Q 1: When coming across an Ayah (Qur'anic verse) that requires performing Sujud-ul-Tilawah (Prostration of Recitation), must one be in a state of Taharah (ritual purification)? Is it required that both the reciter and the listener face the Qiblah (Ka`bah-direction faced in Prayer) when performing Sujud-ul-Tilawah? Does each Ayah in the Qur’an containing a Sajdah (prostration) require that we should prostrate on reciting it or do some require prostration while others do not? What are the Sajdahs in the Qur’an which require performing Sujud-ul-Tilawah?

A: Firstly, we have already issued Fatwa no.(1500)about Sujud-ul-Tilawah, which states: Some scholars believe that Sujud-ul-Tilawah is a form of Salah (Prayer). Accordingly, it is required that the person be in a state of Taharah, face the Qiblah, and should say Takbir (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]") when sitting down for Sujud and when rising from it, and offer Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) at the end. Other scholars believe that Sujud-ul-Tilawah is an act of worship but not a form of Salah. Accordingly, it is not required to perform Taharah or face the Qiblah. The latter opinion is the preponderant, because as far as we know there is no evidence supporting the obligation of performing Taharah and facing the Qiblah for Sujud-ul-Tilawah. (Part No. 4; Page No. 182) However, it is preferable to face the Qiblah and to be in a state of Taharah - whenever this is possible - in order to avoid the scholars’ disagreement. Secondly, there are fourteen places in the Glorious Qur’an where Sujud-ul-Tilawah is required: (1) the end of Surah Al-A‘raf, (2) Surah Al-Ra‘d, (3) Surah Al-Nahl, (4) Surah Al-Isra’, (5) Surah Maryam, (6) two Sajdahs in Surah Al-Hajj, (7) Surah Al-Furqan, (8) Surah Al-Naml, (9) Surah Al-Sajdah, (10) Surah Sad, (11) Surah Fussilat, (12) Surah Al-Najm, (13) Surah Al-Inshiqaq, and (14) Surah Al-‘Alaq.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.