It is the imam’s recitation and tasbih that count

Question

Zayd is an imam, and he often experiences confusion (mixing up similar passages, mutashabih) or forgetfulness in his recitation. This confusion or forgetfulness sometimes occurs after [he has recited] the amount with which the prayer is valid, and sometimes before it. When Zayd becomes confused, he tries to recite from the preceding point, and in this attempt a pause (sakta) occurs, lasting sometimes the length of three tasbihs and sometimes less. The question is: (a)

Answer

(a) If he did not remember what to recite and kept thinking silently for the length of three tasbihs, then sajda al-sahw becomes necessary. (b) It is the imam’s recitation and tasbih that count.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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