How to pray Isha

Isha is the night prayer, the last of the five daily prayers. Isha is prayed at night, once the twilight has faded.

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: The first two rak’ahs are recited aloud and the last two silently.
• When: At night, once the twilight has faded.

Before you pray Isha

• 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 Isha.

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 Isha specifically:

1. Make your intention for Isha 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. The first two rak’ahs are recited aloud and the last two 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 Isha live, showing each posture with the words and recitation, and marking which parts are aloud and which are silent.

Frequently asked questions