The Prophet (ﷺ) was ordered (by Allah) to prostrate on seven parts and not to tuck up the clothes or hair (while praying). Those parts are: the forehead (along with the tip of nose), both hands, both knees, and (toes of) both feet.
The Seven Prostration Members
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 809 establishes the precise bodily members that must contact the ground during prostration (sujūd). The Prophet (ﷺ) was divinely commanded to prostrate upon seven bones, demonstrating that prayer is not merely spiritual but involves specific physical acts of worship.
Scholarly Commentary on the Seven Parts
Forehead with Nose: Scholars emphasize that both forehead and nose tip must touch the ground. Prostration on forehead alone is insufficient, as the nose stabilizes the position and ensures proper humility before Allah.
Both Hands: The palms should be placed flat on the ground, fingers together pointing toward the qibla. This position reflects complete submission, as hands represent human capability and action.
Both Knees: These represent the body's foundation during prostration. Early scholars noted that proper knee placement ensures stability and prevents rushed movements in prayer.
Toes of Both Feet: The toes must be bent with their tips facing the qibla. This completes the seven points of contact, forming a stable, humble posture that distinguishes Islamic prostration.
Prohibition Against Tucking Clothes and Hair
The prohibition against gathering clothes or hair during prayer prevents artificial elevation and ensures all seven members touch the prayer surface directly. Scholars interpret this as eliminating any barrier between the worshipper and the place of prostration, reflecting total submission to Allah without concern for worldly appearances.
Legal Rulings and Spiritual Significance
Classical jurists unanimously agree that prostration is invalid if any of these seven parts intentionally fails to contact the ground. The number seven holds spiritual significance - representing completeness in worship and mirroring the seven heavens Allah created. This physical act symbolizes the soul's prostration before its Creator, uniting body and spirit in devotion.