Revive a Sunnah

In the name of Allah

Revive a Sunnah: Prostration of Gratitude - Sujood ash-Shukr

Abu Bakra (radi Allahu anhu) narrated: When happiness about something reached the Prophet (sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) or good news, He (sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) would prostrate to Allah to show thankfulness.”

Collected by Abu Dawud, 2776; Al-Albani classed it Saheeh.

1. Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “It’s from the guidance of the Prophet (sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) to offer a prostration of thanks to Allah whenever a blessing is granted or a trial and affliction is lifted. [Zaad al Maad, 1/270]

2. The four Imams considered Sujood ash-Shukr as being Sunnah.

- Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (radi Allahu anhu) prostrated when Musayleemah the liar was killed.

- Ka’b ibn Malik (radi Allahu anhu) prostrated when Allah forgave him.

3. Ibn Taymiyyah said, Purification isn’t a condition to offer Sujudus Shukr. This is derived from the verse about Firawn’s magicians who prostrated after believing in Allah. They didn’t have Wudu prior to their belief. Here we understand that prostration is what Allah loves and is pleased with. Legislation for those before us is legislation for us as long as there’s no contradiction between the two.

4. A person can offer Sujood ash-Shukr whether standing or not.

5. Takbeer: saying “Allahu Akbar” isn’t mentioned that the Prophet (sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) did it before prostrating.

6. There is no specific Dhikr or supplication for Sujood ash-Shukr. The person should thank Allah, ask forgiveness, and make du'a while prostrating.

Taken from "Sujood ash-Shukr , Its description and verdicts."