Tanzil al-Sajdah, Fussilat, al-Najm, al-Inshiqaq, and Iqra’ Bismi Rabbika.

As for the prostration in Surah Sad, it is a prostration of gratitude. However, it is authentically reported from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, that he saw the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, prostrate in it (1).

The correct view is that it is a prostration upon recitation. Accordingly, there are fifteen prostrations, and one prostrates in Surah Sad both during the prayer and outside it.

If someone were to ask: There are verses in the Quran that mention prostration, yet no prostration is prescribed upon reciting them, such as His saying: “And be among those who prostrate, and worship your Lord until certainty comes to you.” [al-Hijr] He says, “And be among those who prostrate,” yet no prostration is prescribed in it?

We reply: This was a command given to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in a particular circumstance, as Allah says: “We certainly know that your heart is distressed by what they say. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be among those who prostrate. And worship your Lord until certainty comes to you.” [al-Hijr] That is, when he felt distressed and the polytheists harmed him. Moreover, what is apparently meant by this is prayer, not merely prostration, for prayer was the comfort of the Prophet’s eyes, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and through it his anxiety and distress would depart. This does not entail that prostration is prescribed without qualification.

This reasoning may, however, be challenged by the prostration in Iqra’: “No! Do not obey him; rather, prostrate and draw near.” This is a command to prostrate in a particular circumstance: when that man stood speaking against the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and forbidding him from praying. Allah, Exalted is He, says: