How do I prepare for the prayer?

Before entering the prayer the Muslim makes sure the time has come, purification, covering the 'awrah, facing the qiblah and the intention. These come before the prayer and should not be mixed with the pillars of the prayer that occur within it.

Allah, the Most High, said: “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at specified times” [al-Nisa': 103]. The Muslim relies on the times of his country or the trusted body, and does not give precedence to electronic calculation over the announcement of the official body when they differ.

The Muslim intends in his heart the prayer he wants to perform, and does not need to utter a particular wording for the intention. If he stands for Zuhr knowing that he is praying Zuhr, the intention has been achieved.

Whoever is sick, or unable to use water, or has a permanent excuse, or cannot face the qiblah, has rulings that suit his state. A general answer is not applied to a particular case before asking a trusted scholar.