Sajda of Quran: A Complete Overview of Spiritual Depths
The Holy Quran is the final guidance sent by Allah to humanity, containing verses that inspire, guide, and bow down to Allah. One of the most important acts associated with its recitation is the Sajda of Quran, also known as the prostration of recitation. This act of immediate bowing is not just a ritual; rather, it is a spiritual response to the great power and command of Allah’s Word.
Understanding the importance of the Sajda of Quran is essential for every Muslim who wishes to approach the Book of Allah with proper respect and reverence. This comprehensive guide explains the Sajda of Quran, its definition, method, spiritual significance, and the specific places where it becomes obligatory for the reciter or listener.
What is the prostration of the Quran (sajdah of recitation)?
The literal meaning of prostration is ‘to bow the head’—that is, to place the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and feet on the ground in submission to Allah (swt). When this prostration is performed after reading or listening to certain verses of the Quran, it is called the Sajda of Quran.
The commandment for this action comes directly from the Quran, where Allah praises those who immediately fall into prostration upon hearing His revelation:
“Indeed, those (angels) who are with your Lord are not arrogant in their worship of Him, but they glorify Him and prostrate themselves before Him” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:206).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made it a habit to perform the Sajda of Quran continuously and made it a Sunnah for all believers. It is an immediate expression of humility, which confirms that the word of Allah has affected the heart and forced the body to bow down.
The Sajda of Quran is an affirmation that the believer immediately obeys the command of Allah, distinguishing him from those who refuse to bow down out of arrogance.
Allah’s Command: The Quranic and Prophetic Basis of Prostration
The verses of the Quran that require prostration are often about the omnipotence of Allah, the prostration of creatures before Him, or the complete inability of humans to comprehend His greatness without humility.
Its importance is beautifully expressed in a famous hadith:
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“When the son of Adam recites a verse of prostration and then prostrates, Satan withdraws from there weeping and saying: ‘Woe to me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, so he prostrated, so for him is Paradise. And I was commanded to prostrate, so I refused, so for me is the Fire.” (Sahih Muslim)
This powerful tradition emphasizes that the Sajda of Quran is a direct challenge to the arrogance of Satan and a quick means of gaining Allah’s pleasure. By performing the Sajda of Quran, the believer connects himself with the nature of all creatures who bow down before the Creator.
How to recite the prostration: Step by step
The method of performing the Sajda of Quran is easier than the prostration performed in the obligatory prayers (salat).
Conditions of Purity (Wudhu):
Although there is disagreement among scholars regarding the strict requirement of ablution (wudu) for the Sajda of Quran, the majority of the Hanafi, Shafi’i and Hanbali schools of thought hold that ablution is necessary, as it is considered an act of worship.
Therefore, it is safest and best to perform the prostration in a state of purity (wudhu).
Facing the Qiblah is also a condition.
Action:
As soon as the reciter or listener completes the verse of prostration, he immediately says Allahu Akbar and goes into prostration.
Dua:
During the Sajda of Quran, the general supplication of prostration should be recited:
Subhan Rabbi Al-A’la — three times.
A special supplication of the Quran related to prostration is also recommended:
“Sajdah wajhi lillah khalaqahu, wa shaqqa samah wabasrahuh bihawlahi waquwathi.”
Getting up:
After reciting the supplication, the believer should only pray to Allah.
He rises from prostration by saying Allahu Akbar.
After this, it is not necessary to say Salam.
The 15 places where one should prostrate the Quran
There are 15 specific verses in the Holy Quran where the Sajda of Quran is commanded. These places are marked with a special symbol in the margin of the Quran.
| Number | Surah Name | Verse Number | Place in the Quran (Para) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-A’raf | 206 | 9 |
| 2 | Al-Ra’d | 15 | 13 |
| 3 | Al-Nahl | 50 | 14 |
| 4 | Al-Isra’ | 109 | 15 |
| 5 | Maryam | 58 | 16 |
| 6 | Al-Hajj | 18 | 17 |
| 7 | Al-Hajj | 77 | 17 |
| 8 | Al-Furqan | 60 | 19 |
| 9 | Al-Naml | 26 | 19 |
| 10 | Al-Sajdah | 15 | 21 |
| 11 | Fusilat | 38 | 24 |
| 12 | Al-Najm | 62 | 27 |
| 13 | Al-Inshiqaq | 21 | 30 |
| 14 | Al-Alaq | 19 | 30 |
| 15 | Sa’d | 24 | 23 |
There is a slight difference of opinion regarding Surah Saad; some consider it a prostration of gratitude, but it is generally recommended.
Obligatory and make-up (Qada)
For those reciting the Quran, the Sajda of Quran is obligatory immediately after the verse according to the Hanafi school, and a highly recommended Sunnah according to others.
Listening vs. Reading:
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Prostration is obligatory on both the reciter and the listener if the listener intends to listen.
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If one hears it unintentionally (e.g., passing by), prostration is not required.
Make-up (Qada):
If a person forgets or skips the Sajda of Quran, then according to the Hanafi view it can be made up later within the same gathering.
The Spiritual Importance of Prostration
A demonstration of humility:
Immediate prostration rejects arrogance and expresses complete submission.
A shield against Satan:
It defeats the arrogance of Satan who refused to bow.
Renewal of Faith:
Each Sajda strengthens the believer’s bond with Allah.
Increased Reward:
It elevates the spiritual rank of the believer.
Summary
Sajda of Quran is the most beautiful and effective aspect of connecting with the Book of Allah. It transforms recitation into a deeply spiritual experience. By understanding its importance, proper method, and specific locations, we ensure that our engagement with Allah’s Word is complete and sincere.
Let us pledge never to miss this blessed opportunity to humble ourselves, affirm our faith, and find peace in the lowest state before the Most High.
Also Read: Online Quran Tutor USA – Transform Your Quran Learning Today
FAQs
How many Sajda are there in the Quran?
There are 15 Sajda in the Quran. Some scholars count 1 extra in Surah Saad, making it 16, but the accepted number is 15.
How to perform Sajdah of Quran?
Say Allahu Akbar, go into prostration, recite Subhana Rabbi al-A’la three times, then rise saying Allahu Akbar. Wudhu and facing Qiblah are recommended.
What are the 7 points of Sajdah?
The 7 points are: forehead + nose, both palms, both knees, both feet/toes.
Where are the Sajdas located in the Quran?
They are in these Surahs: Al-A’raf, Ar-Ra’d, An-Nahl, Al-Isra, Maryam, Al-Hajj (2), Al-Furqan, An-Naml, As-Sajdah, Fussilat, An-Najm, Inshiqaq, Al-Alaq, Saad.
Where is 2 Sajdah in the Quran?
The only Surah with two Sajdas is Surah Al-Hajj (verse 18 & 77).
Is there 6666 ayat in the Quran?
No. The Quran has 6236 verses (Madinah Mushaf). 6666 is a myth.
