Is counting verses (Ayat) permissible during prayer?
Chapter on what invalidates the prayer if omitted intentionally or forgetfully
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Counting verses during prayer is permissible. This view is held by Abu Bakr, Ibn Abi Mulaykah, Tawus, Ibn Sirin, al-Sha'bi, Mughirah ibn Hakim, and Ishaq. The evidence for this is derived from the consensus reported by al-Athram, citing figures like Yahya ibn Waththab, Tawus, al-Hasan, Muhammad ibn Sirin, Ibrahim al-Nakha'i, Mughirah ibn Hakim, Mujahid, and Sa'id ibn Jubayr, with no known dissenting opinion in their era, suggesting consensus (ijma'). Al-Hasan specifically did not see harm in counting verses during prayer.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa and al-Shafi'i disliked counting verses because it distracts from the required state of humility (khushu') in prayer. Ahmad ibn Hanbal hesitated regarding counting Tasbih (glorifications), stating that while he heard opinions regarding counting Ayat, he had not heard opinions regarding counting Tasbih.