Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the most important act of worship after the testimony of faith. The Prophet ﷺ described it as “the pillar of religion” (reported by At-Tabarani), and he ﷺ said:
“The first thing a servant will be called to account for on the Day of Resurrection will be his Salah. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound; and if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad.” (Al-Tabarani, Al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat)
Despite its importance, many Muslims fall into common mistakes during Salah that affect its quality or even its validity. This article highlights these mistakes and provides practical ways to correct them, so that our prayers can truly be a source of closeness to Allah.
1. Lack of Proper Preparation Before Salah
Mistake:
Many people rush into Salah without proper wudu (ablution), clean clothing, or focusing their hearts. Some pray while drowsy, distracted, or even with invalid wudu.
Why It Matters:
Allah ﷻ says:
“O you who believe! When you rise for prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows, wipe over your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles…” (Qur’an 5:6)
Without valid wudu, Salah is invalid.
How to Fix It:
- Perform wudu with concentration, remembering it washes away sins.
- Wear clean and modest clothing that covers the ‘awrah (men: navel to knees; women: full body except face and hands).
- Take a moment to calm your heart before starting Salah.
2. Neglecting the Opening Takbir
Mistake:
Some people rush the Takbir al-Ihram (“Allahu Akbar”), saying it incorrectly or while moving.
Why It Matters:
This takbir marks the beginning of Salah. Without it, the prayer does not even start.
How to Fix It:
- Stand still facing the qiblah before saying Allahu Akbar.
- Pronounce it correctly, without rushing.
- Do not begin any movement until you finish the takbir.
3. Incorrect Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha
Mistake:
Mispronouncing words, skipping verses, or reciting too fast. Some don’t recite it at all when praying behind an imam.
Why It Matters:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatiha).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How to Fix It:
- Learn the correct tajwid (pronunciation).
- Recite calmly, reflecting on meanings.
- In congregational prayer:
- Hanafi view: remain silent behind the imam.
- Other schools: recite Al-Fatiha quietly in non-loud prayers.
4. Lack of Khushu’ (Humility and Focus)
Mistake:
Many perform Salah while thinking of worldly matters, rushing, or looking around.
Why It Matters:
Allah ﷻ describes the believers:
“Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their Salah with all solemnity and full submissiveness (khushu‘).” (Qur’an 23:1–2)
How to Fix It:
- Understand what you recite.
- Pray as if it’s your last Salah.
- Remove distractions (turn off phone, find a quiet spot).
- Fix your gaze at the place of prostration.
5. Mistakes in Ruku’ (Bowing)
Mistake:
Some bow too lightly, don’t straighten their backs, or move too quickly.
Why It Matters:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The worst thief is the one who steals from his prayer.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how does he steal from his prayer?” He said, “By not completing his bowing and prostration.” (Ahmad, classed Sahih by Albani)
How to Fix It:
- Bend until your back is straight and head level.
- Place hands firmly on knees.
- Say Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Azim at least three times.
- Do not rush; move with calmness.
6. Mistakes in Sujood (Prostration)
Mistake:
- Not placing all body parts correctly (forehead, nose, palms, knees, toes).
- Touching the floor lightly without resting.
- Rushing sujood without supplication.
Why It Matters:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the servant prostrates, seven parts of his body should prostrate: his face, his hands, his knees, and his toes.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How to Fix It:
- Ensure all seven points touch the ground.
- Say Subhana Rabbiyal-A‘la at least three times.
- Make dua, as sujood is the closest position to Allah.
7. Not Being Calm Between Positions
Mistake:
Jumping quickly from ruku’ to sujood without pausing.
Why It Matters:
The Prophet ﷺ saw a man praying too fast and said:
“Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How to Fix It:
- After ruku’, stand fully upright before going into sujood.
- After sujood, sit calmly before the next prostration.
- Maintain serenity in every position.
8. Incorrect Sitting in Tashahhud
Mistake:
Some sit in a lazy or incorrect posture. Others recite tashahhud incorrectly.
Why It Matters:
The tashahhud is an essential part of Salah.
How to Fix It:
- Learn the correct wording of tashahhud.
- Sit in the proper Sunnah manner:
- First tashahhud: iftirash (sitting on left foot, right foot upright).
- Last tashahhud: tawarruk (left foot under right shin, right foot upright).
- Recite calmly with presence of heart.
9. Salam Mistakes
Mistake:
- Ending prayer without turning head properly.
- Rushing the salam.
Why It Matters:
The salam is what completes Salah.
How to Fix It:
- Turn your head to the right and say Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.
- Then to the left in the same way.
- Do not rush, and pronounce clearly.
10. Disregarding Sunnah Acts of Salah
Mistake:
Praying only the obligatory part, neglecting Sunnah actions like raising hands at takbir, reciting extra surahs, or making duas.
Why It Matters:
Sunnah acts beautify and complete Salah.
How to Fix It:
- Follow the Prophet ﷺ’s example as closely as possible.
- Add Sunnah and Nafl prayers to strengthen your connection with Allah.
11. Praying Too Fast
Mistake:
Many rush through Salah as if it’s a burden.
Why It Matters:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The one who does not complete his bowing and prostration, his prayer is incomplete.” (Abu Dawud)
How to Fix It:
- Slow down and recite properly.
- Imagine standing before Allah ﷻ directly.
- Take Salah as a spiritual break, not a duty to “get over with.”
12. Neglecting Congregational Prayer (for Men)
Mistake:
Some men habitually pray at home without excuse.
Why It Matters:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times better than prayer offered individually.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How to Fix It:
- Strive to pray in the masjid when possible.
- If not, establish congregation at home with family.
13. Talking or Moving Excessively During Salah
Mistake:
Unnecessary fidgeting, looking at phones, or fixing clothes constantly.
Why It Matters:
Excessive movement breaks khushu’ and may invalidate Salah.
How to Fix It:
- Keep movements minimal and necessary.
- Leave distractions outside prayer.
14. Forgetting Sujood as-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness)
Mistake:
When mistakes happen (e.g., forgetting a verse, missing tashahhud), some don’t perform sujood as-sahw.
Why It Matters:
The Prophet ﷺ taught sujood as-sahw to fix unintentional mistakes in prayer.
How to Fix It:
- Learn when sujood as-sahw is required.
- Perform two sujood before or after salam, depending on the case.
Conclusion
Salah is not just a ritual; it is a conversation with Allah ﷻ, a daily reminder of our purpose, and a source of inner peace. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that our prayers are valid, rewarding, and spiritually uplifting.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Bukhari)
By striving to follow his example, purifying our intention, and correcting our mistakes, our Salah will bring us closer to Allah and elevate our lives in this world and the Hereafter.
