The Incident and Its Context

This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1073 describes a companion reciting Surah An-Najm (Chapter 53) in the presence of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), yet the Prophet did not perform the prostration of recitation (sajdat at-tilawah).

Scholarly Commentary on the Omission

Classical scholars explain that the prostration in Surah An-Najm is established, as the Prophet did perform it on other occasions. The omission in this specific instance indicates that the prostration of recitation is recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory (wajib).

Imam An-Nawawi states in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that this hadith demonstrates the flexibility in performing these prostrations, and that leaving them occasionally confirms their recommended status rather than obligation.

Conditions for Prostration of Recitation

The scholars mention that certain conditions should be met for the prostration: purity (taharah), facing the qiblah, and covering one's awrah. If these conditions are not met, one may omit the prostration.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari suggests the Prophet might have omitted it to teach that it is not obligatory, or due to specific circumstances not mentioned in the narration.

Legal Ruling and Contemporary Application

The majority of scholars hold that prostration during recital of Qur'an is a confirmed sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah). The Hanafi school considers it wajib (obligatory), while others consider it mandub (recommended).

This incident provides important evidence for the position that missing the prostration does not constitute a sin, though performing it is preferable when possible and appropriate.