Is it necessary to repeat the prayer or perform the prostration of forgetfulness (Sujud Al-Sahw) when completing a pillar (rukn) or an obligatory act (wajib) in prayer (such as reciting Al-Fatiha or Al-Tashahhud) without awareness or concentration?
If distraction and doubt in prayer become excessive, resembling waswas (obsessive whispering), the worshiper is not required to repeat what they doubted, nor are they sinful for disregarding it. Mere distraction in prayer, while fulfilling its pillars and obligations, does not invalidate the prayer and does not necessitate a prostration of forgetfulness (sujud sahwi), unless another reason requires it. The prayer is valid but deficient in reward. The remedy for this is to seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, and to spit lightly to the left three times if possible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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