Ruling on Supplicating During Prostration (Sajdah)

Author: Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (May Allah protect him)

Question:​

What is the ruling on making dua (supplication) during prostration? Is it permissible to make only prescribed supplications, or can one include personal requests? Please provide a detailed explanation.

Answer:​

Supplicating during prostration is highly encouraged and recommended in Islam. The following points provide guidance on this topic:

Evidence from the Sunnah​

1. Proximity to Allah During Prostration:
   
   • Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
     "The closest a servant comes to his Lord is while he is prostrating, so increase your supplications."
     [Saheeh Muslim, Book of Prayer, Hadith no. 482]
2. Emphasis on Supplication in Sajdah:
   
   • Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) reported:
     "The Prophet (ﷺ) lifted the curtain while people were in rows behind Abu Bakr and said: 'O people, nothing remains of the glad tidings of prophethood except a good dream that a Muslim sees or is shown to him. Verily, I have been forbidden from reciting the Qur'an while bowing or prostrating. As for bowing, glorify your Lord. As for prostration, strive in supplication, for it is most likely to be answered.'”
     [Saheeh Muslim, Hadith no. 479; Abu Dawood, Hadith no. 876]
3. Guidance from Ali (رضي الله عنه):
   
   • Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
     "When you bow, glorify your Lord, and when you prostrate, supplicate, for it is most deserving to be answered."
     [Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 1, Pg. 55]

Comprehensive Understanding​

1. General Permissibility of Supplication in Sajdah:
   
   • These authentic hadiths establish that making supplications during prostration is a sunnah practice.
   • Both obligatory (fard) and voluntary (nafl) prayers include this allowance.
2. Scope of Supplications in Sajdah:
   
   • Personal Needs: It is permissible to ask for anything beneficial for this world and the Hereafter.
   • General or Specific Requests: Supplications can be general (e.g., forgiveness, mercy) or specific (e.g., success, health).
   • Arabic Language Preferred: While Arabic is preferred for dua in prayers due to the ritual nature of salah, scholars allow supplications in other languages for those unable to express themselves in Arabic, especially for personal prayers.

Opinions of Scholars​

1. Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani:
   
   • "The command to increase supplications in prostration includes all types of requests, whether worldly or for the Hereafter, and whether the dua is repeated or varied."
     [Fath al-Bari, Vol. 2, Pg. 300]
2. Imam Nawawi:
   
   • Imam Nawawi mentioned that these hadiths are evidence of the permissibility of making any dua during prostration, encompassing both worldly and spiritual matters.
3. Shaykh Al-Saadi:
   
   • Supplication in prostration should be done with humility and sincerity, as it is the most likely to be accepted.
4. Shaykh Al-Shawkani:
   
   • "One should increase supplications for the good of this world and the Hereafter, whether the supplications are reported from the Qur’an and Sunnah or not."
     [Al-Durar al-Bahiyah, Pg. 32]

Recommended Supplications​

1. From the Qur'an and Sunnah:
   
   • Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhab an-nar.
     (O our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)
     [Surah Al-Baqarah: 201]
   • Allahumma inni as’aluka al-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-‘afafa, wal-ghina.
     (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and sufficiency.)
     [Sunan Muslim]
2. Personal Supplications:
   
   • One may ask for personal needs (e.g., health, success, family well-being) as long as the content is appropriate and respectful.

Conclusion​

1. Sajdah is the Best Time for Dua:
   
   • Supplications during prostration are highly recommended and most likely to be accepted.
2. Arabic is Preferred, but Other Languages Are Allowed:
   
   • While Arabic is ideal for supplications during salah, those unable to express themselves in Arabic may use their native language for personal prayers, especially if they are new to learning Islamic rituals.
3. No Restriction on Types of Dua:
   
   • Supplications can include requests for both worldly and spiritual benefits.

Allah knows best!