❖ The Ruling on Following the Imam in a Third (Extra) Sajdah ❖
Question:
If the Imam mistakenly performs a third Sajdah (prostration) during a Rakʿah, and the follower (muqtadi) is aware of it, should the follower also perform the third Sajdah?
Answer by:
Shaykh Saeed Mujtaba Saeedi حفظه الله
Shaykh Dawood Ismail حفظه الله
➊ Reminder to the Imam
✔ If the muqtadi is certain that the Imam is making a third Sajdah, he should remind the Imam by saying “SubhanAllah” aloud, which is the Sunnah method of alerting the Imam to an error.
✔ It is mandatory for the Imam to act upon this reminder when it comes from the muqtadi.
➋ Situation of the Muqtadi
✔ If the Imam does not correct the mistake despite the reminder:
- If the muqtadi is sure that this is a third and extra Sajdah, he should not follow the Imam in this incorrect act.
- If he knowingly follows the Imam in the extra Sajdah, then his own prayer may become invalid.
- However, if the muqtadi is unaware of the issue or does not know this ruling, he is considered excused (maʿdhur), and his prayer remains valid.
➌ Summary of the Ruling
✔ The muqtadi should:
- Alert the Imam if he notices the extra Sajdah.
- If the Imam still continues the third Sajdah:
- If the muqtadi knows it is extra, he should not follow.
- If the muqtadi is unaware, his prayer is not invalid due to ignorance.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
