Meaning
Sujood
سُجُود
sujud · soo-jood
Sujood is the act of prostration in Islamic prayer, placing the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground as the deepest physical expression of submission and humility before Allah.
Alternative Spelling
Sujood / Sujud / Sajdah / Sajda / Sujoud
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What is Sujood?
Sujood derives from the Arabic root s-j-d, meaning to bow down, submit, or lower oneself in humility. Unlike ordinary bowing, Sujood in Islamic practice specifically refers to full prostration, where the body's highest point — the forehead — is deliberately lowered to touch the earth, symbolizing complete surrender before the Creator.
Theologically, Sujood represents the most complete physical posture of submission a human being can adopt. Islamic teaching holds that prostration is reserved exclusively for Allah; bowing down to any created being in this manner is forbidden, reinforcing the principle of Tawheed even through bodily movement. The physical lowering of the self mirrors an inner state of humility and total dependence on Allah.
Historically, prostration as an act of devotion predates Islam and appears among earlier prophets described in the Qur'an, but it was refined and structured within the five daily prayers as revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Early Muslims were also known to prostrate spontaneously upon receiving good news or Qur'anic recitation containing specific verses of prostration, a practice scholars later codified as Sajdah al-Tilawah.
Spiritually, Sujood is described in hadith as the moment of closest nearness between a servant and Allah, making it an especially powerful moment for sincere, personal supplication beyond the fixed words of prayer. Many worshippers describe a unique sense of peace and release in this posture, as worldly concerns momentarily recede in favor of pure connection with the divine.
In daily practice today, Sujood remains a visible, unifying feature of Muslim worship performed identically across cultures and continents. Beyond the obligatory prayers, many Muslims incorporate the prostration of gratitude after receiving good news or relief from hardship, keeping the spiritual habit of humbling oneself before Allah woven into everyday life.
Examples of Sujood
- During the five daily prayers: Performing Sujood twice in every rakah as an obligatory part of salah.
- Sajdah al-Shukr: Prostrating spontaneously in gratitude upon receiving unexpected good news or relief.
- Sajdah al-Tilawah: Prostrating when reciting or hearing a specific verse of the Qur'an that mentions prostration.
- Extended supplication: Using the moments in Sujood to make personal, heartfelt dua, since a worshipper is described as closest to Allah in this position.
References in Qur'an & Hadith
"...and prostrate and draw near [to Allah]." — Surah Al-Alaq 96:19
"...you will see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure." — Surah Al-Fath 48:29
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so increase supplication therein." — Sahih Muslim 482
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sujood in Islam?
Sujood is the position of prostration performed during the ritual prayer (salah), where the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touch the ground.
How many times do Muslims perform Sujood daily?
Muslims prostrate twice in each rakah of prayer, meaning dozens of prostrations occur across the five obligatory daily prayers alone.
What do Muslims say during Sujood?
A common supplication recited in Sujood is "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la," meaning "Glory be to my Lord, the Most High."
Why is Sujood considered the closest position to Allah?
A well-known hadith states that a servant is nearest to their Lord while prostrating, making Sujood an especially recommended time for heartfelt supplication.
Can Sujood be performed outside of prayer?
Yes. Examples include Sajdah al-Shukr, a prostration of gratitude for good news, and Sajdah al-Tilawah, a prostration performed upon reciting or hearing certain Qur'anic verses.