What is the ruling on slight swaying while standing in prayer, whether due to forgetfulness or intentionally, and is prostration of forgetfulness (sujood al-sahw) required in both cases, and what is the ruling on previous prayers if the reason for the swaying was forgotten?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If swaying means alternating between the feet during prayer, then there is no harm in it, especially with prolonged standing. It is recommended by the Hanbalis and disliked by the majority. However, if it means rocking the body right and left or forwards and backwards, then this is disliked and resembles the action of the Jews. Excessive movement of this kind may invalidate the prayer.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 113967
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy