How To Perform Salah For Women? A Complete Women’s Prayer Guide For Beginners!

The foundation of Islam lies in 5 pillars including Namaz (prayer). Namaz is a way to worship Allah and thank Him for His blessings on us. Every Muslim has to bow in front of the Almighty 5 times a day, whether he is a man or a woman. Learning Salah is obligatory since there is no space for mistakes while you make prayer. So, you must know how to pray namaz whether you are a man or woman. In this blog post, you will learn how to perform salah for females as beginners and get answers to different questions.

Salah is the second pillar of Islam, and every adult Muslim woman prays five times a day. This guide shows how to perform salah for women step by step, from niyyah for salah to the final salam, following the Sunni Hanafi method taught at Awwal Quran. It also covers the correct sajdah position for women, the duas to recite and answers to common questions about namaz for women and girls.

Islam namaz is simple once you know the order of the movements. A woman's prayer is almost the same as a man's. The differences, mostly in ruku, sujood and sitting, exist for modesty and concealment.

Conditions Before Namaz for Women

Prayer is only valid when these conditions are met before you say the first takbir:

• Purity of body, clothes and place: remove any filth from your dress and keep the praying area clean.
• Wudu: perform ablution, or ghusl where it is required.
• Covering (satr): cover your whole body except the face, hands and feet. Clothing should be loose and not transparent, and a scarf should cover your hair and neck.
• Qibla: face the Kaaba in Makkah.
• Time: the prayer time must have entered.
• Niyyah for salah: make the intention in your heart, as explained in the first step below.

Not sure how to make wudu? Read our guide on how to make wudu first.

How To Perform Salah For Females? Namaz Step By Step!

You cannot start Namaz directly, there are specific protocols to follow. Failing to follow these protocols may result in your prayer not being accepted by Allah. Before we discuss how to perform Salah for women, understanding these agreements is indispensable.

Step 1: Niyyah for Salah (Intention)

Once you have fulfilled these requirements, you can start Namaz but how to offer prayer? Get the answer to this one here! The first step is to make Niyyat (intention) by saying:

"I intend to perform the Fajr prayer (name of the Salah), with two Rakaat Fardh (name the number of Rakaats of any prayer – Sunnah or Fardh)." It is not necessary to state the purpose aloud. Speaking from the heart is enough.

Step 2: Say the Opening Takbir (Takbir-e-Tahrimah)

Recite "Allahu Akbar" (الله أكبَر) audibly enough to hear yourself. Pronouncing the beginning Takbir aloud enough to be able to hear oneself is recommended. This is a prerequisite for all forms of prayer, including the recital of the Qur'an and the Tashahud at each sitting.

Step 3: Qiyam, Standing with Hands on the Chest

With both hands lying on top of the chest and your eyes fixed on the spot of prostration, lay your right palm on top of your left without clasping it. When in Qayam, hold this stance.

Step 4: Recite the Opening Dua and Surah Al-Fatihah

Say the opening supplication with a lowered voice. This also applies to the follower, providing that the imam has not started reciting.

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وبِحَمْدِكَ وتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ ولا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ

"Glory be to You, O Allah (SWT), and all praises are due unto You, and blessed is Your name and high is Your majesty and none is worthy of worship but You."

Recite The Surahs

Recite the Surah al-Fatihah to continue Salah, and then another verse from the Qur'an. Whichever option you select is totally up to you. You must recite at least three short verses or one long verse equivalent to three shorter ones.

then Join Surah like this:

Want to see the postures as pictures? Visit our Namaz Guide Step by Step.

Step 5: Ruku (Bowing)

After saying "Allahu Akbar," make a Ruku (bow). When doing a Ruku, both hands' fingers should be together and on the knees. The ankles of both feet should be together, and the arms should be firmly connected to the sides. A woman should ensure that her hands reach her knees while bowing.

Recite the tasbihat at least three times in a soft voice.

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي الْعَظِيْم

"Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty."

Assume the standing stance and utter this prayer in a subdued voice. The imam utters these words, and the disciple stays mute.

Step 6: Qawmah (Standing Up from Ruku)

سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَه , رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ

"God hears those who praise Him. Oh our Lord, all praise is to You."

Step 7: Sajdah (Sujood) Position for Women

Say Allahu Akbar and go down knees first, then hands, then place your nose and forehead on the ground between your palms. Now check that your sujood position for ladies matches this:

• Forehead and nose, both palms and both knees touch the ground.
• Your belly rests on your thighs, so your body stays compact and covered.
• Your upper arms stay against your sides, and your forearms lie on the ground. Do not raise your elbows as men do.
• Your fingers are together and point toward the Qibla, with your head between your hands.
• Both feet are placed on the ground and point out to the right. A woman does not stand her toes upright toward the Qibla, which is the sunnah for men.

Recite this at least three times in a low voice:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
"Glory is to my Lord, the Most High."

Always keep your sujood calm and unhurried. Stay still for a moment before each movement, because rushing the sajdah is the most common mistake beginners make.

Step 8: Jalsa (Sitting Between the Two Sajdahs)

After the first Sajdah, say "Allahu Akbar" and rise into a sitting position known as Jalsa. In this position:

• Sit with your feet tucked underneath you, ensuring they remain close together.
• Rest your hands on your thighs with your fingers relaxed and pointing forward.
• Recite the following softly:

 ربي اغفر لي وارحمني
"O my Lord, forgive me."

After completing the Jalsa, perform the second Sajdah by saying "Allahu Akbar" and repeating the same steps as the first Sajdah.

Step 9: Second Sajdah and the Next Rakat

Say Allahu Akbar and perform the second sajdah exactly like the first, with the same position and the same tasbih three times. This completes one rakat.

