Prostration Upon Recitation (Sujūd at-Tilāwah): What is it and How to Perform it?

Sujūd at-tilāwah (prostration upon recitation) is a prostration that a person performs when reciting verses in the Qur'an. There are several subjects when performing sujūd at-tilāwah that are recommended by performing the prostration without performing the tashahhud and salam.

The evidence for sujūd at-tilāwah, as related by Imām Abū Dāwud, Imām al-Bayhaqī, and Imām al-Hākim, from Ibn 'Umar, the Prophet said:

When Ibn 'Umar said: Once when the Prophet was reciting the Qur'an (the verse of prostration), if the verse of prostration was recited, he rose and prostrated, so we then prostrated.

Another narration from Ibn Mas'ūd:

When you recite the verse of prostration, rise and then prostrate. When you raise your head, then rise.

Ruling:

It is Sunnahfor the reciter and the listener. When performing prayer and the imam recites a verse of prostration, it is recommended to perform sujūd at-tilāwah.

Conditions:

  1. To be free from minor and major ritual impurity
  2. To face the qiblah
  3. To cover the 'awrah (private parts)
  4. After reciting or listening to the verse of prostration

Pillars:

  1. Intention (niyyah)
  2. Opening takbīr (takbīrat al-ihram)
  3. One prostration (sujūd)
  4. The salam
  5. Adherence to proper sequence (tartīb)

As for the recitation during sujūd at-tilāwah:

سَجَدَ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِيْ خَلَقَهُ وَ صَوَّرَهُ وَ شَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وَ بَصَرَهُ بِحَوْلِ اللهِ تَعَالَى وَ قُوَّتِهِ فَتَبَارَكَ اللهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِيْنَ.

Sajada wajhi lilladzi qolaqohu washowwarohu washaqqo sam 'ahu wabashorohu bikhauwlihi waquwwatihi,tabaarokallohu akhsanal qoliqiina

I have prostrated my face to the One who created it and formed it, and opened its hearing and sight, by the might and strength of Allah. Blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators.

Time:

In the Qur'an there are fifteen verses upon which sujūd at-tilāwah is commanded:

  1. QS. Al-A'rāf verse 206
  2. QS. Ar-Ra'd verse 15
  3. QS. An-Nahl verses 49-50
  4. QS. Al-Isrā' verses 107-109
  5. QS. Maryam verse 58
  6. QS. Al-Hajj verse 18
  7. QS. Al-Furqān verse 60
  8. QS. An-Naml verses 25-26
  9. QS. As-Sajdah verse 15
  10. QS. Fussilat verse 38
  11. QS. Sād verse 24
  12. QS. An-Najm verse 62
  13. QS. Al-Inshiqāq verses 20-21
  14. QS. Al-'Alaq verse 19
  15. QS. Al-Hajj verse 77

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