What Is the Proof for the Hanafi Way to Perform the Prostrations of Forgetfulness?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaykum

What is the proof for the Hanafi way to perform the prostrations of forgetfulness?

I have read different hadiths leading to different conclusions on this matter.

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

Yes, all legal schools have a valid position on this matter. But note that (1) the traditions (hadith) are not the only source of law, and (2) law isn’t as simple as it may seem.

In general, it is slightly disliked (makruh tanzihan) to omit the first salam before the prostrations of forgetfulness. As you point out, there are a number of traditions relating to this issue, so the Hanafis generally deemed their method [of salam before prostrations] to be a matter of propriety.

In any case, please see the following answer which lists a number of source texts in support of the Hanafi position: What Are the Proofs for the Hanafi Method of Performing the Forgetful Prostration?

[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah with Tahtawi’s Gloss (2.62)]

And please also see: What is the Minimum Amount of Hair that Must Be Cut to Exit the State of Ihram After Hajj or Umrah? and: What Are the Proofs for the Hanafi Method of Performing the Forgetful Prostration?

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,
[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, where he also served as the President of the Islamic Society. He memorised the entire Qur’an in his hometown of Ipswich at the tender age of sixteen, and has since studied the Islamic Sciences in traditional settings in the UK, Jordan and Turkey. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jordan, where he is presently based with his family.