Discover Surah 32: As-Sajdah (The Prostration) with a clear English translation and insightful comments. Explore its themes of creation, resurrection, divine guidance, and the call to humble prostration before Allah’s majesty, presented in simple and reflective language.
Surah 32: As-Sajdah (The Prostration)
Introduction
Surah As-Sajdah is the 32nd chapter of the Holy Qur’an and was revealed in Makkah. It consists of 30 verses and takes its name from the act of prostration mentioned in verse 15, where the true believers are described as those who fall down in worship when reminded of their Lord. This Surah focuses on the themes of divine revelation, resurrection, reward and punishment, and the difference between believers and disbelievers.
The Surah opens by affirming the divine origin of the Qur’an, addressing those who doubt the Prophet’s message, and reminding them that Allah is the Creator and Ruler of everything. It emphasizes that the creation of man and the universe is a sign of Allah’s power, and that life after death is a certainty. A striking feature of this Surah is how it contrasts the eternal reward of the righteous with the punishment awaiting those who reject faith.
The story of Prophet Musa is briefly mentioned as an example of how previous communities received divine guidance and how leadership comes to those who are patient and firm in faith. The Surah also refers to earlier destroyed nations to warn the disbelievers of the consequences of arrogance and heedlessness.
Overall, Surah As-Sajdah invites reflection, submission to Allah, and sincere preparation for the life to come. It calls upon the listener not just to believe with the tongue, but to show humility, fear, and hope in Allah—especially by worshipping Him sincerely and regularly. 0 0 0
Surah 32: As-Sajdah (The Prostration): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Alif, Lam, Meem.
2. The revelation of this Book—without any doubt—comes from the Lord of all worlds.
3. Or do they say, ‘He has invented it’? No! It is the truth from your Lord, so that you may warn a people who never received a warner before you, so they might be guided.
4. Allah is the One who created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in six days, then He rose above the Throne. You have no protector or helper besides Him. Will you not then remember?
5. He manages all affairs from the sky to the earth. Then they return to Him in a day whose length is like a thousand years in your counting.
6. That is the Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
7. He is the One who perfected everything He created. He began the creation of man from clay,
8. Then he made his offspring from a drop of humble fluid,
9. Then He shaped him and breathed into him from His own spirit. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts. But little do you give thanks.
10. And they say, ‘When we are lost in the earth, will we be created anew?’ In fact, they deny the meeting with their Lord.
11. Say: ‘The Angel of Death who has been put in charge of you will take your soul. Then you will be returned to your Lord.’
12. If only you could see when the sinners will bow their heads before their Lord, saying, ‘Our Lord, we have now seen and heard. So send us back so we may do good. We are now certain.’
13. But if We had willed, We could have given every soul its guidance. However, My word has been fulfilled: ‘I will surely fill Hell with both jinn and humans together.’
14. So taste the punishment because you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours. We too have forgotten you. Taste the eternal punishment for what you used to do.
15. The only people who truly believe in Our verses are those who, when reminded of them, fall down in prostration and glorify the praises of their Lord without pride.
16. Their sides stay away from their beds at night, calling upon their Lord in fear and hope, and they give from what We have provided them.
17. No soul knows what joy and comfort are hidden for them as a reward for what they used to do.
18. Is someone who is a believer like someone who is rebellious? They are not equal.
19. As for those who believe and do good, for them are Gardens of eternal residence, as a reward for what they used to do.
20. But those who disobeyed—Hell will be their home. Whenever they try to leave, they will be pushed back and told, ‘Taste the punishment of the Fire, which you used to deny.’
21. And We will surely make them taste the smaller punishment (in this world) before the greater one (in the Hereafter), so that they may return.
22. Who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord, then turns away from them? We will surely take revenge on the sinners.
23. And We certainly gave Musa the Scripture, so do not be in doubt about his meeting with it. We made it a guide for the Children of Israel.
24. And We appointed leaders among them who guided by Our command, when they were patient and firmly believed in Our signs.
