a journey (1). He also performed it beginning with Surah al-Mu’minūn (The Believers). When he reached the mention of Moses and Aaron in the first unit of prayer, he was seized by a cough, so he bowed (2). On Fridays, he would perform it reciting Surah al-Sajdah (The Prostration), beginning “Alif Lām Mīm. The revelation” (3), and Surah “Has there come,” both in full (4). He did not do what many people do today: recite part of each surah (5), or recite al-Sajdah alone across both units of prayer. This is contrary to the Sunnah.

As for the belief held by many ignorant people that Friday’s Fajr prayer has special merit (6) because of a prostration, this is grave ignorance. For this reason, some imams disliked reciting Surah al-Sajdah on account of this misconception. Rather, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, recited these two surahs because they mention the origin of creation and the final return, Adam’s creation, and entry into Paradise and Hell—all events that occurred or will occur on Friday. He would (7) recite during its Fajr prayer accounts of what occurred and what will occur on that day, reminding the Muslim community of its events, just as he would recite at great gatherings, such as the Eid and Friday prayers, Surah (8) (Qāf)