What is Sujood As-Sahw and Why Was It Prescribed?

Sujood As-Sahw consists of two prostrations performed to compensate for mistakes in prayer caused by forgetfulness, whether due to addition, نقص, or doubt. It is a confirmed Sunnah that completes the prayer but does not invalidate it if omitted.

Its purpose is to preserve the validity of the prayer and correct unintentional errors.

Types of Forgetfulness in Prayer

Cases Where Sujood As-Sahw Alone Is Enough

There are situations where Sujood As-Sahw alone is sufficient without adding extra rak‘ahs, such as:

• Forgetting the middle tashahhud
• Leaving a Sunnah act in prayer
• Making a minor unintentional addition

In these cases, the worshipper performs Sujood As-Sahw at the end of the prayer, either before or after the tasleem.

Cases Where Sujood As-Sahw Is Not Enough

In some situations, Sujood As-Sahw alone does not correct the mistake, including:

• Missing a full rak‘ah
• Omitting an essential pillar (rukn) of the prayer

In such cases, the worshipper must:

1. Complete the missing rak‘ah or pillar
2. Then perform Sujood As-Sahw at the end

Ruling on Forgetting Sujood As-Sahw

Does the Prayer Become Invalid?

Scholars confirm that Sujood As-Sahw is a Sunnah, not an obligation. Therefore:

• If it is forgotten, the prayer remains valid
• There is no need to repeat the prayer
• No sin is incurred

This ruling removes hardship for many worshippers.

How to Handle Doubt in the Number of Rak‘ahs

Building on Certainty

If a person doubts the number of rak‘ahs performed, the principle is:

• Build upon certainty, which is the lesser number

Example:

• If unsure between three or four rak‘ahs → consider it three
• Then complete the fourth rak‘ah
• Perform Sujood As-Sahw at the end

This ensures the prayer is completed correctly without excess.

What to Say During Sujood As-Sahw

Recommended Supplication

During Sujood As-Sahw, one may say:

• “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” (the preferred and most common)

Some scholars also recommend:

• “Subhana man la yanamu wa la yashu” (Glory be to the One who neither sleeps nor forgets)

However, the standard tasbeeh is sufficient and الأفضل.

When Is Sujood As-Sahw Performed: Before or After Tasleem?

Proper Timing of Sujood As-Sahw

The timing depends on the type of mistake:

• Before tasleem: in cases of نقص
• After tasleem: in cases of زيادة

In some situations, both are permissible, but performing the prostration itself is what matters most.

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FAQ

Is Sujood As-Sahw obligatory or Sunnah?

It is a confirmed Sunnah, and the prayer remains valid if it is omitted.

What should I do if I miss a full rak‘ah?

You must complete the missing rak‘ah first, then perform Sujood As-Sahw.

Does forgetting the middle tashahhud invalidate the prayer?

No, it is compensated by Sujood As-Sahw only.

What should I do if I doubt the number of rak‘ahs?

Build on the lesser number, complete the prayer, then perform Sujood As-Sahw.

Is there a specific supplication for Sujood As-Sahw?

Saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” is sufficient and recommended.