and he performs the prostration for forgetfulness before the salām for omitting recitation in that unit, subject to the disagreement on this point, provided that he pronounced the takbīr for bowing while standing. If, however, he pronounced it while already bowing, that unit is invalid because he omitted standing, and he must make it up after the imam’s salām. The same applies if the imam and those praying behind him omit the opening takbīr but pronounce the takbīr for bowing. If, however, they pronounce the opening takbīr while the imam forgets it and pronounces only the takbīr for bowing, their prayer is invalid because they entered prayer before him. He rectifies his own prayer either through prostration for forgetfulness or by disregarding that unit, as explained above. It has also been said that anyone who enters prayer before his imam is, in all circumstances, treated as though he had not entered prayer at all. On this view, it may be inferred that, if they pronounce the takbīr for bowing after him, they would be subject to the same ruling as he is, rectifying their prayer through prostration for forgetfulness or by disregarding that unit.
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If someone praying behind an imam forgets the opening takbīr and pronounces the takbīr for bowing without intending it as the opening takbīr, he continues with the imam and then repeats the prayer. If he intends it as the opening takbīr, his prayer is valid, and the imam bears responsibility for recitation on his behalf. If, however, an imam or someone praying alone omits the opening takbīr, then, according to Mālik’s position, he must begin the prayer anew, even if he intended the takbīr for bowing as the opening takbīr. For if they did not intend it as the opening takbīr, they have not entered prayer; and if they did, they have deliberately begun their prayer by bowing before reciting, thereby invalidating it.
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The same ruling applies to someone who misses the first unit and joins the imam in the second, then forgets the opening takbīr but pronounces the takbīr for bowing. If he does not intend it as the opening takbīr, he continues with the imam and repeats the prayer after making up the unit he missed. If he intends it as the opening takbīr, his prayer is valid, and he makes up the missed unit after the imam’s salām. This is what ʿAlī ibn Ziyād related from Mālik. Ibn Habīb held that someone who misses the first unit, forgets the opening takbīr, and pronounces the takbīr for bowing without intending it as the opening takbīr must break off his prayer in all circumstances. There is no basis for his view. As for someone who joins the imam in the first unit, forgets both the opening takbīr and the takbīr for bowing, then pronounces the takbīr in the second unit without intending it as the opening takbīr, Mālik stated in al-Muwattaʾ that he must break off his prayer. The distinction he draws between this case and the former is the lengthy interval between the intention and the takbīr. And Allah—glorified and exalted is He—knows best.