What do Muslims say when they pray?
Yes, the words are set: Muslims mostly praise Allah, recite the Quran and ask Him for help, all in Arabic. Every prayer includes "Allahu Akbar", the opening chapter of the Quran (al-Fatiha), short phrases of glorification while bowing and prostrating, and a testimony of faith while sitting. Personal requests (dua) can also be added.
The opening and al-Fatiha
- Allahu Akbar: "Allah is the Greatest." Said to start the prayer and at almost every change of position.
- Al-Fatiha: the seven-verse first chapter of the Quran, recited standing in every unit (rakah) of prayer.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid" (Sahih al-Bukhari 756). Its heart is this line:
After al-Fatiha, in the first two units, a short chapter (surah) is often added, such as al-Ikhlas: "Qul huwa Allahu ahad" (Say, He is Allah, the One).
Bowing, rising and prostrating
- Subhana Rabbiyal Azim: "Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great." Said while bowing (ruku), usually three times.
- Sami Allahu liman hamidah: "Allah hears whoever praises Him." Said while standing back up.
- Rabbana wa lakal hamd: "Our Lord, all praise is Yours." Said once you're upright.
- Subhana Rabbiyal A'la: "Glory be to my Lord, the Most High." Said in prostration (sujood), usually three times.
The Companion Hudhaifah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said these two glorifications when bowing and prostrating (Sunan Abi Dawud 871). He also taught that when the imam says "Sami Allahu liman hamidah", those behind him say "Allahumma Rabbana lakal hamd" (Sahih al-Bukhari 796).
The sitting and the ending
- Tashahhud: begins "At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat" (All greetings, prayers and good things are for Allah), sends peace on the Prophet ﷺ and the righteous, and ends with the testimony of faith (Sahih al-Bukhari 831).
- Blessings on the Prophet ﷺ: "Allahumma salli ala Muhammad..." in the final sitting.
- Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah: "Peace and Allah's mercy be upon you." Said turning right, then left, to end.
Do you have to say it in Arabic?
The fixed parts, especially al-Fatiha, are said in Arabic, which is why Muslims everywhere pray the same way. Beginners can learn phonetically, one phrase at a time. See Do I need to learn Arabic before I become Muslim?
Personal dua is more flexible, and scholars differ on using your own language inside the prayer. See Can I make dua in English during prayer? For the remembrance after salam, see What should I say after every prayer?
- Prayer opens with "Allahu Akbar".
- Al-Fatiha is recited in every unit.
- Short glorifications are said while bowing and prostrating.
- It ends with the tashahhud and "Assalamu alaikum".
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