The Qur’an is the holy word of God to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and it includes numerous chapters (Surahs) having liturgical and spiritual messages, some are of greater merit than others. The Surah we learn today is one of those Surahs that creates a deep impact on the heart and mind of the person who reads it. It is the shortest of all Surahs with only 30 ayat and is a synthesis of the many themes that run through al-Qur’an, such as creation, risalah (prophethood), divine mercy, disbelief, resurrection, daily prayers, and the eternality of faith.
Basic Information about Surah As-Sajdah
- Surah Name: As-Sajdah (السَّجْدَة)
- Meaning: The Prostration
- Surah Number: 32
- Juz: 21
- Verses: 30
- Revealed In: Makkah (Makki Surah)
It is called “As-Sajdah” because it contains a verse of prostration (verse 15) where believers are instructed to humble themselves before Allah in sujood (prostration), an act symbolising complete submission.
Themes of Surah As-Sajdah
1. The Truth of Revelation
The Surah begins by affirming the truth of the Qur’an and addresses the doubts of disbelievers who deny its divine origin. It states:
“This is the revelation of the Book about which there is no doubt – from the Lord of the worlds.” (32:2)
The Qur’an is not a product of human speech but a divinely revealed scripture to guide mankind.
2. Creation and Resurrection
The Surah presents logical arguments about Allah’s power to create and resurrect. It reminds people that the One who created them from clay can bring them back to life after death.
“He began the creation of man from clay. Then He made his progeny from an extract of a humble fluid.” (32:7 8)
This sequence shows the progression of human development and reaffirms that resurrection is not difficult for the Creator.
3. Signs in the Universe
Throughout the Surah, Allah invites humans to reflect on natural phenomena — the alternation of night and day, the heavens and the earth, and the way life originates. These are all signs (Ayat) that point to the Oneness and Majesty of Allah.
“Do they not reflect upon themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six days…” (32:4)
This reflection encourages humility and submission.
4. The Reward of the Believers
A beautiful portion of the Surah describes those who believe in Allah and fear their Lord in secret. These are the people who wake up during the night to pray and seek Allah’s mercy:
“They arise from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend [in charity] from what We have provided them.” (32:16)
Allah promises them a reward no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no heart has imagined.
5. The Punishment of the Disbelievers
Surah As-Sajdah also paints a vivid picture of those who reject faith, warning them of the Day of Judgment, when they will beg to return to the world to do good.
“If only you could see when the criminals will hang their heads before their Lord, [saying], ‘Our Lord, we have seen and heard, so return us [to the world]; we will work righteousness. Indeed, we are now certain.” (32:12)
However, this plea will not be accepted, because the time for action would have passed.
Virtues of Surah As-Sajdah
1. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Recited It Regularly
One of the unique features of Surah As-Sajdah is that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite it every Friday during the Fajr (dawn) prayer, along with Surah al-Insan (76).
“The Prophet (PBUH) used to recite Surah As-Sajdah and Surah al-Insan in the early morning prayer on Friday.”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This shows the special status of the Surah, especially on the day of Jumu’ah, a day of spiritual gathering and reflection.
2. A Reminder of the Afterlife
The Surah contains powerful reminders of the Day of Judgment, which makes it a valuable Surah to reflect on regularly. The Prophet (PBUH) wanted people to remain mindful of the hereafter through this Surah.
3. Encourages Night Prayer
Verse 16 encourages believers to wake in the night to pray. It praises those who balance hope and fear, spend in charity, and seek closeness to Allah.
Verse of Prostration in Surah As-Sajdah
The most defining aspect of this Surah is verse 15, which is a Sajdah Tilawah (prostration of recitation):
“Only those believe in Our verses who, when they are reminded by them, fall in prostration and exalt Allah with praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant.”
This act of prostration (sujood) during the recitation of this verse is a physical expression of submission, humility, and gratitude to Allah.
Lessons from Surah As-Sajdah
Submission Over Arrogance
True belief is bound up with humility. The pious prostrates in response to Allah’s sayings while the egoistic sneers. The Surah is encouraging us to submit by heart and by body.
Reflect on the Universe
Allah’s signs are everywhere. We need to learn to see, to feel and to think. From the earth spinning to the birth of a child, there is a sign pointing back to the Creator at every turn.
Don’t Delay Repentance
The Day of Judgment tells us that nonbelievers’ regret illustrates the risk of delay. When it is death, no work is possible. So time to turn to Allah is now, not after.
Night Worship is Powerful
And Allah elevates him who forsakes his sleep to remember Him. Tahajjud is not just a sign of piety and godliness; it is instead a means of divine proximity.
Relationship between this Surah and Our Life.
Surah As-Sajdah provides us with an entire worldview; it explains to us where we came from, why we’re here, and where we are going. Amid all this hustle and bustle of materialism, this Surah tends to create the impression of the transient nature of life and the life hereafter.
Some useful reminders for those of us who regularly read and recite this Surah (especially on Fridays) are that we are to trust God’s Will, renew our trust in the heart of God, and step out in childlike faith in Allah to live in peace and joy.
Conclusion
Surah As-Sajdah is a chapter full of spiritual insight and emotional intelligence, and intellectual lucidity. It summons us to kneel, not only with our bodies but with our hearts. It is a warning that we must act now because life is short. Through wonderful verses, it describes heavenly mercy, formidable threats and provides the ultimate recompense for those who believe and bring their careers in line with reality.
Adding Surah As-Sajdah into our regular weekly schedule, perhaps especially as part of Friday’s routine, will continue to bring us back to our spiritual centre and remind us of that most important connection to our Lord. May Allah give us the humility to receive and the wisdom to gain from His words. Ameen.
FAQs about Surah As-Sajdah
Is it Sunnah to read Surah Al-Sajdah on Fridays?
Yes. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite it in the Fajr prayer on Fridays, together with Surah al-Insan. This use is highly recommended spiritually.
How many verses are in Surah As-Sajdah?
It is quite a short chapter in the Qur’an, consisting of only 30 verses.
What is the summary of Surah As-Sajdah?
It stresses the real life of the Resurrection, Divine signs, consequences of disbelief and bounties of humble God fearing believers.
At which point should the Sajdah be made in reciting the Surah?
The prostration should be performed after reading or listening to verse 15. It is a convenient act (sunnah), and most people perform it in both individual and congregational prayers.