I saw Abu Huraira reciting Idha-Sama' un-Shaqqat and he prostrated during its recitation. I asked Abu Huraira, "Didn't I see you prostrating?" Abu Huraira said, "Had I not seen the Prophet (ﷺ) prostrating, I would not have prostrated."
Prostration During Recital of Qur'an
Book: Sahih al-Bukhari | Hadith Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1074
The Narration
I saw Abu Huraira reciting Idha-Sama' un-Shaqqat and he prostrated during its recitation. I asked Abu Huraira, "Didn't I see you prostrating?" Abu Huraira said, "Had I not seen the Prophet (ﷺ) prostrating, I would not have prostrated."
Scholarly Commentary
This narration establishes the legal validity of prostration during Qur'anic recitation (sujud at-tilawah). The chapter "Idha-Sama' un-Shaqqat" (Surah Al-Inshiqaq, 84:21) contains one of the fifteen verses where prostration is recommended.
Abu Huraira's response demonstrates the fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence that acts of worship must be founded upon prophetic precedent (sunnah). His statement "Had I not seen the Prophet prostrating" emphasizes that even a companion of his stature would not introduce an act of worship without direct authorization from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
The prostration here is a separate act from the ritual prayer (salah) and can be performed outside of formal prayer times. It requires the same conditions as prayer: ritual purity (taharah), facing the qiblah, and covering one's awrah. The wisdom behind these prostrations is to humble oneself before Allah's majesty when encountering verses that mention His greatness or command prostration.
Legal Ruling
The majority of scholars consider prostration during recitation as a confirmed sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah). It is recommended for both the reciter and the listener to prostrate when hearing a verse of prostration, provided they meet the conditions of ritual purity.