Quranic Concept of Sajud (Sajdah)

Taro_Hiroshi

Quranic Concept of Sajud (Sajdah)
February 15, 2013 by Quran

In this article we will try to understand the Quranic concept of Sajud (Sajdah). According to the majority of Muslim sources, Sajud (Sajdah) is the prostration to Allah during the prayer in the direction of Kaaba. In which nose, forehead, hands, knees and toes touches the ground together.

REJECTERS AND SAJUD

Sajud (Sajdah) is one of the mandatory elements of Muslim prayers. However, in Quran the rejecters/disbeliever (KAAFIR) are also invited for Sajud (prostration).

Let?s see the verses and try to understand the meaning of Sajud (Sajdah).

And when the Qur?an is recited to them, they do not prostrate (l yasjudn)
On the contrary, the disbelievers reject it.

Isn?t it astonishing, that disbelievers are asked for Sajud (Sajdah)? Does any Muslim today ask the rejecter or those who don?t believe in Islam for the act of Sajud traditionally called as prostration? Furthermore, according to the traditional Muslims, disbeliever must first enter into the circle of Islam before performing ritual prayer. But the question that arises is, does the traditional SALAT (prayer) consist of only Sajud as the verse does not talk about the other elements of traditional prayer? Then what type of Sajud is this?

IDOLATERS AND SAJUD

Let?s see another verse where the idolaters are invited to do Sajud to the Most Merciful (Rehman)

And when it is said to them, ?Prostrate to the Most Merciful,? they say, ?And what is the Most Merciful? Should we prostrate to that which you order us?? And it increases them in aversion.

The thing to ponder about is that the invitation to Sajud is given to those who don?t know who is Rehman (the Most Merciful).

If we understand these verses beyond the barriers of traditional concepts then, we will come to know that here Sajud is related with those actions which start after listening to the message of Quran. The only thing that comes after listening to the commandments is action. And the above verses talk about the reading of Quran in front of rejecters and idolaters.

Therefore, Sajud (Sajdah) is related to following the divine commandments instead of ritual prostration.

In order to understand Rehman (the Most Merciful), it is important to listen to His commandments and then obey them i.e. to act upon the divine commandments. Sajud is the action that brings the doer closer to Allah (9619)

Unfortunately today we give more importance to the ritual Sajud (prostration), and we believe that Allah needs this ritual act to be happy with us, whereas we are unable to understand the true meaning of Sajud that can bring us closer to Rehman (the Most Merciful).

From this we understand that actions on the guidance of Most Merciful are required to understand him.

PEOPLE OF BANI ISRAEL AND SAJUD

Allah instructed Bani Israel (children of Israel) for prostrating (Sajud), while entering into the gates of the city.

And when We said, ?Enter this city and eat from it wherever you will in abundance, and enter the gate prostrating. (sujjadan) ?

How can it be possible to prostrate while walking because both actions can not be done at the same time. Therefore, here again Sajud cannot be taken as ritual prostration.

If we concentrate on the context of this verse then the meaning of Sajud can easily be understood. According to the context, Allah saved Bani Israel from Pharaoh (250), later Prophet Moses promised them for a prosperous life, but they showed anxiousness and they followed other commandments (251). Then Allah gave Moses (Musa) Furqan, the commandments which differentiate between truth and falsehood (253).

Following Allah?s commandment leads to a blissful life (Jannah), which remains hidden to people until they act upon them. Bani Israel anxiously wanted to see the results of obeying Allah?s commandments (255). Later Allah gave life to the dead nation and gave them all the blessings they desired (256-57).

Then we see this verse (25 in which Allah is reminding Bani Israel about Sajud while entering in to the life in which no one is going to be harmed and where people have plenty to eat.

We can enter in such life/state only when we obey Allah?s commandments consistently and humbly because there is always a chance of proudness when someone has plenty of wealth (257). This is why Allah reminded them to be humble and keep acting on the commandments that are given to them in FURQAN (253) in order to live a prosperous life. This is what Sajud (Sajdah) is all about.

