Rakah

Rakah

Definition

Rakah (Arabic: ركعة, Turkish: Rekat) is a fundamental unit of the Islamic formal prayer (Salat), encompassing a series of prescribed movements and recitations. Each rakah involves standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting, along with specific supplications and Quranic verses. The number of rakahs required in a single prayer varies based on the specific Salat being performed and the time of day.

Etymology

The term “rakah” is derived from the Arabic root ركع (R-K-‘A), which means “to kneel” or “to bow.”

Ritual Elements

1. Facing the Qibla - Prayers are commenced with the supplicant facing Mecca.
2. Takbir - The prayer begins with the Takbir (“الله أكبر”, Allahu Akbar, meaning “God is the Greatest”).
3. Al-Fatihah Recitation - The opening chapter of the Qur’an is recited.
4. Ruku’ - Bowing, with the believer saying “سبحان ربي العظيم” (Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem, “Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great”).
5. Sujood (Prostration) - The supplicant prostrates, touching the forehead to the ground and reciting “سبحان ربي الأعلى” (Subhana Rabbiyal A’la, “Glory is to my Lord, the Most High”).
6. Qiyam and Prostration completion - Returning to a sitting position and similar movements until the specified number of rakahs is completed.
7. Salutation (Tasleem) - Concluding the prayer with “السلام عليكم ورحمة الله” (Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah), meant as a salutation of peace.

Number of Rakahs in Prayers

• Fajr (Dawn): 2 rakahs
• Dhuhr (Noon): 4 rakahs
• Asr (Afternoon): 4 rakahs
• Maghrib (Sunset): 3 rakahs
• Isha (Night): 4 rakahs

Significance in Sufi Orders

In Sufi practice, the term rakah may broadly refer to the set of words and actions encompassing various forms of devotional prayer beyond the formal five daily prayers.

Related Terms

• Salat: The prescribed daily prayers in Islam.
• Pillars of Islam: The five basic acts considered mandatory for all Muslims, including Salat.

Further Reading

• “Understanding Islamic Worship” by Ingrid Mattson
• “Rituals in Islam” by Edward J. Jurji
• “The Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Al-Ghazali

Takeaways

• Rakahs constitute the basic unit of Islamic prayer, forming the core structure within which the worship is carried out.
• The number of rakahs differs depending on the specific Salat and time of day.
• Sufism incorporates broader applications of rakahs within its spiritual practices.

Conclusion

The concept of rakah embodies the disciplined, physical enactments of faith central to Muslim worship, extending beyond mere physical actions to encapsulate deep spiritual meaning and obedience within Islamic devotions.