Sajdah (Prostration)
Prostration with the forehead on the ground — the most humble position in prayer.
Sajdah (Arabic: سجدة), also called sujud, is the act of bowing down with the forehead, nose, both hands, knees and toes on the ground. It is the most humble position in the Islamic prayer and the moment when the worshipper is closest to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in sajdah, so make much du'a (supplication) therein." During sajdah, one says "Subhana Rabbi al-A'la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Sajdah is performed twice in each rak'ah with a short sitting pause in between. It is also possible to perform sajdah outside of the prayer as an expression of gratitude (sujud ash-shukr) or upon recitation of certain Quran verses (sujud at-tilawah).
Related terms
Isha (Night Prayer)
The fifth and final daily prayer, performed when darkness has fallen.
Wilayah (Divine Authority)
The concept of divine authority and leadership in Shia Islam.
Du'a Jawshan al-Kabir (The Great Armor)
A long supplication with 1000 of Allah's names and attributes, recited during Ramadan nights.
Najasah (Ritual Impurity)
Impure substances that must be removed before prayer according to Islamic law.
Minbar (Pulpit)
The elevated platform in the mosque from which the imam delivers the Friday khutbah.
Khalifah (Caliph/Successor)
The political and religious leader of the Muslim community after the Prophet's passing.