The Prostration of Gratitude (Sajda al-Shukr)

Question

Is it correct or not to perform, besides the prostrations of prayer and the sajda al-tilawa, an additional prostration of gratitude (sajda al-shukr) outside the prayer? If it is correct, then at what level, and if it is impermissible, then at what level? What is the ruling concerning a person who, despite its impermissibility, does not accept this and says: “Whether it is permissible in the Shari‘a or impermissible, in my view it is good; we have no need to take a fatwa from anyone”?

Answer

When some great blessing is obtained or some great calamity is removed, it is better to pray two rak‘as in gratitude; if that is not [done], then performing a prostration is also mustahabb according to the position on which the fatwa is given. However, performing it after the prayer is makruh and prohibited, since ignorant people will believe it to be a sunna or wajib.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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