There are 15 verses of Sajdah (prostration) in the Quran according to the majority of scholars, though there is a slight difference in counting. Most schools of thought agree on 14 confirmed verses, while the Shafi‘i school includes an additional one in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77), making the total 15. These verses are marked in printed Qurans with a special symbol (۩) for easy identification.
The Sajda verses appear across several Surahs, such as Al-A‘raf (7:206), Ar-Ra‘d (13:15), Al-Nahl (16:50), Al-Hajj (22:18, 22:77), Al-Furqan (25:60), An-Naml (27:26), As-Sajdah (32:15), Sad (38:24), Fussilat (41:38), An-Najm (53:62), Inshiqaq (84:21), and Al-‘Alaq (96:19). Performing Sajdah at these points is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended but not obligatory). It represents an act of humility, acknowledging Allah’s greatness and demonstrating submission during recitation.
How Many Sajda (Prostrations) are in the Quran?
What Are the Agreed-Upon Sajdah Verses in the Quran?
The 14 universally recognized Sajdah verses are found in Surahs such as Al-A’raf, Ar-Rad, Al-Nahl, Al-Isra, Maryam, Al-Hajj, Al-Furqan, An-Naml, As-Sajdah, Sad, Fussilat, An-Najm, Inshiqaq, and Al-Alaq. These verses are distinguished by their thematic emphasis on divine power, creation, and the humility of believers. For example, Surah As-Sajdah (32:15) describes the devout prostrating in worship, while Surah Al-Alaq (96:19) emphasizes submission to Allah.
The 15th prostration, at Surah Al-Hajj (22:77), is a point of difference among scholars. While the Hanafi school does not consider it obligatory, the Shafi’i school includes it, leading to the variation in the total count. The distinction arises from differing interpretations of whether the verse explicitly commands prostration or merely encourages it. Here’s a table of the 15 Sajda (prostration) verses in the Quran according to the majority of scholars, including the additional Sajda verse counted by the Shafi‘i school in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77):
| No. | Surah Name | Verse Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-A‘raf | 7:206 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 2 | Ar-Ra‘d | 13:15 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 3 | Al-Nahl | 16:50 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 4 | Al-Isra (Bani Israil) | 17:109 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 5 | Maryam | 19:58 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 6 | Al-Hajj | 22:18 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 7 | Al-Hajj | 22:77 | Disputed – included by Shafi‘i scholars, not by Hanafi |
| 8 | Al-Furqan | 25:60 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 9 | An-Naml | 27:26 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 10 | As-Sajdah | 32:15 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 11 | Sad | 38:24 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 12 | Fussilat (Ha-Mim) | 41:38 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 13 | An-Najm | 53:62 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 14 | Inshiqaq | 84:21 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
| 15 | Al-‘Alaq | 96:19 | Confirmed Sajda verse |
How Do Different Islamic Schools Interpret the Number of Sajdah Verses?
The Hanafi school recognizes 14 Sajdah verses, excluding Surah Al-Hajj (22:77), while the Shafi’i school includes it, totaling 15. This discrepancy stems from juristic debates on whether the verse in Surah Al-Hajj constitutes a direct injunction for prostration. The Hanafi view classifies it as a recommendation rather than a Sunnah, whereas the Shafi’i school treats it as equally valid.
Other schools, such as the Maliki and Hanbali, generally align with the Hanafi count of 14. The variation underscores the role of scholarly interpretation (Ijtihad) in Islamic jurisprudence. Despite these differences, all schools agree that performing Sajdah during recitation is a virtuous act reflecting devotion.
What Is the Significance of Performing Sajdah During Quran Recitation?
Sajdah Tilawah, or the prostration of recitation, is a Sunnah act symbolizing humility and reverence before Allah. It is performed when a reciter or listener encounters one of the designated Sajdah verses. The practice is rooted in the Prophet Muhammad’s tradition, reinforcing the spiritual connection between the believer and the Quran.
The recommended invocation during Sajdah includes phrases glorifying Allah, such as “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High). This act serves as a physical and spiritual reminder of human submission to divine authority. While not obligatory, it is widely encouraged as a means of deepening faith.
Where Are the Sajdah Verses Located in the Quran?
