What are Arkan As-Salat (basic parts) without which Salat is considered invalid?
ما هي أركان الصلاة التي لا تصح الصلاة إلا بها؟
The Arkan (pillars) of As-Salat are the basic parts and actions without which the prayer is considered invalid. They must be performed correctly and in the proper sequence.
أركان الصلاة هي الأجزاء والأفعال الأساسية التي لا تصح الصلاة إلا بها، ويجب أداؤها بشكل صحيح ووفق الترتيب المحدد.
The 14 Pillars of Prayer | أركان الصلاة الأربعة عشر
1. Standing
Standing in obligatory Salat (with ability to do that). For voluntary prayers, standing is highly recommended, but one may sit, though the reward is halved if done without a valid excuse.
1. القيام
القيام مع القدرة. (أما في صلاة النافلة فيجوز الجلوس، ولكن بنصف الأجر لمن لا عذر له).
2. The Opening Takbeer
Initiating or the first Takbeer. This is saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) to enter the inviolable state of prayer, leaving all worldly matters behind.
2. تكبيرة الإحرام
تكبيرة الإحرام. (بقول "الله أكبر" للدخول في حرمة الصلاة وقطع الصلة بأمور الدنيا).
3. Reciting Al-Fatihah
Recitation of Al-Fatihah ( for the Imam, the one who prays alone, and the one who prays in congregation). It must be recited in every Rak'ah, as the Prophet ﷺ stated: "There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book."
3. قراءة الفاتحة
قراءة الفاتحة على الإمام والمنفرد والمأموم في الصلاة السرية. (في كل ركعة، لقوله ﷺ: "لا صلاة لمن لم يقرأ بفاتحة الكتاب").
4. Bowing
Bowing. Known as Ruku', it involves bending the back until the palms can firmly rest on the knees, maintaining a straight back.
4. الركوع
الركوع. (بحيث ينحني المصلي حتى تصل يداه إلى ركبتيه مع استواء الظهر).
5. Rising from Bowing
Rising upright from bowing. Returning to a fully standing posture before proceeding downward.
5. الاعتدال من الركوع
الاعتدال عنه. (العودة إلى القيام التام قبل النزول للسجود).
6. Prostrating
Prostrating on the seven parts. As authenticated in Sunni jurisprudence, these seven bones are the forehead (which includes the nose), both palms, both knees, and the toes of both feet.
6. السجود
السجود. (على الأعضاء السبعة: الجبهة والأنف، واليدين، والركبتين، وأطراف القدمين).
7. Rising from Prostrating
Rising upright from prostrating. Lifting the head completely off the ground to transition into a seated posture.
7. الاعتدال من السجود
الاعتدال عنه. (برفع الرأس تماماً من الأرض للجلوس).
8. Sitting Between Prostrations
Sitting between the two prostrations. Sitting fully and calmly before initiating the second prostration of the Rak'ah.
8. الجلوس بين السجدتين
الجلوس بين السجدتين. (جلوساً تاماً مستقراً قبل السجدة الثانية).
9. Serenity
Serenity when performing every essential part of Salat. Known as Tuma'neenah, it means remaining motionless long enough in each posture to allow the bones and joints to settle into their places.
9. الطمأنينة
الطمأنينة بحيث تسكن أعضاء المصلي في الركن الذي هو فيه. (ولو بمقدار تسبيحة واحدة لضمان استقرار المفاصل).
10. Sitting for the Final at-Tashahud
Sitting for the final at-Tashahud. Assuming the necessary seated posture required to conclude the prayer.
10. الجلوس للتشهد
الجلوس له. (أي اتخاذ هيئة الجلوس اللازمة لختم الصلاة).
11. Reciting the Final at-Tashahud
Reciting the final at-Tashahud. This includes offering verbal greetings to Allah, sending peace to the Prophet and the righteous slaves, and proclaiming the testification of faith (Shahadah).
11. التشهد الأخير
التشهد الأخير. (وهو قراءة التحيات لله، والسلام على النبي وعباد الله الصالحين، ثم النطق بالشهادتين).
12. Blessings on the Prophet
Reciting blessings on the Prophet ﷺ during the final at-Tashahud. Commonly known as As-Salawat Al-Ibrahimiyyah, asking Allah to send His praise and blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.
12. الصلاة على النبي
الصلاة على النبي عليه السلام. (الصلاة الإبراهيمية في ختام التشهد).
13. The Concluding Salutation
At-Tasleem (the saying of as-Salaamu’alaykum which marks the end of Salat). It is performed by turning the head to the right, then to the left, greeting the angels and fellow worshippers.
13. التسليم
التسليمتان. (بقول السلام عليكم ورحمة الله للالتفات يميناً ويساراً لختم الصلاة).
14. Maintaining the Sequence
Performing all of the above-mentioned essential parts in sequence. Every action must follow the exact chronological order demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ.
14. الترتيب
الترتيب. (كما علمنا رسول الله ﷺ بترتيب هذه الأفعال دون تقديم أو تأخير).
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
What are the seven parts of the body required for a valid prostration?
For a prostration (Sujud) to be considered valid, a person must prostrate on seven specific bones: the forehead (which includes the nose touching the ground), both palms, both knees, and the toes of both feet.
Can a person skip reciting Al-Fatihah during their prayer?
No, the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah is a foundational pillar of the prayer. According to the authentic teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, there is no valid prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book in every Rak'ah.
What does it mean to have serenity (Tuma'neenah) during Salat?
Serenity means performing every essential part of the Salat with calmness and tranquility. It requires the worshipper to be completely still in each posture long enough for their joints to settle into place before transitioning to the next movement.