Part 17 - The Perfect Sujood

We continue with the greatest pillar of Salah, the Sujood! Now don’t you wish you could have watched the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam himself as he did his sujood? This is the aim of today’s segment, to carry to you the description of the proper sujood, just the way Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam prostrated before Allah, in hope that we can perfect our own performance of this precious pillar.


When you are ready to perform the prostration, make sure to call out “Allahu Akbar” on your way down for sujood. Not before, nor after, but during the descent. Next, the head makes a gentle contact with the ground till the forehead (and nose) is firm upon the ground. Ensure that there is no barrier (as that of a head covering) that might prevent direct contact of your forehead with the place of prostration. With palms firmly down, keep fingers close together. Point fingers, knees and toes towards the Qibla. Palms can either be parallel with the head, or parallel with the shoulders. Keep the elbows elevated off the ground. Extend elbows as far away from your sides as possible. Keep abdomen away from the thighs.

The Sujood is done on a total of 7 body parts: The forehead (including the nose), the two palms, the two knees, and the two feet (toes). All firm upon the ground till every bone and joint is fixed in place with peace and calm.

The Prophet sallallahu alaihe wassallam never recited Quran in this position, but instead, he made much duaa. He said, “The closest a servant ever is to His Lord, is when he is prostrating (in sujood), so make in it much duaa.” And what have we been taught to say, when we are down so low? “Subhana Rabbiyal-A’ala” (How perfect My Lord is, The Most High!). 3 times or more.

We can add, “Subhanak-Allahumma Rabbana wa bi-hamdik. Allahumma ighfirli.”

(How perfect You are O Allah, Our Lord, and I praise You. O Allah, forgive me.)

And we can add, “Subboohun Quddoosun, Rabbul-mala’ikati wa-rruuh.” (Perfect and

Holy (is He), Lord of the angels and Ruuh (i.e. Angel Jibrael).)

The Prophet taught us many supplications, each with a different meaning, each with a unique flavor. Each serves to renew our focus. To make duaa is to talk to Allah. When you love someone, you love to talk to him more. You love to stay engaged longer! Remember the love you hold for Him. Talk to Him, praise Him, ask Him, unload your burdens at His door, and reach out for the peace that only He can bring.

"Allahumma, inni a’uthu biridaka min sakhatek, wa bimu’afaatika min uqubatek, wa a’uthu bika mink, la uhsi thana’an alaik anta kama athnaita ala nafsek.” (O Allah, I seek refuge within Your pleasure, from Your displeasure. And within Your pardon, from Your punishment. And I seek refuge in You, from You. I cannot enumerate Your praise. You are as You have praised Yourself.)

We have one Rukuu in each unit of Salah, but two prostrations, why? Because the Sujood is the Salah’s greatest pillar, it is performed twice! Once is just not enough. The Prophet sallallahu alaihe wassallam used to lengthen his prostrations, savouring in these precious moments with Allah.

Stay tuned for more.