The Prophet (ﷺ) recited Suratan-Najm (103) at Mecca and prostrated while reciting it and those who were with him did the same except an old man who took a handful of small stones or earth and lifted it to his forehead and said, "This is sufficient for me." Later on, I saw him killed as a non-believer.
Prostration During Recital of Qur'an
Sahih al-Bukhari 1067
Context and Significance
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari describes an incident during the Meccan period when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recited Surah an-Najm (Chapter 53) in public. The chapter contains a verse of prostration (ayah as-sajdah), which occurs in verse 62: "So prostrate to Allah and worship [Him]."
The public recitation and prostration demonstrated the Prophet's commitment to fulfilling Quranic commandments openly, despite persecution. The collective prostration of Muslims alongside him displayed their unity in obedience to divine revelation.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that this incident establishes the obligation (wujub) of performing prostration when reciting or hearing verses of prostration. The Companions' immediate compliance exemplifies the proper response to Quranic commandments.
The old man's refusal, using stones as a mock prostration, represents the height of arrogance and rejection of divine guidance. Scholars interpret this as demonstrating that outward actions without sincere faith are worthless before Allah.
His subsequent death as a disbeliever serves as a powerful lesson about the consequences of stubborn rejection after witnessing clear signs. This outcome validates the principle that those who mock Allah's signs ultimately face divine justice.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith forms the basis for the ruling that prostration of recitation is obligatory upon both the reciter and listener.
Scholars emphasize that the prostration must be performed with proper intention and humility, unlike the mockery displayed by the disbeliever.
The incident also illustrates that witnessing miracles or divine signs does not guarantee faith if the heart remains arrogant and resistant to truth.