Is a prostration of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) required when one remembers or doubts having recited Al-Fatihah while reciting another surah in prayer, and then returns to recite it?
If, during the recitation of a surah, you remember that you have not recited Al-Fatihah, or you doubt whether you have recited it, then begin by reciting Al-Fatihah and then recite something from the Qur'an. Some scholars state that you are not required to perform sujud as-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness), while others are of the view that sujud as-sahw is prescribed after the taslim (saying salaam to end the prayer) in this situation. However, if the person is a follower (ma'mum), the Imam bears the sujud as-sahw for him as long as he is following him, based on the statement of Ibn Qudamah: "If the follower forgets, but his Imam does not, there is no sujud upon him, according to the general consensus of the people of knowledge."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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