Question: Is it considered a need to clear one’s throat when the imam prolongs the bowing or prostration, in order to alert him, or is this not a need?

Answer: This is not a need, unless the imam prolongs it beyond the prescribed limit; in that case, it may be considered a need.

If someone were to ask: What is the evidence that clearing one’s throat for a need is permissible, even if two letters become distinct?

The answer is that the evidence is the hadith of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him: he had two appointed times at which he would enter upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and whenever he entered upon him while he was praying, he would clear his throat to indicate that he was occupied with his prayer. (1)

Question: If someone sneezes and two letters become distinct, is his prayer invalidated?

Answer: His prayer is not invalidated, because this overcomes him and is not of his own choosing. The same applies if he yawns and two letters become distinct: he is overpowered by it, so it does not harm him. Yet some people go along with a yawn until one hears from them a sound of “ha, ha.” It appears that such a person is not overcome by it; rather, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against this and instructed whoever yawns to suppress it as much as he can (2)—that is, to restrain it as much as possible. If he cannot do so, he should place his hand over his mouth, because placing the hand over the mouth stifles and lowers the sound, and prevents Satan from laughing at the yawner or entering his body.

Likewise, some people deliberately make their sneezing forceful; then if