Is voluntary weeping, moaning, or groaning motivated by the fear of Allah permissible during prayer?
Chapter on the Two Prostrations of Forgetfulness
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If the groaning (ta'awwuh) or weeping is due to the fear of Allah, the prayer is not nullified. Abu Abdullah Ibn Battah stated that groaning out of fear of the Fire is permissible. Abu Al-Khattab held that if one moans, groans, or weeps out of fear of Allah, the prayer is not invalidated. Al-Qadi views groaning as a form of remembrance, citing the praise of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) as 'one who is full of groaning and forbearance' (Quran 50:114). The praise of those who weep is also cited, such as the verse stating they 'fell down in prostration, weeping' (Quran 19:58) and 'they fall down on their faces, weeping' (Quran 17:109). Furthermore, it is narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, made a sound like the hissing of a boiling pot from weeping during prayer, and Umar's weeping sounds were heard from the back rows.
Supporting text
The prevalent view, deemed most consistent with the fundamental principles, is that if the groaning or moaning is done intentionally (ikhtiyaran), it invalidates the prayer. This is supported by the transmission from Hammad regarding weeping that does not invalidate prayer, which is only that which occurs due to overwhelming compulsion (ghalabah). Since general texts prohibit all speech, and no specific text exempts groaning or moaning from this general prohibition, they are considered invalidating unless explicitly exempted. While praising groaning exists, it does not necessitate exemption, similar to saying 'Yarhamuk Allah' (bless you) upon sneezing or returning salutations, or uttering good words which count as charity.