Allah Almighty Said in the Holy Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ارْكَعُوا وَاسْجُدُوا وَاعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمْ وَافْعَلُوا الْخَيْرَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate

and worship your Lord and do good – that you may succeed. (Surah Hajj:77)

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Preface

Salah stands as the cornerstone of a Muslim’s relationship with Allah. It is the most significant and frequent act of worship prescribed in Islam, ordained upon every believer as a direct connection with his Creator. Salah is the second pillar of Islam, highlighting that the one most important act after entering Islam is Salah. The Quran emphasizes the importance of prayer repeatedly, stating:

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. (Surah Baqrah:43)

Allah Also says in the Holy Quran: 

إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَوْقُوتًا

Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.(Surah An’Nisa: 103)

It serves as a daily reminder of the believer’s purpose to worship and submit to Allah, seeking His mercy, guidance, and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed the significance of Salah, describing it as the most important act of devotion. He said:

إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا يُحَاسَبُ بِهِ العَبْدُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ مِنْ عَمَلِهِ صَلَاتُهُ، فَإِنْ صَلُحَتْ فَقَدْ أَفْلَحَ وَأَنْجَحَ، وَإِنْ فَسَدَتْ فَقَدْ خَابَ وَخَسِرَ

The first of man’s deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Salat. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful; but if it is incomplete, he will be unfortunate and a loser. (Sunan Tirmidhi:413).

This Hadith highlights the central role of Salah in a Muslim’s life and its critical impact on their spiritual journey. Prayer is not only a ritual but an act that draws the believer closer to Allah, purifying their heart, and enhancing their awareness of Him.

Among the most essential components of Salah are the acts of Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration), which carry profound significance in reflecting the submission and humility of the worshiper. These physical movements are not mere rituals but powerful expressions of devotion, signifying the Muslim’s recognition of Allah’s supremacy.

Ruku and Sujood, as highlighted in the Quran and Hadith, offer the worshiper an opportunity for deep reflection, supplication, and connection with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that the closest a servant comes to Allah is when they are in Sujood, saying:

أَقْرَبُ مَا يَكُونُ الْعَبْدُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَهُوَ سَاجِدٌ

The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself. (Sahih Muslim:482)

The reward for Salah is immense and encompasses both the spiritual and the worldly. Allah promises those who establish prayer with sincerity and humility great rewards, both in this life and the Hereafter. Allah says in the Quran:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Surah Baqrah:277)

The Prophet (PBUH) further assured believers that for every part of the prayer, Allah rewards them, and that prayer is a means of expiating sins, as he said:

مَا مِنْ امْرِئٍ يَتَوَضَّأُ فَيُحْسِنُ وُضُوءَهُ، ثُمَّ يُصَلِّي الصَّلَاةَ إِلَّا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ الصَّلَاةِ الْأُخْرَى حَتَّى يُصَلّ

There is no man who performs Wudu’ and does it well, then prays, but when he prays it, he will be forgiven whatever (sins he commits) between that and the next prayer. (Sunan Nasai:146)

This article aims to guide you through the crucial acts of Ruku and Sujood in Salah, offering insight into their profound spiritual benefits. By mastering these acts, a Muslim can ensure their prayer is performed with the utmost humility and devotion, fulfilling the essence of their worship. Understanding the importance of these pillars of Salah, alongside their rewards and the correct manner in which to perform them, will undoubtedly enhance the quality of one’s prayer and bring them closer to Allah. In Sha Allah

Introduction to Ruku and Sujood: The Pillars of Humility in Prayer

Meaning of Ruku and Sujud:

Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) are two essential pillars of Salah (prayer) that reflect a Muslim’s submission to Allah. These actions are physical manifestations of humility and devotion, signaling a believer’s recognition of Allah’s supreme authority. In these above conditions a person completely bows down before Allah Almighty.

Perfecting the Form for Ruku:

Ensure your back and neck are straight, with hands on knees and fingers spread out. Keep your gaze down, focusing on your place of prostration, invoking a sense of submission. Feeling just as your God is before you and you are doing this act for him.

