14 Must do Things During Salat

The prayer has obligatory pillars which must be fulfilled for its validity and these are the 14 must-do things during salat which is as follows:

1. Al-Qiyaam - prayer is to be performed in a standing position if a person is physically capable.

2. Takbeerat-ul-Ihraam, that is saying “ALLAHU AKBAR”, at the commencement of the prayer.

3. Al-Fatihah – The recital of the opening chapter of the Holy Quran in every Raka’a.

4. Rukuu’ - this is the bowing posture wherein the head and back are positioned on the same level and both hands are rested on the knees with the fingers spread apart.

5. Raising up from rukuu’ position.

6. It is required to stand up from the rukuu’ position in such a way that the person feels that all his/her backbones are straightened.

7. Sujuud - Prostrating oneself in such a way that the following seven parts of the body are firmly placed on the ground. i.e. forehead together with the tip of the nose, both palms, both knees, the bottom surface of toes of both feet.

8. Raising the head from the Sujuud position.

9. It is required to sit upright during the pause between the two prostrations.

10. Taking a sitting position for the recitation of “At-Tashahud”.

11. Recitation of “At-Tashahud” - words of witness.

12. Reciting the words of supplication for the Prophet (Peace be upon him)

13. Conclude the prayer with the words of peace “Tasleem”. i.e. “Assalamu Aleykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu.”

14. While fulfilling the above pillars of salaat, the person should be in a state of tranquillity.

The aforementioned factors are the pillars of the prayer, wherein if any of them is missed, it is required to repeat the whole Raka’ah (Unit) in which the pillar was omitted. 

But if the Takbeerat-ul-Ihraam - (the first Takbeer that initiates you to the prayer), is omitted, then it becomes necessary to repeat the whole salaat.