PEOPLE OF BOOK AND SAJUD

It is also mentioned in Quran, that the people of Book, reciting the Quran whole night and they remain in Sajud (3113). The next verse clarifies the type of Sajud (Sajdah) they do. Means they advocate virtue by example, and close the doors to vice by example, and try to lead in acts of collective good (3114).

The most important thing after getting knowledge is to act upon it. Those people who possess the knowledge of previous scriptures, when the verses of Quran are recited to them, they do Sajud (act upon it). Means the knowledge is pre requisite of Sajud (17107).

Sajud (Sajdah) is the practical demonstration of obedience. In verse 2277 and 5362, the word Abudu clarifies that Sajud is related to obedience.

PROPHET YOUSUF AND SAJUD

Prophet Yousuf (Joseph) told his Father that he saw a dream in which eleven planets, the sun and the moon are prostrating (sjidna) to him (124).

The verse 12100 explains the meaning of his dream.

And he brought his parents up on the throne and they prostrate (sujjadan ) in appreciation/respect to him

And he said, ?O my father, this is the interpretation of my dream before. Indeed, my Lord has made it a reality?

It is not possible that Prophet Joseph?s parents prostrated to him. Prophet Joseph has given his parents? full respect and admiration by calling them on the throne. Think about it, how this can be possible that Prophet Joseph?s parents prostrate him in return to his kindness. Quran talks about the nature of human being beautifully.

Let?s imagine if Allah makes you a king and then you ask your beloved parents who have never seated on the throne before, to sit on the throne. What will be their reaction on this? Initially they will show humility but because they love you too much, they will act according to your will.

Therefore, Sajud (Sajdah) to Allah means showing humility and do as He commands.

ALLAH?S CREATION AND SAJUD

The following verses explain the whole concept of Sajud (Sajdah) beautifully,

Have they not considered what things Allah has created? Their shadows incline to the right and to the left, prostrating (sujjadan) to Allah , They are to remain in obedience.
And to Allah prostrates (yasjudu) whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the Malaika , and they are not proud.
They all revere their Lord, high above them, and they do all that they are commanded.
Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates ? for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wills.

(Also refer to verse 1315 and 556)

The traditionalists say that the Sajud of Allah?s creation is beyond our understanding and only Allah knows how His creation does Sajud to Him. However, we learn from the above verses that;

• Quran encourages the reader to see /observe/ witness the Sajud (Sajdah) of Allah?s creation.

• All the creations of Allah including Sun, moon, planets, stars, trees, Malaika, many human beings and every single element of this universe are doing Sajud, whereas, we have never seen them in prostration

• How they do Sajud?

They are to remain in obedience (wa hum dakhirun)
They are not proud (wa hum la yastakbarun )
and they do all that they are commanded (wa yaf?aluna ma yumarun)

Source

http//quranonly.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/quranic-concept-of-sajud-sajdah/

Man_of_Faith

Peace,

The simple answer to your confusion is that sajda simply does not mean to prostrate but rather respect with implication on commitment.

Have faith

Mazhar

Root

Affectionate surrender of one's will and freedom/liberty

Root

Man_of_Faith

Peace,

Is not respect and an implication on dedication not "affectionate surrender of one's will and liberty"?

Besides you bring that definition out of a dictionary. That is your faith?

Have faith

reborn

Peace upon you

Goes hand in hand with "we hear and obey".

Wakas

I recommend
http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-of-SuJuD-from-Quran.html

Thus, the most appropriate meanings are submissive, to honour, to pay respect.
If we consider what these words have in common along with ALL the other classical Arabic dictionary meanings we can see that inherent to all is to give acknowledgement/recognition (in a subservient/submissive manner).

Man_of_Faith

Peace,

Wakas definition is according to the word's literal meaning.

Have faith

Mazhar

Peace,

Wakas definition is according to the word's literal meaning.

Have faith

Good, you do agree that dictionaries are reliable because Wakas has defined nothing but just reproduced the dictionary meanings of his choice; though that is also a wrong way of doing things because dictionaries give meanings of hundereds of words made from a Root, and each word has distinct meanings in context.

