Prostration is not merely the act of pressing one’s forehead to the floor. In prayer, it is the most sacred moment where a servant is very close to their Lord. However, we often wonder, are we performing correct prostration? Is the recitation during prostration that we utter accurate?
Understanding the procedure for prostration (sujud) is very important because prostration is one of the Arkān (pillars) of prayer. If this pillar is incorrect, the prayer may be considered invalid. In this article, we will thoroughly examine a guide to prostration based on the Fiqh book Asna al-Matalib, starting from the correct position for prostration, the supplication during prostration and its meaning, to specific rules for women.
What is Sujud and its Arkān (Pillars)?
According to the book Asna al-Matalib, prostration accompanied by Tuma’ninah is the ninth and tenth pillar (Arkān) in prayer. We are obligated to perform it twice in every rak’ah. A crucial requirement is Tuma’ninah (tranquility). This means that during prostration, the body must be still and calm for a moment, at least the time it takes to recite tasbih, before rising again.
Berikut redaksi aslinya:
الرُّكْنُ ( التَّاسِعُ , وَالْعَاشِرُ السُّجُودُ ) مَرَّتَيْنِ فِي كُلِّ رَكْعَةٍ ( وَطُمَأْنِينَتُهُ ) … ( وَأَقَلُّهُ وَضْعُ شَيْءٍ مَكْشُوفٍ مِنْ الْجَبْهَةِ )
In other words, rapid pecking movements like a rooster are invalid. The body must come to a complete stop when the prostration position is reached.
The Correct Position of Prostration: 7 Body Parts
In order for the correct manner of prostration to be fulfilled, there are seven body parts that must touch the floor. The Prophet Muhammad SAW commanded us to prostrate on seven bones.
- Forehead: It is obligatory for it to be directly adhered to the place of prostration without any barrier (such as hair or a fallen cap).
- Two Palms: The inner sides of the palms.
- Two Knees.
- The tips of both feet (toes): The inner sides of the toes must be folded.
The text of the book states:
قوله : ( وَأَقَلُّهُ وَضْعُ شَيْءٍ مَكْشُوفٍ مِنْ الْجَبْهَةِ ) لِخَبَرِ « إذَا سَجَدْت فَمَكِّنْ جَبْهَتَك وَلَا تَنْقُرُ نَقْرًا » رَوَاهُ ابْنُ حِبَّانَ وَصَحَّحَهُ
وَيَجِبُ … ( وَضْعُ جُزْءٍ مِنْ الرُّكْبَتَيْنِ وَمِنْ بَاطِنِ الْكَفَّيْنِ ) … (and) مِنْ بَاطِنِ ( أَصَابِعِ الْقَدَمَيْنِ )
Important Requirements: Pressure and Hip Position
There are two techniques that are often overlooked:
- Applying Pressure (Tahammul): When the forehead touches the ground, there should be a slight pressure from the weight of the head. If you prostrate on cotton, the cotton should appear to compress.
- Higher Hip Position (Tankis): The correct position for prostration requires the hips (buttocks) to be in a higher position than the head and shoulders. If you pray on a steep incline where the head is higher than the buttocks during prostration, then it is invalid.
قوله : ( وَتَنْكِيسٍ بِارْتِفَاعِ أَسَافِلِهِ ) أَيْ عَجِيزَتِهِ وَمَا حَوْلَهَا ( عَلَى أَعَالِيهِ حَتَّى يَطْمَئِنَّ )
The Recitation of Sujud and Its Meaning
Once the body is in the perfect position, what should be recited? There are several variations of the prostration recitation taught by the Prophet. You can choose the most common prostration recitation or add other prayers.
1. Standard Tasbih (3x)
This is the most standard reading for the prostration in the five daily prayers:
Arabic Recitation for Prostration:
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى وَبِحَمْدِهِ
Transliteration: Subḥāna Rabbiya al-A‘lā wa biḥamdihi
Meaning: “Glory to my Lord, the Most High, and all praise is due to Him.”
Usually recited three times. This is the most minimal reading during prostration to attain the Sunnah.
2. Additional Dua (Recommended)
To prolong the prostration, especially when praying alone (munfarid), you can add the following prayer of prostration:
اللَّهُمَّ لَك سَجَدْتُ وَبِك آمَنْت وَلَك أَسْلَمْت سَجَدَ وَجْهِي لِلَّذِي خَلَقَهُ وَصَوَّرَهُ وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وَبَصَرَهُ تَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ
Allāhumma laka sajadtu wa bika āmantu wa laka aslamtu sajada wajhiya lilladhī khalaqahu wa ṣawwarahu wa shaqqa sam‘ahu wa baṣarahu tabārakallāhu aḥsanu al-khāliqīn.
Meaning:
“O Allah, to You I prostrate, in You I believe, and to You I submit. My face prostrates to the One who created it, fashioned its form, and split its hearing and sight. Glory to Allah, the Best of Creators.”
3. Prayer of the Final Sujud (Prostration)
Many scholars encourage increasing supplication during prostration, as this is the position closest a servant is to Allah. The final prostration supplication is often used to request specific needs.
