Introduction to the Prostration of Gratitude
Sujood ash-Shukr (سجود الشكر) is one of the recommended prostrations, similar to the prostrations of recitation and forgetfulness. It is done outside of prayer, and doing it within prayer invalidates the prayer. It is performed when a person receives a new blessing, encounters a joyful event, or is saved from distress.
Intention and Takbir
First, make the intention (niyyah) to perform the prostration of gratitude. Say the opening Takbir (تكبيرة الإحرام) and it is recommended to raise your hands while doing so. Unlike the prayer, you do not need to be standing when saying Takbir.
Prostration
Then, prostrate without raising your hands for the prostration. In the prostration, you say:
(سجَد وجهي للَّذي خلَقه وصوَّره فأحسَن صُورَه وشقَّ سمعَه وبصرَه فتبارَك اللهُ أحسَنُ الخالقينَ) “My face has prostrated to the One who created it and fashioned it, and brought forth its hearing and sight by His might and power. Blessed be Allah, the Best of creators.”
You can also say:
(اللهم اكتب لي بها عندك أجرا، واجعلها لي عندك ذخرا، وضع عني بها وزرا، واقبلها مني كما قبلتها من عبدك داوود) “O Allah, write for me a reward for this, and make it a treasure for me with You, and accept it from me as You accepted it from Your servant Dawood.”
Rising from Prostration and Salam
After finishing the prostration, say Takbir to rise from the prostration, then sit, and then say the Salam (peace greeting). If you are unable to perform the prostration of gratitude, it is recommended to say:
“سبحان الله، والحمد لله، ولا إله إلا الله، والله أكبر ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العلي العظيم” “Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), and there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great,” four times.
Conditions for the Prostration of Gratitude
The conditions for the prostration of gratitude are the same as those required for prayer:
- Covering the private parts
- Facing the Qibla
- Being in a state of purity from both major and minor impurities
- Having a reason for the prostration, such as receiving a new blessing or being relieved from a calamity.
Significance of the Prostration of Gratitude
The prostration of gratitude is one of the most important and great actions a person can do in their life. It is a way to express what a person feels of gratitude and internal satisfaction with what Allah has bestowed upon them. It is a form of submission and humility before the great Creator.
There must be a reason for a person to perform the prostration of gratitude, such as:
- Fulfillment of a long-awaited matter
- Recovery from an illness
- Receiving an important job or position
- Being blessed with a child
- Solving a problem or crisis
In all cases, it is recommended to praise and thank Allah both in times of ease and difficulty.
Importance of the Prostration of Gratitude
The prostration of gratitude is highly recommended due to its great importance and benefits. Performing this prostration is in imitation of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as he used to prostrate in gratitude to Allah for any good that came to him or all Muslims.
Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
(كان رَسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ إذا أتاه أمرٌ يَسُرُّه، أو يُسَرُّ به؛ خَرَّ ساجِدًا شُكرًا للهِ عزَّ وجلَّ) “Whenever the Prophet received good news or something made him happy, he would fall down in prostration in gratitude to Allah the Almighty.”
This act was also practiced by the companions and the righteous predecessors, indicating that the prostration of gratitude is one of the recommended and established Sunnahs narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).