Many Muslims wonder what to do when they make mistakes in their prayers (Salaat). Whether it’s adding an extra movement or forgetting an important part of the prayer, Islam provides clear guidance on how to correct these mistakes — through Sujood as-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness).
Two important terms often mentioned when correcting mistakes in prayer are Qabli and Baadi. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for ensuring that your prayer remains valid and complete.
What Is Qabli in Salaat?
Qabli refers to the two prostrations (Sujood) made before saying the final Tasleem (the salutation to end the prayer).
When do you perform Qabli?
You perform Qabli when you omit or leave out something that is obligatory in prayer. For example:
- Forgetting to recite the Tashahhud in the middle of prayer.
- Skipping an obligatory part such as Sujood or Ruku and only realizing it later.
How do you perform Qabli?
- Complete your prayer as usual up to the final Tashahhud.
- Before saying Tasleem, perform two extra prostrations (Sujood as-Sahw).
- Then return to your sitting position, recite the Tashahhud again if needed, and say Tasleem (“Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”) to end the prayer.
Why is Qabli important?
It helps correct any omission in prayer and ensures that your Salaat is accepted.
What Is Baadi in Salaat?
Baadi refers to the two prostrations made after Tasleem (after you have already ended the prayer).
When do you perform Baadi?
You perform Baadi when you add something extra to the prayer unintentionally. For example:
- Performing an extra raka’ah.
- Adding another Sujood or Ruku by mistake.
How do you perform Baadi?
- Finish your prayer and say the Tasleem as normal.
- After Tasleem, perform two extra Sujood.
- Sit back up, recite the Tashahhud again, and say Tasleem to end the correction.
Why is Baadi important?
It helps fix any addition in prayer so that your prayer remains valid.
How to Know Which One to Do — Qabli or Baadi?
The rule is simple:
➡️ If you OMIT something in prayer → Do QABLI (before Tasleem).
➡️ If you ADD something in prayer → Do BAADI (after Tasleem).
This guideline helps you avoid confusion and complete your prayer properly according to the Sunnah.
Extra Tips for Avoiding Mistakes in Salaat
- Stay focused: Concentration (Khushu’) during prayer helps you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- Learn the prayer steps well: Practice makes perfect — the more familiar you are with each movement, the less likely you are to skip or add something by accident.
- Pray Sunnah and Nafl prayers: These voluntary prayers help cover minor errors you might not even notice in your Fard (obligatory) prayers.
Important Notes
- Tashahhud is the recitation of “At-Tahiyyatu Lillahi…” near the end of prayer.
- Tasleem is the salutation to end the prayer: “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (turning head to the right, then left).
- Both Qabli and Baadi are acts of mercy from Allah to help believers maintain the validity of their prayers despite human forgetfulness.
Conclusion
Mistakes in prayer are natural — even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) once made errors in Salaat, teaching us how to correct them. That’s why Qabli (before Tasleem) and Baadi (after Tasleem) are essential parts of Sujood as-Sahw, ensuring your prayer remains valid and complete.
May Allah accept our prayers, forgive our mistakes, and keep us steadfast in worship. Ameen.
