Ruling on Following the Imam in an Extra (Third) Sajdah

❖ 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:

1. Alert the Imam if he notices the extra Sajdah.
2. 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