Are there two obligatory prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are two obligatory prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj. This is evidenced by the narration from Uqbah ibn Amir, who asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) about two prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj, and the Prophet (PBUH) confirmed, "Yes, and whoever does not perform them, let him not recite it." Furthermore, this was the practice of a group of Companions including Umar, Ali, Abdullah ibn Umar, Abu Al-Darda', Abu Musa, Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami, Abu al-'Aliyah, and Zarr. Ibn Abbas stated that Surah Al-Hajj was distinguished by two prostrations.
Supporting text
Al-Hasan, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Jabir ibn Zayd, Al-Nakha'i, Malik, and Abu Hanifa hold that the final one is not a prostration because the verse combines bowing and prostration ({O you who have believed, bow and prostrate}), and just as when Mary was commanded, "O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with the bowers" [Quran 3:43], the combination does not necessitate a prostration. Ibn Umar stated that if he were to omit one, he would omit the first, because the first is informing (of the command) while the second is an order, and following the order is preferable. Mentioning bowing does not negate the validity of prostration, similar to how mentioning weeping in the verse {and they fell down in prostration and weeping} [Quran 19:58] does not negate prostration.