Section VIII: Rulings Related to the Forgetfulness of the Imam and Follower
Firstly: The follower follows his imam regarding forgetfulness
If the imam is forgetful in his prayer and prostrates, the follower prostrates with him. Consensus on this was related by Ishaq, Ibn al-Mundhir, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Hazm, and al-Nawawi on the authority of Abu Hamid.
Secondly: Alerting the imam of his error
The sunnah is for men to glorify Allah to alert the imam of his error. Consensus on this was related by al-Tahawi, Ibn `Abd al-Barr, Ibn Battal, and Ibn Rushd.
Thirdly: When a latecomer follows the imam’s prostration of forgetfulness
- When a latecomer catches part of the imam’s prayer followed by the imam’s forgetfulness and his prostration before the salams:
When a latecomer catches part of the imam’s prayer followed by the imam’s forgetfulness and he prostrates before the salams, the follower must prostrate with him. This is by agreement of the four schools of jurisprudence.
- A latecomer following the imam when he prostrates out of forgetfulness after the salams:
Scholars are of two positions regarding a latecomer following the imam when he prostrates out of forgetfulness after the salams:
The first position: The follower does not prostrate with him but does so after he completes his prayer. This is the position of the Malikis, Shafi`is, a narration from Ahmad, and the position of Ibn Baz.
The second opinion: The follower prostrates with him after the salams. This is the position of the Hanafis, Hanbalis, and a group of the Salaf.
Fourthly: When a follower is forgetful in anything other than the integrals of prayer
- When a follower forgets while he is following the imam:
The forgetfulness of a follower while he is following the imam is covered by the imam. This is by agreement of the four schools of jurisprudence.
- When a follower forgets after he stops following the imam:
When a follower forgets after he stops following the imam, it is not covered by the imam. This is by agreement of the four schools of jurisprudence.
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