How to Pray Namaz: A Complete Guide to Salah

On the day of judgment, the first thing you will be questioned about is Salah. It has been made obligatory for all the muslims (past puberty) to pray salah five times a day. The Quran mentions the commandments for Salah 700 times, which is a testament to its importance. 

That’s why we will be sharing with you a guide on how to pray Namaz – by the rulings of Quran and Sunnah. 

Allah says in His Glorious Book, 

“Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers” 

(al-Mu’minun: 1-2)

“And who pay heed to their prayers. These are the heirs who will inherit Paradise. There will they abide ” (al-Mu’minun: 9-11)

It is not just a mandatory enactment; rather it is a privilege for muslims to learn and develop a deeper connection with Allah (SWT) by showing gratitude and strong faith in Him while asking for His divine mercy. 

A Famous Hadith for salah is:

“The first act that the slave will be accountable for on the Day of Judgement will be prayer. If it is good, then the rest of his acts will be good. And if it is deficient, then the rest of his acts will be deficient”.

(Hadith Qudsi: 9)

If you are new to Islam, or want to reaffirm your knowledge about Salah, we have shared a complete guide for you to learn Namaz step by step. By the end of this blog, we hope that you will be aware of your mistakes, and learn to pray correctly.

What is Salah?

Salah (صلاة) is the principle form of worship in Islamic religion. Salat is derived from the meaning of "Supplication". So, in this case, the prayer is called "Salaat" from the tribe of Tasmiyyah al-Basim al-Aziz.

Salah Meaning in Shariah

Salat is the name of some sayings and actions which are started with Takbeer and end with Salam with certain conditions and intentions.

(Al-Musawat al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kuwaitiyyah: Substance: Salat)

The implementation of Salat originated in 610 CE with the first revelations to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In those early revelations, Allah (SWT) sent his archangel Jibra’il (AS) to teach him how to make wudu and pray Salah.

Some 11 years after this event, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken on a miraculous journey from Masjid-al-Haram (Mecca) to Masjid-al-Aqsa (Jerusalem) and then ascended to the gates of first heaven and up to 7th heaven and then back to Mecca. (in a single night, some say not even a single moment had passed)

This was the time of severe hardships and tribulations for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and then Allah (SWT) invited him to the heavens and in His divine presence, bestowed upon him the gift of Salah.

Allah says in the first verse of chapter 17: Surah Isra,

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Subhaanal lazeee asraa bi’abdihee lailam minal Masjidil Haraami ilal Masjidil Aqsal-lazee baaraknaa haw lahoo linuriyahoo min aayaatinaa;innahoo Huwas Samee’ul-Baseer

Translation: 

Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.

This is called the night of al Isra wal Miraj, where initially the commandment for 50 prayers a day was given. But upon the advice of Prophet Moses (AS), he went back to Allah (SWT) 9 times, and the number was reduced to 5 compulsory Salah prayers, Allah’s (SWT) Final Order.

Then the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) heard a voice saying,

"Since you have had patience, these five Salat will be counted as fifty Salat. Each Salat will be counted as ten Salat, and if one person from your Ummah performs a good act, then ten good acts will be written for him, but if he performs one bad act, then only that one bad act will be written in his record."

Praying Salah has enormous and paramount importance in Islam and the willful neglect is not to be tolerated, Allah (SWT) holds the right to Punishment and Forgiveness, but we should make it our utmost priority to pray Salah five times a day at the appointed time.

Conditions of Salah

Before you start praying, there are some conditions of Salah that must be met. These can be divided into two sections:

Conditions for Obligation of Namaz

Being a Muslim

For you to pray Salah, you should first be a Muslim. Salah is not accepted from the non-believers.

Sane Mind

The person should be conscious and of a sane mind. Mentally challenged person or someone with mental illness is not aware of his deed and will not be held accountable. So they do not have to pray.

Puberty

Salah is enjoined on all Muslims who have reached the age of puberty – meaning they are physically and mentally mature enough to understand the concept of Salah. 

