Fajr is the first of the five daily prayers, performed at dawn before sunrise. The obligatory part is just 2 rakats, which makes it the easiest prayer to learn first. This guide walks you through Fajr step by step — the intention, what to recite, every position, and tips so you never miss it.
When Is Fajr Prayed?
Fajr begins at true dawn (subh sadiq), when the first light spreads across the horizon, and its time ends at sunrise. Because the window is short and early, Fajr is the prayer most often missed through oversleeping. Check the exact dawn time for your city on our Islamic Prayer Times pages.
How Many Rakats Is Fajr?
Fajr has 2 Fard (obligatory) rakats. Before them, it is strongly recommended to pray 2 Sunnah rakats — these are among the most emphasised voluntary prayers. For the full breakdown across all prayers, see How Many Rakats in Each Prayer.
| Part of Fajr | Rakats | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnah (before) | 2 | Strongly recommended |
| Fard (obligatory) | 2 | Required |
Before You Start
Make sure you have valid wudu, clean clothes and a clean place, that you are covering the awrah, facing the Qibla, and that the time of Fajr has entered.
How to Pray Fajr Step by Step (2 Rakat Fard)
Step 1 — Make your intention
Stand facing the Qibla and intend in your heart to pray the 2 Fard rakats of Fajr. The intention is in the heart and is not spoken aloud.
Step 2 — Opening Takbir
Raise your hands to ear or shoulder level and say:
Step 3 — First rakat: stand and recite
Place your right hand over your left on the chest. Recite the opening supplication, then seek refuge (A’udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem), then Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a short surah such as Surah Al-Ikhlas. In congregation, the imam recites these aloud in Fajr.
Step 4 — Bow (Ruku)
Say Allahu Akbar, bow with a straight back and hands on the knees, and say three times Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Adheem (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great). Rise saying Sami’Allahu liman hamidah, then Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.
Step 5 — Prostrate twice (Sujud)
Say Allahu Akbar and prostrate with seven body parts on the ground, saying three times Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High). Sit briefly saying Rabbighfir li, then prostrate a second time. This completes the first rakat.
Step 6 — Second rakat
Stand up saying Allahu Akbar and repeat the recitation (Al-Fatihah and a short surah), the bowing and the two prostrations exactly as in the first rakat.
Step 7 — Tashahhud and ending
After the second prostration of the second rakat, sit and recite the Tashahhud, followed by the Durood (blessings on the Prophet, peace be upon him) and a short dua. Then turn your head to the right saying As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah, and to the left, repeating it. Your Fajr prayer is complete.
Tips to Never Miss Fajr
- Sleep early so waking for dawn is easier.
- Set more than one alarm, and place your phone away from the bed.
- Pray the 2 Sunnah first — it eases you into the prayer.
- Make wudu right after waking to shake off sleep.
- Use prayer-time notifications so you know the exact dawn time for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rakats is Fajr?
Fajr is 2 Fard (obligatory) rakats, usually preceded by 2 strongly recommended Sunnah rakats, making 4 in total.
Is Fajr prayer recited out loud?
Yes, Fajr is a prayer in which the recitation is said aloud. In congregation the imam recites Al-Fatihah and the surah audibly.
What if I wake up after sunrise and missed Fajr?
If you missed Fajr due to genuine sleep, pray it as soon as you wake. Missing it through sleep or forgetfulness is excused, but it must still be made up.
Can I pray the Sunnah of Fajr after the Fard?
The 2 Sunnah rakats are meant to be prayed before the Fard. If you miss them, many scholars allow praying them after sunrise.
What surahs should I read in Fajr?
You may read any surah after Al-Fatihah. Beginners often use short surahs such as Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
Keep Learning
Next, learn the longer prayers in How to Pray Salah Step by Step, prepare with How to Perform Wudu, and check today’s prayer times for your city.
A note on sources and schools of thought: This guide follows the broadly accepted Sunni method. Some details — such as reciting Qunut in Fajr — differ between the schools of jurisprudence. For verified texts see Quran.com and Sunnah.com, and consult a knowledgeable local imam for personalised guidance.