Things that invalidate Prayer (Mubtilāt)

According to the fatwas of the Grand Religious Authorities: Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah Sistani, and Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi (may Allah prolong their blessings):

Fatāwā presented without citing a differing opinion or a specific reference are the common rulings shared by all of the three respected Marāji‘. In cases where the ruling of one Marjaʿ differs from that of the other two, it is indicated in a footnote under the same number, mentioning the Marjaʿ by name.

Rulings on actions that disrupt the form of Prayer

1. Actions which disrupt the form of prayer, e.g., clapping or jumping, invalidate the prayer, whether done intentionally or inadvertently.

2. If a person moves his hand, eyebrows, or eyes slightly to inform another person of something or answer a question, but this action does not disrupt the necessary stillness or form of the prayer, one’s prayer is not invalidated.

3. Placing the palms over the face [in a wiping manner] after performing the special in-prayer supplication (qunūt) is undesirable (Makrūh), but it does not invalidate the prayer.

Rulings on eating or drinking during Prayer

Eating or drinking, whether a little or a lot, during prayer invalidates the prayer. However, swallowing food particles left here and there in the mouth or sucking the sweet of sugar remaining in the mouth does not invalidate the prayer. Also, if one absentmindedly or forgetfully eats or drinks something during prayer, the prayer is not invalidated, provided that the form of the prayer is not disturbed.

Rulings on saying “āmīn”after recitation of Al-Fatiha and Putting one’s folded hands on one’s chest or stomach while standing during Prayer

It is not permissible to say “āmīn” after reciting Chapter (Surah) al-Fātiḥah, and doing so invalidates the prayer. If, however, the word is uttered due to dissimulation (taqiyyah), there is no problem. Putting one’s folded hands on one’s chest or stomach while standing during prayer (putting one’s hands together in front of the body) invalidates the prayer if it is done with the intention of its being a part of prayer. By way of obligatory precaution, one should avoid doing it even without this intention.

Ayatollah Sistani: The invalidation of the prayer by saying “Āmīn” by someone who is not following a congregational imam is based on precaution (iḥtiyāṭ), although there is no doubt about its prohibition if it is said with the intention of it being a legitimate part of the prayer. In any case, if “Āmīn” is said by mistake or out of taqiyyah (dissimulation), the prayer is not invalid.

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: If a person says “Āmīn” after reciting Sūrat al-Ḥamd, the obligatory precaution is that he should complete the prayer and then repeat it. However, if it is said by mistake or in a state of taqiyyah, there is no problem. If a person performs the prayer with hands folded, as practiced by some Islamic schools, then—even if the hands are placed together with the intention of respect, or the hands are placed on the chest in prayer, even if it does not resemble their practice—the precaution is to repeat the prayer. But if this occurs out of forgetfulness, necessity, or for another reason such as scratching the hand and the like, there is no problem.

In what circumstances the prayer can be discontinued?

It is not permissible to break off obligatory prayers without an excuse. However, If it is not possible to save someone’s life or property without breaking off the prayer when one is performing an obligatory prayer, then performing the prayer should be stopped. In general, it is permissible to break off the prayer to avoid life and financial risks that are significant and important for the praying person.