The Sajdah verses are distributed across 14 Surahs, with Surah Al-Hajj containing two potential prostrations (22:18 and 22:77). Key examples include Surah Al-A’raf (7:206), which calls believers to prostrate, and Surah An-Najm (53:62), which emphasizes universal submission to Allah. These verses appear in different Juz (sections) of the Quran, ensuring their recitation occurs throughout the liturgical year.
Surah As-Sajdah (32:15) and Surah Fussilat (41:38) explicitly mention prostration as a response to divine signs. The placement of these verses across Meccan and Medinan Surahs highlights their thematic consistency, regardless of revelation context.
Is Sajdah Tilawah Obligatory or Recommended?
Sajdah Tilawah is a recommended (Sunnah) practice, not an obligatory (Fard) one. Scholars unanimously agree that skipping it does not invalidate prayer or recitation. However, performing it is considered meritorious, aligning with the Prophet’s teachings. The Hanafi school explicitly states it is not obligatory, while others emphasize its spiritual benefits.
The distinction between Sunnah and Fard is critical in Islamic jurisprudence. While obligatory acts like daily prayers (Salat) are non-negotiable, recommended practices like Sajdah Tilawah enhance worship without being mandatory. This flexibility accommodates varying levels of devotion among believers.
How Should Sajdah Tilawah Be Performed?
The prostration involves a single bowing motion with the forehead touching the ground, similar to the Sujud in regular prayers. The reciter or listener pauses at the Sajdah verse, utters “Allahu Akbar,” prostrates, recites the invocation, and then resumes recitation. No additional Takbir or Tashahhud is required.
The simplicity of the act ensures accessibility. Unlike formal prayers, Sajdah Tilawah does not require ablution (Wudu) according to most scholars, though purity is preferred. This practicality encourages frequent engagement with the Quranic text.
What Are the Benefits of Observing Sajdah Tilawah?
Performing Sajdah Tilawah cultivates humility, reinforces Quranic engagement, and earns spiritual rewards. The act physically embodies the Quranic command to submit to Allah, deepening the reciter’s connection to the text. Hadith literature highlights its merit, with the Prophet Muhammad consistently prostrating at these verses.
The practice also serves as an educational tool, drawing attention to key theological themes in the Quran. By marking these verses, the tradition ensures they receive special reflection, fostering a disciplined approach to scripture.
Are There Differences in Sajdah Tilawah Between Recitation and Listening?
Both reciters and listeners are encouraged to perform Sajdah Tilawah when encountering a prostration verse. The Sunnah applies equally to those reading the Quran and those hearing it recited. This inclusivity underscores the communal aspect of Quranic engagement.
If a listener is unsure whether the reciter performed the prostration, they may prostrate independently to fulfill the Sunnah. The ruling ensures that the spiritual opportunity is not missed due to uncertainty.
How Are Sajdah Verses Marked in Printed Qurans?
Printed Qurans typically denote Sajdah verses with a small symbol or the word “Sajdah” in the margin. These markers help readers identify the verses during recitation. Some editions include footnotes explaining the ruling, aiding those unfamiliar with the practice.
The standardization of these symbols across Quranic prints reflects the consensus on their locations. This uniformity supports both novice and experienced readers in observing the tradition correctly.
What Is the Historical Context of Sajdah Verses in the Quran?
The Sajdah verses were revealed at different stages of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission, emphasizing continuous themes of monotheism and submission. Meccan verses like Surah An-Najm (53:62) challenged polytheistic norms, while Medinan verses like Surah Al-Hajj (22:18) reinforced communal worship.
The consistency of prostration as a response to divine signs across revelations highlights its centrality in Islamic worship. Early Muslim communities adopted the practice swiftly, cementing its place in Quranic recitation.
Do All Muslim Communities Observe the Same Number of Sajdah Verses?
Most Muslim communities acknowledge 14 Sajdah verses, a number accepted across the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools. However, regions with a strong Shafi‘i influence, such as parts of Southeast Asia, recognize 15 Sajdah verses, including the additional one in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77). This slight variation does not reflect theological conflict but rather differences in jurisprudential methodology.
Despite the numerical difference, the spiritual practice of Sajdah Tilawah is universally respected. Wherever Muslims live, reciting these verses is seen as an opportunity to express humility and submission to Allah. This diversity within a shared framework illustrates the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence, where variations in rulings coexist without undermining core unity.