The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1238

Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "If one of you is not sure about his prayer, let him forget about what he is unsure of and complete his prayer on the basis of what he is sure of. When he is sure that he has completed it, let him prostrate twice while he is sitting. Then if he has prayed five (rak'ahs), they (the two prostrations) will make his prayer even-numbered, and if he had prayed four, they will annoy and humiliate the shaitan."

Commentary on the Ruling of Doubt in Prayer

This noble hadith establishes the fundamental principle for dealing with uncertainty during prayer. When a worshipper experiences doubt about the number of rak'ahs performed, the Shari'ah directs him to build upon certainty and disregard uncertainty. This reflects the Islamic legal maxim that certainty is not overruled by doubt.

The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed the believer to complete the prayer based on what he is certain of, then perform the two prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) before the tasleem. These prostrations serve as a corrective measure that rectifies deficiencies arising from doubt or forgetfulness.

Wisdom Behind the Two Prostrations

The two prostrations possess a remarkable quality: they adjust the prayer to its proper form regardless of the worshipper's error. If one mistakenly prayed five rak'ahs thinking it was four, these prostrations transform the prayer into an even-numbered six rak'ahs, thereby correcting the deficiency.

If the prayer was actually complete at four rak'ahs, these prostrations become an act of additional obedience that "annoy and humiliate the shaitan." This demonstrates how Allah in His mercy turns potential acts of disobedience into opportunities for increased reward, while simultaneously diminishing Satan's influence over the believer.

Legal Implications and Scholarly Consensus

The majority of scholars from the Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools consider these prostrations of forgetfulness to be Sunnah, not obligatory. However, they strongly recommend performing them to perfect the prayer and follow the Prophet's guidance precisely.

This teaching illustrates the compassionate nature of Islamic legislation, which accounts for human fallibility and provides simple remedies for common mistakes in worship. It removes unnecessary anxiety from prayer and allows believers to worship with tranquility and confidence in Allah's acceptance.