Malik said: The prostration in Ha-Mim is at [the words]: {If you [truly] worship Him} (29). This is because the command for prostration is [there] in it. Our position is that the complete meaning is in the second [verse], so the prostration follows it, just as [it was in the prostration of] (30) al-Nahl at His saying: {And they do what they are commanded}. The mention of the prostration (31) was in what preceded it; the same applies here.

205 - Issue; He said: (And he shall not prostrate unless he is pure)

The essence of this is that the same conditions required for voluntary prayer are considered (1) for the prostration [among the conditions] (2): purification from both ritual impurity and filth, covering the nakedness, facing the Qiblah, and intention. We know of no disagreement (3) regarding this, except for what was narrated from Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, regarding a menstruating woman who hears the prostration: she gestures with her head. Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib said the same; he said: And she says, "O Allah, to You I have prostrated." It is also narrated from al-Sha'bi regarding one who hears the prostration while not in a state of ablution that he prostrates (4) wherever his face happens to be turned. Our evidence is the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: "Allah does not accept a prayer without purification" (5). Therefore, prostration falls under the generality of this. And because it is a prayer, these conditions are required for it, just as for that which contains bowing, [and because it is a prostration, these conditions are required for it, just as for the prostration of forgetfulness] (6).