What are the top ten common mistakes when praying (salah)?

In a Nutshell: Performing salah (prayer) correctly is a core Islamic practice. This answer explores ten frequent errors made during prayer, offering guidance from the Quran, hadiths and scholarly insights to refine your prayers and deepen your connection with Allah (SWT). Introduction: The Importance of Correct Prayer (Salah) Salah is a foundational pillar of Islam, a direct connection between a believer and Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it is truly a disbeliever (Sahih al-Bukhari). Performing salah correctly demonstrates our submission to Allah (SWT) and strengthens our faith. However, unintentional errors can occur during prayer. This answer identifies ten common mistakes and provides guidance from Islamic sources to help you perfect your salah. Background Before delving into common mistakes, let's revisit the essential conditions for valid prayer: Taharah (Purity):Performing wudu (ablution) or ghusl (ritual bath) is necessary for removing impurities. Satr (Covering):Men must cover their private parts and women must cover their entire body except for the face and hands. Niyyah (Intention):Intending to perform a specific obligatory prayer is crucial. Facing the Qiblah:Knowing the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah is essential. Knowing the Acts of Prayer:Understanding the correct sequence of recitations, postures and supplications is vital. Evidences Here, we explore Islamic sources that emphasize the importance and proper performance of salah: Allah (SWT) commands us to establish prayer (Quran 2:43). We are instructed to pray with humility and focus (Quran 20:14). The Prophet (PBUH) said, Prayer is the pillar of Islam. Whoever neglects it has destroyed Islam (Musnad Ahmad). He (PBUH) also emphasized praying slowly and reciting Quran correctly (Sahih al-Bukhari). Imam Nawawi (RA) emphasizes the importance of following the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet PBUH) in prayer (Sharh Sahih Muslim). Imam al-Ghazali (RA) highlights the importance of inner presence and contemplation during prayer (Ihya Ulum al-Din). These sources establish the importance of performing salah correctly and focusing on its spiritual essence. Top Ten Common Mistakes in Salah Now, we delve into ten frequent errors made during prayer and how to avoid them: Delaying Prayer Without Justification:Prayers have designated times and delaying them without a valid reason displeases Allah (SWT) (Quran 4:103). Rushing Through Recitation or Actions:Hasty recitation or actions can lead to missing essential parts of the prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed us to pray with calmness and tranquility (Sahih Muslim). Inattention and Lack of Focus (Khushoo):Distraction and lack of focus during prayer diminish its spiritual impact. Focus on the meaning of the Quran being recited and the actions being performed. Incorrect Recitation of Quran:Mispronunciation of Quranic verses can invalidate prayer if it alters the meaning significantly. Practice reciting Quran accurately. Errors in Standing Posture (Qiyam):Maintaining a proper standing posture throughout prayer is essential. The back should be straight and the feet should be shoulder-width apart. Mistakes in Bowing (Ruku') and Prostration (Sujud):Incomplete bowing or prostration can invalidate prayer. Ensure your back is parallel to the ground during ruku' and your forehead, nose, hands, knees and feet touch the ground during sujud (Sahih al-Bukhari). Not Following the Imam in Congregational Prayer:In congregational prayer, following the Imam's actions is crucial. Only perform additional actions silently if you miss a rak'ah (unit of prayer). Looking Around During Prayer:Looking around unnecessarily