List of Sajdah in Quran: All 14 Para-Wise Locations (Hanafi & Shafi'i)

If you are deepening your connection with the Quran and want to make your worship more intentional, two things go hand in hand: knowing your religious obligations and creating a dedicated space for worship. Whether you have recently purchased a muslim prayer mat to set up your prayer corner or you are reciting the Quran more regularly, understanding the list of sajdah in the Quran is essential knowledge that every Muslim should have close at hand.

Sajdah tilawat the prostration of recitation is one of the most humbling and spiritually rewarding acts embedded within the reading of Allah's Book. Scattered across 14 specific verses, these sacred moments call the believer to pause, bow to the ground, and remember who they are before their Creator. This guide covers every location, every ruling, and every detail you need to understand this beautiful practice.

What Is Sajdah Tilawat?

Sajdah tilawat refers to the prostration that becomes necessary upon reciting or hearing certain specific verses in the Quran. These verses are known as ayaat us-sajdah, and when a reciter reaches one of them during tilawat, they are required or at minimum strongly encouraged to stop and perform a single prostration before Allah.

The practice is rooted in authentic hadith. It has been narrated that whenever the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited a verse of sajdah, he would descend into sujood, and those around him, family, Companions, even those who were not yet Muslim, would follow. Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that the Prophet would recite a surah containing a sajdah verse during Salah and then prostrate, and those praying behind him would do the same until there was barely space to place their foreheads on the ground.

This act is not merely a ritual; it is a living response to the divine word. The Quran speaks of sajdah; by performing it, the reciter embodies the very instruction they are reciting.

How Many Sajdah Are in the Quran?

There are 14 sajdah in the Quran according to the Hanafi school of fiqh, all of which are classified as wajib. The Shafi'i school also recognises 14 locations, but differs on two specific verses: they exclude Surah Sad (38:24) and includes Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) in its place. For the Shafi'i school, these prostrations are mustahab, meaning they carry great reward, but their omission does not constitute a sin.

The Maliki school counts 11 sajdah, while the Hanbali school agrees with the Hanafi count of 14 in terms of locations, though with slight variations in rulings. For the majority of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent and many parts of the world, the Hanafi position is followed, making all 14 obligatory.

Complete Quran Sajda List: All 14 Locations Para-Wise

The following table presents the complete quran sajda list with Surah name, ayah number, Para (Juz) reference, and ruling for both the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools. This table is designed to be your quick-reference guide during recitation.

 
Important Note: For the Shafi'i school, Surah Al-Hajj verse 77 (Para 17) is counted as the 14th sajdah in place of Surah Sad verse 24 (Para 23).

Sajdah in the Quran, Which Para? Detailed Para-Wise Breakdown

For those who want a thorough understanding of sajdah in the Quran, in which para, this section provides a detailed explanation of each location along with its context and spiritual significance.

Para 9 – Surah Al-A'raf (7:206)

The very first sajdah in the Quran appears in the 9th Para. Allah describes the angels who are in the presence of their Lord; they are never too proud to worship Him, and they glorify Him constantly. This verse reminds the reader that even the mightiest of creation bows before Allah with complete willingness and joy. When we perform sajdah at this verse, we join that eternal chorus of glorification.

Para 13 – Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:15)

In this deeply moving verse, Allah declares that everything in the heavens and the earth prostrates to Him willingly or unwillingly, along with their shadows in the morning and evening. The scope of this verse is breathtaking. From the smallest atom to the most distant galaxy, all of creation is in a state of perpetual submission. Performing sajdah here is an act of conscious alignment with the universe's natural state.

Para 14 – Surah An-Nahl (16:50)

They fear their Lord above them and do whatever they are commanded. This verse speaks of the angels and the creatures of the earth, none of them resists the command of Allah. It is a reminder of the comprehensive authority of the Creator and the utter dependence of creation upon Him. Our sajdah here is an acknowledgment of that truth.

Para 15 – Surah Al-Isra (17:109)

This ayah is perhaps the most self-referential sajdah verse in the Quran. It says that those who have been given knowledge, when the Quran is recited to them, fall upon their faces in prostration. By reciting this verse, we become the very people it describes, those who fall in sajdah at the words of Allah. It is a beautiful loop of obedience embedded in the text itself.

