Looking at a watch during the prayer

Question

What is [the ruling on] deliberately looking, while in the state of prayer, at the watch strapped to one’s wrist? Will the prayer become fasid (invalid)? And if one’s glance fell on it unintentionally, what is the ruling?

Answer

The prayer will not become fasid; however, without need this act is futile ('abath), and that is makruh. And if the glance fell unintentionally and he even came to know the time, then it is not even makruh. [ar]ولا يفسدها نظره إلى مكتوب وفهمه لو مستفهما وإن كره[/ar] “His looking at something written and understanding it does not invalidate the prayer, if [he did so] seeking to…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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