How to pray Asr

Asr is the afternoon prayer, the third of the five daily prayers. Asr is prayed in the late afternoon, before sunset.

Quick answer

• Rak’ahs (obligatory): 4 rak’ahs. After the second rak’ah you sit for the first Tashahhud, then stand to complete the third and fourth, sit for the final Tashahhud, and end with the Taslim.
• Recitation: All four rak’ahs are recited silently.
• When: In the late afternoon, before sunset.

Before you pray Asr

• Be in a state of Wudu (ablution).
• Face the Qibla — the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Make sure you are within the time window for Asr.

The sequence, step by step

Every rak’ah follows the same pattern — stand and recite, bow, and prostrate twice. For the full detail of each position and what to say, see the complete how to pray Salah guide. For Asr specifically:

1. Make your intention for Asr and begin with the opening takbir, Allahu akbar.
2. In each standing, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, then (in the first two rak’ahs) another short surah. All four rak’ahs are recited silently.
3. Bow (Ruku), then rise; prostrate (Sujud) twice, sitting briefly between them. That completes one rak’ah.
4. 4 rak’ahs. After the second rak’ah you sit for the first Tashahhud, then stand to complete the third and fourth, sit for the final Tashahhud, and end with the Taslim.

The best way to learn the timing and flow is to practise it: Khatawa walks you through Asr live, showing each posture with the words and recitation, and marking which parts are aloud and which are silent.

Frequently asked questions