How Many Times Is Salah Mentioned in the Quran?

As Muslims, Salah (prayer) is the foundation of our faith and the first act of worship we’ll be asked about on the Day of Judgement. But many of us wonder: How many times is salah actually mentioned in the Quran? And does the Quran directly reference the five daily prayers we perform — Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha?

In this blog, we explore the beauty of how the Quran speaks about salah — both directly and through subtle, poetic reminders. Whether you're revisiting your connection with prayer or helping your children learn through tools like My Salah Mats Interactive Prayer Mats, this reflection will strengthen your understanding and appreciation of the role salah plays in our daily lives.

Is Salah Mentioned Directly in the Quran?

Yes — and many times. The word “As-Salah” (prayer) is mentioned in the Quran over 80 times, showing just how important and central it is to a believer’s life. However, the names of the five daily prayers as we know them (Fajr, Dhuhr, etc.) are not listed explicitly in one verse. Instead, Allah uses phrases like:

• “Glorify Allah”

• “Establish the prayer”

• “Recite the Qur’an at dawn”

• “At the two ends of the day”

These descriptions were later explained in depth by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the scholars of tafseer (Quranic interpretation).

The Role of Tafseer in Understanding Salah Mentions

Early scholars like Ibn ‘Abbas, Al-Hasan, and Mujaahid explained that many verses indirectly reference the five daily prayers. One of the most quoted explanations comes from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA), who interpreted verses like Surah Al-Rum 30:17–18 as a reference to the full salah schedule.

Where in the Quran Are the Five Daily Prayers Referenced?

The Quran doesn’t give a list like “pray Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.” Instead, it spreads the timings and purpose of these prayers across several powerful verses. Here are a few that scholars agree are foundational:

1. Surah Al-Rum (30:17–18)

“So glorify Allah when you reach the evening and when you rise in the morning. To Him be praise in the heavens and the earth – and in the afternoon and when the day begins to decline.”

Scholars like Ibn ‘Abbas explain:

• Evening = Maghrib & Isha

• Morning = Fajr

• Afternoon = Asr

• Decline of the day = Dhuhr

This one verse beautifully covers the entire day of prayer.

2. Surah Al-Isra (17:78)

“Establish the prayer from the decline of the sun until the darkness of the night, and the recitation of the Qur’an at dawn. Verily, the recitation at dawn is ever witnessed.”

This verse outlines:

• Dhuhr & Asr = From the sun’s decline

• Maghrib & Isha = Until darkness of night

• Fajr = "The recitation at dawn"

It shows how the Quran often speaks of prayer through poetic timings rather than direct names.

3. Surah Hud (11:114)

“And establish the prayer at the two ends of the day and some parts of the night.”

Scholars interpret this as:

• First end = Fajr

• Second end = Dhuhr & Asr

• Parts of the night = Maghrib & Isha

This shows again how the Quran hints at all five prayers through phrases reflecting the changing times of the day.

What About the Sunnah?

While the Quran offers a framework, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ gives us the full instruction on how to pray, how many rakats, and when each salah should be performed. Allah made it clear that part of the Prophet’s ﷺ mission was to explain the Quran:

“…And We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may explain clearly to the people what was sent down to them…”
(Surah An-Nahl 16:44)

“…And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it…”
(Surah Al-Hashr 59:7)

The Prophet ﷺ himself said:
“I have been given the Quran and something like it alongside it.”
(Ahmad – authentic)

So, while the Quran mentions salah repeatedly, it’s the Sunnah that fills in the full picture.

Final Reflection: A Reminder from the Quran and Sunnah

When we read how often Allah reminds us about prayer in His Book, it becomes clear: Salah is not just a ritual — it's a lifeline. It’s mentioned again and again because it grounds us, protects us, and brings us back to our purpose.

May Allah make us among those who establish prayer with sincerity, love, and discipline — and may He accept it from us. Ameen.