The Prophet (ﷺ) was ordered to prostrate on seven bony parts and not to tuck up his clothes or hair.
Call to Prayers (Adhaan)
Sahih al-Bukhari 815
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) was ordered to prostrate on seven bony parts and not to tuck up his clothes or hair.
Commentary on the Seven Body Parts
The seven bony parts mentioned are: the forehead (including the nose), both palms, both knees, and the toes of both feet. This establishes the proper form of prostration (sujūd) in prayer, ensuring complete submission to Allah while maintaining physical stability.
Prohibition of Tucking Clothes and Hair
This prohibition teaches humility and prevents vanity during prayer. Tucking clothes or hair could lead to showing off or preoccupation with appearance, distracting from the spiritual state of khushūʿ (devotion). It reflects the principle that prayer requires complete focus on Allah alone.
Legal Ruling (Ḥukm)
This hadith establishes a sunnah muʾakkadah (emphasized tradition) for proper prostration. While leaving one or two parts occasionally may not invalidate prayer, consistently omitting them is reprehensible. The prohibition against tucking is to avoid actions contrary to the humility required in prayer.
Spiritual Significance
The seven points of contact symbolize complete physical submission mirroring spiritual surrender. Each body part touching the ground represents a believer's total humility before the Creator, while the prohibition against tucking reinforces sincerity and rejection of ostentation in worship.