The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together) - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1113

Textual Analysis

The noble hadith establishes two fundamental rulings concerning the prostration (sujūd) in prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly mentions being commanded to prostrate on seven bodily parts, indicating this is a divine injunction rather than personal preference.

The seven parts are clarified in other authentic narrations as: the forehead (including the nose), both hands, both knees, and the toes of both feet. This comprehensive grounding of the body in prostration reflects complete submission to Allah.

Prohibition of Tucking Garments and Hair

The prohibition against "tucking up hair or garment" (takaffu al-sha'r wal-thiyāb) refers to the practice of gathering one's hair or clothing to prevent it from touching the ground during prostration. This was a common practice among pre-Islamic Arabs who considered it demeaning.

Islamic law nullifies this practice, teaching that in prayer, nothing should interfere with complete humility before Allah. The worshipper must allow their hair and loose garments to naturally touch the ground, demonstrating total submission without concern for worldly appearances.

Spiritual Significance

This hadith emphasizes the essence of sujūd as the pinnacle of humility before the Creator. By prohibiting the tucking of hair and garments, Islam removes all barriers between the servant and their Lord during this most intimate moment of prayer.

The seven points of contact symbolize stability and thoroughness in worship, while the prohibition against arranging one's appearance reflects the priority of spiritual concentration over worldly concerns during prayer.