Conditions/Fardh of Performing Namaz

Purity of Body

The body should be free of all tangible impurities. Men should take a shower after ejaculation, and women after their periods (or shower whenever it stops). 

Purity of Dress/Clothing

The dress should be free of all impurities and stains.

Purity of Place

The place of the prayer needs to be clean whether you are praying in a Mosque, house, or outside. It is always a good idea to keep a prayer mat with you for outside prayers. (Make sure there is peace and quiet before you pray)

Satr (Covering of Private Parts)

The dress needs to be decent and should cover your “Satr” (private parts) and it should be free of impurities.

For males, the dress should cover from naval to just below the knees

For females, the dress should cover the whole body except for hands, face, toes, and front portion of the feet

“O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer”

(Surah Al-A'raf - 31)

Islamic Salat Time

Praying salah at the appointed Islamic salat time is of paramount importance. It should be your utmost priority to join the jamaat (congregation), or if you are somehow unable to, perform the salah within the specific time frames.

Allah says: “Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at fixed times” 

(Al-Nisaa 4:103)
Here is a complete chart for Muslim religion prayer times

Important Note:

The time limit remains the same, but the exact times for salat on the clock can vary with summers and winters.

Forbidden Times for Salah

There are some forbidden times for Salah, when you must never perform prayer:

• When the Sun has clearly begin to rise until it is fully risen
• When the sun is directly overhead at midday until it has passed its zenith/highest point
• When the sun becomes pale (orange) and starts to set until it has fully set

Directed towards Qibla

You should always be facing the Qibla (Kaaba) before you pray. Willingful neglect will make your Salah invalid according to scholarly consensus. 

As Allah (SWT) says,

قَدْ نَرٰى تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِی السَّمَآءِۚ-فَلَنُوَلِّیَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضٰىهَا۪-فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِؕ-وَ حَیْثُ مَا كُنْتُمْ فَوَلُّوْا وُجُوْهَكُمْ شَطْرَهٗؕ-وَ اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ لَیَعْلَمُوْنَ اَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّهِمْؕ-وَ مَا اللّٰهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا یَعْمَلُوْنَ

Translation: 
We have been seeing you turning your face to the heavens. So, We will certainly assign to you a Qiblah that you would like. Now, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid-ul-Harām), and (O Muslims), wherever you are, turn your faces in its direction. Even those who have been given the Book know well that it is the truth from their Lord, and Allah is not unaware of what they do.

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144]

Niyyah (Intention)

You should make a mental or verbal intention that you are aware of the prayer about to be performed. Having the right intention is necessary so that you are not careless and are about to direct your entire focus on Salah.

On the authority of Omar bin Al-Khattab, who said : I heared the messenger of Allah salla Allah u alihi wa sallam say :

"Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended.”

Saying Takbir 

Raising your hands at the beginning of Salah, and saying “Allahu Akbar” (the complete method is discussed in Salah process)

Standing in Qiyyam

You should be standing in the Qiyyam position when you start performing Salah.

(the complete method is discussed in Salah process)

Qirat

Reciting Quran in Salah is obligatory.

Make Ruku 

Bowing down after Qirat.

(the complete method is discussed in Salah process)

Perform 2 Sujood (Prostration)

Each rakat consists of 2 Sujood and you should complete these sujood.

(the complete method is discussed in Salah process)

Reciting Al-Tahiyat (Tashahud) in last Rakat

Stay seated for the while it takes to recite complete Tashahud and the following steps.

Wudu/ Ghusl/Tayammum

Purity of one’s self is the firstmost condition for praying Salah. You need to make wudu, Ghusl, or Tayammum with great care and to clean yourself properly. 

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:

لَا يَقْبَلُ اللهُ صَلَاةَ أَحَدِكُمْ إِذَا أَحْدَثَ حَتَّى يَتَوَضَّأ

Translation: 

"Allah does not accept the prayer of any of you who is in the state of Hadath (minor ritual impurity) until he performs ablution."

[صحيح] - [متفق عليه] - [صحيح البخاري: 6954]

Types Of Salah 

There are 4 different types of Salah which make up the five daily prayers.

Fard Salah (Imperative): A must-to-be-performed salah – missing a fard salah is considered a grave sin

Wajib (Obligatory): Wajib Salah is also a must as instructed by the Prophet (PBUH) – missing it is also a major sin 

Sunnah Salah (Prophet’s Practice): Salat ul Sunnah are prayers were practised by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 

Now there are two types of Sunnah Prayers:

• Sunnah Muakkadah: Meaning of Muakkadah prayers is that these are the prayers that Prophet (PBUH) practised regularly with Fard namaz.
• Ghair Muakkadah: These are the prayers that were occasionally practised by our Prophet (PBUH).

Witr Salah: Witr is a Wajib salah in Ishaa that the Prophet (PBUH) practiced and highly encouraged Muslims to practice as well. Witr means “Odd” and these are prayed in the units of 3, 5, 7, 9. You can pray upto 8 rakats and then end it with a single rakat.

Nafl Salat (Voluntary): These prayers are completely voluntary – Nafl prayer does not restrict itself within a limit. These can be prayed as many times in the units of two.

Namaz Rakat (Units of Prayer)

You must also be aware of the number of Namaz rakat, meaning how many units are in each prayer. Knowing that will change the way you perform Salah. 

• Fajr Rakats: 2 rakat Sunnah followed by 2 rakat Fardh
• Zuhr rakats: 4 rakat Sunnah, then 4 rakat Fardh, then 2 rakat Sunnah, and finally 2 rakat Nafl
• Asr rakat: 4 rakat Sunnah followed by 4 rakat Fardh
• Maghrib Rakat: 3 rakat Fardh, then 2 rakat Sunnah and finally 2 rakat Nafl
• Isha Rakat: 4 rakat Sunnah followed by 4 rakat Fardh, and then 2 rakat Sunnah, then 2 rakat Nafl, then 3 rakat Witr, and finally 2 rakat Nafl
  Here is a complete chart for Prayer Rakats for better comprehension and memorization:

Salat Rakat Chart

How to Perform Muslim Prayer Step By Step?

Now that you have learnt to follow the conditions, we will be discussing how to perform Muslim prayer step by step with visuals for better understanding. 

For Muslims all around the world, we have chosen to present the translation of Salah in English for a meaningful and universal approach. This guide is for both men and women – we have also mentioned the slight variations for both genders.

Here is how to perform Salah prayer for 2 rakat in a step-by-step process:

1. Stand upright and face the direction of Kaaba. This position is called Qiyyam and the direction is known as Qibla. 

Stand with your feet at your shoulder’s width apart (or at least 4-5 inches). Women should keep their feet together. Direct your gaze at the place of prostration (sajdah)

You can find out the direction by asking someone or following the imam. In case you are alone, there are special compass apps to help you find the Qibla.

1. Make Niyyah – intention (either with your mind or verbally) for the prayer you are about to perform. The purpose of this Niyat for salah is that you are not heedless in your prayers and to bring your entire focus on the salat you are about to offer.

You can recite the words in Arabic which mean:

I intend to perform the _____ rakats of the ____ prayer.

I.e. 4 rakats Fardh of the Asr prayer.

You can also say, I stand behind the Imam facing the direction of Kaaba.
Raise your hands to your earlobes and say “Allahu Akbar” (meaning Allah is the Greatest). For women, hands should go only up to their shoulders. This step is called Takbiratul Ihramwhich is a Takbeer before Salah

From this point onwards, you are in the state of Ihram, which means that all the worldly affairs are forbidden to you, like talking, drinking, scratching, looking away, laughing or even thinking about anything else. Your mind and body should be in the state of absolute focus and respect

Place your right hand over the left, just below the naval (belly button). Women should place their hands over their chest with the right palm over the back of the left hand (keeping the fingers and thumbs together)

Begin by reciting “Thana dua” (ثناء ) quietly

سُبْحانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ

Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta’aalaa jadduka, wa laa ‘ilaaha ghayruka.

Translation: Glory and praise be to You, O Allah. Blessed be Your name and exalted be Your majesty, there is none worthy of worship except You.

