[Q 270] Significance of Sajdah Marks

Question

Is the mark on foreheads and feet when praying five times a day a sign of someone who prays & do the marks actually mean anything?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

The mark on the forehead and feet due to prostration (سجدہ) indicates that the person performs prayers (Namaz), and there is nothing wrong with such marks appearing on the forehead due to prostration. However, one should not intentionally try to create such marks. In the Holy Quran, different interpretations exist regarding the description of the Companions (صحابہ کرام علیہم الرضوان) as devout worshippers, where it mentions, سیماهم فی وجوههم, meaning, “Their mark is on their faces from the traces of prostration.” Some interpretations suggest that this Noor will appear on the Day of Judgment. Ultimately, these marks from prostration can be considered significant. Nevertheless, the absence of such marks should never be construed to mean that a person does not perform prayers, and there is no wrongdoing in not having such marks.

In the Quran, Surah Al-Fath (29) it is stated:

سِیۡمَاهمۡ فِیۡ وُجُوۡههمۡ مِّنۡ اَثَرِ السُّجُوۡدِ ؕ

“Their mark is in their faces from the traces of prostration.”

The commentary in Tafsir Sirat al-Jinan states that their worship is apparent from the effects of prostration on their faces. Some interpreters say this symbol is the light that will shine from their faces on Judgment Day, identifying those who prostrated in devotion to Allah in the world. Others say the sign is that their faces will shine as the full moon does, reflecting their devotion. Hazrat Ata رحمۃاللہ تعالی علیہ stated that the long night prayers bring a noticeable radiance to their faces, as mentioned in a Hadith: “One who prays a lot during the night will have a beautiful face in the morning.” It has also been mentioned that even a mark of dust can be a symbol of prostration.

(Tafsir Khazin, Al-Fath, under the verse: 29, 4/162; Tafsir Madarik, Al-Fath, under the verse: 29, p.1148, partially)

Answered by: Mufti Sajid Attari

Translated answer

Date: 2nd May 2024