Prostration During Recital of Qur'an

Book: Sahih al-Bukhari | Hadith: 1072

The Narration

I asked Zaid bin Thabit about prostration on which he said that he had recited An-Najm before the Prophet, yet he (the Prophet) had not performed a prostration.

Scholarly Commentary

This narration presents an apparent contradiction requiring reconciliation with other authentic reports. The scholars have explained this through several valid interpretations.

First interpretation: The Prophet ﷺ may have already performed the prostration for Surah An-Najm on a previous occasion, and thus was not required to repeat it during Zaid's recitation. This demonstrates that the prostration of recitation, while recommended, is not absolutely obligatory.

Second interpretation: The timing or circumstances may not have been conducive for prostration. The scholars mention that prostration is not required if the recitation occurs during inappropriate times, such as while riding or in unclean places.

Third interpretation: This incident occurred before the legislation of prostration in Surah An-Najm was revealed or made known. The chronological order of revelations must be considered in understanding such narrations.

The majority position remains that prostration at the designated verses is a confirmed sunnah, and this narration serves to show the flexibility within Islamic law and the wisdom of the Prophet in applying rulings according to circumstances.