Sujud ash-Shukr

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The sujud ash-shukr after every fardh swalah was the practice of the Prophet (s.a.w.).  It is a sunnah mu’akkadah.  Imam Ja’far ibn Muhammad asw-Swadiq (q.s.) hinted at it being mandatory and it is the practise of the muqarribin.  Imam Ja’far asw-Swadiq (q.s.) also stated that man is nearest to Allah (s.w.t.) when he is in sajdah in a state of weeping. 

Imam Ja’far asw-Swadiq (q.s.) said that when a person makes a sujud ash-shukr, Allah (s.w.t.) Addresses the angels and Tells them that a sincere creature is doing the sujud ash-shukr.  He Asks the angels to suggest what Reward should be given to the person.  The angels would suggest that Allah (s.w.t.) keep His Blessings with the person for his act.  Allah (s.w.t.) will again Ask them what else should be the Reward for the person.  The angels then say, “O Sustainer!  Give him a place in Heaven!” 

Allah (s.w.t.) will again Ask the angels, “What else?” 

The angels reply, “O Allah!  Give a place in Heaven for the person’s parents and children as well!” 

Allah (s.w.t.) will again Ask the angels to suggest more Rewards for the person.  The angels would finally reply, “We have made suggestions to the best of our knowledge.  We have nothing else to suggest.  You are the Possessor of All Knowledge.” 

Then Allah (s.w.t.) would Say, “The person has thanked Me in all sincerity and humility.  Therefore, in return, I too shall Thank him.” 

This sujud ash-shukr is not a part of the fardh swalah.  While doing this, the person should place his chest and the tummy on the ground, spread his arms and keep his knees flat on the ground.  He should pray for the welfare of himself and all the mu’minin with tearful eyes.  Allah (s.w.t.) Loves his creatures imploring Him for help in this manner. 

Similarly, it has been reported that Imam Ja’far asw-Swadiq (q.s.) stated that if a believer performs sujud ash-shukr to Allah (s.w.t.) for any Blessing from Him other than a sajdah in the course of swalah, Allah (s.w.t.) Records for him ten virtues, forgives him ten sins, and elevates his position in heaven by ten grades.