Elements of Islamic Studies

Lesson 41: Valid (Sahih) Doubts

(Doubts that require remedial procedure).

Nine cases of doubts are such that the prayer is not rendered batil (invalid), provided the remedial procedure as prescribed in each case is carried out. It is not necessary to offer the prayer again.

1. Doubt during a four rak'at prayer after both the sajdahs whether it was the second or the third rak’at. In such a case it should be regarded as the third rak'at and the prayer is to be finished after offering the fourth rak'at. Thereafter Salat al-ihtiyat (precautionary prayer) of one rak’at by standing be offered. .
2. Doubt, after the two sajdahs, whether it was second the second, third or the fourth rak’at. In such a case, the prayer should be finished by considering it as the fourth rak’at and Salat al-ihtiyat of two rak’at by standing is to be offered.
3. Doubt after the two sajdahs, whether it was the second, third or the fourth rak’at. In such a case, prayer is to be be finished by considering it as the fourth rak’at and Salat al-ihtiyat of two rak’ats by standing and then another two rak’ats by sitting is to be offered.
4. Doubt after two sajdahs whether it was the fourth or the fifth rak’at. In a such case, the prayer should be completed then and there and two sajdahs of sahw should be offered immediately.
   Note: "After the two sajdahs", in above 4 cases, means after completing the dhikr of 2nd sajdah.
5. Doubt whether it was the third or the fourth rak’at. In such a case the prayer should be finished by considering it as the fourth rak’at and Salat al-ihtiyat of one rak’at by standing or two rak’at by sitting is to be offered.
6. Doubt while in qiyam (standing posture) whether it is fourth or fifth rak’at. In such a case, sit down at once and finish the prayer. Thereafter Salat al-ihtiyat of one rak’at by standing or two rak’ats by sitting is to be offered.
7. Doubt while in qiyam, i.e. before ruku’ whether it was the third or the fifth rak’at. In such a case, at once sit down and after finishing Prayer, offer two rak’ats of Salat al-ihtiyat by standing.
8. Doubt while in qiyam whether it was the third, fourth or the fifth rak’at. In such a case, at once sit down and after finishing the prayer offer two rak’ats of Salat al-ihtiyat by standing and two rak’ats by sitting.
9. Doubt while in qiyam, whether it was the fifth or the sixth rak’at. In such a case, prayer should be finished at once and two sajdahs of sahw will have to be done.
   Note: In last the mentioned four cases, two sajdah of sahw should be done for the unwanted qiyam.