25. Surely, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning the matters in which they used to differ.
26. Is it not a lesson for them how many generations We destroyed before them, through whose homes they now walk? Surely in this are signs—will they not listen?
27. Do they not see that We drive water to dry land and bring out crops from it for their cattle and themselves? Will they not then see?
28. And they say, ‘When will this victory come, if you are telling the truth?’
29. Say, ‘On the Day of Victory, the belief of the disbelievers will be of no use to them, and they will not be given any more time.’
30. So turn away from them and wait. They too are waiting. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah As-Sajdah is a deeply reflective and spiritually powerful chapter that emphasizes the reality of resurrection, the purpose of human life, and the immense mercy and authority of Allah. It reminds the reader that life is not without meaning or consequence, and that every soul will ultimately return to its Creator for judgment. The Surah presents a vivid contrast between the destiny of those who believe and do righteous deeds, and those who ignore the signs of Allah and live in denial of the Hereafter.
One of the most striking aspects of this Surah is its reminder that Allah is the One who created everything with purpose and precision—from the heavens and the earth to the shaping of the human soul. It highlights Allah’s knowledge of the unseen, His control over time, and His ability to give life after death, challenging the arrogance of those who doubt divine truth. The mention of prostration as a response to divine revelation also serves as a powerful symbol of submission, showing that true faith is not only in words, but in actions and humility before Allah.
The Surah encourages believers to remain patient, trust in divine justice, and never be deceived by the temporary nature of this world. It is a chapter that invites every thoughtful reader to reflect, surrender, and prepare sincerely for the eternal life to come. 0 0 0
You May Like: Surah 31: Luqman (The Wise Man)
Surah 32: As-Sajdah: Additional Data
Frequently Asked Questions 0n Surah As-Sajdah:
Q1. What is Surah As-Sajdah about?
Surah As-Sajdah is about the power of Allah in creation, the truth of resurrection, and the guidance revealed through the Qur’an. Surah As-Sajdah emphasizes that human beings were created from clay, that life and death are in Allah’s control, and that sincere believers should submit to Him in humility and prostration.
Q2. Why is it called Surah As-Sajdah?
It is called Surah As-Sajdah because it contains a verse of prostration where believers are required to bow down in submission to Allah. Surah As-Sajdah highlights the spiritual act of sajdah as a symbol of humility, devotion, and recognition of divine authority.
Q3. What are the main themes of Surah As-Sajdah?
The main themes of Surah As-Sajdah include creation, revelation, resurrection, reward for the righteous, and punishment for the disbelievers. Surah As-Sajdah also stresses the importance of faith, patience, and worship, especially the act of prostration that reflects total surrender to Allah.
Q4. When is Surah As-Sajdah usually recited?
Surah As-Sajdah is often recited in the Fajr prayer on Fridays, paired with Surah Al-Insan, to remind believers of resurrection and accountability. Reciting Surah As-Sajdah carries deep spiritual meaning, as it renews awareness of life after death and strengthens humility through sajdah.
Q5. What is the significance of prostration in Surah As-Sajdah?
The significance of prostration in Surah As-Sajdah lies in the believer’s act of lowering oneself before Allah, acknowledging His greatness and mercy. Surah As-Sajdah teaches that sajdah purifies the heart, brings peace to the soul, and strengthens one’s connection with the Creator. 0 0 0
The Call of Surah As-Sajdah: A Poem
From clay we came, by His word we rise,
Surah As-Sajdah reminds, with unveiled skies.
The earth holds secrets, the heavens declare,
That Allah creates with wisdom rare.
The night descends, the soul reflects,
Surah As-Sajdah warns, the end connects.
The dead shall wake, the trumpet will call,
The proud shall tremble, the humble stand tall.
In sajdah we bow, our foreheads to ground,
Surah As-Sajdah whispers where truth is found.
The righteous will dwell in gardens of light,
The doubters are left in eternal night.
Each verse resounds with a guiding flame,
Surah As-Sajdah calls us by name.
Creation, prostration, the life to come,
To Allah alone do we all return.
