
Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem
Siratal-ladhina an'amta 'alayhim ghayril-maghdubi 'alayhim wa lad-daalleen

All praise is for Allah, Lord of all worlds.
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Master of the Day of Judgement.
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us to the straight path.
The path of those You have blessed, not of those who have incurred anger, nor of those who are astray.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 7

Additional Surah

Rakat 1

Recite any Surah or at least 3 short verses. Choose from the options below:

Recite Bismillah (Tasmiyah) silently before beginning the Surah — it appears as the first line below.

Choose a Surah to recite:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
قُلْ هُوَ اللهُ أَحَدٌ
اللهُ الصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem
Qul huwal-lahu ahad
Allahus-samad
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Say: He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born.
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.

Step 8

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 1

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 9

Ruku

Rakat 1

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 10

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 1

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 11

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 1

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 12

First Sajdah

Rakat 1

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 13

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 1

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 14

Second Sajdah

Rakat 1

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 15

Stand for Rakat 2

Rakat 2

Say Allahu Akbar and rise to stand for the next rakat.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 16

Tasmiyah

Rakat 2

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 17

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 2

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 18

Additional Surah

Rakat 2

Recite any Surah or at least 3 short verses. Choose from the options below:

Recite Bismillah (Tasmiyah) silently before beginning the Surah — it appears as the first line below.

Choose a Surah to recite:

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem
Qul huwal-lahu ahad
Allahus-samad
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Say: He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born.
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.

Step 19

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 2

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 20

Ruku

Rakat 2

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 21

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 2

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 22

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 2

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 23

First Sajdah

Rakat 2

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 24

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 2

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 25

Second Sajdah

Rakat 2

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 26

Qa'dah Ula (first sitting)

Rakat 2

After the second Sajdah of the 2nd rakat, sit for Qa'dah Ula. Recite At-Tahiyyat only, then stand for the next rakat.

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللهِ الصَّالِحِينَ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu, as-salamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, as-salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh

All greetings, prayers and pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

When reciting "Ash-hadu an la ilaha" raise the index finger of the right hand and lower it at "illallah".

Step 27

Stand for Rakat 3

Rakat 3

Say Allahu Akbar and rise to stand for the next rakat.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 28

Tasmiyah

Rakat 3

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 29

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 3

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 30

Additional Surah

Rakat 3

Recite any Surah or at least 3 short verses. Choose from the options below:

Recite Bismillah (Tasmiyah) silently before beginning the Surah — it appears as the first line below.

Choose a Surah to recite:

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem
Qul huwal-lahu ahad
Allahus-samad
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Say: He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born.
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.

Step 31

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 3

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 32

Ruku

Rakat 3

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 33

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 3

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 34

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 3

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 35

First Sajdah

Rakat 3

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 36

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 3

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 37

Second Sajdah

Rakat 3

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 38

Stand for Rakat 4

Rakat 4

Say Allahu Akbar and rise to stand for the next rakat.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 39

Tasmiyah

Rakat 4

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 40

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 4

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 41

Additional Surah

Rakat 4

Recite any Surah or at least 3 short verses. Choose from the options below:

Recite Bismillah (Tasmiyah) silently before beginning the Surah — it appears as the first line below.

Choose a Surah to recite:

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem
Qul huwal-lahu ahad
Allahus-samad
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Say: He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born.
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.

Step 42

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 4

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 43

Ruku

Rakat 4

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 44

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 4

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 45

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 4

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 46

First Sajdah

Rakat 4

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 47

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 4

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 48

Second Sajdah

Rakat 4

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 49

Qa'dah Akhira (final sitting)

Rakat 4

After the second Sajdah of the final rakat, sit for the final Qa'dah.

Step 50

At-Tahiyyat

Rakat 4

When reciting "Ash-hadu an la ilaha" raise the index finger of the right hand and lower it at "illallah".

Step 51

Darood Ibrahim

Rakat 4

After At-Tahiyyat, recite Darood Ibrahim:

اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلٰى مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰى اٰلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلٰٓى اِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلٰٓى اٰلِ اِبْرَاهِيْمَ اِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ
aَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلٰى مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰى اٰلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلٰٓى اِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلٰٓى اٰلِ اِبْرَاهِيْمَ اِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammadin kama sallayta 'ala Ibrahima wa 'ala ali Ibrahima innaka hamidun majid.
Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammadin kama barakta 'ala Ibrahima wa 'ala ali Ibrahima innaka hamidun majid.

O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.

Step 52

Dua

Rakat 4

After Darood Ibrahim, recite a Dua. Choose from:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran wa la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika warhamni innaka antal-ghafurur-rahim

O Allah, I have greatly wronged myself and no one forgives sins but You. So grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy on me. Surely, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Sahih al-Bukhari

Step 53

Tasleem

Rakat 4

Turn head to the right and say Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah, then turn to the left and repeat.

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.

Say this turning your head to the right first, then repeat turning to the left.

Step 1

Niyyah (Intention)

Make the intention in your heart. It is not necessary to say it aloud.

I intend to pray 4 Farz rakats of Asr, for the sake of Allah, facing the Qiblah.

Step 2

Takbeer-e-Tahreema

Raise both hands up to your earlobes, palms facing the Qiblah, then place right hand over left hand below the navel.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Allah is the Greatest

Step 3

Thana (Sana)

Rakat 1

Recite Thana silently:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ

Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta'ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk

Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise. Blessed is Your name and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god but You.

Step 4

Ta'awwudh

Rakat 1

Recite Ta'awwudh silently:

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem

I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.

Step 5

Tasmiyah

Rakat 1

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 6

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 1

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 7

Additional Surah

Rakat 1

Recite any Surah or at least 3 short verses. Choose from the options below:

Recite Bismillah (Tasmiyah) silently before beginning the Surah — it appears as the first line below.

Choose a Surah to recite:

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem
Qul huwal-lahu ahad
Allahus-samad
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Say: He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born.
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.

Step 8

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 1

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 9

Ruku

Rakat 1

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 10

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 1

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 11

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 1

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 12

First Sajdah

Rakat 1

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 13

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 1

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 14

Second Sajdah

Rakat 1

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 15

Stand for Rakat 2

Rakat 2

Say Allahu Akbar and rise to stand for the next rakat.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 16

Tasmiyah

Rakat 2

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 17

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 2

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 18

Additional Surah

Rakat 2

Recite any Surah or at least 3 short verses. Choose from the options below:

Recite Bismillah (Tasmiyah) silently before beginning the Surah — it appears as the first line below.

Choose a Surah to recite:

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem
Qul huwal-lahu ahad
Allahus-samad
Lam yalid wa lam yulad
Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Say: He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born.
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.

Step 19

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 2

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 20

Ruku

Rakat 2

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 21

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 2

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 22

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 2

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 23

First Sajdah

Rakat 2

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 24

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 2

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 25

Second Sajdah

Rakat 2

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 26

Qa'dah Ula (first sitting)

Rakat 2

After the second Sajdah of the 2nd rakat, sit for Qa'dah Ula. Recite At-Tahiyyat only, then stand for the next rakat.

When reciting "Ash-hadu an la ilaha" raise the index finger of the right hand and lower it at "illallah".

Step 27

Stand for Rakat 3

Rakat 3

Say Allahu Akbar and rise to stand for the next rakat.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 28

Tasmiyah

Rakat 3

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 29

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 3

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 30

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 3

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 31

Ruku

Rakat 3

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 32

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 3

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 33

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 3

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 34

First Sajdah

Rakat 3

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 35

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 3

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 36

Second Sajdah

Rakat 3

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 37

Stand for Rakat 4

Rakat 4

Say Allahu Akbar and rise to stand for the next rakat.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 38

Tasmiyah

Rakat 4

Recite Tasmiyah silently:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Step 39

Surah Al-Fatihah

Rakat 4

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently (in Farz) or aloud (in Sunnah/Nafl - optional):

Bismillah (Tasmiyah) was already recited in the previous step — begin from Al-Hamdulillah.

آمِين

Ameen (O Allah, accept our prayer).

Step 40

Takbeer (going into Ruku)

Rakat 4

Say Allahu Akbar while bending into Ruku.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 41

Ruku

Rakat 4

Bow with hands on knees, back straight, and recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subhana Rabbiyal 'Azeem

Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

×3 times

Step 42

Qawmah (standing after Ruku)

Rakat 4

Stand up straight from Ruku and recite:

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Sami Allahu liman hamidah

Allah hears those who praise Him.

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-hamd

Our Lord, all praise is for You.

Step 43

Takbeer (going into Sajdah)

Rakat 4

Say Allahu Akbar while going into Sajdah.

اللهُ أَكْبَر

Allahu Akbar

Step 44

First Sajdah

Rakat 4

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 45

Jalsah (sitting between Sajdahs)

Rakat 4

Sit upright briefly between the two Sajdahs. In Hanafi madhab, no specific dua is required here.

Step 46

Second Sajdah

Rakat 4

Place forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes on the ground. Recite at least 3 times:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A'la

Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

×3 times

Step 47

Qa'dah Akhira (final sitting)

Rakat 4

After the second Sajdah of the final rakat, sit for the final Qa'dah.

Step 48

At-Tahiyyat

Rakat 4

When reciting "Ash-hadu an la ilaha" raise the index finger of the right hand and lower it at "illallah".

Step 49

Darood Ibrahim

Rakat 4

After At-Tahiyyat, recite Darood Ibrahim:

Step 50

Dua

Rakat 4

After Darood Ibrahim, recite a Dua. Choose from:

Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran wa la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika warhamni innaka antal-ghafurur-rahim

O Allah, I have greatly wronged myself and no one forgives sins but You. So grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy on me. Surely, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Sahih al-Bukhari

Step 51

Tasleem

Rakat 4

Turn head to the right and say Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah, then turn to the left and repeat.

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.

Say this turning your head to the right first, then repeat turning to the left.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rakats is Asr?

Asr has 8 Rakats in the Hanafi school: 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah (optional but rewarding) and 4 Farz (obligatory).

What is the last time for Asr prayer?

Asr ends at sunset. However, it is Makruh (disliked) to delay it until very close to sunset. The preferred time is while the sun is still bright and high.

← All Hanafi Prayers