isha namaz rakat is performed with a total of 17 rakats, which include Sunnah, Fard, Nafl, and Witr prayers. The prayer begins with Sunnah rakats, followed by the 4 Fard rakats, additional Nafl rakats for extra reward, and concludes with 3 Witr rakats. At a minimum, performing the 4 Fard rakats and 3 Witr rakats is obligatory. As the final prayer of the day, Isha carries profound spiritual significance, providing protection during the night and allowing a believer to end the day in the remembrance and closeness of Allah.
isha namaz rakat is the last of the five obligatory prayers for Muslims, performed at night. It consists not only of the Fard (obligatory) prayers but also includes Sunnah and Witr rakats. Many people often wonder how many rakats are in Isha Salah and the correct sequence in which they should be performed.
In this guide, we will provide a complete step-by-step breakdown of Isha Salah rakats, including Fard and Sunnah, so you can easily understand and perform it correctly. By following this guide, you can offer your Isha Salah in the proper way and receive its full spiritual blessings.
1. What is isha namaz rakat
isha namaz rakat is one of the five obligatory (Fard) prayers in Islam, performed at night after the evening has fully set in. It holds special significance as it concludes the daily cycle of prayers and serves as a means of spiritual reflection and connection with Allah.
Significance in the Quran
Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“Establish the prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and the Qur’an at dawn. Indeed, the recitation at dawn is ever witnessed.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:78)
This verse emphasizes the importance of performing prayers at their appointed times, including Isha, highlighting the spiritual benefits of remembering Allah during the night.
Significance in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever prays Isha and Fajr (on time) will enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith shows the immense reward and importance of Isha Namaz, indicating that performing it regularly strengthens faith and brings protection and blessings.
Isha Namaz is not just an obligatory ritual; it is a spiritual shield at night, a source of divine reward, and a practice that enhances a Muslim’s connection with Allah. Performing it consistently ensures both spiritual growth and the fulfillment of one’s religious duties.
2. The Importance of isha namaz rakat
isha namaz rakat holds a special place in a Muslim’s daily routine as it marks the completion of the five daily prayers and allows a believer to end the day in the remembrance of Allah. Performing Isha regularly is not only a fulfillment of an obligation but also a source of spiritual protection, blessings, and inner peace during the night.
Isha Namaz serves as a spiritual shield, keeping a believer connected with Allah and reminding them of His mercy and guidance before sleeping. It strengthens faith, purifies the heart, and ensures that the day ends with worship and gratitude. By prioritizing Isha, a Muslim completes their daily worship cycle and gains peace, barakah, and divine protection throughout the night.
3. The Structure of isha namaz rakat
isha namaz rakat is performed in a fixed and organized structure, consisting of Sunnah, Fard, Nafl, and Witr prayers. Each part has its own importance and is performed in a specific order.
The prayer begins with 4 Rakats of Sunnah (Ghair Muakkadah). These rakats are optional but highly recommended, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to perform them regularly. They help prepare the heart and mind for the obligatory prayer.
After the Sunnah, 4 Rakats of Fard are performed. These are mandatory and must be prayed in congregation when possible. Missing the Fard rakats without a valid reason is sinful, as they are the core of Isha Namaz.
Once the Fard prayer is completed, 2 Rakats of Sunnah Muakkadah are offered. These Sunnah rakats carry great reward and were regularly practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ).
Following this, many Muslims perform 2 Rakats of Nafl, which are voluntary prayers meant to earn extra reward and increase closeness to Allah.
Finally, Isha Namaz is concluded with 3 Rakats of Witr. Witr holds special importance and is considered wajib (necessary) in the Hanafi school. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized never leaving Witr, making it an essential part of the night prayer.
Through this structured sequence, Isha Namaz completes a Muslim’s daily worship, bringing discipline, peace, and spiritual protection throughout the night.
4. How Many Rakats Are in isha namaz rakat
Iisha namaz rakat consists of 17 rakats in total, which are performed in a clear and fixed sequence. These rakats include Sunnah, Farz, Nafl, and Witr, each with its own importance.
Step 1: Sunnah Rakats (Before Farz)
- 4 Rakats Sunnah (Ghair Muakkadah)
These rakats are recommended and were often performed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They help prepare the believer for the obligatory prayer.
Step 2: Farz Rakats
- 4 Rakats Farz
These are obligatory and form the core of Isha Namaz. Performing them on time, preferably in congregation, carries great reward.
