The second pillar of Islam is Salah, which is the most significant daily religious activity of a Muslim after faith (Iman). Not only a ritual, but a direct contact of the servant and Allah. Salah consists of the pillars known as Salah (arkan al-salah), and they are the key components of Salah that render it valid. Aperson’s prayer cannot be complete or invalid unless these pillars are performed correctly.
The knowledge of the pillars of Salah is also a principle that makes us realize the significance of Salah in Islam. Salah cleanses the soul, enhances faith, prevents indecency, and ensures that a believer is constantly in touch with Allah all day.
Within this guide, you will get to knowthe pillars of Salah and how they make valid prayers. To begin with, you will have the entire list of the 14 pillars of praying. Then, you will get to know the significance of Salah and its pillars in Islam. Then you will know the most common errors that can invalidate Salah. The distinct difference between pillars and obligations will follow that. Lastly, you will be taught how to enhance your Salah to earn more. This manual has simple words and short sentences, and therefore every Muslim can study it and use it without any complications.
What Are the Pillars of Salah?
Salah (arkan al-salah) is the structure of the pillars of prayer. These are things and statements that have to be done. In case only one of the pillars is not taken on purpose or by mistake, the Salah turns out to be invalid and should be repeated.
Pillars vs Obligations (Fard vs Wajib)
Most Muslims mix up pillars with obligations (wajibat). The mere distinction is as follows:
Pillars (Arkan):
Failure to perform any pillar makes Salah invalid and has to be repeated.
Obligations (Wajibat):
In case wajib is missed accidentally, it can be compensated with Sajda Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness).
This difference is highly significant in knowing what nullifies Salah. The main pillars are generally accepted by most scholars, although some schools of thought, such as the Hanafi madhhab, give these pillars in a slightly different order. Nevertheless, the nature is the same.
Full List: 14 Pillars of Salah (Salah Pillars List)
The following is the list of the 14 common pillars of prayer taught using classical fiqh and generally accepted scholarly teachings:
On behalf of the able, Standing (Qiyam)
- Standing (Qiyam) for those who are able
- It is the opening of Takbir ( Takbiratul Ihram ).
- Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha
- Ruku (bowing)
- Rising from Ruku (I‘tidal)
- Sujood (first prostration)
- Being seated between the two prostrations (Jalsa)
- Second Sujood
- Stillness in every place (Tuma’ninah)
- Final Tashahhud
- Sitting for Final Tashahhud
- May God bless the Prophet ﷺ.
- Tasleem (ending the prayer)
- Upholding the right sequence (order)
These are the key elements of Salah. All of them contribute to the validation and completeness of the prayer.
Why Salah is Important in Islam?
The importance of Salah in the life of a Muslim is enormous. The initial action will be the one that will be taken into consideration in the Day of Judgment. Other deeds will follow suit in case the prayer is sound. Salah is with Allah a face-to-face talk. It gives spiritual food and tranquility. This is a worshiping activity that is conducted by Muslims five times every day, and it makes the day of a Muslim revolve around the remembrance of God. It serves as a barrier to sin and vice. According to the Quran, immorality and vice are not allowed in prayer. It purifies the soul. The five prayers that are taken each day were likened by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to a river washing away sins.
The importance of Salah and its Pillars in the Islamic religion.
The knowledge of the pillars of Salah will assist us in learning about the significance of Salah in Islam on a more profound level.
Salah: A Direct Communication with Allah.
Salah does not involve physical movements only. It is an individual encounter with Allah 5 times a day. Each Takbir, Ruku, and Sujood is a reminder to a believer of the greatness of Allah and his humility.
Salah Prevents Sin and Immorality
According to the Quran, Allah says that Salah is a restraint against shameful and unfair practices. When one performs Salah correctly, that is, with all its pillars, it softens the heart and enhances taqwa (God-consciousness).
Salah Is a Key to Jannah
One of the most important actions that will be first questioned on the Judgment day is Salah as described by the Prophet ﷺ. When Salah is right, then other actions of a person can be done more conveniently.
Daily Spiritual Purification
Every prayer cleanses the slightest sins, like the water cleanses the dirt on the body. This is among the key virtues of praying correctly.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Pillar of Salah
Now, we shall describe each rukn of prayer in easily understandable language in order to master your Salah pillars.
1. Qiyam (Standing Prayer)
Qiyam refers to Salah standing. It is mandatory in obligatory prayers for everyone who is physically capable. In the event that an individual is unable to stand as a result of a sickness, then he/she can pray seated or lying on his/her back. Prostration is an act of respect and humility before Allah.
