How many verses of prostration (Sajdah) are in the Quran?

There are fifteen verses of prostration (Ayat al-Sajdah) in the Quran according to the majority of scholars. The Hanafi, Hanbali, and Shafi'i schools generally agree on fifteen, while the Maliki school counts eleven. The consensus is on at least ten of these verses.

Is the prostration of recitation (Sajdat al-Tilawah) obligatory?

The ruling differs among Islamic law schools. In the Hanafi school, it is considered Wajib (obligatory) for both the reciter and the listener. For the Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools, it is a highly recommended Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah), meaning it is rewarded but not sinful if omitted.

How do you perform the prostration of recitation?

Outside of prayer, one should face the Qibla, say 'Allahu Akbar' without raising the hands, perform a single prostration reciting 'Subhana Rabbiyal A'la' three times, and then rise up saying 'Allahu Akbar'. There is no tashahhud or salam. Inside prayer, the prostration is performed immediately after the verse.

Prostration Verses in the Quran: A Guide to Sajdat al-Tilawah

Prostration verses

Explore Verses Related to Prostration verses

🕋Al-A'raf7:206

At a Glance

The Prostration Verses (آيات السجدة, Ayat al-Sajdah), are fifteen specific verses within the Quran where recitation or hearing them prompts a special, single prostration known as Sajdat al-Tilawah (the Prostration of Recitation). This practice is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). According to classical Islamic scholarship, these verses are not randomly placed; they mark profound moments of theological declaration about Allah's majesty, the submission of creation, or the humility of the believers. Performing this prostration is a physical affirmation of the verse's meaning, an act of immediate submission and worship. While there is scholarly consensus on its legitimacy, its legal status varies, being Wajib (obligatory) in the Hanafi school and a highly recommended Sunnah in the Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools.

📖 Quranic Context

Marks moments of profound theological declaration, commanding or describing the ultimate act of submission.

A direct physical response to the divine word, affirming belief and humility.

References: 15 specific verses across 13 Surahs

💭 Theological Perspective

Represents the innate (fitrah) recognition of the Creator, compelling submission.

A physical act that reinforces spiritual humility and counters arrogance.

Acts as a practical, punctuating affirmation of faith during the reception of revelation.

A recurring practice that cultivates a state of submission and closeness to Allah.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The practice is a confirmed Sunnah, with the Prophet (ﷺ) consistently performing it and teaching his companions.

The weeping of Shaytan when a person performs the prostration, lamenting his own disobedience.
The Prophet (ﷺ) prostrating when reciting these verses, and the companions prostrating with him.

Unanimous agreement among scholars on the legitimacy of the practice, with differences only in its legal status (obligatory vs. recommended).

💎 Deeper Insights

Search grounding reveals that the Prostration Verses function as 'Theological Affirmation Points'. They are strategically placed after declarations of Divine power (e.g., 16:49 after describing creation) or rebukes of disbelief (e.g., 25:60), making the prostration a physical seal of acceptance and submission to that specific theological truth.

— General Tafsir scholars

A cross-fiqh synthesis shows that the difference between the Hanafi 'Wajib' ruling and the majority 'Sunnah' ruling is less a contradiction and more a difference in legal classification. Both agree on the extreme importance and Prophetic nature of the act. The Hanafi view emphasizes it as a 'debt' that must be paid, highlighting its non-negotiable importance in their legal framework.

— Comparative Fiqh scholars