Sajdatut-Tilawah is a Sunnah

Question

If I come across a verse in which there is a prostration when I am reciting the Qur’an at my desk, or when I am teaching the students, or at any other place, should I perform Sajdah Tilawah, or not? And is the prostration for the reciter and the listener both?


Answer

Sajdah Tilawah is a Sunnah for the reciter and for the listener and it is not an obligation, nor is it prescribed for the listener except while following the reciter. So if you recite a verse in which there is a prostration in your office or at the place of instruction, it is lawful for you to make prostration and it is prescribed for the students to prostrate with you, because they are the listeners. And if you do not observe the prostration, there is no objection.

Shaikh Ibn Baz (Rahimahullah)

Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 2 Page 282