Obligations of Prayer
The Chapter of Prayer
Obligations of Prayer
After learning about the conditions of prayer and the pillars of prayer,
we now move to the obligations of prayer,
which play a very important role in understanding the validity of prayer and how to deal with mistakes and forgetfulness.
First: What Are the Obligations of Prayer?
The obligations of prayer are actions and statements that are required during prayer.
If an obligation is left intentionally, the prayer becomes invalid.
If it is left out of forgetfulness, it is compensated by Sujood As-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness).
They are a middle category between:
Pillars (which cannot be compensated)
Sunnah acts (which do not invalidate the prayer if left)
Second: The Difference Between a Pillar, an Obligation, and a Sunnah
Pillar:
Prayer is not valid without it, and it is not compensated by Sujood As-Sahw.
Obligation:
Prayer becomes invalid if left intentionally,
and it is compensated by Sujood As-Sahw if left unintentionally.
Sunnah:
Prayer is not invalidated by leaving it, and it is not compensated by Sujood As-Sahw.
Third: Obligations of Prayer
The obligations of prayer, as mentioned by many scholars, include:
1) All Takbirs Except the Opening Takbir
Such as the takbirs when moving between positions in prayer.
2) Saying:
“Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah”
For the imam and the one praying alone.
3) Saying:
“Rabbana wa laka al-hamd”
For the imam, the follower, and the one praying alone.
4) Saying in Bowing (Ruku‘):
“Subhana Rabbi al-‘Azim”
5) Saying in Prostration (Sujood):
“Subhana Rabbi al-A‘la”
6) Saying Between the Two Prostrations:
“Rabbi ighfir li”
7) The First Tashahhud
And sitting for it.
Fourth: What Happens If an Obligation Is Left?
If an obligation is left intentionally:
The prayer becomes invalid.
It must be repeated.
If an obligation is left unintentionally:
The prayer remains valid.
Sujood As-Sahw is required at the end of the prayer.
Fifth: Why Are the Obligations of Prayer Important?
Because they:
Preserve the proper form of prayer
Prevent carelessness in worship
Help the worshipper understand when Sujood As-Sahw is required
Increase attentiveness and humility in prayer
Common Questions
Does forgetting the first tashahhud invalidate the prayer?
No.
But Sujood As-Sahw is required.
Does leaving the tasbih in bowing invalidate the prayer?
If intentional: yes.
If unintentional: it is compensated by Sujood As-Sahw.
Can obligations be changed or added to?
No.
Acts of worship are based on revelation and must be followed as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
Summary: Obligations of Prayer
Obligations are an essential part of prayer
Leaving them intentionally invalidates the prayer
Leaving them unintentionally is compensated by Sujood As-Sahw
Knowing them helps perform prayer with confidence and peace
Madrasat Al-Quran
We teach prayer step by step
So you can perform it as commanded
With knowledge, tranquility, and humility