About Salah

(The Obligatory Prayer of the Muslim)

What Is Necessary for a Valid Salah

1. Al-Fatihah must be recited during the Salah

   • Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet said, "Whoever prays a prayer and does not recite the opening chapter of the Qur'an has not prayed correctly."   [Ahmad, al-Bukhari and Muslim]

What Invalidates Salah

1. Talking Intentionally About Something Other Than Salah

   • Zaid ibn Arqam relates: "We used to talk while we were in salah and a person would speak to the person next to him until the verse was revealed: 'And stand before Allah in devout obedience' and we were then commanded to observe silence during the salah."  [Related by the group.]
   • Ibn Mas'ud reports: "We used to greet the Messenger of Allah while he was in salah and he would respond to our greeting. When we returned from Abyssinia, we greeted him [during prayer] but he did not respond to our salutation. We said to him: 'O Messenger of Allah, we used to greet you while you were in salah and you used to respond to us!' He then said: 'Prayer demands one's complete attention.'"  [Bukhari and Muslim]

2. Praying the Entire Salah Behind the Rows, All By Yourself

   • Wabsah relates that the Messenger of Allah saw a man praying behind the rows by himself and the Prophet ordered him to repeat his salah. [related by the five save an-Nasa'i].
   • The Messenger of Allah was asked about a man who prays by himself behind the rows and he said: "He is to repeat his salah." [Ahmad. At-Tirmidhi called this hadith hasan and Ahmad's chain is good.]
   • 'Ali ibn Shaiban relates that the Messenger of Allah saw a man praying behind the row and he waited for him and (when he finished) told him: "Go forward (and join the row) for the salah of a person standing alone behind the rows is not valid." [related by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi. Ahmad says it is hasan. Ibn Sayyid an-Nass said its narrators are well-known, trustworthy people.]
   • The majority stick to the hadith of Abu Bakra who said that he preformed part of the prayer, behind the row, and the Prophet did not order him to repeat his salah. Repeating the salah signifies overzeal in practicing what is recommended and better.

3. Turning the Entire Upper Body Away from the Qiblah During Fard (Obligatory) Salah, Without Genuine Need

   • 'Aishah says: "I asked the Messenger of Allah about turning in salah and he said: 'It is the portion that the Satan steals from the slave's prayer.'" [Ahmad, al-Bukhari, an-Nasa'i, and Abu Dawud]
   • Abu ad-Darda' narrates from the Prophet : "O people, be careful about turning for there is no salah for the one who turns. If you must do it, do it in the voluntary prayers and not in the obligatory prayers." [related by Ahmad]
   • Anas relates that the Messenger of Allah said to him: "Be careful about turning during the salah as turning in the salah is disastrous. If you must do it, then do it in the voluntary prayers but not in the obligatory prayers." [related by at-Tirmidhi who calls it sahih]
   • In the hadith of al-Harith al-Ash'ari , the Prophet said: "Allah gave Yahya, son of Zakariyah, five commands that he was to abide by and was to order the tribe of Isra'el to abide by..." One of them was, "Verily, Allah orders you to pray, and when you pray, do not tum for Allah looks to the face of His slave in salah as long as he does not turn." [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i]
   • Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet said: "Allah faces the slave while he is in the salah and keeps facing him as long as he does not turn. If [the slave] turns, [Allah] turns away from him." [Ahmad and Dawud. Dawud said its chain of narrators (isnad) is sahih]

4. Making Many Actions that Lead a Viewer To Believe That You Are Not in Salah

   • An-Nawawi says: "If a person performs a lot of actions that are not part of the salah, he invalidates his salah, and, on this point, there is no difference of opinion. If the acts are few, then they do not invalidate the salah and, on this point, there also is no difference of opinion. This is the exact position. However, there does exist a difference of opinion over what exactly constitutes a few actions and many actions...".  He says that the exact definitions of too much and too little are determined by generally accepted standards. One is not harmed in his salah by common acts such as nodding in reply to a salutation, taking off one's shoes, raising the headdress and putting it back in place, putting on or taking off a light garment, carrying or holding a small child, preventing someone from passing in front of the person in prayer, covering one's spittle in one's clothing and similar other actions. As for the other acts, those which are considered to constitute many actions (e.g., taking many consecutive steps, performing actions repeatedly) they invalidate the prayer.
   • An-Nawawi also says: "The scholars are in agreement that many actions invalidate the prayer if they are performed consecutively [i.e., one after another]. If one separates the actions, for instance, taking a step and then stopping for a while, then taking another step or two, and then another two steps, after a pause (though a short one) between them, then the salah will not be harmed, even if he in this manner should take a hundred or more steps. There is no difference of opinion on this point. As for light actions, such as moving one's finger in glorifying Allah or in itching, and so forth., these do not invalidate the prayer according to the well-known, authentic opinion, even when they are done repeatedly and consecutively, but they are disliked."
   • AshShaf'i says: "Even if one counts the verses on one's fingers, it would not invalidate one's salah, but it is best to avoid [such an act]."

