Does adding or subtracting a raka'ah in prayer out of forgetfulness invalidate the prayer?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If a worshiper adds an extra rak'ah due to forgetfulness, their prayer is valid, and it is for them to perform the two prostrations of forgetfulness ( as-sahw) if they are still soon after the prayer. Some scholars hold the view that prostration is always recommended. However, if they omit a rak'ah and remember it a short time later, they should return to complete it and perform the two prostrations of forgetfulness. But if they remember it after a long time, their prayer is invalid and must be repeated.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/41658
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 41658
- 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