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What Includes Arabic Word سجد Sajada
Assalamualaikum
According to Quran 41:37, prostration (sajdah) is not allowed for anyone except Allah—and if I’m not wrong based on this verse, Janab Javed Ahmad Ghamidi sahab says that even bowing (to the extent of ruku) is not permissible for anyone other than Allah—There is a my question regarding this:
In the Arabic language, the word sajdah is used in a broad sense. As Janab Ghamidi Sahab himself explains, sajdah doesn’t just refer to the technical act of prostration, but also includes bowing (i.e., ruku). So then, how can we claim that bowing the head or lightly bowing (but not fully like in ruku) or culturally greeting with different forms of respectful bows is not included under the Arabic word sajada?
Why doesn’t the word sajada cover all such gestures of bowing or lowering oneself in respect?
And how can we be certain that when the Quran forbids prostration to anyone other than Allah, it is not just referring to the technical sajdah (with forehead on the ground) but also includes bowing (ruku) and other forms of respect?
While it is absolutely correct that we must not imitate the prayer posture (no qiyam, no ruku, no sajdah means shouldn’t do any action we perform in our salah) for anyone other than Allah, I just want to confirm: how do we know for sure that when the Quran prohibits sajdah, it includes not just the technical act but also general bowing or gestures of respect?
If the Arabic word sajada is used for various forms of bowing, how can we be certain that all other kinds of respectful gestures are not included in the prohibition?
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