2. Takbiratul Ihram (Introductory Takbir)
This is the saying Allahu Akbar of Salah. It is the commencement of prayer. Once this Takbir has been made, it is prohibited to do activities such as talking or eating until the conclusion of Salah. This Takbir is what leads you into the holy condition of prayer.
3. Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha
One of the most significant pillars is to recite Surah Al-Fatiha. The Prophet ﷺ has said that there is no Salih without Al-Fatiha. This is in all rakkhah (units of prayer). It is the heart of the prayer.
4. Ruku (Bowing)
Ruku in Islam is the bowing that is straightened up till the back, and then the hands are put on the knees. In Ruku, we say:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem.”
Ruku is humbled and acknowledges the greatness of Allah.
Rising From Ruku (I‘tidal)
When you bow, you should stand erect again. This is also a pillar position. You say:
“Sami‘Allahu liman hamidah.”
Then, while standing:
“Rabbana lakal hamd.”
First Sujood (Prostration)
Sujood is resting the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground. Sujood connotation transcends the physical position — it is total submission to Allah.
This is as much as a servant gets to Allah.
7. Sitting Between the Two Prostrations (Jalsa)
You have to sit a little before the second Sujood after the first Sujood. This sitting is also a pillar. Here, you request Allah to forgive you and have mercy on you.
8. Second Sujood
The second Sujood prostrates twice in a single rak’ah. Both are pillars of prostrations that should be carried out in a calm manner.
9.Tuma’ninah (Tranquility)
Tuma’ninah is to be in every attitude, still and quiet. This pillar is nullified by rushing through positions. Every one of the positions must be long enough to pronounce the necessary dhikr correctly.
10. Final Tashahhud Recitation
During the final sitting, the last Tashahhud is to be recited. This involves witnessing to Allah and the Prophet ﷺ.
11. Sitting for Final Tashahhud
The pillar is not only the recitation, but also sitting. The last Tashahhud must be performed with the help of being seated in the right position.
12. Sending Salawat Upon the Prophet ﷺ
The last sitting is the last pillar, which entails sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as required by many scholars.
13. Tasleem (Ending the Prayer)
Tasleem means saying:
“Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
This ends the Salah. Salah can not be complete without Tasleem.
14. Correct Sequence (Order)
The pillars should be completed in the right sequence. Salah is invalidated with the change of order. Weaknesses and voids to Salah.
Common Mistakes and What Invalidates Salah
Missing a Pillar
In case a pillar is omitted, the Salah is invalid and has to be repeated. Sajda Sahw does not repair an omitted pillar.
Confusing Pillars With Obligations
Some individuals believe that Sajda Sahw will put all things right. This is not true. Jazimah That the wajibat that is missed only is Sajda Sahw, not pilasters.
Rushing Without Tranquility
Failure to pause appropriately in Ruku or Sujood eliminates tuma’ninah which is one of the pillars. Knowing the pillars is one of the ways to keep your Salah invalid.
Pillars of Salah (Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki, Hanbali).
Scholars vary slightly in their sorting and categorisation of the pillars.
Pillars of Salah Hanafi View
Some of the actions are sometimes categorized by the Hanafi school as broad and the emphasis made on obligations (wajibat) singly. But the main activities such as Qiyam, Ruku, Sujood, and Tashahhud are concurred.
Unity in Essentials
The main structure of Salah is based on an agreement of all madhabs, despite the technical differences. This indicates how the Islamic faith is homogenous and how the Salah is essential within all schools.
Benefits of Performing Salah With Correct Pillars
- Bigger affiliation with Allah.
- More concentration (khushu)
- Protection from sins
- Peace of heart and mind
- Greater compensation in the Hereafter.
- Greater knowledge of worship.
Mastering your Salah enhances your quality and acceptance of praying.
Conclusion
Your daily worship is based on the pillars of Salah. It is not only about the rules, but it is also about knowing the reason why Salah is so significant and how to turn it into the real source of guidance, mercy, and closeness with Allah. With the knowledge of arkan al-salah, correction of errors, and praying wholeheartedly, you make Salah not a habit but a powerful spiritual experience. Begin now: go through your prayer, straighten up your pillars, and use your Salah as a tool of success in this world and the next.
FAQs
Commonly taught lists mention 14 pillars of prayer, though some scholars group them differently.
If a pillar is missed, the Salah becomes invalid and must be repeated.
No. Sajda Sahw only fixes missed obligations, not pillars.
No. Sunnah acts increase reward, but missing them does not invalidate Salah. Missing a pillar does.
Because it is the most important physical act of worship and the main daily connection between the believer and Allah.
