Prayer (Salah) is the central pillar of Islam, serving as the foundation of worship and a direct connection between a believer and Allah. However, many Muslims unknowingly commit errors that may affect the validity and reward of their prayers. Understanding these mistakes and how to correct them is crucial for ensuring that your Salah is performed correctly and in accordance with the Sunnah.
In this article, we will highlight 12 common mistakes in prayer, explaining their impact and how to correct them. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your concentration, devotion, and discipline in your worship.
1. Verbalizing the Intention for Prayer
Mistake:
Some people mistakenly believe they need to verbally declare their intention (niyyah) before beginning the prayer. They say phrases like “I intend to pray Fajr Salah…” out loud.
Correction:
- Niyyah is a matter of the heart – it does not require verbalization.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions never pronounced their intentions aloud.
- Simply knowing in your heart what prayer you are about to perform is sufficient.
Reference:
According to Islamic scholars, intention (niyyah) resides in the heart and does not require articulation [IslamQA].
2. Closing the Eyes During Prayer
Mistake:
Some worshippers close their eyes to improve concentration, assuming it helps them achieve khushoo’ (humility and focus).
Correction:
- The Sunnah is to look at the place of prostration.
- Closing the eyes is discouraged unless there are distractions (e.g., excessive decorations or movement around you).
- Scholars, including Imam Ahmad, ruled that closing the eyes is disliked, as it was not the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Reference:
Hadith sources emphasize keeping the eyes open during prayer [Sunnah.com].
3. Rushing to Catch the First Rak’ah
Mistake:
Some people run or rush into the mosque to catch the first Rak’ah, often disturbing others.
Correction:
- Walk calmly and with dignity, even if you are late.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When you hear the Iqamah, proceed to the prayer with tranquility and dignity.” [Bukhari]
4. Skipping the Opening Takbeer (Takbeer Al-Ihram)
Mistake:
Latecomers sometimes say “Allahu Akbar” only to join the congregation without first performing the initial Takbeer.
Correction:
- Say the Opening Takbeer first before moving into position.
- Without it, your Salah is invalid.
Reference:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The key to prayer is purification, its beginning is Takbeer, and its ending is Tasleem.” [Tirmidhi].
5. Not Completing the Standing Position After Ruku’
Mistake:
Some people rise from Ruku’ but fail to stand fully upright before moving into Sujud.
Correction:
- Ensure your back is straight and pause briefly before going into Sujud.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The worst thief is the one who steals from his prayer.” [Muslim].
6. Making Du’a Before the Opening Takbeer
Mistake:
Extending Du’a before saying Takbeer Al-Ihram can delay the prayer unnecessarily.
Correction:
- The Sunnah is to begin the prayer immediately after the Takbeer.
- Du’a should be made before or after Salah, not before the opening Takbeer.
7. Dangling Hands During Qiyam (Standing Position)
Mistake:
Letting the hands hang loosely instead of placing them over the chest.
Correction:
- The Sunnah is to place the right hand over the left hand on the chest.
- This was the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Reference:
Scholars agree on the placement of hands [IslamQA].
8. Praying With Rolled-Up Sleeves
Mistake:
Rolling up sleeves while praying.
Correction:
- Clothes should be left in their natural position.
- Rolling up garments is discouraged.
Reference:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade rolling up garments during prayer [Bukhari].
9. Wearing Clothing with Images
Mistake:
Praying in garments with cartoon characters, human faces, or distracting images.
Correction:
- Choose simple, modest clothing free from images to maintain focus.
Reference:
Islamic teachings discourage images in prayer spaces [IslamWeb].
10. Praying on a Mat with Distracting Designs
Mistake:
Using a prayer mat with bright colors, pictures, or complex designs.
Correction:
- Opt for plain or simple mats to avoid distractions.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) discouraged distractions in prayer.
11. Excessive Movement During Prayer
Mistake:
Constantly adjusting clothes, checking the watch, or unnecessary movements.
Correction:
- Minimize movement to maintain focus and humility.
- Avoid fidgeting to ensure khushoo’.
Reference:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Salah with full concentration [Muslim].
12. Praying with Loose or Flowing Clothes (Sadleh)
Mistake:
Wearing long, untied garments that may cover hands or feet unnaturally.
Correction:
- Tie or arrange clothes properly before Salah.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) discouraged wearing garments that interfere with prayer.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve the quality of your Salah, ensuring it is performed correctly and accepted by Allah. Paying attention to these details will help strengthen your connection with Allah and enhance your focus in prayer.
Let’s strive for perfecting our prayers by adhering to the Sunnah and correcting our mistakes. May Allah grant us all the ability to pray with sincerity and devotion. Ameen!
