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
Sajdah (Prostration)
Prostration with the forehead on the ground — the most humble position in prayer.
Shukr (Gratitude)
Gratitude toward Allah for His countless blessings.
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter of Sincerity)
The 112th chapter of the Quran, declaring Allah's absolute oneness.
Wudu (Ritual Ablution)
The ritual cleansing with water, required before prayer.
Muharram (The Sacred Month)
The first and one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar.
Ghusl (Ritual Full-Body Washing)
The complete ritual washing of the entire body, required in certain situations.