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How many rakats are in each prayer?
The five daily prayers have 17 obligatory (fard) rakats: Fajr 2, Dhuhr 4, Asr 4, Maghrib 3 and Isha 4.
| Prayer | Fard rakats | Sunnah commonly prayed |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 before |
| Dhuhr | 4 | 2 or 4 before, 2 after |
| Asr | 4 | Optional 4 before |
| Maghrib | 3 | 2 after |
| Isha | 4 | 2 after, then Witr (1 or 3, depending on school) |
The fard counts are agreed across the schools of Islamic law. The sunnah counts vary between schools and scholars, so treat that column as a common pattern. For a ruling on your own practice, ask a scholar or imam you trust.
Jumu'ah on Friday has 2 fard rakats and takes the place of Dhuhr when prayed in congregation.