The Ruler Ordering the People to Prostrate in Gratitude
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
The Shaykh’s position is: Is it permissible for a ruler, or an oppressor, or an imam to order the people to prostrate in gratitude, whether collectively or individually?
Answer:
No, no, he does not order the people to prostrate. Rather, he prostrates himself. He prostrates himself when the news reaches him. And whoever among the people wishes to prostrate, let him prostrate. As for issuing an order for the people to prostrate in gratitude, no, if it is not reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and it is not reported from the Salaf and the rulers that they issue orders for the people to prostrate in gratitude when a new blessing occurs. Yes.
The Shaykh’s position is: Is it permissible for a ruler, or an oppressor, or an imam to order the people to prostrate in gratitude, whether collectively or individually?
Answer:
No, no, he does not order the people to prostrate. Rather, he prostrates himself. He prostrates himself when the news reaches him. And whoever among the people wishes to prostrate, let him prostrate. As for issuing an order for the people to prostrate in gratitude, no, if it is not reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and it is not reported from the Salaf and the rulers that they issue orders for the people to prostrate in gratitude when a new blessing occurs. Yes.
Source
شرح بلوغ المرام من أدلة الأحكام [ صالح الفوزان ]، تتمة باب سجود السهو وغيره — islamhouse.com (51:45)
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.