Introduction
Sajdah Tilawat is one of those beautiful acts of worship that reminds us of our complete submission to Allah (SWT). It’s not just a routine prostration; it’s a moment of spiritual connection that happens when we hear or recite specific verses in the Quran. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stressed its significance, making it a highly encouraged Sunnah practice.
Did you know there are 14 places in the Quran where Sajdah Tilawat is required? Some scholars even count 15 based on different interpretations. This is why it’s essential to know exactly when and how to perform it. But with modern ways of listening to the Quran, like through mobile apps and YouTube, do the same rules still apply? Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
What is Sajdah Tilawat?
Prostration of recitation is a prostration performed upon reciting or hearing specific verses in the Quran. It is an act of obedience that signifies submission to Allah’s (SWT) command.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“‘When a son of Adam recites a Sajdah and prostrates, Satan withdraws weeping, saying: ‘Woe is me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate and he prostrated, and Paradise will be his; I was commanded to prostrate and I refused, so I am doomed to Hell.”
This hadith alone should motivate every Muslim to never skip Sajdah Tilawat when reciting these special verses!
List of Sujud al-Tilawa Verses in the Quran
The Quran contains 14 or 15 verses that require the prostration of recitation. The Quran marks these verses with a (۩) symbol to indicate the required prostration.
- Surah Al-A’raf (7:206)
- Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:15)
- Surah An-Nahl (16:49-50)
- Surah Al-Isra (17:107-109)
- Surah Maryam (19:58)
- Surah Al-Hajj (22:18)
- Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) (Debatable)
- Surah Al-Furqan (25:60)
- Surah An-Naml (27:26)
- Surah As-Sajdah (32:15)
- Surah Sad (38:24) (Debatable)
- Surah Fussilat (41:38)
- Surah An-Najm (53:62)
- Surah Inshiqaq (84:21)
- Surah Al-Alaq (96:19)
Different schools of thought debate whether Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) and Surah Sad (38:24) are counted, but all scholars agree that at least 14 are confirmed.
How to Perform Sajdah Tilawat
Performing prostration of recitation is simple. It’s not a full prayer but a quick prostration done immediately after reciting or hearing a Sajdah verse.
A. When Outside of Salah (Prayer)
If you are reciting or listening to a Sajdah verse outside of Salah (Prayer), follow these steps:
- Ensure You Have Wudu (Ablution)
- It is recommended but not obligatory to be in a state of purity (Wudu).
- Face the Qiblah (Recommended but Not Mandatory)
- If possible, turn towards the Kaaba in Makkah.
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and Go into Sajdah
- Without raising your hands, say “Allahu Akbar” and move directly into prostration.
- Recite the Sajdah Supplication
- While in prostration, recite any of these:
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and Rise Up
- Say “Allahu Akbar“ and return to a sitting or standing position.
- No need for Tashahhud or Salaam after Sajdah Tilawat.
B. When in Salah (Prayer)
If you recite or hear a Sajdah verse during Salah, follow these steps:
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and go into Sajdah immediately.
- Recite the Sajdah supplication as mentioned earlier.
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and stand back up to continue reciting it in Qiyam.
- Complete your Salah as usual.
Note: If an Imam performs prostration of recitation during Salah, the followers must follow him in prostration.
If you recite a Sajdah verse at the end of a Surah, you may perform Sajdah and then proceed directly with Ruku (bowing).Addressing Modern Scenarios for Sajdah Tilawat
With the advancement of technology, many Muslims encounter Sujud al-Tilawa verses in new ways, such as through mobile apps, YouTube recitations, and online Quran classes. These scenarios raise common questions about when and how to perform prostration of recitation in a digital age. Below are key considerations and Islamic rulings for modern situations:
1. Hearing Sajdah Tilawat in a Mobile App or Online Recitation Ruling
If a person hears a recorded recitation of a Sajdah Tilawat verse from a mobile app, YouTube, or another digital source, most scholars state that the prostration of recitation is not obligatory. This is because the recitation is not from a live human voice, but a recorded one.
Islamic scholars state that Sajdah Tilawat is required only when a living person recites the verse, as the Quran and Hadith directly command it. Since recordings do not count as direct recitations, they do not require Sajdah.
2. Hearing Sajdah Tilawat in a Live Online Quran Class or Zoom Session Ruling
If a Quran teacher or live reciter recites a prostration of recitation verse during an online session (Zoom, Skype, or live YouTube streaming), Sajdah Tilawat becomes obligatory for listeners.
Reason: Since the recitation is happening in real-time from a living person, it holds the same ruling as hearing it in a mosque or gathering. What to Do? If you are in a state of wudu and able to perform Sajdah, you should do so. If you are at work, in public, or unable to perform it immediately, you may delay it and perform it later.
3. Listening to Sajdah Tilawat on a Smart Speaker or Quran Device Ruling
If you hear prostration of recitation from an automated Quran player, smart speaker (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant), or digital device, Sajdah is not required.
Reason: Just like recorded recitations, these devices are not human reciters, so the obligation does not apply.
4. Sajdah Tilawat While Driving or in Public Places Ruling
If you hear a live Sajdah Tilawat verse while driving or in a place where Sajdah is not practical (e.g., a train, office, or market), you can delay it until you find a suitable place.
Best Practice: Mentally make the intention to perform it later. Perform the Sajdah when you reach a proper place.
5. Performing Sajdah Tilawat Without Wudu in Modern Contexts Ruling
Most scholars agree that wudu is not mandatory for Sajdah Tilawat, but it is highly recommended.
Reason: Prostration of recitation is an act of submission, not an obligatory prayer. If you hear a Sajdah verse while not in wudu (e.g., at work, school, or while resting), you can still perform the Sajdah immediately.
FAQs About Sajdah Tilawat
If you forget to perform Sajdah Tilawat upon reciting or hearing a verse of prostration, you can do it later when you remember. There is no sin, but it is recommended to perform it as soon as possible.
Yes, if you missed performing Sajdah Tilawat at the time of recitation or listening, you can do it later whenever you remember, without any penalty.
No, you do not need to perform the prostration of recitation when listening to a recorded Quran recitation. You must perform it only if you hear a live recitation or recite the verse yourself.
No, women in menstruation do not need to perform Sajdah Tilawat. Since Sajdah Tilawat resembles Salah, and women do not perform Salah during menstruation, Islamic rulings excuse them from performing the prostration of recitation.
There is a difference of opinion:
Majority view: Wudu is required, as prostration of recitation is similar to Salah.
Some scholars: Wudu is not necessary, especially if done outside Salah.
To be on the safe side, it is preferable to be in a state of Wudu before performing Sajdah Tilawat.
Yes, you can perform Sajdah Tilawat after Fajr and Asr, even though scholars discourage regular voluntary prayers at these times. Since Sajdah Tilawat is not a full prayer, Islamic rulings permit it.
The majority of scholars confirm 14 Sajdah Tilawat verses. However, some scholars consider Surah Sad (38:24) as an additional 15th prostration, recommending it but not making it obligatory.
Conclusion
Sajdah Tilawat is an act of humility, obedience, and worship. Whether you recite or hear a verse of Sajdah, taking a moment to bow down before Allah (SWT) is a rewarding experience. In today’s digital world, understanding when Sajdah is required helps ensure we’re following the right rulings.
May Allah (SWT) accept our acts of worship and grant us the ability to recite and follow the Quran with sincerity. Ameen.
Are you someone who regularly performs prostration of recitation? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Also, don’t forget to share this guide with friends who might need it.
Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by Jamshed Anwer
