Is it permissible for the Imam to lead the congregational prayer by reciting a verse that contains a prostration?
Reading a Sura containing a verse of prostration (Ayat as-Sajdah) during prayer has two scenarios:
The first scenario: Reading the verse of prostration with the intention of prostrating. This is disliked () according to the majority of jurists. The Shafi'is held that the prayer becomes invalidated. The Hanbalis restricted this dislike to silent prayers. The Hanafis obligated prostration despite its disliked nature.
The second scenario: Reading it not with the intention of prostrating, but with another intention, with the prostration being a consequence thereof. In this case, prostration is not disliked according to the majority.
Some scholars are of the view that it is recommended to read other verses along with the verse of prostration, so that the intention is for recitation and not to necessitate prostration. They also hold that the prostration of recitation in prayer becomes obligatory immediately. It is disliked for the worshipper to intentionally read a verse of prostration in a Fard (obligatory) prayer. If one reads it intentionally or by mistake, one should prostrate for it. The Imam should audibly recite it commendably in a silent prayer. It is disliked for the Imam to read a verse of prostration in a silent prayer, but he should prostrate for it. The congregant has the option to follow or not.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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