Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Volume 1
Questions:
• Is it necessary to say takbīr while performing Sajdah al-Shukr?
• Is wuḍūʾ (ablution) required for Sajdah al-Shukr?
• Is there any specific supplication for Sajdah al-Shukr?
❖ Meaning and Essence of “Shukr” (Gratitude)
The term shukr refers to acknowledging a blessing, recognizing the favor, and openly expressing thankfulness. Its opposite is kufr, which means to deny or ignore a blessing.
Foundations of Gratitude in Islam:
① Humility – Displaying humility before the One being thanked (Allah).
② Love – Harboring deep affection for Allah.
③ Acknowledgment – Openly recognizing the blessing.
④ Praise – Glorifying Allah due to the blessing.
⑤ Proper Usage – Using the blessing in accordance with Allah’s will.
❖ Ruling on Sajdah al-Shukr
Sajdah al-Shukr is sunnah and recommended when a person:
✔ Receives a blessing,
✔ Or is spared from a calamity.
Numerous authentic narrations show that the Prophet ﷺ performed Sajdah al-Shukr on such occasions.
✿ Examples from the Sunnah and the Companions
➊ Forgiveness for the Ummah:
Narrated by Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ (رضي الله عنه) – The Prophet ﷺ prayed for the forgiveness of his Ummah. When Allah granted forgiveness for one-third of the Ummah, the Prophet ﷺ performed Sajdah al-Shukr. This was repeated two more times for the remaining thirds.
(Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, Bāb Sajdat al-Shukr, p. 131)
➋ Battle of Badr:
After the killing of Abū Jahl and the victory of Islam, the Prophet ﷺ performed Sajdah al-Shukr.
➌ Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (رضي الله عنه):
When he received news of the death of Musaylimah the liar, he performed Sajdah al-Shukr.
❖ Method of Performing Sajdah al-Shukr
✔ Prostrate just as you would in prayer (without rukūʿ or standing).
✔ Saying the takbīr (Allāhu Akbar) is not necessary.
✔ Wuḍūʾ is not a condition, since this is not part of ṣalāh.
✔ Say “Subḥāna Rabbī al-Aʿlā” or any other dhikr expressing gratitude.
✔ There is no specific supplication for Sajdah al-Shukr.
You may say:
- “Al-ḥamdu lillāh”
- “Subḥān Allāh”
- Or express thanks to Allah in your own language.
❖ Important Points to Remember
✔ Purity:
Wuḍūʾ is not required for Sajdah al-Shukr, as it is not part of formal prayer.
✔ Timing:
It should be performed immediately upon receiving a blessing or being saved from harm.
✔ Purpose:
The purpose is to humbly express thankfulness for Allah’s mercy or favor.
❖ Summary:
➊ Sajdah al-Shukr is sunnah upon receiving blessings or relief.
➋ Takbīr is not obligatory, and no specific duʿāʾ is required.
➌ Wuḍūʾ is not mandatory, as it is not within the formal structure of ṣalāh.
➍ Dhikr and personal expressions of gratitude are recommended during the prostration.
➎ It is a symbol of humility and acknowledgment of Allah’s grace.
والله أعلم بالصواب
