(Four Surahs’ Series – Part Three)
Surah Sajdah is the 32nd surah of the Quraan Majeed and can be found in the 21st juz (para). As with Surah Mulk (Tabaarak), it has been reported that it was the blessed practice of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to recite Surah Sajdah every night. (Sunan Tirmizi #2892)
The special virtue and benefit of reciting Surah Sajdah every night is that it will protect the one who recites it from the punishment of the grave.
Khaalid bin Ma’daan (rahimahullah), a Taabi‘ee, mentioned the following:
“Indeed Surah Sajdah will dispute, in the grave, in defence of the one who would recite it. It will say, ‘O Allah! If am from Your kitaab then accept my intercession for him, and if I am not from Your kitaab then erase me from it!’ The surah will assume the form of a bird and will spread its wings over him (to protect him). It will intercede on his behalf and protect him from the punishment of the grave, and Surah Mulk also shares the same virtue.”
On account of this invaluable virtue, Khaalid bin Ma’daan (rahimahullah) would ensure that he would not go to sleep until he had recited Surah Sajdah and Surah Mulk. (Sunan Daarimi #3410)
Khaalid bin Ma’daan (rahimahullah) also mentioned the following (from the Sahaabah [radhiyallahu ‘anhum]):
There was once a man who was very sinful. However, he would recite Surah Sajdah on a regular basis, and besides this surah, there was nothing else that he would recite. (After he passed away,) Surah Sajdah (assumed the form of a bird) and spread its wings over him (to protect him). It said, “O my Rabb! Forgive him, for he would recite me in abundance!” Allah Ta‘ala then accepted the intercession of Surah Sajdah on his behalf and said to the angels, “In place of every sin that he has, record for him one good deed and raise him by one stage in Jannah.” (Sunan Daarimi #3408 and Mirqaat vol. 4 pgs. 679-681)
Surah Sajdah is a concise surah as it is approximately just four pages in length. Hence, reciting this surah will take just a few minutes, while the benefit of reciting it every evening will be enjoyed during the lengthy stay in the grave that we will all have to undergo.
May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all to recite Surah Sajdah as well as Surah Yaseen and Surah Mulk every night.