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? A – 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. – Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 2, pg. 282 Mocking the beard Q – What is the ruling of praying behind a person who shaves his beard and even makes fun of those who let it grow, and he orders them to shave it? A – It is not allowed to make fun of a person who grows his beard, because growing it is only obedience to the order of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him). You should advise the mocker, explaining to him that by making fun of the beard, he may not only be committing a major sin but he also may be committing an act of disbelief. Allah Almighty says: Say: “Was it at Allah, and His verses and His Messenger (peace be upon him) that you were mocking?” Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed. (Qur'an, 9:65-66) – Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 8, pg. 241 __
