Sujud
Sujud (Arabic: سُجود; Turkish: Secde) is the act of prostration in Islamic ritual prayer (Salat), where the forehead, palms, knees, and feet touch the ground.
Etymology
The term “sujud” is derived from the Arabic root “س-ج-د” (s-j-d), which signifies bowing down or prostration. The word masjid (Arabic: مسجد; Turkish: Cami), meaning mosque, is derived from the same root, emphasizing the centrality of the act of prostration in Muslim worship spaces.
Ritual Significance
In each unit (rak’ah) of the Muslim prayer, two sujud are mandatory. During sujud, worshipers typically recite “Subhana rabbiyal a’la” (سبحان ربي الأعلى), which means “Glory to my Lord, the Most High,” among other supplications praising God. Between the two prostrations, worshipers sit momentarily in a position of rest known as “jalsa.”
Acts of Penitence and Humility
Beyond ritual prayer, sujud is also considered an act of penitence and humility, symbolizing one’s utter submission and dependence on God. In various traditions, additional non-obligatory prostrations (such as Sujud al-Shukr and Sujud al-Tilawah) are performed as acts of gratitude or when specific verses of the Qur’an are recited or heard.
Cultural and Religious Context
The act of prostration plays a prominent role in both personal worship and congregational prayers, showcasing a common element in Muslim practices across cultures and sects.
Further Reading
For those interested in further exploring the concept and practices associated with sujud, the following books are recommended:
- “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Imam Ghazali
- “The Vision of Islam” by Sachiko Murata and William C. Chittick
- “The Book of Worship in Islam: The Islamic Citadel” by Imam al-Bukhari
Takeaways
- Sujud involves full prostration with the body in contact with the ground.
- It is a crucial component of the Muslim prayer and signifies humility and reverence.
- The term is etymologically linked to ‘masjid,’ the place of Muslim worship.
- Sujud is both a ritual duty and a voluntary act of love and devotion towards God.
Conclusion
Sujud encompasses profound spiritual, religious, and cultural dimensions within Islamic practice, reflecting a core aspect of Muslim prayer and worship. Its significance stretches beyond physical postures to embodying penance, humility, and the intimate bond between the worshiper and the Creator.
