Surah Name: As-Sajda (سورة السجدة)
Translation: The Prostration
Origin of name: The Surah is named after the word "sujjād" (those who prostrate) found in verse 15, describing those who believe in Allah's signs and fall in prostration. It is also known as “Surah Al-Madājiʿ” (The Beds), referring to verse 16, which describes worshippers who rise from their beds to pray at night.
Surah Number: 32
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 30
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: During the final years of the Makkan period, after the revelation of Surah Al-Mu’minun.
Historical Context
Surah As-Sajda was revealed during the last years of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission in Makkah, a time when the opposition to Islam had intensified. The Quraysh leaders had received ample warnings and signs through the Prophet's message, yet remained stubborn in their disbelief and mockery of the believers. The Muslim community was enduring social pressure, ridicule, and persecution.
By this stage, much had already been explained to the disbelievers—they had heard arguments for the Oneness of Allah and the truth of the revelation and had seen the patience and moral excellence of the believers. However, their hearts remained closed. This environment required a new direction: rather than continuing to argue with those who deliberately rejected the truth, it was important to reinforce the message among sincere hearts and prepare for a new chapter.
This Surah delivered powerful reminders to encourage the believers to remain spiritually strong and filled with hope. Its focus on prostration, worship through the night, and trust in Allah offered deep moral support amidst hardship. While the Quraysh mocked the believers and demanded to know when their "promised victory" would come, this Surah told the Prophet to leave them and wait, just as the disbelievers would. Behind this lay the divine knowledge that a new phase—the migration to a more supportive land, Medina—was near.
Thus, Surah As-Sajda helped transition the believer’s mindset from persistent confrontation to inward strength, patience, and readiness for a future beyond Makkah.
Main Themes
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The Quran as Divine Revelation:
The surah begins by affirming that the Quran is not man-made but a revelation from Allah, meant to warn and guide humanity. It emphasizes the truth and wisdom behind its teachings. -
Allah’s Power in Creation:
Allah is described as the sole creator of everything. He created the heavens, the earth, and human beings from clay and continues human life through a reproductive process. These signs point to His power, mercy, and uniqueness as the only true deity. -
Belief in the Afterlife:
A key theme in the surah is resurrection and life after death. While many reject this idea, the surah describes the regret and punishment awaiting disbelievers in the Hereafter, contrasted with the rewards for the believers. -
Qualities and Reward of True Believers:
The surah gives a beautiful description of sincere believers: they respond to Allah’s verses with humility, worship Him at night, give from their wealth, and avoid arrogance. Their reward is unimaginable blessings in the afterlife. -
Difference Between Believers and Disbelievers:
The surah clearly states that the righteous and the wicked are not equal. Each group’s fate is different both in this world and the Hereafter, with the disbelievers facing humiliation and loss, while the believers enjoy honor and reward. -
Lessons from the Past and Nature:
The destruction of previous nations and observations from the natural world are used as lessons and signs. The surah reminds people to reflect on how Allah brings life to dry land—just as He will bring life after death. -
Patience and Trust in Allah’s Plan:
The Prophet is told to be patient with the mockery of the disbelievers and to wait for the fulfillment of Allah’s promises. The day when the truth becomes clear will come, and on that day, belief will not benefit those who rejected it before.
Key Lessons from Surah As-Sajda
- The Quran is a divine revelation intended to warn and guide humanity.
- Allah alone created the universe and humans; there is no helper besides Him.
- Denying the afterlife leads to regret and punishment, both in this world and the next.
- True believers humble themselves, pray during the night, and give from what they have.
- The rewards for sincere believers in the next life are beyond imagination.
- Disbelievers and believers will never be equal in the sight of Allah.
- History offers lessons; past nations were destroyed for rejecting truth—learn from their fate.
- Time will reveal the truth, but belief at the last moment will not help the disbelievers.
Notable Ayahs from Surah As-Sajda
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Verse 1-2:
"Alif-Lãm-Mĩm. The revelation of this Book is—beyond doubt—from the Lord of all worlds."
A clear statement affirming the divine origin of the Quran. -
Verse 7:
"Who has perfected everything He created. And He originated the creation of humankind from clay."
Highlights Allah’s perfection in creation and the beginning of human life. -
Verse 9:
"then He fashioned them and had a spirit of His Own ˹creation˺ breathed into them. And He gave you hearing, sight, and intellect. ˹Yet˺ you hardly give any thanks."
Emphasizes Allah's blessings and human ingratitude despite receiving them. -
Verse 15:
"The only ˹true˺ believers in Our revelation are those who—when it is recited to them—fall into prostration and glorify the praises of their Lord and are not too proud."
Describes the sincere reaction of true believers when hearing the signs of Allah. -
Verse 16:
"They abandon their beds, invoking their Lord with hope and fear, and donate from what We have provided for them."
Praises the devotion of believers who pray at night and give in charity. -
Verse 17:
"No soul can imagine what delights are kept in store for them as a reward for what they used to do."
Describes the unimaginable rewards awaiting the righteous in the Hereafter. -
Verse 18:
"Is the one who is a believer equal ˹before Allah˺ to the one who is rebellious? They are not equal!"
A clear distinction between the faithful and the disbelievers. -
Verse 21:
"We will certainly make them taste some of the minor torment ˹in this life˺ before the major torment ˹of the Hereafter˺, so perhaps they will return ˹to the Right Path˺."
Warns of worldly trials as a wake-up call before eternal punishment. -
Verse 28-30:
"They ask ˹mockingly˺, “When is this ˹Day of final˺ Decision, if what you say is true?” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “On the Day of Decision it will not benefit the disbelievers to believe then, nor will they be delayed ˹from punishment˺.” So turn away from them, and wait! They too are waiting."
A closing warning that late belief will not save the disbelievers, urging patience and trust in Allah’s plan.
