Surah As Sajdah in English Translation with Explain

Surah As-Sajdah (Arabic: السجدة) is the 32nd chapter of the Qur'an, containing 30 verses. The title "As-Sajdah" translates to "The Prostration," referring to the verse in which prostration (sajdah) is mentioned as an act of worship and submission to Allah. This surah was revealed in Mecca and focuses on the themes of creation, resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and the importance of prostration as an act of submission to Allah.

General Themes of Surah As-Sajdah:

Belief in the Oneness of Allah: Emphasizes the importance of recognizing Allah as the sole Creator and Sustainer.
The Resurrection and the Day of Judgment: The surah highlights the reality of the afterlife and resurrection, urging people to be mindful of the coming Day of Judgment.
The Prostration (Sajdah): Prostration is mentioned as a key act of worship and submission to Allah. It is a symbol of humility and devotion.
Signs in Creation: The surah invites people to reflect on the signs in the heavens and the earth, which testify to Allah's greatness and power.
The Response to Revelation: It discusses how some people reject the message of the Qur'an, while others believe and are rewarded with peace and guidance.

English Translation and Explanation of Key Verses:

1. Verse 1-2:

"Alif, Lam, Meem. The revelation of the Book in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds."
The surah opens with the disjointed letters (Alif Lam Meem), which are common at the beginning of many Meccan surahs. It then confirms that the Qur'an is a revealed Book, free from doubt, sent down by the Lord of all the worlds, Allah. This sets the tone for the surah, emphasizing the certainty and divine origin of the Qur'an.

2. Verse 3:

"Or do they say, 'He invented it'? Rather, it is the truth from your Lord that you may warn a people to whom no warner has come before you, that they may be reminded."
This verse addresses the rejection of the Qur'an by some people who claimed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had invented the message. The surah affirms that the Qur'an is the absolute truth from Allah, sent to warn a people who have not received any previous messenger or guidance. It serves as a reminder for them to reflect on their actions and turn to God.

3. Verse 6-7:

"It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in six days; then He established Himself above the Throne. You have not besides Him any protector or intercessor; so will you not be reminded? He directs the matter from the heaven to the earth; then it will ascend to Him in a Day, the extent of which is a thousand years of those which you count."
These verses highlight the creation of the heavens and the earth by Allah, and how He is the supreme authority over all affairs. It also mentions the time it takes for matters to ascend to Allah, referring to the vastness of His dominion. The reminder is clear: no one other than Allah can intercede on behalf of people, and only He has control over the universe.

4. Verse 9:

"Then He fashioned him and breathed into him from His soul, and made for you hearing, sight, and hearts. Little are you grateful."
This verse refers to the creation of humanity, where Allah fashioned man from clay, breathed life into him, and granted him the faculties of hearing, sight, and understanding. Despite these blessings, the verse laments that many people are ungrateful for the blessings they have received.

5. Verse 12:

"And if you could but see when the criminals are standing before their Lord, saying, 'Our Lord, we have seen and heard, so return us to the world; we will do righteousness; indeed, we are now certain.'"
This verse describes the scene of the Day of Judgment when the disbelievers (referred to here as "criminals") will be confronted with the reality of the afterlife. They will regret their actions and wish to be returned to the world to perform righteous deeds. However, it will be too late for them to repent at that moment.

6. Verse 14:

"Indeed, We will make them taste the punishment of the Hellfire for what they have done, and We will requite them the worst of what they used to do."
On the Day of Judgment, those who rejected the truth will face punishment for their deeds. This verse serves as a warning to the disbelievers about the consequences of their actions.

7. Verse 15:

"Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds – the best of them will have the most excellent reward and extra [from Allah]."
This verse contrasts the punishment for the disbelievers with the reward for the believers. Those who have faith in Allah and engage in righteous deeds will receive the best of rewards, far beyond their expectations. Allah's reward will be much greater than what they deserve.

8. Verse 16:

"They will be reclining on thrones of the fire, and they will not see there in the Fire any harshness, and they will have there in the morning and evening, blessings from their Lord."
This verse describes the state of the believers in Paradise. They will be in a state of eternal comfort, reclining on thrones, free from any hardship. The "morning and evening blessings" refer to the continuous peace and favor they will enjoy from Allah.

9. Verse 18:

"Is one who is a believer like one who is defiantly disobedient? They are not equal."
Here, the surah makes a clear distinction between the believer and the disbeliever. The believer is rewarded for their faith and righteousness, while the disbeliever faces consequences for their rejection of Allah's guidance. The two are not equal in the sight of Allah.

10. Verse 24:

"And We gave him wisdom and knowledge, and We taught him the ability to interpret the dreams. And We established him in the earth, and We gave him a kingdom that none after him will possess."
This verse highlights the wisdom and knowledge given to Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) by Allah. It describes how he was granted the ability to interpret dreams and was established in a powerful position on earth, with a kingdom that none after him would possess. This serves as a reminder of how Allah elevates His chosen servants.

11. Verse 29:

"Say, 'Indeed, the death from which you flee – indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do.'"
This verse reminds people of the inevitability of death. No matter how much one tries to escape it, death will find them. Ultimately, all will return to Allah, who knows all things – the hidden and the apparent. Allah will hold everyone accountable for their deeds on the Day of Judgment.

12. Verse 30:

"And when the Qur'an is recited to them, they do not prostrate. But they are arrogant and they say, 'When we are bones and dust, will we then be resurrected as a new creation?'"
The surah ends by criticizing those who reject the Qur'an and its message. They are too proud to prostrate before Allah, and they question the possibility of resurrection. This verse serves as a reminder to humble oneself before the truth and to believe in the reality of the afterlife and the resurrection.

Key Lessons from Surah As-Sajdah:

Acknowledgment of Allah’s Power: The surah stresses the power and dominion of Allah over creation. His authority extends over everything, and He alone controls all affairs in the heavens and the earth.
Prostration (Sajdah) as an Act of Worship: Prostration, symbolizing submission and humility, is an important act of worship. The surah mentions how some disbelievers reject this act, symbolizing their arrogance and refusal to submit to Allah.
The Resurrection and Accountability: The surah reminds believers of the reality of resurrection and the Day of Judgment. On that day, everyone will be judged based on their actions, and the disbelievers will regret their rejection of the truth.
Gratitude and Submission to Allah: The surah encourages reflection on the signs of Allah in creation and urges believers to submit to His will and express gratitude for His blessings.
Distinction Between Believers and Disbelievers: The surah emphasizes that the believer and the disbeliever are not equal. The righteous will be rewarded in Paradise, while the disbelievers will face punishment for their rejection of the truth.
Rejection of the Truth Leads to Punishment: The surah serves as a warning to those who reject the message of the Qur'an and refuse to prostrate to Allah in submission. Such people will face the consequences of their disbelief on the Day of Judgment.

Conclusion:

Surah As-Sajdah is a powerful reminder of the importance of submitting to the will of Allah and recognizing His ultimate control over all matters. It emphasizes the significance of the Day of Judgment, the resurrection, and the need for humility in the face of Allah’s greatness. The surah also calls for believers to reflect on the signs of Allah in creation, live in gratitude, and remain steadfast in their faith. Prostration (Sajdah) symbolizes submission to Allah, and it is through such humility that believers are rewarded with eternal peace and happiness in the Hereafter.

Surah As Sajdah in English Translation with Explain