The debate on breaking one’s breath before the imam

Question

Zayd says that if the imam breaks his breath within the two salams, no one’s prayer will be valid. Bakr says that if the imam gives the salam slowly, with recitation (?), and before that — that is, before the imam — the muqtadi breaks his breath, then the prayer of those whose breath broke will not be valid. Are both of them correct in what they say?

Answer

If the breath runs out between the two salams, taking a second breath will not cause any defect in the prayer. The muqtadi does not recite behind the imam but stands silently, so the discussion of his breath breaking is out of place. The muqtadi does, however, also give the salam.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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