Completing the second rak’ah of prayer is a milestone that every Muslim should master according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In this episode of “The Prophet’s Prayer” series, the full sequence from the second Surah Al-Fatihah through ruku, sujud, and the middle tashahhud is demonstrated step by step, ensuring that every worshipper can perform their salah with confidence and correctness.
The Second Rak’ah: Key Differences
The second rak’ah follows the same structure as the first, with a few important differences. There is no opening supplication (du’a al-istiftah) and no need to repeat the isti’adhah (seeking refuge from Shaytan) before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah. The worshipper begins directly with “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem” followed by Al-Fatihah and then another surah or passage from the Quran before proceeding to ruku and sujud as in the first rak’ah.
“In the second rak’ah, there is no beginning supplication and no seeking refuge from Shaytan — one begins directly with Bismillah and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.”
The Middle Tashahhud (At-Tahiyyat)
- After completing both prostrations of the second rak’ah, sit for the middle tashahhud
- Recite At-Tahiyyat: “At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat, as-salamu alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, as-salamu alayna wa ala ibadillahis-salihin”
- Continue with the testimony of faith: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh”
- Some scholars hold that the Ibrahimi salutation (Allahumma salli ala Muhammad) should also be recited in the middle tashahhud
- Raising both hands is Sunnah when rising for the third rak’ah after the middle tashahhud
“At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat — all compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.”
Building Your Prayer with Knowledge
Mastering the two-rak’ah prayer unit is the foundation upon which all longer prayers are built. Whether it is the Fajr prayer, a voluntary sunnah prayer, or the Istikhara prayer, the principles demonstrated here apply. By learning and practicing these steps according to the authentic Sunnah, every Muslim can approach their salah with the assurance that they are following the exact manner in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) worshipped his Lord.
