The Qur’an, Islam’s special book, has chapters called Surahs. Each Surah has its unique significance, theme, and history. Surah Sajdah in the Qur’an talks about showing respect through bowing and reminds us of God’s power and our role on Earth.
Definition
Surah As-Sajdah, or “The Prostration,” is chapter 32 of the Qur’an. It consists of 30 verses (ayahs) and is named after the act of prostration (sujood) that is mentioned in the 15th verse. This Surah covers various themes, such as the creation of humankind, the resurrection, and the ultimate return to Allah.
Surah Sajdah
| الٓمٓ ١ |
| Alif-Lãm-Mĩm. |
| تَنزِيلُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ مِن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٢ |
| The revelation of this Book is—beyond doubt—from the Lord of all worlds. |
| أَمْ يَقُولُونَ ٱفْتَرَىٰهُ ۚ بَلْ هُوَ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ لِتُنذِرَ قَوْمًۭا مَّآ أَتَىٰهُم مِّن نَّذِيرٍۢ مِّن قَبْلِكَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ ٣ |
| Or do they say, “He has fabricated it!”? No! It is the truth from your Lord in order for you to warn a people to whom no warner has come before you, so they may be ˹rightly˺ guided. |
| ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍۢ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ ۖ مَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ مِن وَلِىٍّۢ وَلَا شَفِيعٍ ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ ٤ |
| It is Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth and everything in between in six Days,1 then established Himself on the Throne. You have no protector or intercessor besides Him. Will you not then be mindful? |
| يُدَبِّرُ ٱلْأَمْرَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ يَعْرُجُ إِلَيْهِ فِى يَوْمٍۢ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُۥٓ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍۢ مِّمَّا تَعُدُّونَ ٥ |
| He conducts every affair from the heavens to the earth, then it all ascends to Him on a Day whose length is a thousand years by your counting. |
| ذَٰلِكَ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ ٦ |
| That is the Knower of the seen and unseen—the Almighty, Most Merciful, |
| ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحْسَنَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ خَلَقَهُۥ ۖ وَبَدَأَ خَلْقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنِ مِن طِينٍۢ ٧ |
| Who has perfected everything He created. And He originated the creation of humankind from clay.1 |
| ثُمَّ جَعَلَ نَسْلَهُۥ مِن سُلَـٰلَةٍۢ مِّن مَّآءٍۢ مَّهِينٍۢ ٨ |
| Then He made his descendants from an extract of a humble fluid, |
| ثُمَّ سَوَّىٰهُ وَنَفَخَ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِهِۦ ۖ وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ ۚ قَلِيلًۭا مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ ٩ |
| then He fashioned them and had a spirit of His Own ˹creation˺ breathed into them. And He gave you hearing, sight, and intellect. ˹Yet˺ you hardly give any thanks. |
| وَقَالُوٓا۟ أَءِذَا ضَلَلْنَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَءِنَّا لَفِى خَلْقٍۢ جَدِيدٍۭ ۚ بَلْ هُم بِلِقَآءِ رَبِّهِمْ كَـٰفِرُونَ ١٠ |
| ˹Still˺ they ask ˹mockingly˺, “When we are disintegrated into the earth, will we really be raised as a new creation?” In fact, they are in denial of the meeting with their Lord. |
| ۞ قُلْ يَتَوَفَّىٰكُم مَّلَكُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ٱلَّذِى وُكِّلَ بِكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ تُرْجَعُونَ ١١ |
| Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Your soul will be taken by the Angel of Death, who is in charge of you. Then to your Lord you will ˹all˺ be returned |
| وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ نَاكِسُوا۟ رُءُوسِهِمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ رَبَّنَآ أَبْصَرْنَا وَسَمِعْنَا فَٱرْجِعْنَا نَعْمَلْ صَـٰلِحًا إِنَّا مُوقِنُونَ ١٢ |
| If only you could see the wicked hanging their heads ˹in shame˺ before their Lord, ˹crying:˺ “Our Lord! We have now seen and heard, so send us back and we will do good. We truly have sure faith ˹now˺!” |
| وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَـَٔاتَيْنَا كُلَّ نَفْسٍ هُدَىٰهَا وَلَـٰكِنْ حَقَّ ٱلْقَوْلُ مِنِّى لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنَ ٱلْجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ ١٣ |
| Had We willed, We could have easily imposed guidance on every soul. But My Word will come to pass: I will surely fill up Hell with jinn and humans all together. |
| فَذُوقُوا۟ بِمَا نَسِيتُمْ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَـٰذَآ إِنَّا نَسِينَـٰكُمْ ۖ وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْخُلْدِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ١٤ |
| So taste ˹the punishment˺ for neglecting the meeting of this Day of yours. We ˹too˺ will certainly neglect you. And taste the torment of eternity for what you used to do! |
| إِنَّمَا يُؤْمِنُ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهَا خَرُّوا۟ سُجَّدًۭا وَسَبَّحُوا۟ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ ۩ ١٥ |
