Sujood al-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness)

Sujood Sahw refers to the prostrations of forgetfulness. There are instances in our Salat/Prayer when we commit some errors or forget to do something (which is supposedly a part of Salat/Prayer); such cases are dealt with Two Sujood Sahw (prostrations of forgetfulness).

Let us find out the correct way of dealing with such cases, according to Sunnah.

1. If we forget any part of Rakaat or a whole Rakaat during Prayer/Salat:

Narrated by Abdullah bin Buhaina Al-Asdi (RA):



“Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) stood up for the Zuhr prayer and he should have sat (after the second rak`a but he stood up for the third rak`a without sitting for Tashah-hud) and when he finished the prayer he performed two prostrations and said Takbir on each prostration while sitting, before ending (the prayer) with Taslim; and the people too performed the two prostrations with him instead of the sitting he forgot.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1230)





This hadith tells us that if we forget to pray At-Tahhiyat in second Rakaat of any prayer consisting of more than two Rakaat (i.e. Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib or Isha), we should do Sujood Sahw in last Rakaat before finishing the prayer with Taslim.





On similar lines, if someone forgets a whole Rakaat or more than a Rakaat, then again Sujood Sahw has to be performed. Refer to following hadith:





Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reported; The Prophet (S.A.W.) offered the noon prayer and he gave the salutation at the end of two rakahs. He was asked. Has the prayer been shortened? then he offered two rakahs of the prayer and made two prostrations (at the end of it). (Abu Dawud: 1014)





NOTE: In other similar narrations it is mentioned that he performed prostrations after Taslim.

2. If we pray additional Rakaat in Salat:



Narrated Abdullah (RA):



Once Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) offered five rak`at in the Zuhr prayer, and somebody asked him whether there was some increase in the prayer. Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) said, "What is that?" He said, "You have offered five rak`at." So Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) performed two prostrations of Sahu after Taslim. (Sahih Bukhari: 1226)

This narration tells us that the Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Sujood Sahw in this case after Taslim. The reason is simple, by the time he came to know that he has prayed additional Rakaat, he had completed his prayer. So he performed Sujood Sahw as soon as he came to know about his forgetfulness.

3. What to do when in doubt about how many Rakaat we have prayed while in Salat?



Forgetfulness is a normal thing which can happen with any human being. Shaitan/Satan/Devil leaves no stone unturned to keep our attentions diverted and distracted from good deeds. This is also one of those efforts of Devil/Shaitan and a Muslim is supposed to be well versed with the technique of combating these tactics of Devil/Shaitan.







If during a prayer any of us forgets which number of Rakaat is he/she is praying (or how many Rakaat he/she has completed by that time), then he/she is supposed to act according to following advice from our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.):





It was narrated from Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (R.A.) that:

‘The Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "If one of you does not know whether he prayed three or four (rak'ahs), let him pray a rak'ah then prostrate twice after that when he is sitting. Then if he prayed five (rak'ahs), they (the two prostrations) will make his prayer even-numbered, and if he had prayed four, they will annoy and humiliate the shaitan.”’ (An-Nasai: 1239)





Therefore, in case of doubt, one should act upon whatever is certain. For example, if one is not sure how many Rakaat he/she has performed, two or three and four or five, he/she should take the lesser number as the basis. Based on the number, he/she should proceed to perform the remaining Rakaat and complete the prayer by performing two prostrations (of Sahw).

4. Sujood Sahw is to be done before Taslim or after Taslim?

After going through all the narrations mentioned above, we come across two scenarios: in one case we come to know that Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) performed two prostrations before Taslim, while in other case he performed two prostrations after Taslim. Although, I see no point of confusion, still different views prevail about whether one should perform Sujood Sahw before or after Taslim?







Imam Shafi’s view is that the prostrations should be performed before Taslim. However, this view cannot be made universal as there are narrations which prove that the Prophet (S.A.W.) performed it after Taslim as well.





According to Imam Ahmad , whatever is reported from the Prophet (S.A.W.) about the prostrations for As-Sahw, is to be acted upon. It can be before Taslim or after Taslim, depending upon the cases as done by our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.). In cases where it is reported that the Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Sujood Sahw before Taslim, we should follow that way. For cases where it is reported that the Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Sujood Sahw after Taslim, we have to follow that way. In cases where nothing is reported about, then two prostrations should be followed before Taslim.

