Fatwa ID: 07607
Answered by: Alimah Saniyah bint Asrar
Question:
Salam, so during isha salah, I was on the last rakah and I was reading tashahud but I wasn’t sure if I was reading the 3rd rakah or 4th but I ignored this as I’d always get doubts like this in my mind. was I right to do this? Also, I read on the islamqa.info website that once you complete an ibaadah such as rinsing the mouth in wudu or reading something and then u doubt it afterwards, it is okay to ignore it after you completed the act. So was I right in ignoring this doubt as it came when I was reading tashahud and I was essentially nearly finishing my salah? Or do I need to repeat this prayer again?
Jazak’allah
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The opinion you followed was correct. Oftentimes, one may experience such doubts regarding which Rak’ah they are on. The principle to follow in such situations is that if you are more convinced that you prayed four rak’ahs, you should ignore the doubts and complete the prayer. If you aren’t leaning towards one or the other though, then you should go with the lower number of rakahs, in this case three rakahs, and then complete the prayer accordingly.
Once you complete your prayer, if you are still experiencing doubts, consider them from the Shaytan and ignore them. You will not be required to repeat your prayer.
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Alimah Saniyah bint Asrar
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
حاشية الطحطاوي على مراقي الفلاح شرح نور الإيضاح ١/٤٧٦
«فلو شك بعد سلامه» أو قعوده قدر التشهد قبل السلام في عدد الركعات «لا يعتبر» شكه فلا شيء عليه حملا لحاله على الصلاح «إلا إن» كان قد «تيقن بالترك» فيأتي بما تركه ولو أخبره عدل بعد السلام أنه نقص ركعة وعند المصلي أنه أتم لا يلتفت إلى إخباره ولو أخبره عدلان لا يعتبر شكه وعليه الأخذ بقولهما ولو اختلف الإمام والمؤتمون إن كان على يقين لا يأخذ بقولهم وإلا أخذ به وإن كان معهم بعضهم أخذ بقوله «وإن كثر الشك» تحرى و«عمل» أي أخذ «بغالب ظنه»
حاشية الطحطاوي على مراقي الفلاح شرح نور الإيضاح ١/٦٧٥
وفي الأشياء آخر قاعدة اليقين لا يزول بالشك ما نصه إن الظن عند الفقهاء من قبيل الشك لأنهم يريدون به التردد بين وجود الشيء وعدمه سواء استويا أو ترجح أحدهما
