A Follower (Muqtadi) Can Remind the Imam if He Forgets a Verse in Salah

Hadith Reference:​

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Saying 'SubhanAllah' is for men, and clapping is for women."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1203, Sahih Muslim: 422)

Key Lessons:​

❶ If the Imam forgets something in Salah, there is no issue. Mistakes can happen, and there is a way to correct them.

❷ Women can offer Salah in the mosque behind the men. The proper arrangement should be:

• Men's rows should be at the front.
• Children's rows should be behind the men.
• Women's rows should be behind the children.

❸ If the Imam forgets a verse, the follower (Muqtadi) can correct him.

• A male follower should say "SubhanAllah" to alert the Imam.
• Women should not speak but can clap to notify the Imam.
• The method for clapping: A woman should turn her left palm upwards and strike it lightly with two fingers of her right hand.

❹ This Hadith also establishes that in a mixed congregation, only a man can lead the Salah. A woman cannot be the Imam in such a setting.

❺ Men should only say "SubhanAllah" to correct the Imam.

• Saying "Allahu Akbar" or any other phrase is not prescribed.
• Women are instructed to clap, and even that is in a specific manner.
• Since a woman’s voice is considered part of modesty (Awrah), she is not required to speak in such cases.

❻ Clapping in general (outside of Salah) is a non-Islamic practice.

• The Hadith clarifies that even for women, clapping is only permissible in Salah under specific circumstances.
• The modern trend of clapping in gatherings, celebrations, or sports events is not from Islamic teachings.
• Islam discourages free intermixing of men and women, which is often seen in public events involving clapping.

Source:
This content is taken from Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath's book "Diya' al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi Ahadith al-Ahkam", translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.