Is it permissible for someone who made a mistake in prayer or its recitation, or forgot the first Tashahhud and then remembered it and performed it with the last one, to perform the prostration of forgetfulness (sujood al-sahw)? Is it permissible to supplicate by saying: "O Lord, intercede for me, O Sheikh"? And is it considered mockery of religion for someone to jokingly say to another who sneezed, "May Allah have mercy on you," using the feminine form?
You must turn away from the whispers (waswas) of prayer and not pay attention to them. Doubting the number of rak'ahs (units of prayer) necessitates building upon certainty and performing the prostration of forgetfulness (sujood as-sahw) before the tasleem (salutation of peace at the end of prayer). An error in reciting Surat Al-Fatihah or another surah that changes the meaning requires sujood as-sahw. Omitting the first tashahhud (testification of faith) does not invalidate the prayer according to the majority of scholars. Sujood as-sahw is not required for the ma'mum (follower in congregational prayer). Saying "Allahumma ashfa' li" (O Allah, intercede for me) with the intention that Allah intercedes with His creation is not permissible; rather, intercession is sought from Him, and He does not intercede for anyone. Responding to someone who sneezes using the feminine form of address is not considered mockery, but one should adhere to the prescribed supplication.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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