A Comprehensive Guide to Perfecting Your Salah
Prayer (Salah) is the pillar of Islam, but many Muslims unknowingly make mistakes that can affect the validity or perfection of their prayers. This guide identifies common errors in wudu, prayer positions, recitation, and concentration, along with authentic corrections from Quran and Sunnah.
Many people pray quickly, not maintaining proper stillness (tuma'ninah) in each position or completing required recitations.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The worst thieves are those who steal from their prayer." When asked how, he said: "By not completing its bowing and prostration properly." (Ahmad)
Missing parts during wudu like not washing between toes, not rubbing limbs, or not washing thoroughly.
Allah says: "O you who believe! When you rise for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows..." (Quran 5:6)
Not keeping the back straight and parallel to ground during bowing, or not grasping knees properly.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "When you bow, then place your hands on your knees and spread your fingers, then remain motionless until every bone returns to its place." (Ibn Khuzaymah)
Not placing seven limbs properly on ground: forehead, nose, both hands, both knees, and toes of both feet.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the forehead - and he pointed to his nose - the two hands, the two knees, and the toes of the two feet." (Bukhari)
Thinking about worldly matters, looking around, or moving unnecessarily during prayer.
Allah says: "Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers." (Quran 23:1-2)
1. What is the minimum number of times you should say "Subhanallah" in ruku or sujood?
Correct answer: At least three times. The Prophet (ﷺ) would say it at least three times in ruku and sujood, sometimes more.
2. Which of these invalidates wudu?
Correct answer: Passing gas. Among the things that nullify wudu are anything that comes out of the two private parts (front or back).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Allah has obligated five prayers. Whoever excellently performs their ablutions, prays them in their proper times, completes their bows, prostrations and khushu, has a promise from Allah that He will forgive him. And whoever does not do that has no promise from Allah." (Abu Dawood)