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
Muwalat (Continuity in Prayer)
The requirement of continuous and coherent performance of the prayer's parts.
Adl (God's Justice)
The doctrine of God's absolute justice — the second article of faith in Shia Islam.
Zakat (Alms)
The obligatory alms that the Quran mentions alongside prayer.
Tayammum (Dry Purification)
Ritual purification with clean earth, when water is not available.
Qunut (Supplication with Raised Hands)
A personal supplication (du'a) with raised hands, recited during the prayer.
Du'a Jawshan al-Kabir (The Great Armor)
A long supplication with 1000 of Allah's names and attributes, recited during Ramadan nights.