| The only ˹true˺ believers in Our revelation are those who—when it is recited to them—fall into prostration and glorify the praises of their Lord and are not too proud. |
| تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًۭا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ١٦ |
| They abandon their beds, invoking their Lord with hope and fear, and donate from what We have provided for them. |
| فَلَا تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌۭ مَّآ أُخْفِىَ لَهُم مِّن قُرَّةِ أَعْيُنٍۢ جَزَآءًۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ١٧ |
| No soul can imagine what delights are kept in store for them as a reward for what they used to do. |
| أَفَمَن كَانَ مُؤْمِنًۭا كَمَن كَانَ فَاسِقًۭا ۚ لَّا يَسْتَوُۥنَ ١٨ |
| Is the one who is a believer equal ˹before Allah˺ to the one who is rebellious? They are not equal! |
| أَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ فَلَهُمْ جَنَّـٰتُ ٱلْمَأْوَىٰ نُزُلًۢا بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ١٩ |
| As for those who believe and do good, they will have the Gardens of ˹Eternal˺ Residence—as an accommodation for what they used to do. |
| وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ فَسَقُوا۟ فَمَأْوَىٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ ۖ كُلَّمَآ أَرَادُوٓا۟ أَن يَخْرُجُوا۟ مِنْهَآ أُعِيدُوا۟ فِيهَا وَقِيلَ لَهُمْ ذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ ٱلَّذِى كُنتُم بِهِۦ تُكَذِّبُونَ ٢٠ |
| But as for those who are rebellious, the Fire will be their home. Whenever they try to escape from it, they will be forced back into it, and will be told, “Taste the Fire’s torment, which you used to deny.” |
| وَلَنُذِيقَنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ دُونَ ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْأَكْبَرِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ ٢١ |
| We will certainly make them taste some of the minor torment ˹in this life˺ before the major torment ˹of the Hereafter˺, so perhaps they will return ˹to the Right Path˺. |
| وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن ذُكِّرَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِۦ ثُمَّ أَعْرَضَ عَنْهَآ ۚ إِنَّا مِنَ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ مُنتَقِمُونَ ٢٢ |
| And who does more wrong than the one who is reminded of Allah’s revelations then turns away from them? We will surely inflict punishment upon the wicked. |
| وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا مُوسَى ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ فَلَا تَكُن فِى مِرْيَةٍۢ مِّن لِّقَآئِهِۦ ۖ وَجَعَلْنَـٰهُ هُدًۭى لِّبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٢٣ |
| Indeed, We gave the Scripture to Moses—so let there be no doubt ˹O Prophet˺ that you ˹too˺ are receiving revelations—1and We made it a guide for the Children of Israel. |
| وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةًۭ يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا۟ ۖ وَكَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ ٢٤ |
| We raised from among them leaders,1 guiding by Our command, when they patiently endured and firmly believed in Our signs. |
| إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ يَفْصِلُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا۟ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ ٢٥ |
| Indeed, your Lord will decide between them on the Day of Judgment regarding their differences. |
| أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ يَمْشُونَ فِى مَسَـٰكِنِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ ۖ أَفَلَا يَسْمَعُونَ ٢٦ |
| Is it not yet clear to them how many peoples We destroyed before them, whose ruins they still pass by? Surely in this are signs. Will they not then listen? |
| أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا نَسُوقُ ٱلْمَآءَ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ ٱلْجُرُزِ فَنُخْرِجُ بِهِۦ زَرْعًۭا تَأْكُلُ مِنْهُ أَنْعَـٰمُهُمْ وَأَنفُسُهُمْ ۖ أَفَلَا يُبْصِرُونَ ٢٧ |
| Do they not see how We drive rain to parched land, producing ˹various˺ crops from which they and their cattle eat? Will they not then see? |
| وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَـٰذَا ٱلْفَتْحُ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ ٢٨ |
| They ask ˹mockingly˺, “When is this ˹Day of final˺ Decision, if what you say is true?” |
| قُلْ يَوْمَ ٱلْفَتْحِ لَا يَنفَعُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِيمَـٰنُهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ ٢٩ |
| Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “On the Day of Decision it will not benefit the disbelievers to believe then, nor will they be delayed ˹from punishment˺.” |
| فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَٱنتَظِرْ إِنَّهُم مُّنتَظِرُونَ ٣٠ |
| So turn away from them, and wait! They too are waiting. |
Why was the surah named As Sajdah?
The Surah is named “As Sajdah” because of a verse (the 15th) that speaks of Allah’s majesty and prompts followers to show reverence by bowing down. This act of prostration signifies the utmost humility and submission to the Almighty. As this element is a pivotal part of the Surah, it was aptly named after this act of devotion.
