whereas an obligatory element can still be performed after it has been omitted. If a person fails to perform it, deliberately or forgetfully, until the opportunity has passed, they must repeat the prayer. This same distinction explains the different rulings concerning someone who inadvertently adds a unit of prayer or a prostration, or omits one: the prostration of forgetfulness suffices for an addition, but not for an omission.
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The school likewise differs over assuming an upright posture between the integral acts of prayer. Ibn al-Jallāb’s compendium states that it is obligatory, whereas the majority hold that it is not. Accordingly, someone who does not straighten up after bowing or prostrating should seek Allah’s forgiveness but need not repeat the prayer. This was related by ʿĪsā from Ibn al-Qāsim. Another view holds that repeating the prayer is obligatory, in keeping with the apparent meaning of the hadith in which the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said to a man who had prayed without straightening himself properly:
“Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.”
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The Sunnahs of Prayer
There are eighteen sunnahs of prayer: holding prayers in mosques; and the iqāmah (call to commence prayer)—or, according to another view, both the adhān (call to prayer) and the iqāmah. The correct view is that the adhān is not a sunnah incumbent upon each individual; rather, it is a sunnah in mosques where congregational prayers are held, and an obligation upon the town as a whole. The Literalists have said that it is a sunnah, but this is a weak, baseless position.
They also include raising the hands when pronouncing the opening takbīr (declaration of Allah’s greatness), although another view holds that raising them is merely recommended. As for raising them when bowing and when rising from bowing, Mālik’s statements differ: on one occasion he said that they should not be raised; on another he approved of raising them; and on another he left the choice open. Abū Zayd related from Ibn al-Qāsim that he disapproved of raising the hands at the opening takbīr. This is an anomalous, weak, and obscure report; something similar appears in some transmissions of al-Mudawwanah.
The remaining sunnahs include the surah recited in addition to the Opening Surah; reciting aloud where audible recitation is prescribed and quietly where quiet recitation is prescribed; listening silently to the imam during his audible recitation; the takbīrs other than the opening takbīr—although it has also been said that each of these is a separate sunnah; saying “Allah hears whoever praises Him” for the imam and the person praying alone; the first tashahhud (testimony of faith); sitting for it; the final tashahhud; and invoking blessings