Hadith #4683

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the physical act of prostration (sujood) during prayer. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the sujood as the act of placing the foreheads on the earth, along with the palms and knees, and the toes of the feet. This physical prostration is accompanied by complete submissiveness of the heart and sincerity of intention.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word "sujood" refers to the act of prostration, where one places their forehead on the ground in submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "Wad'ul 'ata'iq" refers to the placement of the foreheads on the earth. "Istiqbalul ard" means facing the ground with the palms, knees, and toes. "Khushu'ul qalb" signifies the complete submissiveness of the heart, and "ikhlas an-niyyah" refers to the sincerity of intention.

To further understand the importance of sujood, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:77)

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed

This verse highlights the significance of sujood as an integral part of worship and a means to attain success.

Additionally, in Surah Al-'Alaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 96:19)

So prostrate to Allah and worship Him

This verse emphasizes the act of prostration as a form of worship that is solely dedicated to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) description of sujood in the Hadith highlights the physical aspects of the prostration, such as placing the foreheads, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. However, he also emphasizes the importance of the inward aspects of sujood, namely the submissiveness of the heart and sincerity of intention.

The act of physically prostrating before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is a manifestation of humility, surrender, and devotion. It is a physical expression of our recognition of Allah's greatness and our submission to His will. When we lower ourselves in sujood, we acknowledge our dependence on Allah and our need for His guidance and mercy.

Furthermore, the submissiveness of the heart during sujood is crucial. It requires focusing our thoughts and intentions solely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and forgiveness. This inward aspect of sujood ensures that our worship is sincere and free from any worldly distractions or desires.

By combining the physical and inward aspects of sujood, we establish a profound connection with our Creator. Sujood becomes a means of purifying our hearts, strengthening our faith, and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through this act of prostration that we humble ourselves before our Lord and experience the spiritual elevation that comes with sincere worship.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of sujood in our prayers. It emphasizes the physical act of prostration, along with the submissiveness of the heart and sincerity of intention. By performing sujood with complete devotion and humility, we strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform sujood with utmost sincerity and reap its countless blessings.