Niyyat is done silently, but if you like you can repeat the word “Bismillah” (“in the name of Allah”) in your head to help you focus.
When you pray, face the direction of Makkah (also known as “qibla”). If you’re outside the US or UK, find Makkah (or “Mecca”) on a map or visit a Muslim prayer website that will tell you which direction to face. After saying the Takbir, refrain from talking, laughing, drinking, eating, visiting the restroom, or anything else that would disrupt your state of prayer.
Bismillaahi’r-Rahmaani’r-Raheem / Al-hamdu lillaahi rabbil-aalameen / Arrahmaanir raheem / Maaliki yawmid-deen / Iyyaaka nabudu wa iyyaaka nastaeen / Ihdinas-siraat al-mustaqeem / siraat al-ladheena anamta alayhim / ghayril maghdoobi alayhim / wa la’d-daalleen / Ameen In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate / Praise belongs to God, Lord of the Worlds / the Merciful, the Compassionate / Master of the Day of Judgement / We worship only You and from You alone do we seek help / Lead us on the straight path / he path of those whom You have blessed / not of those on whom is [Your] Wrath / nor of those who have gone astray / Oh Allah answer our prayer!
These verses translate to, “Glory be to my Lord the Supreme,” “Allah listens to the one who praises Him,” and “Our Lord, and to You belongs the praise,” respectively.
While in sujud, keep your palms flat on the floor, your knees together, and your feet upright with your toes in contact with the floor.
This means, “All compliments are for Allah, and prayers and goodness. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and on the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. ”
This translates to, “O Allah, send Your mercy upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, just as You sent mercy upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. ”
