the worshipper makes the intention for the desired prayer within their heart, whether it is an obligatory prayer or a voluntary prayer. However, they should not verbalise their intention because it is not legislated to do so. The evidence for this is that neither the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) or his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) verbalised their intentions.

the worshipper must pray standing up. However, if they are unable to, they must pray sitting down. If they are unable to pray sitting down, they must pray on their side, facing the Qiblah. Furthermore, if they are unable to pray on their side whilst facing the Qiblah, they must pray on their back. The evidence for this was narrated by 'Imran ibn Husain; he narrated that the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) commanded, "Pray standing up; if you cannot, then pray sitting down; if you cannot, then pray on your side." This was reported by al-Bukhari. An-Nasai also reported the same hadith with the addition of, "If you cannot, then pray on your back”.

the worshipper states the Takbir al-Ihram (Allahu akbar) standing up. It is the first pillar of the prayer as the Prophet (may Allah’s salah and salam be upon him) stated, "The key to the prayer is purification, its prohibition is the Takbir and its permissibility is the Taslim." It is recommended to raise the hands to be level with the shoulders or the ears. It is also recommended to look towards the place of prostration. Likewise, it is recommended to place the hands on the chest, with the right hand over the left hand, including the wrist and the forearm, as this was the practice of the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him).

It is recommended to recite the opening supplication (Dua al-Istiftah), which is,

"اللهم باعد بيني وبين خطاياي كما باعدت بين المشرق والمغرب، اللهم نقني من خطاياي كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس، اللهم اغسلني من خطاياي بالماء والثلج والبرد".

“O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the east from the west. O Allah, cleanse me of my sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. O Allah, wash me of my sins with water, snow, and hail.” This was reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim).

 If one wishes to start with an alternative supplication, they may say,

سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك، وتبارك اسمك، وتعالى جدك، ولا إله غيرك.

“O Allah, I proclaim Your perfection and I praise You; it is by Your name that all blessings are attained, Your magnificence is exalted, and none has the right to be worshipped except You.”

It is also recommended to say,

أعوذ باللّه من الشيطان الرجيم، بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

“I seek refuge with Allah from shaytan, the outcast,” followed by "((In the name of Allah, the Immensely Merciful, Bestower of Mercy))

the worshipper recites Surah al-Fatihah, as the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) stated, "There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the opening (chapter) of the Book." Reported by al-Bukhari & Muslim. It should be recited in a clear and composed manner, giving each letter its due right.

It is recommended to recite al-Fatihah aloud in the audible prayers: Maghrib, ‘Isha, Fajr, and Jumu’ah. However, in the silent prayers: Dhuhr, ‘Asr, the last rak'ah of Maghrib, and the last two rak’ah of ‘Isha, it should be recited quietly. It is also recommended to say “Ameen” after reciting,

وَلا الضَّالِّينَ((

((Nor those who have gone astray))

After reciting Surah al-Fatihah, it is recommended to recite a portion of the Qur’an one finds easy.  It is recommended to read from the middle of the 'Mufassal' after al-Fatihah during Dhuhr, ‘Asr, and ‘Isha. However, during Fajr, one should read from the longer Surahs, whilst during Maghrib, one should occasionally read from the longer Surahs and occasionally read from the shorter Surahs, in accordance with the Hadiths mentioned regarding this. The longer Surahs range from Surah Qaf to Surah al-Mursalat, the middle ones range from Surah an-Naba to Surah al-Layl, and the shorter ones range from Surah ad-Duha to Surah an-Nas.

the worshipper says "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) and bows. Whilst bowing one should place their hands on the knees with their fingers spread apart and repeat thrice,

سبحان ربي العظيم

“My Lord, the Most Magnificent, is perfect in every way.”

In addition to this, it is recommended to say,

سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك، اللهم اغفر لي

“O Allah, I proclaim Your perfection and I praise You. O Allah, forgive me.” This was reported by al-Bukhari & Muslim.

