Sujood in Salah: Correct Prostration Method

Learn how to perform Sujood in Salah on seven body points, maintain a balanced posture, recite Subhana Rabbiyal-A‘la and make sincere Dua.

What Is Sujood?

Sujood means prostration. It is the position in which a worshipper places the forehead and nose on the ground before Allah. Every Rak‘ah normally contains two prostrations, separated by a calm sitting position.

Sujood is one of the greatest physical expressions of humility. The worshipper lowers the most honoured part of the body—the face—before the Creator. Although the body is physically low, the servant is spiritually close to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said that the nearest a servant is to his Lord is while prostrating, so the worshipper should make abundant supplication. This is recorded in Sahih Muslim 482.

Moving Into Sujood

After standing completely upright following Ruku, say:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Allahu Akbar.

Meaning: Allah is the Greatest.

Begin moving towards the ground calmly. Do not throw the body down or move with unnecessary speed. Maintain control so that the hands, knees and face are placed safely.

There are recognised scholarly differences concerning whether the knees or hands reach the ground first. Follow the reliable method taught by your qualified teacher and do not criticise Muslims who follow another accepted opinion.

The essential objective is to enter Sujood safely, calmly and with humility.

The Seven Body Points

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ was commanded to prostrate on seven body points. This is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 812.

These seven points are:

1. The forehead together with the nose.
2. The right hand.
3. The left hand.
4. The right knee.
5. The left knee.
6. The toes of the right foot.
7. The toes of the left foot.

The forehead and nose are counted together as one area. All seven points should normally remain connected to the ground during Sujood according to the worshipper’s physical ability.

The Forehead And Nose

Place both the forehead and nose on the prayer surface. Avoid keeping the nose lifted while only the forehead touches the ground.

Do not place all pressure painfully on the nose. The face should rest naturally and securely.

If clothing, a cap or another item prevents the forehead from properly reaching the surface without a genuine need, adjust it before Salah where possible. Sahih al-Bukhari 812 also mentions not gathering clothing or hair during prostration.

The worshipper should not repeatedly adjust the head after becoming settled.

Position Of The Hands

Place both palms on the ground near the shoulders or ears in a stable and natural position. Keep the fingers generally together and directed towards the Qiblah.

Do not clench the hands into fists. Do not place only the fingertips on the floor while the palms remain raised without a physical reason.

Allow the hands to support the posture without pressing the entire body weight painfully into the wrists.

Keep the elbows raised from the ground. Sahih Muslim 493a records the Prophet’s instruction to observe moderation in prostration and not spread the forearms on the ground like a dog.

Position Of The Arms

Keep the forearms lifted from the ground. The upper arms should normally remain away from the sides enough to form a balanced posture.

In congregational prayer, do not spread the arms so widely that neighbouring worshippers are disturbed. Sunnah posture and consideration for others should remain together.

A person with pain, weakness, disability or limited space may adjust the posture according to genuine need.

Position Of The Knees

Place both knees on the ground and keep them stable. Avoid rocking between one knee and the other.

The knees should support the body naturally without causing avoidable pain. Use a suitable prayer surface if hard flooring causes discomfort, but avoid excessively soft support that prevents stable contact.

Anyone with a knee injury should seek appropriate medical advice and learn the relevant prayer concessions from a qualified scholar.

Position Of The Feet And Toes

Keep the toes connected to the ground and directed towards the Qiblah as reasonably possible.

Sahih al-Bukhari 828 describes the toes of the Prophet ﷺ facing the Qiblah during prostration.

Avoid deliberately lifting both feet from the ground. Keep them stable and do not repeatedly move them during Sujood.

Natural differences in flexibility mean that not every person’s toes will look identical. Follow the Sunnah according to ability without forcing the joints into pain.

Keep The Body Balanced

Raise the abdomen away from the thighs where physically possible, while maintaining a moderate and comfortable posture.

Do not collapse the full body weight onto the ground. Do not lift the hips so excessively that the posture becomes strained.

Sahih al-Bukhari 828 describes the Prophet ﷺ keeping his forearms away from the ground and away from his body. The overall posture should therefore be open, balanced and dignified.

In a crowded congregation, reduce unnecessary spreading so that other worshippers have sufficient space.

What To Recite In Sujood

An authentic Tasbeeh for Sujood is:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Subhana Rabbiyal-A‘la.

Meaning: Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.

Sahih Muslim 772 records this glorification during the Prophet’s prostration.

The words carry a beautiful meaning: while the servant places himself in the lowest physical posture, he declares that Allah is the Most High.

Pronounce the words calmly:

Subhana: Allah is perfect and free from every deficiency.

Rabbi: My Lord, Creator and Sustainer.

Al-A‘la: The Most High.

