The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer) - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1235

Hadith Text

"The Prophet (ﷺ) prostrated after the salam when he was not sure."

Scholarly Commentary

This narration establishes the ruling of prostration of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) performed after the final salutation. When a worshipper experiences doubt regarding the number of prayer units performed, the Sunnah dictates performing two prostrations after completing the prayer with salam.

This ruling applies specifically to cases of genuine uncertainty where one cannot determine with confidence whether they performed three or four rak'ahs. The prostration compensates for the potential deficiency in the prayer and rectifies any oversight.

The wisdom behind performing these prostrations after salam in cases of doubt is to maintain the flow of prayer without interruption. This practice preserves the worshipper's concentration and prevents excessive disruption to their spiritual state during the prayer itself.

Legal Ruling

The majority of scholars consider prostration of forgetfulness to be a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu'akkadah). It is recommended for the worshipper to say "Allahu Akbar" when descending for and rising from these prostrations, and to recite the standard prostrations phrases as in regular prayer.