Sujud al-Shukr (Prostration of Gratitude)

Sujud al-Shukr (Arabic: سجود الشكر) is a voluntary prostration (sujud) performed as an expression of gratitude to Allah. It is performed by placing the forehead on the ground (preferably on a turbah) and reciting "Shukran lillah" (Thanks to Allah) or "Alhamdulillah" or other expressions of gratitude. It is strongly recommended (mustahab) to perform sujud al-shukr after every obligatory prayer.

In Shia fiqh, sujud al-shukr is one of the most recommended actions after prayer. Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Sujud al-shukr is one of the most obligatory sunnah (practices)" (Al-Kafi, vol. 2). He also said: "The closest position a servant has to his Lord is in sujud, so make much du'a in sujud."

Sujud al-shukr can be performed on any occasion, but is especially recommended: (1) after the conclusion of every obligatory prayer, (2) upon receiving good news, (3) upon avoiding a danger or calamity, (4) after receiving forgiveness from Allah, and (5) upon any blessing received. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) performed sujud al-shukr when he received news of victory in battle and when good things happened to him (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 41).

During sujud al-shukr, one can say: "Shukran lillahi shukran lillahi" (Thanks to Allah, thanks to Allah), "Ya Rabbi lakal-hamd" (My Lord, to You is all praise), or any other appropriate du'a. For Shia Muslims, sujud al-shukr is a beautiful and simple practice that keeps the believer in a constant state of gratitude and awareness of Allah's infinite blessings.