Sahih al-Bukhari (Multiple Chapters)
The most prominent version is narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud. During a prayer where the Prophet performed an extra action, he turned to the companions and stated:
"I am only a human being like you and I forget just as you forget. So, if I forget, remind me." (Bukhari, Book 8, Hadith 48)
In another section regarding "forgetfulness in prayer," the phrasing emphasizes his humanity as a functional aspect of legislation:
"I am only a human being. I forget as you forget. If I forget, remind me, and if I am not sure about my prayer, I should try to finish it correctly..." (Bukhari, Book 22, Hadith 11)
Forgetfulness of Recitation
Beyond the physical actions of prayer, there are narrations specifically regarding the forgetting of Quranic verses. While the wording "I am only human" isn't always the lead-in, the sentiment remains:
The Masjid Recitation: Aishah narrated that the Prophet heard a man reciting the Quran in the mosque and said, "May Allah bestow His Mercy on him, as he has reminded me of such-and-such verses of such-and-such Surahs which I was about to forget." (Bukhari, Book 66, Hadith 78)
The Camel Metaphor: To address the human tendency to forget the Quran, the Prophet warned, "Keep on reciting the Quran, for, by Him in Whose Hand my life is, Quran runs away (is forgotten) faster than camels that are released from their tying ropes." (Bukhari, Book 66, Hadith 83)
Sahih Muslim (Book 4, Hadith 1721)
This version provides slightly different wording, emphasizing the location and the passive nature of the forgetfulness:
Aisha reported that the Apostle of Allah listened to the recitation of the Qur'an by a man in the mosque. Thereupon he said: "May Allah have mercy upon him; he reminded me of the verse which I had been made to forget."
| Source | Focus | Key Phrase |
| Bukhari 5038 | Gratitude for reminder | "May Allah bestow His Mercy on him..." |
| Muslim 788b | Location (Mosque) | "He reminded me of the verse I was made to forget." |
| Bukhari 5032 | Proper terminology | "Do not say 'I forgot', say 'I was made to forget'." |
| Bukhari 5033 | Maintenance | "The Quran escapes faster than a released camel." |