Thus, the most appropriate meanings are submissive, to honour, to pay respect.

Reflect for a while, all three words have gestures inbuilt.
The relational aspect, physical nature and the reflection of the relativity in stature, position and elevation of the subject and the one for whom this act is done is evident in all the words he has selected out of the list of words in the dictionary. The ultimate posture reflected by these words is prostration to the Creator of the Worlds-all that exists.

Man_of_Faith

Mazhar,

I agree that in best case dictionaries can be right, but they do not necessarily have the proper definition even if key words are still accurate and they thus falsely misrepresent or add bias to the word's meaning. In other words; the connotation has been corrupted so that they do not connote on precisely se the same object, action or mental image as originally intended by the author, which in the case of the book called Quran is God.

So please do not be so quick in saying "Aha! I got you!"

Try again.

And no; sujud does not mean prostration by definition. A prostration is an extended bow by the way. A bow to the ground.

Wakas

A physical prostration is simply one specific meaning of SJD. I summarised the problems of this meaning in Quran here
http//www.mypercept.co.uk/articles/Summary-problems-sujud-prostration-Quran.html

It is an excellent summary, if I may say so.

Taro_Hiroshi

Peace everyone,

As far as I am concerned, the traditional understanding of the word Sujud in the Quran has no basis in reality.

Among His proofs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not Sujud before the sun, nor the moon; you shall fall Sujud before the GOD who created them, if you truly worship Him alone.

According to verse 4137, the author of the Quran tells people to not Sujud before the sun nor the moon. Then people are told to Sujud before the God (instead). The traditional understanding of the word Sujud in the above mentioned verse, is that it means physical prostration. According to history, people used to worship/serve the sun and the moon as deities in the past. They attributed lies to their deities; and did evil deeds in the name of their deities (The Sun and the Moon). By worshipping/serving the Sun and the Moon instead of worshipping/serving God, the man-made teachings attributed to their deities, corrupted their souls. Because they believed deeds that they did were sanctified by their deities (the sun and the moon). I think the reason why the author of the Quran tells people to not Sujud before the sun nor the moon, is because it will lead them to follow lies attributed to these deities or create lies and attribute them to their deities. Physical prostration towards the sun or the moon will not corrupt the souls of people. The thing which wlll corrupt the souls of people is worshipping/serving the Sun or the moon by obeying teachings that attributed to these false deities. Therefore it is unlikely that the word Sujud in the above mentioned verse means physical prostration. The word Sujud in the above mentioned verse most likely mean obedience. I don't think the author don't tell people to not Sujud before the Sun or the moon without a purpose. There is probably a good reason behind this advice/commandment. And that reason can't be physical prostration. Because physical prostration towards the sun or the moon will not harm the man/woman who does it, nor will this act harm other people. In the past the polytheists killed their children and killed other innocent people. They did these evil deeds because they believed these deeds were sanctioned by their false deities.

And, likewise, their belief in beings or powers that are supposed to have a share in God's divinity makes the slaying of their children seem goodly to many of those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God, thus bringing them to ruin and confusing them in their faith. Yet, unless God had so willed, they would not be doing all this stand, therefore, aloof from them and all their false imagery!

""I found them ruled by a woman, and she was given all possessions, and she had a great throne."And I found her and her people Sujud to the sun instead of God! And the devil had made their works appear good to them, so he kept them away from the path, for they are not being guided."

The false deities of the people, had no power in themselves. Because their deities were inanimate objects that couldn't help them and couldn't harm them. But it was the power that people gave to their deities, by attributing man-made teachings to them, that made their deities dangerous. By devoting their lives to their deities, they ignored and/or abandoned the teachings of God.

Taro_Hiroshi

Peace everyone,

In this post I would like to share some of my thoughts on Sujud.

It seems that all traditional muslims believe that the Quranic word Sujud means physical prostration.

In reality there are many Quranic verses that disprove the notion that the word Sujud means physical prostration.

