Should I repeat a prayer in which I did not perform the first Tashahhud?

Scholars differed concerning the ruling on the first tashahhud. Most scholars are of the opinion that it is sunnah (recommended), while the Hanbalis are of the opinion that it is wajib (obligatory).

Accordingly, the ruling on omitting the first tashahhud varies as follows:

- If the worshiper omits it intentionally: The prayer becomes invalid according to the Hanbalis. According to the Shafi‘is, the prayer does not become invalid; rather, prostration of forgetfulness (sujud as-sahw) is legislated for him. According to the Hanafis, the prayer does not become invalid either.

- If the worshiper omits it forgetfully: If he is a follower (ma'mum), his prayer is valid and he is not required to perform prostration of forgetfulness. If he is praying alone (munfarid), his prayer is valid according to the Hanbalis and he is not required to perform prostration of forgetfulness if there is a long interval. However, according to the Malikis, the prayer becomes invalid and must be repeated if there is a long interval before prostration of forgetfulness.