What Is Sajdah in the Quran?
Sajdah in the Quran refers to a special act of prostration performed when a Muslim recites or hears certain verses known as Ayat al-Sajdah. These verses call for submission to Allah, and the believer responds by placing their forehead on the ground in humility.
In Islam, sajdah (prostration) is one of the highest forms of worship. It shows complete surrender to Allah سبحانه وتعالى and reflects a servant’s closeness to their Creator. When performed during Quran recitation, it deepens reflection and strengthens faith.
Definition and Meaning
The word sajdah means prostration placing the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground in submission to Allah.
Spiritual Significance
Sajdah is a powerful reminder that everything in creation submits to Allah. Performing sajdah while reciting the Quran humbles the heart and connects the believer to the message of divine guidance.
How Many Sajdahs Are in the Quran?
Scholarly Opinions
Islamic scholars have slightly different views:
- Some scholars state there are 14 sajdahs
- Others say there are 15 sajdahs, including one in Surah Sad
Most Accepted View
The majority opinion is 14 sajdahs, and this is the view commonly followed in most schools of thought.
Where Are the Sajdahs in the Quran?
Explanation of Sajdah Verses
Sajdah verses appear throughout the Quran and are usually marked with a سجدة symbol in printed Mushafs. When a believer reaches these verses, it is recommended to perform sajdah as an act of obedience.
Full List of Sajdah Surahs
Below is the complete list of Surahs containing sajdah verses:
| No. | Part No. | Surah | Verse No. | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | Al-A‘raf | 7:206 | إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِۦ وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُۥ وَلَهُۥ يَسْجُدُونَ | Surely those nearest to your Lord are not too proud to worship Him. They glorify Him, and to Him they prostrate. |
| 2 | 13 | Ar-Ra‘d | 13:15 | وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا | To Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. |
| 3 | 14 | An-Nahl | 16:49–50 | وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ… يَخَافُونَ رَبَّهُم مِّن فَوْقِهِمْ | To Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and the earth, and they fear their Lord above them and do what they are commanded. |
| 4 | 15 | Al-Isra | 17:109 | وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا | They fall upon their faces weeping, and it increases them in humility. |
| 5 | 16 | Maryam | 19:58 | إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَاتُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ خَرُّوا۟ سُجَّدًا وَبُكِيًّا | When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell down in prostration and weeping. |
| 6 | 17 | Al-Hajj | 22:18 | أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَسْجُدُ لَهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ | Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth? |
| 7 | 17 | Al-Hajj | 22:77 | يَٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا ٱرْكَعُوا وَٱسْجُدُوا وَٱعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمْ | O believers, bow down, prostrate yourselves, and worship your Lord. |
| 8 | 19 | Al-Furqan | 25:60 | وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱسْجُدُوا لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ قَالُوا وَمَا ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ | When it is said to them, “Prostrate to the Most Merciful,” they say, “What is the Most Merciful?” |
| 9 | 19 | An-Naml | 27:25–26 | أَلَّا يَسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى يُخْرِجُ ٱلْخَبْءَ فِى ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ | So that they do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth. |
| 10 | 21 | As-Sajdah | 32:15 | إِنَّمَا يُؤْمِنُ بِـَٔايَاتِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا بِهَا خَرُّوا۟ سُجَّدًا | Only those truly believe in Our verses who, when reminded of them, fall down in prostration. |
| 11 | 23 | Sad | 38:24 | وَظَنَّ دَاوُۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّٰهُ فَٱسْتَغْفَرَ رَبَّهُۥ وَخَرَّ رَاكِعًا وَأَنَابَ | Dawud realized that We had tested him, so he sought forgiveness of his Lord and fell down in prostration, turning in repentance. |
| 12 | 24 | Fussilat | 41:37–38 | لَا تَسْجُدُوا لِلشَّمْسِ وَلَا لِلْقَمَرِ وَٱسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُنَّ | Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who created them. |
| 13 | 27 | An-Najm | 53:62 | فَٱسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ وَٱعْبُدُوا | So prostrate to Allah and worship Him. |
| 14 | 30 | Al-Inshiqaq | 84:21 | وَإِذَا قُرِئَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ لَا يَسْجُدُونَ | When the Quran is recited to them, they do not prostrate. |
| 15 | 30 | Al-‘Alaq | 96:19 | كَلَّا لَا تُطِعْهُ وَٱسْجُدْ وَٱقْتَرِب | No indeed, do not obey him; rather prostrate and draw near. |
These verses are scattered across the Quran, reminding believers to submit fully to Allah at different points in recitation.
What Should You Do When You Read a Sajdah Verse?
Step-by-Step Guide
When you encounter a sajdah verse, perform Sajdah Tilawah as follows:
- Say Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
- Go into prostration (sujood)
- Recite a dua or glorification of Allah
- Rise back up (with or without Takbir depending on context)
If you are in prayer, follow the imam or continue accordingly.
What Do You Say During Sajdah in the Quran?
When you perform Sajdah Tilawah (prostration after a sajdah verse), there is no single fixed obligatory wording, but there are authentic and recommended adhkar (supplications) from the Sunnah.
1. The Minimum You Should Say (Obligatory Level)
At the very least, you should say:
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى
Subḥāna Rabbiyal A‘lā
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
This is the same dhikr used in normal sujood during salah.
