Special
Prostration of Forgetfulness
The prostration of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) consists of two prostrations performed at the end of the prayer to compensate for mistakes made due to forgetfulness during prayer.
Situations Requiring the Prostration of Forgetfulness:
- Omitting Surah al-Fatiha
- Omitting the addition of a surah after al-Fatiha
- Omitting the first sitting (tashahhud)
- Omitting At-Tahiyyatu
- Omitting the qunut supplication (in Witr prayer)
- Omitting the Eid takbirs
- Doubt about the number of rak'ahs
- Performing an extra bowing or prostration
How to Perform the Prostration of Forgetfulness:
1. In the final sitting, recite only At-Tahiyyatu.
2. Give salam to the right only.
3. Say "Allahu Akbar" and go into prostration - say "Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la" (three times).
4. Rise and sit briefly.
5. Perform the second prostration - say "Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la" (three times).
6. Sit up.
7. Recite At-Tahiyyatu, Allahumma salli, Allahumma barik, and Rabbana atina.
8. Give salam to both sides.
Situations That Do NOT Require the Prostration of Forgetfulness:
- Omitting a fard (obligatory act) - the prayer becomes invalid.
- Omitting a sunnah.
- Deliberate mistakes.
Note: Even if there are multiple situations requiring it in one prayer, only one prostration of forgetfulness is performed.