Salah: Fardh, Wajib, Sunnah & Nullifiers in Hanafi Fiqh

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Salah is the second pillar of Islam and must be performed correctly according to Hanafi fiqh. This comprehensive guide covers all essential components - from obligatory acts to nullifiers.

Read More How to Perform 2 Rakah Salah According to Hanafi Sunnah

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6 Fard (Compulsory) Acts in Salah

Missing any Fard invalidates the prayer:

1. Takbeer -Tahreema (Opening Takbeer) - اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
2. Qiyam (Standing position)
3. Qiraat (Reciting at least 3 short verses or 1 long verse)
4. Ruku (Bowing with hands on knees)
5. Two Sajdahs (Full prostrations)
6. Qa'dah Akhirah (Final sitting for Tashahhud)

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Wajib (Necessary) Acts in Salah

Missing Wajib requires Sajdah Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness):

1. Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha in every Rakah
2. Adding a Surah after Fatiha in first 2 Rakahs
3. Maintaining proper 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 in Fajr/Maghrib/Isha by Imam
10. Ending with Salaam
11. Dua-Qunoot in Witr
12. 6 extra Takbeers in Eid Salah

Note: Knowingly missing Wajib requires repeating Salah

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Sunnah Acts in Salah

Missing Sunnah reduces reward but doesn't invalidate prayer:

1. Raising hands to ears in Takbeer
2. Folding hands below 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

Full list continues with proper posture details

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Mustahab (Preferred) Acts

1. Pulling palms from sleeves during Takbeer
2. Extra Tasbih in Ruku/Sajdah
3. Proper eye focus during positions
4. Avoiding coughing
5. Covering mouth when yawning

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Makruh (Disliked) Acts

These reduce blessings but don't invalidate Salah:

• Praying bareheaded unnecessarily
• Playing with clothes/body
• Wearing improper clothing
• Praying with urge to relieve oneself
• Turning away from Qiblah
• Resting arms fully on ground in Sajdah (men)

18 total Makruh acts listed

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Mufsidat (Nullifiers of Salah)

These invalidate the prayer:

1. Talking intentionally
2. Laughing loudly
3. Eating/drinking
4. Major impurity (hadath)
5. Excessive non-prayer actions
6. Turning chest from Qiblah

16 total nullifiers listed

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Special Cases

When Breaking Salah is Permitted

• Urgent bathroom need
• Preventing harm (snake, fire)
• Catching transportation
• Responding to parent's distress call

Traveler's Concessions (Musafir)

• Shorten Dhuhr/Asr/Isha to 2 Rakahs
• Valid for journeys >77km
• Conditions apply for stay duration

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FAQs

1. What if I forget a Wajib act?

Perform Sajdah Sahw before ending Salah.

2. Does coughing break Salah?

No, but try to avoid it.

3. Can women lead men in prayer?

No, women cannot lead men in Salah.

4. How to pray while traveling?

Shorten Dhuhr/Asr/Isha to 2 Rakahs.

5. What if I miss Jama'ah?

Pray alone but Jama'ah is highly rewarded.

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Conclusion

Understanding these rulings ensures your Salah is valid and complete. May Allah accept our prayers and grant us consistency in worship. Ameen.