How to Perform Salah According to Shafi'i Mazhab: A Step-by-Step Guide

 4. Recite Surah Al-Fatihah

Before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, it is sunnah to recite the ta’awwuz quietly: 

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

A’uzubillahi Minasshaitonir Rojim

I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Syaitan.

Thereafter, recite Surah Al-Fatihah. Do note that reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in the heart without actually uttering it verbally does not count. Just like the takbir, you have to verbally recite it even if it's a whisper.

بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ. الحَمدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ العالَمينَ

الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ. مالِكِ يَومِ الدّينِ

إِيّاكَ نَعبُدُ وَإِيّاكَ نَستَعينُ

اهدِنَا الصِّراطَ المُستَقيمَ

صِراطَ الَّذِينَ أَنعَمتَ عَلَيهِم غَيرِ المَغضُوبِ عَلَيهِم وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

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Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm.

Alḥamdulillāhi Rabbil-ʿālamīn.

Ar-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm.

Māliki yawmid-dīn.

iyyāKa naʿbudu wa-iyyāKa nastaʿīn.

Ihdināṣ-ṣirāṭal-mustaqīm.

ṣirāṭallazīna anʿamta ʿalayhim ghayril-maghḍūbi ʿalayhim wa-lāḍḍāllīn

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In the name of God The Most Compassionate and Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds.

The Compassionate, The Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.

You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.

Guide us along the straight path,

the path of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace,

not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.

Amiin.

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It is sunnah to recite aloud in the following prayer: Subuh and friday prayers, the first two raka’at of Maghrib and Isyak, the two sunnah eid prayers (salah sunnah aidilfitri and aidiladha), istisqa’ prayer (salah to seek for rain), khusuf prayer (moon eclipse), terawih prayers and witr prayer in Ramadan.

Choosing a surah to recite after Surah Al-Fatihah in the second raka'at of a prayer is a wonderful opportunity to diversify your recitations and deepen your connection with the Quran. It adds a personal touch to your prayer and allows you to engage with different verses that hold significance for you. Whether it's the beautiful simplicity of Surah Al-Ikhlas or the profound meaning of Ayatul Kursi, each surah brings its own blessings to your prayer.

This practice not only adds variety to your solat but also allows you to reflect on the meanings of different surahs during your prayer. It's a chance to connect with specific verses that resonate with you and seek spiritual nourishment through the recitation of the Quran.

If you have a particular surah that holds special meaning for you or one that you find comfort in, consider incorporating it into your prayer regularly. This personal choice in surah selection can make your solat a more intimate and meaningful experience.

May your prayers be filled with sincerity, devotion, and a deep connection with the words of Allah.

5. Perform ruku’

Performing the ruku' is a significant moment in the prayer, symbolizing humility and submission before Allah. The physical act of bowing down, accompanied by the takbir, signifies the servant's acknowledgment of Allah's greatness and their willingness to submit to His will.

As you lower your hands to your knees, remember that this position is not just a physical movement; it is a state of spiritual surrender. The humility expressed in ruku' is a reminder of your dependence on Allah and your recognition of His infinite power and mercy.

Take a moment in ruku' to reflect on the words you've recited in the prayer so far, and the significance of the act of bowing. It's a posture of devotion and surrender, and each bow brings you closer to Allah.

May your ruku' be a moment of profound connection and submission in your prayers.

Recite the dua ruku’ three times: 

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ العَظِيمِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ

Subhana robbiyal 'azeem wa bihamdihi

Glory be to my Lord Almighty, and praise be to Him

After the dua, take a very brief pause (tuma’ninah) such that your movements are not hurried before moving on to the next step. This pause should be applied in all other steps as well.

Read the previous blog for an introduction to a Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Salah:Step 3