The Third Testimony in Tashahhud

Question

A question about the necessity of mentioning the third testimony in Tashahhud during prayer. [AR_ID:4030]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. If your ignorance was excusable, you do not need to repeat your prayers. However, if it was negligent, it is recommended to repeat those prayers. Excusable ignorance refers to someone who is justified in their ignorance, such as relying on a legitimate authority and later discovering their mistake. On the other hand, negligent ignorance is when someone is not justified in their ignorance, like someone who neglects to learn the rulings. According to Ayatollah Sistani, if you were negligently ignorant, your prayer is invalid and must be repeated. If you were excusably ignorant and recited it believing it to be correct, your prayer is valid. Excusable ignorance is when one is unaware of their ignorance or knows but has no way to overcome it. Negligent ignorance is when one is aware of their ignorance and knows how to address it but does not take action. May you be successful in all good.