Doubts During Salah

Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (رحمہ اللہ)

Question:​

I frequently experience doubts regarding the number of Rak'ahs during Salah, despite reciting loudly to help remember. Even after completing the prayer, I feel as if I might have missed a Rak'ah, a Sajdah, or Tashahhud. Despite my efforts to avoid mistakes, I continue to struggle. Should I repeat my prayer if I have doubts? Is there any specific supplication to dispel doubts at the beginning of Salah?

Answer:​

You should strive to combat these whisperings (Waswas) and avoid them. Recite Ta'awwudh frequently, as Allah instructs:

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ٭ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ٭ إِلَـهِ النَّاسِ ٭ مِنْ شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ٭ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ٭ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ

"Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers in the breasts of mankind, among jinn and among men."

(Surah An-Nas, 114:1-5)

Additionally, Allah instructs:

وَإِمَّا يَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّـهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

"And if an evil whisper comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

(Surah Al-A'raf, 7:200)

If you experience doubts after completing your Salah or Wudu, do not give them any consideration and remain confident that your Wudu is valid.

In case you doubt during Salah whether you have prayed three or four Rak'ahs, consider it as three and complete the prayer accordingly. Before concluding with Salam, perform two Sajdahs of forgetfulness (Sujood as-Sahw). This is the directive given by the Prophet (ﷺ) to a person experiencing similar doubts. May Allah protect you and us from Satan.
 
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