Prostration (sujud) during prayer is one of the moments when a worshipper is said to be closest to God. For this reason, believers are encouraged to make abundant supplication while prostrating. In a hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a servant is in prostration, he is closest to his Lord. So supplicate abundantly during prostration.” (Sahih Muslim)
After reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” upon entering prostration, one may then supplicate to God. Prayers may be offered for one’s own needs, forgiveness of sins, guidance, sustenance, good health, relief from hardship, and the wellbeing of this world and the hereafter.
Various supplications for prostration have been narrated in hadith. One of them is:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ
Transliteration: Allahummaghfir li dhambi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa akhirahu.
Meaning: O Allah, forgive me all my sins — the small and the great, the first and the last.
A shorter supplication taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) may also be recited during prostration:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي
Transliteration: Rabbighfir li warhamni.
Meaning: My Lord, forgive me and have mercy on me.
Whether a supplication is accepted, however, rests with God’s will. A worshipper should pray sincerely and remain hopeful of acceptance. The result of some prayers may come immediately, while for others, God may instead remove a hardship in exchange, or store the reward for the hereafter.
Prostration in prayer should therefore not be viewed merely as a formality, but embraced as a special opportunity to bring one’s needs and hopes before God.