The Gist of Surah Sajdah
Surah Sajdah mainly focuses on the belief in Allah’s singularity and the undeniable truth of Judgment Day. It underscores the signs of God’s existence, His power, and wisdom, evident in the creation of the universe. The Surah sajdah discusses life after death, questioning doubters and comforting believers.
Historical Context
Where did the revelation of Surah Sajdah take place?
Surah Sajdah originated in Mecca. It was there that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was granted these Qur’anic verses before his migration to Medina.
When was Surah Sajdah revealed?
While the exact date of revelation is not specified, being a Meccan Surah implies that it was revealed in the initial 13 years of the Prophet’s prophethood.
Why was Surah Sajdah revealed?
The main purpose of Meccan Surahs, like Surah Sajdah, was to guide people to believe in a single God, lay the basics of faith, and equip early Muslims for upcoming challenges. Specifically, Surah Sajdah aimed to remind believers of the signs of God’s might, the reality of life after death, and the importance of submission.
When did the Prophet Recite Surah Al-Sajdah?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often read Surah As-Sajdah during special events. Notably, he would often recite it in his night prayers. Some stories say the Prophet (peace be upon him) read this Surah at Friday prayers, showing how important its teachings are.
Themes and Messages
What is the main theme of Surah As-Sajdah?
Surah As-Sajdah mainly talks about how there’s only one God (Tawhid) and what happens after we die, like coming back to life. It also shows how we can see God’s power and smartness in how the world and people are made. The Surah also challenges the scepticism of those who deny the Day of Resurrection.
What is the central message of Surah Sajdah?
The main idea is to understand Allah’s power, follow Him, and get ready for the life that comes after we pass away. The Surah Sajdah encourages believers to reflect upon the signs around them, to remain steadfast in their worship, and to seek knowledge that brings them closer to their Creator.
Resurrection in the Torah
The concept of resurrection is also present in the Torah, the religious scripture of Judaism. While the emphasis and details might differ, the underlying belief in life after death and divine accountability persists in Abrahamic traditions.
Surah Sajdah Tafseer
Tafseer is like a deep dive into understanding the Qur’an. Speaking of which, let’s explore the insights of Surah Sajdah.
Surah As-Sajdah
- The Surah begins with the Arabic letters “Alif, Lam, Meem,” whose exact meaning remains known only to Allah. People think these letters challenge those who doubt the Qur’an’s heavenly source.
- The Surah then continues to describe the Qur’an’s revelation process and emphasizes its undeniable truth.
- The act of creation, particularly the stages of human development, is highlighted, reminding believers of Allah’s intricate design and supreme power.
- The Surah also discusses the fate of previous communities that rejected the truth and faced divine retribution.
Famous Verses of Surah Sajdah
Verse 16 of Surah Sajdah
“Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (charity in Allah’s cause) out of what We have bestowed on them.” This verse praises the devout believers who pray during the night, demonstrating their sincere devotion.
Verse 18 of Surah Sajdah
“Is then he who is a believer like him who is a transgressor? They are not equal.” This verse highlights the distinction between believers and wrongdoers, emphasizing the higher status of believers in the eyes of Allah.
Verses 19 and 20 of Surah Sajdah
“As for those who believe and do righteous deeds — for them are gardens of refuge, as hospitality for what they used to do. For those who boldly disobeyed, their destination is the Fire. Whenever they try to escape it, they’ll be sent back, with a reminder to experience the suffering they denied. These verses make clear what lies ahead for both the faithful and those who don’t believe in the afterlife.
Verse 24 of Surah Sajdah
“And We made among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.” This verse speaks about the righteous individuals chosen by Allah as leaders due to their patience and firm belief in His signs.
Significance and Benefits
The Qur’an is a source of guidance, and every Surah has its unique significance and blessings. Surah Sajdah stands out in the Qur’an because of its deep messages. When you read Surah Sajdah, you’ll experience spiritual, mental, and real-life benefits. By reflecting on the Qur’an’s verses, we can understand God’s magnificence and our purpose in life.
Closer Connection to Allah
The Surah calls for prostration, which is a symbolic act of utmost submission and humility towards the Creator.
Protection from Arrogance
By acknowledging human limitations and the greatness of Allah, one can cultivate humility and avoid arrogance.
A reminder of the Afterlife
Regular recitation can serve as a constant reminder of life after death and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter.
Increased Knowledge
The Surah sajdah emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, inspiring believers to be perpetual learners.
Surah Sajdah Benefits
While the primary surah sajdah benefits are guidance and reflection, specific virtues and blessings have been associated with Surah As-Sajdah through the traditions and experiences of Muslims.
- A Means of Nearness to Allah: Through its profound themes and call for prostration.
- Intercession: Traditions suggest that the Qur’an will intercede for its reciter on the Day of Judgment.
