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What must a worshipper do if they make a mistake in the prostration of forgetfulness (sujūd as-sahw), such as forgetting to say "Subḥāna Rabbī al-A‘lā" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) or delaying the Takbīr of transition?

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The jurists have stipulated that whoever forgets or errs in the prostration of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) is not liable for anything, and is not required to repeat the prostration of forgetfulness, lest it lead to an infinite regress. So, if one forgets the glorification (tasbih) in the prostration of forgetfulness, or forgets the takbir of transition, or performs it in the wrong place, their prayer is valid and they are not liable for forgetfulness. It is stated in "Matalib Uli al-Nuha": "(And) other than the prostration of (forgetfulness), such as if one forgets during its two prostrations. Ishaq narrated this as a consensus, so that it does not lead to an infinite regress. Similarly, if one forgets after the prostration of forgetfulness, one does not prostrate for that." Al-Kasani said in "Bada'i' al-Sana'i'": "The repetition of the prostration of forgetfulness in a single prayer is not legislated... And because if he were to prostrate, he would not be safe from forgetfulness in it a second and third time, leading to an unending sequence." Al-Nawawi said in "Al-Majmu'": "And if he prostrated for forgetfulness three times, he does not prostrate for this forgetfulness. Al-'Abdari transmitted the consensus of the Muslims that if one forgets in the prostration of forgetfulness, one does not prostrate for this forgetfulness."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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