Para 16 – Surah Maryam (19:58)

Those are the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favour from among the prophets; they would fall in prostration and weeping when the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them. This verse carries deep emotional weight. It connects us to the prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and others who responded to divine revelation with tears and prostration. Our sajdah here is an echo of theirs across the centuries.

Para 17 – Surah Al-Hajj (22:18)

This is perhaps the most majestic of all sajdah verses. Allah declares that to Him bows whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures, and many of the people. The sheer scale of this verse encompassing all of creation in its act of submission makes performing sajdah here an act of profound humility and cosmic belonging.

Para 19 – Surah Al-Furqan (25:60)

When the disbelievers are told to prostrate to the Most Merciful, they ask: " Who is the Most Merciful? This verse captures a historical moment of resistance and highlights, by contrast, the believer's willing submission. When we perform sajdah at this verse, we are consciously choosing what the disbelievers refused: joyful prostration to Ar-Rahman, the All-Merciful.

Para 19-20 – Surah An-Naml (27:26)

Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. This verse comes in the context of Sulayman (AS) learning from the hoopoe bird about the Queen of Sheba and her people who prostrate to the sun instead of Allah. The contrast is powerful: they bow to created things, while we bow to the Creator of all things. Our sajdah here is a declaration of tawhid.

Para 21 – Surah As-Sajdah (32:15)

The very name of this blessed Surah is 'The Prostration.' The verse reads: Only those who believe in Our verses are those who, when they are reminded of them, fall in prostration and exalt Allah with praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant. The three qualities described here, humility, glorification, and absence of pride, are the spiritual essence of sajdah. This is the definition of those who truly respond to the Quran.

Para 23 – Surah Sad (38:24 – Hanafi Only

This verse commemorates a pivotal moment in the life of Prophet Dawud (David) alayhis salam. He realised he had been tested through a parable and sought forgiveness from Allah by falling in ruku and repentance. Our sajdah here connects us to the prophetic tradition of turning to Allah in moments of self-awareness and accountability. The Hanafi school counts this as an obligatory sajdah, while the Shafi'i school does not include it in the 14.

Para 24-25 – Surah Fussilat (41:38)

But if they are arrogant, then those who are near your Lord exalt Him by night and by day, and they do not become weary. The angels glorify Allah ceaselessly, without fatigue, without boredom. Our brief moments of sajdah during recitation are a small imitation of that eternal worship. This verse reminds us that even if the entire world turns away from prostration, the glorification of Allah continues without interruption.

Para 27 – Surah An-Najm (53:62)

So prostrate to Allah and worship Him. This is one of the earliest revelations of the Quran, and it carries immense historical significance. It is narrated that when this surah was first recited, both Muslims and polytheists of Makkah fell into prostration together, such was the power of the verses. It stands as a timeless, direct command: fall in prostration and worship none but Allah.

Para 30 – Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:21)

When the Quran is recited to them, they do not prostrate. This verse describes those who, upon hearing the Quran, turn away and refuse to bow. By performing sajdah here, we directly contradict that description we hear, and we bow. It is a deeply active form of testimony through action.

Para 30 – Surah Al-'Alaq (96:19)

No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near to Allah. This verse is from Surah Al-'Alaq, the very first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad. The command to prostrate and draw near to Allah is the final verse of the final sajdah in the Quran. It is as if the Quran closes its circle of prostrations with the most direct instruction: bow, and come close to your Lord.

Hanafi vs Shafi'i: Key Differences in Sajdah Tilawat

Understanding the difference between the two schools helps Muslims follow their own madhab correctly while also respecting others.

Hanafi Position: Sajdah tilawat is wajib. Intentionally missing a sajdah verse without a valid reason is sinful. It is permissible and necessary to make up for missed sajdah later. The 14 locations include Surah Sad (38:24) and do not count Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) as a separate sajdah.

Shafi'i Position: Sajdah tilawat is mustahab. There is no sin in missing it, but performing it earns a significant reward. Their 14 locations include Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) and exclude Surah Sad (38:24).

Agreed Locations: Both schools agree on 13 out of 14 sajdah locations. The dispute is only over one verse, Surah Sad vs Surah Al-Hajj (22:77).

Practical Tip: If you are unsure of your madhab or are in a mixed gathering, the safest approach is to perform sajdah at all 15 potential locations, the 14 agreed ones plus Surah Sad or Al-Hajj (22:77) as applicable.

