Prophet's Mistake During Prayers... Can you give us a clarification on the following narrative: "He (s.a.w.) set the example of correcting the imam when his recitation becomes mixed up, when once "he prayed, reciting loudly, and his recitation became mixed up, so when he finished, he said to Ubayy: Did you pray with us? He replied, "Yes". He said, So what prevented you [from correcting me]?" Abu Daawood , Ibn Hibbaan , Tabaraani , Ibn 'Asaakir (2/296/2) & Diyaa'al-Mukhtaarah with a sahee isnaad. The above narrative was noticed in the book call the Prophet's prayers by Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-albaani , under the heading of Correcting the Imam. I would like to know the following: Is this narrative authentic? If yes, then: How does this narrative relate with your reply to the query " Did the Prophet make mistakes? " (31st Dec 1999) Consider, when the Prophet recited prayers was he acting in the capacity of a Prophet? Hope the above question can be answered. Raqueeb Reply Irrespective of the authenticity or otherwise of the chain of the referred narrative, even if this narrative is presumed to be correct, it does not, in my opinion, refute my referred response to an earlier question. I had written in the referred response: The Prophet (pbuh) never committed any mistake in the deliverance of God's message. It is in this sphere that, according to the Qur'an God closely guards His prophets Himself and through His angels to see whether His message is accurately delivered or not ( Al-Jinn 72: 27 - 28). Besides this sphere, as a human being, a prophet may commit a mistake. However, if this mistake has even an indirect effect on [the accuracy and purity of] the message of God that he is deputed to deliver, God corrects the prophet of such a mistake without any delay. As we can see, in the referred case, there is not only no mistake in the deliverance of God's message, but there is actually an invaluable teaching for the Muslim community that they should immediately correct the leaders of their prayers, in case any mistake is made by them in the recitation of the Qur'an. I hope this helps. In case any aspect of your question remains unanswered or inadequately answered, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner