Question:
Is it permissible to prompt (give luqmah) the Imam during a fard (obligatory) prayer if he forgets his recitation?
Source: Fatāwā Amunpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amunpuri
Yes, even in obligatory (fard) prayer, if the Imam forgets part of his recitation, it is permissible and recommended to give him a luqmah (prompt).
Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh bin ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما narrated:
Arabic Text:
إن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى صلاة، فقرأ فيها فلبس عليه، فلما انصرف قال لأبي: أصليت معنا؟ قال: نعم، قال: فما منعك
Translation:
“The Prophet ﷺ once led (the Fajr) prayer and made a mistake in his recitation.
After completing the prayer, he asked Ubayy bin Kaʿb رضي الله عنه,
‘Did you not pray with us?’
He replied, ‘Yes
Is it permissible to prompt (give luqmah) the Imam during a fard (obligatory) prayer if he forgets his recitation?
Source: Fatāwā Amunpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amunpuri
✿ Answer:
Yes, even in obligatory (fard) prayer, if the Imam forgets part of his recitation, it is permissible and recommended to give him a luqmah (prompt).
❀ Evidence from the Sunnah
Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh bin ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما narrated:
Arabic Text:
إن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى صلاة، فقرأ فيها فلبس عليه، فلما انصرف قال لأبي: أصليت معنا؟ قال: نعم، قال: فما منعك
Translation:
“The Prophet ﷺ once led (the Fajr) prayer and made a mistake in his recitation.
After completing the prayer, he asked Ubayy bin Kaʿb رضي الله عنه,
‘Did you not pray with us?’
He replied, ‘Yes