Step 3: Sunnah Rakats (After Farz)
- 2 Rakats Sunnah (Muakkadah)
These Sunnah rakats were regularly performed by the Prophet (ﷺ) and hold strong importance.
Step 4: Nafl Rakats
- 2 Rakats Nafl
These are voluntary prayers performed to gain extra reward and increase closeness to Allah.
Step 5: Witr Rakats
- 3 Rakats Witr
Witr is highly emphasized and considered Wajib in the Hanafi school. It completes the Isha prayer and should not be missed.
Step 6: nafl rakats
- 2 rakat nafl
Finally, two rakats of voluntary prayer are offered.
Total Rakats in Isha Namaz
4 Sunnah + 4 Farz + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl + 3 Witr + 2 nafl = 17 Rakats
By following this step-by-step structure, a Muslim can perform Isha Namaz correctly and earn its full spiritual benefits.
5. isha namaz rakat – Complete Method (Hanafi)
🔹 Intention (Niyyah)
Make the intention in your heart:
‘’I intend to perform the obligatory four rak’ahs of the isha prayer for the sake of Allah Almighty, with my face towards the Kaaba, following this Imam. Allahu Akbar.’’
Note: This is the method described for performing the obligatory isha prayer.
(Saying it out loud is not necessary.)
Note: Pay close attention to the correct pronunciation of the letters, otherwise, if the letters are not pronounced correctly, the prayer may become invalid.
🟢 First Rakat
- Say Takbeer-e-Tahreema – Allahu Akbar
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
- Recite Thana (Subhanaka Allahumma…)
سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ
وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ
وَتَعَالٰى جَدُّكَ
وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ
- Recite Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah
أَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ | بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha
الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ
غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
- Recite any Surah –
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ
أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ
وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ
تَرْمِيهِمْ بِحِجَارَةٍ مِنْ سِجِّيلٍ
فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَأْكُولٍ
- Go into Ruku
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ
- Perform two Sujood
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
🟢 Second Rakat
For the second rak’ah, recite this while standing:
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha
الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ-عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
- Recite any Surah
قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ أَحَدٌ-كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
- Go into Ruku
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ
- Perform two Sujood
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
- Sit for Qa’dah Ula and recite Tashahhud (At-Tahiyyat) only
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلّٰهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللّٰهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
🟡 Third Rakat-For the third rak’ah, recite this while standing:
- Stand up for the third rakat
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha only (no additional Surah)
الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ-عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
- Go into Ruku
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ
- Perform two Sujood
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
Note:
In the third and fourth rak’ahs of the obligatory prayer, only Surah Fatiha is to be recited while standing (qiyam) – according to the Hanafi school of thought.
🟡 Fourth Rakat
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha only
الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ-عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
- Go into Ruku
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ
- Perform two Sujood
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
- Sit for Qa’dah Akhirah and recite:
Tashahhud
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلّٰهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللّٰهِ الصَّالِحِينَ
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Durood-e-Ibrahim
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
- Any Masnoon Dua
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً
وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً
وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
- End the prayer by turning the head right and left, saying Salam soldier twin side
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ
Note:
In the third and fourth rak’ahs of the obligatory prayer, only Surah Fatiha is to be recited while standing (qiyam) – according to the Hanafi school of thought.
6. The Weight of Witr in isha namaz rakat
Witr prayer holds a very special and serious position in Isha Salah. It is not just an optional prayer; rather, it is a strongly emphasized act of worship that completes a Muslim’s daily prayers at night. In the Hanafi school of thought, Witr is considered Wajib (necessary), and leaving it intentionally is regarded as sinful.
The importance of Witr is clearly highlighted in the Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Allah has added one more prayer for you, which is better for you than red camels: the Witr prayer.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
This Hadith shows that Witr is not an ordinary prayer; it is a special gift from Allah to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Another Hadith states:
“Make Witr part of your night prayer, O people of the Qur’an.”
(Tirmidhi)
This command-like encouragement reflects how essential Witr is for a believer, especially after Isha.
Although Witr is not mentioned by name in the Qur’an, Allah says:
“And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud as an extra prayer for you.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:79)
Scholars explain that Witr is included in the night prayers that bring a servant closer to Allah and serve as spiritual protection through the night.
In conclusion, Witr prayer is the crown of Isha Salah, a means of earning immense reward, strengthening faith, and ending the day with complete obedience to Allah. Neglecting it means missing a powerful source of mercy and closeness to Allah.
