Sajda Sahw in Asr Prayer: Separating Fact from Fiction
Question: When we pray Fajr, Dhuhr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers, if we make a mistake, we perform two prostrations (Sajda Sahw) at the end of the last rak’ah. Can we also perform Sajda Sahw if we make a mistake in Asr prayer? Someone said that Sajda Sahw cannot be performed after Asr because no prostration is allowed after Asr. Please clarify.
Answer: The person who told you that you cannot perform Sajda Sahw after Asr prayer has given you incorrect information. They lack proper knowledge of the religion, so it is important not to seek guidance on religious matters from such people. Instead, consult knowledgeable scholars who have expertise in the Qur’an and Sunnah. If a mistake occurs during the Asr prayer, Sajda Sahw can be performed. There is no time restriction for performing Sajda Sahw. To clarify further, if a person omits a pillar (rukun) of the prayer, the prayer will be invalid. However, if a wajib (obligatory action) is missed, the prayer can be corrected by performing Sajda Sahw. Missing a sunnah does not require Sajda Sahw, though performing it even when a sunnah is missed is preferable.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail