Is it permissible to make three movements in the entire prayer, or three movements in each pillar?

The jurists agree that excessive, consecutive actions invalidate the prayer, whether done intentionally or out of forgetfulness.

An example is scratching the body repeatedly and consecutively.

The definition of "excessive" action is determined by custom according to the Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools.

However, the Hanafis hold that three consecutive scratches are considered excessive and invalidate the prayer.

Whereas minor or non-consecutive scratching does not invalidate the prayer unless it exceeds what is customary.