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The question

Is it valid to perform the prostration of forgetfulness (sujood as-sahw) in a supererogatory prayer, such as a voluntary (nafilah) prayer?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Prostration of forgetfulness (sujood as-sahw) is prescribed for supererogatory (nafl) prayers just as it is for obligatory (maktubah) prayers, when there is a reason for it, due to the generality of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) statement: "If one of you forgets, let him prostrate twice." This is the view of the majority of scholars, and because rectifying the prayer and vexing Satan is required in both obligatory and supererogatory prayers. What supports this is the action of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), who performed two prostrations after his Witr prayer, which indicates that sujood as-sahw applies to both obligatory and supererogatory prayers.

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

Read the full answer on Ftawy