In Islamic jurisprudence, the “essential parts” (known as Arkan or Pillars) of prayer are those actions and recitations that must be performed for the prayer to be valid. Unlike the Sunnah (recommended) acts, these pillars cannot be waived—even if omitted by mistake or out of ignorance.
If a pillar is missed, the Rak’ah (unit) is generally considered invalid and must be rectified or repeated. Below are the 12 essential parts of prayer as defined by the Quran and the authentic Sunnah.
1. Standing (Qiyam)
For those physically able, standing during obligatory prayers is a requirement.
The Evidence: Allah says: {…and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient} (al-Baqarah 2:238).
Flexibility: If a person is unable to stand due to illness or disability, they may pray sitting or lying on their side.
2. The Opening Takbeer (Takbeerat al-Ihram)
The prayer officially begins when you say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
The Rule: No other words are acceptable to start the prayer.
The Significance: It marks the boundary where worldly talk becomes forbidden and your sacred connection with Allah begins.
3. Reciting Al-Fatihah
The recitation of the Opening Chapter of the Quran is mandatory in every single Rak’ah.
The Prophet ﷺ said: «There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book.» (Agreed upon).
Latecomers: If a person joins the congregation while the Imam is already bowing (Ruku), the requirement for Al-Fatihah is waived for that specific unit.
4. Bowing (Ruku) and 5. Rising
Bowing is an act of humility. You must bow until your back is level and then rise until you are standing up straight.
Aisha (RA) described the Prophet’s ﷺ prayer: “When he lifted his head from bowing, he did not prostrate until he had stood up straight.” (Muslim).
6. Prostration (Sujud)
Prostration is the moment a servant is closest to Allah. It must be done on the seven parts (bones):
The forehead (including the nose)
The two hands
The two knees
The toes of both feet
7. Sitting Between the Two Prostrations
After the first prostration, one must rise and sit upright before performing the second prostration. This brief sitting is an essential pillar of the sequence.
8. Pausing (Tuma’ninah) in Every Part
This is perhaps the most overlooked pillar. You must remain still in every posture (bowing, standing, prostrating) until your limbs have settled.
The Definition: Stillness means not rushing. You should stay in the position long enough to say the prescribed Dhikr (remembrance).
9. The Final Tashahhud and 10. Sitting Therein
The final sitting of the prayer is a pillar, during which you recite the Tashahhud and send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ (Salawat).
Note: When sending blessings, we follow the wording taught by the Prophet ﷺ: “Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhammad…” ## 11. The Tasleem (Ending the Prayer) The prayer concludes with the Tasleem.
The Phrase: “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
The Sunnah: Turn to the right, then to the left.
12. Performing Actions in the Correct Order (Tarteeb)
The pillars must be done in the sequence taught by the Prophet ﷺ. You cannot prostrate before bowing, or recite Al-Fatihah after Ruku.
The Prophet ﷺ said: «Pray as you have seen me praying.» (Bukhari).