274 – Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “We prostrated with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when he recited: ‘Idhā as-samāʾu inshakkat’ (When the sky is split asunder) and ‘Iqraʾ bismi rabbika alladhī khalaq’ (Read in the name of your Lord who created).” Narrated by Muslim (1).

Points derived from the ḥadīth
1 – The report deals with the prostration of recitation, concerning which the scholars are unanimously agreed that it is legislated. Al-Nawawī said: “The scholars are agreed on affirming the prostration of recitation; Allah the Exalted and His Messenger have prescribed it as an act of worship, a means of drawing near to Him, an expression of humility before His majesty, and of submissiveness in His presence when one recites or hears the verses of prostration.”
2 – The majority of scholars hold that it is a sunnah, whereas Abū Ḥanīfah considers it obligatory, though not at the level of an individual duty (farḍ). Those who deem it obligatory cite the words of the Exalted: “What is the matter with them that they do not believe? And when the Qur’an is recited to them, they do not prostrate” (al-Inshiqāq 84:20–21). He reproached them for failing to prostrate, and censure is warranted only for leaving an obligation. They also adduce the unrestricted command: “So prostrate!”
3 – Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The prostrations mentioned in the Qur’an are reports from Allah, Exalted is He, about His creatures prostrating; therefore it is recommended for the reciter and the attentive listener to emulate them when a verse of prostration is recited or heard. Some of these verses are commands, making prostration even more appropriate.”
4 – The prostration of recitation is prescribed for both the reader and the listener who intends to listen, for they share in the reward. It is not prescribed for one who merely hears without intending to listen. According to the Ḥanafīs, however, it is required of every hearer.
5 – Shaykh al-Islām said: “A group of scholars hold that no opening takbīr is prescribed for it.”