Supplication of Ruku:

There are many proven supplications from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to recite in Ruku’, some of which are written below:

1. It was Narrated that Sayyiduna Hudhaifah said: when the Porphet Muhammad PBUH bowed for Ruku, He ﷺ recited the following Supplication. [Sahih Muslim:772]

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيْمِ

Glory to my Lord, the Great

2. Sayyiduna Ali bin Abu Talib Narrated: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ bowed, He ﷺ recited the following Supplication. [Musnad e Ahmad: 960, Sahih]

اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ رَكَعْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ، ولَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، خَشَعَ لَكَ سَمْعِيْ وَبَصَرِيْ ومُخِّيْ وَعَظْمِيْ وَعَصَبِيْ وَمَااسْتَقَلَّتْ بِهٖ قَدَمِيْ، لِلهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ

O Allah, unto You I have bowed, and in You I have believed, and to You I have submitted. My hearing, sight, mind, bones, tendons and what my feet carry are humbled before Allah, who is the Lord of creation.

3. Narrated Sayyiduna Aof bin Malik: One night I stood up to pray along with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He ﷺ said the following supplication while bowing. [Sunan Abi Dawud: 873, Sahih]

سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْجَبَرُوْتِ وَالْمَلَكُوْتِ وَالْكِبْرِيَآءِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ

How perfect (is Allah), The Possessor of total Power, Sovereignty, Grandeur and Greatness

These all above Duas/supplication can be recited during Ruku.

Proper Execution of Sajdah/Sujood (Prostration)

Touch the ground with some organs of your body; 1. forehead with nose, 2. Both your palms straight with your fingers together, 3. both knees, and 4. Stand both your feet and touch your toes on ground. Keep elbows raised above the ground and away from your stomach. Place hands parallel to the ears, fingers together pointing towards the qiblah (direction of the Ka’bah).

Supplications/Duas of Sajdah/Sujood (Prostration)

There are many proven supplications from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to recite in Sajdah/Sujood (Prostration), some of which are written below:

Sayyiduna Huzifa Narrated that He (Prophet) ﷺ prostrated and began to recite the following Supplication. [Muslim: 772]

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّیَ الْاَعْلٰی

Glory to my Lord, the Highest

2. Sayyidah Aishah (R.A) said: “I noticed that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was not in bed one night, so I searched for Him ﷺ, and my hand fell on the sole of His ﷺ foot. He ﷺ was in the Masjid, with His ﷺ feet held upright on his toes and He ﷺ was saying the following Supplication. [Sahih Muslim: 486]

اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّيْٓ أَعُوْذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ، وَبِمُعَافَاتِكَ مِنْ عُقُوْبَتِكَ، وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ، لَآ أُحْصِيْ ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلٰى نَفْس

O Allah! Verily, I take refuge of Your Pleasure from Your Anger and, I take refuge of Your Forgiveness from Your Punishment and only Your refuge do I take from Your Anger and Wrath. I cannot fulfill the right of praising You. Hence, You are as You have praised Yourself (and as You shown us)

3. Sayyiduna Ali Narrated when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ prostrated He ﷺ said the following Supplication. [Muslim:771, Abu Dawud: 760, Sahih]

اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ سَجَدْتُّ وَبِكَ اٰمَنْتُ وَلَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ سَجَدَ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِيْ خَلَقَهُ وَصَوَّرَهُ فَأَحْسَنَ صُوَرَهُ وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهٗ وَبَصَرَهٗ، تَبَارَكَ اللهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِيْنَ

O Allah! Only for You I made prostration, and in You I believe and only to You I have submitted. My forehead has made prostration for that being who has created it and given it shape (and in so doing) gave it very good shape-created ears (for hearing) eyes (for seeing) Very blessed is Allah, the best of Creators

4. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Narrated that when Messenger of Allah ﷺ prostrated, He ﷺ used to say the following Supplication. [Sahih Muslim:483]

اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ ذَنْبِيْ كُلَّهٗ، دِقَّهٗ وَجِلَّهٗ وَأَوَّلَهٗ وآخِرَهٗ وَعَلَانِيَتَهٗ وَسِرَّهٗ

O Allah! Forgive all my minor and major (sins), future and past, open and secret sins

5. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas said: “One night I stayed with my maternal aunt Maimunah to see the prayer (Salah) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He ﷺ recited following Supplication in His ﷺ prostration. [Sahih Muslim: 763]

اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْ فِىْ قَلْبِىْ نُوْرًا وَّاجْعَلْ فِىْ سَمْعِىْ نُوْرًا وَّاجْعَلْ فِىْ بَصَرِىْ نُوْرًا وَّاجْعَلْ أَمَامِىْ نُوْرًا وَّاجْعَلْ خَلْفِىْ نُوْرًا وَّاجْعَلْ مِنْ تَحْتِىْ نُوْرًا وَّأَعْظِمْ لِىْ نُوْرًا

O Allah! Fill my heart, ears and eyes with Noor (light). Grant Noor (light) infront of me, behind me, beneath me and above me. Grant me Abundance of Noor (light).

Note: Here are some supplications that can be recited in both bowing and prostration. Some of them are written below:

1. Narrated Sayyidah Aishah that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say in His ﷺ bowings and prostrations the following Supplication. [Sahih Bukhari: 794]

سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّنَا وَبِحَمْدِكَ، اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ

How perfect You are O Allah! our Lord and I praise You. O Allah, forgive me

2. Sayyidah Aishah says: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say, when He ﷺ bowed and prostrated, the following Supplication. [Sahih Muslim:487]

سُبُّوْحٌ قُدُّوْسٌ رَبُّ الْمَلَآئِکَۃِ وَالرُّوْحِ

Perfect and Holy (is Allah) Lord of the angels and the Ruh. (i.e. Hadhrat Jibrail)

The Significance of Ruku and Sujud in Salaah: A Symbol of Submission

Both Ruku and Sujood hold deep spiritual meaning in Islam, symbolizing submission, humility, and total devotion to Allah. In Ruku, a person bows their body to show submission, acknowledging Allah’s greatness while Sujood/Sajda involves prostrating with the forehead touching the ground, it is considered the ultimate act of humility. Allah says in the Quran:

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good – that you may succeed.(Surah Hajj:77).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned:

The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of supplication. (Sahih Muslim:482).

These acts show the believer’s total surrender to the will of Allah.

Common Mistakes in Ruku and Sujood and How to Avoid Them

Most people do not perform their bowing and prostration properly. It should be remembered that sometimes a person makes such mistakes in bowing and prostration that his prayer is not accepted. Therefore, the entire prayer in general and bowing and prostration in particular should be performed as it has been ordered to be performed. The attention should be focused on Allah during bowing and prostration. All the pillars should be performed with peace. The supplications recited during bowing and prostration should be recited slowly and their meaning should be understood. The physical method of bowing and prostration has been explained above and they should be performed in the same way.

The Impact of Proper Ruku and Sujood on Overall Salaah

Ruku (Bowing) and Sujud (prostration) are of utmost importance in prayer. Sometimes, Allah Almighty specifically mentions Ruku (Bowing) and Sujud (prostration) while commanding prayer. In fact, bowing and prostration are important parts of prayer, without which prayer is not complete. Rather, bowing and prostration are the beauty of prayer. The more a person bows and prostrates with humility, the more the beauty of prayer will increase.

Conclusion:

Ruku (Bowing) and Sujud (prostration) are integral to the perfection of Salah and are among the most rewarding acts of worship in Islam. By performing them with sincerity and mindfulness, a Muslim not only fulfills their religious obligation but also grows spiritually. The key to perfecting Ruku (Bowing) and Sujud (prostration) is ensuring they are performed with humility, full submission to Allah, and attentiveness to the prescribed Dhikr and supplications.

As a result, these acts lead to spiritual elevation, increased closeness to Allah, and abundant rewards in this life and the hereafter. The teachings of the Quran and Hadith encourage believers to perfect these acts of worship, and in doing so, they fulfill the ultimate purpose of their creation: to worship Allah alone. In Sha Allah

FAQs About Ruku and Sujood in Salaah

Why are Ruku and Sujood important in Salaah?

Ruku and Sujood are acts of worship that signify a Muslim’s humility and submission to Allah, and they are fundamental to the structure and spiritual essence of Salaah.

Can personal supplications be made during Sujood?

Yes, it is recommended to make personal supplications (duas) during Sujood as it is the position where a person is closest to Allah.