is based upon ease and facilitation. In the Noble Quran, Allah the Exalted says: “Allah intends ease for you.” [al-Baqarah 2:185] The intent here is legislative—that is, the Sacred Law is one of facilitation. In the sunnah, it is reported: “I have been sent with the upright and tolerant religion,” (1) and: “Make things easy and do not make them difficult.” (2) The aim is to reach prostration. If a person is able to perform it in the most complete manner, then that is more complete; but if it is difficult for him, he should do whatever is easy for him.

Some scholars maintain, however, that one should prostrate by placing his hands down first, (3) supposing that the words, “Let him not kneel as a camel kneels,” mean: let him not kneel upon that upon which a camel kneels. They say that a camel’s knees are in its forelegs. This is correct: the knees of a camel—and indeed of every four-legged animal—are in its forelegs. Yet the wording of the hadith does not support this meaning. As for the latter part of the hadith, which follows from its opening—“and let him place his hands before his knees”—there is a transposition in it, as Ibn al-Qayyim established; (4) for if there were no transposition, it would contradict the beginning of the hadith, whereas there is no contradiction in the words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

Some novice brothers have attempted to reconcile the two views, saying: “I will not lower my upper body, nor will I prostrate upon my knees. Rather, I will sit in a crouched position, then place my hands on the ground, and then move them forward.” We say: Who has ever prescribed such a manner?!