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What to do if one raises his head during Sujood intending to sit for Tashahud, then realizes halfway through the Takbeer that he is in the wrong Rak'ah?

Question

i am in sujood and i raise my head up while saying the takbeer with the intention of sitting for tashahud but halfway i realize that i am in 1st rahka or in 3rd rahka what to do now? As half of my takbeer was intended for sitting in tashahud ,do i redo the takbeer ? Then if i do so ,do i have to do sujood of forgetfulness?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

The fact that you uttered ‘Allahu Akbar (Takbir)’ with the intention of sitting, does not affect the validity of your prayer. This Takbir serves only as a Takbirat Intiqal (Takbir of transitioning from one position to another). Should you realize that you are still in the first Rak’ah and that the Tashahhud is not yet due, you should stand up for the second Rak’ah without pronouncing another Takbirat Intiqal, as the Takbirat Intiqal has already been made. If you inadvertently sat down briefly, even for a moment equivalent to a restful sitting, then you are required to perform the Prostration of Forgetfulness at the conclusion of your prayer, according to the scholars of the Hanbali School of Fiqh (jurisprudence). However, if you did not sit at all, no further action is required.

Allah knows best.

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