Provisions of the Prostration of Forgetfulness (Sujud al-Sahw) in Shafi'i Jurisprudence

Abstract

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, for what He has inspired and taught us of knowledge which we knew not. He is the Supporter in gaining understanding of religion for those whom He has chosen among His servants, and He has expanded the chests of scholars day and night. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, without partners, and I bear witness that our master Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, who said: "Whomever Allah wishes good for, He grants him understanding of religion" (Authentic Hadith). Verily, the science of jurisprudence (Fiqh) is among the most honorable of sciences, through which the permissible (Halal) and the forbidden (Haram) are known. This hadith embodies the application of Sharia and Allah's rulings in life. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who call to his message, are guided by his guidance, and act upon his Sunnah until the Day of Judgment. To proceed:
This research is prompted by practical necessity. It unveils for its students what was concealed, offering indispensable benefits, subtle nuances that a jurist cannot do without, clarifications of obscure matters, and everything that is needed or anticipated regarding the rulings of the prostration of forgetfulness (Sujud al-Sahw) according to the school (Madhhab) of Imam al-Shafi'i—may Allah have mercy on him. This is one of the complex matters needed by the young and old, women and men, imams and followers alike, particularly mosque imams day and night, and indeed at all times. The prostration of forgetfulness encompasses both obligatory (Fard) and supererogatory (Nafl) prayers, contrary to the belief of many people who think it applies only to obligatory prayers and not voluntary ones. The status of knowledge is the highest of statuses, and the virtue of scholars lies in establishing religious proofs and knowing rulings, which cannot be attained except through knowledge and its people. I implore the Almighty for abundant reward and recompense, hoping that this research becomes a reliable authority and reference by the blessing of the Most Generous, the Bestower. I ask Allah to make it beneficial, sincerely for His Noble Face, and a means to attain the Highest Paradise (Al-Firdous al-A'la); indeed, He is the Answerer of prayers. Significance of the Research:
The significance of this research is manifested in the following:
The close connection of this topic to people's daily lives in their prayers. Every action that stems from them requires a legal ruling to determine its nature, establishing whether that specific act invalidates the prayer or not.