Introduction: Understanding 13 Faraaidh in Salah
Salah (prayer) is the most important daily worship for every Muslim and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. To perform Salah correctly, certain Faraaidh (compulsory acts) must be fulfilled — both before entering the prayer and within the prayer itself. These are essential elements without which the prayer is considered incomplete.
This blog will explore the 13 Faraaidh of Salah (Prayer) in Islam — helping beginners gain confidence, avoid common mistakes, and deepen their connection with Allah through proper prayer.
What Are Faraaidh?
In Islamic terminology, Fardh (plural: Faraaidh) means an obligatory act ordained by Allah. In Salah, these include prerequisites and actions that shape the structure and validity of the prayer itself.
There are two categories of Faraaidh:
- Outside the prayer (Pre-conditions)
- Inside the prayer (During the prayer actions)
Let’s break them down for clarity.
Faraaidh Outside the Prayer (Before You Start)
Before you even begin your Salah, you must fulfill the following compulsory conditions:
- Purity of Body: Perform Wudu (ablution) or Ghusl (full bath) as needed.
- Purity of Clothes: Your clothes must be clean.
- Purity of Place: The prayer area must be clean.
- Covering Satr: Covering the private parts (for men: navel to knee; for women: entire body except face and hands).
- Facing the Qibla: To face the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Time of Prayer: The prayer must be performed within its prescribed time.
- Intention (Niyyah): To have the sincere intention for the specific prayer.
These 7 pre-conditions prepare you physically and spiritually for the prayer ahead.
Faraaidh Inside the Prayer (During the Salah)
Once you start Salah, these are the 6 compulsory actions you must perform in every unit (rak‘ah) of prayer:
- Takbir-e-Tahreemah: Saying “Allahu Akbar” to start.
- Qiyam: Standing upright (if able).
- Qira’at: Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another portion of the Quran.
- Ruku: Bowing.
- Sujud: Performing two prostrations (sajdah).
- Sitting for Tashahhud: Sitting to recite the Tashahhud in the final sitting (at least for the duration of the Tashahhud).
Why Understanding the 13 Faraaidh Matters
Many beginning Muslims and students of knowledge struggle to perform Salah correctly because they are not aware of these compulsory parts. Fulfilling all 13 ensures that:
- Your prayer is valid in the sight of Allah
- Your worship is accepted and complete
- You avoid common errors that nullify or weaken your Salah practice
Conclusion
Understanding and practicing the 13 Faraaidh of Salah (Prayer) in Islam is essential for every Muslim — whether a beginner or someone revisiting their knowledge of prayer. These compulsory actions and conditions are the foundation of all five daily prayers.
By fulfilling both the outside and inside the prayer Faraaidh, you ensure your Salah is complete, focused, and beloved to Allah.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 13 Faraaidh of Salah are the compulsory acts that must be fulfilled for a prayer to be valid. They are divided into 7 Faraaidh outside the prayer (conditions before starting Salah) and 6 Faraaidh inside the prayer (essential actions performed during Salah).
There are 7 Faraaidh outside the prayer, which must be completed before starting Salah. These include purification, cleanliness, covering the body, correct timing, facing the Qiblah, and intention.
There are 6 Faraaidh inside the prayer, which are the essential actions performed during Salah, such as standing, recitation, bowing, prostration, and final sitting.
No. If any one of the 13 Faraaidh is missing—whether outside or inside the prayer—the Salah becomes invalid and must be repeated.
Yes. Niyyah is a Fardh of Salah. It must be present in the heart before starting the prayer. Verbal intention is not compulsory, but mental intention is essential.
Yes. Purification is one of the Faraaidh outside the prayer. Without being in a state of purity, Salah cannot be valid.
Takbir-e-Tahreemah is saying “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer. It marks the formal entry into Salah and is one of the 6 Faraaidh inside the prayer.
Qiyam is a Fardh in obligatory (Fardh) prayers for those who are physically able. If someone is ill or unable to stand, they may pray sitting or lying down according to Islamic guidance.
Yes. Qira’at (recitation) is a Fardh inside the prayer. At least one verse of the Qur’an must be recited during the prayer.
Yes. Facing the Qiblah is a Fardh outside the prayer. Salah performed intentionally in another direction without a valid reason is not accepted.
The core principles are agreed upon, though classification and terminology may differ slightly among Islamic schools. This explanation follows the Hanafi understanding, which clearly categorizes the 13 Faraaidh.
While Salah becomes obligatory after maturity, teaching children the 13 Faraaidh early helps them build correct prayer habits and strong Islamic foundations.
Learning the 13 Faraaidh ensures that beginners:
- Perform Salah correctly
- Avoid invalid prayers
- Build confidence in worship
- Strengthen their connection with Allah
For structured and authentic learning, JH Quran Academy provides guided lessons on Salah, Qur’an recitation, and Islamic essentials with qualified instructors—ideal for beginners and advanced students alike.