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

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1137

Textual Analysis

The noble hadith states: "The closest that a person can be to his Lord, the Mighty and Sublime, is when he is prostrating, so increase in supplication then." This indicates the supreme spiritual state achieved during prostration (sujūd) in prayer.

Spiritual Proximity in Prostration

The prostration represents the ultimate physical manifestation of humility before Allah. When the believer places his forehead - the highest part of his body - upon the ground, he demonstrates complete submission. This physical lowliness corresponds to spiritual elevation, bringing the worshipper nearest to divine presence.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi explains that this proximity is both spiritual and metaphorical, not physical, as Allah transcends direction and place. Ibn al-Qayyim elaborates that the heart's connection to Allah reaches its peak during prostration, when worldly attachments are most distant.

Al-Qurtubi notes that the command to "increase in supplication" applies to both obligatory and supererogatory prayers, encompassing all forms of du'a - seeking forgiveness, making requests, and offering praise.

Practical Implementation

The scholars recommend prolonging the prostration to facilitate increased supplication. One may recite established du'as from the Sunnah or offer personal supplications in any language. The most blessed prostration is that which combines humility of body, concentration of mind, and sincerity of heart.

This teaching encourages believers to maximize this unique opportunity for divine connection, making the prostration not merely a ritual act but a profound spiritual experience.