Prayer (الصَّلَاة – Salah) is one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam. It is not simply a set of physical movements; rather, it is a complete act of worship that includes standing (قِيَام), recitation (قِرَاءَة), bowing (رُكُوع), prostration (سُجُود), sitting (قَعْدَة), remembrance of Allah, and supplication.

Every Muslim should learn how to perform Salah correctly and understand which parts are essential, which are necessary according to Islamic jurisprudence, and which are established Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The more carefully we perform Salah according to the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, the more complete, beautiful, and meaningful our worship becomes.

Note: Islamic scholars and schools of jurisprudence may differ in the detailed classification of some acts of Salah as Fard, Wajib, Sunnah, or otherwise. This article presents the general Islamic understanding and does not promote any particular school or sect. For a specific legal ruling, a qualified Islamic scholar should be consulted.

The Ruling of Fard, Wajib, and Sunnah in Prayer

Before discussing the acts of Salah in detail, it is important to understand these three terms.

1. The Obligatory Acts – Fard (فَرْض)

Fard refers to an obligatory act that is essential according to Islamic law.

In general, if an essential obligatory part of Salah is deliberately or unintentionally omitted, the prayer cannot simply be completed by performing Sajdah al-Sahw. The prayer may need to be repeated according to the applicable ruling.

In short:
An essential Fard cannot be neglected if the prayer is to be valid.

2. The Necessary Acts – Wajib (وَاجِب)

Wajib refers to an act that is necessary according to certain classifications of Islamic jurisprudence.

The detailed ruling concerning a missed Wajib can differ depending on the school of jurisprudence and the particular act involved. In some cases, an unintentional omission is compensated for by سَجْدَةُ السَّهْوِ (Sajdah al-Sahw – prostration of forgetfulness).

Deliberately abandoning an established necessary act without a valid reason should be avoided.

In short:
Wajib acts are important parts of Salah, although the detailed ruling regarding their omission can differ.

3. The Sunnahs of Prayer – Sunnah (سُنَّة)

Sunnah refers to the practices established from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Following the Sunnahs of Salah makes our prayer closer to the way the Prophet ﷺ prayed. It also adds beauty, humility, devotion, and reward to our worship.

Missing a Sunnah does not generally invalidate Salah, although Muslims should make every effort to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

In short:
Sunnahs complete and beautify Salah and help us follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ.

Essential Acts of Prayer

The following are among the fundamental acts that form the basis of Salah. The detailed legal classification of individual acts can vary among schools of Islamic jurisprudence.

1. Intention – Niyyah (النِّيَّة)

Before beginning Salah, the worshipper should have the intention in the heart to perform the particular prayer for the sake of Allah.

The intention does not need to be spoken aloud. What matters is the intention of the heart.

2. Facing the Qiblah – Istiqbal al-Qiblah (اسْتِقْبَالُ القِبْلَة)

A person performing Salah should face the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah.

Allah says:

فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ

“Turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram.”

(Qur’an 2:144)

A person who genuinely cannot determine or face the Qiblah should follow the applicable concession in Islamic law.

3. Standing – Qiyam (قِيَام)

Standing during the obligatory prayer is required for a person who is physically capable of standing.

Allah says:

وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ

“And stand before Allah devoutly obedient.”

(Qur’an 2:238)

A person who is genuinely unable to stand due to illness, weakness, or another valid reason may pray according to their ability.

4. Opening Takbir – Takbirat al-Ihram (تَكْبِيرَةُ الإِحْرَام)

Salah begins with the opening declaration of Allah’s greatness:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Allāhu Akbar

Allah is the Greatest.

This marks the beginning of the prayer.

5. Recitation of the Qur’an – Qira’ah (قِرَاءَة)

Recitation of the Qur’an is an essential part of Salah.

The worshipper recites from the Qur’an in the appropriate standing positions of prayer. The exact details of what is recited and when can vary according to the type of prayer and school of jurisprudence.

Surah al-Fatihah is especially important in Salah.

6. Bowing – Ruku (رُكُوع)

Ruku is the bowing position in Salah.

The worshipper bends forward and expresses humility before Allah.

During Ruku, the worshipper glorifies Allah:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subḥāna Rabbiyal-ʿAẓīm

Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great.

7. Standing After Ruku – Qawmah (قَوْمَة)

After Ruku, the worshipper rises and stands upright before moving into prostration.

The Prophet ﷺ taught Muslims to perform the movements of Salah with tranquility rather than rushing through them.

8. Prostration – Sujood (سُجُود)

Sujood is one of the greatest positions of Salah.

The worshipper places the required parts of the body in prostration and humbles themselves before Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said that a servant is closest to his Lord while in prostration, so Muslims should increase their supplication during Sujood.

During Sujood, the worshipper says:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى

Subḥāna Rabbiyal-Aʿlā

Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.

9. Sitting Between the Two Prostrations – Jalsah (جَلْسَة)

After the first Sujood, the worshipper sits before performing the second Sujood.

