Which Prayers Are Prayed Loudly in Islam? Complete Guide

Why do we recite aloud in some prayers while we recite silently in others? Which Prayers Are prayed loudly, and why specifically these prayers? Perhaps this topic has already caught your attention and made you reflect on it. These questions often come up among Muslims who wish to perfect their worship and follow the Prophetic example precisely. Scholars explained this matter with clarity and ease. In this guide, we will look into the daily prayers, how the Prophet ﷺ recited them, and how scholars have understood the wisdom behind loud and silent prayers. 

Which prayers are prayed loudly in Islam

In Islam, the five daily prayers are divided into two categories regarding recitation: those recited aloud and those recited silently. Whether the prayer is recited aloud or silently, the Muslim must move the tongue and lips while reciting. It is not permissible to recite only in the mind or heart. The difference between them lies in the level of the voice. 

A loud prayer  -“Jahriah prayers”-  is the prayer in which we recite some of its rak‘ahs with a voice audible to others. Scholars said that  the prayers recited aloud are Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha. On the other hand, Dhuhr and Asr are prayed silently.

You can learn the wisdom behind this through Praying Out Loud vs Praying Silently: Rules and Wisdom.

So, which prayers are prayed loudly? The answer is:

• Fajr – the two rak‘ahs are recited aloud.
• Maghrib – the first two rak‘ahs are recited aloud, while the third rak‘ah is silent.
• Isha – the first two rak‘ahs are recited aloud, while the last two are silent.

We recite aloud in some prayers and silently in others because the Prophet ﷺ did so. Therefore, the worshiper must follow what the Messenger ﷺ practiced, in accordance with the words of Allah Almighty:

 “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example” [Al-Ahzab: 21], 

and the saying of the Prophet ﷺ: “Pray as you have seen me pray” (narrated by Al-Bukhari). 

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Fajr prayer recitation rules

When discussing which prayers are prayed loudly, the Fajr prayer comes first. Fajr prayer is one of the five obligatory prayers. It consists of two rak‘ahs. 

In the first rak‘ah, the worshiper recites Al-Fatihah and whatever is easy along with it, then bows (ruku‘) and remains at ease, then rises and stands upright with calmness, then prostrates twice (sujud), being tranquil in both, saying in prostration: Subhana Rabbiyal-A‘la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High), and in bowing: Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Azim (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty). He sits between the two prostrations calmly and says: Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li (My Lord, forgive me, my Lord, forgive me). He stands with tranquility after bowing before going to prostration. 

The second rak‘ah is performed in the same way in Fajr. After completing the second rak‘ah, he sits and recites the well-known Tashahhud. After reciting the Tashahhud and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, he seeks refuge with Allah from the punishment of Hellfire, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the trial of the false Messiah (Al-Masih al-Dajjal).

Then he supplicates with whatever du‘a he wishes, such as: Allahumma a‘inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibadatika (O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best way). Finally, he ends the prayer with two Taslims: As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah to his right and As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah to his left.

As for the recitation in Fajr prayer, it is as follows: Fajr consists of two rak‘ahs, and both are recited aloud. The Prophet ﷺ consistently recited them loudly, and this has been preserved through uninterrupted transmission. The loud recitation in Fajr has multiple dimensions:

Spiritual awakening happens at dawn, and the loud recitation helps to wake up the heart and soul.

Community bonding takes place in group prayers, where the imam’s strong voice reminds everyone of the unity among worshippers.

The teaching role is important too, as in the past, new Muslims or young children learned the Quran and how to pray by listening to the imam’s recitation during Fajr.

Maghrib prayer recitation rules

The Maghrib prayer is another key example when asking which prayers are prayed loudly. It has three rak‘ahs in total. The recitation in maghrib prayer is as the following :

• The first rak‘ah is recited aloud.
• The second rak‘ah is also recited aloud.
• The third rak‘ah, however, is recited silently.

This setup brings balance: the prayer starts with a loud reading of the Quran and ends with a quiet moment of thought. The Prophet ﷺ followed this consistently, and scholars emphasize that maintaining this Sunnah is part of preserving the Prophetic heritage.

One reason for reading loudly during Maghrib is that it happens right after sunset, when people are coming together after their daily activities. The imam’s voice helps bring their hearts back to remembering Allah.

Isha prayer recitation rules

 Which prayers are prayed loudly? Isha prayer also is one of these prayers. Isha is a four-rak‘ah prayer, and the rules are as follows:

• The first two rak‘ahs are recited aloud.
• The third and fourth rak‘ahs are recited silently.

The loud part of the prayer in the beginning shows the importance of praying at night. The quiet part later helps people think deeply about what they are saying. This split shows a balance and kindness, letting people both share Allah’s words and understand them on their own.

Perhaps there are other wisdoms behind this balance, even if we do not know them in our present time. We follow the guidance of the Prophet because we are certain that Allah chooses what is best for us.

Teaching children the difference in volume

One of the practical aspects of knowing which prayers are prayed loudly is teaching it to children and new Muslims. The Azhari approach to education emphasizes clarity, kindness, and gradual learning. When teaching children:

Start with Fajr – as it is short and always recited aloud, making it easier to remember.

Move to Maghrib and Isha – explain that only the first two rak‘ahs are loud, while the rest are silent.

Explain the wisdom – children often learn better when given reasons, so mention that loud recitation is a Sunnah that helps us listen to the Quran.

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Conclusion

To put it simply, the answer to which prayers are prayed loudly is clear but has a deep meaning. In Fajr, both parts of the prayer are said out loud. For Maghrib and Isha, the first two parts are recited aloud, while the rest are said quietly. Dhuhr and Asr are always recited in a quiet manner.

These rules are not just about following steps. They show the balance, wisdom, and care that Islam has in its worship. Saying prayers loudly brings people together as a community, while saying them quietly helps with personal devotion. Together, these prayers make up the full spiritual experience of the day and night.

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FAQs

Which prayers are prayed loudly every day?
Fajr, Maghrib (first two rak‘ahs), and Isha (first two rak‘ahs) are prayed loudly.

Why are some prayers loud and others silent?
This balance teaches us both public proclamation of the Quran and private reflection.

Do women also pray loudly in Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha?
In these prayers, it is Sunnah for both men and women to recite aloud. but it is disliked for a woman to recite aloud in the presence of non-mahram men.

What happens if someone forgets to recite loudly in Fajr, Maghrib, or Isha?
The prayer is still valid.

Are Dhuhr and Asr ever prayed silently?
Yes. Dhuhr and Asr are “syrriah prayers” so always prayed silently, both in congregation and individually.