What should the worshipers do if the imam makes a mistake?
September 27, 20242 Mins Read
Religion Desk: The imam of the mosque sometimes makes mistakes while leading prayers in congregation. For example, standing without sitting in the second rakat in a prayer consisting of four rakats or standing even after the completion of four rakats, etc.
Namaj
If the imam makes a mistake while leading the prayer, the muktadi will let him correct the mistake by loudly saying 'Subhanallah'. A muqtadi is one who prays behind the imam
On the authority of Sahl ibn Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him), one day Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) went there to settle a dispute among the tribe of Amr ibn Awf. When it was time for the Asr prayer in the absence of the Prophet (PBUH), the muezzin requested Abu Bakr (RA) to lead the prayer. After Abu Bakr (R.A.) started leading the prayer, when Nabiji appeared and joined in the prayer, the Companions clapped their hands and tried to warn him to step back and give Nabiji the responsibility of imam. At the end of the prayer Nabiji (PBUH) said,
I saw your hands making noise. What is the reason? If there is any problem in prayer, say 'Subhanallah'. Subhanallah will be given attention to him. Making noise with hands is for women. (Sahih Bukhari: 1201)
So from the hadith it is understood that men should warn the imam by saying 'Subhanallah' if any problem arises during the prayer. However, if women are present in the congregation and want to point out any mistake of the imam, they should warn the imam by clapping their right hand on the back of their left hand instead of saying 'Subhanallah'.
Generally in our country there is a practice of warning the imam by saying 'Allahu Akbar' when the imam makes a mistake. Even if you say 'Allahu Akbar', there will be no problem in prayer. But the Sunnah is to say 'Subhanallah'.
In one narration, the Prophet (PBUH) one day stood up in the second rak'at of the four-rak'at prayer. Then the Companions mistakenly said 'Subhanallah'. (Sunan Nasa'i: 1178)
