The obligatory elements of the prayer are eight:
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All the takbīrs inside the prayer apart from the opening consecrating takbīr (takbīrat al-iḥrām) are obligatory. Every transitional takbīr, therefore, is deemed an obligation, not a pillar.
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The phrase of praise—rabbana wa laka al-ḥamd (Our Lord, to You belongs all praise)—must be said by the imam, the follower, and the lone worshiper, in keeping with the Prophet’s instruction: “When the imam says: samʿa-Allāhu liman ḥamidah (Allah hears whoever praises Him), say: rabbana wa laka al-ḥamd.”
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Uttering subḥāna rabbī al-aʿlā (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) once while in prostration. It is recommended to increase this to three times, which is more complete, and up to ten times, which is its highest form.
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Saying subḥāna rabbī al-aʿlā (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) once in each prostration; it is Sunnah to repeat it up to three times.
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Saying rabbi’ghfir lī (Lord, forgive me) once between the two prostrations; it is recommended to add up to three repetitions.
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The first tashahhud, expressed with the wording:
al-taḥiyyātu lillāh wa-l-ṣalawātu wa-l-ṭayyibāt, al-salāmu ʿalayka ayyuhā al-nabiyyu wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh, al-salāmu ʿalaynā wa ʿalā ʿibādillāhi al-ṣāliḥīn, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa ash-hadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluh (All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger), or any similar wording that has been authentically transmitted.