Sujüdus-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness) Basic 6 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of Sujudus-Sahw
• Tell why it is important
• Demonstrate its observance

Lesson Content:

WHAT IS SUJUDUS-SAHW?

Definition: Sujudus-Sahw (سجود السهو) means “Prostration of Forgetfulness.” It consists of two extra prostrations (sujud) performed to correct mistakes made during prayer due to forgetfulness, doubt, or error.

When It’s Arabic Name:

• Sujud = Prostration
• Sahw = Forgetfulness/Mistake

WHEN IS SUJUDUS-SAHW PERFORMED?

1. When You Add Something (Ziyada)

• Adding extra rakat (units) to prayer
• Reciting Quran where not required
• Standing when you should sit

2. When You Leave Something Out (Naqsan)

• Forgetting to recite Surah Al-Fatihah
• Missing a required recitation
• Skipping a rakat

3. When You Have Doubt (Shakk)

• Not sure if you prayed 2 or 3 rakats
• Uncertain about which position you’re in
• Confused about what you already did

TYPES OF SUJUDUS-SAHW:

1. Sujudus-Sahw Before Salam

• Performed before saying final Salam
• Used when something was forgotten or left out
• More common type

2. Sujudus-Sahw After Salam

• Performed after saying final Salam
• Used when something extra was added
• Less common type

HOW TO PERFORM SUJUDUS-SAHW:

Method 1: Before Salam

1. Complete your prayer normally
2. Before saying final Salam, say “Allahu Akbar”
3. Perform first prostration (Sujud)
4. Sit up and say “Allahu Akbar”
5. Perform second prostration
6. Sit up and recite Tashahhud
7. Say final Salam to complete prayer

Method 2: After Salam

1. Complete prayer with final Salam
2. Say “Allahu Akbar” and perform first prostration
3. Sit up and say “Allahu Akbar”
4. Perform second prostration
5. Sit up and say final Salam

WHAT TO RECITE DURING SUJUDUS-SAHW:

During Prostration, recite:

• “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah)
• “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)
• “Rabbighfirli” (My Lord, forgive me)

WHY IS SUJUDUS-SAHW IMPORTANT?

1. Completes Deficient Prayer

• Fixes mistakes in prayer
• Makes prayer acceptable to Allah
• Ensures proper worship

2. Shows Humility

• Admits we make mistakes
• Shows we need Allah’s guidance
• Demonstrates humility before Allah

3. Follows Prophetic Guidance

• Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught this method
• Following Sunnah brings reward
• Correct way to handle prayer mistakes

4. Prevents Prayer Repetition

• Avoids need to repeat entire prayer
• Saves time and effort
• Maintains connection with Allah

5. Spiritual Benefit

• Extra prostration brings closeness to Allah
• Additional reward from Allah
• Purifies the prayer

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES:

Example 1: You’re praying Maghrib (3 rakats) but perform 4 rakats by mistake.

• Solution: Perform Sujudus-Sahw after Salam

Example 2: You forget to recite Surah after Al-Fatihah in first rakat.

• Solution: Perform Sujudus-Sahw before Salam

Example 3: You’re not sure if you prayed 2 or 3 rakats in Asr prayer.

• Solution: Assume the lesser number (2) and continue, then do Sujudus-Sahw before Salam

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Don’t worry too much about small mistakes in prayer
• Allah forgives honest mistakes
• Sujudus-Sahw is a mercy from Allah
• Practice makes prayer better over time
• Ask knowledgeable people when in doubt

MULTIPLE CHOICE EXERCISE:

1. Sujudus-Sahw means: 

1. a) Prostration of happiness
2. b) Prostration of forgetfulness
3. c) Prostration of gratitude
4. d) Prostration of fear

1. How many extra prostrations are in Sujudus-Sahw? 

1. a) One
2. b) Two
3. c) Three
4. d) Four

1. When should you perform Sujudus-Sahw? 

1. a) In every prayer
2. b) Only on Fridays
3. c) When you make mistakes in prayer
4. d) Only during Ramadan

HOMEWORK:

1. Define Sujudus-Sahw and explain why it’s performed
2. Describe how to perform Sujudus-Sahw before Salam
3. Give 2 examples of when Sujudus-Sahw is needed