Do excessive movements in prayer—such as taking off a watch, taking out keys, or taking a few steps forward—intended by the worshipper to overcome obsessive whispers, invalidate the prayer?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
All the minor actions mentioned in the question do not invalidate the prayer. It is disliked to perform them without need, but permissible when there is a need. Examples of minor actions performed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Companions due to need have been reported, such as carrying children, killing a scorpion, opening a door, adjusting the lower garment (izar), and arranging the upper garment (rida'). These actions do not invalidate the prayer even if performed without need, but they are disliked in such a case.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/143747
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 143747
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy