🧾 Section 11: Sujūd in the Light of Qur’anic Tafsir (Classical and Modern Exegetes)

Sujūd (prostration) in the Qur’an is a profound act that symbolizes ultimate submission to Allah. Across the classical and modern tafsīr (exegesis) traditions, scholars have offered layered interpretations of the meanings, occasions, and lessons behind verses of Sujūd especially the Ayāt al-Sujūd (Verses of Prostration).

🕋 11.1 Concept of Sujūd in the Qur’an

The Qur’an uses the concept of Sujūd in both literal and symbolic terms. Literally, it refers to the physical act of bowing down, while symbolically, it signifies humility, obedience, and spiritual nearness to Allah.

🔹 Verse Example:

 فَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ وَاعْبُدُوا

“So prostrate to Allah and worship Him.”

(Surah An-Najm, 53:62)

This verse is a direct command for believers to bow down to Allah, signifying obedience and divine recognition. The command “فَاسْجُدُوا” (Then fall down in prostration) reflects not only physical action but also inward submission.

📚 11.2 Tafsir from Classical Scholars

🧠 a. Tafsir al-Tabari (d. 310 AH)

Imam al-Ṭabarī, one of the earliest and most respected mufassirūn, interprets verses of Sujūd as divine directives for tawāḍu‘ (humility) before Allah’s greatness.

“These verses demonstrate that prostration is a way of showing obedience and magnifying the command of Allah.”

(Tafsir al-Ṭabari, vol. 27, under 53:62)

He also indicates that many Companions physically prostrated when hearing such verses even outside prayer.

🧠 b. Tafsir al-Qurtubi (d. 671 AH)

Al-Qurṭubī explains that the Sujūd al-Tilāwah is an emphasized Sunnah. He connects its performance with the inner awe believers feel upon hearing Qur’anic warnings or praises of Allah.

 “When Allah commands us to prostrate, it is a command for spiritual reverence not just bodily movement.”

(Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 19)

🧠 c. Ibn Kathir (d. 774 AH)

In his commentary, Ibn Kathīr states that verses of Sujūd were moments when the Prophet ﷺ and his companions would fall down in prostration, regardless of where they were.

🔹 Regarding Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:21):

 وَإِذَا قُرِئَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقُرْآنُ لَا يَسْجُدُونَ

“And when the Qur’an is recited to them, they do not prostrate?”

He writes:

“This verse is a reproach against those who refuse to prostrate when the greatness of Allah is mentioned. It shows that Sujūd is a mark of true faith.”

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

💡 11.3 Lessons from Modern Tafsir

🖋️ a. Sayyid Qutb (d. 1966) Tafsir Fi Zilal al-Qur’an

Sayyid Qutb links Sujūd to inner transformation. He interprets verses of Sujūd not just as ritual acts but as awakenings of the heart.

“True Sujūd is when the soul bows before Allah’s greatness, acknowledging its dependence and insignificance.”

(Fi Zilal al-Qur’an, under 96:19)

🖋️ b. Maulana Maududi Tafhim al-Qur’an

Maududi emphasizes that verses of Sujūd are reminders of accountability and the need for consistent spiritual reflection.

 “These verses often come after descriptions of Allah’s signs or judgments. They remind the believer to not be arrogant but return to sujūd in gratitude.”

(Tafhim al-Qur’an, Surah Al-Hajj)

🖋️ c. Shaykh al-Shanqīti Adwa’ al-Bayan

Al-Shanqīti focuses on legal rulings and fiqh implications of Sujūd verses. For example, in Surah Hajj, where two Sujūd occur in a short span, he stresses the need for proper jurisprudence.

“This repetition is not coincidence. It reminds us that different verses carry different levels of urgency, and each must be honored.”

(Adwa’ al-Bayan, Surah Al-Hajj)

🧎‍♂️ 11.4 Symbolism in Sujūd Verses

Throughout the Qur’an, prostration is not limited to humans alone. It includes angels, jinn, and even elements of nature.

🔹 Example:

 وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا

“And to Allah prostrate all who are within the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly.”

(Surah Ar-Ra‘d, 13:15)

This verse shows the cosmic nature of Sujūd even the sun, stars, and creatures show submission to Allah.

📌 Key Insights from Tafsir

Tafsir al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir: Prostration signifies obedience.

Al-Qurtubi: Sujūd is symbolic of reverence and emotional submission.

Sayyid Qutb: Real Sujūd awakens the heart and connects with Allah.

Maududi: Each Sujūd verse is a moral checkpoint for the believer.

Al-Shanqīti: Jurisprudence is deeply tied to tafsir of Sujūd verses.

🕌 Qur’anic Conclusion

 إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ • وَيَقُولُونَ أَئِنَّا لَتَارِكُوا آلِهَتِنَا لِشَاعِرٍ مَّجْنُونٍ

“Indeed, they when it was said to them, ‘There is no deity but Allah,’ were arrogant. And they said, ‘Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?’”

(Surah As-Saffat, 37:35–36)

Refusing Sujūd i

s a sign of arrogance, while accepting it is a mark of faith.