Salah: Fard, Wajib, Sunnah & Nullifiers (Hanafi Fiqh)

Complete Guide to Salah: Fardh, Wajib, Sunnah & Nullifiers (Hanafi Fiqh)

Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and must be performed correctly to be valid. This guide covers the Hanafi rulings on Fardh (obligatory), Wajib (necessary), Sunnah (recommended), and Mufsidat (nullifiers) of Salah.

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6 Fard (Compulsory) Acts in Salah

Missing any Fardh invalidates the prayer.

1. Takbeer-e-Tahreema (Opening Takbeer) – اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allahu Akbar).
2. Qiyam – Standing upright.
3. Qiraat – Reciting at least 3 short verses or 1 long verse of the Quran.
4. Ruku – Bowing with hands on knees.
5. Two Sajdahs – Full prostration.
6. Qa’dah Akhirah – Final sitting for Tashahhud.

Read More The Adhan (Call to Prayer): A Complete Guide with Rules & Sunnahs

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14 Wajib (Necessary) Acts in Salah

Missing a Wajib requires Sajdah Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness).

1. Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha in every Rakah.
2. Adding a Surah or 3 verses after Fatiha in first 2 Rakahs.
3. Maintaining order (Qiraat → Ruku → Sajdah).
4. Standing straight after Ruku (Qawmah).
5. Sitting between Sajdahs (Jalsa).
6. Performing Ruku & Sajdah properly.
7. First sitting (Qa’dah Ula) in 3-4 Rakah prayers.
8. Reciting Tashahhud in both sittings.
9. Loud recitation by Imam in Fajr, Maghrib, Isha, Jumuah, Eid, & Taraweeh.
10. Ending with Salaam.
11. Dua-e-Qunoot in Witr.
12. 6 extra Takbeers in Eid Salah.

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21 Sunnah Acts in Salah

Missing Sunnah does not invalidate Salah but reduces reward.

1. Raising hands to ears in Takbeer.
2. Folding hands below the navel (men) / on chest (women).
3. Reciting Thana, Ta’awwudh, & Tasmiyah.
4. Saying Ameen softly after Fatiha.
5. Reciting Tasbih 3x in Ruku & Sajdah.
6. Keeping back straight in Ruku.
7. Placing knees first in Sajdah.
8. Raising index finger in Tashahhud.
9. Turning head right then left for Salaam.

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What Breaks Salah (Mufsidat)?

1. Talking intentionally.
2. Laughing loudly.
3. Eating/drinking.
4. Turning away from Qiblah.
5. Exposing Awrah for long.
6. Performing excessive actions (e.g., 3+ steps).

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FAQs on Salah Rules

1. Can I pray if I missed Wudhu?

No, Wudhu is Fardh for Salah.

2. What if I forget a Wajib act?

Perform Sajdah Sahw before Salaam.

3. Does laughing break Salah?

• Loud laughter invalidates Salah.
• Smiling does not.

4. Can women lead men in Salah?

No, women cannot lead men.

5. How to pray while traveling (Musafir)?

• Shorten (Qasr) Dhuhr, Asr, Isha to 2 Rakahs.
• No shortening for Fajr/Maghrib.

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Conclusion

Understanding the Fardh, Wajib, and Sunnah acts ensures your Salah is valid and rewarded. May Allah accept our prayers!