The Messenger of Allah said: “The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so increase supplication therein.” (Reported by Muslim).
You can read The Dua of Rabbana Atina (comprehensive prayer) or another prayer in your heart (if in Indonesian) or recited softly (if it is a ma’tsur prayer in Arabic) as a prayer during prostration.
The Correct Way to Perform Sujud for Men and Women
Is there a difference in the way women perform prostration compared to men? In terms of the pillars (validity), it is the same. However, in terms of sunnah (perfection and etiquette), there is a difference in body positioning.
How Men Perform Sujud (Prostration)
It is recommended for men to “reveal” themselves:
- Stretching the elbows away from the torso (armpits exposed).
- Keeping the stomach away from the thighs.
- Raising the arms from the floor (do not rest the elbows on the floor like a dog sitting).
The Correct Way for Women to Perform Sujud (Prostration)
For women, the Sunnah is to “cover” themselves to be more modest and protect their private parts:
- Keeping the elbows close to the sides/stomach.
- Pressing the abdomen to the thigh (a more bent and close position).
The text of the book states:
…. قوله : (وَ) أَنْ ( يُجَافِيَ الرَّجُلُ بَطْنَهُ وَمِرْفَقَيْهِ عَنْ فَخِذَيْهِ وَجَنْبَيْهِ وَتَضُمُّ الْمَرْأَةُ ، وَالْخُنْثَى ) بَعْضَهُمَا إلَى بَعْضٍ
This is the correct prostration for women to ensure a more modest and guarded posture.
Common Mistakes: Prostrating on Moving Objects
One of the pillars of prostration that is often violated unknowingly is prostrating on an object that moves with our body.
Example: You wear a very wide prayer garment (mukena) or a turban draped around your neck. When prostrating, your forehead touches the fabric of the mukena or turban. If the fabric moves when you stand/sit, then the prostration is invalid.
( وَلَا يَجُوزُ السُّجُودُ عَلَى مُتَحَرِّكٍ مِنْ مَلْبُوسِهِ )
The solution: Ensure the forehead makes direct contact with the prayer rug/floor, or if using a separator, ensure that separator is not attached to the clothing you are wearing.
Summary: Checklist for a Perfect Sujud
To better understand the correct way to perform prostration, see the following table:
| Body Part | Rule for Men | Rule for Women | Status |
| Forehead | Bare, Pressing Floor | Bare, Pressing Floor | Obligatory |
| Elbows | Spread Out | Tucked In | Sunnah |
| Stomach | Away from Thighs | Pressed to Thighs | Sunnah |
| Toes | Folded to Qibla | Folded to Qibla | Obligatory |
| Knees | Touching Floor | Touching Floor | Obligatory |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Prostration (Sujud)
What is the recitation during prostration in prayer if one does not memorize the long supplication?
It is sufficient to only recite Subḥāna rabbiyal aʿlā for it to be valid. Even if one remains silent (tumānīnah) without recitation, the prayer is still valid, because recitation is sunnah (recommended), but it is highly encouraged not to miss out on the reward.
How are the prayers during ruku and sujud performed, are they the same?
Different. In bowing (Ruku) one reads Subḥāna rabbiyal ‘aẓīm, while in prostration (Sujud) one reads Subḥāna rabbiyal a‘lā. However, both have the format of tasbīḥ which praises Allah.
Is it permissible to supplicate in Indonesian during the final prostration?
It is recommended to recite prayers silently in one’s heart if using a language other than Arabic during prayer, so as not to invalidate the prayer. If the prayer originates from the Qur’an or Hadith (in Arabic), it is permissible to recite it softly.
Which goes down first, the knees or the hands?
In the Shafi’i school of thought (as in this reference book), it is recommended to lower the knees first, then the hands. When rising from prostration, the hands should be raised first, then the knees.
By understanding the recitation during prostration (sujud) and its procedures as described above, hopefully the quality of our prayers will improve. Remember, the recitation of prostration and its meaning teaches us to be humble before the Most High. Do not rush, enjoy every moment of closeness with the Creator during your prostration.
Conclusion
Correcting the manner of prostration is the first step to improving the quality of our prayers. By following the guidance from the book Asna al-Matalib, we can be more confident that the worship we perform is in accordance with the correct path of Fiqh.
Do not forget to always pay attention to the position of your forehead and tranquility (tumaninah). May Allah accept every prostration and prayer of ours in prayer.
Want to know more about other Fiqh of Prayer? You can read our article about the perfect procedure for Wudhu or other Pillars (Arkān) of Prayer. Hopefully it’s beneficial!
Reference
al-Anṣārī, Zakariyā. Asnā al-Maṭālib fī Sharḥ Rawḍ al-Ṭālib. With ḥāshiyah Aḥmad al-Ramlī. Edited by Muḥammad az-Zuhrī al-Ghamrāwī. Cairo: al-Maṭbaʿah al-Maymānīyah, 1313 H. Reprinted by Dār al-Kitāb al-Islāmī.
