Misbah Momin reflects on the beauty and power of the sujood, highlighting how it nurtures the mind, body, and soul.
My trips to Karachi are primarily to visit my parents and family. However, the most treasured moments occur in their room, where we all gather to exchange life stories. These cherished discussions cover a wide range of topics, from worldly matters to reflections on connecting with Allah. I affectionately refer to these gatherings as the tavern of love.
During our recent conversations, we explored the concept of ‘sujood‘ or prostration. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described it as the time when a servant is closest to Allah [Source: Sahih Muslim]. But is sujood simply a physical act symbolizing humility and submission, or does it represent a spiritual journey that transcends mere bowing, elevating the soul?
“And to Allah (alone) all who are in the heavens and the earth fall in prostration, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in the afternoons.” [Quran 13:15]
This Ayah of The Holy Quran beautifully illustrates the universal nature of prostration before Allah, emphasizing the inevitability of submission to Him, whether willingly or unwillingly, by all that exists in the heavens and the earth, including their shadows.
“Do you not see that to Allah bow down [in submission] all those in the heavens and all those on the earth, as well as the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, and [all] living beings, as well as many humans, while many are deserving of punishment. And whoever Allah disgraces, none can honour. Surely Allah does what He wills.” [Quran 22:18]
Indeed, this Ayah can provoke deep reflection. Belief in the unseen is essential to faith, as just because something surpasses our understanding doesn’t negate its existence. This form of prostration, beyond our grasp, embodies the realm of the unseen. It underscores the profound nature of faith and submission to Allah’s decree. The verse beautifully illustrates the vastness of Allah’s existence as the Creator and emphasizes the monotheistic belief that there is no god but One.
“When a person prostrates, seven parts of his body prostrate: his face, his two palms, his two knees, and his two feet.” [Sahih Muslim]
In sujood, the person humbly places their most noble features, the face and forehead, on the ground in an act of humility and submission. Have ever, though, pondered on its scientific significance?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said, “The earth has been made for me a place of prostration” [Sunan an-Nasa’i 736]. This emphasizes the significance of prostrating on the Earth itself, not just on carpets and not limited to any particular location. Praying on the Earth has scientific reasoning behind it.
Grounding, also known as earthing, involves connecting with the Earth’s surface to benefit from its abundance of negatively charged electrons, believed to promote wellness. Scientists suggest that direct contact with the Earth’s surface allows the body to absorb these electrons, facilitated by the skin’s conductivity.
Direct contact with the Earth offers remarkable benefits to the body. It reduces inflammation, aids cell regeneration, and promotes overall well-being. Allah instructs us to prostrate on the ground, which aligns with the health benefits of grounding or earthing. The interval between the two prostrations in salah offers a pristine moment for personal reflection and supplication. While engaging in the dua, The Messenger (SAW) said: Say: O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, give me health and sustain me” [Source: Sunan Abi Dawood].
Sujood is a bridge that fosters connection, nurtures humility, and fortifies the spirit. As you move ahead, remember, each time you engage in sujood, you’re not just bowing your head; you’re elevating your soul. It’s a journey from the worldly to the divine, one prostration at a time.
Indeed, Islam’s guidance to place the forehead on the ground during sujood aligns with modern scientific understanding. Placing the forehead, where the frontal lobe of the brain is located, on the ground during prostration is said to have beneficial effects on health and well-being. This demonstrates the timeless wisdom and guidance found in Islamic teachings.
Allah acknowledges the emotional burden the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) faced from people’s words, saying, “We already know that your breast is constrained by what they say” [Quran 15:97]. The remedy is found in the following verse, which instructs him to “Fall into sujood-prostration and praise Allah, and thank Allah Subhana waTa’ala” [Quran 15:98]. This highlights the healing power of sujood, offering solace and gratitude in times of distress.
Try following Allah’s guidance to engage in sujood, praising and thanking Him, as it alleviates the burdens weighing on our hearts. It’s a divine recipe provided in the Holy Qur’an, offering assurance and relief from life’s challenges.
“All that is in the heavens and on earth prostrates itself before God—every creature, and the angels—without any arrogance.”[16:49]
There are four types of sujood:
1. Sajdah as-Sahw: Also known as the prostration of forgetfulness, this sujood compensates for mistakes made during salah. It’s a gesture that underscores the importance of perfection in worship and our constant pursuit towards it.
2. Obligatory Sajdah: This pertains to the regular prostrations performed during the five daily prayers. These sujood form the backbone of a believer’s daily connection with Allah.
3. Sajdah al-Shukr: This is the prostration of gratitude. Whenever a believer receives good news or is saved from a calamity, this spontaneous act of prostration becomes a heartfelt way to express gratitude to the Almighty.
4. Sajdah al-Tilawah: This refers to the prostration due to the recitation of specific verses of the Qur’an. When one encounters these verses, whether during prayer or outside of it, they perform this act of prostration.
We are created by The Perfect One, yet we have our imperfections. The essence lies not in how flawlessly we perform an act, but in the sincerity of our efforts. While sujood is a part of our salah, the goal is to fully immerse ourselves in the act to reap its benefits. The Merciful One consistently shows mercy to us, as it’s all about finding ways to connect with Him for His mercy. “Fa inni Qareeb” – “I am near” for those who seek to be close.
In sujood, when we recite “Subhana Rabbi Al Ala” (Glory is to my Lord, The Most High), it is one of the highest forms of ibadah, testifying that the act of prostration befits His Majesty, The King of the universe. It is indeed a favour of Allah upon us.
In the state of sajda, there is no veil between Allah and us. We can pour our hearts out without fear of anyone else hearing. We are so close to Him, and He listens to us intently until we can only hear the sound of our breath and our heartbeats. Then, when we rise up again, it’s with the contentment of our prayers being answered. If only we truly understood the value of this priceless experience, we might never want to leave that moment.
From the tavern of love, we’ve been taught to prioritize falling in love with Allah first, trusting that everything else will fall into place, Insha’Allah. May the unlimited blessings of Allah be upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and SAW’s family. We are immensely grateful to SAW for delivering the complete religion to humanity.
Feel free to explore the gift of sujood further on your own journey and share your experiences with us.
