QUESTION
When transitioning from sujood to standing, I accidentally mispronounce the takbir (Allahu Akbar)—for example, saying “Allahuagbar,” “Aaallahuakbar,” or “Allahuakhba” without realizing it. Do I need to go back to sujood and repeat the takbir properly?
ANSWER
Minor mistakes in pronouncing the takbir al-intiqal such as those described in the question do not invalidate the prayer. The best approach is to ensure proper pronounciation in future prayers, while increasing the performance of other recommended sunnah acts. However, special attention must be given to the takbiratul ihram, as an incorrect recitation could render the prayer invalid since it is one of the pillars (arkan) of prayer.
EXPLANATION
Takbir al-intiqal is the transition takbir recited when moving between prayer positions, where it is recommended (sunnah) to say “Allahu Akbar.” Meanwhile, when rising from rukoo ‘, it is recommended to say: “Sami‘a Allahu liman ḥamidah.”
(Refer: al-Fiqh al-Manhaji, 1:153)
The majority of scholars agree that takbir al-intiqal is recommended. Their proof is based on the hadith of a man who performed his prayer incorrectly. When the Prophet SAW corrected him, he only highlighted the obligatory elements including takbiratul ihram but did not include the transition takbirs.
(See: al-Mawsu‘ah al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kuwaitiyyah, 13/207)
Moreover, there is no need to perform sujood sahwi for errors in the takbir al-intiqal, as it does not fall under the category of sunnah ab‘adh (sunnah acts that require sujood sahwi if omitted). Sujood sahwi is prescribed in five specific cases. Performing it outside these cases could invalidate the prayer unless one is excused due to ignorance, such as someone newly converted to Islam.
As mentioned by Shaykh Sa‘id Ba‘ishin:
وإنما تُسَنُّ (بأَحَدِ أَسْبابٍ ثلاثةٍ)، بل خمسة: تَرْكُ بَعْضٍ، ونَقْلُ قولِيٍّ غيرُ مُبْطِلٍ، وزيادةُ فِعلٍ يبطل عمدُه فقط، والشَّكُّ في تَرْكِ بَعْضٍ، وإِيقَاعُ فعلٍ مَعَ الترَدُّدِ في زِيادته. فإِنْ سَجَدَ لِغَيرِ ذلك.. بَطَلَتْ صلاةٌ غير الجاهلِ المعذورِ بِنحو قرب عهد بالإسلام.
Meaning: “Sujood sahwi is only recommended in [one of three] rather five circumstances: omitting a sunnah ab‘adh, moving a verbal component that does not nullify the prayer, adding an action that would nullify the prayer if done intentionally, doubting whether a sunnah ab‘adh was left out, and performing an act while unsure whether it was an addition. If sujood sahwi is made outside these causes, the prayer becomes invalid except for those excused, such as a new Muslim.”
(Refer: al-Bushra al-Karim, p. 291)
Ultimately, the best way to correct such mistakes is by focusing on correct pronunciation in future prayers and increasing other virtuous sunnah acts.