The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1250

Hadith Text

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever has doubt during his prayer, let him prostrate twice after he said the taslim."

Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the remedy for doubt occurring during prayer. The prostration mentioned refers to the prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw), which are two prostrations performed before or after the taslim (salutation ending prayer).

Scholars explain that when a worshipper experiences uncertainty about the number of rak'ahs performed - whether they prayed three or four, for instance - they should base their action on what they are certain of (the lesser number), complete the prayer accordingly, then perform two prostrations of forgetfulness after the taslim.

This ruling demonstrates the mercy and practicality of Islamic law, providing a simple means to rectify prayer despite human forgetfulness. The prostrations compensate for deficiencies and honor the sanctity of prayer while accommodating human nature.

Legal Ruling

The majority of scholars hold that prostrations of forgetfulness are Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition) when doubt occurs about the number of prayer units. The worshipper should act upon certainty, complete the prayer, and perform two prostrations with one taslim.