Common Prayer Mistakes & Corrections
Learning to identify and correct errors is an important part of improving your worship
Even experienced Muslims can make mistakes during prayer. Learning to identify and correct these errors is an important part of improving your worship.
"Whoever performs a good deed but makes a mistake, Allah will not hold the mistake against him."
Categories of Prayer Mistakes
Understanding Prayer Errors
In Islamic jurisprudence, mistakes in prayer are generally categorized into three types:
Invalidating Errors
These mistakes nullify the prayer, requiring you to restart. Examples include:
- Breaking wudhu (ablution)
- Intentionally missing a pillar (rukn)
- Excessive unnecessary movements
- Speaking intentionally
- Eating or drinking
Major Errors
These mistakes require correction through sujud al-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness). Examples include:
- Missing a wajib (obligatory) element
- Adding an extra rak'ah
- Forgetting to recite Surah Al-Fatiha
- Unintentionally speaking a few words
Minor Errors
These mistakes reduce the quality of prayer but don't invalidate it. Examples include:
- Looking around occasionally
- Fidgeting or minor movements
- Missing a sunnah (recommended) action
- Brief lapses in concentration
Common Mistakes & Corrections
Wudhu & Preparation Mistakes
| Common Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
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Incomplete wudhu (missing parts of the body)
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Ensure all parts are washed properly, including between fingers and toes, and behind the ears. Follow the proper sequence.
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Praying in impure clothing or on an impure surface
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Check clothing and prayer area for impurities (najasah) before prayer. Use a clean prayer mat when uncertain about floor cleanliness.
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Incorrect Qiblah direction
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Use a Qiblah compass or app to determine the correct direction. In mosques, follow the mihrab direction.
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Standing & Recitation Mistakes
| Common Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
|
Forgetting to recite Surah Al-Fatiha
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Al-Fatiha is required in every rak'ah. If you forget it, you must repeat that rak'ah. If realized after prayer, perform sujud al-sahw.
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Incorrect pronunciation of Arabic words
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Practice recitation regularly with a teacher or using reliable audio resources. Focus on correct pronunciation of Al-Fatiha first.
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Rushing through recitation
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Recite at a measured pace with proper tajweed (rules of recitation). Focus on the meaning of what you're reciting.
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Not reciting "Bismillah" aloud (Ibadi practice)
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In Ibadi practice, "Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem" should be recited aloud before Surah Al-Fatiha in all prayers.
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Rukoo (Bowing) & Sujood (Prostration) Mistakes
| Common Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
|
Not achieving proper position in rukoo
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In rukoo, your back should be straight and parallel to the ground, with hands firmly gripping the knees.
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Raising hands during takbir (Ibadi practice)
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In Ibadi practice, hands are not raised during takbir. Simply say "Allahu Akbar" without raising hands to the ears.
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Incorrect hand placement after takbir
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In Ibadi practice, hands should be kept straight down at your sides (not folded at the navel or chest as in other traditions).
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Improper sujood (not all seven points touching)
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In sujood, seven parts should touch the ground: forehead (with nose), both palms, both knees, and the bottom of all toes of both feet.
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Not being still/tranquil in positions
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Maintain each position (rukoo, sujood, sitting) long enough to achieve tranquility. Recite the prescribed dhikr at least once completely.
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Focus & Concentration Mistakes
| Common Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
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Wandering thoughts during prayer
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Focus on the meaning of recitations. When thoughts wander, gently bring focus back to prayer. Pray in a quiet environment with minimal distractions.
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Looking around during prayer
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Fix your gaze on the place of prostration. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against looking up or around during prayer.
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Excessive fidgeting or movement
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Maintain stillness during prayer. Minor movements for comfort are permissible, but excessive movement can invalidate prayer.
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Sujud Al-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness)
When and How to Perform Sujud Al-Sahw
Sujud Al-Sahw is performed to compensate for certain mistakes made during prayer:
When to Perform
- Adding an extra action (e.g., standing when you should sit)
- Omitting a required action (e.g., forgetting a sitting)
- Doubt about the number of rak'ahs performed
- Forgetting to recite tashahhud
How to Perform
- After the final tashahhud, before or after the tasleem (depending on the school of thought)
- Perform two additional prostrations saying "Subhana Rabbi Al-A'la" in each
- Sit between the two prostrations briefly
- After the second prostration, sit and recite tashahhud again
- Complete the prayer with tasleem
Remember
Prayer is a learning journey. Don't be discouraged by mistakes - they are opportunities to improve. Allah looks at our intentions and efforts. Strive for improvement with each prayer, and remember that consistency is key to perfecting your prayer.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Importance of Prayer
Spiritual significance in Islam
Prayer Preparation Guide
Getting ready for prayer
Wudhu (Ablution) Tutorial
Ritual purification steps
Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Tutorial
Complete purification guide
Qiblah Direction Finder
Find the direction to Mecca
Prayer Timings
Daily prayer schedule
Athan (Call to Prayer)
Understanding the call to prayer
Iqamah Instructions
Standing call before prayer
Common Prayer Mistakes
Avoiding errors in prayer
TODAY'S PRAYER TIMES
Muscat, Oman
14 Apr 2025IBADI PRAYER NOTES
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Hand Position
Hands kept straight down at sides, not folded
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Takbir
No raising of hands during takbir
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Recitation
Bismillah recited aloud before Surah Al-Fatiha