When we pray behind the imam, doubt arises in the prayer; some of the worshippers say that we prayed five rak'ahs, while others say that we prayed four
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The questioner : The questioner says: Sometimes when we pray behind the imam, doubt arises in the prayer; some of the worshippers say that we prayed five rak'ahs, while others say that we prayed four rak'ahs. What is the ruling of the Shari'ah in your view in this case?
The Shaykh : If the imam is certain that he is correct in what he prayed, then the statements of these people are not considered; he should act according to what he sees. As for if he is not certain, he should follow the opinion of those whom he considers more likely to be correct, because they are more attentive to the prayer and further from heedlessness. If the two positions are equal in his view, let him build upon certainty, let him perform what was missed, and let him prostrate for forgetfulness before the taslim. And if he follows the more likely opinion in his view, he prostrates for forgetfulness after the taslim.
The Shaykh : If the imam is certain that he is correct in what he prayed, then the statements of these people are not considered; he should act according to what he sees. As for if he is not certain, he should follow the opinion of those whom he considers more likely to be correct, because they are more attentive to the prayer and further from heedlessness. If the two positions are equal in his view, let him build upon certainty, let him perform what was missed, and let him prostrate for forgetfulness before the taslim. And if he follows the more likely opinion in his view, he prostrates for forgetfulness after the taslim.