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Sujuud as Sahw
Prostration of Forgetfulness

from Saleh as Saleh lectures - Excellent !! 
Based on Sheikh Uthaymeen's Book

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

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

1. If we forget any part of raka’at or a whole raka’at during Salat

Narrated Abdullah bin Buhaina (RA): Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) once led us in Salat and offered two raka’at and got up (for the third raka’at) without sitting (after second raka’at, for At-Tahhiyat). The people also got up with him, and when he was about to finish his Salat, we waited for him to finish the Salat with Taslim, but he said Takbir before Taslim and performed two prostrations (ofSahw) while sitting and then finished the Salat with Taslim.

(Hadith No. 1224, Book of As-Sahw, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2).

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

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

Narrated Shu’bah from Sa’d bin Ibrahim, that he heard Abu Salamah bin Abdur-Rahman, from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) prayed Zuhr and said Taslim after two raka’at. It was said to him: Has the prayer been shortened? So, he prayed two raka’at, then prostrated twice.

(Hadith No. 1014, Book of Salat, Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 1).

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

2. If we pray additional raka’at in a Salat

Narrated Abdullah (RA): Once Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) offered five raka’at in Zuhr prayer, and somebody asked him whether there was some increase in As-Salat. Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “What is that?” He said, “You have offered five raka’at.” So, Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) performed two prostrations (of Sahw) after Taslim.

(Hadith No. 1226, Book of As-Sahw, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2).

This narration tells us that the Prophet (PBUH) performed Sujood Sahw in this case after Taslim. The reason is simple, by the time he came to know that he has prayed additional raka’at, 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 raka’at we have prayed while in Salat?

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

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

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “If one of you is unsure when in prayer and does not know how many (raka’at) he has prayed, whether it is three or four, let him ignore what is uncertain and proceed on the basis of what is certain. Then let him prostrate twice before saying the Taslim. Then if he has prayed five (raka’at) that will make his prayer even; and if he has prayed it properly with four (raka’at), it will annoy theShaitan.”

(Hadith No. 1272 (571), Chapters on Masajid & Places of Prayer, Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2; Hadith No. 1204, Book of Salat, Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 1).

Therefore, in case of doubt, one should act upon whatever is certain. For example, if one is not sure how many raka’at he has performed, two or three and four or five, he should take the lesser number as the basis. Based on the number, he should proceed to perform the remaining raka’at 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 Rasool-Allah (PBUH) 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 (PBUH) performed it after Taslimas well.

According to Imam Ahmad, whatever is reported from the Prophet (PBUH) 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 (PBUH). In cases where it is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) performed Sujood Sahw before Taslim, we should follow that way. For cases where it is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) 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.

And I am more comfortable with second opinion.

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.

It is mentioned on authority of Qatada in Chapter 4, Book of As-Sahw, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2 thatTashahhud (i.e. saying At-tahhiyat and Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah….) is not to be recited after prostrations of Sahw.

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

It is mentioned in Chapter 7, Book of As-Sahw, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2 that Ibn Abbas (RA) used to perform two prostrations (of Sahw) after Witr prayers. Therefore, 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 (PBUH) 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 (PBUH) was reminded by others of his forgetfulness after he had completed his Salatand 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 (PBUH) 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 Wuduetc.) 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. Additions
Of the Same Kind As Found In Salaah

Causes of
Sujuud as Sahw		 If One Remembers What To Do Do Sujuud
1. a- Additions in actions

examples: 
- extra rakaa
- extra sujuud		 - during the addition - stop doing this addition
- continue and finish salaah
- must do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- soon after tasleem - must do sujuud as sahw after tasleem
- after long time 
- example 30 minutes		 - salaah is invalid .
another example
of addition in action:

- tasleem before end of salaah
 - during the addition - stop doing this addition
- continue and finish salaah
- must do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- soon after this tasleem - go back to sitting position
- stand up to do missing rakaa
- do tashahhud and tasleem
- must do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- after long time 
- example 30 minutes		 - salaah is invalid .
1. b - additions in sayings 
example: "subhaana Rabbiyal 'adheem" said in sujuud		 - soon after tasleem - sunnah to do sujuud as sahw after tasleem
- after long time 
- example 30 minutes		 - nothing upon him .




2. Omissions in Salaah
rukn {pillar} - wajib {obligation} - sunnah

Causes of 
Sujuud as Sahw		 If One Remembers What To Do Do Sujuud
2. a - omissions of rukn - {pillar}

some examples:
- omission of 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 salaah
- must do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- after reaching the place of the missing rukn in the next rakat rakaa with missed rukn is cancelled and present rakaa replaces it
- build on this to complete salaah
- must do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- after tasleem
and omission is in last rakaa		 - return and do this missing rukn
- complete the rakaa
- make tashahud and tasleem
- must do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- after tasleem
and omission is not in last rakaa		 - do a complete rakaa and tasleem
- must do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- after a long time
- example 30 minutes		 - salaah 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 salaah		 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 sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- after finishing to stand up correctly - return is forbidden
- continue and finish salaah
- do sujuud as 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 salaah

Difference -> omitted rukn MUST be made up -- omitted wajib is compensated by sujuud as sahw
.




