Is it permissible to perform prayers by following an imam who does not observe tadil al-arkan? Or, is it better to perform prayers individually? If the latter is better, can we get the thawab of congregation?

Dear Brother / Sister,

The criterion for tadil al-arkan is to wait long enough to say "Subhanallah" between rukns. (Ali al-Qari, Risale fil-Khas ala Ta'dilil-Arkan fis-Salah, waraq 128a; Tahtawi, Hashiya ala Maraqil-Falah, Istanbul, 1985, p. 201). Accordingly, it is necessary, for example, to stand straight after getting up from ruku’ and to wait long enough to say "subhanallah" at least once and then perform prostration (sajdah) and sit long enough to say "subhanallah" at least once between prostrations.

Some Hanafi scholars hold the view that it is necessary to perform the prayer again if a person does not act in accordance with tadil al-arkan in ruku’ and prostrations. Other scholars hold the view that prostration of forgetfulness is necessary if a person abandons tadil al-arkan by forgetting and that it is necessary to perform the prayer again if he abandons it deliberately. (Ali al-Qari, ibid, waraq 128a, 130a-b).

A prayer that is performed without tadil al-arkan is regarded as incomplete because of a lack in its attributes. An incomplete deed in an obligation is compensated by something that is the same as that incompleteness if possible. If it is not possible, the decree of the incomplete deed is annulled and a sin occurs. Since there is nothing the same as tadil al-arkan, it is not possible to compensate for it. (Shashi, al-Usul, Beirut 1402/1982, p. 150).

It is particularly necessary to be careful about standing after ruku’ and sitting after prostration in prayer because they are places where people act hurriedly. Even if nothing is read in those places, it is necessary to wait long enough to say "subhanallah". If a person does not wait that long, his prayer is not invalidated but he commits a sin. (Tahtawi, ibid, p. 201). (Şamil İslam Ans., Ta'dil-i Erkan Item.)

If the imam does not observe tadil al-arkan, it is necessary to warn him. If he does not observe tadil al-arkan though he is warned, it will be appropriate to go to another mosque. A person who performs a prayer individually because the imam does not observe tadil al-arkan cannot get the thawab of congregation. However, what is important here is that a person who is competent in religious issues needs to decide whether an imam observes tadil al-arkan or not.

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