What are the obligatory parts (arkan) and sunnah acts of prayer?
Answered with evidence from the Quran and authentic Hadith
Quick Answer
The obligatory pillars (arkan) of prayer include: the opening takbir, standing (qiyam), reciting Al-Fatihah, bowing (ruku), rising from ruku, two prostrations (sujud), sitting between sujud, the final tashahhud, and the closing salam. Omitting any of these invalidates the prayer. Sunnah acts — like reciting a surah after Al-Fatihah — are rewarded but their omission does not invalidate the prayer.
Detailed Answer
The arkan (pillars/obligatory acts) are the essential components of prayer — omitting any one of them, deliberately or forgetfully, invalidates the prayer and requires it to be repeated. Scholars from the major madhabs generally agree on: (1) The opening takbir (Allahu Akbar to begin), (2) Standing (qiyam) for those able, (3) Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in each rakat, (4) Bowing (ruku) until the back is level, (5) Rising fully from ruku, (6) Two prostrations (sujud) in each rakat with seven body parts touching the ground, (7) Sitting between the two prostrations, (8) The final sitting for the tashahhud, (9) Reciting the tashahhud, (10) Sending salat upon the Prophet, and (11) The closing salam (turning head right then left saying "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah").
The wajibat (necessary acts, according to the Hanbali school) are acts whose omission requires a compensatory prostration (sajdat al-sahw) but does not fully invalidate the prayer — such as reciting "Subhana rabbiyal-azeem" in ruku and "Subhana rabbiyal-a'la" in sujud.
The sunan (sunnah acts) are recommended acts that add reward but whose omission does not affect the prayer's validity: reciting a surah after Al-Fatihah (in the first two rakats), saying "Ameen" after Al-Fatihah, raising the hands at various transition points, placing the right hand over the left on the chest during qiyam, reciting opening supplications (du'a al-istiftah), and reciting various recommended dhikr during different positions.
Evidence from Quran & Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to the man who prayed incorrectly: "Go back and pray, for you have not prayed." He taught him the full method step by step.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Pray as you have seen me praying."
إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا
Innas-salata kanat 'alal-mu'mineena kitaban mawqoota.
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at specified times.”
Key Points
- ✦The arkan (pillars/obligatory acts) are the essential components of prayer — omitting any one of them, deliberately or forgetfully, invalidates the prayer and requires it to be repeated.
- ✦The wajibat (necessary acts, according to the Hanbali school) are acts whose omission requires a compensatory prostration (sajdat al-sahw) but does not fully invalidate the prayer — such as reciting "Subhana rabbiyal-azeem" in ruku and "Subhana rabbiyal-a'la" in sujud..
- ✦The sunan (sunnah acts) are recommended acts that add reward but whose omission does not affect the prayer's validity: reciting a surah after Al-Fatihah (in the first two rakats), saying "Ameen" after Al-Fatihah, raising the hands at various transition points, placing the right hand over the left on the chest during qiyam, reciting opening supplications (du'a al-istiftah), and reciting various recommended dhikr during different positions..
Related Questions
Can you do Tayammum (dry ablution) instead of wudu or ghusl?
Yes. Tayammum (dry ablution using clean earth/dust/sand) is permitted when water is not available, when using water would cause harm (severe illness, extreme cold, medical condition), or when water is needed for drinking. It replaces both wudu and ghusl and is valid for prayer until water becomes available.
What is the ruling on skipping the Friday prayer (Jumu'ah)?
Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) is an individual obligation (fard 'ayn) for every free, adult, sane Muslim male who is not traveling and has no valid excuse. Missing it three consecutive times without excuse is a major sin, and the Prophet warned it seals the heart. Women, travelers, the ill, and those with genuine emergencies are excused.
What are the morning and evening adhkar (remembrances) and their virtues?
The morning adhkar are recited after Fajr prayer until sunrise, and the evening adhkar after Asr prayer until sunset. They include Ayatul Kursi, the last two verses of Al-Baqarah, Surah Al-Ikhlas + Al-Falaq + An-Nas (3x), and specific duas. They provide protection, expiate sins, and are among the most rewarding acts a Muslim can do daily.
Does drawing blood or receiving an injection break the fast?
Drawing blood for a test does NOT break the fast according to the majority of scholars. A non-nutritional injection (painkiller, antibiotic, vaccine) does NOT break the fast according to most contemporary scholars. A nutritional IV drip DOES break the fast. When in doubt, delay injections until iftar if possible.
Explore Other Topics
Continue Learning
Note: This answer is based on the Quran and authentic Hadith for general guidance. For detailed rulings on your specific situation, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar. May Allah guide us all to the truth.