Asr Prayer How Many Rakat? Complete Asr Salah Guide with Quran and Hadith
Asr prayer is one of the five daily prayers in Islam and holds great importance in the life of every Muslim.
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Many people search online for “Asr prayer how many rakat”, “asr rakat”, “asar rakat”, and “asar namaz rakats” because they want a simple and authentic explanation about the rakats of Asr Salah, the method of prayer, and its importance according to the Quran and Hadith.
In this complete Islamic guide, you will learn:
- How many rakats are in Asr prayer
- Step-by-step method of Asr Salah
- Importance of Asr prayer in Quran and Hadith
- Best time for Asr prayer
- What to recite during Asr Salah
- Benefits of praying Asr on time
- Common mistakes people make in Asr prayer
How Many Rakats in Asr Prayer?
The Asr prayer contains a total of 8 rakats. Some people also write it as Asar prayer, but the correct common English spelling is Asr prayer.
The minimum compulsory prayer is 4 Farz rakats, but Muslims are encouraged to also pray the 4 Sunnah before Farz.
| Prayer | Sunnah | Farz | Total Rakats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asr Salah | 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah | 4 Farz | 8 Rakats |
Asr Prayer in the Light of Quran
Allah Almighty mentions the importance of Salah many times in the Holy Quran.
Scholars say that the “middle prayer” mentioned in the Quran refers to Asr prayer.
Quran Verse About Asr Prayer
Allah says in the Quran:
حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ
“Guard strictly the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:238)
Many Islamic scholars including Ibn Kathir and Imam Qurtubi explain that the “middle prayer” is Asr Salah because it comes between the daytime and nighttime prayers.
Importance of Asr Prayer in Hadith
Asr prayer has a special status in Islam, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned Muslims not to neglect it.
Hadith About Missing Asr Prayer
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever misses the Asr prayer, it is as if he has lost his family and wealth.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 552)
This Hadith shows the seriousness of missing Asr prayer intentionally.
Another Hadith About Asr Salah
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Fajr and Asr) will enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 635)
This beautiful Hadith gives hope and motivation to every Muslim to pray Asr Salah regularly.
Best Time for Asr Prayer
The time of Asr prayer begins in the late afternoon after Zuhr prayer ends and continues until sunset.
However, Muslims should not delay Asr prayer unnecessarily, and it is better to pray Asr as early as possible within its time.
When Does Asr Time Start?
- Starts: Late afternoon
- Ends: Just before Maghrib
- Best time: Earlier part of Asr time
Different Islamic schools may calculate the exact time slightly differently, but all agree that Asr prayer must be completed before sunset.
How to Pray Asr Prayer Step by Step
If you are learning Salah or teaching children, this easy guide will help you pray Asr correctly.
Step 1: Make Niyyah (Intention)
Make intention in your heart: “I am praying 4 rakats Farz of Asr prayer for Allah.”
Step 2: Takbir e Tahrima
Raise your hands and say: اللهُ أَكْبَر (Allahu Akbar)
Step 3: Recite Sana
Recite: سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta’ala jadduka wala ilaha ghairuk.
Step 4: Recite Surah Fatiha
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha completely.
Step 5: Recite Another Surah
You can recite any short Surah like:
- Surah Ikhlas
- Surah Falaq
- Surah Naas
- Surah Kausar
Step 6: Perform Ruku
Bow down and say: سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيم — Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem (3 times)
Step 7: Stand Again
Stand straight and say: سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَه — Sami Allahu liman hamidah
Then say: رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْد — Rabbana lakal hamd
Step 8: Perform Sajdah
In sajdah say: سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى — Subhana Rabbiyal A’la (3 times)
Step 9: Complete the Second Rakat and First Sitting
After the second rakat of a 4-rakat Farz prayer, sit for the first sitting, called Qa’dah Ula.
In this sitting, only Attahiyyat is recited. Do not recite Durood Ibrahim and Dua here in the Farz prayer.
Step 10: Third and Fourth Rakats
After Attahiyyat in the first sitting, stand up for the third rakat.
In the third and fourth Farz rakats, recite only Surah Fatiha, then complete ruku and sajdah as usual.
Step 11: Final Sitting and Salam
After the fourth rakat, sit for the final sitting, called Qa’dah Akhirah. In this final sitting, recite:
- Attahiyyat
- Durood Ibrahim
- Dua
Then turn your head to the right and left saying: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ الله — Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah
What to Recite in Asr Prayer?
Here is the simple order of recitation:
- Sana
- Surah Fatiha
- Another Surah in the first two rakats
- Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem in Ruku
- Subhana Rabbiyal A’la in Sajdah
- Attahiyyat in the first sitting
- Attahiyyat, Durood Ibrahim, and Dua in the final sitting
Benefits of Praying Asr Salah
There are many spiritual and worldly benefits of praying Asr Salah regularly.
1. Allah’s Protection: Prayer protects a person from sins and evil actions.
2. Peace of Heart: Asr prayer gives spiritual calmness and peace.
3. Barakah in Rizq: People who pray regularly often experience blessings in their livelihood.
4. Forgiveness of Sins: Salah is a means of purification and forgiveness.
5. Success in Akhirah: Prayer is the key to success in the Hereafter.
6. Entry into Paradise: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave glad tidings for those who protect Fajr and Asr prayers.
