Some people are accustomed to making Sujud after finishing the Salah and making Du`a' therein

Q: Some people are accustomed to making Sujud (prostration) after finishing the Salah (prayer) and making Du`a' (supplication) therein. Is this permissible? Does this Sujud have any origin in Shari`ah (Islamic law)? Has it been reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet)?

A: If this is Sujud-ul-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness), then it is permissible and one may say whatever they normally recite in Sujud: Subhan Rabbiyal-A`la. One is to repeat it and then recite whatever Du`a' one wishes. However, if this Sujud is not to make up for anything forgotten during Salah, then it is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) and impermissible act. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Whoever performs an action that is not in accordance with this affair of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not command us to perform this type of Sujud and did not do it himself; hence, it will be rejected. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.