How many and what is the duty of prayer?

 

In Islam, there are 14 obligatory duties (Fard) in Salah (prayer) that must be fulfilled for the prayer to be valid. These duties are divided into two categories: 6 external duties (Shuroot), which need to be completed before beginning the prayer, and 8 internal duties (Arkan), which are completed during the prayer. Below are the details:

6 External Duties (Shuroot) of Salah

These are prerequisites for Salah and must be fulfilled before starting the prayer:

1. Taharah (Purity) – Ensure cleanliness from any physical impurities and have ablution (wudu) done.
2. Sitr Al-Awrah (Covering the Body) – Covering the required parts of the body (for men: navel to knees; for women: full body except face, hands, and feet).
3. Istiqbal Al-Qibla (Facing the Qibla) – Facing the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
4. Niyyah (Intention) – Intending the specific prayer being performed.
5. Waqt (Timing) – Praying within the designated time for each Salah.
6. Avoiding Filth – Ensuring that clothing, body, and place of prayer are free from any impurities.

8 Internal Duties (Arkan) of Salah

These are the essential actions and recitations during the Salah:

1. Takbir Al-Ihram – Saying "Allahu Akbar" to begin the prayer.
2. Qiyam (Standing) – Standing during obligatory prayers (unless unable to do so).
3. Qira’ah (Recitation) – Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in each unit (Rak’ah) of prayer.
4. Ruku (Bowing) – Bowing down with hands on knees until the back is level.
5. Rising from Ruku – Standing up straight after bowing.
6. Sujood (Prostration) – Prostrating twice in each unit, with forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground.
7. Jalsa (Sitting) – Sitting between the two prostrations.
8. Tasleem (Salutation) – Concluding the prayer by turning the head to the right and saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah."

Failure to fulfill any of these duties may invalidate the prayer, making it essential to understand and practice each duty carefully. Read More..