If the imam is certain of the correctness of his own action, it is not permissible for him to follow the tasbih of those behind him
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Fatwa number ( 20719 )
Q: During the 'Isha' prayer, in the last rak'ah, the imam intended to sit for the final tashahhud, but two of the congregation alerted the imam by saying: Subhan Allah, indicating that there was a missing rak'ah, despite the imam being certain that the prayer was complete. This alert came only from these two individuals, while the imam and the rest of the congregation were certain that the prayer was complete. The imam stood up, did not sit for the final tashahhud, and performed a rak'ah while being certain it was the fifth rak'ah. Before the taslim, the imam performed sujud al-sahw. O Shaykh, is the prayer valid, and are we required to repeat it or do something else?
A: If the imam is certain of the correctness of his own action, it is not permissible for him to follow the tasbih of those behind him; because their tasbih indicates only a suspicion, and certainty takes precedence over it. Therefore, what was mentioned in the question is an incorrect action. However, if the imam was unaware of this ruling, his prayer is valid - if Allah wills - and likewise, those behind him, if they followed him while unaware of the ruling, their prayers are valid. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: During the 'Isha' prayer, in the last rak'ah, the imam intended to sit for the final tashahhud, but two of the congregation alerted the imam by saying: Subhan Allah, indicating that there was a missing rak'ah, despite the imam being certain that the prayer was complete. This alert came only from these two individuals, while the imam and the rest of the congregation were certain that the prayer was complete. The imam stood up, did not sit for the final tashahhud, and performed a rak'ah while being certain it was the fifth rak'ah. Before the taslim, the imam performed sujud al-sahw. O Shaykh, is the prayer valid, and are we required to repeat it or do something else?
A: If the imam is certain of the correctness of his own action, it is not permissible for him to follow the tasbih of those behind him; because their tasbih indicates only a suspicion, and certainty takes precedence over it. Therefore, what was mentioned in the question is an incorrect action. However, if the imam was unaware of this ruling, his prayer is valid - if Allah wills - and likewise, those behind him, if they followed him while unaware of the ruling, their prayers are valid. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.