Is prostration permissible without prayer?

Prostrating alone, separate from the prayer, is permissible if there is a reason for it, such as the prostration of recitation (Sujud al-Tilawah) or the prostration of gratitude (Sujud al-Shukr). It is also permissible to prostrate for the purpose of supplication (du'a).

As for prostrating without a reason, some scholars have deemed it disliked (makruh), while others have declared it forbidden (haram). The meaning of the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, "then help me against yourself by increasing prostration," refers to the prostration within prayer, not prostration separate from it.