Question
Our Imam had lead the Fard Salah of Maghrib. He completed 2 Rakats and then set down for Jalsah. Instead of standing thereafter to complete the 3rd Rakat of Maghrib, he inadvertently continued to complete the Salah. As he commenced making the Salaam some Mussallees recited Allahuakbar whilst others recited SubhanAllah as an alert to the Imam.
The Imam stood up and very condescendingly admonished the Musallees who recited Allahu Akbar and remarked to the congregation that they should not have recited Allahu Akbar as they are not the Imam.
What should the Mussallees have recited as an alert to the imam?
Answer
One should alert the Imam of a mistake, by mentioning Subhaanallah, as it is mentioned in a hadith in Muslim:ِ ِ
Rasulullah Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, said, “Why did I see you all clapping so much? If something happens to you in the prayer you should say ‘Subhanallah’ (Glory be to Allah), and when you say ‘Subhanallah’ you will be heard. Clapping is only for women.”
It is mentioned in Fatawa Mahmoodia (v7:pg154) that if one is to say Allahu-Akbar to alert the Imam, the salaah will still be valid. But the correct way to alert the Imam is by saying Subhanallah.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «ما لي رأيتكم أكثرتم التصفيق؟ من نابه شيء في صلاته فليسبح فإنه إذا سبح التفت إليه وإنما التصفيق للنساء»