How is the prostration of forgetfulness (sujood al-sahw) performed if the worshiper doubts the number of prostrations (sajadat), and forgetfulness is a common occurrence for him?
If someone experiences frequent doubts in their prayer or other acts of worship, they should disregard these doubts and pay them no mind, as they are a form of waswasa (whispers) from Satan. Ibn Abi Zayd al-Maliki said: "Whoever is overcome by doubt concerning forgetfulness (in prayer) should ignore it and is not required to rectify anything, but rather should perform a prostration after the taslim." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, when one of you stands to pray, Satan comes to him and confuses him about his prayer until he does not know how many rak'ahs he has prayed. So, if any of you experiences that, let him prostrate two prostrations while sitting."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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