"Abu Hurairah said: 'The Prophet (ﷺ) led us in one of the nighttime prayers.'" He said: "Abu Hurairah said: 'But I forgot (which one).' He said: 'He led us in praying two rak'ahs, then he said the taslim and went to a piece of wood that was lying in the masjid and leaned his hand on it as if he was angry. Those who were in a hurry left the masjid, and said: "The prayer has been shortened." Among the people were Abu Bakr and 'Umar but they hesitated to ask him for they revere him. Also among the people was a man with long hands who was known as Dhul-Yadain. He said: O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), did you forget or has the prayer been shortened? He said: I did not forget and the prayer has not been shortened. He said: Is it as Dhul-Yadain says? They said: yes. So he came and prayed what he had missed, then he said the salam, then he said the takbir and prostrated as usual or longer than that. Then he raised his head and said the takbir, and prostrated as usual or longer than that. Then he raised his head and said the takbir.'"
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1224
Hadith Text
"Abu Hurairah said: 'The Prophet (ﷺ) led us in one of the nighttime prayers.'" He said: "Abu Hurairah said: 'But I forgot (which one).' He said: 'He led us in praying two rak'ahs, then he said the taslim and went to a piece of wood that was lying in the masjid and leaned his hand on it as if he was angry. Those who were in a hurry left the masjid, and said: "The prayer has been shortened." Among the people were Abu Bakr and 'Umar but they hesitated to ask him for they revere him. Also among the people was a man with long hands who was known as Dhul-Yadain. He said: O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), did you forget or has the prayer been shortened? He said: I did not forget and the prayer has not been shortened. He said: Is it as Dhul-Yadain says? They said: yes. So he came and prayed what he had missed, then he said the salam, then he said the takbir and prostrated as usual or longer than that. Then he raised his head and said the takbir, and prostrated as usual or longer than that. Then he raised his head and said the takbir.'"
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the principle of Sajdah al-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) when a deficiency occurs in prayer. The Prophet's forgetfulness demonstrates that even the most perfect worshipper may err, teaching us humility.
Dhul-Yadain's courage in questioning the Prophet shows the importance of clarifying religious matters, even with those of higher status. The Companions' reverence for the Prophet highlights proper etiquette when addressing scholars and leaders.
The Prophet's correction method - completing the missed rak'ahs followed by two prostrations - establishes the sunnah for making up forgotten portions of prayer. His calm acceptance of correction demonstrates ideal Islamic character and leadership.
Legal Rulings Derived
When a prayer leader forgets a portion of prayer, they must complete it and perform two prostrations of forgetfulness before the final taslim.
Forgetfulness during prayer does not invalidate it; rather, it is rectified through prescribed compensations.
It is permissible and sometimes obligatory to correct an imam who errs in prayer, done with proper etiquette and respect.