Dr. Mahmoud Shalaby, an Islamic legal advisor at Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, explained the difference between the Sajdah of Gratitude and the Gratitude Prayer, including how each is performed and when it may be offered.
The Sajdah of Gratitude consists of one prostration performed when a person receives a new blessing or is protected from harm or hardship. The Gratitude Prayer, meanwhile, consists of two voluntary prayer units performed with the intention of thanking Allah.
What Is the Sajdah of Gratitude?
The Sajdah of Gratitude is a single prostration performed when a person receives a blessing or when harm, hardship, or an affliction is removed.
A Muslim may perform it after the occurrence of the event that prompted gratitude to Allah.
It represents the servant’s gratitude to Allah for a blessing received or harm that has been removed.
Is the Sajdah of Gratitude an Innovation?
Dr. Magdy Ashour explained that the Sajdah of Gratitude is permissible and is not considered an innovation when performed because of a blessing received or harm that has been removed.
A person may perform it when experiencing a new blessing or when Allah protects them from something harmful.
Can the Sajdah of Gratitude Be Performed Without Ablution?
The Sajdah of Gratitude may be performed without ablution according to the position attributed to the Maliki school and those who agree with it on this issue.
However, having ablution and facing the qiblah is considered preferable for someone who wishes to perform the Sajdah of Gratitude.
How Is the Sajdah of Gratitude Performed?
A Muslim intends to perform the prostration as an expression of gratitude, says the takbir, and goes into prostration. Afterward, the person concludes with the salam.
The purpose of the prostration is to express gratitude and praise to Allah for a blessing received or harm that has been removed.
What Is the Gratitude Prayer?
The Gratitude Prayer differs from the Sajdah of Gratitude because it consists of two voluntary prayer units performed with the intention of thanking Allah.
It falls under voluntary prayer that is not connected to a specific obligatory prayer.
When Can the Gratitude Prayer Be Performed?
The Gratitude Prayer may generally be performed at different times of the day while avoiding the times in which voluntary prayer is discouraged.
These include:
- After Fajr until sunrise.
- After Asr until sunset.
- The period shortly before noon prayer, approximately five minutes before it.
Therefore, the two units of the Gratitude Prayer may be performed outside these discouraged times as an expression of gratitude to Allah.
How Can a Muslim Show Gratitude to Allah?
Gratitude to Allah is not limited to the Sajdah of Gratitude or the Gratitude Prayer.
A Muslim can express gratitude through prayer, Quran recitation, fasting, charity, and other acts of worship and obedience.
Is the Sajdah of Gratitude performed only after receiving a blessing?
It may be performed after receiving a new blessing or when harm, hardship, or an affliction is removed.
How many units are in the Gratitude Prayer?
The Gratitude Prayer consists of two voluntary prayer units.
Can the Sajdah of Gratitude be performed without ablution?
Yes, according to the cited position of the Maliki school and those who agree with it, although ablution and facing the qiblah are preferable.
Does the Gratitude Prayer have a specific time?
It is not tied to a specific time, but it should be performed outside the times when voluntary prayer is discouraged.
What is the difference between the Sajdah of Gratitude and the Gratitude Prayer?
The Sajdah of Gratitude is one prostration performed after a blessing or the removal of harm, while the Gratitude Prayer consists of two voluntary prayer units.
