1. Intention
2. QiyÁm (standing)
3. TakbÐrat al-iÎrÁm
4. RukÙ‘
5. SujÙd
6. QirÁ’ah
7. Dhikr
8. Tashahhud
9. SalÁm
10. Sequence (tartÐb)
11. Succession (muwÁlÁt) between the components of prayer
The pillars of prayer are five. They include the intention, takbÐrat al-iÎrÁm, the qiyÁm that is conjoined with rukÙ, i.e. standing before going to rukÙ, rukÙ‘ and two sujÙd for every rak‘ah.
If any of the components are deliberately performed in excess of the prescribed limit, the prayer will be deemed absolutely invalid. However, if an excusable ignorant person deliberately recites takbÐrat al-iÎrÁm in excess, then to claim that his prayer is invalid is problematic. If he accidentally performs an extra rukÙ‘ or two sujÙd in one rak‘ah, his prayer is invalid. Otherwise it is not.