Is it disliked (makruh) for the Imam to recite a verse requiring prostration (Sajdah) in a prayer where recitation is not done aloud?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is disliked for the Imam to recite a verse requiring prostration in a non-aloud prayer. If the Imam recites it, he should not perform the prostration. This is the position held by Abu Hanifa because doing so might cause confusion (iham) for the followers (Ma'mum).
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i did not consider it disliked, citing the narration from Ibn Umar that the Prophet (PBUH) performed a prostration in the Dhuhr prayer, then stood up and offered a rak'ah, and his companions perceived that he had recited a Surah containing a prostration verse. The followers of the first opinion argue that following the Prophet (PBUH) is preferable despite the potential confusion for the Ma'mum.