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Q&A · Prayer

How many rakats are in each prayer?

The obligatory units are: Fajr two, Dhuhr four, Asr four, Maghrib three, and Isha four. Aisha reported that prayer was first prescribed as two rak'ahs each, for both travelers and residents; it was later increased for non-travelers, while the travel prayer stayed at two (Fajr conventionally stayed at two as well). Alongside the obligatory units are recommended sunnah prayers that carry additional reward.

Infographic — obligatory rak'ahs in each prayer
Obligatory rak'ahs in each prayer2Fajr4Dhuhr4Asr3Maghrib4Isha
Each block is one obligatory rak'ah: Fajr 2, Dhuhr 4, Asr 4, Maghrib 3, Isha 4. Prayer was first prescribed as two rak'ahs each and later increased for non-travelers, while the travel prayer stayed at two; recommended sunnah prayers come in addition.
Evidence — the daleel
Sahih al-Bukhari 350 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 728 Ṣaḥīḥ
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Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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