What is the ruling on the prayer of one who doubted reciting the first Tashahhud, and could not recall the number of prostrations in the last Tashahhud, so he completed his prayer and prostrated for forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) before the salutation (taslim), then he doubted having increased the number of prostrations? Is he required to repeat it? And when is the prostration of forgetfulness due in cases of doubt regarding increase or decrease in prayer, and what is its general timing?
Sujud Al-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) is not required when in doubt about reciting the first Tashahhud. An increase in the number of prostrations due to ignorance does not invalidate the prayer. If a person combines both a deficiency and an excess in their prayer, then Sujud Al-Sahw should be performed before the Taslim (salutation of peace).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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