Does forgetting the middle tashahhud invalidate the prayer?

Clarification on prayer-do/” title=”What should a member of Al-Azhar Center who has forgotten one of the pillars of prayer do?”>Tashahhud in Prayer

Dr. Muhammad Abdel Sami, the Fatwa Secretary of the Egyptian Fatwa House, addressed a common question regarding the middle tashahhud during prayers. He clarified that forgetting the tashahhud does not invalidate a prayer, provided it is performed correctly.

If a worshiper forgets the tashahhud while praying a four rakats prayer and stands for the third rakah, they should continue to complete the prayer. After finishing, they must perform two prostrations for forgetfulness. The middle tashahhud is considered a Sunnah and not a mandatory part of the prayer.

Should a worshiper remember to perform the tashahhud while standing for the third rakah, they can return to perform the tashahhud only if they have not moved into the bowing position. If they complete the prayer without returning for the middle tashahhud, they must perform the two prostrations.

Ultimately, the prayer remains valid as long as forgetfulness is addressed properly, ensuring that two prostrations for forgetfulness are completed after the prayer.

Priority of Zakat Distribution

Dr. Muhammad Abdel Sami also discussed the proper distribution of Zakat. He emphasized that Zakat should primarily be given in cash rather than in kind, like food or other goods. This allows those in need to purchase items that best meet their needs.

He highlighted that the poor and needy should be the first recipients of Zakat, as outlined in the Holy Qur’an. This ensures they can meet their basic needs independently.

While distributing food or goods can benefit some, it may not always be ideal. For example, giving food that a recipient later sells at a loss defeats the purpose of Zakat, which aims to support the poor rather than complicate their situation.

Dr. Abdel Sami suggested that if a poor person struggles with addiction or frivolous spending, it might be better to provide necessities instead of cash. He reaffirmed that cash Zakat allows recipients the freedom to address their own needs, thus preventing any waste of value.