In this article, we will explain how to do the Sujood as-Sahw after performing the Tasleem.
What is Sujood as-Sahw?
“Sujood as-Sahw” is a term used in Islam to refer to the prostration of forgetfulness or the prostration for error or omission. It is a supplementary act of worship performed during the course of the prescribed daily prayers (Salat) to rectify mistakes or omissions made while praying. This prostration is considered an additional gesture of seeking forgiveness and correction from Allah for any errors or forgetfulness that may have occurred during the prayer.
The primary purpose of “Sujood as-Sahw” is to emphasize the importance of mindfulness and concentration during the prayer. The act serves as a remedy for moments when a worshipper may have unintentionally added or missed a required element in their prayer, such as a prostration, recitation, or a specific movement.
By performing the prostration of forgetfulness, believers seek forgiveness from Allah for any lapses in their prayer and strive to maintain the integrity of their worship.
Occasions for Performing Sujood as-Sahw:
Here are the occasions when “Sujood as-Sahw” is to be performed:
- Omission of an Obligatory Action: If a worshipper unintentionally misses an obligatory action within a prayer, such as a prostration, recitation, or specific movement, they should perform “Sujood as-Sahw” to rectify the omission. For instance, if one forgets to perform a prostration, they would complete their prayer and then perform the two prostrations of forgetfulness before concluding the prayer with the Salam (greeting). Another example is given in the tradition below:
It was narrated that Mughirah bin Shu’bah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If anyone of you stands after two Rak’ah, if he has not yet stood up fully, let him sit down again, but if he has stood up fully, then let him not sit down, and let him perform two prostrations for forgetfulness (Sahw).’”
~ Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 1208
- Addition of an Extra Action: In cases where an extra action is accidentally added to the prayer, such as an additional prostration or recitation, performing “Sujood as-Sahw” is recommended to address the mistake. These additional actions can inadvertently alter the structure of the prayer, and the prostration of forgetfulness helps restore its proper sequence. An example of this can be seen in the following Hadith:
Narrated `Abdullah:
“Once the Prophet (ﷺ) offered five rak`at in Zuhr prayer. He was asked, “Is there an increase in the prayer?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “And what is it?” They said, “You have prayed five rak`at.’ So he bent his legs and performed two prostrations (of Sahu).
~ Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 404
- Uncertainty about Actions: If a worshipper is uncertain about whether they performed a certain action correctly, they can complete their prayer and then perform “Sujood as-Sahw” as a precaution. This ensures that any potential errors or doubts are addressed, allowing them to uphold the integrity of their worship. An example of this is shown in the following Hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When the call for prayer is made, Satan takes to his heels passing wind so that he may not hear the Adhan and when the call is finished he comes back, and when the Iqama is pronounced, Satan again takes to his heels, and when the Iqama is finished he comes back again and tries to interfere with the person and his thoughts and say, “Remember this and that (which he has not thought of before the prayer)”, till the praying person forgets how much he has prayed. If anyone of you does not remember whether he has offered three or four rak`at then he should perform two prostrations of Sahu while sitting.
~ Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 22, Hadith 323
It is a little unclear whether “Sujood as-Sahw” is a Sunnah act, or an obligatory one. There is no common consensus amongst the various schools of thought regarding matter. Regardless, it is a highly recommended act, which the Prophet himself has reported to have performed upon making a mistake during prayer.
There is also some degree in variation in what Scholars believe to be occasions where Sujood as-Sahw. Such as, the mispronunciation of Quranic verses during prayer. However, there is no tradition which supports this. The above three cases are universally supported by all schools of thought, and support by Hadith.
How to do the Sujood as-Sahw after Tasleem
Here’s a step-by-step guide on How to do the Sujood as-Sahw:
1. Completion of Prayer: First, complete the entire prayer, including the final Tashahhud (testification of faith) and the Tasleem (greeting) to conclude the prayer. There are also some traditions and schools of thought which say to only perform a single salaam to the right (Hanafi) or to not do any Tasleem and instead go directly to the Sujood as-Sahw (Shafi).
2. Intention for Sujood as-Sahw: After concluding the prayer, intend to perform “Sujood as-Sahw” by making a mental declaration that you are offering these prostrations to seek forgiveness and correct any errors that may have occurred during the prayer.
3. Perform Two Prostrations: Perform two regular prostrations, just as you would during the prayer. Place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground while keeping your elbows raised. Ensure your body is in a straight line.
4. Reciting Tasbih in Prostration: While in the prostration position, recite the Tasbih: “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) at least three times. You can also choose to recite it more times if you wish.
5. Sitting Up: After completing the Tasbih, sit up from the first prostration as you would in a regular prayer. Pause for a brief moment before proceeding to the second prostration.
6. Second Prostration: Perform the second prostration by placing your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Recite the Tasbih “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” at least three times again.
7. Rising from Sujood as-Sahw: After completing the second prostration and reciting the Tasbih, rise from the prostration position and sit up straight.
8. Tasleem (Salutation): Conclude “Sujood as-Sahw” by performing the Tasleem, or the greeting of peace, by turning your head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) to end the prostration.
Ending Note
As you engage in your prayers, remember that “Sujood as-Sahw” stands as a means of striving for perfection while acknowledging human imperfection. By incorporating this practice into your prayers, you showcase your commitment to fulfilling your religious duties with sincerity and attention to detail.
With the provided step-by-step guide on how to do the Sujood as-Sahw, you can navigate moments of forgetfulness or errors with confidence, knowing that Allah’s mercy is always at hand.