Hadith #4685

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and excellence of two acts of worship: prostration (sujūd) and bowing (rukū’). Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, sujūd refers to the act of placing one's forehead on the ground in submission and humility before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a physical manifestation of our complete surrender to the Creator. The act of sujūd is mentioned numerous times in the Quran, emphasizing its importance and virtue.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (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 command to bow and prostrate to Allah, emphasizing the importance of these acts of worship. It also indicates that success lies in fulfilling these acts with sincerity and righteousness.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And [when] it is said to them, 'Prostrate to the Most Merciful,' they say, 'And what is the Most Merciful? Should we prostrate to that which you order us?' And it increases them in aversion.

This verse highlights the rejection of those who refuse to prostrate to Allah. It serves as a reminder that sujūd is a fundamental act of worship that distinguishes believers from disbelievers.

Secondly, rukū’ refers to the act of bowing down in prayer, where the worshipper bends their back and lowers their head in reverence to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Rukū’ signifies our acknowledgment of Allah's greatness and our humility before Him. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of rukū’ in our worship.

In Surah Al-Hajj (22:77), the same verse mentioned earlier, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us to bow and prostrate, highlighting the significance of both acts in our worship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:39), we find the story of Prophet Zakariya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who prayed for a righteous child. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

So the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, 'Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of John, confirming a word from Allah and [who will be] honorable, abstaining [from women], and a prophet from among the righteous.'

This verse indicates that Prophet Zakariya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) received the glad tidings of a righteous child while he was standing in prayer. It showcases the significance of rukū’ as a means of seeking blessings and guidance from Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound impact that sujūd and rukū’ have on our spiritual growth and connection with Allah. These acts of worship are not merely physical movements, but rather, they hold immense spiritual and moral implications.

Sujūd and rukū’ serve as reminders of our servitude to Allah and our absolute dependence on Him. They humble us, reminding us of our insignificance in comparison to the Creator of the universe. These acts of worship instill in us a sense of gratitude, as we recognize the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah.

Moreover, sujūd and rukū’ have transformative effects on our character. They cultivate within us qualities such as humility, patience, and self-discipline. By regularly engaging in these acts of worship, we develop a deep sense of mindfulness and consciousness of Allah's presence in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound significance of sujūd and rukū’ in our worship. These acts of submission and reverence are not only physical movements but also spiritual and moral practices that shape our relationship with Allah and our character as Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability to perform sujūd and rukū’ with sincerity and devotion, and may He accept our worship.