By: Shaykh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath (Translation: Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznavi)
When a Mistake Occurs in Salah:If a person is uncertain about the number of rak‘ahs performed, the Prophet ﷺ advised: “Let him try to determine what is correct and complete the prayer accordingly, then perform two prostrations (sujood al-sahw).”
(Sahih Bukhari 401, Sahih Muslim 572)
Key Guidelines:❶ Types of Mistakes & Timing of Sujood al-Sahw:
- Omission (less rak‘ah or act): Perform the two prostrations before saying salaam.
- Addition (extra rak‘ah or act): Perform the two prostrations after saying salaam.
❷ Doubt in Rak‘ahs:
If a person is unsure whether three or four rak‘ahs were prayed, he should act based on what he believes is most likely and perform two prostrations for forgetfulness.
❸ One Sujood Only?
Though two prostrations are required, if one is forgotten, the prayer remains valid and the mistake is covered.
❹ Sujood al-Sahw is an Act of Worship:
It humiliates Shaytaan and is a means of correction. The Prophet ﷺ himself performed it multiple times.
❺ Interaction With the Imam:
- If the Imam forgets, the followers must politely remind him.
- The Imam must accept the correction with humility.
- Sujood al-Sahw should be led by the same Imam who led the prayer.
Practical Examples from the Sunnah:
The Prophet ﷺ once ended a prayer after two rak‘ahs. When reminded by a companion (Dhul-Yadayn), he completed the prayer and made two prostrations after salaam.(Bukhari 1229, Muslim 573)
Another time, he prayed five rak‘ahs for Dhuhr by mistake. When informed, he made two prostrations after salaam.(Bukhari 1117, Muslim 572)
Once, the Prophet ﷺ forgot to sit for tashahhud after two rak‘ahs. He made two prostrations before salaam.(Bukhari 1230, Muslim 570)
Additional Rulings:✔ It is permissible to rest against a wall or pillar in the mosque after the prayer.
✔ Expressing displeasure or being upset when reminded of a mistake is natural, but one should correct the error immediately.
✔ Saying only "yes" with a nod is valid communication.
✔ Using a nickname with affection is permissible, but mocking is prohibited.
✔ If a follower makes a mistake, it doesn’t affect the Imam’s prayer.
Summary:Making a mistake in Salah is natural and not sinful. The solution is provided through sujood al-sahw. The Prophet ﷺ himself experienced and taught these scenarios, ensuring clarity for the Ummah. Muslims should learn and practice these rulings to preserve the sanctity and correctness of their prayers.
