What Are the Faraid (Obligatory Parts) of Salah? Required Acts for Prayer Validity

Starting With The Name Of Almighty Allah

Salah, the ritual prayer in Islam, stands as one of the five pillars of the faith, serving as a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. Understanding the fard acts of salah—those essential elements without which the prayer is invalid—is crucial for every Muslim striving to fulfill their religious obligations. These faraid of prayer ensure that the act of worship aligns with divine commands, making the prayer acceptable in the sight of Allah. Whether you’re a new convert or someone deepening your practice, grasping these required acts for prayer validity can transform your daily routine into a profound spiritual experience. In this post, we’ll explore the compulsory parts of salah, their significance, and how they contribute to the overall validity of your worship.

The concept of pillars of salat goes beyond mere routine; it’s about submission, discipline, and mindfulness. As Muslims, we’re reminded that prayer isn’t just a physical exercise but a holistic act that purifies the soul. By delving into the obligatory actions in salat, you’ll gain clarity on what makes a prayer valid in Islam, helping you avoid common pitfalls and enhance your connection with the Creator.

Understanding Faraid in the Context of Salah

The term “faraid” refers to the obligatory duties mandated by Allah, and in the realm of salah, they encompass both the preconditions for starting the prayer and the core actions performed during it. These fardh in salah explained simply mean that omitting any of them intentionally renders the prayer null and void, requiring it to be repeated. Scholars derive these from the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing their role in maintaining the integrity of worship.

Why are these essential parts of muslim prayer so vital? They form the foundation upon which the entire structure of salah rests. For instance, the Quran highlights the importance of prayer as a timed obligation:

“Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.”
(Quran 2:238)

This verse underscores the need for devout standing and observance, which ties directly into the faraid. Similarly, a hadith from Sahih Bukhari states:

“Actions are judged by intentions, so each man will have what he intended.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 01)

This reminds us that intention, one of the key faraid, must be sincere.

In traditional Islamic teachings, the faraid are seen as non-negotiable, drawn from the Prophet’s example. Historically, academic approaches note how these elements evolved through ijtihad (scholarly reasoning) across different eras, ensuring adaptability while preserving core principles. Both perspectives agree on the need for accuracy to achieve spiritual rewards.

To build a strong foundation, consider exploring resources like Najam Academy’s Online Quran Classes for guided learning. If you’re just starting, check out our post on What Is Salah In Islam – Salah Explained In Islam for a broader overview.

Preconditions for Salah Validity: The Shurut

Before diving into the prayer itself, certain conditions must be met for salah to be valid. These salah validity requirements are often called shurut (conditions) and are obligatory for the prayer to commence. Without them, even the most perfectly performed actions won’t count. 

Alongside these essential preconditions, it is also important to note that a person must be a Muslim for salah to be valid, as prayer is an act of worship prescribed within Islam. Once this fundamental requirement is fulfilled, the following are the primary conditions that must be observed to ensure the prayer is properly established.

1. Purity (Taharah): 

You must be free from major and minor impurities. This includes performing wudu (ablution) or ghusl if necessary. The Quran instructs:

“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.”
(Quran 5:6)

2. Covering the Awrah: 

Modest clothing that covers the private parts— from navel to knees for men and the entire body except face and hands for women in most views.

3. Facing the Qiblah: 

Directing toward the Kaaba in Mecca, symbolizing unity.

4. Entering the Prescribed Time (Waqt): 

Prayers must be offered within their specific time frames, as the Quran states:

“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
(Quran 4:103)

5. Intention (Niyyah): 

A mental resolve to perform the specific prayer, not uttered aloud.

6. Sanity and Maturity: 

The worshipper must be of sound mind and have reached puberty, though children are encouraged to practice.

These preconditions ensure the prayer’s external validity, setting the stage for internal devotion. For families teaching young ones, Online Quran Classes for Kids can make learning these basics fun and structured. Relatedly, our article on How To Make Intention For Salah provides step-by-step guidance.

The Core Pillars of Salah: The Arkan

Once the conditions are fulfilled, the salah faraiz list shifts to the internal pillars, known as arkan. These are the compulsory parts of salah that must be executed in sequence during the prayer. Omitting them invalidates the salah, though forgetfulness can sometimes be rectified with prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud sahw). 

According to a common consensus across schools, the main pillars include:

1. Takbiratul Ihram (Opening Takbir): 

Saying “Allahu Akbar” to begin, marking the entry into a state of worship.

2. Qiyam (Standing): 

Standing upright while reciting, showing submission. The Quran mentions:

“O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord…”
(Quran 22:77)

3. Qira’ah (Recitation of Al-Fatihah): 

Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in every rak’ah. A hadith emphasizes:

“There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatiha).”
(Sahih Bukhari: 756)

4. Ruku’ (Bowing): 

Bending at the waist with hands on knees, glorifying Allah.

5. I’tidal (Rising from Bowing): 

Standing straight after ruku’.

6. Sujud (Prostration): 

Placing forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground, done twice per rak’ah. The Prophet said:

“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating…”
(Sahih Muslim: 482)

7. Julus (Sitting Between Prostrations): 

Brief sitting after the first sujud.

8. Qa’dah Akhirah (Final Sitting): 

The last sitting for tashahhud.

9. Tashahhud: 

Reciting the testimony of faith in the final sitting.

10. Salawat on the Prophet: 

Sending blessings in the tashahhud.

