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?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If distraction and doubt in prayer become excessive, resembling (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 ( 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.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/126007
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 126007
- 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