Shari'ah Explanation of the Phrase “Winning Over One's Ranjha in Prostration”❖ Question
The statement:
“Why did you raise your head from prostration?” He replied, “Children try to win over their Ranjha, and I was trying to win over mine in prostration.”
Is this statement derived from any ḥadīth, and is it permissible to say such a thing?
❖ Answer by Shaykh Saeed Mujtaba Saeedi ḥafiẓahullāh and Shaykh Hafiz Khidr Hayat ḥafiẓahullāh
✔ This phrase is not from the actual words of any ḥadīth, but rather it is a colloquial and interpretive expression derived from the meaning of a ḥadīth.
✔ There is no harm (إن شاء الله) in using it if expressed in a suitable and respectful manner.
❖ The Original Ḥadīth
Narrated by ‘Abdullāh ibn Shaddād from his father in Sunan al-Nasā’ī (1141):
The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ once came out to lead the ‘Ishā prayer while carrying Ḥasan or Ḥusayn رضي الله عنهما.
He placed the child on the ground and began the prayer.
During the prayer, he performed a very lengthy prostration.
The narrator says: I raised my head and saw the child sitting on the Prophet’s ﷺ back, so I returned to prostration.
After the prayer, the people asked:
“O Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, why was that one prostration so long?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“My son was riding on my back, and I did not want to hurry him until he had satisfied his need.”
(Sunan al-Nasā’ī 1141)
❖ Clarifying the Phrase “Ranjha Rāzī Karna”
◈ This phrase is not found in the ḥadīth itself, but in local culture, “Ranjha rāzī karna” refers to seeking the pleasure of a beloved or soothing the heart.
◈ If this expression is used with the correct understanding—that is, to express the tranquility and spiritual satisfaction found in seeking Allah’s pleasure in prostration—then there is no harm.
◈ However, it should not be used casually or inappropriately, so that the intended meaning remains clear and within the bounds of Sharī‘ah.
❖ Conclusion
✔ The phrase is not the literal wording of any ḥadīth, but a popular paraphrased expression conveying the meaning of the event.
✔ If understood and expressed in light of the importance of prostration for attaining Allah’s pleasure, its use is permissible, though it is preferable to use more precise and respectful language.
