Should a worshiper repeat a word they mispronounced during the Tashahhud while continuing to move their finger? Is sujood as-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) required if they move their finger in a place where there is no movement, such as the Tashahhud? Does their prayer become invalid if they do not prostrate? And should they stop moving their finger if they repeat a word due to forgetfulness?
The majority of scholars hold that it is Sunnah to point with the finger during the tashahhud. The more correct view is not to move it except when supplicating. The detail of the matter is to negate continuous movement but affirm it during supplication. So, whenever you supplicate, you move it as an indication of the exaltedness of the One being supplicated to. Any tashahhud formula authentically narrated from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is sufficient. Most scholars prefer the tashahhud of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud. If one makes a mistake in the tashahhud, they should rectify the mistake. They should not move their finger when rectifying it, and this does not necessitate prostration of forgetfulness (sujood as-sahw).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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