Prostration During Recital of Qur'an

Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1071

Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) prostrated while reciting An-Najm and with him prostrated the Muslims, the pagans, the jinns, and all human beings.

Commentary on the Prostration in Surah An-Najm

This narration refers to the first prostration of recitation performed by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in Mecca when he recited Surah An-Najm. The prostration occurred at the end of the surah, following the verse: "So prostrate to Allah and worship [Him]" (53:62).

The comprehensive prostration mentioned - including Muslims, pagans, jinn, and all humans - demonstrates the overwhelming power of the Qur'an's recitation. The pagans, though disbelievers, were so moved by the beauty and truth of the revelation that they instinctively prostrated alongside the believers.

Scholars note this event as evidence for the obligation of prostration when reciting or hearing verses of prostration. Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this collective prostration occurred before the migration to Medina and serves as a profound example of the Qur'an's transformative power.

Legal Rulings Derived

This hadith establishes the obligation of performing prostration when reciting or hearing verses of sajdah (prostration). The Hanafi and Maliki schools consider it wajib (obligatory), while Shafi'i and Hanbali schools regard it as sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition).

The inclusion of jinn in the prostration indicates that the Qur'an's message transcends the human realm and affects all created beings capable of understanding it.

Spiritual Significance

This event illustrates the universal appeal of divine revelation and how even those who outwardly reject faith can be inwardly moved by Allah's words. It serves as a reminder of the innate fitrah (natural disposition) within all creation to recognize and submit to their Creator.