Do You Need Wudu for Sujud al-Tilawah?

Question: 4913

We noticed that some people do not think it is essential to be in a state of Taharah or to face the Qiblah when doing sajdat al-tilawah, and that others say that these are essential. Which view is correct?

Summary of answer

The more correct opinion is that Sujud al-Tilawah is an act of worship, but it is not like prayer. So, it is not essential to be in a state of wudu or to face the qiblah when you offer sujud al-tilawah.

Answer

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family.

“Some of the scholars regard Sujud al-Tilawah as being a form of prayer, and on this basis they say that it is essential to be in a state of taharah, to face the qiblah, to say Takbir when going down and when sitting up, and to say salam after the prostration.

Other scholars say that Sujud al-Tilawah is an act of worship, but it is not like prayer, and on this basis they say that it is not essential to be in a state of taharah, to face the qiblah, etc., as stated before. This is the more correct opinion, because we do not know of any evidence to suggest that taharah and facing the Qiblah are essential, but if it is easy to face the Qiblah when doing the prostration and to be in a state of taharah, then this is better, so as to avoid dispute and to be in accordance with all the scholars.

And Allah is the source of strength. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions.” (Al-Lajnah Al-Daimah Li’l-Buhuth Al-‘Ilmiyyah Wa’l-Ifta, 7/262)

For more, please see these answers: 32750 , 73402 , 131299 , and 4908 .

And Allah knows best.

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Source:

Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah Li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Iftaa’, 7/262