The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1233

Hadith Text

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prostrated twice after the salam on the day of Dhul-Yadain."

Contextual Background

This narration refers to the incident of Dhul-Yadain (the man with two long arms) who questioned the Prophet (ﷺ) about shortening a prayer. The Prophet had led the prayer with only two rak'ahs instead of four, and upon being reminded, he completed the prayer and performed two prostrations of forgetfulness after the final salam.

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

This hadith establishes that the prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) may be performed after the salam when one remembers an omission after having completed the prayer. This is one of the valid times for performing these corrective prostrations, alongside performing them before the salam.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi explains that this incident demonstrates the flexibility in the timing of sujud al-sahw. The majority of scholars hold that both before and after salam are valid, with each being appropriate for different types of forgetfulness. The Prophet's action here shows his humility and commitment to perfecting the prayer, even when the mistake was unintentional.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this particular case involved adding to the prayer (by performing additional rak'ahs), which is why the prostrations were done after the salam. The wisdom behind this ruling accommodates human forgetfulness while maintaining the prayer's integrity.