5. Laughing Hearty During Salah

   • Ibn al-Mundhir records that there is a consensus of opinion that laughing (during the salah) invalidates the prayer. An-Nawawi says: "This is the case if one laughs aloud, and produces sound. Most of the scholars say that there is no problem with smiling. If one is overcome by laughter and cannot control it, his salah will not become invalid if it is of minor nature. If it is a hearty laughter, it will invalidate the salah. Custom would determine whether it is a major or a minor laughter."

What Does Not Invalidate Salah

1. Talking out of Necessity About the Salah

   • Abu Hurairah says: "The Messenger of Allah led us in either the noon or after-noon prayers and he made the taslim after praying just two rak'at. Dhul Yadain said to the Prophet: 'O Messenger of Allah, has the salah been shortened or have you forgotten [part of it]?' The Prophet said: 'It has not been shortened, nor did I forget any part of it." He said: 'Yes, O Messenger of Allah, you did forget.' Thereupon the Prophet asked (the people): 'Is Dhul Yadain correct in what he says?' The people said: 'He is correct, you offered only two rak'at.' Then, the Prophet prayed the two remaining rak'at and made the taslim, said the takbir and performed the sajdah, sat and made the takbir and performed the sajdah again, and finally said the takbir and sat again."   [Bukhari and Muslim]
   • One should first say "SubhanAllah" (if male) or clap (if female) to alert the imam to a vital mistake in salah. If this is not sufficient, speaking may be necessary.
     • Al-Auza'i's [Rahimahu 'Llah] comments are: "Whoever intentionally speaks during the salah, seeking some benefit to the salah, does not invalidate his salah." He said that if a person recites aloud in the 'asr and someone behind him says: "It is the 'asr," (i.e., the recital is not to be aloud) then the latter person would not invalidate his salah.  

2. Holding/Carrying a Child During Salah

   • 'Abdullah ibn Shidad relates that his father said: "The Messenger of Allah came to us either during the noon or afternoon prayers and he was carrying Hassan or Hussain. The Prophet proceeded to the front and put him down and made the takbir for the salah. During the salah, he made a long sajdah. I raised my head and saw the child on the back of the Messenger of Allah while he was in sajdah. I returned to my sajdah. When the Messenger of Allah finished the salah, the people said to him: 'O Messenger of Allah, you prostrated during your salah so long that we suspected you were thinking about some matter or you were receiving some revelation.' He said: 'None of that happened but my son was resting and I hated to rush him until he had finished what he desired."'   [related by Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim]
   • The Prophet came out towards us, while carrying Umamah, the daughter of Abi Al-As (his grand-daughter) over his shoulder. He prayed, and when he wanted to bow, he put her down, and when he stood up, he lifted her up. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 25: Narrated Abu Qatada]

