Should one who hears a recitation in the mosque prostrate themselves for recitation, even if they are not the reciter?
Prostration of recitation (sujud al-tilawah) is a Sunnah for the reciter and the listener only, not for someone who is next to the reciter but did not listen. The proof for this is the action of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when he prostrated during the recitation of Surat An-Najm, and those who were with him also prostrated. As narrated by Al-Bukhari, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "O people, we pass by prostration, so whoever prostrates has done well, and whoever does not prostrate, there is no sin upon him." This indicates that prostration is not obligatory for everyone present, but only for those who listened.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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