I would like to share a Quranic verse that disproves the notion that Sujud means physical prostration.

ART THOU NOT aware that before God Sujud themselves all that are in the heavens and all that are on earth the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the beasts, whereas many will inevitably have to suffer ; and he whom God shall scorn will have none who could bestow honour on him for, verily, God does what He wills.

According to verse 2218, the sun Sujud before God. If the word Sujud means physical prostration, then this means that the sun does a physical prostration before God. Can the sun do a physical prostration before God?

http//www.tafreehmella.com/attachments/sajdahsahu-php_sajdah-jpg.40357/

Have you ever seen the sun do a physical prostration before God? Have you ever seen the sun prostrate like the man in the picture above? No. Hence our logic tells us that the sun can not do a physical prostration before God.

According to verse 2218 the moon Sujud before God. If the word Sujud means physical prostration, then this means that the moon does a physical prostration before God. Can the moon do a physical prostration before God?

http//www.tafreehmella.com/attachments/sajdahsahu-php_sajdah-jpg.40357/

Have you ever seen the moon do a physical prostration before God? Have you ever seen the moon prostrate itself like the man in the picture above? No. Hence our logic tells us that the stars can not do a physical prostration before God.

According to verse 2218, the stars Sujud before God. If the word Sujud means physical prostration, then this means that the stars do a physical prostration before God. Can the stars do a physical prostration before God?

http//www.tafreehmella.com/attachments/sajdahsahu-php_sajdah-jpg.40357/

Have you ever seen the stars do a physical prostration before God? Have you ever seen the stars prostrate themselves like the man in the picture above? No. Hence our logic tells us that the stars can not do a physical prostration before God.

According to verse 2218, the mountains Sujud before God. If the word Sujud means physical prostration, then this means that the mountains do a physical prostration before God. Can the mountains do a physical prostration before God?

http//www.tafreehmella.com/attachments/sajdahsahu-php_sajdah-jpg.40357/

Have you ever seen the mountains do a physical prostration before God? Have you ever seen the mountains prostrate themselves like the man in the picture above? No. Hence our logic tells us that the mountains can not do a physical prostration before God.

According to verse 2218, the trees Sujud before God. If the word Sujud means physical prostration, then this means that the trees do a physical prostration before God. Can the trees do a physical prostration before God?

http//www.tafreehmella.com/attachments/sajdahsahu-php_sajdah-jpg.40357/

Have you ever seen the trees do a physical prostration before God? Have you ever seen the trees prostrate themselves like the man in the picture above? No. Hence our logic tells us that the tress can not do a physical prostration before God.

If the word Sujud means physical prostration in the paragraphs above, then this means that the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains and the trees physically prostrate themselves before God. Does that sound reasonable? Does that sound logical? Does that sound realistic? Does that sound possible?

If the word Sujud means obedience in the paragraphs above, then this means that the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains and the trees obey God?

I would like to share another Quranic verse that disproves the notion that Sujud means physical prostration.

Did they not see that what God has created, its shadow inclines to the right and the left Sujud to God, willingly?

According to verse 1648, the shadow of something Sujud to God. If the word Sujud means physical prostration, then this means that the shadow of something do a physical prostration to God. Can the shadow of something do a physical prostration to God?

http//www.tafreehmella.com/attachments/sajdahsahu-php_sajdah-jpg.40357/

Have you ever seen the shadow of something do a physical prostration to God? Have you ever seen the shadow of something prostrate itself like the man in the picture above? No. Hence our logic tells us that the shadow can not do a physical prostration to God.

If the word Sujud has nothing to do with physical prostration and everything to do with obedience, then this means that the way traditional muslims pray by physically prostration on the ground, has nothing to do with the teachings of the Quran. Because any tradition or ritual that can't be found in the Quran is not a part of our deen (monotheism/quran-oriented islam). Our deen must be based solely on the Quran. Because the Quran is complete and fully detailed.

good_logic

Peace All.

Overlooking that sometimes the same word can mean different things in Qoran will lead to a lot of confusion!!!!!

