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Does frequent prostration of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) in prayer diminish its reward?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Frequent prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) indicate what necessitates them, which is often a result of a lack of attentiveness during prayer, thereby diminishing its reward. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, a man may depart [from his prayer] and nothing is recorded for him except a tenth of his prayer, or a ninth, or an eighth, or a seventh, or a sixth, or a fifth, or a fourth, or a third, or a half." Therefore, a Muslim must strive to attain humility and attentiveness in prayer to receive its full reward and to be characterized by the attributes of the humble believers. And as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "When you stand for your prayer, pray as if it is your last prayer."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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