Is Saying the Takbir Required When Returning to the Correct Position during Prayer?

Answered by Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra

Question

Do I need to say “Allahu Akbar” while standing up for the 4th rakat if I forgetfully sit for tashahhud in the third rakat of a four-rakat prayer?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate

Saying the takbir (“Allahu akbar”) is only obligatory in the opening of the prayer itself, and a sunna (non-obligatory but highly emphasized) act thereafter in between each of the postures of prayer. Therefore, you do not have to recite the takbir when moving between prayer positions for the soundness of your prayer, but it is highly emphasized and good to do so. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

Since you already ideally said the takbir when you rose from prostration accidentally into the sitting position, you do not need to say it a second time when you realize the mistake and rise to the correct position.

Wassalam,
[Shaykh] Abdullah Anik Misra
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1983. His family hails from India, and he was raised in the Hindu tradition. He embraced Islam in 2001 while at the University of Toronto, from where he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration. He then traveled overseas in 2005 to study the Arabic language and Islamic sciences in Tarim, Yemen, for some time, as well as Darul Uloom in Trinidad, West Indies. He spent 12 years in Amman, Jordan, where he focused on Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith Sciences, Prophetic Biography, and Islamic Spirituality while also working at the Qasid Arabic Institute as Director of Programs. He holds a BA in Islamic Studies (Alimiyya, Darul Uloom) and authorization in the six authentic books of Hadith and is currently pursuing specialized training in issuing Islamic legal verdicts (ifta’). He holds a certificate in Counselling and often works with new Muslims and those struggling with religious OCD. He is an instructor and researcher in Sacred Law and Theology with the SeekersGuidance The Global Islamic Seminary. Currently, He resides in the Greater Toronto Area with his wife and children. His personal interests include Indian history, comparative religion, English singing, and poetry.