Takbirat-ul-Ihram and raising hands during Takbir

Q: A person who was studying in the city of Tabuk came to our town of Rabwa in 1393 A.H. While he was in my house, he saw my mother performing Salah and standing after making Ruku` (bowing). When she finished Salah, he said to her: "My mother, a woman's Salah is different from that of a man." She asked, "How, my son?" In reply, he said, "If a woman says Takbirat-ul-ihram (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]" upon starting Prayer) and performs Ruku` and Sujud, she should continue her Salah in a sitting position and she is not permitted to stand up for every Rak`ah (unit of Prayer), even if she is capable of standing." My mother continued performing Salah in this manner from that year on. At the time, I was young and could not discern the way she performed Salah albeit she is totally able to stand up in Salah. Now, I turn to Allah (Exalted be He), then to you to give us your Fatwa in this regard. If her Salah in the way mentioned was invalid, is she obliged to make up for the Salahs offered during these years?

A: If the case was as you mentioned, then the woman concerned has to repent and ask Allah for forgiveness. She need not make up for the Salahs offered incorrectly. She is excused because of her ignorance and the false opinion she followed. It is incumbent upon her in the future to seek the knowledge of reliable scholars concerning matters she is unaware of with regard to their religious rulings and not to act according to Fatwas of common people. (Part No. 6; Page No. 339) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.