What is the ruling on re-reading Al-Fatihah or part of a surah after it due to doubt, and what is the ruling on the prostration of forgetfulness (sujood as-sahw) in this case, and similarly when doubting whether one recited the first tashahhud or completed it, or when substituting the obligatory dhikr (remembrance of Allah) in prayer, such as saying "Subhan Rabbi al-A'la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) in rukoo' (bowing)?
The treatment for obsessive thoughts is to ignore them and not pay attention to them. A person afflicted with obsessive thoughts should not pay attention to doubt, and should not perform the prostration of forgetfulness (sujood al-sahw) unless certain. It is permissible for a person afflicted with obsessive thoughts to perform the prostration of forgetfulness before or after the salutation (taslim).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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