11. Tasleem (Salutation): 

Ending with “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” to both sides.

Some schools, like the Hanbali, expand this to 14 pillars, including being at ease in each posture and maintaining order. These obligatory actions in salat ensure the prayer’s structural integrity. Because these arkan must be performed in the correct order and manner, many students turn to Online Quran Courses that focus on practical application, helping learners perfect each pillar of salah through guided instruction and detailed correction.

For adults refining their technique, Online Quran Classes for Adults offer personalized sessions. If you’re curious about endings, read our piece on What Is Tasleem In Salah.

Detailed Breakdown of Some Fard Act

Intention (Niyyah): The Heart of Worship

The fard acts of salah begin with niyyah, a silent resolve specifying the prayer type (e.g., Fajr fard). It’s not verbalized, as per the hadith on intentions. This act distinguishes obligatory from voluntary prayers, ensuring focus.

Opening Takbir: Entering Sacred Space

Raising hands to ears and saying “Allahu Akbar” prohibits worldly distractions. It’s the gateway, symbolizing Allah’s greatness.

Standing (Qiyam): Posture of Humility

In qiyam, recite Al-Fatihah and additional verses. For those unable, sitting or lying is allowed, but standing is fard for the capable.

If you’re building basics, the Basics of Islam Course covers this comprehensively. Also, explore How To Perform Salah For Beginners for practical tips for new muslims and beginners.

Recitation: The Soul of Salah

While adhan and iqamah precede, during salah, Al-Fatihah is mandatory. It’s recited quietly in Zuhr/Asr and aloud in others. Also, see What do you recite before salah? to learn about the recitation performed at the start of the Salah.

Bowing (Ruku’): Submission in Action

Bend forward, hands on knees, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” at least once (wajib in some views). It fulfills the Quranic command to bow.

Prostration (Sujud): Closest to Allah

The pinnacle of humility, with seven body parts touching the ground. Repeat glorifications like “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la.”

For deeper fiqh insights, enroll in an Islamic Fiqh Course. Questions like Can You Close Your Eyes During Salah are addressed in detail in our blog.

Final Sitting and Tashahhud: Affirmation of Faith

Sit to recite the tashahhud, affirming monotheism and prophethood. Include salawat, then tasleem to conclude.

Tasleem: Peaceful Closure

Turning the head right and left with salams signals the end, restoring normal activities.

If errors occur, like forgetting, How To Make Istighfar Within The Salah – A Complete Guide explains corrections.

Variations Across Islamic Schools of Thought

While the core pillars of salat are universal, interpretations vary among the four Sunni schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) and others like Ja’fari.

• Hanafi: Emphasizes 7 faraid, including niyyah and final qa’dah; recitation of additional surah is wajib.
• Maliki: Stresses Fatiha in every rak’ah; qunut only in Fajr.
• Shafi’i: Lists 13 arkan, requiring bismillah as part of Fatiha.
• Hanbali: 14 pillars, with obligatory glorifications in ruku’ and sujud.

These differences stem from scholarly ijtihad, respecting the Prophet’s Sunnah. Traditionally, followers adhere to one school for consistency, while historical views see them as complementary, evolving from early Islamic jurisprudence.

For many Muslims today, especially those studying independently, Online Quran Learning has become an effective way to understand core obligations like faraid, allowing learners to study authentic rulings, Quranic evidence, and scholarly explanations in a structured and accessible format. For signs of acceptance, see How To Know If Your Salah Is Accepted? Signs Of An Accepted Salah. 

The Spiritual and Practical Benefits of Adhering to Faraid

Observing the faraid of prayer not only validates salah but fosters discipline, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. It guards against heedlessness, as warned in:

“So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer.”
(Quran 107:4-5)

Practically, it builds routine, reduces stress, and strengthens community bonds. Questions like Does Coughing, Crying, Or Laughing Break Salah? Rulings Explained Clearly highlight how faraid interact with daily life—crying from devotion doesn’t invalidate, but laughter might.

As a trusted Online Quran Academy, we encourage integrating these into your life for lasting benefits.

Conclusion

The faraid of salah—from preconditions like purity and intention to pillars such as recitation, bowing, and prostration—form the bedrock of valid prayer, ensuring it pleases Allah. By mastering these obligatory actions in salat, Muslims can elevate their worship, drawing closer to divine mercy. Remember, consistency is key, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught through his perfect example.

For those seeking expert guidance, Najam Academy stands as a leading online Quran academy in the USA & UK, offering affordable packages with global reach. Whether through interactive classes or tailored courses, we help you perfect your salah and deepen your faith in a supportive environment.

Educational Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a fatwa. Please consult qualified scholars for personal rulings.

Key Citations

Quranic Verses:

• Quran 2:238
• Quran 5:6
• Quran 4:103
• Quran 22:77
• Quran 107:4-5

Hadith References:

• Sahih Bukhari 01
• Sahih Bukhari 756
• Sahih Muslim 482

About the Author: 

I specialize in Salah (Islamic prayer) and its rulings, with over a decade of experience studying and teaching its fiqh, spiritual depth, and Prophetic method. Trained under qualified scholars and grounded in classical juristic texts and authentic hadith, I focus on clarifying essential rulings, correcting common misunderstandings, and reviving khushuʿ, presence, and humility in prayer. My goal is to help Muslims experience Salah as a meaningful connection with Allah.

Abdul Aleem Mughal