How Many Sajda Are in the Quran?
The Quran contains 15 verses of prostration (ayat al-sajdah). In Shia (Jafari) fiqh, 4 of these are obligatory, called the azaim, and 11 are recommended (mustahab). Most Sunni schools count 14, with the ruling depending on the school.
Key Takeaways
- The Quran has 15 sajdah (prostration) verses.
- In Shia fiqh, 4 are obligatory (azaim) and 11 are recommended.
- The 4 obligatory ones are in Surahs As-Sajdah (32), Fussilat (41), An-Najm (53), and Al-Alaq (96).
- The Hanafi and Shafii schools commonly count 14, while the Maliki count is 11.
- A prostration verse is marked in the margin with the symbol ۩.
- This prostration is called sajdah tilawah, the prostration of recitation.
What Is a Sajdah Verse?
A sajdah verse is an ayah that calls for a prostration when you recite it or hear it recited. This act is known as sajdah tilawah, the prostration of recitation. These verses are marked in most copies of the Quran with the symbol ۩ in the margin. To perform any prostration correctly you also need a valid state of purity, so it helps to know the basics from our Namaz guide and the rulings covered in Ahkam and Masail.
How Many Sajda Are in the Quran?
According to Shia (Jafari) fiqh, there are 15 sajdah verses in the Holy Quran. These are divided into:
- 4 Obligatory (Wajib) Sajdahs
- 11 Recommended (Mustahab) Sajdahs
The four obligatory sajdahs occur in specific chapters known as Suwar al-Azaim.
The 4 Obligatory Sajdah (Azaim) in Shia Fiqh
In Shia fiqh, four chapters contain an obligatory prostration. These chapters are known as the suwar al-azaim (سور العزائم). Whenever a person intentionally recites or hears the verse of sajdah in any of these four chapters, performing a sajdah becomes obligatory.
| Surah | Number | Ruling |
|---|---|---|
| As-Sajdah | 32 | Obligatory (azaim) |
| Fussilat (Ha Mim Sajdah) | 41 | Obligatory (azaim) |
| An-Najm | 53 | Obligatory (azaim) |
| Al-Alaq | 96 | Obligatory (azaim) |
The Complete List of 15 Sajdah Verses
Here is the full list in Shia fiqh, with the surah, its number, the juz, and the ruling. Surah Al-Hajj contains two sajdah verses, which is part of why the total reaches 15.
| Surah | No. | Juz | Ruling (Shia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Araf | 7 | 9 | Recommended |
| Ar-Rad | 13 | 13 | Recommended |
| An-Nahl | 16 | 14 | Recommended |
| Al-Isra | 17 | 15 | Recommended |
| Maryam | 19 | 16 | Recommended |
| Al-Hajj (v. 18) | 22 | 17 | Recommended |
| Al-Hajj (v. 77) | 22 | 17 | Recommended |
| Al-Furqan | 25 | 19 | Recommended |
| An-Naml | 27 | 19 | Recommended |
| As-Sajdah | 32 | 21 | Obligatory |
| Sad | 38 | 23 | Recommended |
| Fussilat | 41 | 24 | Obligatory |
| An-Najm | 53 | 27 | Obligatory |
| Al-Inshiqaq | 84 | 30 | Recommended |
| Al-Alaq | 96 | 30 | Obligatory |
Learn correct recitation and the rulings of sajdah from a qualified teacher.
Book a Free Trial ClassHow the Schools Differ
The small differences in the count come from how each school treats one or two verses, mainly in Surah Al-Hajj and Surah Sad. Here is a simple, fair summary:
- Shia (Jafari): 15 verses, 4 obligatory and 11 recommended.
- Hanafi: 14 verses, treated as wajib when recited or heard.
- Shafii: 14 verses, recommended; they include 22:77 and treat the verse in Sad as a prostration of thanks.
- Maliki: 11 verses.
- Hanbali: 14 to 15 depending on the narration.
How to Perform Sajdah Tilawah
When a person recites or hears one of the four obligatory sajdah verses, they should perform a single prostration.
Basic Method
- Intend obedience to Allah.
- Place the forehead on a valid surface for sajdah.
- Perform one sajdah.
- Recite any dhikr of Allah.
- Raise the head from sajdah.
Unlike the sajdah of prayer, there is:
- No takbir required before the sajdah.
- No tashahhud.
- No salam.
According to Ayatollah Sistani (Issue 1302)
In the obligatory sajdah of the Quran, it is sufficient to place the forehead on the ground with the intention of sajdah. Reciting the wajib dhikr of prayer in sajdah tilawah is mustahab (recommended), and it is better to say:
Important Rulings According to Shia Fiqh
Is Wudu Required?
No. For the obligatory sajdah of tilawah, wudu is not a condition.
Is Facing the Qiblah Required?
No. Facing the qiblah is not a condition for the validity of the obligatory sajdah of tilawah.
Is Taharah (Ritual Purity) Required?
No. A person may perform the obligatory sajdah even if they do not have wudu.
Must the Sajdah Be Performed Immediately?
Yes. According to many Shia jurists, the obligatory sajdah should not be intentionally delayed without a valid excuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sajda are in the Quran?
There are 15 verses of prostration. In Shia fiqh, 4 are obligatory and 11 are recommended.
Which sajdas are obligatory in Shia fiqh?
Those in Surahs As-Sajdah (32), Fussilat (41), An-Najm (53), and Al-Alaq (96).
Why do some say 14 and others 15?
The schools differ on counting one or two verses, especially in Surah Al-Hajj and Surah Sad.
What is the symbol for a sajdah verse?
It is the prostration symbol ۩ placed in the margin of the page.
Do I need wudu for sajdah tilawah?
Rulings differ. Many scholars recommend being in a state of purity and facing the qibla, so check the guidance of your marja.
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