Is prostration recommended for one who overhears the recitation without intending to listen?

Chapter on the Description of Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Prostration is not recommended for one who overhears the recitation without intending to listen. This view is reported from Uthman, Ibn Abbas, Imran, and is the position of Malik.

Supporting text

The Companions of Ra'y (the People of Opinion) mandate prostration for the unintentional listener, citing that they are a hearer of the prostration verse, just like the intended listener. This view is attributed to Ibn Umar, Al-Nakha'i, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Nafi', and Ishaq. Al-Shafi' states that the prostration is not strongly emphasized (not affirmed), but if performed, it is good. Evidence against mandatory prostration for the unintentional listener includes the action of Uthman, who, upon hearing a reciter recite a verse requiring prostration, did not prostrate, stating: 'Prostration is only incumbent upon one who listens attentively.' Ibn Mas'ud and Imran also stated they did not prepare for it, and Salman said they did not count on it. This general consensus among the Companions, except for Ibn Umar's statement (which may be interpreted as requiring intentional hearing), outweighs the analogy made by those who equate the unintentional hearer with the intentional listener, especially since they differ in reward.