24/02/2025
THE SPIRIT OF PROSTRATION
Prostration is the expression of deepest Love, Devotion, Submission and Surrender to the Supreme Creator of the universe. Prostration signifies a deep, personal, and loving connection with the divine, considered a powerful path to spiritual awakening through establishing a profound relationship with God based on love and surrender, leading to inner transformation and a sense of unity with all beings; it is often seen as one of the most accessible routes to achieve the Ultimate Goal of Life, i.e. liberation of the soul to achieve Nafs al Mutmainnah. (The serene and tranquil self that is completely satisfied and pure and has become free of all fears and worries of the life of this material world).
Prostration is the universal form of worship, devotion and love for the Supreme Creator. In fact everything prostrates to God:
Do you not see that to God is prostrating whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom God humiliates – for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, God does what He wills. [Qur’an 22:18]
When was the last time we observed the mountains, trees, and moving creatures prostrating to God? We haven’t yet they are doing it in a way that we do not understand. In one verse Allah is so explicit about this fact that it should suffice as an answer:
The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts God through praising Him, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving. [Qur’an 17:44]
Prostration is a form of humility, so the prostration which includes all creatures implies the utmost submission and humility. For every created thing submits to His greatness and humbles itself before His might and power. This does not mean that everything prostrates like human beings do, on seven parts of the body, putting the forehead on the ground. This kind of prostration is only for human beings. Some other nations bow but do not prostrate, and that is their prostration…Sujood (prostration) is a generic term but because the way in which Muslims prostrate is so well known, many people think that this is how everything prostrates.
The "spirit of prostration" is a deep sense of humility, submission, and complete surrender to God, often expressed through the physical act of bowing down or lying face down on the ground, signifying a complete relinquishing of one's ego and acknowledging one's total dependence on God; it is considered a profound act of worship in many religions, signifying the utmost reverence and devotion.
Key points about Prostration:
Personal connection: Prostration emphasizes a deeply personal and emotional bond with God, unlike a purely ritualistic practice.
Love and surrender: The core of prostration is expressing love and complete surrender to the divine.
Spiritual growth: Prostration is believed to foster inner transformation, cultivate virtues like compassion and humility, and lead to a more ethical life.
Humility: The act of physically lowering oneself to the ground represents a humbling of the self, acknowledging one's place in relation to a Higher Power.
Submission: Prostrating signifies complete submission to the Divine will, letting go of personal desires and accepting Divine guidance.
Devotion: Prostration is a powerful expression of deep devotion and reverence, demonstrating a sincere connection with God being worshipped.
Inner Transformation: Beyond the physical act, prostration is considered a spiritual practice that can lead to inner peace, reflection, and a renewed sense of connection to the Divine