What may be said in prostration, and why not verses of the Holy Qur’an?

In prostration one praises God and brings one’s requests before Him, also in one’s own language. Verses of the Holy Qur’an are not recited there, because reciting the Word of God calls for an upright, reverent posture.

Prostration is the moment when a person is closest to God. That is why it is the place for a personal conversation with Him. One praises Him, thanks Him and asks Him for everything that moves the heart. For this one may also use one’s own language, because God understands every language.

One thing, however, does not belong in prostration according to the established way of prayer, and that is reciting verses of the Holy Qur’an. The exact reason has not been explicitly handed down. A reasonable thought is this. Praising God is possible in any posture. But reciting His Word is something solemn and calls for an upright, dignified posture, just as one recites while standing in prayer.

Some ask whether a prayer from the Holy Qur’an may simply be said in prostration in one’s own language. A simple attitude applies here. One should not get around a rule by merely changing its form. When something is not permitted, it is better to stay on the safe side and hold back.

This hardly limits one’s prayer. The same wish can be expressed in one’s own words, freely and personally. That is exactly the purpose of prostration. A person places his forehead on the ground and speaks to his Lord just as his heart feels.