The Prostration Verses of the Qur'an

Question:
What are the prostrations in the Noble Qur'an, with an explanation of which of them are obligatory?

Answer:
All prostrations of recitation are a recommended practice (sunnah); they are not obligatory and not required. On the correct view, there are fifteen prostrations: one at the end of (Al-A'raf), which is the first of them; one in the chapter (Al-Ra'd); one in (An-Nahl); one in (Bani Isra'il) (the verse "Glory be to Him"); one in the chapter (Maryam); two in the chapter (Al-Hajj); one in the chapter (Al-Furqan); one in the chapter (An-Naml); one in (Al-Sajdah); one in the chapter (Sad); one in the chapter (Fussilat); one in the chapter (An-Najm) at its end; one in the chapter: (Izha as-Sama' Inshaqa); and one in the chapter (Iqra' bi-ismi Rabbik). These are fifteen prostrations, all of which are a recommended practice (sunnah). If one prostrates, that is better, and if he does not prostrate, there is no sin on him.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recited Surat al-Najm on some occasions without prostrating, which indicates that prostration is not obligatory. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Indeed, Allah did not make prostration obligatory except that we wish to do it." The meaning is that whoever prostrates receives reward, and whoever does not prostrate has done nothing wrong.