The Imam’s Alert When He Forgets a Verse in Prayer

Question:
If the imam forgets a verse from the Qur’an while reciting in the loud prayer, and none of the ma’mum (those praying behind him), for example, says to him regarding the verse, “Recite it for us,” to alert the believers or the worshippers, is that valid?

Answer:
This is narrated from al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf that the recitation was blocked for him, so they did not respond to him. He said, “Recite it for me; why do you not speak?” When this happens to him from the Qur’an, it is opened up for him; it is opened up for him from behind him. This is because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was blocked once, and Ubayy ibn Ka’b was behind him, but it was not opened up for him. So the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him after the taslim, “Where are you, O Ubayy?” This indicates that the one who has knowledge of the verse that was blocked for the imam should open it up for him. This is from the Sunnah. Yes.