Kathir Al–Shak – One who doubts too much

1193. Kathir Al – Shak is a person who generally doubts quite often. Most likely there is a possibility that a person who cannot offer three prayers without having a doubt can be called Kathir Al – Shak, and he should ignore their doubts.

1194. If a person with such an obsession doubts about having performed any part of prayers, he should decide that he has performed it. Except, if he doubts about having performed an act which invalidate prayers, like, if he doubts whether he has performed one Ruku’ or more, in such case he should decide that he has performed one Ruku’, because additional Ruku’ will invalidate his prayers.

1195. If a person frequently doubts about a particular act of prayers, then doubts occurring about other acts of prayers, should be dealt with according to their prescribed rules. For example, if a person who frequently doubts about having performed Sajdah, doubts about having performed Ruku’, he should act according to the rules relating to it, that is, if he is standing, he should perform Ruku’, and if he has already performed Sajdah, he should ignore his doubt.

1196. If a person frequently doubts in a particular prayer like, Namaz of Zuhr, and if he doubts in another prayer, like ‘Asr, he should act according to the rules of doubts.

1197. If a person, who doubts more only when he offers prayers at a particular place, becomes subjected to doubts at another place of prayers, he should act according to the rules of doubts.

1198. A person who doubts whether or not he has become one of those who doubt too much (Kathir Al – Shak), he should act according to the normal rules relating to

doubts. And as long as a Kathir Al – Shak person is not sure that he has returned to the normal condition, he should ignore his doubts.  

1199. If a Kathir Al – Shak person doubts whether he has performed a Rukn or not, and ignores his doubts, but remembers later that he had actually not performed it, he should perform it, if he has not gone into next Rukn. And if he has commenced the next Rukn, his prayer is void. For example, if he doubts whether he has performed Ruku’ or not, and ignores his doubt, but remembers before the second Sajdah that he has not performed Ruku’, he should return and perform Ruku’ and complete his prayers, and as per recommended precaution, he should offer his prayers again. And if he remembers it in the second Sajdah, his prayer is void.

1200. If a Kathir Al – Shak person doubts whether or not he has performed an act which is not a Rukn, and ignores his doubt and remembers later that he has not performed it, and if the stage of its performance has not passed, he should perform it, and if he has passed its stage, his prayer is in order. For example, if he doubts whether or not he has recited Surah Al – Hamd, and ignores his doubt and later in Qunoot he remembers that he has not recited Surah Al – Hamd, he should return and recite it. But if he remembers after having gone to Ruku’, his Namaz will be in order.