Better to say it 3 times or more
Say it at least once
2. The Sunnah Dua for Sajdah Tilawah (Highly Recommended)
There is a beautiful dua reported from the Prophet ﷺ:
سَجَدَ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي خَلَقَهُ وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وَبَصَرَهُ بِحَوْلِهِ وَقُوَّتِهِ
فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ
Meaning:
“My face has prostrated to the One who created it and brought forth its hearing and sight by His power and strength. So blessed is Allah, the Best of creators.”
This dua reflects:
- Recognition of Allah as the Creator
- Gratitude for senses (hearing & sight)
- Deep humility
3. Another Authentic Supplication
You may also say:
اللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبْ لِي بِهَا عِنْدَكَ أَجْرًا، وَضَعْ عَنِّي بِهَا وِزْرًا، وَاجْعَلْهَا لِي عِنْدَكَ ذُخْرًا، وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي كَمَا تَقَبَّلْتَهَا مِنْ عَبْدِكَ دَاوُدَ
Meaning:
“O Allah, write for me a reward for it, remove from me a sin because of it, store it for me with You, and accept it from me as You accepted it from Your servant Dawud.”
This is especially powerful because:
- It connects your sajdah to Prophet Dawud (AS)
- It asks for reward, forgiveness, and acceptance
4. Can You Make Your Own Dua?
Yes, and this is very important.
During sajdah, you are closest to Allah, so you can:
- Make a personal dua in your own language
- Ask for forgiveness
- Ask for guidance
- Ask for anything halal
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The closest a servant is to his Lord is while in prostration.”
5. Best Practice (Simple Routine for Beginners)
If you want an easy structure, follow this:
- Say: Subḥāna Rabbiyal A‘lā (3 times)
- Recite the Sunnah dua (Sajada wajhiya…)
- Make a short personal dua
This combination gives you:
- Obligatory dhikr ✔
- Sunnah practice ✔
- Personal connection ✔
6. Important Notes (From Fiqh Perspective)
- You do NOT need tashahhud or salam after sajdah tilawah
- You do NOT raise hands for dua before or after (not from Sunnah here)
- It is one single sajdah only
- You don’t recite tashahhud like in salah
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people unknowingly:
Stay silent in sajdah
Think a specific long dua is mandatory
Treatit exactly like a full prayer
Correct approach:
- Keep it simple
- Follow Sunnah
- Focus on humility
Sajdah in Quran Rules
Is It Obligatory or Sunnah?
Sajdah tilawah is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended), not obligatory.
Is Wudu Required?
- Preferred: Yes (as a sign of respect)
- Permissible: Some scholars allow without wudu outside prayer
Can It Be Done Outside Prayer?
Yes, you can perform sajdah:
- During recitation
- While listening
- At any time outside salah
What If Delayed?
If you delay sajdah, you may perform it later. There is no sin, but immediate action is أفضل.
Special Situations (High Search Intent Section)
Do You Have to Do Sajdah Immediately?
No, it is not compulsory to perform it instantly. However, doing it right away reflects stronger obedience.
Can You Do Sajdah Without Wudu?
Yes, according to some scholars, especially if not in prayer. But wudu is recommended.
Can You Perform Sajdah While Listening to the Quran?
Yes. If you hear a sajdah verse, it is recommended to perform sajdah even if you are not reciting.
What If You Miss a Sajdah?
You can perform it later. Islam is flexible and does not burden the believer.
Importance of Sajdah in Islam
Spiritual Benefits
Sajdah is one of the most beloved acts of worship:
- It brings you closest to Allah
- It increases humility and sincerity
- It strengthens your connection with the Quran
- It reminds you of your purpose as a servant of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ said that the closest a servant is to Allah is during sujood.
Learn Quran Recitation Properly
Why Tajweed Matters
Reciting the Quran correctly is essential. Mistakes in pronunciation can change meanings, so learning Tajweed is a must for every Muslim.
Structured Learning with IQRA Network
To truly master Quran recitation and understand sajdah verses properly, structured learning is key.
Platforms like IQRA Network offer:
- One-on-one Quran classes
- Tajweed mastery programs
- Guidance on practical rulings like sajdah
A qualified teacher can help you avoid mistakes and build confidence in your recitation journey.
FAQs
How many sajdahs are in the Quran?
There are 14 sajdahs according to the majority of Islamic scholars.
What does sajdah in the Quran mean?
It means performing a prostration when reciting specific verses that call for submission to Allah.
Do you have to perform sajdah immediately?
No, but it is الأفضل to do it immediately when possible.
Can you do sajdah without wudu?
Yes, some scholars allow it, but having wudu is recommended.
What do you say in sajdah tilawah?
You can say Subhana Rabbiyal A’la or recite a Sunnah supplication.
Read more
- Understanding Sujood: From Duas Between Sujood to the Different Types of Sajdah
- Wudu in Islam: Do You Get Lazy to Make Wudu?
- Can You Make Dua Without Wudu? The Complete Guide to Making Dua
- Can You Read the Quran Without Wudu on Your Phone?
- What Breaks Wudu? 7 Key Events Every Muslim Should Know
- Prostration (Sajdah) Verses in the Holy Quran
- 14 Sajda Ayats in the Quran
