`Umar bin Al-Khattab recited Surat-an-Nahl on a Friday on the pulpit and when he reached the verse of Sajda he got down from the pulpit and prostrated and the people also prostrated. The next Friday `Umar bin Al-Khattab recited the same Sura and when he reached the verse of Sajda he said, "O people! When we recite the verses of Sajda (during the sermon) whoever prostrates does the right thing, yet it is no sin for the one who does not prostrate." And `Umar did not prostrate (that day). Added Ibn `Umar "Allah has not made the prostration of recitation compulsory but if we wish we can do it."
Prostration During Recital of Qur'an
Sahih al-Bukhari 1077
Historical Context
This narration demonstrates the practical application of sajdat at-tilāwah (prostration of recitation) during the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. `Umar ibn al-Khattāb's initial action established the sunnah, while his subsequent clarification refined the community's understanding.
Legal Ruling Clarification
`Umar's statement establishes that prostration during Qur'anic recitation is sunnah (recommended) rather than farḍ (obligatory). His deliberate omission the second Friday demonstrates the permissibility of not prostrating without sin.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars interpret this hadith as evidence for the recommended nature of sajdat at-tilāwah. Ibn `Umar's concluding remark reinforces that it is a voluntary act of worship that brings reward but carries no punishment if omitted.
Practical Application
This narration guides Muslims that while prostration at designated Qur'anic verses is praiseworthy, it remains optional. The flexibility shown by `Umar accommodates various circumstances while preserving the spirit of devotion.