Ruling 928 — Prayer (Ṣalāh)

Some of the obligatory components of the prayer are elemental (rukn), i.e. if one does not perform them – whether intentionally or mistakenly – the prayer is invalid. Some other obligatory components are not elemental, i.e. if they are omitted mistakenly, the prayer is not invalid. There are five rukns of the prayer: 1. intention; 2. takbīrat al‑iḥrām while standing; 3. standing that is joined to rukūʿ, i.e. standing before rukūʿ; 4. rukūʿ; 5. two sajdahs in one rakʿah. If a rukn is intentionally performed more than the prescribed number of times, the prayer is invalid. If it is done mistakenly, and if the additional act is a rukūʿ or two sajdahs in one rakʿah, then based on obligatory precaution, the prayer is invalid; otherwise [i.e. if the additional act is not a rukūʿ or two sajdahs in one rakʿah], it is not invalid.