On Fridays the Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite Alif Lam Mim Tanzil-As-Sajda (in the first rak`a) and Hal ata `alal-insani i.e. Surat ad-Dahr (LXXVI) (in the second rak`a), in the Fajr prayer.
Prostration During Recital of Qur'an
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1068
Exegesis of the Prophetic Practice
The noble hadith establishes the Sunnah of reciting Surah As-Sajdah (Chapter 32) in the first rak'ah and Surah Ad-Dahr (Chapter 76) in the second rak'ah of the Fajr prayer on Fridays. This practice contains profound wisdom, as Surah As-Sajdah includes a verse of prostration, reminding the worshipper of humanity's origin from dust and ultimate return to Allah. The prostration serves as a physical manifestation of submission to the Creator at the week's most blessed day.
Surah Ad-Dahr, also known as Al-Insan, recounts the creation of humanity and the blessings of Paradise, perfectly complementing the themes of creation and accountability established in the first rak'ah. This sequential recitation creates a complete spiritual narrative: beginning with human origin and prostration to Allah, culminating with the ultimate destiny of the righteous in Paradise.
Juridical Rulings and Scholarly Consensus
The majority of scholars consider this practice recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. Imam An-Nawawi stated that reciting these specific chapters on Friday mornings is a confirmed Sunnah that should not be consistently abandoned. The wisdom behind this practice includes preparing the heart for Friday's congregational prayer and reminding the believer of the great events of creation and resurrection.
The Hanafi and Maliki schools emphasize the virtue of this practice while permitting other recitations. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools give particular emphasis to maintaining this Sunnah, considering it among the distinctive practices of Friday.
Spiritual Benefits and Contemporary Application
This Prophetic practice connects the weekly Jumu'ah prayer with fundamental Islamic beliefs - creation, prostration, and ultimate return to Allah. The prostration in Surah As-Sajdah serves as a weekly renewal of one's covenant with the Lord. In contemporary times, maintaining this Sunnah preserves the distinctive character of Friday and reinforces the connection between the weekly congregational prayer and the fundamental tenets of faith.
The practice also demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic worship, combining specific recitations with prescribed prayers to maximize spiritual benefit and maintain the unique identity of Islamic rituals across generations.