7. Isha namaz as a Night Shield
Isha Namaz is not only the final obligatory prayer of the day, but it also acts as a spiritual shield for the night. By offering Isha sincerely, a believer places himself under the protection and mercy of Allah before entering the darkness and silence of night.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlighted the powerful reward of praying Isha in congregation, saying:
“Whoever performs the Isha prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for half of the night.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith shows that Isha carries the reward of extended worship and serves as a safeguard against heedlessness at night.
In another Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The heaviest prayers for the hypocrites are Isha and Fajr.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This indicates that regular performance of Isha strengthens true faith (Iman) and protects a believer from hypocrisy and spiritual weakness.
Allah also reminds in the Qur’an about remembering Him at night:
“And glorify Him during the night and at the retreat of the stars.”
(Surah At-Tur 52:49)
Scholars explain that praying Isha helps cleanse the heart from daily sins, brings peace to the soul, and protects a person from evil thoughts, Shaytan, and worldly distractions during the night.
In essence, Isha Namaz works as a night shield, guarding a Muslim’s faith, actions, and heart. Ending the day with Isha ensures that a believer sleeps with remembrance of Allah, spiritual calmness, and divine protection until morning.
8. Breakdown of Isha Namaz Rakats
Below is a simple and clear breakdown of Isha Namaz rakats, showing Sunnah, Farz, Nafl, and Witr for easy understanding:
| Order | Prayer Type | Rakats | Status |
| 1 | Sunnah (Ghair Muakkadah) | 4 | Recommended |
| 2 | Fard | 4 | Obligatory |
| 3 | Sunnah (Muakkadah) | 2 | Highly Emphasized |
| 4 | Nafl | 2 | Optional |
| 5 | Witr | 3 | Wajib (Hanafi) |
| 6 | Nafl (Last) | 2 | Optional |
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🌙 End your day with Isha and Witr, and sleep under Allah’s mercy and protection.
💬 Have questions about Namaz? Explore our other step-by-step prayer guides for complete learning.
1. How many rakats are in Isha Namaz?
Isha Namaz consists of 19 rakats in total according to the Hanafi school, including Sunnah, Fard, Nafl, and Witr. The minimum required rakats are 4 Fard and 3 Witr.
faqs – isha namaz rakat
2. How many Fard rakats are in Isha Namaz?
There are 4 Fard rakats in Isha Namaz. These are obligatory and must be performed, preferably in congregation.
3. How many Sunnah rakats are in Isha Namaz?
Isha Namaz includes 6 Sunnah rakats:
- 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah before Fard
- 2 Sunnah Muakkadah after Fard
4. Is Witr compulsory in Isha Namaz?
In the Hanafi school, Witr is Wajib (necessary) and should not be skipped intentionally. Other schools consider it Sunnah Muakkadah.
5. How many rakats are there in Witr prayer?
Witr prayer consists of 3 rakats, usually prayed together, with Dua Qunoot recited in the third rakat.
6. Are Nafl rakats part of Isha Namaz?
Yes, there are 4 Nafl rakats in Isha Namaz—2 before Witr and 2 after Witr, which are optional but highly rewarding.
7. What is the minimum Isha Namaz rakat if someone is short on time?
The minimum Isha prayer includes 4 Fard and 3 Witr, making a total of 7 rakats.
8. Can I pray Isha Namaz without Sunnah rakats?
Yes, Sunnah rakats may be skipped if necessary, but doing so regularly is discouraged as they carry great reward.
9. Do I need to recite a Surah after Al-Fatiha in all Isha rakats?
No. In Fard prayer, an additional Surah is recited only in the first two rakats. In the third and fourth rakats, only Surah Al-Fatiha is recited (Hanafi view).
10. Is praying Isha Namaz in congregation important?
Yes. Praying Isha in congregation carries immense reward, equal to half of the night’s prayer, as mentioned in Sahih Muslim.
11. When is the time for Isha Namaz?
The time for Isha begins after twilight disappears and lasts until midnight or before Fajr, depending on scholarly opinion.
12. Can I pray Witr later at night after Isha?
Yes. Witr can be delayed and prayed later at night, especially if one plans to pray Tahajjud.
13. Is it sinful to miss Isha Namaz?
Missing Isha Namaz intentionally is a serious sin, as it is one of the five obligatory daily prayers.
14. Why is Isha Namaz considered very important?
Isha Namaz protects a believer throughout the night, strengthens faith, and marks the completion of daily worship with remembrance of Allah.