Sujud al-Tilawah (Prostration of Recitation)
A prostration performed when reciting or hearing specific Quranic verses.
Sujud al-Tilawah is a prostration (sujud) performed when one recites or hears one of the Quranic verses that contain an invitation to prostrate. According to the majority of Sunni scholars, there are 15 places in the Quran where sujud al-tilawah is prescribed.
In Sahih al-Bukhari, it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: "We prostrated with the Prophet (peace be upon him) at the recitation of 'Idha al-Sama' Inshaqqat' (Surah 84) and 'Iqra' Bismi Rabbika' (Surah 96)." This sujud can be performed both within and outside of prayer.
The Hanafi school considers sujud al-tilawah obligatory (wajib), while the three other schools regard it as strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah). The conditions for sujud al-tilawah vary between the schools — the Hanafi school requires wudu and facing the qibla, while the Hanbali school does not require wudu for sujud outside of prayer.
Related terms
Rawatib (Regular Sunnah Prayers)
The voluntary prayers regularly prayed before and after the obligatory prayers.
Salat al-Wahsha (The Prayer of Loneliness)
A prayer performed on the first night after burial for the soul of the deceased.
Tartib (Order in Prayer)
The correct sequence of the prayer's actions and the daily prayers.
Imam (Prayer Leader)
The person who leads the congregational prayer at the mosque.
Ikhlas (Sincerity)
Pure sincerity in worship — acting solely for the sake of Allah.
Sawm (Fasting)
Islamic fasting from dawn to sunset, closely connected with prayer.