The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1234

Commentary on the Narration

This concise report transmitted through Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) indicates that the Prophet (ﷺ) addressed matters pertaining to forgetfulness during prayer. Though brief in transmission, this follows the established pattern where the Messenger would teach corrective prostrations (sujud al-sahw) for omissions or additions in prayer.

The scholars of hadith consider such concise narrations as authentic references to previously detailed rulings. Imam an-Nasa'i's inclusion of this in his chapter on forgetfulness confirms its legal relevance to prayer corrections. The chain of narration through Abu Hurairah - known for his prolific transmission - gives this report particular weight in juristic discussions.

Classical commentators note that such abbreviated reports serve to reinforce established rulings rather than introduce new ones. The Hanafi and Shafi'i schools both reference such narrations when discussing the validity of abbreviated reminders of previously detailed legal matters.