For example: a person passes an examination while fearing that he may not pass; this is a renewed blessing for which he prostrates.

Another example: a person hears of a victory for the Muslims anywhere; this is a renewed blessing for which he prostrates to Allah in gratitude.

Another example: a person is given glad tidings of a child; this is a renewed blessing for which one prostrates. Apply this principle accordingly.

And the averting of afflictions. ..........

His statement, “and the averting of afflictions,” means afflictions whose cause has occurred, yet from which one is spared.

For example: a man has a car accident while driving; the car overturns, yet he emerges unharmed. In this case, he prostrates, because the cause of this affliction—the overturning—occurred, but he was spared.

Another example: a fire breaks out in someone’s house, and Allah makes it easy to extinguish until it goes out. This is the averting of an affliction, for which he prostrates to Allah, Exalted is He, in gratitude.

Another example: a person falls into a well and emerges unharmed. This is the averting of an affliction; he prostrates to Allah in gratitude for it.

What is meant, then, is the averting of afflictions whose cause has occurred, yet from which one is spared. As for ongoing protection, it cannot be enumerated. If we were to say that it is recommended for a person to prostrate for that, he would always be in prostration.

The evidence for the prostration of gratitude is that whenever something pleasing came to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, or he was given glad tidings of it, he would fall in prostration in gratitude to Allah, Exalted is He. (1) Likewise,