The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1243

Hadith Text

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed and did more or less (rak'ahs). When he had said the salam we said: 'O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), has there been some change concerning the prayer?' He said: 'Why are you asking?' So we told him what he had done. He turned back toward the Qiblah and prostrated two prostrations of forgetfulness, then he turned to face us and said: 'If there had been some change concerning the prayer I would have told you.' Then he said: 'Rather I am a human being and I forget as you forget. If any one of you is not sure about his prayer, let him estimate what he thinks is correct, and complete his prayer on that basis, then say the taslim and prostrate two prostrations of forgetfulness.'"

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the fundamental principle that the Prophet (ﷺ) was subject to human forgetfulness despite his prophethood, demonstrating Allah's mercy in accommodating human nature within worship.

The Companions' immediate questioning shows their vigilance in preserving the prayer's exact form, while the Prophet's response clarifies that no divine abrogation had occurred - merely human oversight.

The prescribed remedy of "estimating what one thinks is correct" (istikhārah) followed by two prostrations of forgetfulness (sajdatā as-sahw) provides a practical solution for prayer uncertainty without invalidating the worship.

This ruling applies equally to additions or omissions in prayer, with the two prostrations serving as compensation for minor errors while maintaining the prayer's validity.