One right Salam → two Sajdahs → Durood, Duʿā, final Salams
Closest to the standard Hanafi sequence—but At-Tahiyyat must also be recited again after the two Sajdahs and before Durood.
Understand · Correct · Complete
Sajdah-e-SahwTwo prostrations of forgetfulness
Forgot an action during Salah? Here is a clear, source-linked explanation of how Sajdah-e-Sahw is performed in the Hanafi school—and why you may see a different method elsewhere.
Hanafi step-by-stepCommon questionsScholarly references
The short answer
What happens after the two Sajdahs?
In the common Hanafi method, you first recite At-Tahiyyat in the final sitting, give one Salam to the right, make two Sajdahs, sit again and recite At-Tahiyyat a second time. Then recite Durood-e-Ibraheemi, a concluding Duʿā and finish with Salam to both sides.
This is a school-specific teaching guide, not a personal fatwa about a past prayer. If you follow an imam or another madhhab, see the guidance below.
Hanafi method
How to perform Sajdah-e-Sahw
Follow these seven steps when Sajdah-e-Sahw is required in your own prayer.
- Final sitting
Recite At-Tahiyyat
In the final sitting after your last rakʿah, recite Tashahhud (At-Tahiyyat).
- One Salam
Give one Salam to your right
Turn to the right and say Assalamu ʿalaykum wa rahmatullah once.
- Sajdah 1
Perform the first Sajdah
Say Allahu Akbar and make one prostration, with the normal remembrance of Sujūd.
- Sajdah 2
Sit briefly, then make the second Sajdah
Rise into a proper seated position, then perform the second prostration and sit again.
- Key step
Recite At-Tahiyyat again
Do not skip this step in the standard Hanafi method. Recite Tashahhud again after the two Sajdahs.
- Final recitation
Recite Durood and Duʿā
Read Durood-e-Ibraheemi, followed by a suitable concluding Duʿā.
- Finish
Finish with Salam to both sides
Complete Salah as usual, saying Salam to your right and your left.
A visitor asked
Which of these two methods is right?
One right Salam → two Sajdahs → immediate final Salams
Not the standard Hanafi sequence if the second Tashahhud is omitted. Do not assume another person's prayer is invalid: schools and specific cases differ.
Some Hanafi answers also discuss reciting Durood and Duʿā before the initial right-hand Salam. The steps above follow the commonly taught method described by Darul Ifta Birmingham and other Hanafi authorities. Ask a qualified scholar if you were taught a different Hanafi variation.
Know when to use it
When might Sajdah-e-Sahw be required?
In Hanafi fiqh, it may be required when a wajib action is unintentionally missed, misplaced or significantly delayed. The exact ruling depends on the mistake.
A required action was missed
For example, forgetting a wajib sitting or recitation. Different omissions have different rulings.
An action was added or delayed
Some significant unintended additions or delays can require Sajdah-e-Sahw.
You are uncertain about rakʿahs
There are separate rules for genuine uncertainty and recurring doubts. Seek guidance suited to your situation.
Important: Sajdah-e-Sahw does not automatically repair every problem in Salah. A missing fard pillar, for example, has its own ruling. Nor does every small slip require two extra Sajdahs. If you are unsure about a specific mistake, ask a trusted scholar.
Why people practise differently
Are there other valid methods?
Yes. Scholars differ over whether the prostrations come before or after the final Salam and whether Tashahhud is repeated in particular circumstances. For example, the relied-upon Shafiʿi method normally places the two prostrations before the final Salam, while Hanafi instructions commonly place them after one right-hand Salam.
These differences reflect recognised juristic interpretation of the narrations. If you pray behind an imam, follow the relevant congregational guidance rather than performing an independent sequence while the imam is still praying.
Did you perform it differently before? Do not assume your past prayers were invalid based on this short comparison. Ask a local qualified scholar, describing exactly what you did and which madhhab you follow.
Quick questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I read At-Tahiyyat again after the two Sajdahs?
In the standard Hanafi method described above, yes. Recite At-Tahiyyat again, followed by Durood-e-Ibraheemi, Duʿā and the final Salams.
Do I give Salam once or twice before the Sajdahs?
The commonly taught Hanafi method gives one Salam to the right before the two prostrations. Darul Ifta Birmingham also records the validity of certain other sequences under particular conditions.
What if I follow a different madhhab?
Follow qualified instruction from your own school. A Shafiʿi method commonly places the prostrations before the final Salam, so don't use the Hanafi diagram as a universal rule.
What if I forgot Sajdah-e-Sahw until after my Salams?
The answer depends on what happened next, including whether you spoke or did something that would end the prayer. Please ask a scholar about the exact circumstances rather than guessing from a general page.
Scholarly references
This is an educational summary of published scholarly answers, not a new fatwa by Step by Step Salah. Each source is linked so you can read the full context.
- Darul Ifta Birmingham — How do you perform Sajda Sahwa? Standard seven-step Hanafi sequence.
- Darul Ifta Birmingham — Delaying Sajdah Sahw Procedure and the question of remembering it after Salam.
- Darul Ifta Birmingham — The rulings of Sajdah Sahw When required and differences regarding the initial Salam.
- Darul Ifta Birmingham — Method of performing Sajdah Sahwe A published Hanafi variation involving Durood before the initial Salam.
- SeekersGuidance — Shafiʿi Sajdah-e-Sahw School-specific alternative.
Reviewed 13 October 2026 · Hanafi method identified clearly · If you find an error, request a correction.