The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have been ordered to prostrate on seven (bones) and not to tuck up the hair or garment."
Call to Prayers (Adhaan)
Sahih al-Bukhari 816
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have been ordered to prostrate on seven (bones) and not to tuck up the hair or garment."
Commentary on the Prostration Bones
The seven bones refer to 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 full submission to Allah while maintaining physical contact with the ground through these specific body parts.
Prohibition of Tucking Up
The prohibition against tucking up hair or garments during prayer prevents artificial elevation from the ground and maintains humility. It ensures the worshipper does not create barriers between themselves and the place of prostration, reflecting complete submission without concern for worldly appearances or comfort.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
This hadith establishes that proper prostration requires contact of all seven bones with the ground. The prohibition of tucking is to maintain the state of khushūʿ (humility) and prevent actions that may distract from devotion. Scholars consider proper contact with all seven bones as obligatory (wājib) for valid prostration.
Spiritual Significance
The seven points of contact symbolize complete submission to Allah, with each body part affirming the worshipper's humility. The prostration represents the ultimate act of worship where the believer places their most honored part (the face) upon the earth in acknowledgment of Allah's greatness.