Chapter on the Prostration of Qur’an Recitation

Among the sunnah practices is the prostration performed upon reciting certain verses, known as the “prostration of recitation.” It takes its name by attributing the effect to its cause, for the act of recitation is what prompts it. Allah and His Messenger have legislated this prostration as an act of worship to be offered when the verses are recited or heard, in order to draw nearer to Him, to humble oneself before His majesty, and to display submission in His presence.

The prostration of recitation is recommended for both the reciter and the listener, and the scholars unanimously agree on its legitimacy.

Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: “The Prophet would recite to us a surah that contained a verse of prostration; he would then prostrate and we would prostrate with him, until none of us could find a place to rest his forehead.” Agreed upon.

The eminent scholar Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751 AH) said: “The locations of these prostrations in the Qur’an are either reports or commands: reports from Allah about His creatures prostrating to Him, whether generally or specifically. Thus it is recommended for the one who recites and the one who listens to imitate them whenever he recites or hears a verse of prostration,