Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw (سجدة السهو)
Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw (سجدة السهو) - “The prostrations of forgetfulness.” These are two prostrations performed to rectify mistakes made out of forgetfulness or inattention during the ritual prayers (Salah).
Etymology
- Arabic: سجدة (Sajdah) means “prostration,” and السهو (As-Sahw) means “forgetfulness.”
- Turkish: “Unutkanlık secdesi.”
Definition and Importance
Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw is performed when a person praying makes an error due to forgetfulness. It serves to amend mistakes, ensuring the prayer remains valid and complete. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised this practice to cope with the forgetful lapses during Salah:
<p>“When any of you stand up for prayer, and the devil comes to you and casts doubt and perplexity into your mind, so that you do not know how many rakʿahs you have recited, then prostrate yourself twice.” (Sahih Muslim)</p>
Situations Requiring Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw
- Addition or Omission: When a person adds or omits elements in prayer, such as performing an extra Ruku (bowing) or forgetting a crucial part of the prayer.
- Doubt in Rakʿahs: When unsure about the count of Rakʿahs performed.
- Recital Errors: Errors in the obligatory parts of the Quran recitations during the prayer.
Procedure
- Perform Salah: Complete the prayer as one normally would.
- Sajdah of Forgetfulness: Before Salam (ending prayer), perform two additional prostrations.
- Return to Posture: After the two extra Sajdahs, return to the sitting position.
- Tasleem: Complete the prayer by performing the Salam to end.
Books for Further Studies
- “Fiqh al-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq – A foundational text on Islamic Jurisprudence explaining various facets of rituals and prayer, including Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw.
- “The Prophet’s Prayer Described” by Sheikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaani – Provides detailed insights into the method and corrections of the prayer.
- “An-Nawawi’s Manual of Islam” by Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi – A concise summary of Islamic practices.
Takeaways
- Purpose: A key practice that ensures prayers are completed accurately despite human errors.
- Fulfills Obligations: Embodies the concept of striving for perfection in worship.
- Root in Hadith: Directly from the advice and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Conclusion
Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw acts as a compassionate allowance for human imperfection in the rigor of Islamic prayers. By performing this practice, believers demonstrate their endeavor to maintain the sanctity and completeness of their devotion, thus making their worship both disciplined and sincere.
