What does Al-sahw mean?

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Discover the meaning of the term Al-sahw (سَّهْو) in Islamic vocabulary.

Definition Al-sahw

Al-sahw according to Dustur al-'Ulama (Al-Ahmadnagari)

The vanishing of the form from the mind such that one is able to observe it without having to make the effort of a new perception. It was also said: Sahw is the absence of the disposition (malakah) of knowledge. It is called sahw because the form is preserved in the vault of memory, so the disposition remains and is not nonexistent at the time of inadvertence. As for the time of forgetfulness, the form vanishes from the vault as well. Therefore, inadvertence (sahw) is an intermediate state between perception and forgetfulness. And intending this state to mean the absence of the disposition of knowledge is highly unlikely.

Al-sahw according to Mu'jam al-Mustalahat al-Fiqhiyya

Inadvertence. It is stated in Al-Qamous: He was heedless in the matter: he forgot it, was heedless of it, and his heart turned to something else; thus he is heedless (sahin) and absent-minded (sahwan). And he said: «He was heedless of it (ghuflan)»: he abandoned it and was heedless of it.

Al-sahw according to Maqalid al-'Ulum (As-Suyuti)

A temporary lapsing from known information if it comes to mind, and whose possessor is awakened by the slightest reminder.

Related terms: Al-sahw