What is the ruling for a blind person who begins prayer based on Ijtihad and then gains sight during the prayer?
Chapter on Facing the Qiblah
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If the formerly blind person, having gained sight, observes a sign confirming their initial orientation (such as seeing the sun align with the direction of Dhuhr prayer), they must continue the prayer because the two instances of Ijtihad agree. If their error becomes evident, they must turn to the correct direction and build upon the preceding portion of the prayer. If neither correctness nor error is established, the prayer is invalidated, and they must re-engage in Ijtihad. This is because performance of the obligatory duty through mere imitation (Taqlid) is not permissible for one capable of independent reasoning, similar to a sighted person starting the prayer.
Supporting text
If the person who gains sight cannot determine the correctness or error of their initial direction, their prayer is nullified, and they must perform Ijtihad anew because fulfilling the obligation through mere imitation is impermissible for them. If the person was a Muqallid (follower) when starting, they continue the prayer, as they are only capable of relying on the sign they started with.