The ruling on one who forgets the final prostration and does not perform the prostration for forgetfulness
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A congregation prayed one of the obligatory prayers, and the imam forgot the final prostration, did not perform it, and concluded the prayer with the taslim. The followers followed him and left. Some of the followers separated from the imam and performed the prostration, some stood up and left the mosque, and some repeated the entire prayer. The imam was then reminded, so he performed the prostration and concluded the prayer with the taslim, but he did not perform the prostration for forgetfulness. It is well known that prostration is a pillar of the prayer, and the prayer is invalid if it is omitted, whether intentionally or by mistake.The Shaykh: But he prostrated the prostration or only the prostration for forgetfulness?The questioner: The prostration only.
The Shaykh: And he did not prostrate for forgetfulness?The questioner: Yes.
What is the ruling?
It is obligatory for the follower, if his imam neglects a pillar or an obligatory act, to alert him.The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (If something happens to a person in his prayer, let him say: Subhan Allah. Clapping is for women) It is obligatory for the followers to say Subhan Allah, and to persist in saying it until the imam returns to the prayer. If it happens that the imam does not understand, let them recite a verse that indicates this. For example, this man who omitted the final prostration and concluded the prayer: it is obligatory for the followers to say Subhan Allah and say: Subhan Allah until he becomes aware. If he does not become aware, let them recite a verse from the Qur'an to remind him.For example, they should say: [Al-Alaq: 19] or a verse similar to it to remind him.
As for the specific case that occurred, those who performed the second prostration and concluded the prayer have a valid prayer. Those who did not prostrate until a long time had passed must repeat the prayer from the beginning. Those who were reminded shortly after and then performed the prostration must, after the taslim, perform two prostrations for forgetfulness and then conclude the prayer. So you should ask these brothers about what happened to them.So whoever among them said: He has not prostrated until now, so instruct him to repeat his prayer.
The Shaykh: And he did not prostrate for forgetfulness?The questioner: Yes.
What is the ruling?
It is obligatory for the follower, if his imam neglects a pillar or an obligatory act, to alert him.The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (If something happens to a person in his prayer, let him say: Subhan Allah. Clapping is for women) It is obligatory for the followers to say Subhan Allah, and to persist in saying it until the imam returns to the prayer. If it happens that the imam does not understand, let them recite a verse that indicates this. For example, this man who omitted the final prostration and concluded the prayer: it is obligatory for the followers to say Subhan Allah and say: Subhan Allah until he becomes aware. If he does not become aware, let them recite a verse from the Qur'an to remind him.For example, they should say:
And prostrate and draw near
وَاسْجُدْ وَاقْتَرِبْAs for the specific case that occurred, those who performed the second prostration and concluded the prayer have a valid prayer. Those who did not prostrate until a long time had passed must repeat the prayer from the beginning. Those who were reminded shortly after and then performed the prostration must, after the taslim, perform two prostrations for forgetfulness and then conclude the prayer. So you should ask these brothers about what happened to them.So whoever among them said: He has not prostrated until now, so instruct him to repeat his prayer.