rakʿah

A rakʿah is a fixed series of ritual movements and formulas, such as bowings and recitations, that are repeated in the daily prayers of Muslims. These movements are part of salat, the ritual prayer that is one of the Pillars of Islam.12

Muslims perform five obligatory prayers daily: at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Before prayer, ablutions are performed. During prayer, worshippers face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and follow an imam (prayer leader) through various postures, including standing, genuflecting, and prostrating. Each prayer consists of two to four rakʿah units. While individual prayer is permissible, collective worship in a mosque has special merit. Special congregational prayers are held on Fridays and during festivals.23