The Five Daily Prayers
Raka'at breakdown, prayer by prayerThe Five Daily Prayers
How many raka'at each prayer has, and when it's due.
Fajr
Fard (obligatory)
2
Sunnah, before
2
4 raka'at total
At dawn, before sunrise. The two Sunnah raka'at before it are among the most emphasized in the whole day.
Dhuhr
Fard (obligatory)
4
Sunnah, before
4
Sunnah, after
2
10 raka'at total
Just after the sun passes its highest point — the midday prayer.
Asr
Fard (obligatory)
4
4 raka'at total
Mid-to-late afternoon. No regular Sunnah is attached — just the four obligatory raka'at.
Maghrib
Fard (obligatory)
3
Sunnah, after
2
5 raka'at total
Right after sunset — the only obligatory prayer with an odd number of raka'at (three).
Isha
Fard (obligatory)
4
Sunnah, after
2
6 raka'at total
Night prayer, after darkness has fully set in. Witr is commonly prayed afterward, before sleeping.