Sajda Tilawat

THE AYAT OF SAJDATUT TILAWAT There are 14 Aayaat of the Qur'an after the recital of which Sajdatut Tilawat has to be made. These are indicated by the word 'As Sajdah' shown in the margin and also on the specific Aayaat. (Note: The second Sajdah in Surah Haj is to be performed by the Shafi'ees, and the Sajdah in Surah Saad is not a Sajdatut Tilawat for the Shafi'ees. This is a Sajdatush Shukr for the Shafi'ees and should be performed only out of Salat.The niyyah(intention) for this is: 'Nawaytu Sajdatush Shukri lillahi Ta'aala'). According to the Shafi'es and Hanafis there are 14 sajda tilawat in the Noble Quran. The Hanbalis state that there are 15 sajdas whilst the Malikis say that there are eleven sajda tilawat in the Noble Quran. When reciting or listening to the Qur'an and on reaching any of these Aayaat it is Waajib to perform a single Sajdah, according to the Hanafi's. According to Imaam Shafi'ee Rahmatullahi Alayh it is Sunnah. The Hanafi scholars say that it is compulsory upon the reciter and listener to perform the 14 sajdas. The vast majority of jurists, namely, Malikis, Shafi'es, Hanbalis state that it is sunnah and not compulsory. However if one is unable to perform the Sajdah at once then it could be performed soon after. This Sajdah is not Waajib for women when they are in a state of Haidh or Nifaas. If an Aayat of Sajdah is read in Salaat then the Sajdah must be made immediately in the Salaat. The method of performing Sajdatut Tilawat in Salaat is to complete the Aayat and then immediately go down into Sajdah whilst saying Allahu Akbar. After the Sajdah return to the standing position whilst saying Allahu Akbar and continue recital without first reading 'Bismillah'. If an Aayat of Sajdah is repeated several times while seated in one place then only one Sajdah is Waajib. When one Sajdah Aayat is read at several different places or if separate Aayaat are recited at various places then the corresponding number of Sajdahs will have to be performed A small house, or the chamber of the Masjid is regarded as one place. It is desirable to read the Aayat of Sajda inaudibly to avoid making the Sajdah Waaj'ib on others who are within hearing distance. It is makrooh to recite the Qur'an and deliberately omit reading the Aayat of Sajdah to avoid performing the Sajdah. HOW TO PERFORM THE SAJDATUT TILAWAT The same conditions regarding Tahaarat, Wudhu etc. that apply to Salat are applicable to Sajdatut Tilaawat. Sajdatut Tilawat is prohibited whilst the sun is rising, precisely at noon, and from the time the colour of the sun changes before sunset until the sun has fully set.

The Hanafi method: It is Mustahab (desirable) to stand up and say: 'Allahu Akbar' without raising the hands; then go straight down into Sajdah; read 'Subhaana Rabbiyal A'ala' three times; arise out of Sajdah and 'whilst standing up say; 'Allahu Akbar'. There is no Tasleem (Salaam) after standing up. Although it is better to begin and end this Sajdah from a standing position, it is also correct to commence and terminate it from the Jalsa (sitting) position. The Shafi'ee method: First say the niyat for Sajdatut Tilawat thus: 'Nawaytu Sajdatut Tilaawati lillahi Ta'ala' . Then recite

the Takbeeratul Ihraam(whilst lifting hands as in salaat) by saying 'Allahu Akbar' and perform one sajdah. Thereafter whilst standing up say the Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and then recite the Tasleem(salaam) to complete the sajdah