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
Iqamah (Second Call to Prayer)
The second call to prayer, recited just before the prayer begins.
Salawat (Blessings Upon the Prophet)
Blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family.
Ikhlas (Sincerity)
Pure sincerity in worship — acting solely for the sake of Allah.
Dhuhr (Noon Prayer)
The second daily prayer, performed when the sun passes its zenith.
Najaf (Imam Ali's City)
The sacred city in Iraq housing Imam Ali's tomb and the Shia scholarly center.
Sunan Ibn Majah (Ibn Majah's Hadith Collection)
The sixth of the canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam with unique narrations.