Thereafter, it is recommended to raise the hands to the level of the shoulders or ears, and to keep the head level with the back, maintaining an upright and composed posture while placing the hands on the knees with fingers spread apart.

the worshipper raises their head from the bowing position while saying,

سمع اللّه لمن حمده

“Allah has heard and responded to those who have praised Him.”

 This applies to both those who are leading the prayer or praying alone. Upon standing up, one should say,

ربنا ولك الحمد

“Our Lord, we beseech You to accept our obedience, and You alone deserve all praise.”

 This should be said whether one is the imam, a member of the congregation, or alone. It is also recommended to raise both hands to the level of the shoulders or ears when rising from the bowing position. Finally, after the aforementioned supplication, it is also recommended to say,

حمدًا كثيرًا طيبا ًمباركًا فيه ملء السماوات وملء الأرض وملء ما بينهما وملء ما شئت من شيء بعد

“Abundant, good, and blessed praise that fills the heavens, the earth, everything between them, and whatever else You wish.”

the worshipper performs sujud whilst saying "Allahu Akbar". One must perform sujud upon seven parts of the body: the forehead along with the nose, the two hands, the two knees, and the toes.

It is recommended to descend into the prostration by placing the knees down before the hands, if it is possible to do so. If it is not possible to do so, one may place the hands down before the knees.

It is also recommended to keep the elbows away from the sides and the abdomen away from the thighs. Similarly, the thighs should be kept away from the calves, and the arms should be raised off the ground. The fingers and toes should be facing the Qiblah, and the fingers alone should be close together and extended.

Whilst in sujud, it is recommended to say the supplication below three times or more,

سبحان ربي الأعلى

My Lord, the Most High, is perfect in every way.

In addition to this, it is recommended to say,

سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك، اللهم اغفر لي

“O Allah, I proclaim Your perfection and I praise You. O Allah, forgive me.”

It is also recommended to increase in supplication whilst in sujud, as the Prophet (may Allah’s salah and salam be upon him) stated, “As for when you are in prostration, increase in supplication, for it is even more likely to be answered.” One should ask their Lord for the good of this world and the Hereafter, whether the prayer is obligatory or voluntary.

One of the supplications authentically reported from the Prophet (may Allah’s salah and salam be upon him) is, "O Allah, Turner of the hearts, keep my heart steadfast in Your religion."

the worshipper raises their head while saying "Allahu Akbar" then remains seated. Once seated, one should say,

رب اغفر لي

“My Lord, forgive me”.

One should remain in a state of tranquility whilst seated and not hasten. It is recommended to place the left foot flat and sit on it, while keeping the right foot upright, and to place the hands on the thighs and knees. It is also recommended for one to say,

وارحمني واهدني وارزقني وعافني واجبرني

“Have mercy on me, guide me, provide for me, grant me health, and mend my brokenness.”

Thereafter, one prostrates a second time whilst saying “Allahu akbar”. This prostration should be performed in the exact same manner as the previous prostration. Upon completing the second prostration, one must stand for the second rak’ah. It is recommended to arise with the use of the knees, if possible. If it is not possible, one may do so using the ground. Once stood upright, the second rak’ah should be completed like the first.

if the prayer is two rak'ahs like the Fajr, Jumu'ah, and two Eid prayers, the worshipper sits for the final Tashahhud.

the worshipper sits for the final Tashahhud and reads it. Sitting for and reading the final Tashahhud are the ninth and tenth pillars of the prayer. The Tashahhud is to say,

التحيات لله والصلوات والطيبات، السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته، السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين، أشهد أن لا إله إلا اللّه وأشهد أن محمدًا عبده ورسوله

“All glorification, salah, and wholesome words and deeds belong to Allah alone. Prophet of Allah, may Allah bestow salah, mercy, and many blessings upon you. May Allah also bestow salah upon us, as well as upon all of Allah’s righteous worshipping servants. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s worshipping servant and Messenger.”

