The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1115

Hadith Text

"The Prophet (ﷺ) was commanded to prostrate on seven bones and was forbidden to tuck up his hair and garment."

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith contains two essential rulings concerning the prayer. The first part establishes that prostration must be performed on seven specific bones: the forehead (including the nose), both palms, both knees, and the toes of both feet. This ensures proper form and humility before Allah.

The prohibition against tucking up hair or garments teaches us that prayer requires complete submission without concern for worldly appearance. One should not adjust clothing or hair during prayer unless necessary, maintaining focus on divine connection rather than personal vanity.

Scholars explain that these seven points of contact symbolize complete physical submission to complement spiritual devotion. The prohibition against arranging one's appearance during prayer prevents distractions and preserves the state of khushū' (humility and concentration) essential for valid worship.

Legal Rulings

• Prostration is invalid if any of the seven bones is intentionally not placed on the ground

• The forehead and nose must touch the ground directly without barriers

• Adjusting clothing or hair during prayer without valid reason is reprehensible

• This ruling applies equally to men and women in prayer