How Many Rakats is: Fajr ?
Fast answers for rakats, plus simple guidance on prayer and preparation.
In Islam, there are five daily prayers known as Salah. Each prayer consists of a specific number of units called Rakats. The table below provides the number of Rakats for each prayer, including Sunnah (recommended), Fardh (obligatory), Nafl (optional), and Witr (odd-numbered) Rakats.
| Prayer | Sunnah (Before) | Fardh | Sunnah (After) | Nafl | Witr | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | 4 |
| Dhuhr | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | – | 12 |
| Asr | 4 | 4 | – | – | – | 8 |
| Maghrib | – | 3 | 2 | 2 | – | 7 |
| Isha | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 17 |
| Jumuah Friday congregational prayer | 4 | 2 | 4 + 2 | 2 | – | 14 |
| Eid Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha | – | – | – | – | 2 | 2 |
| Janazah Funeral prayer | – | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Tahiyyat al-Masjid Upon entering the mosque | – | – | – | 2 | – | 2 |
Understanding the table
The table shows the regular pattern of each prayer at a glance. Click a prayer page for its rakats, timing, and key reminders.
Sunnah muakkadah
Green shading marks the regular sunnah prayers especially stressed around the daily prayers, such as before Fajr and around Dhuhr, Maghrib, and Isha.
Fardh (obligatory)
The core rakats of each prayer. These are the counts every Muslim is trying to keep on time each day.
Nafl (optional)
Extra voluntary rakats for reward. These are not the core rakats of the prayer.
Witr
The odd prayer after Isha. Learn more.
Daily prayers
The five daily prayers, in order. Click any prayer for its rakats, timing, and key reminders.
Fajr
The dawn prayer, performed before sunrise
Dhuhr
The midday prayer, performed after the sun passes its zenith
Asr
The afternoon prayer, performed in the latter part of the afternoon
Maghrib
The sunset prayer, performed immediately after sunset
Isha
The night prayer, performed after twilight has disappeared
Other prayers
Beyond the five daily prayers, there are other special prayers you should know about.
Schools of Thought (Madhabs)
The obligatory (fardh) rakats for each prayer are the same across the major Sunni schools. Our sunnah and witr columns use one widely used presentation (Hanafi) where those details differ. There are four major Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence:
Hanafi
Founded by Imam Abu Hanifa. Most widely followed, particularly in South Asia, Turkey, and Central Asia.
Maliki
Founded by Imam Malik. Predominant in North and West Africa.
Shafi'i
Founded by Imam al-Shafi'i. Common in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East.
Hanbali
Founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Followed primarily in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Key differences: All schools agree on the Fardh (obligatory) rakats. Variations exist mainly in the number and emphasis of Sunnah Muakkadah (emphasized voluntary) prayers. For example, some schools may recommend 2 Sunnah before Asr instead of the 4 listed on our Asr page. Our Dhuhr page shows Hanafi 4+2 emphasized sunnah around the fardh. It’s best to follow the school that aligns with your local community or the scholars you trust.