A person followed the imam, and after the first rak'ah, he realized that he had not performed wudu'.

The questioner : One person followed the imam, professor, and completed the first rak'ah, then realized that he had forgotten that he had not performed wudu'. So, does he continue?

The Shaykh : How does he continue? We are saying that he should perform wudu'. How does he continue?

Another questioner : He had not performed wudu', but he completed the first rak'ah.

The Shaykh : My brother, he goes to perform wudu' and comes back to build upon what has passed.

Another questioner : Does he make up the rak'ah, meaning the rak'ah that he missed?

The Shaykh : No, the rak'ah is valid.

Another questioner : On the condition that he does not turn his back to the qiblah?

The Shaykh : I said: He must remain as if he were in prayer; he does not speak and does not turn his back to the qiblah, but rather he performs wudu'. And this rak'ah is counted as valid; because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) one day said the takbir for the Fajr prayer, then remembered that he was in a state of janabah, so he gestured to them to stay in their places, then he went and performed ghusl, and came back with his head dripping water, and prayed with them.

Another questioner : He did not turn his back to the qiblah? The whole action, he did not turn his back to the qiblah...?

The Shaykh : Yes, do whatever you want!
Yes.