What to Recite in Salah for New Muslims (Simple Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn what a new Muslim should recite in Salah including Takbir, Surah Al-Fatihah, basic dhikr in ruku and sujood, and a simplified method permitted until full memorization.

All perfect praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His slave and Messenger.

Establishing Salah is one of the greatest obligations in Islam, and a new Muslim is encouraged with ease and gradual learning. The goal is not difficulty, but consistency in worship while building knowledge step by step.

What should a new Muslim recite in Salah?

A person who has newly accepted Islam is required to perform the essentials of prayer, even if his memorization is limited. Islam teaches ease, and the learner is not burdened beyond ability.

1. Beginning the prayer

The prayer begins by saying:

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ

Allāhu Akbar

Meaning: Allah (God) is the greatest.

This is also said when moving between each position in Salah.

2. Simplified recitation for a new Muslim

What is required for the time being is to say the basic takbir and dhikr in each position of the prayer. The learner may say:

“In the beginning of the prayer and between each movement between positions, say ‘Allahu akbar’. While standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting, say: ‘Subhaan Allah wal-hamdu lillaah wa-laa ilaaha illAllahu wAllahu akbar’ (Glory be to Allah, and praise and thanks be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Most Exalted and Great.) Then conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right then left, each time saying ‘as-salaamu alaikum.’”

Permissible simplified method for learners (as explained by scholars)

This method is valid for someone who has not yet memorized the detailed adhkar of Salah and allows him to pray correctly while learning gradually.

3. Surah Al-Fatihah

When possible, the most important recitation is Surah Al-Fatihah, which is a pillar of prayer.

“The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book.”

Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim

Learning it should be a priority after establishing the basic structure of Salah.

4. Dhikr in Ruku and Sujood

In bowing (Ruku), say:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subḥāna Rabbiyal-ʿAẓīm

Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most عظیم (The Most Great).

In prostration (Sujood), say:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subḥāna Rabbiyal-Aʿlā

Meaning: “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.”

5. Between the two prostrations

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

Rabbighfir lī

Meaning: “My Lord, forgive me.”

Important principle

Islam encourages gradual learning. A new Muslim is not required to master everything immediately. The focus is sincerity, consistency, and steady improvement in worship.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Make things easy and do not make things difficult.”

Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim

Conclusion

A new Muslim should begin with Takbir and a simple structure of prayer, then gradually learn Surah Al-Fatihah and the full adhkar of Salah. What matters most is establishing prayer sincerely and improving step by step.

And Allah knows best.