Can a cell-phone be answered in salah?

Question:

Is it correct for a Shaafi to talk in salaah if the need arises for talking, like to answer a cell-phone?

Answer:

The Prophet Muhammad said,

إن هذه الصلاة لا يصلح فيها شيء من كلام الناس

“Definitely this prayer, nothing from the speech of people is suitable in it.” (Sahih Muslim 5/780)

And Imam Nawawi commented,

“The unlawfulness of speech in prayer is regardless as to whether or not there is a need…” (Sharh Sahih Muslim 5/782)

Thus, if one speaks intentionally while performing the prayer, then it is invalidated. (Mughni al-Muhtaj 1/411-12; Tuhfat al-Muhtaj 2/137) Therefore, answering a cell-phone will invalidate the prayer.

And Allah knows best.

Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.