The Requirements of the Prayer

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd-il-Wahhaab - Rahimahullah - says in his book, Shuroot-us-Salaat-i-wa-Arkaanuhaa-wa-Waajibaatuhaa:

The Requirements (Waajibaat) for the Prayer

Its requirements are eight:

1. All of the Takbeers except for the Opening Takbeer;
2. Saying “Subhaana Rabby al-‘Adheem” [Perfect is my Lord, the Most Great] while bowing;
3. Saying “Sami’a Allaahu Liman Hamidahu” [Allaah hears the one who praises Him] – this applies to the one leading the prayer and the one praying alone;
4. Saying “Rabbanaa wa Lakal-Hamd” [Our Lord to You belongs the Praise] – this applies to everyone;
5. Saying “Subhaana Rabby al-A’alaa” [Perfect is my Lord, the Most High] while prostrating;
6. Saying “Rabb Ighfir Lee” [My Lord, forgive me] while in between the two prostrations;
7. The first Tashahhud; and
8. Sitting for it.

The pillars (shuroot) are that which if one fails to perform any of them out of forgetfulness or intentionally, his prayer is rendered invalid because of his abandoning it. The requirements (waajibaat) are that which if one fails to perform any of them intentionally, his prayer is rendered invalid due to his abandoning it, but if he leaves any of them due to forgetfulness, he is obligated to perform the (extra) prostrations for forgetfulness (at the end of the prayer). And Allaah knows best.

See also:
The Conditions (Shurooth) of the Prayer
The Pillars (Shuroot) of the Prayer

Translated by Ismaa'eel Alacron