Question
What is the ruling regarding Sajdah Shukr?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
It is *mustahab *(preferable) to perform sajdah shukr at the time of experiencing something good in life, e.g. being blessed with a child, obtaining a good job, etc., out of thanks to Allah (SWT). It is mentioned in a Hadith:
كانَ إذا أتاهُ أمرٌ يسرُّهُ أو بشِّرَ بِه خرَّ ساجدًا شُكرًا للَّهِ تبارَك وتعالى
صحيح ابن ماجه ١١٥١ • حسن • أخرجه أبو داود (٢٧٧٤)، والترمذي (١٥٧٨)، وابن ماجه (١٣٩٤) واللفظ له
Translation: Whenever the Prophet (SAW) was presented with news that made him happy or was given glad tidings he fell into prostration out of thanks to Allah.
The method of performing sajdah shukr:
- Sajdah shukr is similar to sajdah tilawat (similar conditions also apply, e.g. wudu, facing Qibla).
- It is disliked to perform sajdah immediately after a prayer in front of people because it would lead to ignorant people believing it is necessary or sunnah.
- Refrain from making sajdah shukr in makrooh and prohibited times.
- It is incorrect to make sajdah shukr in prayer.
- Whilst in the sujood, one should praise Allah (hamd) and glorify Him (tasbeeh)
If someone prays two rakats optional prayer by way of thanking Allah (SWT) instead of sufficing on sajdah, then this would be better. After the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet (SAW) prayed two rakats out of gratitude.
Raddul Muhtar: v. 2, p. 597-598 (Maktaba Imdadia)
Qamoosul Fiqh: v. 4, p. 137 (Zamzam)
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham