This is clarified under the second principle, namely:

An otherwise less excellent deed may be accompanied by circumstances that make it superior to the more excellent one. This is of two kinds: the first concerns what is prescribed for everyone; the second varies according to people’s circumstances.

The first kind includes association with a particular time, place, or act that makes the deed preferable. Examples include the periods after the dawn and afternoon prayers, and other times when prayer is prohibited. Recitation, remembrance, and supplication are superior at such times. The same applies to places where prayer is prohibited, such as bathhouses, camel resting places, and graveyards: remembrance and supplication are superior there. Likewise, for someone in a state of major ritual impurity, remembrance is superior; for someone in a state of minor ritual impurity, recitation and remembrance are superior. Thus, when the more excellent deed is disliked because it entails harm, the less excellent deed becomes superior in those circumstances; indeed, it is what is prescribed.

The same applies while bowing and prostrating. It is authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“I have been forbidden to recite the Quran while bowing or prostrating. When bowing, magnify the Lord; when prostrating, strive earnestly in supplication, for then you are likely to be answered.”

The scholars agree that recitation while bowing or prostrating is disliked. They differ, however, over whether this invalidates the prayer, holding two opinions, both represented within the school of Imām Ahmad. This is out of honour and reverence for the Quran, so that it is not recited