Many Muslims are taught to repeat this Tasbeeh three times. Detailed rulings about the minimum and preferred number belong to Fiqh, so follow your qualified teacher.

Make Dua During Sujood

Sujood is a special position for making Dua. Sahih Muslim 482 teaches that the servant is nearest to his Lord while prostrating and should make abundant supplication.

Another narration in Sahih Muslim 479a instructs worshippers to strive in supplication during Sujood because their Dua is deserving of being answered.

After reciting the established Tasbeeh, make authentic supplications you have learned. Ask Allah for:

Forgiveness.

Guidance.

A sincere heart.

Protection from sin.

Beneficial knowledge.

Halal provision.

Wellbeing for your family.

Steadfastness in faith.

Success in this life and the Hereafter.

Details concerning which language may be used during formal Salah differ according to circumstances and schools of Fiqh. Follow a qualified teacher.

An Authentic Sujood Supplication

A beautiful authentic supplication is:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا وَبِحَمْدِكَ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي

Subhanakallahumma Rabbana wa bihamdika, Allahummaghfir li.

Meaning: Glory and praise are Yours, O Allah, our Lord. O Allah, forgive me.

Another supplication is:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، وَعَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ

Allahummaghfir li dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa ‘alaniyatahu wa sirrahu.

Meaning: O Allah, forgive all my sins: the small and great, the first and last, the open and hidden.

A beginner should learn one supplication accurately before adding several more.

Do Not Recite Quran In Sujood

Sujood is a place for Tasbeeh and Dua, not Quran recitation. Sahih Muslim 479a reports that the Prophet ﷺ was forbidden from reciting the Quran while bowing or prostrating.

Quranic words learned specifically as Dua involve additional scholarly details. Follow a qualified teacher regarding what should be recited within formal Salah.

Do not deliberately begin a Surah during Sujood.

Calmness In Sujood

The Prophet ﷺ instructed the man who prayed incorrectly to prostrate until he became calm in prostration. This is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 757.

Allow the body to reach the ground and become settled. Recite the Tasbeeh clearly and remain long enough to experience stillness.

A rushed Sujood may cause:

The forehead to barely touch the ground.

The nose to remain lifted.

The toes to lose contact.

The elbows to collapse.

The Tasbeeh to become unclear.

The Dua opportunity to be lost.

Tuma’ninah transforms Sujood from a quick movement into meaningful worship.

Common Sujood Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

1. Keeping the nose raised from the ground.
2. Lifting both feet during prostration.
3. Resting the forearms completely on the floor.
4. Spreading the elbows so widely that others are disturbed.
5. Keeping the palms raised without need.
6. Placing the hands far behind the body.
7. Rushing before the body becomes still.
8. Reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A‘la unclearly.
9. Looking around during Sujood.
10. Beginning to rise before completing the Tasbeeh.
11. Treating Sujood as exercise without humility.
12. Reciting a Quran Surah during prostration.
13. Forcing an injured joint into a harmful position.
14. Arguing about accepted differences regarding hands or knees first.

Sujood For Someone With Physical Difficulties

A person who cannot prostrate normally should follow the concessions of Islam according to genuine ability.

Someone praying while seated may indicate Sujood by leaning forward more deeply than for Ruku. A person should not place the forehead on a raised object merely to imitate the floor without first learning the correct ruling from a scholar.

Medical conditions vary. Back injuries, knee replacements, pregnancy, dizziness and disability may require different adjustments. Consult an appropriate medical professional and qualified scholar.

A Step-By-Step Practice Drill

Practise outside Salah:

Step 1: Stand upright after Ruku.

Step 2: Say Allahu Akbar.

Step 3: Lower the body calmly.

Step 4: Place the hands and knees securely.

Step 5: Place the forehead and nose on the surface.

Step 6: Keep both palms grounded.

Step 7: Lift the forearms from the floor.

Step 8: Keep the knees stable.

Step 9: Direct the toes towards the Qiblah.

Step 10: Become still.

Step 11: Recite Subhana Rabbiyal-A‘la clearly.

Step 12: Make a short authentic Dua.

Ask a teacher to observe the posture and correct any unsafe or inaccurate movement.

Final Checklist

During Sujood, confirm that:

Your forehead and nose touch the surface.

Both palms are grounded.

Both knees are grounded.

The toes of both feet remain connected.

Your forearms are raised from the floor.

Your body is balanced and calm.

You recited Subhana Rabbiyal-A‘la.

You avoided Quran recitation.

You used the opportunity for sincere Dua.

You did not rush into the next position.

Sujood combines complete humility with closeness to Allah. Performing it calmly on the seven body points, glorifying Allah and making sincere Dua can make it one of the most meaningful moments of Salah.