فصل الأركان

The first [pillar] is standing: omitting it is not allowed in obligatory [prayers] without excuse, except on a moving ship specifically.

When he says takbīr he places his right on his left below his navel; the woman places [hands] on her chest.

Then he says: “Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa bi-ḥamdika wa tabāraka smuka wa taʿālā jaduka wa lā ilāha ghayruk.”

Second: recitation—then he seeks refuge if imām or alone, says the basmala, recites al-Fātiḥa and a sūra with it or three verses from any sūra he wishes in each of the first two [rakʿas].

The absolute obligation of recitation is any verse; what we detailed is its fuller obligation.

When the imām says “wa l-ḍallīn,” he and the congregation say āmīn quietly.

Al-Fātiḥa alone in the last two rakʿas is sunna; if he says tasbīḥ in them it is valid; if he is silent it is disliked.

Recitation is obligatory in every rakʿa of supererogatory prayer and of witr.

The imām must recite aloud in Fajr and the first two rakʿas of Maghrib and ʿIshāʾ; the lone worshipper has a choice; they whisper in the rest necessarily; he recites aloud on Jumuʿa and the two Eids; in nafl he whispers by day and has a choice at night.

Specifying a sūra for a particular prayer is disliked unless it is easier for him and he follows the Prophet believing in equalising [routines].

The follower does not recite behind the imām.

Third: bowing—when he finishes recitation he says takbīr, bows, and says “subḥāna rabbiyal-ʿaẓīm” three times—that is the minimum of full excellence; once is disliked; when settled in bowing he rises and says “samiʿa Allāhu liman ḥamidah” only.

The congregation says “rabbanā wa laka l-ḥamd.”

The lone worshipper combines both [phrases].

Fourth: prostration—when settled standing he says takbīr and prostrates, says “subḥāna rabbiyal-aʿlā” three times, then raises his head with takbīr and sits; when settled he says takbīr and prostrates a second time like the first.

His prostration on the coil of his turban or the edge of his garment is valid.

Fifth: moving from one pillar to the next.

Sixth: the last sitting for the extent of the first tashahhud—when he recites the tashahhud he points with his subḥa at the word of tawḥīd in the sound view.

He does not add in the first sitting beyond “wa ashḥadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluhu.”

In the second he adds blessings on the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, and his family, and whatever supplication he wishes, and asking for what none grants but Allah—such as mercy, forgiveness, and the like.

Then he salutes to his right and his left, intending with each salām those on that side among angels and attendees; the lone worshipper intends only angels; the follower intends his imām on whichever side he is; if [the imām] is opposite him he intends both.