How to Perform Sajdah Tilawat: Step-by-Step

Performing sajdah tilawat is simple but should be done with proper intention and awareness. Before you begin, make sure you are in a state of wudu and wearing appropriate clothing. If you are looking to avoid Common Mistakes in Salah, many of those same principles of care and correctness apply to sajdah tilawat as well.

1.     Recognise the verse: Upon reaching or hearing an ayah of sajdah, pause your recitation immediately.

2.     Face the Qibla: If possible, turn to face the direction of prayer.

3.     Say Allahu Akbar: Pronounce the takbir and descend into sujood without performing ruku first.

4.     Recite in sujood: Say Subhana Rabbiya al-A'la at minimum. You may also add the specific dua of sajdah tilawat.

5.     Rise with Allahu Akbar: Return to your upright position, saying the takbir and resume recitation.

Important: There is no tashahud, salam, or additional rakat required. Sajdah tilawat is a single, standalone prostration. Wudu is required according to the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools. If you are in a state of impurity, note the verse and perform the sajdah later when you are in wudu.

The Deep Spiritual Significance of Sajdah

Sajdah is the closest a human being gets to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration.' (Sahih Muslim). This is true in obligatory prayer, in voluntary sujood, and in sajdah tilawat as well.

When we perform sajdah tilawat, we are not just fulfilling a fiqh ruling. We are responding to a divine call. Allah placed these 14 verses throughout His Book, from early Makkan revelations to late Madinan ones, as standing invitations to draw near. Each ayah is a doorbell of divine intimacy.

The goal of sajdah tilawat, as with all of worship, is khushu: that deep, present, humbled focus of the heart. Those who want to cultivate this quality and bring true presence to their prayer life should explore How to Improve Khushu in Salah, a guide dedicated to developing the inner dimension of worship that transforms physical acts into spiritual ones.

Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) wrote beautifully about sujood that in that position, the most honourable part of the body (the face) is placed on the ground, symbolising complete submission of the self before the Lord. Sajdah tilawat is an unscheduled, spontaneous version of that same surrender triggered not by the clock or the prayer timetable, but by the word of Allah itself.

Sajdah Tilawat During Salah

If an imam recites a sajdah verse during any prayer, the congregation must follow the imam into sujood. The sajdah is performed in place of ruku, meaning the imam goes directly from standing into sajdah, and then rises, with no separate ruku before or after. The prayer then continues normally.

For a person praying alone (munfarid), the same applies upon reaching a sajdah verse during recitation in Salah; they go into sajdah directly from the standing position.

It is makruh (disliked) according to many scholars for an imam to intentionally recite a sajdah verse in a congregational prayer during the last rakat where multiple sajdah have already occurred, as it may confuse the prayer line. However, if it happens naturally during recitation, it must be performed. 

Setting Up Your Worship Space for Sajdah

The physical environment of worship matters more than most people realise. When you frequently prostrate, whether in Salah or in sajdah tilawat, having a comfortable and clean surface makes a meaningful difference. If you are looking for prayer mats for sale, it is worth investing in something that provides good cushioning for the forehead and knees, particularly if you recite long portions of the Quran in a single session.

The ideal prayer mat should be: firm enough to hold its shape in sujood, soft enough to be comfortable on the forehead, clean and free of images that distract, and appropriately sized so your entire body from forehead to feet is on the mat during prostration.

Choosing the Right Prayer Mat for Quranic Recitation

For those who recite the Quran regularly and perform sajdah tilawat frequently, the texture and quality of your prayer mat becomes part of your devotional experience. The Pure Silk Prayer Mats collection combines traditional Islamic artistry with an exceptionally smooth and dignified surface that honours the sanctity of sujood. Silk mats have been used by Muslims for centuries as a mark of reverence for the act of prostration.

When choosing a prayer mat specifically for Quran sessions, consider one with a low-pile surface for clean sujood alignment, a non-slip base for stability, and a design that is calming and free of distracting patterns. Your mat should invite focus, not compete with it.

Soft and Comfortable Options for Extended Recitation

For long Quran sessions, particularly during Ramadan, when many Muslims complete the entire Quran, comfort during extended recitation and frequent sajdah tilawat is genuinely important. The Viscose Muslim Prayer Mat Collection offers plush, richly textured mats in a variety of traditional and contemporary designs, providing the perfect cushioning for the forehead during repeated prostrations.

