If a Muqtadi Misses a Wajib Behind the ImamIs Sajdah Sahw Required? (Islamic Ruling)

If a follower (muqtadi) misses a wajib action while praying behind the imam, but the imam does not make that mistake, the muqtadi does not perform Sajdah Sahw separately. He continues following the imam, and his prayer remains valid.

In congregational prayer, the muqtadi is required to follow the imam in all actions. If the muqtadi makes a mistake—such as missing a wajib—while the imam performs the prayer correctly, the ruling is as follows:

• The muqtadi does not perform Sajdah Sahw individually
• He must continue following the imam
• The prayer remains valid

This is because the imam leads the prayer, and the muqtadi’s actions are connected to the imam.

Hadith Evidence

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The imam is appointed to be followed, so do not differ from him…” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

انما جعل الامام ليؤتم به

This shows that the follower should not act independently in Salah.

Scholarly View

According to the Hanafi school:

• Sajdah Sahw is not required on the muqtadi alone
• Even if the muqtadi makes a mistake, he remains under the imam’s leadership