3. Taking Actions to Prevent an Animal, Child, or Adult from Passing Between Praying Person and His or Her Sutrah

   • GROUP SALAH. During group salah, women should have means to assure that her children will not interupt the salah of others by walking in front of their sutrah.  She may hold a child, have another person watch it during salah, confine the child with a 'play pen' or otherwise, or allow an older child to sit quietly if confident that the child is not likely to wander away and perhaps put himself or others in danger.  The point here is that she should take responsibility and prevent her children from wandering away from supervision.
     • Once while he was praying, two girls from the tribe of 'Abd al-Muttalib were fighting behind him and he separated them with his arms while he was praying. Ahmad's version says that they grabbed unto his knees and he separated them without leaving the salah.
     • The Imam who is leading the salat is responsible for making efforts to prevent anyone from passing between him and his sutrah. However, it is permissible for individuals to walk between the rows of the congregation. Sometimes it may be necessary for a follower to pick up and carry or move a child out of the way, such as if it is in your place of prostration, but know that the sunnah act of repulsing (pushing if necessary) anyone that tries to pass in front of you only applies to the imam leading the prayer or to the individual salah as we will explain below.
   • INDIVIDUAL SALAH. In a person's individual salah, she may also carry a child.  If she has more than one young child, and if no older children or adults are available to monitor her small children, she should safely and comfortably confine the children so that they cannot wander into danger or cross her sutrah.  In the event that she has no means to confine them, she should do her best to do her salah with the children safely in her grasp and be sure that no-one wanders off beyond a safe distance, and that she prevents anyone from crossing her sutrah.  Women often get worn out from disciplining their young children, but this is one instance when she should not be lax... be consistent in restricting children's movement during salah.  Encourage children with a sufficient attention span and with the patience to remain in place, to perform salah with the mother.
     • When he was praying, a boy came to him and he motioned to him to move back, and he moved back. Then a girl tried to pass in front of him, he beckoned her to move back, but the girl passed, and when he finished, he said: "They are more determined." [Ahmad recorded it and it is also in the Sunan.]
     • Abu al-Waddak said: "A young person tried to pass in front of Abu Sa'id while he was praying. Abu Sa'id held him off and then the young man tried again. Abu Sa'id pushed him off. This happened three times and when [Abu Sa'id] finished [the prayer], he said: 'The salah is not invalidated by anything but the Messenger of Allah said: 'Repulse [the person who is trying to pass in front of you] to the best of your ability for he is a devil.'"   [Abu Dawud]
     • The Prophet said, "If while you are praying, somebody intends to pass in front of you, prevent him; and should he insist, prevent him again; and if he insists again, fight with him (i.e. prevent him violently e.g. pushing him violently), because such a person is (like) a devil." [Bukhari 4.495]
     • Abu Saleh as-Saman said: "I will narrate to you what I heard and saw from Abu Sa'id al-Khudri. One day I was with Abu Sa'id and he was offering salah on Friday facing something which concealed him from the people when a young man from the tribe of Mu'ait came and tried to pass in front of Abu Sa'id. He pushed him back. He tried again and Abu Sa'id struck him harder. The two scuffled. The man went to Marwan to complain. Abu Sa'id also went to Marwan. Marwan asked: 'What has happened between you and the son of your brother that caused him to complain?' Abu Sa'id said: 'I heard the Prophet say: 'If any of you prays toward a sutrah and someone tries to pass in front of you, then turn him away. If he refuses, use force for he is a devil."'    [Bukhari and Muslim]

4. Clearing One's Throat to Allow Someone to Enter

   • 'Ali ibn Abi Talib said: "I had a certain time at which I would visit the Messenger of Allah. When I came to him, he would permit me to enter. If I found him praying, he would clear his throat and I would enter. If he was free, he would give me permission to enter."  This is recorded by an-Nasa'i and Ahmad. Ahmad's version says: "I could enter upon the Prophet during the day or night. If I came to him while he was praying, he would clear his throat [as a sign that I may enter]."  [related by Ahmad who used to act by it and he was not of the opinion that clearing one's throat invalidated the salah.]

5. Returning the Greeting (As sala'amu alaikum) with a Motion of Hand or Head

   • 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar says: "I asked Suhaib: 'How did the Messenger of Allah respond to the people when they greeted him while he was praying?' He said: 'He would signal to them with his hand.'" [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah]
   • Jabir said: "The Messenger of Allah sent me somewhere while he was going to the tribe of Mustaliq. I came to him and he was praying while on the back of his camel. [When] I spoke to him, he and Zubair motioned with their hands. I heard him reciting and saw him gesturing with his head. When he finished, he said: 'What have you done about the thing I sent you for? Nothing kept me from talking to you save that I was in salah.'"  [Ahmad and Muslim]

6. Crying or Other Sounds of Sadness

   • 'Abdullah ibn ash-Schikhir relates: "I saw the Messenger of Allah praying and his chest was 'buzzing', like the buzzing of a cooking pot, due to crying." This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, and at-Tirmidhi. The latter classifies it as sahih.
   • 'Umar prayed fajr and recited Surah Yusuf, and when he reached the verse "I expose my distress and anguish only unto Allah," he raised his voice in crying. [Bukhari, Sa'id ibn Mansur, and ibn al-Mundhir]
   • 'Abdullah ibn ash-Schikhir relates: "I saw the Messenger of Allah praying and his chest was 'buzzing', like the buzzing of a cooking pot, due to crying."   [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, and at-Tirmidhi. The latter classifies it as sahih]

7. Praying in a different room, or with a curtain or wall between you and the Imam, as long as you can hear the opening takbir.

   • Al-Bukhari records: "Al-Hassan said: 'There is no problem if you pray and between you and him [the imam] there is a river.' Abu Majliz said: 'Follow the imam, even if between you and him there is a road or a wall, as long as you can hear the opening takbir.'"

   • Sa id ibn Mansur, ash-Shaf'i, al-Baihaqi, and al-Bukhari, in his comments, relate from Abu Hurairah that he prayed at the top of the mosque while following the imam. Anas used to pray in the room of Abu Naf'i to the right of the mosque and the room was his height's high and its door faced the mosque of Basrah and Anas would pray in it, following the imam. The companions did not say anything about it. This is related by Sa'id ibn Mansur in his Sunan.