the prayer is not invalidated. They explained that the need for this arises frequently, so it is permitted on account of that need.

Those who hold that it invalidates prayer argue that it involves two letters and is not a form of remembrance prescribed in prayer, making it comparable to loud laughter. The first opinion, however, is more correct.

This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited only speaking during prayer, saying:

“No ordinary human speech is appropriate in this prayer.”

Other statements of this kind likewise refer to speech. Clearing the throat does not fall within the meaning of speech at all: neither by itself nor in combination with other utterances does it convey a meaning, nor is someone who clears his throat described as speaking. His intention is understood only through contextual clues, making it comparable to a gesture.

As for loud laughter and similar sounds, there are two responses.

The first is that it conveys meaning naturally.

The second is that we do not concede that it invalidates prayer because it constitutes speech. This is supported by the fact that loud laughter invalidates prayer by consensus, as reported by Ibn al-Mundhir, whereas these other kinds of sounds are disputed. Indeed, it may be argued that loud laughter involves raised sounds incompatible with the state of prayer and the reverent humility required in it. It is thus comparable to a loud, sustained sound unaccompanied by any articulated letter. Moreover, it involves treating prayer lightly and trifling with it in a manner contrary to its purpose, and therefore invalidates it for that reason