If one forgets to recite a surah after al-Fatihah, is the prostration for forgetfulness required?

Q: A questioner says: I prayed the midday prayer alone, and in the second unit I forgot to recite a surah after al-Fatihah. I remembered before the closing salam, so I performed the prostration for forgetfulness. Is there any blame on me for this?

A: There is no blame on you, and the prostration for forgetfulness is not obligatory for you; because reciting a surah after al-Fatihah, or whatever verses are easy to recite, is not obligatory. What is obligatory is reciting al-Fatihah, and it is recommended to recite a surah after it in the first and second units of every prayer. If you performed the prostration for forgetfulness, there is nothing wrong with it, and your prayer is valid.