Sujūd must be on all seven parts of the body

Sujūd Must Be On All Seven Parts of the Body

We see some worshippers lifting up one or both of their feet whilst observing Sujud (prostration). What is the ruling on this action?

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of al-ā’lamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is His Messenger.

In order the solat to be valid one must prostrate on all seven parts of the body.

When a person observe sujūd (prostrates) in the Solat, he must ensure to do it on all seven parts of the body as commanded by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

The seven parts: the face, including the forehead and nose; the two hands; the two knees; and the edges of the two feet (i.e., the toes). It is not permissible for a worshipper to lift up any of these seven parts of the body when prostrating.

Imam An-Nawawi (rahimallāh) said: “If one omits any of them, then his prayer is not valid.” [Sharh Muslim]

One should be at ease and calm while observing sujūd, distributing and resting his weight equally on the seven parts of the body which should be in contact with the ground during sujūd. They are: the face that is nose and forehead; the two palms, the two knees; and the two toes. It is not permissible for a worshipper to lift up any of these seven parts of the body when observing the sujud (prostration).

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“I have been commanded to sujūd (prostrate) on seven bones: on the forehead, and he pointed to his nose, and on the two hands, the two knees and the edges of the two feet (i.e., the toes).”

[Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 812; Muslim, 490]

If he lifts up one or both of his feet, or one or both of his hands, or his forehead or nose, or both of them, then his prostration is invalid, and if his prostration is invalid then his prayer is also invalid.

[Liqā’at al-Bāb al-Maftuh]

The dzikir recited while observing sujūd

Some of the Tasbih reported in authentic hadith recited in the Sujūd:

•Rasulūllāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would often say: “Subhāna Rabbiy al-‘Alā” (Glory be to my Lord Most High)” three times or more. [Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Daraqutni, Tahawi, Bazār, and Tabarāni]

•The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wa sallam) would also say: “Subhāna Rabbiy al ‘alā wa bihamdih” (How Perfect is my Lord, the Most High, and Praised be He), three times. This is obligatory.[ Recorded by Abu Dawud, Daraqutni, Ahmad, Tabarāni and Bayhaqi :Sahih]

•Aishah said Rasulūllāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would say it often in his ruku' and sujud: “Subbuhun Quddūs Rabbul malāikati warrūh” (Perfect, Blessed, Lord of the Angels and the Spirit). [Recorded by Muslim and Abu ‘Awānah]

•‘Aishah said Rasulūllāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would say it often in his ruku' and sujud: "Subhā nakallāhumma wabihamdika Allāhummaghirli"(How Perfect You are O Allāh, and Praises are for You. O Allāh, forgive me.) [Recorded by al-Bukhāri, 761; Muslim, 484]; implementing (the order of) the Qur'an. [Bukhari and Muslim; "Implementing the Qur'ān" refers to the Firman of Allāh: "Then glorify with the Praises of your Lord, and seek His Forgiveness, for He is Oft-Returning." (Nasr, 110:3)]

• Rasullulāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would also say: “Allāhumma laka sajadtu wa bika āmantu wa laka aslamtu. Sajada wajhi lilladzi khalaqahu wa sawwarahu wa shaqqa sam ‘ahu wa basarahu, tabāraka Allāhu ahsan al-khāliqīn” (O Allah! For you I have prostrated, in You I have believed and to You I have submitted. My face has prostrated for the One Who created it and shaped it, and then brought forth its hearing and vision. Blessed be Allāh, the Best of creators).[ Recorded by Muslim, Abu ‘Awanah, Tahawi and Daraqutni]

It is the best of time to make a lot of duā’ while Sujud

It is prescribed that it is best time and opportunity while observing the Sujūd (prostrating) glorifying Allah and to supplicate duā’ seeking Allah’s forgiveness, blessing and mercy, as Rasūllulāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“The closest that any one of you may be to his Lord is when he is observing sujud, so say a lot of duā’ at that time.”

[Narrated by Muslim, 482]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Excerpted with modifications from Islam Q&A]