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

Causes of Sujuud as Sahw If One Remembers What To Do Do Sujuud
3. Doubt - ash shakk 
a - without preponderance 
Example: he doubts if he is in 3rd or in 4th rakaa of a 4 rakaat salaah		 - during salaah. build up on certainty, i.e. the least, 
and in this example it is the 3rdrakaa
- do the 4th rakaa and do tashahud
- do sujuud as sahw		 before tasleem


b - with preponderance - {Dhan}
Example: doubt if he is in 3rdor 4th rakaa or a 4 rakaat salaah		 - during salaah and 
- there is preponderation this is the 3rd rakaa		 build up on the preponderation this is the 3rd rakaa
- do the 4th rakaa and do tashahud
- do sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
- during salaah and 
- there is preponderation this is the 4th rakaa 
 build up on the preponderation this is the 4th rakaa
- finish salaah 
- do sujuud as 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 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
a. Droping of Sujuud As Sahw - b. Repetition of Forgetfulness
and other cases where there is no sujuud as sahw

Situations Cases What To Do Do Sujuud
a. Droping of sujuud as sahw 1. if he remembers long time after tasleem
- example: 30 minutes		 . .
2. if he nullifies his wudhu after salaah . .
3. if he begins doing another salaah
- two situations depending on the length of time between the two salaat		 time is long -> - obligation drops no
time is short ->
- he may return to the first salaah
- he does sujuud as sahw
- then he continues the 2ndsalaah
- he does sujuud as sahw		 either before or after tasleem in the 1st salaah
.
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 salaah - in the same salaah, there are many mistakes requiring sujuud as sahw - preponderating opinion ->
one instance of sujuud as sahw		 either before or 
after tasleem
- a mistake requiring sujuud as sahw before tasleem and
- also a mistake requiring sujuud as sahw after tasleem		 - first opinion -> 
one instance of sujuud as sahw		 before tasleem (3)
- a strong opinion -> 
two instances of sujuud as sahw		 before and also
after tasleem
.
Sujuud as sahw is NOT applicable in the following situations -> 
- funeral prayer, janazah
- sujuud of thankfulness
- sujuud of recitation
- compensation for sujuud as sahw
.






5. Ma-muum {follower} - Masbuuq {one joining late} - Imaam
and other situations

Situations What To Do Do Sujuud
1. a - the ma-muum
he begins salaah with imaam
and imaam makes a mistake		 - he follows the imaam follows imaam
1. b- the ma-muum
he begins salaah with imaam
and he makes a mistake		 - imaam bears this for him ---
2. a- the masbuuq
he joins imaam late in salaah
and he makes a mistake		 if his own mistake is AFTER he departed from imaam
- he completes his salaah
- he does sujuud as sahw		 either after or before his own tasleem
2. b - the masbuuq 

he joins imaam late in salaah
and imaam does sujuud as sahw
before tasleem		 - he follows imaam in sujuud as sahw
- then he completes his salaah		 follows imaam
if he did not stand up fully before imaam makes sujuud as sahw
- he must return and do sujuud as sahw with the imaam
- them he completes his salaah		 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 salaah
and imaam does sujuud as sahw
after tasleem 

 if he did NOT meet the imaam in his mistake
- he completes his salaah		 ---
if he MET the imaam in his mistake
- he completes his salaah and he does sujuud as sahw		 after his own tasleem
if he does not know if he met or not the imaam in his mistake
- he completes his salaah		 sujuud as sahw
is not binding
2. d - the masbuuq 
he joins imaam late in salaah 
and imaam makes a mistake		 example: imaam forgot a rakaa and he is alerted and returns
- he joins the imaam and prays with him
- he completes his own salaah after the imaam finishes his salaah		 ---
2. e - the masbuuq 

he forgot he joined late and he makes tasleem with imaam		 if he remembers
- he completes his salaah and he does sujuud as sahw		 after his own tasleem
he does not return to complete his salaah
- his salaah is invalid		 .
3. a - the imaam
he makes a mistake in the sunnah of the salaah and he is alerted		 example: imaam recite al Fatiha loud in a silent salaah
- sujuud as 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 rakaa and he is alerted		 if he returns, his salaah is valid after tasleem
if he does not return
- his salaah 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 salaah and he does sujuud as sahw		 before tasleem
if he returns and he does not know it is forbidden
- he had now made an addition in standing
- he makes sujuud as sahw		 after tasleem
if he returns after standing fully erect and he knows it is forbidden
- his salaah is invalid		 .
4. a person enters witr with intention of doing 2 + 1 rakaat if he forgets to say tasleem after two rakaat
- witr can be prayed in three rakaat and there is nothing upon him		 no
5. a person makes mistake in recitation - it does not change the format of salaah, there is nothing upon him no

1.one narration by Imaam Ahmad saying he does the sujuud as sahw whether the separation was long or short

2.one opinion by Shaykh Ibn Taymiyah saying the sujuud as sahw continues even after a long separation

3.The sujuud as sahw is preferably before tasleem because it is more part of salaah

 

 
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