Four expressions are used in this connection: submitting one’s face; setting one’s face, as in Allah’s words:
“Direct your faces to Him at every place of worship.”
Surah al-A‘rāf 29
And His words:
“So set your face toward the religion, inclining to truth—the natural disposition upon which Allah created mankind.”
Surah al-Rūm 30
And turning one’s face, as in the words of Allah’s close friend:
“I have turned my face toward Him who created the heavens and the earth, inclining to truth, and I am not one of the polytheists.”
Surah al-An‘ām 79
Likewise, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would say in the opening supplication of his prayer:
“I have turned my face toward Him who created the heavens and the earth, inclining to truth, and I am not one of the polytheists.”
Surah al-An‘ām 79
When he retired to bed, he would say:
“O Allah, I have submitted myself to You and turned my face toward You.”
This was also narrated by al-Barā’ ibn ‘Āzib in the Sahīh.