Follow up by reciting Ta'awwuz silently,

أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم

A’udhu billahi minash shaitanir rajim

Translation: “I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan.”

Then recite Tasmiyah,

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

“Bismillahir rahmanir rahim.”

Translation: “In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.”

Then recite the first chapter of the Quran, Surah al Fatiha , ending by saying “Ameen” silently.

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیْنَۙ(۱) الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِۙ(۲) مٰلِكِ یَوْمِ الدِّیْنِؕ(۳) اِیَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَ اِیَّاكَ نَسْتَعِیْنُؕ(۴) اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِیْمَۙ(۵) صِرَاطَ الَّذِیْنَ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیْهِمْ غَیْرِ الْمَغْضُوْبِ عَلَیْهِمْ وَ لَا الضَّآلِّیْنَ۠ ۷)

Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem Maaliki Yawmid-Deen Iyyaaka na’budu wa lyyaaka nasta’een Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem Siraatal-lazeena an’amta ‘alaihim ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-daaalleen

Translation: Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

After Fatiha, recite any Surah that is at least three verses long, or any long verse which is equal in length to three short verses. It is preferred that you recite any complete Surah

Reciting Surah Ikhlas is taught early on to kids, because it is easy to learn and has great rewards associated with it.

Say Tasmiya, and then:

قل هو الله أحد،الله الصمد، لم يلد و لم يولد، و لم يكن له كفوا أحد

“Qul hu wal lahu ahad, allahus samad, lam yalid wa lam yulad, wa lam ya kul lahu kufuwan ahad.”

Translation: “In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.  Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is Eternal and Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none co-equal unto Him.”

Note:

Surah Fatiha must be recited in every rakat of prayer along with a different Surah.

Now bow down saying: “Allahu Akbar”. Place your hands on your knees and bow down until your back is flat straight. For women, they should only bow enough so that their fingers touch their knees.

This is called ‘Ruku position’. Recite this tasbih three times silently:

" سبحان ربي العظيم”

Subhana Rabbi-al-'Adheem

Translation: “How Perfect is my Lord, the supreme”

You can recite this up to 5, 7, 9 or any higher odd number as long as the Imam keeps you in this posture.

Keep your gaze focused between your feet.

Stand up by saying:

 سمع الله لمن حمده

‘Sami‘-Allahu liman hamidaH’

Translation: “Allah heard the one who praised Him”

Then say,

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْد

Rabbana lakal hamd

Translation: ‘Our Lord, to You is all praise’

Again say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and go down into prostration (sujood position). Make sure your forehead, nose, palm of your hands, knees, and toes are touching the ground and pointing forward.

Recite this tasbih three times silently:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal A’la

Translation: “How Perfect is my Lord, the Highest”

You can recite this up to 3, 5, 7, 9, or any higher odd number you like. 

Your head should be placed between your palms such that your earlobes are aligned with the thumbs. Keep your arms away from the sides of the body and off the ground.

For women, they can rest their belly on top of their thighs with their forearms laying on the ground. All the limbs should be close together to show utmost modesty.
Sit up whilst saying ‘Allahu Akbar’. Rest your palms on the top of your knees (not the kneebone, but on top). As you rise from prostration, sit by resting the left foot on the floor, while keeping the right foot up (fingers pointing forward).For women, both their feet should point right while laying them on the floor

This position is called Jalsa Al-istiraha.

When you are in this position, say this one time silently,

رب اغفر لي

Rabbighfir li

Translation: “O my Lord! Forgive me”

Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ one more time as you go for the second sujood, recite this tasbih ‘Subhana Rabbiyal A’la’ again three times. When you rise again from the second prostration, stand back up in Qiyyam whilst saying ‘Allahu Akbar’, and cross your arms just like before.

All the steps up to this point represent a complete one rakat.

Perform your second rakat in the same manner, except you don’t recite the “Thana” again. When you complete the second sujood of the second rakat, stay seated in the Jalsah position. (from step 6 - 11)

Keep your gaze to your lap. Now we recite Tashahhud Salah silently,

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ،

Attahiyat lillahi wa salawatu wa’t-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuha’n-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuhu. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘alaa ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen.

