How Long Does It Take to Learn Salah?

A Supportive Guide for Muslims at Any Stage of Their Journey

Whether you're a new Muslim, a parent helping your child, or someone reconnecting with their faith, the question often comes up: “How long does it take to learn how to pray in Islam?”

The beautiful answer is — not as long as you might think. With daily effort, good resources, and sincere intention, many people are able to begin praying within just a couple of weeks. And the journey doesn't have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be one of the most peaceful, rewarding experiences of your life.

Let’s explore how long it usually takes, what’s involved, and how to make the process easier and more meaningful.

How Long Does It Really Take to Learn Salah?

The time it takes varies from person to person, depending on your background, how much Arabic you know, and how consistently you practise. However, most people can begin performing the basics of salah within 1 to 2 weeks. Becoming fully confident — including memorising surahs, du’as, and mastering the prayer structure — often takes around 1 to 3 months.

And remember: even learning is an act of worship. Every step you take toward prayer is beloved to Allah ﷻ.

What Does “Learning Salah” Actually Involve?

To perform salah properly, you’ll need to learn:

• The movements of prayer (qiyam, ruku, sujood, etc.)

• What to say at each stage (Arabic phrases and surahs)

• The number of rakats for each daily prayer

• Conditions like wudu and proper clothing

At first, it might seem like a lot — but when you break it into parts, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. The key is to go step-by-step.

How to Learn Salah Easily — and Teach It Effectively

Here are practical, tried-and-tested tips for speeding up the learning process while building a genuine love for salah.

1. Start Simple with Fajr

Fajr has just 2 rakats, making it the easiest to start with. Once you're confident with that, you can slowly add the others. You don’t need to be perfect from day one — start with what you know and build from there.

2. Use Visual & Interactive Learning Tools

One of the most effective ways to learn salah today — whether you're a child, teenager, or adult new to Islam — is through interactive learning. Our My Salah Mat range includes prayer mats specially designed for children, teens, and adults, making it easier than ever to build a strong salah habit at any age. These mats educational tools that teach the correct order of salah, the Arabic recitations, and the physical positions in a clear, engaging way. For kids, the visual cues and voice prompts build confidence and routine. For teenagers and adult reverts, the mat offers step-by-step guidance and audio support to help them learn independently and at their own pace. Whether you're learning alone or teaching someone else, My Salah Mat turns salah into an experience that’s practical, enjoyable, and spiritually uplifting.

Below is a demonstration of how our Interactive Adult Prayer Mat works! To explore our full range of interactive prayer mats from kids to adults click here.

3. Practice 15–20 Minutes a Day

Daily short sessions are far more effective than long, occasional ones. Spend 15–20 minutes each day going over one part of the prayer. Use that time to revise a surah, practise pronunciation, or simply go through the motions.

4. Make Du’a and Keep Going

Ask Allah for ease and guidance. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever draws close to Me by a handspan, I will draw close to him by an arm’s length…"
(Reported in Sahih Muslim)

This learning process is not just about salah — it’s about building your relationship with Allah. And every tiny step counts.

Supporting a Child or New Muslim? Here’s What Helps

If you're helping someone else on their prayer journey — especially a child or a new Muslim — your encouragement makes all the difference.

1. Use the Right Tools to Support Your Learning

Whether you're a child just starting out, a teenager building confidence, or an adult learning for the first time, the right tools can make all the difference. Products like My Salah Mat are designed to guide learners of all ages through each step of salah in a clear, interactive, and engaging way. By making the learning experience practical and uplifting, salah becomes something to look forward to — not something to feel overwhelmed by.

2. Find Community and Build a Routine

Building a routine is much easier when you feel supported. If you're teaching a child, make salah a shared moment by praying together and guiding them through each step. If you're a new Muslim and don’t know many others yet, visiting your local masjid (mosque) can be a great way to connect with others and feel part of the community. Whether you're praying with others or alone, establishing a consistent routine helps strengthen your relationship with Allah and brings peace into your daily life.

3. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

No matter your age or where you're starting from, every step you take towards learning salah is worth celebrating. If you or someone you're helping has memorised a surah, learned how to make sujood, or completed a full prayer — that’s a big win! Progress looks different for everyone, and positive encouragement builds motivation and confidence to keep going. Remember, Allah sees every effort, no matter how small.

Final Thought: It's Not About Speed — It's About Sincerity

So, how long does it take to learn salah? For most people, it’s a matter of weeks to learn the basics, and a few months to feel completely confident. But learning salah is not a race. It’s a spiritual journey — one that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

May Allah make it easy for all of us to establish prayer with love, khushu, and consistency. 

And remember: your first step doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to begin.