This position should be performed calmly and with tranquility.

10. The Final Sitting – Qa’dah Akhirah (قَعْدَة أَخِيرَة)

At the end of Salah, the worshipper sits for the final part of the prayer.

The Tashahhud, blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, and supplications are recited according to the established Sunnah and applicable legal requirements.

11. Completing the Prayer – Salam (السَّلَام)

The prayer is concluded with Salam.

The worshipper turns to the right and then to the left and says:

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum wa Raḥmatullāh

May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.

Important Necessary Acts of Salah

The detailed list and legal classification of Wajib acts can vary among Islamic schools. However, Muslims should pay close attention to the following important parts of Salah.

1. Reciting Surah al-Fatihah

Surah al-Fatihah is recited in Salah according to the established practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

لَا صَلَاةَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ

“There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book.”

Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

The detailed ruling concerning its recitation by an Imam, individual worshipper, or person praying behind an Imam differs among Islamic schools.

2. Additional Qur’anic Recitation

The Prophet ﷺ regularly recited additional Qur’anic passages after Surah al-Fatihah in the appropriate Rak’ahs.

This is an important part of following the Prophetic method of Salah.

3. Maintaining the Correct Sequence

The actions of Salah should be performed in their prescribed order.

The worshipper should not randomly change the order of standing, recitation, Ruku, Sujood, sitting, and other actions.

4. Tranquility – Tuma’ninah (طُمَأْنِينَة)

One of the most important qualities of Salah is performing each position with calmness and tranquility.

A worshipper should not rush from Qiyam to Ruku, from Ruku to Sujood, or between the two prostrations.

The Prophet ﷺ corrected a man who had prayed too quickly and instructed him to pray with calmness and proper completion of each position.

5. Qawmah – Standing Upright After Ruku

After Ruku, the worshipper should rise properly and become upright before going into Sujood.

The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated the importance of completing each position of Salah properly.

6. Jalsah – Sitting Between the Two Sujoods

The worshipper should sit between the two prostrations and avoid immediately dropping into the second Sujood without proper tranquility.

7. Tashahhud – At-Tahiyyat (التَّشَهُّد)

During the sitting position, the established Tashahhud is recited:

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ.

At-Taḥiyyātu lillāhi waṣ-ṣalawātu waṭ-ṭayyibāt, as-salāmu ʿalayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh, as-salāmu ʿalaynā wa ʿalā ʿibādillāhiṣ-ṣāliḥīn, ash-hadu allā ilāha illallāhu wa ash-hadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhū wa rasūluh.

8. The Correct Method of Ending Salah

The prayer should be completed according to the established Prophetic method, including the concluding Salam.

Sunnahs of Prayer

The Sunnahs of Salah are the practices taught and demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Following them helps Muslims perform Salah in the Prophetic manner.

Sunnahs Before and at the Beginning of Salah

1. Performing Wudu – وضوء

A Muslim should perform Wudu properly before Salah.

Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ…

“O believers! When you rise for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows…”

(Qur’an 5:6)

2. Wearing Clean Clothing

A Muslim should ensure that the body, clothing, and place of prayer are clean.

3. Facing the Qiblah

Facing the Qiblah is an essential part of preparing for Salah.

4. Raising the Hands

The Prophet ﷺ raised his hands at the beginning of Salah. The detailed position and manner can vary according to the established narrations and schools of jurisprudence.

5. Placing the Hands

The Prophet ﷺ placed his hands while standing in Salah. The exact position is discussed differently among Islamic scholars.

Therefore, Muslims should not consider another Muslim’s valid method of placing the hands as a reason for division.

6. Opening Supplication – Thana (الثَّنَاء)

Among the established opening supplications is:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ

Subḥānakallāhumma wa biḥamdika wa tabārakasmuka wa taʿālā jadduka wa lā ilāha ghayruk.

7. Seeking Refuge in Allah

Before recitation, the worshipper seeks refuge in Allah from Shaytan:

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

Aʿūdhu billāhi min ash-shayṭānir-rajīm.

8. Saying Bismillah

The worshipper says:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm.

The detailed manner of reciting Bismillah aloud or quietly differs among schools.

Sunnahs During Ruku

When moving into Ruku, the worshipper says:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Allāhu Akbar.

While in Ruku, the worshipper glorifies Allah:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Subḥāna Rabbiyal-ʿAẓīm.

The worshipper should keep the back appropriately positioned and place the hands on the knees.

Sunnahs During Qawmah

When rising from Ruku, the Imam and the person praying alone say:

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Samiʿallāhu liman ḥamidah.

Allah hears the one who praises Him.

After standing upright, the worshipper says:

رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Rabbana lakal-ḥamd.

Our Lord, all praise belongs to You.

Sunnahs During Sujood

When moving into Sujood, the worshipper says:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Allāhu Akbar.

In Sujood, the worshipper says:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى

Subḥāna Rabbiyal-Aʿlā.

The worshipper should perform Sujood with humility, calmness, and concentration.

Sunnahs During Jalsah

Between the two prostrations, the worshipper sits calmly.

One established supplication is:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

Rabbighfir lī.

My Lord, forgive me.

The worshipper should not rush through this position.

Sunnahs During Qa’dah

After Tashahhud in the final sitting, the worshipper sends blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Durood Ibrahim

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.

Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka ḥamīdun majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka ḥamīdun majīd.

After this, the worshipper may make authentic supplications taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

For example:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāban-nār.

Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

Sunnahs of Concluding the Prayer

The prayer is concluded with Salam.

The worshipper turns toward the right and then the left while saying:

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum wa Raḥmatullāh.

This means:

“May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.”

What Is Sajdah al-Sahw?

Sajdah al-Sahw (سَجْدَةُ السَّهْوِ) means the prostration performed because of forgetfulness during Salah.

It is prescribed in situations where a worshipper unintentionally makes certain mistakes or omissions in prayer.

However, the exact situations requiring Sajdah al-Sahw differ according to the particular legal school and the nature of the mistake.

Therefore, if a person is unsure whether Sajdah al-Sahw is required, they should ask a qualified scholar.

Developing Khushu in Salah

Khushu (الخُشُوع) means humility, reverence, attentiveness, and heartfelt concentration during prayer.

Allah praises believers who have Khushu in their Salah:

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۝ الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ

“Successful indeed are the believers: those who humble themselves in their prayer.”

(Qur’an 23:1–2)

Ways to Develop Khushu

1. Understand What You Recite

Learn the meanings of the verses, supplications, and phrases used in Salah.

2. Pray With Awareness

Remember that you are standing before Allah.

3. Avoid Distractions

Put away your phone and avoid unnecessary movements before and during prayer.

4. Pray Calmly

Do not rush through Ruku, Sujood, or other positions.

5. Think About the Hereafter

Remember that Salah is an opportunity to worship Allah and prepare for the Hereafter.

6. Pray as Though It May Be Your Last Prayer

This mindset can help a person develop greater sincerity and concentration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Salah

1. Praying Too Quickly

Rushing through the prayer can prevent proper tranquility and concentration.

2. Not Completing Ruku Properly

The worshipper should bow properly and remain calm before rising.

3. Rushing Through Sujood

Sujood should be performed with humility and tranquility.

4. Looking Around Unnecessarily

Unnecessary movements of the eyes or head can reduce concentration.

5. Excessive Movement

Playing with clothing, hair, phones, or other objects during Salah should be avoided.

6. Neglecting the Sunnah

Muslims should try to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and learn the correct method of Salah.

7. Creating Arguments Over Minor Differences

Muslims should recognize that some details of Salah have legitimate differences among scholars.

Differences in matters where recognized Islamic scholarship has accepted more than one position should not become a reason for hatred, insults, or division among Muslims.

Respecting Differences in Salah

Muslims around the world may perform certain details of Salah differently.

For example, differences can exist regarding:

• The position of the hands while standing

• Raising the hands at certain points

• Saying Ameen aloud or quietly

• The manner of recitation behind the Imam

• Certain details of sitting

• Some details related to Sajdah al-Sahw

These differences should be understood through authentic Islamic scholarship rather than becoming a reason for division.

The primary goal is to worship Allah sincerely and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

A Simple Comparison of Fard, Wajib, and Sunnah

Fard – فَرْض

Meaning: An obligatory act that is essential according to Islamic law.

Importance: It must be fulfilled for a valid prayer.

If omitted: The detailed ruling depends on the nature of the act, but an essential Fard cannot simply be replaced by Sajdah al-Sahw.

Wajib – وَاجِب

Meaning: A necessary act according to certain classifications of Islamic jurisprudence.

Importance: It should be carefully observed.

If omitted: The ruling can differ depending on the act and school of jurisprudence; in certain cases Sajdah al-Sahw is prescribed for an unintentional omission.

Sunnah – سُنَّة

Meaning: An established practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

Importance: Following it increases the completeness and beauty of Salah.

If omitted: Missing a Sunnah does not generally invalidate Salah.

Conclusion

Salah is one of the greatest gifts and obligations given to Muslims. It connects the servant with Allah, teaches discipline, develops humility, and reminds us of our purpose in life.

To perform Salah properly, Muslims should learn its essential acts, necessary practices, and Sunnahs.

Fard (فَرْض) refers to obligatory acts that are fundamental to the validity of worship.

Wajib (وَاجِب) refers to necessary acts whose detailed legal classification and consequences can differ according to Islamic jurisprudence.

Sunnah (سُنَّة) refers to the practices established from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that make our prayer more complete and closer to his example.

Most importantly, Muslims should perform Salah with sincerity, tranquility, humility, and devotion.

We should also respect legitimate differences among Muslims and avoid turning differences in secondary matters of Salah into division.

The goal of every Muslim should be to worship Allah alone, follow the guidance of the Qur’an, follow the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and perform Salah with sincerity and excellence.