Living Quran

Surah As-Sajdah (The Prostration)

As-Sajdah means "The Prostration," named after the act of prostration mentioned within it, at which reciters traditionally perform a prostration of recitation.

Surah As-Sajdah is the 32nd chapter of the Quran, a relatively short surah of 30 ayahs traditionally classified as Meccan. Its name derives from its description of true believers who fall in prostration when reminded of God's signs, and the chapter contains one of the Quran's recognized verses of prostration (sajdah at-tilawah). As a Meccan surah, its principal concerns are the foundational themes of that period: the truth and divine origin of the revelation, the oneness of God (tawhid), the reality of creation and human origins, and the certainty of resurrection and accountability. It draws a sustained contrast between those who believe and humbly submit and those who arrogantly reject the message. The surah moves between reflection on the created order, reminders of God's power over life and death, and vivid descriptions of the differing fates awaiting the righteous and the heedless on the Day of Judgment.
Surah number
32
Revelation
Meccan
Ayahs
30
Arabic
السجدة

Read Surah As-Sajdah online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

  • The divine origin and truth of the revelation
  • Oneness of God (tawhid) and signs in creation
  • Creation of the human being and the stages of life
  • Resurrection, judgment, and accountability
  • Contrast between humble believers and arrogant rejecters
  • Prostration and humility before God

Why this surah matters

As-Sajdah holds a well-known place in Islamic devotional life. Many Muslims traditionally recite it together with Surah Al-Insan in the dawn (Fajr) prayer on Fridays, following a practice reported from the Prophet Muhammad; this is a cherished tradition rather than an obligation. The surah is also noted for containing a verse of prostration, one of several points in the Quran where reciters customarily prostrate. Its concise treatment of creation, revelation, and resurrection makes it a frequently studied example of the core themes of the Meccan revelations.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called "The Prostration"?

The name comes from its portrayal of sincere believers who prostrate in humility when reminded of God's signs, and the surah contains a recognized verse of prostration at which reciters traditionally prostrate.

Is Surah As-Sajdah Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally classified as Meccan, and its themes of tawhid, revelation, and resurrection are characteristic of the Meccan period.

When do many Muslims recite it?

Many Muslims traditionally recite it in the Fajr prayer on Fridays, alongside Surah Al-Insan, following a reported practice of the Prophet. This is a well-known tradition, not a requirement.

Read Surah As-Sajdah

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