Translation:  

“All greetings, prayers and good deeds are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon us and the righteous servants of Allah.”

After you complete this, raise the index finger of your right hand (while closing the other fingers of your right hand), and continue by reciting this:

 أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu

Translation: “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”

Then lower down your index finger and maintain the same hand position till the end of prayer.

Stay seated and continue by reciting Durood e Ibrahimi (as recited by the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S)

للَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin Wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin Kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima wa barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin Kama barakta ‘ ala Ibrahima Wa ‘ ala ali Ibrahima Fil a’lamina Innaka hamidun Majid.

Translation: 

“O Allah, let Your mercy come upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You let it come upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.”

This is the Durood shareef in Salah that follows Tashahud.

 After the Durood, you will finally recite these supplications (duas) or Rabbana duas which are very powerful. You can recite any of these duas:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِىْ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِىْ الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanatan wa fil Aakhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar

Translation: 

“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

Rabbij alni muqeemas salati wa min zurriyati Rabbana wa taqabbal du’a Rabbanagh fir lee waliwalidayya wa lil mumineena Yawma yaqoomul hisaab

Translation: 

“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.”

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

Rabbana ighfir li wa li walidayya walil mumineena yawma yaqoomu alhisabu

Translation: 
“Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.”

Now finish your prayer by saying the Tasleem (also called Salam).

Tasleem in Salah is when you complete your prayer and:

Turn your head to the right over your shoulders whilst saying this dua, and then to the left by repeating the same sentence.

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah

Translation: ‘May peace, the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you’

Your eyes should be directed right on top of the right and left shoulders, and in congregation, the gaze should be towards the right side (towards the next person’s side).

Additional Step

Make dua

You can make dua after Salah in Fard rakat, or after you complete all of your Salah rakats.

Be humble, recite Durood, show gratitude to Allah (SWT), say Thanks (Shukr), repent wholeheartedly, ask for His mercy and forgiveness, and then you can ask for anything in the world, may it be for parents, friends or for yourself.

Upon saying the Tasleem, your 2 rakat prayer has come to an end. You will have beautifully completed your Salah.

We have completely discussed the step by step Salah process for 2 rakat, and if you are still unsure about any of these namaz steps, feel free to give us a call, and clear your doubts.

How to Perform Namaz for Different Rakat

For prayers with a higher number of rakat than 2, we have shared variations and how to adjust to those rakat accordingly.

2 Rakat: The above discussed process is a complete presentation of how to pray 2 rakat. 

3 Rakat: Pray the first 2 rakat but only till step 12 (Tashahud). After Tashahud, stand back up again and continue by praying the third rakat from Qiyyam till Tasleem (step 6-15).

4 Rakat: Pray the first 2 rakat but only till step 12 (Tashahud), and stand back up again to continue your 3rd and 4th rakat in the same manner as the first 2 rakat, but till Tasleem. 

Note

The “Thana” is for 1st rakat only – all the remaining rakat are to begin from Tawuz, Tasmiya, and Surah al Fatiha (from Step 6 and onwards).

Adhkar After Salah

It is always a great way to spend some time in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) after Salah and to garner His attention and blessings.

Here are some well-known Adhkar after Salah that you can start right away:
Say these tasbeeh after Salah

Another commonly practiced Dhikr after Salah is:

• Ayat-ul-Kursi (1 time)

للَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌۭ وَلَا نَوْمٌۭ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ

Allahu laaa ilaaha illaa huwal haiyul qai-yoom 

laa taakhuzuhoo sinatunw wa laa nawm; lahoo maa fissamaawaati wa maa fil ard 

man zallazee yashfa’u indahooo illaa be iznih

ya’lamu maa baina aideehim wa maa khalfahum

wa laa yuheetoona beshai ‘immin ‘ilmihee illa be maa shaaaa

wasi’a kursiyyuhus samaa waati wal arda wa la ya’ooduho hifzuhumaa

wa huwal aliyyul ‘azeem

Translation:

Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest