Are there other meanings to the word prostrate (when used in arabic language)?
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I know there are some different meanings to the word prostrate, in english. The most common meaning is to fall or lay on the ground, but at least in english, there are other meanings... such as to submit oneself, or to be overcome by something.
What is the arabic word for prostrate, used in the Quran, and did the arabic word only have one meaning at the time it was first introduced into the Quran?
I ask because I often hear people debate over certain arabic words and their meanings. For example, I've heard people argue over the verse (sorry I don't know it off the top of my head) where it says it is ok to beat a woman. In the context of the Quran in its entirety, and all of its meanings, it made sense to me that the word beat meant something completely different than to physically beat a woman.
I wonder if prostrate has any other meanings.. because I'm honestly not sure if I am praying the right way. &
When the word prostrate is used in the context of the Quran, does it specifically mean to lay face down on the ground, or are there other meanings? While I bow/lower my head in prayer, I do not physically lay down on the floor, so I am wondering if I am not following the Quran correctly?
Peace and have a lovely day. sun
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peace,
With the currently available Quran study tools online, it is fairly easy to pin down the Arabic word you are looking for. For example, if you know a verse in which the word occurs, simply type this verse into the search function of PRL (top right)
http//www.studyquran.co.uk/PRLonline.htm
This will bring up all the roots used in the verse. Then it is simply a matter of going through them in a process of elimination (i.e. clicking on the roots given or looking them up in PRL).
Alternatively, you can try the method discussed in the link at the top of PRL titled "which root is being used?".
I can guarantee you using this method will greatly enhance your investigative skills, giving better quality research/information, thus better understanding. I used this method, and still do on occassion.
Try it first.
The word you are referring to is "sujud", the root of which is Siin-Jiim-Dal, and the PRL entry is shown below. Here you can read its every occurrence in The Quran, its Classical Arabic meanings and grammar information, and also see what Lane's Lexicon says about it
= Siin-Jiim-Dal = lowly, humble, submissive, worship, adore, prostrate, make obeisance, lower/bend oneself down towards the ground, lower the head, to salute/honour/magnify, to pay respect, to stand up, to look continuedly and tranquily.
MSJD - parts of a man that are the places of SJD, e.g. forehead/nose/hands/knees/feet etc. Any mode/place/practice in which the act of SJD is done.sajada vb. (1)
perf. act. 234, 4102, 711, 1530, 1761, 1850, 20116, 3873
impf. act. 3113, 712, 7206, 1315, 1533, 1649, 1761, 2218, 2560, 2724, 2725, 3875, 4137, 556, 8421
impv. 234, 343, 711, 1761, 1850, 20116, 2277, 2560, 4137, 5362, 7626, 9619
n.vb. 4829, 5040, 6842, 6843
pcple. act. (sajid, pl. sajidun, sujjad, sujud) 258, 2125, 4154, 711, 7120, 7161, 9112, 124, 12100, 1529, 1531, 1532, 1598, 1648, 17107, 1958, 2070, 2226, 2564, 2646, 26219, 3215, 3872, 399, 4829masjid n.m. (pl. masajid) 2114, 2144, 2149, 2150, 2187, 2191, 2196, 2217, 52, 729, 731, 834, 97, 917, 918, 919, 928, 9107, 9108, 171, 171, 177, 1821, 2225, 2240, 4825, 4827, 7218
LL, V4, p 31, 32
