There is a Prophetic narration which says: “If a person invalidates his ablution during the prayer, he should hold his nose with his hand and leave (the congregation).” Is this narration authentic and what does it mean?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

The narration which is mentioned in the question is authentic and it is reported by Abu Daawood and Al-Bayhaqi. The narration guides a person whose ablution is invalidated during the prayer what to do. The Prophet instructed such person to hold his nose with his hand, to make people think that his nose is bleeding. The scholars are of the view that it is desirable if this is done with the left hand. This is to avoid embarrassment and so that the devil would not whisper to him to continue the prayer as he is [without ablution].

Al-Khattaabi said: 'In this narration there is an indication of concealing what is hideous. This is not showing off, rather it is a way of beautification, using bashfulness, and seeking to be secure from people.'