Correct Method of Sajdat al-Sahw in Light of Ḥadīth

Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – Discussion on Ṣalāh, Vol. 1, p. 199

❖ Question:​

What is the method of performing sajdat al-sahw?

• Should it be done during a pause (e.g., the imām makes two sajdahs immediately after sitting for tashahhud, then completes tashahhud and gives salām)?
• Is salām given to the right before making the two sajdahs?

❖ Answer:​

Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿammā baʿd!

• The Sunnah shows that sajdat al-sahw can be performed in two ways:
  ① Before salām (qabl al-salām)
  ② After salām (baʿd al-salām)
• Both ways are established through authentic narrations. The detailed circumstances for each are explained in the books of ḥadīth and fiqh.
• As for the specific method you described — where the imām, upon sitting for tashahhud, performs two sajdahs immediately, then completes tashahhud and gives salām — this form is not established in any authentic ḥadīth.

✦ Clarification:​

• When sajdat al-sahw is to be done before salām: one completes tashahhud, performs two sajdahs, then recites tashahhud again (if necessary), then gives salām.
• When sajdat al-sahw is to be done after salām: one gives salām first, then performs two sajdahs, then gives salām again.

Both patterns are found in the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

Conclusion​

• Both before-salām and after-salām sajdat al-sahw are Sunnah, depending on the situation.
• The described method of making two sajdahs immediately upon sitting for tashahhud is not proven from authentic ḥadīth.

ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب