Got confused in Prayer

July 17, 2024
Answered by Mufti Ismail Moosa
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Question

So when I was in Salah I forgot to say rabbigfirlie in between the prostrations, so then when I said Allah akbar I was supposed to say rabbigfirlie silent in the middle of me going into the second sujood I stopped briefly, and I wasn’t sure I was supposed to do so I stopped then went a little bit up to go back in the sitting position, but then I realize no, so I went into sujood and did sujood as sawh before Salam is my salah valid I have waswas in salah so is my salah valid

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Answer

Wa ‘alaykum as-salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,

  1. Omitting Du’ā’ between Prostrations: Saying “Rabbighfir lī” between the two prostrations (sujūd) is recommended (sunnah) and not obligatory (wājib). Forgetting to say it does not invalidate your prayer.
  2. Pausing During Prayer: Ideally, one should not pause during prostration unless absolutely necessary (like coughing or sneezing). If the pause was longer than the duration it takes to recite Subḥanallāh three times, it necessitates Sujūd as-Sahw.
  3. Movement During Ṣalāh: Minor movements or hesitations due to forgetfulness do not invalidate the prayer as long as the structure and pillars of the Ṣalāh are maintained.
  4. Sujūd as-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness): Performing Sujūd as-Sahw compensates for mistakes or forgetfulness in the prayer. Since you performed Sujūd as-Sahw before the salām, you have addressed any shortcomings.

Given these points:

  • Your Ṣalāh is Valid: Forgetting to say “Rabbighfir lī” and the brief hesitation do not invalidate your prayer. Performing Sujūd as-Sahw was a correct measure to address any possible errors.
  • Address the Waswās: Waswās (whispers of the devil) is a common challenge during Ṣalāh. The key is not to dwell on the doubts but to seek refuge in Allah from them and continue your prayer. These whispers aim to create doubt and anxiety in your worship. Maintaining focus and seeking refuge in Allah from these whispers can help.

Summary

Your Ṣalāh remains valid despite the forgetfulness and hesitation. Performing Sujūd as-Sahw addressed any potential errors. Continue to perform your prayers with confidence, seeking refuge in Allah from any unwarranted whispers of the devil.

And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Ismail Moosa