مَنْ صَلَّى الْبَرْدَيْنِ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ
“Whoever prays the two cool prayers will enter Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 574, Sahih Muslim 635)
7. Witnessed by Angels: Asr prayer is one of the prayers witnessed by the angels.
يَتَعَاقَبُونَ فِيكُمْ مَلَائِكَةٌ بِاللَّيْلِ وَمَلَائِكَةٌ بِالنَّهَارِ وَيَجْتَمِعُونَ فِي صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِ وَالْعَصْرِ
“Angels of the night and angels of the day take turns among you, and they gather together at Fajr and Asr prayer.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 555)
Common Mistakes in Asr Prayer
Many Muslims unknowingly make mistakes during Asr Salah.
1. Delaying Asr Until Sunset: This is highly discouraged in Islam.
2. Rushing the Prayer: Salah should be prayed calmly and with concentration.
3. Missing Sunnah Rakats: Although Sunnah before Asr is not compulsory, it carries immense reward.
4. Not Focusing During Salah: Prayer should always be performed with sincerity and attention.
5. Neglecting Asr Prayer Completely: Intentionally abandoning Asr prayer is a very serious matter in Islam.
مَنْ تَرَكَ صَلَاةَ الْعَصْرِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُ
“Whoever abandons Asr prayer, his deeds become void.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 553)
Can You Pray Only Farz in Asr?
Yes, if you are busy or short on time, you can pray only the 4 Farz rakats because they are compulsory.
However, praying the 4 Sunnah before Farz is recommended and rewarding.
Difference Between Sunnah and Farz in Asr Prayer
| Type | Meaning | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah | A recommended prayer taught in Islamic practice | Rewarding, but not compulsory |
| Farz | Obligatory prayer | Compulsory |
What Happens If You Miss Asr Prayer?
If a person misses Asr prayer accidentally, they should pray Qaza as soon as possible.
Intentionally missing prayer without a valid reason is considered a serious sin in Islam.
مَنْ فَاتَتْهُ صَلَاةُ الْعَصْرِ فَكَأَنَّمَا وُتِرَ أَهْلَهُ وَمَالَهُ
“Whoever misses Asr prayer, it is as though he has lost his family and wealth.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 552)
Asr Prayer for Beginners
If you are new to Islam or learning Salah for the first time, start slowly and focus on:
- Learning Surah Fatiha
- Correct prayer positions
- Proper pronunciation
- Consistency in prayer
Allah rewards every single effort made toward prayer and worship.
Asr Prayer in the Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Asr prayer held a special place in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He regularly emphasized its importance and encouraged Muslims to protect it carefully. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ warned against neglecting Asr prayer and described it as one of the most important daily prayers.
The Battle of the Trench (Khandaq)
One of the most famous incidents concerning Asr prayer took place during the Battle of the Trench. The enemy forces kept the Muslims occupied until the time of Asr prayer was delayed.
شَغَلُونَا عَنِ الصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَى صَلَاةِ الْعَصْرِ مَلَأَ اللَّهُ بُيُوتَهُمْ وَقُبُورَهُمْ نَارًا
“They distracted us from the Middle Prayer, the Asr prayer. May Allah fill their houses and graves with fire.”
(Sahih Muslim 627)
This authentic Hadith clearly explains that the “Middle Prayer” mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah refers to Asr prayer.
Related Prayer Guides
Trusted Islamic References
- Surah Al-Baqarah 2:238 – Quran.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 552 – Sunnah.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 553 – Sunnah.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 555 – Sunnah.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 574 – Sunnah.com
- Sahih Muslim 627 – Sunnah.com
- Sahih Muslim 635 – Sunnah.com
Conclusion
Now you know the complete answer to “Asr prayer how many rakat”. Asr Salah contains 4 Sunnah and 4 Farz rakats. It is one of the most important prayers in Islam and has been strongly emphasized in both the Quran and Hadith.
Every Muslim should try to pray Asr Salah on time with sincerity, concentration, and proper understanding.
Prayer brings peace, blessings, forgiveness, and success in both this world and the Hereafter.
May Allah make us regular in Salah and accept our prayers. Ameen.
FAQ About Asr Prayer
How many Farz rakats are in Asr prayer?
There are 4 compulsory Farz rakats in Asr Salah.
How many Sunnah rakats are in Asr?
There are 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah before the Farz prayer.
Is it a sin to miss the 4 Sunnah of Asr?
No, missing the 4 Sunnah of Asr is not a sin because they are Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah, not Farz. However, praying them brings great reward and helps a Muslim build a stronger habit of worship.
Can we pray Nafl prayers after Asr?
Voluntary Nafl prayers should not be prayed after Asr until Maghrib sunset. This time is considered Makruh/prohibited for general voluntary prayers, so a Muslim should avoid Nafl after Asr and wait until after Maghrib.
Can women pray Asr at home?
Yes, women can pray Asr Salah at home and receive reward from Allah.
Which Surah should I recite in Asr prayer?
You can recite any Surah after Surah Fatiha in the first two rakats.
Can I pray Asr late?
It is better to pray Asr early and avoid delaying it close to Maghrib.
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