Common Mistakes People Make in the Fard (Obligatory) Parts of Salah

1. Takbirat al-Tahrimah (Opening Takbir)

• Not saying “Allahu Akbar” correctly or completely.

• Saying it so quietly that one cannot hear oneself.

• Delaying the prayer unnecessarily before beginning with the opening Takbir.

2. Qiyam (Standing)

• Praying a Fard Salah while sitting despite being physically able to stand.

• Not standing upright properly.

• Rushing through the standing position without composure.

3. Qira’ah (Recitation)

• Reciting so quietly that one cannot hear oneself.

• Mispronouncing words in a way that changes the meaning.

• Reciting too quickly without proper pronunciation and reflection.

4. Ruku (Bowing)

• Not bowing sufficiently.

• Failing to keep the back properly bent during Ruku.

• Not pausing long enough in Ruku.

• Moving into Sujood immediately without standing upright after Ruku.

5. Sujood (Prostration)

• Not placing the forehead and nose properly on the ground.

• Rushing through the prostration without tranquility.

• Not sitting properly between the two prostrations.

• Performing Sujood hastily without fulfilling its requirements.

6. Qa'dah Akhirah (Final Sitting)

• Ending the prayer before sitting for the required final Tashahhud.

• Standing up too quickly before completing the final sitting.

• Neglecting the final sitting altogether.

The Most Common Mistake

Many people perform Salah too quickly, without proper calmness and concentration, especially in Ruku, Sujood, and the positions between them. Every pillar of Salah should be performed with dignity, tranquility, and care.

“Pray as you have seen me pray.” — Muhammad (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This reminder is especially important when a congregational prayer (Jama'ah) is about to start, as people often rush and overlook these essential parts of Salah.

If you're about to miss the congregational (farḍ) prayer, perform only the 4 obligatory acts of Wudu and join the congregation immediately.

✅ The 4 obligatory acts of Wudu are:

1. Washing the entire face

2. Washing both arms including the elbows

3. Wiping (Masah) over the head

4. Washing both feet including the ankles

When time is short and the congregation is about to begin, completing these obligatory acts is sufficient for a valid Wudu. You can then join the prayer and avoid missing the congregation.

📖 The Sunnah and recommended acts of Wudu carry great reward, but in such situations, priority should be given to completing the obligatory requirements and joining the congregational prayer.-3.

You'd be surprised how many common wudu practices have no basis in fiqh.

1. Wiping the neck during wudu

Many people wipe the back of their neck thinking it's sunnah. The majority of fuqaha say there is no authentic hadith supporting this. It's not part of the fard or sunnah acts of wudu.

2. Saying "Bismillah" out loud is wajib

Saying Bismillah before wudu is recommended by the Hanabila as wajib, but the jumhur considers it mustahabb (recommended). Know the difference in your madhab.

3. Repeating wudu for every salah

Some people think you must renew wudu for every prayer. Your wudu remains valid until a naaqid (nullifier) occurs — no need to repeat it unnecessarily.

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