The importance of this act means that we must ensure we are aware of all aspects of Salaah, any conditions or obligations that are necessary and those things which may invalidate it.

Conditions of Salaah

There are some essential conditions which must be fulfilled before one can perform Salaah, these are:

1) Purification from anything that invalidates Wudu or Ghusl.
2) Removal of impurity from the body, clothes and the place of prayer.
3) Covering of the private parts; for men, from under the navel to the bottom of the knees and for women, all of the body except the face, hands and feet.
4) Knowing that the time of Salaah for that specific prayer has begun.
5) Facing towards the Qibla.
6) Making an intention to perform Salaah. This is the purpose and aim of one's actions which should be clearly present in the mind at the start of prayer. The intention should mention that the prayer is for the sake of Allah, the type and time of prayer, and the facing towards Qibla. For example:

“I intend to perform Salaah for four Fard Zuhr prayers for the sake of Allah Almighty, facing towards the Ka'bah”

Obligations of Salaah

There are six obligations to prayer which constitute its major parts. If any one of these is missed, the prayer is considered invalid.

1) Tahrima – This is saying “Allahu Akbar” at the start of the prayer (Takbeer). It is called Tahrima since it prohibits even permissible things such as speaking, eating and drinking. The Takbeer must be announced so that everyone can hear it.
2) Qiyaam – To stand. Standing during Fard and Waajib prayers is obligatory. Anyone who is unable to stand should maintain any posture which is easy for them. For Sunnah or Nafil prayers it is permissible to pray whilst sitting, however the reward for this is halved.
3) Qiraa'ah – Recitation of the Qur'an. The minimum amount of recitation that is obligatory is three short verses or one long verse of the Qur'an. It is obligatory to recite any part of the Holy Qur’an; it does not need to be Surah Fatihah. Allah Almighty states:

“Read whatever is possible from the Qur'an” (Qur'an: 20:73)

4) Rukoo' – Bowing. This is compulsary for everyone who is capable of doing it. It means to bend the back and lower the head. The minimum requirement is to bow down such that ones hands reach the knees; the perfect form is to bow down such that the head and back make a horizontal line. If one is sitting, bowing can be done by lowering the head and bending the back slightly.
5) Sujood- Prostration. This must be done on a firm place and not on a cushion like surface where the forehead cannot be placed firmly. The minimum requirement for prostration is that a part of the forehead be placed on the ground along with one hand, one knee and at least one toe of any foot. For proper prostration one should rest the entire forehead and nose on the ground, along with both hands, both knees and all toes of both feet. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said; “When someone prostrates, seven things should prostrate with him; his face (forehead and nose), hands, knees and feet” (Muslim)
6) Qu'ood Aakhir – The last sitting. The last sitting is also compulsary for prayer. The length of the sitting is as long as it takes to read the Tashah-hud. The Holy Prophet has said; “ When you have raised your head from the last prostration and you have sat as long as Tashah-hud your prayer has been completed” (Fidh alal Mazaahibil Arba'ah)