The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1331

Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) prayed three (rak'ahs) then said the taslim. Al-Khirbaq said: "You prayed three." So he led them in praying the remaining rak'ah, then he said the taslim, then he did the two prostrations of forgetfulness, then he said the taslim (again).

Scholarly Commentary

This narration demonstrates the procedure when a prayer leader (imam) omits a rak'ah from a four-rak'ah prayer. The Prophet's initial taslim after three rak'ahs constituted an omission, which was corrected by completing the missing rak'ah.

The sequence is significant: first complete the deficient prayer, then perform the prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw), then conclude with taslim. This establishes that prostrations for forgetfulness should be performed before the final taslim in cases of omission.

Al-Khirbaq's correction shows the permissibility of reminding the imam of mistakes during prayer, provided it is done respectfully. The Prophet's acceptance of the correction exemplifies humility and adherence to proper prayer form.

The double taslim indicates that the prayer has two conclusions: one after completing the required rak'ahs, and another after the corrective prostrations, both being essential components of the valid prayer.