This article is adapted from the book “Salah of Mustafa (Peace Be Upon Him)” authored by Abu Hamzah Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi.
❖ Introduction
The noble method of Salah taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encompasses cleanliness, facing the Qiblah, and fulfilling each action with sincerity and devotion. This guide compiles authentic narrations to present the correct practice of Salah.
❖ Standing (Qiyam)
After ensuring physical cleanliness and the correctness of prayer time, the worshipper stands facing the Qiblah.
- Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Shortened Prayers, Hadith: 99
❖ Intention (Niyyah)
The intention should be made internally in the heart without verbal pronouncement, as declared by the Prophet ﷺ:
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Faith and Vows, Hadith: 6689
Key Points:
- Intention resides in the heart, not the tongue.
- Verbalizing the intention is not reported from the Prophet ﷺ, his companions, or the four Imams.
Statements from Scholars:
- Ibn Taymiyyah: “Verbal intention is not legislated among Muslim scholars.”
- Ibn al-Qayyim: Declared verbal intention as innovation (Bid’ah).
- Anwar Shah Kashmiri: “Intention is an internal matter.”
❖ Takbeer al-Tahrimah
With the gaze directed at the place of prostration, say “Allāhu Akbar” while raising both hands to the level of the shoulders or earlobes.
- Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Adhan, Hadith: 735
❖ Raising the Hands (Raf’ al-Yadayn)
- Hands should be raised naturally with fingers neither tightly closed nor overly spread.
- No authentic report supports touching the ears while raising hands.
- No distinction in Raf’ al-Yadayn between men and women.
❖ Placing Hands on the Chest
After Takbeer, place the right hand over the left on the chest.
- Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 479
Scholarly Consensus:
- Ibn Hajar, Imam Nawawi, and others have classified these narrations as Hasan (good) and authentic.
❖ No Difference Between Men and Women in Salah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Pray as you have seen me praying.”
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Adhan, Hadith: 231
All actions in Salah — including standing, bowing, and prostrating — are the same for both genders.
❖ Supplication at Opening (Du’a al-Istiftah)
After Takbeer, it is Sunnah to recite an opening supplication such as:
“Subḥānak Allāhumma wa bi ḥamdik, wa tabārak asmuk, wa ta‘ālā jadduk, wa lā ilāha ghayruk.”
or
“Allāhumma bā‘id baynī wa bayna khaṭāyāya…”
❖ Seeking Refuge (Ta’awwudh)
Before reciting Al-Fātiḥah, seek Allah’s protection from Shayṭān by reciting:
“A‘ūdhu billāhi min al-shayṭān al-rajīm.”
❖ Recitation of Sūrah Al-Fātiḥah
Recite Sūrah Al-Fātiḥah completely, including Bismillāh. Recitation must move the lips and tongue.
❖ Saying Ameen Loudly
After reciting Al-Fātiḥah, say “Āmīn” aloud during audible prayers, as was practiced by the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
❖ Bowing (Rukū‘)
- Say “Allāhu Akbar” while going into Rukū‘.
- Place hands firmly on the knees with back straightened.
- Say “Subḥāna Rabbiyal-‘Aẓīm” three times or more.
❖ Rising from Rukū‘
- Say “Sami‘a Allāhu liman ḥamidah” while rising.
- Upon standing, say “Rabbana wa laka al-ḥamd.”
❖ Prostration (Sujūd)
- Say “Allāhu Akbar” and prostrate with the seven body parts touching the ground.
- Say “Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā” three times or more.
❖ Sitting Between the Two Prostrations
- Sit on the left foot while keeping the right foot upright.
- Supplicate:
“Rabbi ighfir lī, warḥamnī, wa‘āfinī, warzuqnī.”
❖ Final Sitting (Tashahhud)
- Sit properly and recite the Tashahhud:
“Al-Taḥiyyātu lillāhi…”
- Raise the index finger and move it throughout the supplication.
❖ Sending Salutations on the Prophet ﷺ
Recite Durood Ibrahimi after Tashahhud.
❖ Concluding the Prayer
After completing Tashahhud, supplications, and Salawat, end the prayer by turning your face to the right and left saying:
“As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāh.”
❖ Important Rulings
- No congregational du’a immediately after Fard Salah is legislated.
- Personal supplication and Dhikr after Salah are highly recommended.
- Following the exact Sunnah is the true way to blessings.
❖ Conclusion
True success lies in adhering strictly to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in all aspects of Salah. Innovations and unfounded practices must be abandoned in favor of what has been authentically reported.