One should then say,

اللهم صل على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما صليت على إبراهيم وآل إبراهيم إنك حميد مجيد، وبارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما باركت على إبراهيم وآل إبراهيم إنك حميد مجيد

“O Allah, send salah upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, just as You bestowed salah upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Most Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Most Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.”

 It is then recommended to seek refuge with Allah from four evils, saying,

اللهم إني أعوذ بك من عذاب جهنم ومن عذاب القبر ومن فتنة المحيا والممات ومن فتنة المسيح الدجال

“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the torment of hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the trial of al-Masih ad-Dajjal.” Thereafter, one may supplicate for whatever they wish.

During this sitting, it is recommended to raise the right leg and stretch the left leg, whilst placing the right hand on the right thigh with all the fingers clasped except for the index finger, as it is this finger that one indicates the oneness of Allah. If one folds the little finger and the ring finger of his right hand, circles the thumb with the middle finger, and points with the index finger, this is also good as both actions have been reported from the Prophet (may Allah’s salah and salam be upon him). One should also place their left hand on their left knee.    

However, if the prayer consists of three rak'ahs, such as Maghrib, or four rak'ahs like Dhuhr, 'Asr, and 'Isha,  one should recite the Tashahud,

التحيات لله والصلوات والطيبات، السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته، السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين، أشهد أن لا إله إلا اللّه وأشهد أن محمدًا عبده ورسوله

“All glorification, salah, and wholesome words and deeds belong to Allah alone. Prophet of Allah, may Allah bestow salah, mercy, and many blessings upon you. May Allah also bestow salah upon us, as well as upon all of Allah’s righteous worshipping servants. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s worshipping servant and Messenger.”

Thereafter, one should arise to a standing position, using their knees. and raise their hands to the level of their shoulders or ears whilst saying, "Allahu akbar".

 After completing the first Tashahud in a three or four rak'ah prayer, one must arise whilst saying "Allahu akbar". It is recommended to raise the hands whilst doing so. Thereafter the prayer should be completed in the same manner that has preceded. 

Before concluding with the Taslim one must sit for the final Tashahud and recite it in its entirety. Whilst doing so, it is recommended to sit in a 'tawarruk' position, by placing the right foot upright and extending the left foot out from the right side under his right leg.

upon completing the final Tashahud, one must say the Taslim twice. This is to say,

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله

May Allah bestow His protection and mercy upon you.

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله

May Allah bestow His protection and mercy upon you.

It is recommended to turn to turn to ones right as this is said the first time, then to turn to ones left as this is said the second time.

After completing the Taslim it is recommended to say,

أستغفر الله

“I seek the forgiveness of Allah” (three times).

اللهم أنت السلام ومنك السلام تباركت يا ذا الجلال والإكرام

“O Allah, You are as-Salam (the One free of all flaws), all salam comes from you. Blessed are You, O Owner of Majesty and Honour.”

لا إله إلا اللّه وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير، اللهم لا مانع لما أعطيت ولا معطي لما منعت ولا ينفع ذا الجد منك الجد، لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله، لا إله إلا اللّه ولا نعبد إلا إياه له النعمة وله الفضل وله الثناء الحسن لا إله إلا اللّه مخلصين له الدين ولو كره الكافرون

None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, without any partner. To Him alone belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is completely capable of all things. O Allah, none can withhold what you give, or give what you withhold. The effort of the one who strives is of no avail against you. There is no power or might except by Allah. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, therefore we only worship Allah alone. He is the possessor of all blessings, bounty and the best praise. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, therefore we are sincere to Him in religion, even if the people of kufr dislike it.

One should then proceed to mention the following three supplications thirty-three times each.

سبحان الله

“I proclaim Allah’s perfect.”

الحمد لله

“All praise is due to Allah.”

الله أكبر

“Allah is the greatest.”

In order to complete the one hundred, one should say the following supplication,

لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير.

“None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, without any partner. To Him alone belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is completely capable of all things.”