5. Sujood Sahw is accompanied by Takbir:

If we revert back to the Hadith mentioned in Section 1, we see that there is mention of Takbir (saying Allah-o-Akbar). Therefore, Takbir is to be said before performing Sujood Sahw.

6. Tashahhud is not recited after performing Sujood Sahw:

Narrated Salama bin Alqama (R.A.):



‘I asked Muhammad (bin Seereen) whether Tashah-hud should be recited after the two prostrations of Sahu. He replied, "It is not (mentioned) in Abu Huraira's narration."’ (Sahih Bukhari: 1228)

7. Sujood Sahw should be performed for Nawafil prayers also.

Imam Al-Bukhari has said in his Sahih Bukhari “Bab al-Sahw fi’l-fard wa’l-tatawwu’ [Chapter on forgetfulness in obligatory and voluntary (prayers)]. Ibn Abbas (R.A.) did two prostrations after Witr, and al-Haafiz said in al-Fath, commenting on the report of Ibn Abbas: this was narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah with a saheeh isnaad.

In the light is above mentioned Hadith, it is clear that Sujood Sahw should be performed if we commit an error during Nawafil prayers too.

8. How many prostrations are to be performed for forgetfulness?

No. of prostrations for forgetfulness are two. Some schools of thoughts state that only one prostration is done for forgetfulness. However, almost all the narrations regarding the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) action in this context refers to two prostrations (refer to all narrations mentioned in this discussion). Hence, two prostrations are to be performed.

9. It is wrong to say that Sujood Sahw cannot be performed if the person has talked after Salat.

Some schools of thoughts are of the view that Sujood Sahw can be performed only till we have not talked after Salat. This is not correct, as several of the narrations mentioned above (in Section 1 & Section 2) tell us that Rasool-Allah (S.A.W.) was reminded by others of his forgetfulness after he had completed his Salat and he talked to the persons who reminded him, confirmed his forgetfulness and then performed Sujood Sahw. Therefore, one is allowed to perform prostrations of forgetfulness even if he/she has talked after Salat.

Concluding remarks

To err is human. Therefore, it is natural that one may make mistakes; it can happen during Salat too. However, as discussed above, a Muslim should be well versed about how to amend his/her mistake during a prayer so as not to let the prayer be affected. We have discussed the actions of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) which all of are supposed to follow.







Remember, Sujood Sahw compensates for minor mistakes / errors / forgetfulness, like those mentioned in different narrations above. Bigger mistakes (like not reciting Surah Fatiha , or starting pray without Ablution (Wudu) etc.) should not be (or rather cannot be) compensated by Sujood Sahw.





Also, more than one error during a prayer does not require additional prostrations. One set of prostrations for forgetfulness is enough.





So, next time, when anyone of us commit any mistake (among those mentioned above), then he/she should not worry. Rather remember the procedure(s) for Sujood Sahw for each case and be assured.





And Allah knows best.





May Allah forgive me if I am wrong and guide us to the right path…Ameen.





1. Addition

Of the Same Kind As Found In Salaah

Causes of

Sujood al-Sahw If One Remembers What To Do Do Sujood 1. a- Additions in actions



examples:

- Extra Rakaat

- Extra Sujuud - During the addition - Stop doing this addition

- Continue and finish Salat/Prayer

- Must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - Soon after Tasleem - Must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After long time

- Example 30 minutes - Salaah/Prayer is invalid Another example

of addition in action:



- Tasleem before end of Salaah/Prayer - During the addition - Stop doing this addition

- Continue and finish Salat/Prayer

- Must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - Soon after this Tasleem - Go back to sitting position

- Stand up to do missing Rakaat

- Do Tashahhud and Tasleem

- Must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After long time

- Example 30 minutes - Salah/Prayer is invalid 1. b - additions in sayings

example: "Subhaana Rabbiyal 'adheem" said in Sajda/Sujood - Soon after tasleem - Sunnah to do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After long time

- Example 30 minutes - Nothing upon him





2. Omissions in Salaah/Prayer [Rukn (pillar), Wajib (obligation) and Sunnah]





Causes of

Sujood al-Sahw If One Remembers What To Do Do Sujood 2. a - Omissions of Rukn (pillar)



some examples:

