What is the ruling regarding the Imam returning to the first tashahhud after rising from it due to forgetfulness, and his explanation for returning is that some of the worshippers would not see him and it would cause confusion in their prayer?
The jurists agreed that whoever forgets the first and remembers before fully standing, must return. If he has fully stood, he should not return, and must perform the prostration of forgetfulness ( al-sahw). They differed regarding one who returns after fully standing: does his prayer become invalid or not?
Hanafi and Shafi'i schools: His prayer becomes invalid if he returns intentionally and knowingly. Maliki and Hanbali schools: His prayer does not become invalid. However, the Hanbalis made an exception if he has begun reciting, and the Malikis made an exception if he has completed Al-Fatiha.
If the Imam returns before fully standing, his action is valid and following him is obligatory. If he returns after fully standing, his prayer is valid if he was ignorant or forgetful, or if he acted according to a school that does not deem it invalid, although it is better not to return. The existence of multiple floors or a separate area for women does not change the ruling. The Imam should strive to conform to the Shari'ah, and the congregants should have a good opinion of him and follow him.
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