Offer the Isha prayer after twilight each day, but before midnight. Use a site like IslamicFinder to find your local prayer times.
Niyyat is usually done silently, but it’s common to repeat the word “Bismillah” (“in the name of Allah”) to yourself in your head to help you settle into the moment. As you set your intention, think about how you went about your day, and resolve to go to bed after prayer with a clear mind oriented toward Allah.
Find Makkah (or “Mecca”) on a map or visit a Muslim prayer website to determine which direction to face. After saying the Takbir, avoid anything that would disrupt your state of prayer, like talking, laughing, drinking, eating, or visiting the restroom.
Bismillaahi’r-Rahmaani’r-Raheem / Al-hamdu lillaahi rabbil-aalameen / Arrahmaanir raheem / Maaliki yawmid-deen / Iyyaaka nabudu wa iyyaaka nastaeen / Ihdinas-siraat al-mustaqeem / siraat al-ladheena anamta alayhim / ghayril maghdoobi alayhim / wa la’d-daalleen / Ameen In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate / Praise belongs to God, Lord of the Worlds / the Merciful, the Compassionate / Master of the Day of Judgement / We worship only You and from You alone do we seek help / Lead us on the straight path / he path of those whom You have blessed / not of those on whom is [Your] Wrath / nor of those who have gone astray / Oh Allah answer our prayer!
These verses translate to, “Glory be to my Lord the Supreme,” “Allah listens to the one who praises Him,” and “Our Lord, and to You belongs the praise,” respectively.
Keep your palms flat on the floor, knees together, and feet upright with your toes touching the floor.
This translates to, “All compliments are for Allah, and prayers and goodness. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and on the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. ”
This means, “O Allah, send Your mercy upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, just as You sent mercy upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. ”