- Omission of Surah Al-Fatiha

- Omission of Rukuu

- Omission of standing fully erect after doing Rukuu - Before reaching the place of the missing Rukn in the next Rakat - Return and do this missing Rukn

- Build on this to complete Salat

- Must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After reaching the place of the missing Rukn in the next Rakat Rakat with missed Rukn is cancelled and present Rakat replaces it

- Build on this to complete Salat - Must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After Tasleem

and omission is in last Rakat - Return and do this missing Rukn

- Complete the Rakat

- Make Tashahud and Tasleem

- Must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After Tasleem

and omission is not in last Rakat - Do a complete Rakat and Tasleem

- must do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After a long time

- Example 30 minutes - Salaah/Prayer is invalid . 2. b - Omissions of

Wajib – (obligation)



Example:

Omitting the first Tashahhud - When having determination to move but did not move yet - Return to do missing obligation

(in this example it is Tashahhud)

- Continue and finish Salat/Prayer No - When starting to move but did not finish to stand fully yet - Return to do missing obligation

(in this example it is Tashahhud)

- Continue and finish Salaah

- Do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - After finishing to stand up correctly - Return is forbidden

- Continue and finish Salat/Prayer

- Do Sujood al-Sahw Before Tasleem 2. c- Omissions in Sunnah

saying or action - Before the Tasleem - Recommended only if this omitted Sunnah is a usual habit of this person Before Tasleem Rukn and Wajib (Pillar and Obligation)



Commonality -> deliberate omission of either one INVALIDATES Salat/Prayer



Difference -> Omitted Rukn MUST be made up -- omitted Wajib is compensated by Sujood al-Sahw





3. Doubt (Ash Shakk) wavering between two matters such that none has distinction over the other





Causes of Sujood al-Sahw If One Remembers What To Do Do Sujood 3. Doubt (Ash-Shakk)

a - Without Preponderance

Example: he doubts if he is in 3rd or in 4th Rakat of a 4 Rakat Salaah/Prayer - During Salaah/Prayer. Build up on certainty, i.e. the least,

and in this example it is the 3rd Rakat

- Do the 4th Rakat and do Tashahud

- Do Sujood al-Sahw Before Tasleem



b - With Preponderance (Dhan)

Example: doubt if he is in 3rd or 4th Rakat of a 4 Rakat Salat - During Salat/Prayer and

- There is preponderation this is the 3rd Rakat build up on the preponderation this is the 3rd Rakat

- do the 4th Rakat and do Tashahud

- do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem - During Salaah/Prayer and

- There is preponderation this is the 4th Rakat Build up on the preponderation this is the 4th Rakat

- Finish Salat/Prayer

- Do Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem Doubt is not to be considered in three situations ->



1. When the doubts are frequent and due to whispering (Waswas)

2. When it is a thought that came on the mind, delusion (Wahm)

3. When the doubt arises AFTER the execution of the worship, unless there is certainty (Yaqeen)



In principle the Salah/Prayer is complete because it was performed by a sane, fitting, legally responsible person and it is so unless the person is certain it was not complete and in this case he returns to what is certain





4. Different Situations (1. Droping of Sujood Al-Sahw, 2. Repetition of Forgetfulness and 3. other cases where there is no Sujood al-Sahw)





Situations Cases What To Do Do Sujood a. Droping of Sujood al-Sahw 1. If he remembers long time after Tasleem

- example: 30 minutes 2. If he nullifies his Wudhu after Salaah/Prayer 3. If he begins doing another Salaah/Prayer

- Two situations depending on the length of time between the two Salat/Prayer time is long -> - obligation drops No time is short ->

- He may return to the first Salat

- He does Sujood al-Sahw

- Then he continues the 2nd Salat

- He does Sujood al-Sahw Either before or after Tasleem in the 1st Salat



After Tasleem in the 2nd Salaah 4. if he leaves the mosque a - obligation drops No b - obligation remains

- Imaam Ahmad (1)

