Chapter: Bowing and Prostration

Neither the bowing nor the prostration, the standing that follows bowing, nor the sitting between the two prostrations is valid unless the worshipper is completely still while bowing, standing, prostrating, and sitting. This is the sound position transmitted in the reports, upheld by the majority of scholars and jurists, and related from Mālik by Ibn Wahb and Abū Muṣʿab.

He should prostrate on both his forehead and his nose. It is acceptable if only the forehead touches the ground, but it is not acceptable if the forehead does not. During bowing he is to grasp his knees with his hands; this is the prophetic practice for bowing.

The one who is bowing, prostrating, or rising pronounces the takbīr while actually performing the movement—when descending into bowing or prostration and when rising from either of them. According to Mālik and his companions, when rising after the second cycle he should not pronounce the takbīr until he is fully upright.

It is disliked to prostrate on the folds of a turban. If, however, there are only one or two thin layers, akin to garments that cover the knees and feet, there is no harm. He should place his hands directly on the ground—or on whatever surface he is prostrating on—for the hands prostrate just as the face does.

Active participation of the entire body is obligatory in prayer, with the exception of raising the hands and the middle sitting, as indicated by the prophetic practice.