Viscose prayer mats are known for their softness, vibrant colour retention, and elegant appearance. They are particularly popular among those who spend extended time in prayer or Quran recitation and need a surface that remains comfortable and supportive throughout.

Gifting Islamic Knowledge and Prayer Essentials

Pairing a complete guide to sajdah tilawat with a beautiful prayer mat makes one of the most thoughtful and complete Islamic gifts you can give. Whether it is for a new Muslim learning the foundations, a child beginning their Quran journey, or a loved one deepening their practice, this combination of knowledge and worship tools is always meaningful. You can find carefully curated options at Buy Prayer Mats for Ramadan Gifts Online, from simple everyday mats to premium collectible designs.

Transforming Your Prayer Space

Your prayer space is where you meet Allah five times a day, and more during Quran recitation. Taking the time to make it beautiful is not vanity; it is a form of ibadah (worship). From thick handwoven designs to lightweight travel mats, there is something for every home and every lifestyle. For inspiration and recommendations, the guide on Top 10 Prayer Rugs to Transform Your Home This Ramadan is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to create a prayer corner that feels truly sacred.

Conclusion

The list of sajdah in the Quran is far more than an academic checklist; it is a spiritual roadmap embedded within the words of Allah. Each of the 14 sajdah in the Quran is a divine invitation, a pause in the flow of revelation, in which the Creator calls the reader to the ground. Understanding sajdah in the Quran allows you to recite with awareness, pause with intention, and prostrate with a full and present heart.

Whether you follow the Hanafi ruling of wajib or the Shafi'i position of mustahab, let every sajdah tilawat be a genuine moment of nearness to Allah. Let your prostration be not just physical compliance, but a heartfelt response to the voice of your Lord speaking to you through His Book. And as you build your practice, let every element of your worship, your knowledge, your prayer mat, your space, and your sincerity reflect the reverence you carry within.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many sajdah are in the Quran according to Hanafi and Shafi'i?

Both the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools recognise 14 sajdah in the Quran, but they differ on two specific verses. The Hanafi school includes Surah Sad (38:24) and does not count Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) as a separate sajdah. The Shafi'i school counts Surah Al-Hajj (22:77) but does not include Surah Sad (38:24). The Hanafi school considers all 14 obligatory (wajib), while the Shafi'i considers them recommended (mustahab).

Q2. Is sajdah tilawat obligatory or optional?

According to the Hanafi school, sajdah tilawat is wajib. Deliberately skipping it without a valid reason is sinful and must be made up for. According to the Shafi'i school, it is mustahab to miss it, carries no sin, but performing it earns a significant reward. Follow the ruling of your own madhab.

Q3. Do I need wudu to perform sajdah tilawat?

Yes, according to the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools, a valid state of wudu is required for sajdah tilawat. This is the mainstream position followed by the majority of Muslims. If you are not in wudu when you encounter a sajdah verse, note the location and perform the prostration after making wudu.

Q4. Can sajdah tilawat be performed while sitting?

Yes. If a person is unable to stand due to illness, physical limitation, or being in a confined space, sajdah tilawat may be performed from a sitting position, with the forehead touching the ground (or prayer mat). A simple nod or gesture is not sufficient; actual contact of the forehead with the surface is required.

Q5. What should I recite during sajdah tilawat?

At minimum, recite Subhana Rabbiya al-A'la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) as in regular sujood. You may also recite: Sajada wajhiya lilladhi khalaqahu wa sawwarahu wa shaqqa sam'ahu wa basarahu (My face has prostrated to the One who created it, shaped it, and gave it the faculties of hearing and sight). There is no exclusive dua mandated specifically for sajdah tilawat in the most authentic narrations.

Q6. Are there sajdah verses in Juz Amma (Para 30)?

Yes, there are two sajdah verses in the 30th Para (Juz Amma): Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:21) and Surah Al-'Alaq (96:19). Since Juz Amma is the most commonly recited portion of the Quran, especially in daily Salah, awareness of these two sajdah locations is particularly important.

Q7. Does listening to a sajdah verse on YouTube or a recorded recitation require sajdah?

Classical scholars generally held that sajdah tilawat is required only when directly reciting or when listening to a live recitation in person. For recorded audio or video, YouTube, podcasts, and apps, the majority of classical scholars say it is not obligatory, though many contemporary scholars recommend performing it as a precautionary act of worship and out of respect for the Quran. If you are listening intentionally and attentively, it is a pious practice to prostrate.