For types and times of 5-daily prayers in Qur’an, go here
The minimum prayer consists of 2 rak’ahs. When traveling or in war, this minimum is observed.
For evidence of these fard (obligatory) 2 rak’ahs in the Qur’an, watch this video deduction from chapter an-Nisa 4:102.
And when you [i.e., the commander of an army] are among them and lead them in prayer (1st rak’ah), let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you (2nd raka’ah), taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allāh has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.
chapter an-Nisa 4:102
The verse details two important points:
- The prayer rak’ah starts in the standing position and ends with the prostration.
- Prayer involves two fard rak’ahs.
As explained in the video, the Imam (leader of the prayer) who MUST be followed, in the case the prophet of Islam, observed 2 rak’ahs. He led the first group first and then led the second group after during his second rak’ah.
In the rule of following the Imam, the followers are obligated to perform their additional second raka’ahs after the leader concludes. The Tafsir of the Quran confirms this in hadith:
The Qur’an in surrounding verses calls this 2 rak’ah format the shortened version. Thereby proving that there is the longer version.
(4:101)When you go forth journeying in the land, there is no blame on you if you shorten the Prayer, (especially) if you fear that the unbelievers might cause you harm. Surely the unbelievers are your open enemies.
When you have finished the Prayer, remember Allah -standing, and sitting, and reclining. And when you become secure, perform the regular Prayer. The Prayer is enjoined upon the believers at stated times.
Qur’an 4:101 and 103
