There are 15 verses of prostration (Ayat al-Sajdah) in the Holy Quran according to the majority of scholars. When a Muslim recites or hears one of these verses, it is recommended to perform Sajdah al-Tilawah (prostration of recitation). According to the Hanafi school, there are 14 verses of prostration, while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools generally count 15 verses, including the prostration in Surah Al-Hajj.
Detailed Explanation
Ayat al-Sajdah are specific Quranic verses that mention prostration, command it, or describe the believers’ submission to Allah. When these verses are recited or heard, Muslims are encouraged to perform Sajdah al-Tilawah as an act of obedience and humility before Allah.
The commonly recognized verses of prostration are:
- Surah Al-A’raf (7:206)
- Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:15)
- Surah An-Nahl (16:49-50)
- Surah Al-Isra’ (17:107-109)
- Surah Maryam (19:58)
- Surah Al-Hajj (22:18)
- Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) (counted separately by some scholars)
- Surah Al-Furqan (25:60)
- Surah An-Naml (27:25-26)
- Surah As-Sajdah (32:15)
- Surah Sad (38:24)
- Surah Fussilat / Ha-Mim Sajdah (41:37-38)
- Surah An-Najm (53:62)
- Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:21)
- Surah Al-Alaq (96:19)
How to Perform Sajdah al-Tilawah
The basic method is simple:
- Say “Allahu Akbar”.
- Go into prostration.
- Recite the prescribed supplications of prostration.
- Rise from prostration.
Many scholars consider a single prostration sufficient. During prayer, the worshipper follows the normal prayer procedure after completing the prostration.
Spiritual Significance
Sajdah al-Tilawah demonstrates:
- Humility before Allah.
- Obedience to divine commands.
- Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ).
- Reflection upon the meanings of the Quran.
Evidence from the Quran
Allah says:
“Indeed, those who are with your Lord are not too proud to worship Him; they glorify Him and to Him they prostrate.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:206)
Allah also says:
“So prostrate to Allah and worship Him.”
(Surah An-Najm 53:62)
And He says:
“No! Do not obey him. Rather, prostrate and draw near to Allah.”
(Surah Al-Alaq 96:19)
These verses form part of the evidence for the practice of prostration upon recitation.
Evidence from Hadith
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would recite a surah containing a verse of prostration, then he would prostrate and we would prostrate with him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Abu Hurairah (RA) also narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) performed prostration upon reciting Surah An-Najm and other verses of Sajdah.
These narrations establish the Sunnah practice of Sajdah al-Tilawah.
Scholars’ Opinions
Imam Abu Hanifah (RA)
The Hanafi school counts 14 verses of prostration and regards Sajdah al-Tilawah as Wajib when recited or heard under the required conditions.
Imam al-Shafi’i (RA)
The Shafi’i school counts 15 verses of prostration, including both verses in Surah Al-Hajj. Sajdah al-Tilawah is considered a highly emphasized Sunnah.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA)
The Hanbali school also counts 15 prostration verses and strongly recommends performing Sajdah al-Tilawah.
Imam Malik (RA)
The Maliki school recognizes a smaller number of prostration verses, generally counting 11, based on their interpretation of the relevant evidence.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception: Sajdah al-Tilawah is always obligatory.
Correct Answer: Scholars differ. The Hanafi school generally considers it wajib, while many other scholars regard it as an emphasized Sunnah.
Misconception: Women have a different ruling.
Correct Answer: The ruling applies equally to men and women.
Misconception: Sajdah al-Tilawah requires a complete prayer.
Correct Answer: It is a single prostration and not a full prayer.
Misconception: It can only be performed inside Salah.
Correct Answer: Sajdah al-Tilawah may be performed both inside and outside prayer.
Misconception: One must ignore the verse if unable to prostrate immediately.
Correct Answer: The prostration may be delayed if a valid reason exists, according to many scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sajdah al-Tilawah?
Sajdah al-Tilawah is a special prostration performed when reciting or hearing a verse of prostration in the Quran.
How many Sajdah verses are there according to the Hanafi school?
According to the Hanafi school, there are 14 verses of prostration in the Quran.
Is wudu required for Sajdah al-Tilawah?
Most scholars recommend purity and wudu, though there is some scholarly difference regarding whether it is strictly required outside prayer.
Can Sajdah al-Tilawah be performed outside Salah?
Yes. It may be performed whether a person is praying or simply reciting the Quran.
What should be recited during Sajdah al-Tilawah?
A person may recite the normal supplications of prostration, such as “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”, along with other authentic supplications.
Conclusion
The verses of prostration in the Quran remind believers of the importance of submission and humility before Allah. The majority of scholars count 15 verses of Sajdah, while the Hanafi school counts 14. Performing Sajdah al-Tilawah upon reciting or hearing these verses is a noble Sunnah and a beautiful expression of obedience, devotion, and gratitude to Allah.
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