- Shaykh Ibn Taymiyah (2) See footnotes b. Repetition of forgetfulness in the same Salat/Prayer - in the same Salah, there are many mistakes requiring Sujood al-Sahw - Preponderating opinion ->

one instance of Sujood al-Sahw Either before or

after Tasleem - a mistake requiring Sujood al-Sahw before Tasleem and

- also a mistake requiring Sujood al-Sahw after Tasleem - first opinion ->

one instance of Sujood al-Sahw Before Tasleem (3) - a strong opinion ->

two instances of Sujood al-Sahw Before and also

after Tasleem Sujood al-Sahw is NOT applicable in the following situations ->

- Funeral prayer, Janazah

- Sujood of thankfulness

- Sujood of recitation

- Compensation for Sujood al-Sahw





5. Ma-muum (follower of Imam from Beginning of Salah), Masbuuq (one joining late), Imaam and other situations







Situations What To Do Do Sujood 1. a - The Ma-muum

He begins Salah with Imaam

and Imaam makes a mistake - He follows the Imaam Follows Imaam 1. b- the Ma-muum

He begins Salah with Imaam

and he makes a mistake - Imaam bears this for him --- 2. a- The Masbuuq

He joins Imaam late in Salah

and he makes a mistake If his own mistake is AFTER he departed from Imaam

- He completes his Salah/Prayer

- He does Sujood al-Sahw Either after or before his own Tasleem 2. b - The Masbuuq



He joins Imaam late in Salat

and Imaam does Sujood al-Sahw

before Tasleem - He follows Imaam in Sujood al-Sahw

- then he completes his Salat/Prayer Follows Imaam If he did not stand up fully before Imaam makes Sujood al-Sahw

- He must return and do Sujood al-Sahw with the Imaam

- Then he completes his Salat/Prayer Follows Imaam if he is standing up fully before imaam makes sujuud as sahw

- he completes his salaah and he does sujuud as sahw After his own Tasleem 2. c - The Masbuuq He joins Imaam late in Salat/Prayer

and Imaam does Sujood al-Sahw

after Tasleem If he did NOT meet the Imaam in his mistake

- He completes his Salah/Prayer --- If he MET the Imaam in his mistake

- He completes his Salah/Prayer and he does Sujood al-Sahw After his own Tasleem if he does not know if he met or not the imaam in his mistake

- he completes his salaah Sujood al-Sahw

is not binding 2. d - The Masbuuq

He joins Imaam late in Salat/Prayer

and Imaam makes a mistake Example: Imaam forgot a Rakat and he is alerted and returns

- He joins the Imaam and prays with him

- He completes his own Salat after the Imaam finishes his Salah/Prayer --- 2. e - The Masbuuq



He forgot he joined late and he makes Tasleem with Imaam If he remembers

- He completes his Salah/Prayer and he does Sujood al-Sahw After his own Tasleem He does not return to complete his Salat/Prayer

- His Salah/Prayer is invalid 3. a - The Imaam

He makes a mistake in the Sunnah of the Salat/Prayer and he is alerted Example: Imaam recite Al-Fatiha loud in a silent Salaah

- Sujood al-Sahw is not obligation

- It is ok even if it is done before Tasleem After Tasleem

is preferable 3. b - The Imaam

He makes an extra Rakat and he is alerted If he returns, his Salaah/Prayer is valid After Tasleem If he does not return

- His Salaah/Prayer is invalid 3. c - The Imaam



He forgets the first Tashahud

and is alerted when standing fully erect It is forbidden for him to return

- He completes his Salat and he does Sujood al-Sahw Before Tasleem If he returns and he does not know it is forbidden

- He had now made an addition in standing

- He makes Sujood al-Sahw After Tasleem If he returns after standing fully erect and he knows it is forbidden

- His Salaah/Prayer is invalid 4. A person enters Witr Prayer with intention of doing 2 + 1 Rakat If he forgets to say Tasleem after two Rakat

- Witr can be prayed in three Rakat and there is nothing upon him No 5. A person makes mistake in recitation - It does not change the format of Salah/Prayer, there is nothing upon him No





One narration by Imam Ahmad saying he does the Sujood al-Sahw whether the separation was long or short. One opinion by Shaykh Ibn Taymiyah saying the Sujood al-Sahw continues even after a long separation. The Sujood al-Sahw is preferably before Tasleem because it is more part of Salaah/Prayer.









Source: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/prostrationforget.html