What is the meaning of the following passage from Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah’s words in Fatwa No. (131461): "This is because every part of the prayer requires the accompanying intention. Yet, if one doubts and remains contemplating for an hour then remembers, he builds upon his prayer. If that part were considered as not intended, the prayer would not be valid. The same applies to actions. It was narrated from the Qadi that this invalidates [the prayer], because this action is part of the prayer, so if it is devoid of intention, it is not valid. And whenever part of it becomes invalid, all of it becomes invalid. Also, because he is not supposed to do anything from the prayer while in doubt, so if he disobeys and acts, his prayer is not valid, even if he is inwardly correct, as in its parallels"?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
This issue concerns someone who doubts during prayer whether they intended or recited the opening takbir. There are two opinions on this matter:
1. First Opinion: The prayer is not invalidated, even if one acts while doubting. The reasoning is that the ruling of intention must accompany the prayer, and there is no difference between thinking about the intention with or without action. 2. Second Opinion: The prayer is invalidated if one acts while doubting, because the action is part of the prayer. If it lacks intention, it is invalid, and with the invalidation of a part of the prayer, the entire prayer becomes invalid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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