"Sujud" can mean different things in different verses just like "salat" can mean different things in different verses...etc.

Coming to a conclusion that a word can mean the same thing throughout the Qoran will lead to error about the message?

GOD bless you all.
Peace.

Man_of_Faith

Peace,

However, it may also lead people astray because they heed conjecture in many cases.

Have faith

hafeez_kazi

Peace

And who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord but turns away from them and forgets what his hands have put forth? Indeed, We have placed over their hearts coverings, lest they understand it, and in their ears deafness. And if you invite them to guidance - they will never be guided, then - ever. (Al-Kahf 57)

reborn

Peace all

If one understands it as 'to acknowledge' than all the verses with sajda will make much more sense to my understanding.

Peace all

EdQ

Salam to all those who have submitted to the Will of God,

I am still doing research on Ramadan - reading through other peoples understandings on this portal and reading understandings of other Quranists, it seems that Ramadan can be all the year round depending on one's translation and understanding.

Due to a continuation of my own research on Ramadan and the fact that the traditional version has already arrived, I am now performing the traditional Ramadan - I am not in agreement with it's falling at the time that it does (I am tending towards a lunisolar calendar), but for want of a better period, I have decided to perform it now in this year. That is my personal and definitive decision but it is to explain my headache on my first fast here in the UK as I grapple with the meaning of Sujud.

I understand and acknowledge the views of some who believe that the meaning of Sujud can differ depending on context, but (and I also stress that I am learning and open to an evolution in my understanding), I believe a consistent meaning would make more sense - at least to me - just like to me, SALAT defines well as CONNECTION in all instances.

In any case, back to SUJUD.

SUJUD could be translated as PROSTRATION (by many Hadithists - but also by many Quranists) but it could also be translated as YIELDING.

My views and opinions are evolving on this but below are my current thoughts.

Firstly, Yielding seems to be to be an intention whereas Prostration could to be a physical action or affirmation or manifestation of yielding. If someone yields, then it can be symbolized or shown by the act of prostration.

However, in any case, whether one uses Yielding or Prostration, the following verses seem to conflict

I refer to
Fussilat 4137 -

And of His Signs (are) the night and the day and the sun and the moon. (Do) not prostrate/yield to the sun and not to the moon, but prostrate/yield to Allah the One Who created them, if you, Him alone, worship.

and
al-Kahf 1850 -

And when We said to the Angels, "Prostrate/Yield to Adam," so they prostrated/Yielded except Iblis. (He) was of the jinn, and he rebelled against the Command (of) his Lord. Will you then take him and his offspring (as) protectors other than Me, while they (are) to you enemies? Wretched for the wrongdoers (is) the exchange.

If we are not to prostrate/yield to the sun or the moon but to Him who created them, then a reconciliation is needed as to why the Angels are ordered to prostrate to Adam who was created by God.

I believe the reason could be to do with Adam having a free will to decide - whereas the angels did not, but I am still working on this and am undecided.

If there are any views on the reconciliation of this by those who submit to God, I would appreciate it.

In regard to why Joseph and his parents prostrated/yielded, this could actually have been a prostration/yielding to God - When Joseph first dreamt that the planets prostrated/yielded to him, he had not yet been taught the meaning of interpretation of events so it is likely that he mistook the prostration/yielding of the planets to God to mean they were doing so to Joseph. He then understands the true meaning when he sees the prostration/yielding by his family to God.

In regard to Sujud while entering a gate, I do note that the Pope performs a prostration whenever he enters the gates of a new country/city. One could imagine that the Pope prostrates whilst entering new cities.

Another purpose for the physical act of prostrating/inclining/bending other than manifestation of yielding could be to fall down - at least for the creation on earth this could be to return/incline to the earth. In relation to planets and stars, it could mean planets prostrate or incline to the will of God...

I am going through all the instances of Sujud in the Quran and trying to reconcile in these days.

As I say, my ideas are evolving on these issues and I do not see this portal as a place to post my already defined ideas in order to convince others but to discuss those that are in the process of evolution.

Salam
Ed

EdQ