Rise for the second rakat saying Allahu Akbar. Begin with Bismillah, then Surah Al-Fatihah and another surah. You do not repeat the opening dua (Thana) in later rakat.

Step 10: Tashahhud (Sitting After Two Rakat)

After the first Sajdah, say 'Allahu Akbar' and move into a sitting position known as Jalsa. In this position, women should sit with their legs tucked underneath, the right foot upright, and the left leg beneath.

Recite the Tashahhud:

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

"All salutations, prayers, and pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger."

Step 11: Durood Ibrahimi and Dua in the Final Sitting

If you are praying a Salah with more than two Rak’ahs, rise to complete the additional Rak’ahs.

• Say "Allahu Akbar" after the Tashahhud and stand up.
• Perform the next Rak’ahs in the same way, reciting Surah al-Fatihah and another Surah.

( If you don't know how to perform 2 Rak’ahs?)
(You don't know how to perform 4 Rak’ahs? Then learn Namaz online or by reading books.)

In the final sitting (after completing all Rak’ahs), recite the Tashahhud again, followed by the Durood e Ibrahimi:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

"O Allah, send peace upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent peace upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious."

Quaood Posture Dua! (Then recite the dua from the Quran:)

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلوةَ وَ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُوْمُ الْحِسَابُ .

"My Lord, make me establish the prayer and from my offspring. Our Lord, and accept our supplication. Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the day when the account is settled."

Conclusion Of Salah (Step 12: Salam Ending the Prayer)

After reciting the Tashahhud and Durood, conclude the Salah by turning your head to the right and saying:

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ    

"Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you."

Repeat the same action by turning your head to the left.

To see all these details in a picture format, visit our blog: Namaz Guide Step by Step.

Dua After Sajdah in Namaz

Women often ask which dua to read in sajdah and after it. Here is what to recite at each point.

• In every sajdah: say Subhana Rabbiyal A'la at least three times. In fard prayers, keep to this tasbih. Extra personal duas in sajdah are made in nafl prayers such as Tahajjud.
• Between the two sajdahs: pause calmly. You may softly say Rabbighfir li (optional).
• After the last sajdah of the final rakat: sit and recite the Tashahhud, Durood Ibrahimi and the dua Rabbij'alni muqimas-salati, all given in Step 11.
• After the salam: ask Allah for whatever you need, in Arabic or your own language.

A Short Dhikr After The Salam:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ

"O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honour."

Many women then say Astaghfirullah 33 times, SubhanAllah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times.

Sajdah Position for a Woman in Namaz

According to the Hanafi school, a woman performs sajdah (prostration) in a more compact and covered manner. She lowers herself so that her stomach rests against her thighs, keeps her arms pressed against her sides, and places her forearms flat on the ground. Her feet are brought out to the right side while she keeps her toes pointing toward the Qibla, and she keeps her body close together rather than spread out. Her forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and the toes of both feet should touch the ground, and she says “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times. Other schools of thought, such as the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali, generally teach that a woman’s sajdah is the same as a man’s, with the main emphasis on modesty. For rulings specific to your school, please consult a trusted scholar or a reliable book.

Namaz for Girls: When and How to Start

Namaz becomes obligatory on a girl when she reaches puberty. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم taught parents to tell children to pray at the age of seven and to be firm about it by ten, as narrated in Sunan Abi Dawood. Starting early makes prayer a habit long before it is a duty.

To teach a girl namaz, begin with wudu and the direction of the Qibla. Then teach one posture at a time, starting with standing, ruku and sajdah, and add the short surahs and duas slowly. Give her a clean scarf and a prayer mat of her own, and pray beside her so she can copy you.

How to Pray in Islam for Beginners Female Proper Guide

For women beginning their journey to learn Namaz (Salah), learning the steps of Namaz for women through an organized Namaz course can be truly beneficial. Awwal Quran offers a comfortable, supportive environment where women can learn Namaz online with the guidance of both male and female teachers. These namaz classes are designed to be flexible, fitting into busy schedules and providing personalized attention to ensure every step and supplication is understood. Joining our Namaz course helps women develop confidence in their prayer, bringing a deeper spiritual connection and routine to their daily worship.

Conclusion

Salah is a fundamental responsibility for all Muslims, and women must follow the proper criteria for their prayers to be genuine. Salah, like the prayers of men, should be performed with sincerity, attentiveness, and reverence. These bits of advice will allow you to learn salah step-by-step and pray correctly as a female Muslim.

FAQs

Can women pray Salah in a seated position?

Yes! If a woman is ill or cannot stand for an extended time like Qayyam, she can pray in the seated position. She should sit on the ground with her knees crossed and follow Salah's motions to the best of her ability.

What is the correct sajdah position for ladies in Sunni (Hanafi) namaz?

A woman keeps her belly on her thighs, her upper arms against her sides and her forearms on the ground. Her forehead, nose, palms and knees touch the floor, and both feet come out to the right. She says Subhana Rabbiyal A'la at least three times.

Is the sujood position for women different from men?

Yes. Men keep their belly and arms away from the body and stand their toes upright toward the Qibla. Women keep the body compact and covered, so the position is more closed.

What should ladies wear for Salah?

Yes! Women must cover their whole body except for the face, hands, and feet since it is obligatory. Besides, the clothing should not be tight or transparent, and a headscarf is necessary to protect the hair and neck.

Do I have to say niyyah for salah out loud?

No. Niyyah is an intention of the heart. Saying it aloud is not required, and you may make it in any language.

Can women offer Salah when traveling?

Yes, ladies can abbreviate their prayers when traveling, just like men. This is known as Qasr, in which a four-Rak'ah prayer is reduced to two Rakahs.

At what age should girls start praying namaz?

Prayer is obligatory at puberty, but parents should start teaching girls from about the age of seven so it becomes a habit.