Publisher's Synopsis
There is no disagreement among Muslims about the obligation of prostration in prayer twice in every unit (rak'ah). However, differences exist concerning its details and rulings, such as its manner, pillars, conditions, prohibitions, and invocations. The matter of what constitutes a valid surface for prostration, specifically where the worshiper places their forehead, has become a significant point of contention among Muslims.
The imams of the four schools of thought, as commonly cited in The Jurisprudence According to the Four Schools, hold that it is permissible to prostrate on anything, including soil, stone, sand, pebbles, wool, cotton, and even on the back of another person during crowding. In Bidayat al-Mujtahid, it is mentioned that this issue extends to the act of placing one's hand on the ground during prostration. There is also a debate concerning prostrating on the folds of a turban, with scholars adopting three opinions:
- A view that prohibits it.
- A view that permits it.
- A view that distinguishes between prostrating on minor folds of the turban versus significant ones.
The Twelver Imamiyyah, following their Imams from the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them), have stated that it is not permissible to prostrate (in prayer) except on the earth, such as soil, sand, pebbles, or stones, or on what grows from the earth that is neither edible nor wearable. They base this view on the narrations transmitted from the Imams of the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), as well as on what the leading scholars of hadith have narrated from the Companions from the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), and on the practices of the Prophet and the Companions.