- Peace of Mind: Helps in alleviating anxiety and instilling tranquillity.
- Strengthened Faith: It reinforces the core beliefs of Islam.
- Protection: Serves as a shield against negative influences.
- Reminder of Human Origin: Reflecting upon the creation of man.
- Enhanced Wisdom: Through its profound lessons and guidance.
- Cleansing of the Heart: Purifies from spiritual ailments.
- Increased Gratitude: Recognizing the blessings and signs of Allah.
- Protection from Hellfire: As indicated by some traditions.
- Understanding Divine Justice: Reflecting upon the fate of previous communities.
- Protection from Satan: Regular recitation offers protection from devilish influences.
- Success in Worldly Affairs: Helps in making righteous decisions.
- Hope: Reinforces hope in Allah’s mercy.
- Patience: Teaches the importance of patience.
- Increased Charitable Acts: By recognizing Allah as the ultimate giver.
- Improved Character: Encourages good deeds and moral behaviour.
- Interpersonal Relations: Encourages justice and kindness.
- Resilience: Teaches the importance of steadfastness.
- Protection from Evil: Shields from harmful entities.
- Increased Barakah (Blessings): In one’s life and endeavours.
- Attracting Divine Mercy: Through sincere engagement with its verses.
- Forgiveness: Allah’s forgiveness for those who reflect and act upon its guidance.
- Spiritual Elevation: Drawing closer to Allah.
- Preparation for the Hereafter: Continuous reminder of the transient nature of life.
Hadith on Surah As Sajdah
Many sayings from Prophet Muhammad, known as Hadith, emphasize the importance of different Surahs. In his night prayers, he frequently read Surah As-Sajdah, as mentioned in a famous Hadith.
Practical Guide
In which para is Surah AL Sajdah?
Surah As-Sajdah is located in the 21st Juz’ (section) of the Qur’an.
When to read Surah Sajdah?
While Surah al Sajdah can be recited at any time, it’s notably recited during the night prayer (Tahajjud) and in the Friday congregational prayer.
How to memorize Surah AL Sajdah?
- Consistency: Regularly allocate time for memorization.
- Understand: Understand the meaning of the verses. This aids retention.
- Repeat: Regular repetition helps in reinforcement.
- Oral Recitation: Saying the verses aloud can aid memory.
- Prayer: Recite the newly memorized verses in your daily prayers.
- Seek Help: Learn with a teacher or join a Qur’an memorization circle.
- Break it Down: Memorize in small sections, verse by verse.
- Review: Regularly review the previously memorized verses.
Additional Information
Facts About Surah Sajdah
- The 32nd chapter of the Qur’an is called Surah As-Sajdah.
- It consists of 30 verses (ayahs).
- Before moving to Medina, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received messages from the Quran while he was in Mecca. One particular verse, verse 15, instructs a bowing act known as “sujood”. This is among the 14 verses in the Qur’an with similar directives.
- The 32nd chapter of the Qur’an is called Surah As-Sajdah.
- It consists of 30 verses (ayahs).
- Before moving to Medina, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received messages from the Quran while he was in Mecca. One particular verse, verse 15, instructs a bowing act known as “sujood”. This is among the 14 verses in the Qur’an with similar directives.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the name “As-Sajdah” mean for this Surah?
The name “As-Sajdah” translates to “The Prostration.” The Surah is named after the act of prostration mentioned in the 15th verse. This prostration symbolizes the highest form of submission and humility towards the Almighty, reflecting the essence of the chapter.
How is Surah As-Sajdah different from other Surahs in the Quran?
Each Surah in the Qur’an has its special message, but Surah As-Sajdah is notable for highlighting Allah’s power in creating the universe and people, the idea of rebirth, and the importance of learning.
Why is it recommended to recite Surah As-Sajdah during specific times?
Surah As-Sajdah is often recommended for recitation during the night prayer (Tahajjud) and Friday prayers. This is based on traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing its significance and the special virtues it holds when recited during these times.
Are there any specific virtues or blessings associated Surah with Sajdah?
Surah As-Sajdah from the Qur’an highlights the power of Allah, life’s short span, and the existence of life after death. Many believe that reading it brings calmness, guards against negative vibes, and boosts one’s belief.
Are there any specific virtues or blessings associated with Surah As-Sajdah?
Surah As-Sajdah from the Qur’an highlights the power of Allah, life’s short span, and the existence of life after death. Many believe that reading brings calmness, guards against negative vibes, and boosts one’s belief.
How does Surah As-Sajdah address the concept of resurrection?
Surah As-Sajdah dwells upon the reality of the afterlife and especially the event of resurrection. It challenges those who doubt the event of resurrection, urging them to consider the signs of life and death around them and how the One who initiates life can surely resurrect. The Surah with sajdah also offers consolation to believers regarding the ultimate justice they will witness in the Hereafter.
