the devil, the very cause of forgetfulness and distraction; it compensates for the deficiency that has occurred in the prayer, secures the pleasure of the All-Merciful by perfecting His worship, and restores one’s obedience. Allah knows best.

– Sujūd al-tilāwah (the prostration of recitation): According to the majority of jurists it is an emphatically recommended sunnah and not obligatory, whereas the Ḥanafīs deem it obligatory on account of the divine command, “So fall down in prostration.”

Both the reciter and the attentive listener perform this prostration, while someone who only overhears the recitation without intending to listen does not. In the prostration of recitation one recites the same supplications said in the core prostration of the prayer; adding further invocations is commendable.

– Sujūd al-shukr (the prostration of gratitude): It is recommended whenever a new blessing is granted or a calamity is averted, whether the matter is public or pertains solely to the one prostrating. It is not prescribed for continual blessings, for the favors of Allah are unceasing.

Its form and rulings are the same as those of the prostration of recitation; they will be discussed in due course, Allah willing.